Benicia Magazine November 2014

10th Anniversary Issue!

Top 10 reasons to live in Benicia

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Volume 10 Issue 1 November 2014

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 3

4 • Benicia Magazine

Community News Need additional copies? Contact the Community Relations office: Valero Benicia Refinery, 3400 East Second Street, Benicia, CA 94510

707-745-7534 November 2014

Annual Benefit for Children Grants Awarded; $345,000 to 20 Charities 2014 Grant Recipients Bay Area Crisis Nursery Benicia Community Action Council Benicia Education Foundation Boys & Girls Club of El Sobrante Camp Taylor Child Haven Children’s Music and Arts Foundation Children’s Nurturing Project Continentals of Omega Boys & Girls Club CASA of Solano County Cystic Fibrosis Foundation East Bay College Fund Harbor House Horseplay Therapeutic Riding Center Junior Achievement Loma Vista Farm Matt Garcia Foundation Royal Family Kids Camps Take Wings Foundations Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club

Twenty charities were honored with Benefit for Children grants totaling $345,000 at the Valero Benicia Refinery’s annual awards breakfast in October, which featured superheroes as its theme.

Valero employees nominated the charities.

Vice President and General Manager John Hill told the more than 100 attendees at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Building, “There are many heroes in the room, including those who served our nation with distinction in the military.”

Hill acknowledged refinery employees, referring to them as heroes “because of the safe work they perform every day and because of the selfless commitment they make to our communities.”

He said that refinery employees set a fundraising goal for the current United Way campaign at $405,000, a goal they have already exceeded. (Editor’s note: As of press time, employees have donated $470,000; Valero’s 50 cents for each dollar match will bring the total to more than $705,000.)

Attendees were encouraged to “support nonprofit organizations that support the heroes fighting breast cancer during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and participate in Benicia’s annual Relay for Life,” set for Saturday, August 15, 2015.

Valero’s business partners were also honored. “By participating in, and sponsoring, the PGA/Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children Golf Classic tournaments last spring, our business partners helped raise $9 million for charities across the nation.”

Since 2001, over $4.2 million dollars has been distributed by the Benicia refinery through this special program.

Valero Hosts Process Safety Management (PSM) Class for State Valero hosted a full-day class, “Advanced Safety Process Management (PSM) in the Petrochemical and Chemical Industries,” given by the California Department of Industrial Relations' DOSH PSM program.

The 34 compliance inspectors/students at the training included staff from Cal/OSHA, Solano County and other agencies.

The September class was the third PSM training the Benicia refinery has hosted in the past two years.

California's Director of Industrial Relations Christine Baker communicated the following to Vice President and General Manager John Hill: “The Valero staff were professional and knowledgeable in the technical details of the process units. There really is no better way to train on this highly technical topic than to see the processes first-hand.”

Fast Fact: Safety First:

Baker added, “We thank you for your collaboration in our training efforts and your commitment to refinery safety.”

Course work included an introduction to refinery processes, along with fieldwork in mechanical integrity, safety procedures, safety design principles, and equipment identification.

The refinery’s 24/7 phone number for questions or concerns about refinery operations is 745-7534.

Did you remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors?

BeniciaMagazine.com • 5

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707.748.0500 6 • Benicia Magazine

Advertising sales Joey Baker 707.718.0166 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 © 2014, 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, 611 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, beniciamagazine.com.

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What makes a print process Green?

Our printer incorporates many green practices far beyond state and federal guidelines. Sustainability in the pressroom includes: — Vegetable & soy inks — 100% paper waste recycled — Energy positive emissions systems — A plate-making system that virtually eliminates all chemicals

648 East J Street

Turnkey Eastland Estates home. Appealing floor plan offers downstairs family room, bedroom and full bath. Up the spiral stairs, through the light-filled turret, to spacious and flexible living space and remaining beds and baths. New stainless appliances, cool interior paint, and new carpet enhance this lovely home. Private and protected backyard. Bonus detached 250sf studio off the alley. Reduced: $545,000 Kathleen McInerney Olson Olson Realty, Inc. 920 First Street,Suite 101 Benicia, CA 94510 Office: 707-745-3602 Cell: 707-291-0867 www.olsonrealtyinc.com BRE License # 00899699 Beautiful, spacious home with swimming pool at the end of a court! 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2,714 sf, on a .26 acre parcel. Upper & lower master suites. Wood & tile flooring.

Surround sound in family room. Updated windows & bathrooms. Recessed lighting, skylights, French doors, gas f/p. Flagstone patio. RV/ Boat parking.

In-office Green Practices

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Stunning 4 bed/3 bath single level home in Cedar Brook Ranch. Located at the end of a private court, where you can see Mt. Diablo in the distance. Custom wood flooring, spacious floor plan, granite counters and amenities galore enhance this beautiful home. $475,000

We walk, bike or drive a hybrid vehicle to get to work and around town.

Paper waste is either recycled or cut up and reused as scrap paper. Envelopes and other business supplies are reused.

Electronic devices are turned off at night and we use fluorescent light bulbs.

Nicole Russell, Realtor RE/MAX Gold 426 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510 Direct: 707-332-2111 Email: nicole.russell@norcalgold.com Website: www.nicehomerealestate.com BRE License # 01417633

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ESTEY

BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

Benicia NOVEMBER

VOLUME 10 ISSUE1

Tenth Anniversary Issue!

16

Features Ten great reasons to love living in Benicia Words of wisdom: excerpts from past interviews

16 18

Departments 10 From the Editor 14 Currents

Tips for creating a welcoming and memorable Thanksgiving table

Easy & delicious Thanksgiving appetizers

20 Downtown Map 22 Arsenal Map

24 Interview

Gary Bogue, long-time wildlife columnist

26 Guide to Local Restaurants 27 Backwards Glance

The Arsenal's heroic role in World War II

28 Calendar of Events

Cover Photo, Historic Benicia Clock Tower, by Jerry Bowles Photo, above left, Matthew Turner school. Right: View from landcape designer Pam Hughes' back yard. Photos by Jerry Bowles.

8 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

From the Editor

November 2014

elcome to the first issue of our tenth year! Our very first issue printed in November of 2005, and Mike and I drove from a weekend event in downtown Napa to Paradise, California, where our printer at the time was located, about three hours northeast, to watch the pages roll off the press. It was thrilling! We watched six men run back and forth from the press to the controls, adjusting the colors.

Although it was the middle of the night, it was great to finally see the tangible result of a year’s planning.

We were back in Napa in time for an early breakfast. It’s a proud moment for me as I write, knowing we’ve published 109 issues, never missing a month, never missing a deadline.

Thanks to all of you who said you have saved each and every issue—it encourages us to publish for another 10 years. I am often asked how our team finds inspiration for stories. I’m inspired by talking with you—readers who email comments or come to the office to let me know what you love about the magazine and our town.

Benicia has seen many changes and improvements since 2005, providing ample opportunities for new stories. To name just a few: the rebuilding of the bridge over I680 at Columbus Parkway to allow safer pedestrian/bicycle access, the complete redesign of the gateway to our town at First and Military, the lighting of 200 downtown trees, and the rebuilding of the sea wall and pier at the end of First Street.

Additional improvements are planned for the marsh along the waterfront downtown, including a raised walkway and public art.

We brainstorm ideas as a team, but I also thumb through back issues to see what stories need updating or a second look. There are some that bear repeating, and for this 10th anniversary issue we did just that. In addition to new features, we took another look at wisdom imparted from interviews over the years that resonated with us, and hopefully with readers, in Words of Wisdom, page 16, and 10 Great Reasons to Love Living in Benicia, on page 18.

Traditionally, we give thanks in November, so here’s what I’m thankful for: First, my amazing family, who has supported this endeavor for the past ten years (see the latest additions to the SteinmannSweningsen clan, above, identical twins born September 28!); for the Benicia Magazine team, for our readers, and for this wonderful place we call home.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Jeanne Steinmann Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com

10 • Benicia Magazine

Benicia Grill 5th Year Anniversary!

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

Information on Measure C Brad Kilger, City Manager, City of Benicia

You may have seen signs around town encouraging you to learn more about Measure C – Benicia’s ballot measure to maintain our quality of life. As you may know, Benicia – unlike many cities of similar size in the Bay Area – is a full service city, equipped with its own City-run police, fire, park, library and water services. Due to years of reductions in State and Federal funding and a changed economic landscape, the City of Benicia is facing tough fiscal and service delivery challenges. Despite these issues, the City has worked hard to maintain essential services and the small town quality of life residents care about, but it is not sustainable.

With Measure C on the ballot November 4th, residents will have the opportunity to maintain and improve public safety, city streets, parks and tree trimming, and programs that support our historic downtown and community events, attracting new businesses that promote jobs and economic development. All Measure C funding, by law, must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the State.

Q A.

What is Measure C? On July 22, 2014 the Benicia City Council unanimously placed Measure C on the November 2014 ballot.

If enacted, Measure C will provide a locally-controlled source of funding to address community priorities.

Measure C is a local one cent on the dollar sales tax measure.

Q. A.

Why was Measure C placed on the ballot?

Measure C was placed on the ballot to provide a locally-controlled source of funding to maintain vital public safety and quality of life services, with funding that can’t be taken by the State.

Q. A.

Has the City already taken steps to reduce expenditures?

Yes. The efforts to achieve this goal have not been easy or without sacrifice. Over the last six years the City has implemented employee salary and benefit concessions, with employees agreeing to 10% reductions in compensation, including contributing considerably more toward health care and retirement costs. The City has reduced its full time workforce by more than 12%. Over the last four years these efforts have decreased employee related expenditures by approximately $11.2 million.

Q. A.

How does Measure C impact local services?

Measure C will maintain Benicia’s financial viability as a full-service city and protect our small town quality of life. It will improve public safety and city streets, maintain parks and trim trees, and fund programs to support our historic downtown and community events, attract new businesses and create jobs. If adopted by voters, Measure C would ensure that critical community priorities would continue, including: 9-1-1 emergency response times • Neighborhood police patrols • Crime prevention services Programs for youth • Pothole repair efforts • Sidewalk/Road repairs

Q. A.

Will Measure C help Benicia’s local streets and roads?

Many streets in Benicia have cracked or buckled sidewalks, or no sidewalks at all, and many roads have potholes. If enacted, Measure C will help fix these road conditions and maintain 94 miles of city streets and roads for motorists, pedestrians, buses, cyclists and police and fire safety vehicles.

Q. A.

Will Measure C address Benicia’s local parks?

Measure C helps ensure our 31 local parks are properly maintained as safe spaces for children to play and families to visit.

Q. A.

How can residents get more information about Measure C? For more information including official City documents or to request a community presentation about Measure C, please contact (707) 746-4200 or visit www.BeniciaMeasureC.org.

12 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

screen TV's • signed sports memorabilia • NFL ticket • 22 beers on tap

10 Great Ideas for Creating a Welcoming Thanksgiving Table

Currents

There are endless ideas for your Thanksgiving table-scape.

To help readers plan a creative, welcoming table, we asked local, highly sought after interior designer, Michael Trahan, CID, for tips that can help transcend your Thanksgiving, or any holiday gathering into a memorable celebration. Here are his top 10 recommendations.

KEEP IT LOW – VARY HEIGHTS

Whatever accessories you decide to display as your centerpiece, use varying heights, but keep the overall display low enough to allow great conversation without obstructing the view of dinner guests.

CLEAN & AIRY

Edit your accessories and keep the overall look balanced, and not weighted to one side of the table. Leave space around objects for an airy, dimensional look.

SIMPLE & CURRENT COLORS

Color palettes for the Thanksgiving dinner table vary from the traditional fall colors to nontraditional schemes. For a fresh approach, draw inspiration from the colors in your dining room—artwork, fabric or furniture. Regardless of the color direction, work with 2 or 3 colors and keep it simple. Let the food, family and friends complete the tradition.

KEEP IT NATURAL

Flowers and foliage from the garden add a personal and affordable way to complement your Thanksgiving centerpiece. Keep it natural by adding pumpkins, gourds, nuts, artichokes or dried, colored leaves. Hollow out small pumpkins and gourds and use as candle holders, or use large pumpkins in varying sizes, as risers for food tray displays or soup bowls. Let family and friends join in this easy, green way to go!

LAYER TEXTURES

For a striking place setting, start with a textured charger and layer plates in alternating colors, varying textures and finishes, or mix plates of different designs or colors for an artistic twist. Be bold, but keep the overall balance of color and varying textures and patterns in check.

PERSONLIZE IT

For a more sentimental dinner, add nametags for each person, along with sepia-toned photos for a vintage or nostalgic theme. Use fresh fruit as props for nametags and photos.

14 • Benicia Magazine Currents

LESS IS MORE

Bring out the linens, silver, crystal and your best china. Keep a monochromatic color palette and let your fine, or found objects, make a modern, classic statement.

GARDEN D’LIGHTS

Dim the overhead lights and add pillar candles or tea lights, in one color, wrapped in fresh fall herbs for a more personal gathering. Keep candles unscented so they don’t interfere with the smells and taste of the food.

BE CREATIVE

Add cranberries or kumquats in tall vases, fill with water and add fresh flowers, or in smaller glass containers, add floating candles. Pumpkins serve as great containers for holidays—try it for soups, bottled drinks and flowers— just make sure to trim the bottom of the pumpkins to keep them level.

JUST FOR KIDS

Often children have their own space.

Keep it easy and encourage children to craft their own tabletop decorations before dinner. These can also be tucked into the main centerpiece for a fun family tradition.

Fresh and Light Thanksgiving Nibbles Stumped for a great Thanksgiving appetizer? This year, keep it fresh, light and healthy. With so many dietary restrictions out there, these delicious options are not only quick to assemble; they are fresh, in season, low carb and gluten free.

PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED PEARS WITH GORGONZOLA 3 ripe pears juice of 1 lemon 12-15 slices prosciutto 1 cup Gorgonzola fresh arugula, micro greens or flat-leaf parsley for garnish Slice pears into 4 pieces each, remove core, and sprinkle with lemon juice. Place in a serving dish. Wrap one piece of Prosciutto around each pear slice, tucking ends underneath. Tuck small chunks of Gorgonzola into the Prosciutto. Cover and refrigerate before serving until chilled. Garnish with greens and serve.

12 pieces

CUCUMBER WITH FETA, WALNUTS AND DILL 1 large or 2 small, thick cucumbers 8 oz crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup walnut pieces 2 large sprigs fresh dill, snipping the tips with scissors.

2 tbsp olive oil Slice the cucumbers thin, keeping the skin and seeds intact. Layer the cucumber slices on a plate, overlapping slightly. Top with the feta, distributing evenly over the cucumber. Sprinkle with walnut pieces. Garnish with the dill, and drizzle with thin ribbons of olive oil.

Serves 6

Voices of the Season 5 Wintersong Sunday Dec 7th 2014 4PM

Lincoln Theater All-Level Concert lincolntheater.com Saturday Dec 13th 2014 7:30PM

Camel Barn Candlelight Concert beniciahistoricalmuseum.org Saturday Dec 20th 2014 7:30PM

Napa Valley Opera House City Winery ¡ Dinner & Drinks Doors 6:00/Concert 7:30

citywinery.com/napa Tickets at VOENA.org venue websites

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Top Ten Reasons to be Thankful for Living in Benicia

On our pages in the

November 2011 issue, Adriene and Bruce Rockwell shared the wisdom of researcher Dan Buettner, who traveled the globe to find where the happiest people in the world are living, and what makes them happy.

The story revealed that happy people are not necessarily wealthy and living in a tropical paradise. Joyful, thriving people are found in communities with qualities much like Benicia.

16 • Benicia Magazine

For our tenth anniversary, here again are those ten reasons, updated, to be grateful that we live in Benicia, or what Buettner might call a “happiness hot spot.”

NATURAL BEAUTY AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Benicians enjoy expansive views across the water of one of the last unspoiled coastlines in the Bay Area.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

Recognized as a California Main Street City, downtown Benicia’s walk-able appeal, mile-long shopping/dining district and historic architecture, beckons visitors and residents alike.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Happy people have access to art, and Benicia is one of the most vibrant art cities in California.

HUMAN KINDNESS/SMALL TOWN FEEL

The warmth and kindness encountered in Benicia offers a sense of trust and connectedness in our community, potentially adding years to our lives.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

The city is ideal for families and children with multiple parks, playgrounds, gardens, sports, events, classes and parent networks.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Benicia was the first incorporated California city, in 1850, and its proud history is alive today—in evidence at our many historic buildings, and at the Benicia State Capitol and the Benicia Historical Museum.

TOP SCHOOLS

The first women's college west of the rockies was in Benicia, so it shouldn’t be surprising that Benicia Unified boasts some of the top performing schools in the state.

A GREEN CITY

With an active sustainability commission and climate action plan, Benicians are reducing the carbon footprint in innovative ways. Biking to work, school and for enjoyment is common.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

A hub between San Francisco, Sacramento and the Napa Valley, Benicia’s enviable location on the Carquinez Strait allows quick and easy access to the best the Bay Area has to offer.

A PROMISING FUTURE

More than income, education or religion, the place where you live determines your level of happiness. Benicia provides many of the necessary ingredients for humans to thrive.

Photo, opposite, view from Rob and Margaret Storelee's home.

This page, top, Benicia Fire Department open house; middle, Ninth Street beach, photos by Jerry Bowles; bottom, Bella Feldman, Dyad, steel and blown glass, Benicia Magazine archives.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Words of Wisdom Compiled by Sue Sumner-Moore

Every once in a while, people say something that resonates with us in unexpected ways. The insight in these statements often comes from reflecting on unexpected circumstances or challenging experiences. In our first 10 years of publication, 100 people have talked about their lives in Benicia Magazine’s Q&A feature. Here are some of the insights shared in those interviews.

CHARLIE KNOX

Former Community Development Director for Benicia—on the best advice he ever got (November 2006) My father said, “If you think you have a good idea, wait five minutes and see if someone else says it before you.” A planner is not always in the best position to promote an idea – perhaps a citizen or elected official is in the best position to do so. And, besides, one rarely gets in trouble for keeping quiet.

LORRI-MARIE JENKINS

Artist—on making big changes in life (February 2008) With every decision I’ve made, I’ve given myself permission to change my mind. I get so excited that I think everyone is going to come along, and they usually do.

The analogy is that my life is like a high-rise construction site, with the beams swinging in different directions.

There’s always another beam when I put my foot down, heading in a new direction, and I’m totally supported.

And then the next step comes and then the step after that. I don’t know what’s next until I put my foot down.

I know people who are making changes and I tell them they have to have faith that the beam will be there.

I’ve never fallen.

JERRY PAGE

Awarded the Silver Star and Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism during World War II—on war (July 2009) Going to war is not a decision to be arrived at with any ease or comfort. Bad things, very bad things happen in war—some of them are inevitable damage, what we euphemistically call collateral damage.

Stupid mistakes are inevitably made that cost lives, friendly fire takes lives, and atrocities accompany war.

There are psychological costs for everyone involved in combat, as well as physical.

World War II clearly was a just war in my view. But I would certainly want to raise the bar very, very high for justification of war.

PEGGY FULTON

Teacher and mother—on the perfect day (November 2010) It doesn’t have to be a monumental day to be perfect. … Really, it’s all about the perfect moments that you have many times—the angle of the sun at certain times of the day, coming home at the end of the day and having someone there, and the 100-year-old cat with the smelly meow.

18 • Benicia Magazine

ROGER LIPMAN

Retiree—on building a good life (July 2011): In your 30s, you get your best ideas. The brilliance you have in your 30s sets so many things in motion. It’s the time you form your career, solidify your family. The 30s are time to solidify your plans.

In your 40s, you have your chance to really bond with your kids, make friends who will last a lifetime, and then get serious about your finances.

The 50s are tough on males. We’re not what we once were. Most guys go nuts because they realize this is the best they’re going to be and it’s not nearly as good as it was. You try to prove everything in your 50s.

From the 60s on – well, I don’t know about the 70s yet – it’s time to have fun. I don’t have to worry about a lot now. And you realize you don’t have to win an argument. Kindness is the root of it all.

LARRY LAMOREUX

Community Garden organizer—on the role of nature in our lives (March 2012): I was raised outdoors. I roamed the hills in Niles Canyon. Once my mom took me for a walk along the creek, and we saw 40 different kinds of birds in that one afternoon walking along the creek. Kids today don’t do that, and they need that.

DAMON WRIGHT

Benicia High School Principal—on the value of studying in high school (August 2012): I was not putting 110 percent into my school work. … I knew when I was in high school that I could do the minimum for about six or seven weeks, then earn As and Bs for the rest of the term and end up with a C. I was a good athlete, and my coaches kept telling me to study.

But when recruiters saw my transcript, that was it. That door closed and it haunts me to this day. There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t think, “What if?” That’s what motivates me to work two to three times as hard. I failed before and I don’t like that feeling, so I work to make sure I don’t fail again.

BECKY DUNAVENT

Science teacher—on how her experience prepared her to work as a Navy reservist arranging medical evacuations (June 2013): Working as a seventh-grade teacher turns out to be a great background for this type of work because you’re learning to communicate, learning to use things like Powerpoint to get your message across, teaching people to play well with others.

JIM TRIMBLE

Retired Police Chief—on an annual event that mixes Liberty High students with community business people and artists (January 2014): The real reward is putting this core of adults together with this group of kids who are often judged. Put them in one spot for a couple of hours and it’s just a whole different experience for the kids and the adults. The adults get to see the kids in a new light, and the kids get to hear from these adults, ‘Yeah, my life wasn’t perfect.’ We all have something we’ve had to overcome, and it helps kids to hear that.

LEE WILDER SNIDER

Painter—on priorities as she ages (September 2014): It has come to the point where I understand that I want to please myself and that may come at a cost of pleasing others. I’m saying no to more outside activities to allow myself to paint from the heart. … I love engaging in life—it’s very easy for me to get pulled into things that sound wonderful. As I’m aging, I’m learning that outward engagement can come at a cost of inward development.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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Camellia Tea Room 828 First Street Downtown Benicia 707.746.5293 camelliatearoom.com

Lunch, afternoon tea, housemade desserts, fine teas & tea accessories

BOOKS • TOYS • GAMES • GREETING CARDS

636 First Street M-S 10-8, Sun 10-6 707.747.5155 bookshopbenicia.com

Dudikoff Insurance Agency Planning, Products, & Services

George Dudikoff, Agent, Lic. #OB13442 159 East D Street, Suite A, Benicia • P: 707.746.7395 • F: 707.747.6814

www.farmersagent.com/gdudikoff

Real Estate doesn’t have to be this painful!

Residential & New Home Sales; Property Management 707.745.0759 www.judsonandcompany.com

Steve McClure

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

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Mexican Food

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Fiber-Frolics

CHARLIE’S ATTIC

637 First Street, Benicia • 707.747.YARN(9276) fiber-frolics.com

Tannery Bldg, 129 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960

Specialty Yarns and Classes Giovanna Sensi-Isolani, fiber artist

Collectibles-Antiques-Music Consignment and eBay drop-off

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Dr. Tom Campbell

Orthodontics for children and adults

Call to schedule a complimentary exam 707.745.1994 • 164 East H St., Benicia Beniciaparadocs.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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Benicia Golf Association BeniciaGolf.org

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By Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight Gary Bogue and his wife were having a quiet breakfast when a loud thump on the roof startled them.

“I go out and look up, and two turkeys are looking down on me,” Gary says, remembering the 2005 morning.

It was his first spotting of the wild birds at his Benicia home. As a pet/wildlife columnist for several Bay Area newspapers at the time, his readers had alerted him to flocks in Contra Costa County.

“About 15 years ago, I got an email from one of my readers in Danville saying there were four turkeys in their backyard. A little while later, 20 or more were on a cul de sac near John Muir Hospital,” he says.

Gary, who retired in 2012, knows a lot about wild turkeys and other critters that live in our backyards and open spaces: rats, squirrels, snakes, lizards, skunks, raccoons, possums, coyotes, birds, spiders and more. One of his seven books, The Raccoon Next Door, offers advice on getting along with wildlife. He is working on his eighth book, a children’s book about skunks.

His career with wildlife began after a stint as a milkman and selling life insurance. He was set to start a job in advertising when he was offered a post as curator at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek, known then as the Alexander Lindsay Junior Museum. Working at the museum from 1967 to 1978 provided on-the-job training in wildlife. He started a wildlife rehabilitation program, among the first in the country, while there.

He began writing his column in the Contra Costa Times in 1970 as a way to promote the museum and became a full-time columnist in 1982. Readers asked him questions about their cats and dogs and what to do about wild animals often found in suburban settings. A 2004 profile in the New York Times referred to him as “the Ann Landers of California wildlife.”

Gary, 76, and his wife, Lois Kazakoff, have lived in Benicia for 26 years. They have three adult children and six grandchildren.

Interview with

Gary Bogue

When did your interest in wildlife begin?

When I was growing up, I collected reptiles. I had rattlesnakes and I hid them under the bed. My mom found them one day when she was cleaning, and she hit the roof.

I found a crow with a broken wing and brought it home. I kept it for many years. It learned to say “Hi.” Crows are very smart birds.

One year for Christmas, my mom gave me a five-foot boa constrictor. She knew me.

So I started learning about animals from that. The rest I learned by caring for animals at the museum, the hard way.

What animals did you work with during your years at the museum?

We raised everything from mountain lions and bears to birds —every songbird you can imagine. I raised hummingbirds from hatchlings.

They would fly to my finger and I’d feed them with an eyedropper. It was neat. It sends chills down your back when that happens.

24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

Let’s talk turkey since Thanksgiving is coming up. Are turkeys native to California?

They’re not natives. They were brought into California in the late 1870s by some people in the Channel Islands, I think to the Santa Cruz area. They all got blown away (making a shotgun motion with arms). Fish and Game, now Fish and Wildlife, began introducing them again early in the 20th century.

What did your readers think about finding wild turkeys in their neighborhoods?

About half the people wanted to feed them and half wanted them gone. They leave a pile like a dog and eat everything from blades of grass to flowers, so they aren’t always welcome.

In the wild, they are sleek birds and fly. But in your backyard, they have plenty to eat and they get plump. Still, even the big ones can fly. They usually sleep on low branches of trees. And the males are cuckoo. They are not the brightest birds in the bunch.

AMERICAN PACIFIC MORTGAGE Where can wild turkeys be found locally?

They move around so you can’t always find them. I used to see them in the open space behind my house, but I haven’t seen any recently. Maybe they are down at the state park.

Skunks are pretty common in Benicia. How can people avoid getting sprayed?

As long as you don’t move too fast, you should be OK. I’ve had them come up and sniff my ankles when I’m watering in the evening.

They have some benefits. They eat snails, they eat slugs. If you’re a gardener, they’re helpful.

How can you prevent pets from being sprayed?

Taking your dog out on a leash is a good way. Most repellants work—the sprays and powders. You can go down to Ace in the pest control area and find them there.

How do you suggest coping with squirrels in your yard?

Don’t feed them. You can get bird feeders that are squirrelresistant.

I have garden boxes in my yard that we usually plant —not this year because of the water situation. But on the opposite corners, I plant 10-foot sunflowers, Mammoth Greys, two in each box. They have big stalks and big flowers, full of seeds.

Squirrels come in and feed on that and leave the rest of the garden alone.

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What do you recommend for dealing with rats?

Roof rats are common here and they eat fruit. They’ll eat the inside of an orange and leave the skin and eat the skin of lemons. So you can usually tell when you have roof rats if you have citrus trees.

I don’t recommend poisoning because other animals, including pets, can eat the carcasses and that poisons them.

If you need to get rid of rats, trapping is best.

Raccoons are often seen locally as well.

Any advice about raccoons?

Don’t feed them. There’s plenty of natural food for them.

They’re not starving to death.

They catch rodents and can get into your garbage cans.

They can figure out how to use cat doors faster than any cat can. They’ll come in and they’ll go through your cabinets. They like Cheerios. They’re very smart.

A normal raccoon in the wild weighs about 17-18 pounds. In town, where they’re eating the same food as well do, I’ve seen them up to 50 pounds.

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What can people do to attract more wildlife?

Plant trees to attract birds. Build rock piles for birds and lizards, and make sure your bird feeders are not near a spot where cats can hide and pounce.

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How much time do you spend out in the wild these days?

As much as I can. I like to go for walks. I like to go down to the state park, and on weekends, Lois and I like to walk through the old parts of town.

Wills • Trusts • Family Law Estate Planning & Administration Personal Injury • DUI Real Estate • Probate

Gizzi & Reep, LLP 940 Adams St., Suite A 707.748.0900

www.SolanoLawGroup.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

Guide TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS

SPOTLIGHT ON

BUON APPETITO

Intimate dining at this downtown eatery serving contemporary Italian cuisine. Try the Risotto special for a dinner treat, or a variety of scaloppini favorites.

191 Military East #F, Benicia

707.746.7410 buonappetitorestuarant.net

BENICIA GRILL Family-style food with an extensive menu.

Come with an appetite—serving sizes are generous. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room or on the patio.

4760 E Second Street, Benicia, 707.751.0155 beniciagrill.com CAMELLIA TEA ROOM Located in a beautifully restored Victorian building with ornate dining room, Camellia Tea serves traditional afternoon tea, along with lunch and desserts, all made fresh daily.

828 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.5293 camelliatearoom.com JAVA POINT CAFÉ With a street-side plaza strewn with tables, this popular café, known for their freshly made breakfast and lunch options, often has a line out the door.

366 First Street, Benicia, 707.745.1449 LITTLE THAI Pad Thai, savory soups and fresh, inventive salads and curry dishes along with other Thai favorites, served in a casual atmosphere.

870 Southampton Road Benicia, 707.747.9777 LUCCA BAR & GRILL The warm, urban décor with a friendly atmosphere lures diners in, and they are not disappointed.

Small bites, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room, bar and street-side tables.

439 First Street, #102, Benicia, 707.745.0943 luccabar.com

26 • Benicia Magazine Restaurant Guide

MATSURI SUSHI Favorite standby fresh Nigiri, sushi rolls and tempura are available along with specialty rolls, salads and sake. Lunch & Dinner.

920 First Street #102, Benicia, 707.747.1585 NINE O SEVEN GRILL Fresh American cuisine with a Mexican flair is served in this upscale café with a heated outdoor patio in the back, or at street-side tables. The fish tacos are legendary.

907 First Street Benicia, 707.745.0505 907grill.com PALERMOS CUCINA ITALIANA Italian specialties at Palermos Cucina Italiana on Columbus Pkwy and Venticellos downtown.

Pastas, soup, salads, meats and seafood.

Lunch & dinner.

2050 Columbus Pkwy, Benicia, 707.748.1011 palermosbenicia.com ROOKIES SPORTS BAR & GRILL This casual sports bar and full-service, familystyle restaurant serves lunch, bar snacks and dinner. It’s pub-grub meets fi ne cuisine: salads, sandwiches, burgers and sensational sweet potato fries. Sunday Breakfast.

321 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.7665 rookiesbenicia.com ROSIE’S CAFÉ This sweet little roadside diner serves full breakfast and lunch options of hearty American fare. Try the biscuits & gravy or grits, and the homemade soups and chili.

3001 Bayshore, Benicia, 707.745.1154 cafebenicia.com

THE RELLIK TAVERN Live music and community events keep this upscale tavern hopping. Food offerings, ordered by iPad, include tasty tapas and a huge selection of specialty beers on tap.

726 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.1137 therelliktavern.com SAILOR JACKS Fine dining at its best with a spectacular view of the Carquinez Strait with terrific breakfast, lunch and dinner options served in a rustic, intimate atmosphere.

123 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.8500 sailor-jacks.com SANDOVAL’S MEXICAN FOOD The fun décor and good food make this Benicia institution a local family favorite.

Try the shrimp, chicken or steak fajitas; the salsa gets rave reviews.

601 First Street, Benicia, 707.746.7830 THE WORKSHOP This popular take-out spot serves up seriously delicious New Orleans-style dishes. Morning Beignets lead into lunch options of hot sandwiches and fresh made soups and sides.

511 Claverie Way, Benicia 707.7476028 VENTICELLOS Italian specialties at Venticellos downtown and at Palermos Cucina Italiana on Columbus Pkwy.

Pastas, soup, salads, meats and seafood. Lunch and dinner; weekend brunch at Venticellos.

911 First Street, Benicia, 707.747.5263 venticellos.com

Veterans Day Honored in Benicia

By Elizabeth d’Huart, Executive Director, Benicia Historical Museum Photo courtesy Benicia Historical Museum Veterans Day is a national holiday set aside November 11, to honor all who have served or are serving in the U.S. military. It's often confused with Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor all who have died during a war in which the U.S. was involved. It was first observed in 1921, and started out as Armistice Day, in commemoration of those who served in the First World War. The name change occurred during Eisenhower’s presidency so as to include veterans from World War II. Also known as Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, it marks the anniversary of the cessation of hostilities between Germany and the allies of England, France and the United States, which occurred November 11, 1918, at 11am.

In honor of Veterans Day, I’ve chosen this action-packed, official World War II Army photograph that is amongst a collection recently donated to the museum from the archives of Josephine Cowell, who authored the book Benicia Arsenal. Note the official Benicia Arsenal stamp on the bottom right and the word “restricted,” bottom left. Taken in August of 1942, it shows the Benicia Arsenal dock where civilian stevedores are loading small arms ammunition, and transferring 500-pound bombs directly from the rail cars onto transport ships. Although official, it is not posed, and captures a

feeling of urgent, organized industry—perhaps this is why I find it so fascinating—the intense “you are there” quality leaps from the page.

Based on the information we have, this picture probably would have been taken by a uniformed photographer who would also have been employed to produce the hundreds of publicly released “propaganda” photos that fueled the powerful American media blitz that contributed so much to the war effort here and abroad.

The Museum is in possession of many of these publicity and other photos that form a marvelous visual record of the Arsenal products produced, repaired, packed and shipped from Benicia, as well as images of the men and women who worked here, civilians and officers alike. The Museum is currently preparing its World War II Benicia Arsenal exhibit, A Call to Arms—Benicia Arsenal in WWII, scheduled for spring of 2015. We would very much appreciate hearing from those who can lend us any of those family photos, documents, manuals, uniforms and other artifacts to illustrate and personalize this important story about Benicia’s own Arsenal contributions to American history. I can’t think of a better way to honor our veterans and our own Arsenal’s heroic role in World War II.

Backwards Glance

BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

November Calendar of Events

11/1-12/4 Downtown Holiday Shopping Spree

11/9 Veterans Appreciation Day 1-5pm

11/15 Christmas Craft Faire

11/22 Earlier Than The Bird 9am-noon

11/7 Ghost Walk

11/27 Thanksgiving Day

11/28 Benicia Christmas Tree Lot 10am-7pm Daily

11/8 Senior Winter Craft Fair 9am-noon

Get one ticket for every $10 spent downtown Enter tickets to win $500 Downtown Dollars prize!

Downtown Benicia beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

11/1-11/31 Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers:

A Legacy of Historical Artistry

Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

11/2-11/8 BOTTG Presents Dial M For Murder

Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J Street beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269 Spooky tales of Benicia's paranormal history Visitbenicia.org 707.745.9791

Handmade crafts, free admission Sponsored by Parks & Community Services Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St. Jill Winn, jwynn@ci.benicia.ca.us 707.746.4772

11/8 Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm

Downstairs at the Library 150 East L Street 707.746.4343

Scan for more listings 28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

Hamburgers, hotdogs & live music Sponsored by Downtown Benicia Alliance Benicia City Park, First and Military West Streets

Handcrafted gifts, tasty treats of the season Benefits Benicia Community Action Council The Gateway, 1315 Military West 707.745.5683

Get a jumpstart on your downtown holiday shopping Downtown First Street Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Fresh cut trees, wreaths & garlands Noble, Grand & Douglas Fir Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

11/29 Small Business Saturday Take part in the “Shop Small” movement Support local merchants/local economy Start your holiday shopping in Benicia

11/30 Teddy Bear Tea Party

Bring your teddy bear and enjoy the fun!

Reservations required, 707.746.5293 Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

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Benicia Main Street & Participating Merchants Present..

Jump start your holiday shopping Saturday, November 22, 9am to 12pm Jump out of bed, head downtown with friends and family, and get a jump start on holiday shopping!

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

BIG SAVINGS

SAVE THE DATE!

on a Pre-Season System Tune-Up!

Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) agencies purchase and/or develop clean electricity on behalf of residents, businesses, and municipal accounts and PG&E delivers that electricity, maintains the energy grid, and provides customer service and billing.

The City of Benicia has made application to join the Marin Clean Energy (MCE) CCA. If the City Council votes to join, Benicia residents and businesses will automatically be included in the program unless they opt out during a 5 month notification process. The City Council has requested additional independent financial and legal risk assessment of a Membership Analysis completed by MCE for the City indicating that if Benicia joined MCE it could result in reduced electricity rates and greenhouse gas emissions. At this meeting, the City Council will review the independent analyses of MCE’s report and discuss whether the City should join MCE. The City Council is seeking community input on pros and cons of joining MCE. Copies of the reports are posted on the City’s web site at http://benicia.siretechnologies.com/sirepub/meetresults.aspx.

your pre-season home comfort tune-up

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Unable to join us?

View the live feed of the meeting on Cable Channel 27 or visit the following websites for a video recording of the meeting and additional related information:

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645-0734

www.ci.benicia.ca.us • www.SustainableBenicia.org

IA

PLUMBIN G

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BUSD PARENT EDUCATION SERIES INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

“PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE...”

ES

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When: Tuesday, November 4, 8:00 P.M. Where: City Council Chambers, 250 East L Street, Benicia CA

LISH E D 1

9

City Council Meeting on Proposal to Join the MCE Community Choice Aggregation Program

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30 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

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