Benicia Magazine November

In Celebration of the Great American Gobbler Get-ready Guide to the Season Tips, Ideas and Time-savers On Family and Tradition: An Interview with Peggy Fulton

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9 10

Inside Happening in November

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Out on a Wing: The Comedy & Tragedy of the True American Bird

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Cover styled by Margaret Bowles Cover photo by Jerry Bowles Contributors

Photographer Graphic Design

This month at beniciamagazine.com

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Holiday Get-ready Guide

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Ten Tips for an Easy and Stylish Thanksgiving Of Apples, Creativity and Balance Building a Better Cheese Board

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Publisher

Jerry Bowles Margaret Bowles Jeanne Steinmann Polygon Publishing, LLC

Ad Sales: 707.853.5226 editor@beniciamagazine.com Printed locally with soy ink Please recycle PO Box 296, Benicia, CA 94510 T 707.853.5226 • F 707.745.6757

Interview with Peggy Fulton

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Arts Benicia's Edges of Light Exhibit

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Birds of a Feather Flock to Fashion

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Museum Sponsors Christmas Tree Lot

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Tourism Program Pays Dividends

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Benicia Magazine

Editor

Samuel J. Adams DeWitt Cheng Amalia Lorentz Mary Marino Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

Ad changes/editorial deadlines: the 1st of the prior issue month New ads: the 8th of the month editor@beniciamagazine.com Follow us on Facebook & Twitter All opinions expressed in this magazine, including articles and paid advertisements, are those of the authors alone. Ad positions near articles or other ads are not intended as endorsements for any product, service, opinion, or political affiliation.

From the Editor Dear Readers; Welcome to our November issue! After a short, delayed blast of summer heat, which happily ripened some of the green tomatoes still hanging on the vine, the light is waning, the chill of fall has presented itself and the holiday season looms large—quite a rapid transition.

The past couple of months we initiated a full-court press to readers to support local nonprofits by attending their fundraising events.

Readers responded: Benicia Rotary’s Expanding Experiences (helping at-risk youth,) Art’s Benicia’s Art Auction, Main Street’s Fashion Runway show, the Historical Museum’s Concert Series and others sold out or came very close to it. In light of recent, steep City budget cuts, it is make-or-break-it time for these organizations. These nonprofits provide events that encompass the visual and performing arts, vibrant downtown and historical perspective that make Benicia unique, and the entertainment they offer rivals any in the Bay Area, enhancing our quality of life.

In addition to showcasing events, the interactivity between print and our recently rebuilt website continues to grow and serve the community in myriad ways. If you haven’t checked out beniciamagazine.com, there’s a wealth of information—it expands what we are able to do

in print and then some. There are over 100 calendar postings each month featuring events, school information, sports practice and game schedules, civic meetings and more with a list of what’s happening each day. If you click on an event you’ll get a summary view, click on the summary and you’ll get a full page of detail.

We’ve launched our first e-newsletter, Weekends, which you can sign up for online and receive in your email twice a month. Our blogs and web-exclusives enable us to track timely community information. The Business Directory has a huge database of over 800 business listings by category, with a Google map and directions. You can email a photo to be featured on the site or enter contests for high-end merchandise or services. Finally, the Travel section has articles and tips on navigating the Wine Country and Lake Tahoe.

In this issue, we hope you’ll be inspired by our features on home and Thanksgiving table décor, and recipes and tips for a stylish holiday—with more on the website.

As always, we welcome your continued feedback, suggestions for interview candidates, ideas, and tips on stories. In our January issue, we’ll begin a new section for letters to the editor so we can highlight reader response. Enjoy the season!

—Jeanne Steinmann editor@beniciamagazine.com Editor with Art Auction bidder Karen Johnson

Calendar of Events

November 11/4-11/26 Capitol & FischerHanlon House Guided Tours 1-4pm

11/20

11/5-11/6

11/20

Head start on holiday shopping, register your “wish list” Downtown Benicia Stores beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Capitol tour 1-4pm, Fischer-Hanlon tour, 2pm Thursdays and Fridays

BOTTG Production “Fences” 8pm Captures hope & disillusionment of African-Americans in ‘50’s B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J Street beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269

11/10

Teen Movie Night “Day of the Dead” 6-8pm

Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm

11/20

11/22-24

Scott Harben / SEE Pictures

11/17

Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm

Library Dona Benicia Room, 150 East L Street benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

11/18

Celia Fushille, Artistic & Executive Director

11/26-28

20th Annual Nutcracker Ballet 2 & 7pm Benicia Ballet Theatre Hogan High, 850 Rosewood, Valllejo www.benicia-ballet.org 707.746.6757

11/28

Community Blood Drive 1-5pm Donors must be 17+, good health, weigh 110 lbs+ First Baptist Church, 1055 Southampton Road 707.745.0899

Thanksgiving Break Camp 7am-6:30pm

Activities, games, arts & crafts, etc.

Elementary & middle school kids Youth Center, 150 East K Street, 707.746.4771

Museum Local Author Book Fair Museum Christmas tree lot opens 11/26 beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 2020 Camel Road 707.745.5435

Vallejo Symphony “Paris to Vienna” 8pm

Bizet’s Symphony in C Brahms’ Concerto for Piano No. 1 in D Hogan Auditorium, 850 Rosewood Avenue, Vallejo 707.643.4441

Benicia Library, 150 East L Street benicialibrary.org 707.745.4770

11/14

Stone Hall Concert Series Presents Golden Bough 8pm

Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Library Dona Benicia Room 150 East L Street benicialibrary.org 746.4343

11/13

Earlier Than the Bird 7-10am

11/28

Teddy Bear Tea Party

Join the festivities & bring your teddy bear along!

Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street, 707.746.5293 beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Festa das Contas Portuguese Cultural Event B.D.E.S. Hall 140 West J Street 707.745.0285

Over 100 Calendar listings at beniciamagazine.com

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Talking Turkey About the True American Bird

By Samuel J. Adams

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Benicia Magazine

It was Benjamin Franklin who, despite having unparalleled alacrity in the fields of electricity, eyewear, and diplomacy, spuriously thought the national bird should have been a turkey. Franklin believed the Bald Eagle to be a bird of “bad moral character,” and, moreover, “a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District.” (sic) This opinion shows either that for all his genius Franklin came up short when it came to marketing the American character, or that he detected something strange at the heart of the American soul—why else would he represent history’s most vital democratic project as a bird which, casting endearing gobble and delicious breast meat aside, looks to some like an obese dirty-feathered burn victim?

Because the Turkey, he writes, is “a bird of courage.”

Well, selflessness certainly applies (especially on holidays), but “courage” seems to be pushing it; the living turkeys this writer has seen are usually glimpsed in the middle of their unnecessary retreat. But according to Franklin, the wittiest and most avuncular of American greats, the turkey “would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his farm yard with a red coat on.” This might be hyperbolic: as an avid student of U.S. History, I find it unlikely that I slept through lectures on any bloody turkey-led campaigns.

It should be acknowledged now that the Franklin anecdote derives from a letter he wrote to his daughter, and that the whole bird bit was mainly a jab at the Society of the Cincinnati. But good jokes contain kernels of truths, and we would be foolish to dismiss Franklin’s esteem for the bird. Yes, the turkey is a little loud and obnoxious (its gobble can carry over a mile), but it is also a highly contributive one, an endemic American species, and a creature which most of us will likely munch on at some point during the most iconic American holiday, Thanksgiving. The bald eagle, on the other hand, is a princely, snooty creature that steals fish from smaller birds, and was formerly indebted to government programs for its survival. How American is that?

Moreover, the turkey birds Franklin wrote of were fowl of a feather decidedly different from your run-ofthe-mill sandwich-stuffers’. He was speaking of the wild

turkeys—alert, nimble birds that roost in trees and can fly over 55 mph (a speed domestic turkeys only reach after being chopped up and vacuum-sealed). Wild turkeys are a sight: an improbable ontological collision between a dinosaur and the feather dusters favored

by French maids. A driver encountering one of their unseemly huddles on a country road will experience a range of emotions: first confusion (what the heck are those?), anger (what the heck are they doing in the road?) and finally, a sense of kindly superiority gained from examining just how funny those creatures look.

Well, the hens look funny. The male turkeys look like homely old turkeys, bulbous red wattles and all.

Of course, it is not these lean woodsy birds your average American thinks of when they hear the word, “turkey.”

For most of us, it is the domestic turkey that struts through the forefront of our nation’s consciousness.

That’s rather unfortunate, and bleakly ironic, because a rather unwholesome amount of factory-farmed, “Broad Breasted Whites” have their de-beaked mouths crammed so full of feed that they’re unable to walk, much less strut, or, for that matter, fly. This article began lightheartedly, and so it will not deeply delve into this disturbing issue at length, but if you’re worried, there’s plenty of information on the internet to worry you more. If you’re not worried, then you are implored to order a Turducken, which is a turkey stuffed with a chicken-stuffed duck. It is also available on the internet.

Thankfully, not all domestic turkeys are freakish mutants, and some of them have even been pretty enough to receive major media attention. Since 1989, Domestic Turkeys have held a key role in the White House’s National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation, popularly known as the “turkey pardon.” Every year, a big prize turkey is brought before a president who pets it and scores some face time before officially pardoning it.

Bush Sr. made the tradition official, but it had an informal history before him. Kennedy made some quips about sparing him, and so did Regan. Eisenhower, however, was a man of military valor and temperament, and he enjoyed his photogenic turkeys the traditional way—with a fork.

Talking Turkey continued on page 17

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Holiday

Get-ready Guide

15 Tips for an Easy & Stylish November For the home: — Add instant texture to a room with a luxurious throw in the colors of the season, in velvet, chenille, or soft wool.

— Freshen the air and beautify rooms with a vase of fresh, aromatic herbs.

— With the waning light, candles placed throughout your home add a touch of romance.

— Bring in the rich hues of fall with accent pillows – an inexpensive update with big punch.

— Transform a space with one great lamp and the soft glow of a fluorescent bulb.

— Help guests feel welcome with a lightweight robe, throw-away slippers and a couple of good books.

For the Thanksgiving table: — Blend the new with the old: use your grandmother’s china with newer dishes.

— From local interior designer Michael Trahan: Brighten up the deeper colors of the fall palette by making seasonal fruit the focal point. Fill two large jars with pomegranates, lemons, or Granny Smith, Fuji and Gala apples.

— Use your good silver, but don’t spend time polishing (except utensils) – the patina gives the table a rustic feel.

— Let your kids set the table. With a few basic guidelines, their creativity will shine.

— Use familiar items in different ways: — Put a cloth napkin, folded in half lengthwise, across the middle of a placemat for visual interest & color.

— For a unique centerpiece, fill one small pottery vase, small ice bucket or glass jar with silverware and another with rolled-up napkins.

— Use an old quilt, as the French do, as a colorful tablecloth for the dining room table.

— Update your tableware with great local finds. Benicia shops have new, used and antique serving dishes, glasses, napkins, place settings and silverware and more.

Resources Benicia’s many retail shops and antique & consignment stores are full of great finds for reasonable prices. From budget-friendly items to investment art, Studio 41 is the go-to source for tableware, candles, gourmet food items and gifts, handcrafted & made in America. First Street, Arsenal and Southampton shops carry candles, table & home accessories. Try Hip Chick Designs or Consignment Arsenal for great vintage bargains. Kindred Spirits, Honeysuckle Rose and Blue Goose Antiques have a wide range of antique options to personalize your home and table. Find colorful throw pillows and unique lamps at IronHorse Home Furnishings. Lindsay Art Glass has hand-blown glass vases and one-of-a-kind lampshades. Bookshop Benicia carries both new AND used books. B

Teddy Bear Teas

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Sunday, November 28th & Sunday, December 5th 10:30am, 1:00 pm and 3:30pm.

Holiday-themed Traditional Afternoon Tea, costumed characters, storytelling, singing and a visit from a very special guest from the North Pole. $45 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Reservations and advance payment required, 707-746-5293.

Camellia Tea Room 828 First Street • Downtown Benicia • 707.746.5293 Open Tues-Sun 11am-4pm www.camelliatearoom.com 8

Benicia Magazine

Open Every Day 700 First St., Benicia, CA 94510 707-745-0254 www.studio41.com

Of Apples, Creativity and Balance

By Jeanne Steinmann In this difficult economy, most of us are working harder to make ends meet and balance is elusive. Expressing creativity is one way I stay centered. Last month, I managed to carve out an entire afternoon to visit Sebastopol with my daughter and buy 25 pounds of apples from a local farm. My intention was to make several apple pies and freeze them. Predictably, there was no time. A month went by—apples still in the box. Although they were only $1 per lb, I felt guilty about letting them go to waste. One early morning, a childhood memory came floating back—a wonderful memory of apple butter steaming fragrantly away on my best friend’s mom’s stove. I arose early, found a couple of recipes on the internet and started cooking.

Homemade apple butter does double duty as a holiday gift. Below are two recipes—the slow way tastes better but both are a treat. Use as a sandwich spread, on pancakes & waffles, and as an accompaniment to meats, particularly pork. The creativity comes into play by decorating the extra jars and giving them away as hostess gifts; and altering the recipe to suit my personal taste and the memories of a kind-hearted neighbor’s technique—a warm childhood experience indeed. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

The Slow Way (In both recipes, add more spice as needed.)

4 pounds fresh apples cut into 2 inch pieces (don’t peel or core) 1 cup apple cider vinegar 2-3 cups water, enough to cover 1/3 of the apples 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 tbsp ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground allspice Zest & juice of one lemon Quarter cup of Calvados (optional) 1. In a large pot, cook apples, water & vinegar over high heat until boiling.

2. Reduce heat to medium-low heat and cook until soft, about 35 minutes.

3. Put the fruit & liquid through a strainer & discard the separated skin & seeds.

4. Put the apple pulp, spice and lemon juice back into the cooking pot. Bring to a boil, add Calvados.

5. Cook the mixture over medium-low, stirring every 15 minutes, for 6 hours or until thick and brown. (Do not let the mixture stick. When finished it should be thicker than applesauce.)

6. Pour into clean jars & refrigerate, use within two weeks.

The Fast Way 1. Peel, cut & core the apples. Follow steps 1 & 2 above.

2. In a food processor, pulse mixture for a few seconds until the size of small peas. Don’t overprocess!

3. Add the rest of the ingredients in a large pot & cook over medium-high heat.

4. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until thicker than applesauce—about an hour. Do not allow mixture to stick. Follow step 6 above. B

Building a Better Cheese Board The cheese platter, that ubiquitous party standby, runs the gamut from precut squares of tasteless cheddar to elaborate combinations of unheard of specimens.

Here’s a guideline to producing a simple and delicious pairing of cheese and fruit that’s an easy, fun and visually appealing main course meal, pre-game snack or party platter.

1.

Start with three types of cheese: soft, semi-soft and hard, of different colors and texture. When possible, choose artisanal cheeses made in California – there are many options available. Good choices for hard cheeses include Dry Jack, Manchego, Gruyere and Parmegiano Regiano. For semi-soft, try an aged white or yellow cheddar, blue cheese or fresh Mozzarella. For soft varieties, there are many different types of good Brie, Camembert, or Teleme; or for a tangier taste, try a log of Teleme, or for a tangier taste, a log of plain or flavored goat cheese. Serve the cheese at room temperature.

2. Slice the hard cheeses and semi-soft cheeses but leave soft varieties whole.

3. Pick a theme: Use locally produced varieties such as Cowgirl Creamery, Redwood Hill, or Point Reyes Farmstead—choose three you’ve never had before; ask three friends for their favorite variety; go with all white cheeses, green fruit and hand-crafted, crusty brown bread—or come up with your own.

4. Add fresh fruit in season: Apples, pears, figs, grapes, kiwi, melons, berries and more 5. Sprinkle in: A handful of dried cranberries or currants 6. Mix in some nuts: Pecans, walnuts, almonds or cashews 7. Serve with: Sliced baguette, crusty fresh-baked brown breads or plain, substantial crackers 8. For the dinner option: Add sliced salami and/or other sliced meats and a handful of gourmet olives 9. Make sure you have a small knife for spreadable cheese 10. Garnish with a large sprig of your favorite fresh herb Choose an appropriately sized platter to accommodate your selections. Give your imagination and creativity free reign–there are no rules here! It’s hard not to make cheese and fruit attractive. Place the cheese first, with plenty of space around each. If using meat, add that next. Then place the fruit, crackers and bread. Sprinkle in or mound nuts and dried fruit in small amounts. Garnish with the herb sprig and enjoy! B

For more great Fall recipes visit beniciamagazine.com.

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An Interview with

Peggy Fulton

By Sue Sumner-Moore The dog-eared calendar shows smiling kids on top, while every square below is overflowing with soccer practices, art docent sessions, work schedules, church activities, sailing, dental and doctor appointments, sport camps, assorted meetings, schedules for three schools, book club get-togethers, upcoming holiday gatherings – sound familiar?

For many, this is everyday life – and that’s why Peggy Fulton insists there’s nothing unique about her. The 12-year Benicia resident is a part-time teacher with three kids, two cats, a husband who works as an engineer, and a keen appreciation for them all.

She also treasures friends from her many community activities, and admires those who work to improve Benicia and its schools.

“There are so many people doing so many amazing things to reinvest in this community – it’s inspiring,” she says. “I know I can’t do everything, but I try to do a little in a lot of areas.”

Flexibility is key with the holidays looming.

“I’m just fluid,” says Peggy, 45. “Some years things happen, some years, they don’t.”

That ability to adapt served her and her family well as they worked through job transitions during the economic downturn.

“The reality is that the economy has hit everybody in different ways. It’s a healthy wake-up call – it’s OK for the kids to see that we’re considering every penny and where it goes. In a lot of ways, I’m appreciative of having to readjust,” says Peggy.

“And our community completely pulled together with referrals. I just felt totally supported by that.”

Peggy and her husband, Dean, met while attending UC Davis. They have three children: Jake, 14, at BHS; Andrew, 12, at BMS; and Kara, 7, at Mary Farmar Elementary. When they gather for Thanksgiving, one thing is certain: Pink Salad will be on the table.

Pictured: Three generations: Beth Holden, Kara and Peggy Fulton

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Benicia Magazine

What Thanksgiving traditions do you try to keep every year?

What volunteer work have you done over the years?

Thanksgiving is all about the food. When I was growing up, my great-aunt always brought a molded Jello salad. That was our tradition.

In the Fulton family, the tradition is Dean’s mom’s Pink Salad. It’s got Jello, whipped cream, walnuts, pineapple, and frozen strawberries. She had it in the dorm when she was at Montana State, and she worked on duplicating the recipe.

His sisters never liked it, but my kids do, so we always have to have Pink Salad. There are so many ways of updating the rest of the menu, but the Jello is going to stay the same.

After I took BERT (emergency response) training in 2002, I realized that when an emergency hit, I wouldn’t just be at home – I’d be at my kids’ schools. So I solicited donations from the community and helped get emergency packs when my sons were at Henderson. Other mothers have taken that on and are doing just a much better job.

I was an art docent off and on for nine years at Henderson and Mary Farmar. I still am an art docent for Kara’s 2nd-grade class at Mary Farmar.

I’m helping – just helping connect all the pieces, nothing big – with getting the T-shirts designed for the Race for Education.

I now have three soccer players, and I manage Andrew’s soccer team. He plays for the Arsenal Under-13 team, so we spend two months traveling just about every weekend. Both boys play baseball, too.

I also help teach for the Water Education Program run by Sue Alfeld-Frost. …

All these other women do the big things. I just do little things. … There are lots of ways to connect up. … There are lots of ways to overlap with different groups.

What’s the key to making your day-to-day life work?

I like simplicity. ... Sometimes we have homemade meals and sometimes we have Costco potstickers. I’m all about balance.

What brought you to Benicia?

We both grew up in one community, and we knew that’s what we wanted for our kids – to grow up in one place. I grew up in Santa Rosa and Dean grew up in Newport Beach, so he really felt the pull of the water. I didn’t get it then, but now I do.

Jake was two when we moved here from Vacaville and I left my teaching job in Vallejo at the same time.

That whole thing about community has always been important to me. … Even at 18, I realized I had an interest in community and the whole idea of connectedness. My major was applied behavior sciences and I studied the connections between the child, the community and education.

How did you make connections here?

When I got here, I was letting go of all my professional connections, letting go of all my Vacaville connections, and focusing on being a mom. So I was going to La Leche, St. Dominic’s Mom’s Group, and FEMALE ( F o r m e r l y Employed Moms At the Leading Edge). The St. Dominic’s Mom’s Group was my lifeline when I got here. They were my support group and we’re still friends all these years later. They brought me meals when Andrew was born and they’re still part of my life.

Then my kids went into Noah’s Ark and then on to school and I started volunteering there.

You make time for a book club.

What do you like to read?

I like to read fiction, historical fiction– something of substance, with good characters.

Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner is my all-time favorite book. I just read The Help and I liked it.

A favorite of ours is City of Thieves–it’s a great, cross-genre book.

I do love the book club. It sort of evolved from the St. Dominic Mom’s group. We were finding it harder and harder to see each other. So the book club meets once a month and we read a variety of books. We make time to come together, and we do remember to talk about the book. When I come home, my kids always ask me if we talked about the book.

What’s your passion these days?

I really love capturing an image with a photograph. I’m compelled to take a picture. If I see really good light, I have to stop and take a photograph. I drive my kids crazy. …

It started with the Henderson auction. They encouraged people to donate and I didn’t know what I could donate. But I had inherited a camera and I thought I could do black-and-white portraits. It’s grown from that, mostly through word of mouth.

What would you do during your perfect day?

I feel like I have a lot of perfect days. I lead a simple life. … It doesn’t have to be a monumental day to be perfect. But I do wish my vegetables would grow (staring out her back window and sighing).

I guess my perfect day would be waking up, going for a run, sharing meals with those I care about–I’d love to have someone else do my laundry.

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. B

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Community Endorsements — Partial list through 10/12/10 Organizations Benicia Chamber of Commerce Benicia Education Foundation Benicia High School PTSA Benicia Middle School PTSA Benicia Women’s Club Democratic Central Committee Joe Henderson Elementary PTG Mary Farmar Elementary PTA Matthew Turner Elementary PTA Robert Semple Elementary PTG

Benicia City Council Elizabeth Patterson Alan Schwartzman Mark Hughes Mike Ioakimedes Tom Campbell

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Benicia Magazine

Benicia School Board Rosie Switzer Andre Stewart Bonnie Weidel Steve Messina School Superintendent & Principals Janice Adams Barbara Sanders Carin Garton Jane Abelee Gary Dias Gary Jensen Susan Hutchinson Wendy Smith

Parents, Teachers & Community Members Benicia Magazine Abdoulay Diaw Aileen Zurawski Alana Wirth Alma Cowley Amber Kelly Amy Carpenter Aniela Travers Ann Hansen Annie Lloyd Anthony Shannon Audrey Fry Andrew Urban Annabel Fraser Hurlburt Anne Hahn-Smith Art LaRiviere Barbara Bosworth Barbara Weaver Lloyd Becky Ross Betty Jensen

Bev Emery Bill Harsh Bob Livesay Bobbie Cravalho Braley Webb Brian Harkins Brita Bautin Brittany Buchel Bud Donaldson Cande Medrano Carol Puza Carolyn Cadloni Cathy Barangan Cathy Wright Cecelia Cowles Cheryl Nelson Chris Carvalho Chris Chiodo Christi Tenret Christian Whitty Christina Moore Christina Sogar

Christine Fisher Christine Kelly Mitchell Christine Mealey Christine Stevens Christopher Wallace Cindy Pederson Cheryl Nelson Cliff Nelson Colleen Dillon Castillo Corin Calica Craig Hall Dale Harrington Daniel Bruce Danielle Carr Danyelle Bjornstad Daraius Tata Darrell Doi Darrell Haber David Elmore David Stickney Dawson Urban Deb Campbell

Debbie Habegger Dean Fulton Dean Habegger Debbie Norman Delando Pegan Delura Wilson Denise Herman Dennis Rainer Desiree Jannson Diann Danska Don Kerr Don Emery Donna Feingold Donna Glassford Doug Sprague Doug Wirth Druscilla Wibben Erlyn Fukushima Ed Zabrek Elizabeth Jack Ellen Blaufarb Emmett McDowell

?M PI^M OZMI\ [KPWWT[ *MVQKQI LWV \ TM\ \PI\ KPIVOM Measure C benefits EVERYONE. $58 per year adds up to approximately $600,000 annually.

This will partially offset massive State budget cuts to education. It provides LOCAL CONTROL to support programs now in jeopardy. Senior citizens are eligible for exemption if they so desire. Exemption application available now at BUSD Office at 350 East K Street.

Communities with parcel taxes maintain higher property values! .WZ UWZM QVNWZUI\QWV ^Q[Q\"

___ ;]XXWZ\*MVQKQI;KPWWT[ KWU If you haven't yet mailed m your absentee ab ballot, please deliver it to any polling place on ÂœĂ›i“LiÀÊÓ°Ê It is TOO late to mail it.

Support Benicia Schools, P.O. Box 774, Benicia Facebook/Support Benicia Schools nĂˆĂˆÂ°ĂˆĂŽÂŁÂ°Ă‡xääÊUĂŠ >“>ˆ}Â˜ĂŠ ʛ£ÎÓnĂ“ĂˆĂŽĂˆĂŽ Paid for by Support Benicia Schools Committee for Measure C

5MI[]ZM + Eric Jacobson Erica Cross Ernest Holguin Frances Harkins Gayle Ioakimedes Gayle Vaughn Gary Wing Gee Han Gerd Ruhl Gerry Puza Grace Doi Gretchen Burgess Guy Lugliani Haddon Zia Heather Pierini Helaine Bowles Ian Carpenter Iona Morgan Ivania C. Martin Jacie Siino James Avery Jan Morgan Jan Rogenski Jan Vanderwerf

Jan West Jason Lopez Jeanne Steinmann Jennifer Beal Jennifer Franz Jennifer Lassahn Jennifer Moore-McDowell Jenny Foley Jerome Page Jerry Hayes Jerry Stumbo Jerry Tenret Jill Eisenberg-Ray Jim Trimble Joey Baker John Bunch John Galvin John Hertia John Lloyd John Lloyd John Lovett John McGuire John Kolkebeck

Judith Barrall Judith Phillips Judith Tata Judy Bowles Judy Gizzi Julie Chiodo Julie Pebler Julie Seymour Julie Rosenthal Karen Freeman Karen LaRiviere Karen Love Karen Thompson Kari Birdseye Kari Diaw Kary Stickney Kathleen Hertia Kathleen Lugliani Kathy Jacobs Kathy Myers Keith Rogenski Kenedy Whitman Kenny Sogar Kerry Degavre

Kerry Fisher Kevin Fessenden Kim Cooper Kim DeFay Kristin Jacobson Kristin Stumbo Laura Spangler Laura Woodland Laurie Key Lee Syracuse Lee Wilder Snider Leslie A Gray Leslie Keating Leslie Rowley Linda Barron Linda Cole Linda Tremain Lisa Burton Lisa Johnson Lisa Koenen Lisa Michardi Lisa Reep Lisa Wymer Liz Brent

Lori Floyd-Bruce Lynn Hoyle Malee Ketcham Marcia Morgan Maria Artle Marife Elmore Marilyn Bardet Marilyn Scrutchins Mark Muselli Mark Pipkin Mary Marino Maureen Mahoney Talbot Maureen E. McIntosh Mary Bonaminio Joslin Mary Delaney Mary Fritz Mary Ann Parks Fink Mary Sue Kelly Maryellen Hayes Maya Nelson Mel Paterno Melissa Mickelson Michelle Kerr

Mike Mealey Mike Minahen Mike Way Nancy Atkins Neeley Silberman Nick Bautin Neil Baker Nicole Cooper Nora Rodgers Norma Lisenko Pat Flynn Pat Kelly Pat Ransdell Patty Harrington Patricia Meyer Scott Paul R. Winders Paulo Vaz Peg Klug Peggy Fulton Per Bjornstad Pete Vaughn Peter Morgan Phyllis Rundberg Phyllis DeBois

Phyllis Sundquist Quin Marceau Randall Olson Rebecca Campo Rebecca Olson Reem Munakash Richard Bortolazzo Rick Burton Rick Love Robert Freeman Robert Joslin Robert Weiss Ron West Ron Wheat Ryan Hertia Sally Engebrethson Sally Fessenden Scott Goldie Scott Reep Sheila Ruhl Shirin Samiljan Spence Rundberg Stacy Holguin

Stephanie Rice Steve Atkins Steve Carvahlo Steve Gibbs Steve Ray Steve Wymer Sue Chaney Sue Fisher Jones Sue Medrano Susan Bunch Susan Hall Susan James-Peters Susan Sullivan Susan Watts Teresa Finn Teresa Zabrek Tim Rahill Vanessa Nelson Veronica Wardlow Ysbrand Vanderwerf Yvonne von Innes Allan Lemone Donnie Lemone

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Exhibit Highlights Photo Experimentation

Edge of Light

By DeWitt Cheng Devotees of classic modernist photography—of clearly focused, elegantly composed images of natural or manmade forms à la Ansel Adams or Edward Weston—will have to reset their sights for Arts Benicia’s Edge of Light: Exploration of the Photographic Process, a show of contemporary works curated

by Mark Eanes and Christopher Nickel. The photographers, many of whom are represented by local galleries, include Stephen Berkman, Brice Bischoff, Matthew Brandt, Natalie Cheung, John Chiara, Binh Danh, Rachel Heath, Jason Kalogiros, Chris McCaw, Eric Mertens, Christine Nguyen, Maggie Preston, and John Roloff.

Contemporary artists largely regard photography as process/ procedure more than product/artifact, and the works of these thirteen photographers should likewise be seen as the results or residue of investigations or experiments rather than renderings of preconceived images. Traditional imitations of reality (“simulacra”) are replaced by objects permeated with ideas, often pertaining to their own making. Often reproducibility is sacrificed; photographs become embodied records of events or performances.

Bischoff makes blurred, abstract color photographs that record his choreographic performances with large colored boards, and are thus impossible to preplan; his UPS mailing-box camera, also on display, enlists chance as well: it’s a variation on the old pinhole camera that’s endowed with a nonfocusing slot aperture located, not perpendicular to the film plane, but parallel, resulting in abstract streaks of colored light when the film is printed. Preston takes a similar approach for her Black Flash IV photo mosaic, exposing the photo paper with a camera flash in the darkroom, creating suggestive abstract black-onwhite forms when printed. Kalogiros uses color reversal in his depictions of objects associated with his youth: Sheet (note the punning title), for example, is a contact-print photogram made by exposing film paper through the plaid fabric of a found bedsheet. Brandt’s quartet of prints depicting the Los Angeles Superior Court building’s four profiles takes a conceptual turn: the artist has added to his pigment dust collected from the photos’ subject. Chiara combines the Renaissance camera obscura (pinhole-apertured dark room) with the nineteenthcentury itinerant photographer’s lab-wagon for large yet unheroic Cibachrome landscapes like Echo Lake at Meyers Grade; inside his trailer-mounted camera/chamber, he dodges and burns the refracted image, and then develops the rolled-up

prints in plastic tubes by rolling them back and forth on the floor resulting in random streaks and mottling. Cheung employs chance in her painterly cyanotypes, letting the evaporation of water from the chemicals dictate her organic, abstract-landscape imagery. McCaw equips his handmade cameras with powerful lenses that magnify the sun’s heat during long exposures; his monochrome Sunburned prints depict the sun over land or sea, its trajectory manifested in scorched arcs—light painting its own portrait. Nguyen combines abstract and realistic elements in her mural-sized photograph, Sea Vents, suggesting a poetic abyssal primordial soup fueled by geothermal energy.

Several artists examine photography’s technical history —ambrotypes, daguerreotypes, and gum bichromates— for expressive ends, and, perhaps, the technical challenge.

(Incidentally, the Edges of Light booklet explains some of these now-arcane procedures.) Berkman, Danh, Heath, and McCaw were included in the recent San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art show, Exposed: Today’s Photography/ Yesterday’s Technology.

Mertens makes daguerreotype portraits of people engaged in various occupations, in the encyclopedic 19th century style, but the subjects are contemporaries, making objects by hand.

Heath employs the cumbersome wet-collodion process to depict the natural landscape in her intimate silvery ambrotypes of Park City and the Sacramento River. Berkman employs that same process to mimic the look of late Victorian portraiture; in his portrait of performance artist Rachel Rosenthal, he coats the reverse of his glass plates with black paint and mounts them, aligned, in a shadow box, infusing scientific analysis with a hint of the spiritual; ironic humor gives his Lazy Susan a contemporary slant. Danh, who grew up in California, examines history and mortality with his chlorophyll prints, archival photographic images of Vietnam War casualties that the artist imprints onto living tropical plant leaves, and his Leaves of Grass photograms on daguerreotypes. Roloff explores time and entropy with his silver gelatin prints of European armored knights; the artist has mounted orange slices atop the photos, and the resulting chemical interaction degrades and stains the emulsion to powerful visual effect.

Contemporary art lovers and photography purists will find common ground in this exhibition. Old media and “impure” modern esthetics marry surprisingly well, even in the digital age, with its instant gratifications. B

Top Right: Stephen Berkman, Rachel, Ambrotype 2nd Right: John Roloff, Metabolism Study (Falling Knight) Silver gelatin print with orange slices Third & Bottom right: Christine Nguyen, Sea Vents, Chromogenic prints

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Benicia Magazine

Talking Turkey continued from page 6

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But the bond between man and turkey is not all pomp and symbol. Turkeys offer immense practical benefits to humans, even those who prefer not to eat poultry. One need only ask the citizens of the small, and presumably aromatic, town of Benson, Minnesota (pop. 3376). Benson is the site of Fibrominn, a renewable energy power plant that uses â&#x20AC;&#x153;turkey litterâ&#x20AC;? (basically, oodles of turkey dung and the woodchips on which the birds sleep and relieve themselves) to generate enough electricity to power 60,000 homes. Fibrominn aims to spread their plants elsewhere as well; interested readers are encouraged to read about their efforts at their ticklishly titled website, thestraightpoop.org.

While we in California might prefer wind turbines, solar panels, and general good vibes to turkey litter, we ignore the presence of golden state turkeys at our own loss. For even as our government goes bankrupt and home prices plummet, the California turkey thrives. Even Beniciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen some action, with turkeys making casual appearances in our eastern environs. Anecdotal and online sightings have been reported from Chelsea Hills to the Valero property. This trend suggests, as does the Turkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong showing in the Danville-Alamo area, that our Turkeys tend to go in for expensive real estate.

But the turkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy adjustment to Northern California is cause for concern. Its gluttony enabled by a fine climate and a scarcity of predators, the turkey is expanding its reach and becoming a conspicuous consumer. Along with the wild boar, the turkey is chomping is way through the outer East Bay, gobbling up the very seedlings that produce the iconic oaks of Contra Costa Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hills. And on this weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve no one to blame but ourselves. While there mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been some turkey-like bird endemic to ancient California, the current swath of wild turkeys descend from a population of Rio Grand turkeys scooped up from Texas and introduced in the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by the Department of Fish and Game. Since that introduction, the turkey population has boomed to over 200,000 birds. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re especially abundant in Monterey County. Again, real estate.

Residents of Solano County who feel threatened by these numbers can appease their fears by hunting turkeys in Putah Creek Wildlife Area. Putah Creek borders Napa county, where, according to a hilariously alarmist frontline piece, turkeys ravage vineyards, spurning vintners to don masks and hunt the ravenous galliformes themselves.

Often, the vineyard raiders are the same turkeys who gormandize upon olive orchards, a habit which reportedly leaves the birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meat quite flavorful. The fall season opens on the thirteenth (truly, an unlucky number for a turkey) and continues till the twenty eighth, which leaves plenty of time to secure a family meal.

Whether you hunt them or feed them, you should remember that the wild turkey is a versatile, unique, and very adaptable bird. The once over-hunted bird now lives in every state but Alaska, and it seems ready to make the concessions to the modern American landscape that the most successful creaturesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;raccoons and squirrelsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;already do. For example, though the turkey is mostly a picky, vegetarian forager, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll occasionally consume snakes and lizards. In this flexibility, the wild turkey resembles those humans who, fallen from financial affluence, will consume Cheetos, jerky links, and other gas station savories. Here, the turkey comes off as a very practical bird indeed, and, in times like these, a thoroughly American one, too. B For Thanksgiving recipes and a local source for great turkeys, visit beniciamagazine.com.

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Birds of a Feather Flock to Fashion

One hour free with every 5 hours booked

By Christina Strawbridge Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds came out in 1963, and was considered the modern thriller of the era. Filmed in neighboring Bodega Bay and San Francisco, it was interpreted many ways, from apocalyptic to Freudian. The lead female role was given to professional model Tippi Hedren. Hedron continued Hitchcock's vision of the cool, beautiful blond heroine, following the likes of Grace Kelly, Kim Novac and Janet Leigh.

When I was finally allowed to see the film several years after it was released, besides being really scared (I am terrified of birds), I remember Hedron (Melanie) and her clothes. Famed costume designer Edith Head created a wardrobe that was reflective of the early '60s, which, in 2010, we refer to as the Mad Men look. The clothes were impeccably tailored with structured suiting and neutral colors. My favorite outfit was the full-length beige mink coat over a simple green dress that she wore to Bodega Bay to surprise Rod Taylor (Mitch) with a pair of love birds. Her dress matched the love bird's green feathers. It was completely out of place in Bodega Bay, especially while attempting to gracefully enter a rented motorboat.

Her elegant, French twisted platinum blonde hair and flawless makeup complemented her cool early 60's look.

Benicia has its share of birds—the Canadian geese that gather at the First Street Green, turkey vultures at the marina and the distinctive white pelicans that gather on rocks at the First Street shoreline. There is even an event called the Benicia Christmas Bird Count, established in 1930 by Benician Emerson Stoner. Birds within a specified radius in a 24 hour time period are tallied. It will be held this year on Monday, December 20, and is coordinated by the Napa— Solano Audubon Society. A few years ago they counted 172 species and 89,005 birds!

This past spring a few of those birds decided to nest in a metal

dress-form planter. The sculpture must have resembled a bird house to the expecting parents. Jasmine vines that had grown around the form created a floral armor of protection for the bird family. We watched the birds gathering paper and sticks, flying in and out while creating their home. Then came the eggs and the baby birds; and suddenly it was like watching scenes from the Hitchcock movie. The adult birds began attacking anyone who got close to the planter, literally flying into the heads of men, women and children, creating havoc on First Street. Since the birds are protected by law, we were unable to stop their advances and resorted to our own head-covering armor. Hat sales were brisk, especially for staff and our regular customers! I was fortunate enough to stay clear of their advances, resorting to carrying an umbrella around the attack zone.

Finally the bird family flew the coup and we eradicated all signs of bird activity. The next morning during my daily walk, I gave a sigh of relief. I could now walk by the Treasury Commons without wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella and worrying about being terrorized. Just past the building, I reached down to pick up some trash, and out of the sky came a bird that hit me in the head twice. It was as if it knew that I was the one that had removed its home. I decided the best response was to run, like Melanie in the movie, and not look back.

This season, birds are a strong theme in fashion. Many fashion designers are using feathers as accessories for earrings, collars and adornment on clothing. After observing and enduring the bird invasion I am more appreciative of the beauty of these winged creatures, not only because they have soaring grace and colorful feathers, but also for their protective nature.

As far as the dress-form in the planter is concerned, it will be fully sealed by the end of the winter, just in case there is a return of the Birds of Benicia. B

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Holiday

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6 vintage homes decorated for the holidays plus completely renovated Commanding Officer’s Quarters Self-guided tours 1pm-5pm for vintage homes & Commanding Officer’s Quarters The Commanding Officer’s Quarters will feature holiday items for sale by local non-profits. Food & beverages available, open until 7pm.

Tickets on sale 11/1, $25 per person. Tickets are limited; available at Benicia Main Street Depot, Camellia Tea and Bookshop Benicia

For more info or ticket reservations call 707.745.3551

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees! at Benicia’s New Tree Lot!

Grand Opening Thanksgiving Weekend Friday, November 26 Open Everyday 10 am - 8 pm At The Camel Barn • 2060 Camel Rd. • Benicia Take Military East to Adams St. to Park Rd. Joint Fundraiser for The Benicia Historical Museum & Genesis House 707-745-5435 • www.beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707-552-3395 • www.genesis-house.com

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Benicia Magazine

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CITY FACT

LOOKING BACK

November Events in the Works for You!

Tourism Program Benefits Residents and Visitors

By Mary Marino

Calling all local authors On Sunday, November 14, the Benicia Historical Museum will open its doors to welcome local authors to our Book Fair. Come and display your work, visit with fellow authors and chat with the public. If you would like to take part in this event, please contact the Benicia Historical Museum Museum at 707.745.5435 or info@ beniciahistoricalmuseum.org.

By Amalia Lorentz Economic Development Manager Benicia's tourism marketing has really ramped up in 2010. You may have heard our ads on the radio on KGO, KOIT, or KCBS; or seen our ads in magazines like Diablo, San Francisco, Sunset, and this one. Tourism is a focus of the City's Economic Development Division, with the goal of increasing revenue from visitors to our community. The program's benefits, such as a new website, www.visitbenicia.org, and a higher, positive public image for Benicia, accrue to residents too. Check out the website for events, activities, and things to do that you may not have known about, no matter how long you've lived here! With the holidays coming and guests arriving, you can plan a fun visit for your family and friends by using the tourism tools we've provided. B

Christmas Tree Sale & Fundraiser Working in collaboration with Genesis House of Vallejo, the Museum will hold its First Christmas tree sale. Grand opening is Friday, November 26, at 2060 Park Road. There will be noble fir, douglas fir and grand fir trees of different heights, and wreaths and garlands for you to purchase. While you are celebrating with the presence and aroma of a live tree in your home, you will also be supporting these worthwhile non-profit organizations.

Gift Ideas While we are thinking of the holidays, what could be better than giving a gift membership to the Museum? This would be a year-long treat to visit the Museum’s History and Industrial Exhibits and the Powder Magazine along with our “Camel Tracks” newsletter and receive invitations to our many events.

Make November a month to walk, hike, bicycle or drive out to the “Camel Barns” to experience the Museum, a true community gem, and support our projects. B

Call today for a complimentary consultation to see if you are a candidate for CK! In a three-minute, painless, in-office procedure using nothing more than radio frequency energy (no laser cutting), we gently change the shape of your cornea to allow you to see up close without glasses.

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) is a fast, safe, noninvasive procedure to help improve your near vision.

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Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com

Celebrating 20 Years in Business

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CABINETS AND COUNTERTOPS 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Open M-F 9-5, weekends and evenings by appointment

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Benicia Magazine

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