Benicia Magazine May 2018

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Contributors magazine Adriene Rockwell Sarah Rohrs Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore Courtney Tait

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Photographers Lisa Duncan Jerry Bowles

Advertising sales Jeanne Steinmann 707.853.5226 Adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month

Contact Us 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com Editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2018, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, 372 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com.

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MAY

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 7

10 From the Editor/Feedback

Currents 12 Custom brick purchases support BHS programs 12 Men’s Vintage Hawaiian shirts make yet another comeback 14 A rising tide of development for Vallejo’s Mare Island 15 Veterans to be honored at annual celebration

Bio 20 Steve Shields teaches skilled trades to BHS Shop students

The Dish 21

21 New downtown bakery to offer pastries and so much more

Q&A 24 David Haggerty, crime novel writer and Bookshop Benicia mystery book club leader

Features 16 A perfect waterfront picnic with scrumptious deli offerings 18 Delicious Champagne cocktail recipes for Mom Cover photo: Champagne cocktails made

by Mike Steinmann, recipe credits p. 18, photo by Jerry Bowles Above: Italian meringue piped rose, courtesy One House Bakery

Calendar 26 The best events in Benicia and around the Bay

Trends 27 The fashion industry’s support for a variety of causes

Live Music 28 Music lineup at area venues

Art 29 Gallery exhibit features figurative art

by Geraldine Arata

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FROM THE EDITOR

May 2018 Getting outside is on the minds of many, as the cold rains of April fade into memory. I’m looking forward to bike rides, backyard barbeques and … picnics! One of Mike’s and my favorite pastimes is loading up the picnic basket and heading out. To simplify the process, in this issue we point to three downtown eateries that assemble the perfect picnic fare, and outdoor tables on which to indulge along Benicia’s waterfront—boat ramp to boat ramp.

For other items worth doing in May, celebrating mom tops the list. Add some pizazz to the occasion and go beyond the basic mimosa with one of the five Champagne cocktails featured on page 18—a delicious and visually pleasing addition to Mother’s Day brunch. At our house, Mike goes all out. Every year for decades, he makes a Champagne concoction for the adults, to accompany an eggs benedict extravaganza for the entire family.

Speaking of cocktails (of a different sort), we offer a mélange of stories in this issue to help you while away your leisure hours: men’s vintage Hawaiian shirts, brick fundraiser at BHS, Veteran’s Day celebration, a renaissance on Mare Island, art, music, food and more. Happy Mother’s Day to all our wonderful, hardworking moms out there, my hat is definitely off to you.

—Jeanne Lisa Duncan Photography

FEEDBACK Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: Editor@beniciamagazine.com Beniciamagazine.com

Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine @Jeannesteinmann beniciamagazine

I would like to increase awareness here in town that Benicia attorney Steve Gizzi is running for Solano County Superior Court Judge. Steve has done great things in our community and would make a fine judge.

Please vote for Steve in the June 5th election.

—Karen Beatteay Wonderful! This [April issue, Art this Month] is a statement all by itself.

Thank You Lisa Reinertson! What an honor for our city by a great artist, we are very lucky.

—Mistytrail I just wanted to thank you again for selecting me, and my shop, for your April issue. It means so much to me and I am honored to be featured with my friends Erin & Tara! ­—Nicole Yarbrough, Pink Arrows Boutique I enrolled my daughter into the Benicia Yacht Club youth sailing program last summer, where we first met Derith Lutz. Derith volunteers her time to support programs for our community’s youth, always going above and beyond expectations. She volunteers her time to teach sailing, mentor Benicia youth, support sailing at the local High School and she’s planning more activities for the community throughout 2018 and beyond. She is an incredibly driven individual with a giant heart.

—Denese Ross

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CURRENTS

New

DROLETTE STADIUM Finishes First School Year

By Beth Steinmann Photos courtesy BHS PTSA The new Benicia High School Drolette Stadium nears the end of its first school year, and 2017-18 football, soccer and track teams, as well as PE classes, have reaped the benefits of the state-of-the art facilities that were a long time coming. Benicia Superintendent Dr. Charles Young says, “We are very excited about the new stadium and the response has been overwhelmingly positive from students, staff and the community.

Reconstruction of the stadium is something that needed to take place for some time and fortunately, the community demonstrated their commitment to the schools and generously, with foresight, passed Measure S.” Measure S, which passed in 2014, was a $49.6 million bond measure that, to date, has also funded new roofs on several schools, technology, phone system and infrastructure upgrades across the district, fire alarm replacements, and more.

The only remaining element from the previous stadium, built around 1966, is the scoreboard. New features include an 8-lane all-weather track, aluminum bleachers that seat up to 2855 people, upgraded lighting, and a new concession stand. Benicia High School PTSA has been running a memory bricks fundraiser, selling custom bricks for installation at the stadium’s entrance. Bricks cost $100, with keepsake replica bricks also available for $100. Purchases are tax-deductible, and proceeds support the work of the Benicia High School PTSA, to provide scholarships, mini-grants, teacher appreciation events, recognition for

honor roll students, and support to Grad Night. Purchases are tax deductible and Dr. Young says, “The bricks provide an opportunity for people to demonstrate their support while having their name displayed in a tasteful arrangement in the stadium’s entry. The new stadium will provide, for decades, an exciting, state of the art facility for a variety of sports and physical education classes. The Benicia Unified School District wishes to express its gratitude to the generous, thoughtful and caring Benicia community and the passage of Measure S.” For more information and to order bricks, visit Brickorder.com/form/ view.php?id=132617.

Men’s Vintage

Hawaiian S

Staff writer The iconic Hawaiian shirt has been popular for decades—it never seems to go out of style. Mostly the purview of men, the trend began with shows like Hawaii Five-O in the 70s and Magnum PI in the 80s.

According to BuzzFeed.com, Hawaiian shirts are … “light, colorful, and an easy way for any guy to incorporate fun prints into his wardrobe. Hawaiian shirts are so much more than your dad’s vacation staple.” Wwd.com reports that for 2018, “Ubiquitous Hawaiian shirts are at the epicenter of geeky chic, where boxy suits, cross-body bags and bucket hats are some must-haves.” This is good news for local ladies and gents, as there’s a downtown source that’s got the goods.

A fascinating peek into the past, Elisa’s Cottage will change the way you think about vintage stores. It’s light, bright and extremely well organized; with a welcoming mid-century vibe that invites lingering.

Though new versions can be purchased at Tommy Bahama and other chain stores, finding quality vintage Hawaiian shirts can be a challenge. Happily, Elisa's Cottage on First Street has a whole lot of them.

To be more precise, Elisa has over 300 vintage and 700 newer men’s Hawaiian shirts, pretty much ensuring a great find for anyone looking.

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Owner Elisa Accurso Anderson originally started Elisa’s Closet in what must be the smallest storefront in the city, a tiny space across the street from her current location at 622 First Street. About her enormous collection of men’s, women’s and children’s Hawaiian shirts, Elisa says, “You just can’t be in a bad mood when you are wearing a Hawaiian shirt—they make you smile.” Her current location, newly named Elisa’s Cottage, is much larger, and houses all manner of newer and vintage clothing and accessories for all ages. In addition to Hawaiian shirts, her specialties include cowboy boots, jewelry, hats and other accessories.

Elisa, who lives in Vallejo, has been collecting since she was ten, starting at the San Jose Flea Market. “I was buying half-tables when I was 11, she says,” adding that her favorite collectible is Hawaiian shirts. “And I can’t quit buying jewelry. When I wanted to open the shop, I was super tired from the restaurant business. But my husband Steve always said, ‘Just do it.’ He was super encouraging.” He told her he would give her his social security check for a year to fund the endeavor, but “I never needed it, and he encouraged me to take the leap to the larger location last year,” she says.

Steve died from cancer in May 2017, while she was opening in her current location. When asked what motivates her to keep going, she says, “Steve believed in me. When I moved across the street, he encouraged me to go on as usual. Even when he was under hospice care, he was so supportive, wanting me to keep working.

He’s still here at the shop with me now.”

Gordon Gray models a vintage Hawaiian shirt at Elisa’s Cottage, Lisa Duncan Photography

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CURRENTS

Mare Island

RENAISSANCE

By Sarah Rohrs Lisa Duncan Photography More than two decades after its closure as a robust Navy base, Mare Island’s ship may finally be coming in. The former shipyard is undergoing a renaissance with a tide of development that promises to put the island on the map as a destination spot, employment center and place to live. A new distillery is opening this month along the waterfront; and 58 more homes are in the pipeline as Bay Area residents flock to Vallejo to escape soaring housing costs.

Meanwhile, a modular home start-up, called Factory OS, is opening up in the island’s largest building. Those modular units could go a long way in providing jobs and affordable housing, said Ron Gerber, the city’s economic development manager.

In short, the former shipyard has turned a corner, Lennar Mare

Island Developer spokesman Ed Moser said. “There are more cars, more people walking around and enjoying the area. The uptick in activity out there is palpable.”

Mare Island’s industrial waterfront, dotted with large cranes, dry docks and historic buildings, is bustling with activity.

Construction crews are putting the final touches on the Cooke and Savage Distillery, slated to open in May, inside one of the historic coal sheds. That will add flavor to the industrial waterfront where the Mare Island Brewing Co. finished renovating a coal shed building, and is now brewing and welcoming visitors with private group tours and tastings. Two distilleries, plus plans for a winery and tasting room, are prompting some to call the waterfront the “Wet Mile.” Meanwhile, Lennar has expanded the waterfront promenade and put in new benches. As more people move into homes and apartments on the island,

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conditions may soon be right for retailers, grocers and restaurants to open their doors inside adapted shipyard buildings, Gerber said.

Vallejo has struggled in the aftermath of Mare Island’s 1996 base closure, the city’s bankruptcy, the state’s $60 million takeover of the school district, and the foreclosure crisis. But a combination of forces is now spelling promise and success.

“Things have dramatically improved since the city exited bankruptcy,” said realtor Johnny Walker, Solano Association of Realtors board president.

“Everything is looking very up,” he added. With Bay Area’s median housing prices hovering around $900,000, Vallejo has drawn in more buyers. That, in turn, has lifted prices in a big way, Walker said.

“To a lot of Vallejoans, it’s definitely not as affordable as it once was, but to folks who are accustomed to paying higher prices, Vallejo is more affordable,” he said. New Mare Island homes are selling in the low $800,000s and $900,000s while elsewhere in town prices are in the $400,000 to $500,000 neighborhood, he said. On the commercial and industrial front, Vallejo is unique in that it contains a wealth of undeveloped waterfront property parcels, and large tracts of empty land for residential, manufacturing and light industrial uses, Gerber said. Mare Island’s history is also a big draw for entrepreneurs looking for color, ambiance and a chance to operate in an area loaded with character.

“Mare Island’s time is here and it’s been transitioning that way for awhile,” Gerber said.

“There’s a great realization that Vallejo is an exciting place to be. A lot of people are recognizing that in ways they haven’t before.” One of those people is Napa County wine entrepreneur Dave Phinney, who has long-term leases on seven buildings in the historic core. “The history of Mare Island is just really amazing. It’s a big piece of what drew him here,” said Savage & Cooke distillery general manager Lauren Blanchard. Two of the island’s oldest buildings will house the distillery, and plans for the five other buildings are still being evaluated.

Another piece of the Mare Island puzzle could soon fit. The city is now reviewing development proposals for a 157-acre city-owned parcel on the island’s north side, which is approved for 1.2 million square feet of commercial and industrial uses, Gerber said. Vallejo did not make Amazon’s short list for a facility on that parcel, but other ventures are sure to step up, he added. In prior years, numerous potential tenants have explored and then bowed out of building on the parcel. The area, visible from Highway 37, is populated with dilapidated shipyard buildings the city is slowly demolishing. Gerber said the ideal project will be a good public, private venture that will bring jobs and revenue to city coffers. After a long uphill climb, Mare Island may be on its way.

Ceremony Honors Veterans at Annual Event

Story and photos by Wally Stephens This year’s Benicia Memorial Day ceremony will be held Monday, May 28, at 10am at the Benicia Military Cemetery.

The ceremony honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our way of life, as well as all veterans and those currently serving our nation.

The Benicia Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1973, sponsors the event.

The Cemetery is the oldest U.S. Military cemetery in the Pacific States, with graves dating to the 1840s. Many of the graves are marked "Unknown" as the names have been lost over time.

During the celebration, a military fly-over from Travis AFB is anticipated, as well as the USCG Station in San Francisco.

The main speaker will be Colonel Lawrence T. Brown, Garrison Commander at the Presidio of Monterey, and the color guard will be provided by Benicia VFW Post 3928 and Benicia American Legion Post 101. Patriotic music provided by the Diablo Regional Concert Band.

Also during the ceremony, the Military History Preservation Society will provide a rifle salute, and a wreathlaying ceremony will be included to honor those interred at the cemetery. It’s a good idea to arrive early for parking due to a high attendance. A shuttle will be available to assist.

To get to the cemetery, take Military East and turn on Hospital Road, then follow the signs through the gate.

Admission is free and light refreshments will be served after the ceremony. For additional information, contact Wally Stephens, Benicia Historical Society, 707.745.8384, beniciahistoricalsociety.org.

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A Perfect Takeout Picnic fr

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ic from Three Local Eateries

By Jeanne Steinmann Photos by Jerry Bowles Benicia’s sandwich scene has come a long way. Why not make your picnic a gastronomic delight with a takeout meal from a local eatery and a spectacular waterfront view?

From boat ramp to boat ramp (Benicia Marina to Ninth Street Park), picnic benches and tables dot the coves and byways along the Carquinez Strait. May’s abundant sunshine and cooling breezes combine to set the stage for leisurely alfresco meals. Gourmet takeout offerings include Sprankles Deli, The Workshop and Heritage Pantry & Spice; all locally owned.

Sprankles Deli, which opened in March at its larger location on Military East, serves a generous variety of specialty sandwiches with many add-ons and options. Get picnic sandwiches completely customized to your palate, or choose the build your own option. There are also daily soups, salads and a panini menu. My personal favorite is turkey, pepperoncini and avocado on sourdough. They use fresh shaved turkey breast—a big step up from the standard cured variety. The perfect pairing here is kettle-cooked potato chips or one of the seven scrumptious side salads.

People are also raving about Heritage Pantry and Spice’s new Rustic Grilled Sandwiches, Picnic Baskets and Rustic Heritage Sandwiches. One example of the Rustic Heritage Sandwich is prosciutto with roasted red pepper, arugula, olive oil and mozzarella. There’s also a specialty grilled cheese of the day. Ingredients are locally sourced from artisan producers. Their Picnic Baskets consist of a cheese option and a cheese & meat option, and are accompanied by an assortment of delicacies that may include cornichons, pepper jam, fresh and dried fruit, spiced nuts, crackers and marinated olives.

The Workshop’s popular Cajun cuisine can be enjoyed at tables just outside their kitchen, or along the waterfront a few blocks away. From 8-10:30am only, those with a sweet tooth are rewarded with three authentic beignets fried to order and dredged in powdered sugar. Lunch begins at 11am with a menu that consists of Po ‘Boy sandwiches, daily fresh-baked bread and fresh-made soup, and daily specials such as Breaded Pork Chops with Baked Mac n’ Cheese, Creole Jambalaya and Seafood Gumbo. Go early for soup of the day; it sells out fast.

Sprankles Deli 155 Military East, 707.297.6119 spranklesdeli.com Heritage Pantry & Spice 364 First Street, 707.742.4142 heritagepantryandspice.com/menu The Workshop 511 Claverie Way, Facebook, 707.747.6028

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5

Champagne Cocktails

to Make for Mom

By Jeanne Steinmann Photos by Jerry Bowles The effort that goes into pulling off an enjoyable Mother’s Day celebration pales in comparison with the effort moms extend in everyday life. To show your appreciation, why not offer a delicious, sparkling concoction that captures the spirit of the occasion? Here we offer five Champagne Cocktails that not only taste great, but will add a fun and colorful addition to Mother’s Day brunch.

Cherry Bounce Drinking the Devil’s Acre, A Love Letter From San Francisco and her Cocktails, by Duggan McDonnell Adapted by Jonny Raglin, courtesy of Comstock Saloon 2 oz. bourbon 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 1 oz. juice from brandied cherries ½ oz. simple syrup 2 dashes aromatic bitters 1 oz. Champagne Pour the bourbon, lemon juice, cherry juice, simple syrup and bitters into a mixing glass, add ice, shake briefly, then strain into a cocktail glass while pouring in the Champagne.

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French 75 Paris Cocktails, by Doni Belau 1 oz. Dudognon 10 year (or your favorite Cognac) ½ oz. fresh lemon juice ¼ oz. simple syrup Top with Champagne Shake all ingredients except the Champagne in a shaker with ice. Strain and serve in a Champagne glass and top with Champagne.

“Bettered” Champagne Cocktail Bitterman’s Field Guide to Bitters and Amari,

by Mark Bitterman

Southside Royale Foodandwine.com/recipes/southside-royale-eric-alperin

1 sugar cube doused with 2 dashes aromatic bitters Chilled Champagne or other sparkling wine 4 dashes aromatic bitters Put the sugar cube in a Champagne glass. Fill with Champagne. Drizzle the bitters on top.

Garnish with a spiral lemon peel.

2 oz. gin 3/4 oz. simple syrup 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice Champagne Sprig of mint Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, simple syrup and lime juice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a flute. Top with Champagne and garnish with the sprig of mint.

Madame Rouge Paris Cocktails, by Doni Belau 2 oz. Brenne Whisky (or another smooth, non-peaty whisky) 1 oz. Amaro 2 oz. Brut Sparkling Wine Stir whisky and Amaro together with ice, and strain into a chilled Champagne flute.

Top with Champagne. Garnish with a slice of orange.

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BIO

Steve Shields

By Adriene Rockwell Lisa Duncan Photography It may be time for Generation Z to roll up their sleeves and get working with their hands. According to The Motley Fool, 10,000 baby boomers are retiring every day, and a good portion of them are leaving behind important work in the skilled trades. To make sure these skills aren’t a lost art, Benicia High School reopened the roll-up doors to its shop classes after three years without an instructor.

Through two new career pathways, students can now learn auto mechanics, metal works, welding, building and construction skills.

Their new teacher is Steve Shields, who taught in Sacramento for the past 18 years. Steve’s been tinkering since he was 5 years old in his dad’s garage, and he put himself through college helping build things like bridges and homes, and rebuilding Volkswagen engines.

His shops at BHS are lined with tools, both old and high tech. In the center of the auto shop’s concrete floors is a vintage VW truck on jacks that’s been stripped and primed. The students are refurbishing the engine and body, and will eventually sell it, with proceeds to support the program. Next to the van is a student’s prized army green Ford truck that a crew has helped to polish and rotate the tires. In the construction warehouse across the way, students are building a teardrop trailer with a metal frame and wood body. Nearby there’s a large poster of Rosie the Riveter hanging on the classroom wall.

“I’m a huge fan of Rosie the Riveter because of what she represented during WWII. Women in the war built machinery, ships, aircraft carriers, destroyers. Not in

months, but in weeks,” says Steve. While there are still more boys in his classes, he says girls tend to be very good at welding. “Any child that has the determination or drive to do this work can do it … whether they are a boy or girl. That doesn’t matter.”

“First and foremost, my hope is that my students learn practical skills, and are able to use tools safely, and to fix things without having to hire out or throw things away,” says Steve, who has a degree in construction technology from Shasta College, a BA in psychology from Simpson Bible College, and an MA in Psychology from National University.

With 28 students in each of his five classes, Steve runs the shops like a real-world business, and is hoping to do more jobs in the community. The automotive students are now servicing all the school vans with oil changes and safety checks. “The programs here are giving students a large toolbox of knowledge to work from,” says Steve. “There is a huge demand now for welding and construction, and unions are chomping at the bit.

Students are getting hired right out of high school with salaries in the $60,000 range. That’s more than a first year teacher,” he smiles.

But, Steve’s not complaining. Teaching has afforded him the opportunity to travel in summers to 16 different countries, including all over Europe, the Philippines and Jamaica. Soon on his list is Thailand, and he says he’d love to see more of the United States. This summer he’ll visit Mount Vernon. And, wherever he goes, he’ll be bringing Rosie the Riveter on his arm, because that’s where she’s been artfully tattooed.

20 • Benicia Magazine

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THE DISH

One House Bakery

to Offer Delicious Treats & Community Vibe

By Courtney Tait Photos courtesy One House Bakery If you’ve strolled down First Street in the past few months, chances are you’ve spotted the promising sign displayed on a black and white building between J and I Streets: One House Bakery.

Behind the papered windows, a transformation has been taking place, as award-winning pastry chef Hannalee Pervan and her parents, Catherine and Peter, prepare to open a new community hub this summer. “Baking is about making people happy,” says Pervan, who envisions the bakery as a welcoming place where staff know your name and your favorite croissant.

“I just want to feed Benicia delicious food and make people happy.”

Born and raised in Canada, Pervan relocated to the US to attend Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, where she met her husband. She moved back to Canada to attend Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute, specializing in pastry. In 2010, she won Gold in the baking category of the Skills Canada National Competition.

Returning to the US, Pervan worked with L.A.'s Porto’s Bakery, then with Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. There she became part of the bread-making team for several Yountville-area restaurants, including The French Laundry. “I have devoted my life to baking,” she says. “I started in pastry and morphed into bread, so I love making things like mousses but I also love making baguettes.”

Along with sweet treats, One House will feature sandwiches, soups and salads. Baristas will serve coffee drinks with beans from San Francisco-based company Sightglass, and specialty sodas with fresh-fruit syrups made in-house. Savory baking, such as Cuban meat pies and potato cream tarts, will also be offered. With a 40-inch granite mill, all the bakery’s flour will be milled on site, and every item will be created from scratch.

Pervan and her parents visited around 50 Northern California towns searching for the right place to open. “Benicia had that perfect small town feeling,” she says. “Everyone was smiling at

you when you walked down the street and it seemed like we could be a part of the community here.”

They took possession of the 3,400 sq. ft. building on November 1, and began demo that day. Pervan’s parents, who built retail spaces in Canada for 30 years, brought their skills to the project, and together with Pervan they undertook much of the renovation themselves. High ceilings, exposed Douglas Fir beams and a brick wall installation give the space an elegant industrial feel, while the mezzanine—set up with couches and throw blankets—invites customers to settle in and stay a while.

“You can curl up for a few hours and drink your coffee,” says Pervan.

One House Bakery is seeking passionate, hardworking people to join their team. Pervan hopes to hire veterans in particular, and will provide training for its multiple pastry cook, bread baker, barista and retail positions. “I have always been in awe of veterans’ bravery and sacrifice,” she says. “I knew if I was in the position to make a positive difference in their life, I wouldn’t hesitate to do so. I have so much to teach people, and could help a veteran start a career.” Veterans and other people interested in applying for Bakery positions are encouraged to contact Pervan via phone or email.

One House Bakery aims to expand their 49-seat indoor capacity with sidewalk tables and a rear deck. Other plans include offering craft beer and wine (they are applying for the license), weekend brunch options (think french toast and mimosas), a kid’s section, a bike rack for cyclists and gourmet dog treats for Benicia’s canine residents.

While its opening date is still to be confirmed, One House Bakery already has hundreds of followers on Facebook and Instagram, signaling Benicia is eager to welcome the new business. “We found this building the first day we visited Benicia,” says Pervan. “I knew as soon as I walked in that I was home.”

One House Bakery hannalee.pervan@gmail.com 918 First Street, Benicia

BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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DIRECT

Business &

Professional

Pups ’n’ Purrz

Chiropractic Center Benicia

Specializing in All of Your Pet’s Needs!

Fresh Donuts Ferm’s Finest Coffee Croissants, Bagels & Pastries Sausage Rolls & Aussie Beef Pie

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422 First Street, Benicia • 707.748.7433

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701 Southampton Road, Benicia Chiropracticbenicia.com

COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR Interior/Exterior Residential & Commercial Painting and more!

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Suzuki Piano Lessons JOAN MISHRA, M.Ed 707.721.2839

joanmishra@yahoo.com Suzukiassociation.org

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707.747.6677 Lisa McVeigh, Owner

2038 Columbus Pkwy, Benicia, CA 94510 Benicia Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business of the Year

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SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS in Benicia Magazine's Business & Professional Directory

Call 707.853.5226 today to reserve your spot

22 • Benicia Magazine

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4/25/18 9:07 AM

CTORY

Professional &

Business Open Mon-Sat 11:30am Sun 10am

Mexican Food 640 First Street 707.746.7830 Dr. Clifford Hoffman DO, MPH FAMILY PRACTICE

707-750-5944 831 E. 2nd street #103, Benicia www.CliffordHoffmanDO.com CliffordHoffmanDO@gmail.com Board Certified Family Physician Osteopathic Manual Medicine

PERFORMANCE CHIROPRACTIC Dina Morrison 801 East 2nd St. #102, Benicia 707.806.0060 • DocDina.com

Dinner Sun-Thurs until 9pm Fri/Sat 10pm Lunch, afternoon tea, housemade desserts, fine teas & tea accessories

Camellia Tea Room

828 First Street • Downtown Benicia 707.746.5293 camelliatearoom.com

Half Price Bottles of Wine

439 First Street Benicia 707.745.0943 luccabar.com

with $15 Food Purchase

Cabinets… Built in Benicia Lanita Nelson

Master Cabinet Builder

Over 40 years experience

707.745.0609

847 First Street, Benicia Inside Well Kept Salon Lanitanelson.com OSHA Compliant

Custom Cabinets & Furniture • Closets • Garage hatzidesigns.com

707.208.0388

Dr. Richard Joyce Dr. Geoffrey Sampson OPTOMETRISTS

707.745.6266

Michael Trahan • Interior Design www.michaeltrahan.com 707.748.1080

Steve McClure

Furniture, Collectibles & Household Items

874 Southampton Rd., Benicia, CA 94510

Joseph L. Wilder Financial Advisor 707.745.3122 555 First St, suite 104 Benicia, CA 94510

joseph.wilder@edwardjones.com edwardjones.com/joseph-wilder CA Insurance License OC24309

Home Auto

Business

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

www.stevemcclure.net 707.745.0848

431 First Street Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat Noon-9pm 707.999.0039

BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

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By Sue Sumner-Moore Lisa Duncan Photography A long-term relationship ended and David Hagerty wasn’t sleeping well. He survived on four hours of sleep each night for about six months in 2001, plodding through his days teaching in Alameda County jails.

“Then I had an aha moment. I thought, ‘I’m 32 years old, and at 16 I decided I wanted to be a writer. If that’s what I want to do, I need to start writing.’”

So he started writing when he woke at 3 each morning. “I finished my first novel in six months,” he says. That novel is still on a hard drive instead of bookstores.

Still, he kept writing every day. Perseverance along with good mentoring at grad school paid off: More than 15 of his mystery/crime short stories are now in print and his debut novel, "They Tell Me You Are Wicked," was published in 2015.

The book is the first in a series of novels based on actual crimes in David’s hometown of Chicago. The second and third books in the series are now in print, and he is writing the fourth.

David credits his focus on crime stories to his time as a police reporter and years as a teacher in jails. He worked for the Benicia Herald from 1990 to 1995; one of his short stories is based on the killing of his East H Street neighbor, Terry Lynne Hutcheson. He went on to teach in Alameda County jails and at Sacramento City College. He is now the manager of Disability Support Services at Diablo Valley College.

In addition to writing about crime, David leads the High Crimes Mystery Book Group at Bookshop Benicia. The group reads literary crime fiction and meets every other month, with its next session scheduled for May. David, 49, lives in Martinez with his wife, Diane, who teaches at Turner Elementary in Benicia.

DAVID HAGERTY

24 • Benicia Magazine Q & A

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Y

How do you find time to write when you work full-time?

I wake up early and write every morning. I walk the dog and at 6:30, I’m at my desk. I write from 6:30 to 7:30 when I’m working on a first draft. I don’t quit until I have 500 words.

I usually don’t come back to it later in the day. But when I get inspirations, I’ll email or text myself.

What actual crimes inspired your book series?

The first book is based on U.S. Senator Charles Percy, whose daughter was killed shortly before his election. The case is still open and under investigation after 50 years.

Having it unsolved worked to my advantage. There was a great opening chapter and nothing thereafter.

I could let my imagination take over. The (main) character of Duncan Cochrane also is an industrialist who runs for office and whose daughter is killed, but he’s a combination of several politicians. It’s that intersection of crime and politics that’s interesting.

The second book is based on the Cabrini Green sniper. That didn’t get much press outside of Chicago.

The mayor moved in, and the shooting stopped.

Again, it was the perfect setting for a story about politics and crime.

The third book is about the Tylenol killings.

Chicago provided a lot of story ideas for you …

Between that and the jail, I should never run out of material (chuckling).

This series started as a trilogy, but now you’re writing a fourth book. How did that come about?

The publisher asked for another book. I’d like to think that he likes the work. I’d like to think that he likes the story. I’m good at meeting deadlines. It’s not that we’ve sold a lot.

Also, I thought the character of Duncan Cochrane deserved some redemption. He’s brought pretty low by the end of They Tell Me You Are Brutal (the third book in the series). As a friend says, in noir, the characters are screwed at the beginning and it only gets worse.

The next book is They Tell Me You Are Cunning and it’s inspired by the Innocence Project. It will come out at the beginning of 2019. I have a lot of work to do.

Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?

I like them both. They are different art forms. In a novel, the challenging thing is the long form, to have everything fit together over the length of the book. …

You’re always concerned you’re going to paint yourself in a corner when you live with characters

for so long. I find it’s the opposite—I find it opens things up. The ethic in mystery writing is to torture the protagonist. You’d be surprised how much Duncan can take. …

With a short story, you can do things that people would not put up with for 200 pages. I once wrote an 80,000-word manuscript about a hike on Mt Whitney.

I turned it into a 5,000-word story that was a more compelling read.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I do a pretty extensive outline before I start the draft. I figure out plots, characters, settings, then I can write a chapter. I usually have half to two-thirds of everything figured out when I start the first draft, but I always end up changing and embellishing as I write.

I slog through the first draft. That’s the hardest part for me. I figure if the first draft is done and I die tomorrow, someone could look at it and say, “It sucks but I see where he was going with this.” The first draft takes about six months.

Then I review it. I track every character (for consistency). I check all the verbs; check every description of major characters and major settings.

That takes about three months.

Then the editor and I go through it. Twelve months on, we’re done with line and content editing, and we send it to the publisher.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Whenever someone asks me how to be a novelist, I tell them to spend an hour every day and write 500 words. Every day, even when you’re on vacation. …

I thought writing was about talent. I’m finding out it’s about butt-in-seat. You have to work at it. I remember my dad saying to me when I was growing up that you’re going to have to work. I thought he was saying I didn’t have talent, but he was saying something about my work ethic. Even (Olympic track star) Carl Lewis had to work hard.

What do you do to relax?

I love reading.

I’m a recovering exercise junkie. I was on crew in college; in my 20s, I was a bike racer; in my 30s, I was a cross-country ski racer. In my 40s, I’m either a hasbeen or a never-was—I’m trying to decide.

I hike each year with my friends in the Sierras.

We get out of cell phone range. My wife and I go to the Southwest every year. I’ve written several short stories set in the Navajo area.

What’s next for you?

I’m writing book No. 4 in the series, and I’m working on melding the Navajo stories into a novel. I’m contemplating an historical novel. I’ve got a bunch of oars in the water—I’m not sure which one to yank.

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MAYEVENTS Drop by Drop

A brief history of Benicia water through the eyes of its artists 5/1-5/31, hours vary Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Arts Benicia, in collaboration with Benicia Historical Museum, guides us through a brief history of Benicia water as envisioned by local artists.

The exhibit highlights the history of Benicia from its founding as a port in 1848 to its present-day identity as a waterfront town. It explores ideas ranging from aesthetics and our sense of place on the Carquinez Strait, to the more critical observation of general water usage, public need, associated infrastructure developments, the effects of drought and flooding, and sustainability. Selected works include a variety of media from painting to photography.

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Benicia Certified Farmer’s Market

5/3, 10, 17, 24 First Street between B and D Streets Benicia Benicia Certified Farmers Market offers fresh fruit & vegetables, baked goods, gourmet food, delicious hot foods, arts & crafts, live entertainment, and face painting. Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

BOTTG Presents Coming Apart

5/4&5, 11&12, 8pm; 5/6, 2pm Historic BDES Hall 140 West J Street, Benicia A delightful and funny romantic comedy by Fred Carmichael that opens with the Kittridges saying simultaneously, “I want a divorce.”

Both are conceited and competitive.

Colin is a successful humor columnist and Fran an author of romance novels.

As the play progresses we learn, through flashbacks and asides with the audience, what is behind each character’s declaration. Directed by Angelina LaBarre. Tickets available online.

Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269

Morningsun Herb Farm Open House

5/5, 9am-4pm Morningsun Herb Farm 6137 Pleasants Valley Road, Vacaville Join Sustainable Solano (formerly Benicia Community Gardens) and other vendors for a fun day of herbal education, gardening and delicious food. Sustainable Solano’s Local Food Project Manager, Stephanie Oelsligle Jordan, will present on the current state of local food in Solano County, update on the USDA Community Food Center project and will encourage attendees to help create the vision for a local food system that works for everyone.

Sustainablesolano.org Morningsunherbfarm.com

SF Cinco de Mayo Festival

5/5, 10am-6pm Valencia Street between 21-24 Streets San Francisco The 14th annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, produced by Mission Neighborhood Centers, will showcase the very best of Mexican and Latin American cultures with a diverse array of Mexican and Latino foods, music, dance and artistry for the entire family to enjoy. Attendees will enjoy rich cultural experiences and family-friendly activities focused on retaining cultural traditions in its community. Talented artists will perform throughout the day and over 65 vendors will participate providing their delicious, diverse foods, showcasing their arts and crafts and empowering the multi-cultural community through greater awareness of their products and services.

Mncsf.org/sfcincodemayo

Arts Benicia Open Studios

5/5, 11am-7pm; 5/6, 11am-5pm Participating Artist Studios, Benicia Open Studios is Arts Benicia’s most highly attended annual event with more than 4,000 visitors. Each year scores of artists open the doors of their studio spaces throughout Benicia’s Historic Arsenal District and all over town, providing a unique glimpse into their creative world. Visitors can ride a SolTrans Shuttle free of charge between the arsenal and downtown and explore artist studios on Jackson

and Tyler Streets in the arsenal, see glass blowing, tour galleries and other venues on First Street, speak with artists about their work, watch demonstrations, and purchase original art. Pick up a map and view the preview exhibition at Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114.

Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Spring into Giving

5/5-5/19 Downtown Benicia Donate an item to Benicia Main Street for the Benicia Family Resource Center and receive a 10%-15% off discount card valid with participating downtown merchants. Some restrictions may apply.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.754.9791

Bay Area Bike to Work Day 5/10 Join thousands of others around the bay and ride your bike to work today!

Stanford Powwow

5/11-13, hours vary Eucalyptus Grove at Galvez and Campus Drives Stanford University The Stanford American Indian Organization (SAIO) and the Stanford Powwow Planning Committee will host the 47th Annual Stanford Powwow.

The Powwow is open to the public and overnight camping spaces are available. Donations for parking and camping are welcome. There is no pre-registration, and registration is done on a first come, first served, basis. Shop from 100 artists and food vendors, watch dancers and drummers compete, and join the social dances.

Powwoww.standford.edu

Spring Craft Fair

5/12, 9am-2pm Benicia Senior Center 1201 East 2nd Street, Benicia This annual spring craft fair features many returning vendors plus a few new ones, with homemade goods.

Refreshments will be served; free admission. ci.benicia.ca.us/seniorcenter 707.745.1202

Mother’s Day 5/13

Bay Area Maker Faire

5/18-20, hours vary San Mateo County Event Center 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors.

All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.

Purchase tickets and see the full schedule of events online.

Makerfaire.com/bay-area

Downtown Benicia Cleanup Day

5/19, 9am-12pm First Street, Benicia Benicia Main Street invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to help cleanup First Street. BBQ lunch provided by Allied Waste at 11am at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Benicia Kiwanis Golf Tournament

5/24, 9am Blue Rock Springs Golf Club 655 Columbus Pkwy, Vallejo The 16th Annual Benicia Kiwanis Club Tom Henkle & Sandy Shotwell Memorial Golf Tournament is Kiwanis largest event benefitting Benicia youth. Proceeds go towards high school scholarships, supporting the Kiwanis Cub Scout Pack, placing AEDs at all Benicia schools and other public buildings, and more. Learn more, donate and register online or contact Fred at 707.333.6705.

Beniciakiwanis.org

26 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

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A Day at the Races

By Christina Strawbridge The bugler sounds the universal tune, reminding us that it is post time. The excitement builds as the horses and their jockeys enter the track and head to the gate. Watching these magnificent thoroughbreds as they warm up in their designated color and number is a thrill of its own.

Going to the racetrack has been a tradition in our family since we first got married. Many holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving and New Years, along with birthdays and anniversaries, have been celebrated in parks such as Saratoga in New York, Gulfstream in Florida, and the California tracks Santa Anita, Del Mar and Golden Gate Fields.

We visited the legendary racetrack Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on one of those occasions. It is home to the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks that have run continuously at Churchill Downs since 1875. The Twin Spires, built in 1895, sit atop the grandstands, and remain the most recognizable architectural feature and symbol of the racetrack. On May 5, 2018, the world will be watching and waging on this $2 million guaranteed purse horseracing event, America's greatest race and the nation's oldest continuously held sporting event.

Besides cheering on a favorite horse and looking for Hollywood stars, the other spectacle is the hats. The Kentucky Derby hat parade is much of what makes “The greatest two minutes in sports” one of the greatest people-watching events in the world!

Much like the Oscar’s Red Carpet, television coverage of the event includes commentary on the hats and their designers, and who is wearing whom. There is a grand prize for the best hat, which enhances the competition and designs. Everything from the sublime to the ridiculous can be seen in the grandstands and winner’s circle on race day.

Arturo Rios, internationally acclaimed couture headwear designer, came on the scene in 2005, with a client list that includes luminaries such as Tyra Banks, Lady Gaga and Rihanna.

Rios' designs may be one of those hats you see on Derby Day or even at Royal Ascot, the other iconic racetrack across the pond. His work has been featured in high-end fashion magazines, red carpet soirees and runway shows. He has taken hat wearing, especially fascinators, to a whole different level.

As a hat lover, is it any wonder that I would be attracted to an event where wearing a hat and betting on the ponies is a "winning" combination?

TRENDS

May BenMag Vol13 v7.indd 27

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MAYLIVE MUSIC Empress Theatre

707.552.2400, 330 Virginia St, Vallejo EmpressTheatre.org

May 11, 8pm James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash $25 online, $30 box office & phone May 12, 8pm Mother’s Day Special Show The San Francisco String Trio and the Leni Stern Trio $30 online, $35 box office & phone May 13, 12pm Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Acoustic Show w/ Mimi Fox & Leni Stern $60 online, box office & phone May 16, 8pm Wed. Night Live Featuring Eric Gales w/Austin Mo $25 online, $30 box office & phone May 19, 8pm Renditions of Aretha featuring BUT-Tah (aka Nicole Pearson)

Lucca Beer Garden

707.745.3749, 439 1st Street, Benicia Luccabar.com

No Cover Charge No Listings for April as of print date – contact Lucca Beer Garden

May 3, 5:30pm – 8pm The FOXCATCHERS are Jeff Tamelier & Christopher Cole May 4, 5:30pm – 8pm Cularan May 5, 1pm – 3:30pm CINCO THIS! Fog City Swampers 5:30pm – 8pm CINCO THIS! Camp Jeff w/Jeff Campitelli, Jeff Tamelier, Jesse Bradman & Agneline Saris May 6, 2pm – 5pm An Afternoon of Irish Music w/Vince Wolfe, Lewis Santer & Friends May 10, 5:30pm – 8pm Stone Ballons w/Rich Flynn May 11, 5:30pm – 8pm Sin Silver & The Avenue May 12, 1pm -3:30pm Chris Estes 5:30pm -8pm Stolen Cars May 13, 2pm – 5pm Unplugged Acoustic w/ Shaana Keller May 17, 5:30pm – 8pm Stadler Gibbons Band May 18, 5:30pm – 8pm The New Frantics May 19, 1pm – 3:30pm Wit and the Whimsy 5:30pm – 8pm Vinci Vibe & Her Grove Sector May 20, 2pm – 5pm Unplugged Acoustic w/Andy Brunt May 24, 5:30pm – 8pm Camp Jeff w/Jeff Campitelli, Jeff Tamelier, Jessie Bradman & Angeline Saris May 25, 5:30pm – 8pm Don Bassey & Friends Mike Emerson, T Moran & Matt Silva May 26, 1pm – 3:30pm TBD 5:30pm – 8pm Nell Robinson & Jim Nunally Band May 27, 2pm – 5pm Unplugged Acoustic w/ Bruce Brophy & Paul Trombetta May 31, 5:30pm – 8pm Cut Loose

Uptown Theatre Napa

707.259.0123, 1350 Third Street, Napa Uptowntheatrenapa.com

May 4, 8pm

May 12, 8pm

May 20, 8pm

Richard Marx $40 - $60, Ticketmaster or box office Rufus Wainwright $50 – $75, Ticketmaster or box office Weird Al Yankovic w/ Emo Philips $65 - $90, Ticketmaster or box office

Freight & Salvage

510.644.2020, 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley Thefreight.com All Tickets are subject to a $4 facility fee

May 1, 8pm Women of the World

$20 ADV/$25 Door May 3-4, 8pm Meshell Ndegeocello

$60 ADV/$65 Door

May 5, 8pm Funny Girlz! Lisa Koch, Vickie Shaw & Roxanna Ward

$26 ADV/$30 Door

May 6, 1pm Pete Seeger Singalong with The San Francisco Folk Music Club

Free event with reservation Mary Lou’s Apartment $16 ADV/$20 Door 7pm

May 7, 8pm Kurt Ribak Record Release Concert

$16 ADV/$20 Door May 10-11, 8pm Madeleine Peyroux w/Carsie Blanton

$45 ADV/$49 Door/$60 Premium May 12, 11am Your Song My Song, w/Rudy Trubitt, Patchwork Series For Kids

$45 ADV/$49 Door

8pm Madeleine Peyroux w/Carsie Blanton

$45 ADV/$49 Door/$60 Premium

May 13, 7pm Madeleine Peyroux w/Carsie Blanton

$45 ADV/$49 Door/$60 Premium May 14, 7:30pm Classical at the Freight Rontgen Trio

$9 ADV/$11 Door May 16, 8pm Djangosphere

$20 ADV/$24 Door May 17, 8pm Barbara Dane & Tammy Hall Trio 91st Birthday Celebration

$25ADV/$29 Door/$40 Premium

May 18-20, Berkeley Bluegrass Festival $75 3day pass must be purchased in advance Please see website May 21, 7:30pm West Coast Songwriters Competition

$7 ADV/$9Door May 22, 7pm Berkeley Middle School Jazz Night

$18 ADV/$22 Door May 23, 8pm Peter Bradley Adams w/Misty Boyce

$18 ADV/$22 Door May 24, 8pm OSA Vocal Rush

$20 ADV/$24 Door May27, 6pm Glass Half Full Benefit for Breast Cancer feat/Holly Near

$36 ADV/$40 Door May 31, 8pm Pacific Mambo Orchestra

$30 ADV/$34 Door

28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

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ART THIS MONTH

Artist Geraldine Arata Retrospective at Milinda Perry Gallery

By Beth Steinmann Geraldine Arata’s favorite subject matter, figurative art, and her portraits shine in her solo exhibit at Milinda Perry Gallery, on display through June 30. The exhibit, titled Retrospective, features a new body of work blending two genres: her traditional figure paintings and decorative art. Arata executes her portraits in oils, but these pieces are also enhanced with mixed media, including molding pastes and foils. Arata’s connection with New Orleans is recognizable in some of her painting’s carnival settings and mystical feel.

A classically trained and award-winning artist, Geraldine Arata is a San Francisco native with a Master of Fine Arts from the SF Academy of Art. She has also studied alongside such notables as William Maughan, Zhaoming Wu, Kevin Moore and Johnnie Lilliedalh. She and her husband, John Pruett, owned and operated Arata Fine Art Gallery in North Beach before moving to Benicia two years ago.

As a new Benicia resident, she wasted no time getting involved in the local art scene. As a member of Arts Benicia, she recently participated in the Art of a Community exhibit, and was also a selected participant in the Magical Realism exhibit. Her decorative arts can be purchased at The Little Art Shop in the Tannery building on First Street.

Arata’s paintings can also be found in galleries in New Orleans, Truckee and San Francisco as well as Bobo’s Restaurant in SF. The exhibit at Milinda Perry Gallery opens May 1, with an artist reception and refreshments on Friday, May 11, 5-7pm. Milinda Perry Gallery is located at 117 East F Street in Benicia. 707.361.5097, findyourfabulous.com.

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Paredrae of Neptune by Geraldine Arata Retrospective at Milinda Perry Gallery Photo courtesy of the artist BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

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