Benicia Magazine October 2013

The changing nature of Halloween Touring the Wine Country on two wheels

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Be

Benicia

magazine

Be

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Celebrating our 8th Year

Benicia Editor Jeanne Steinmann

Graphic Design magazine Margaret Bowles

Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen

Benicia Special Projects Advertising Coordinator Joey Baker

magazine

Contributors Diane Gardner Madra Rue Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore Photographer Jerry Bowles Malcolm Slight Editorial deadlines The 1st of the month prior to the issue month

Advertising sales 707.853.5226 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: the 1st of the month 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 © 2013, 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.

6 • Benicia Magazine

B

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Announcing Our

Pastors Ken Jensen, Larry Davis and Jesse Peterson

Can't Make It Sunday Mornings?

beginning Saturday, October 12, 5pm Children's and adult service, same format as Sunday Provides an option for busy families • Offers flexibility when needed • Free up your Sunday

A new option for parents on the first Saturday of each month

Beginning Saturday, November 2nd After the Saturday Night 5pm Service, kids stay for dinner & activities while parents enjoy a date night or an evening with friends

5-6pm Saturday night Service 6-8:15pm Kids stay for dinner, fun activities and games in a safe environment $5 per child

Changing the the way view the the Church Changing waypeople people view Church

2201 Lake Herman Rd, Benicia • 707.747.5855 • Northgateweb.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

Benicia Magazine OCTOBER VOLUME 8 ISSUE 12

18

16

Features

14 A community-oriented Halloween 16 18

Touring the wine country by bicycle: sights, sounds & amazing views Fire safety the old-fashioned way in a gem of a museum

Departments 10 From the Editor

20 Downtown Map

12

22 Arsenal Map

Currents

KidLit: transforming

children’s lives through literature

Local expo showcases clean technologiess

28 Interview

with Ellen Blaufarb, writer, family therapist; breast cancer survivor

26 Fashionista

Viewing America’s Cup racing from a fashionably appointed yacht

30 Calendar of Events

Cover: View of Dillion's Point from the Bay Trail, by Jerry Bowles Above left: Fire Museum, Right: Napa vineyard, by Jerry Bowles 8 • Benicia Magazine

4th Annual

Fun for ALL ages and families Trunk or Treat is a fun, safe, family environment where Trunk or Treaters spend the evening going from trunk to trunk, collecting candy from volunteers who have decorated their vehicles to serve as a backdrop for this spooktacular event!

• Costume contest for all ages • Costume contest for canines • Safe Environment • Food vendors • Live music • Free carnival games & prizes For more information or to sponsor a trunk, visit northgateweb.com/trunkortreat

October 31st 6:15pm - 8:15pm Benicia: Solano Square Shopping Center Parking lot at corner of 1st St. & Military E. in Benicia NEW THIS YEAR! Vallejo: Lowe's parking lot, 401 Columbus Pkwy

BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

From the Editor

Tourism, Travel and Interesting Parallels

Photo by Lisa Duncan

A feeling of cozy glamour, an air of mystery and the promise of family gatherings contrive to make fall my favorite season. It’s an eschewing of summer salads for heartier fare, sumptuous sweaters and quiet walks along the waterfront in the softening light. Fall feels more poetic, and I’m going to try my hardest to hold that vision while we embark on a complete home re-design.

As empty nesters, we love our “new” home and neighborhood of seven years, our third home in Benicia over a 30-year period, but like most downtown houses, it has its quirks. There are times I long for a small cottage, but we’ll iron out its wrinkles and enjoy it for years to come. Custom built to fit a long, narrow lot in 1993, there’s plenty of space, but with two home offices, an aging kitchen and formal, rarely used living room, it’s not exactly conducive to family gatherings. We plan to feature certain aspects of our redesign in a future issue, so it brought a smile to my face when I read Country Living Magazine’s October issue, where Editor-in-Chief Sara Gray Miller features her own kitchen renovation. A precedent has been set!

Besides nesting, we are a town that throws ourselves headlong into October with gusto. And being a family town, we really embrace Halloween. Benicia Main Street’s lineup of events includes ghost walks, a haunted house, costume contest and canine and critter contest; and Trunk or Treat returns this year with a lively event to offer treats, games and more for kids of all ages. See the Calendar on page 30 for details. Although Halloween has never been my favorite celebration, we’ll get into the spirit, so to speak, by participating in Benicia Main Street’s Scarecrow Contest, competing with over 50 downtown merchants for the coveted win.

October is also National Fire Safety Month, and as firefighters continue to battle the Mt. Diablo and Rim fires, we commemorate the month with a feature on the Benicia Fire Museum. Run completely by volunteers, it’s a gem of Benicia history—a museum many Benicians have never seen. Stop by on a Sunday and be charmed by the exhibits of pumper trucks and hose trolleys from the 1800’s, and the extensive knowledge the volunteers are eager to impart.

For at least one of our local residents, it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters most— he toured the wine country by bicycle, enjoying sights and sounds you'd miss from a car. It’s a compelling read for those of us who are destination-bound, blasting through to get to the endpoint. Mike and I are learning to embrace the slow travel concept by stopping more frequently to explore. In September we traveled to Santa Barbara to meet up with friends who were out from New York City. Instead of hurtling ourselves back up Highway 101 to beat the traffic home, we took our time, stopping on the Central Coast for breakfast, then in Soledad to visit one of the 21 California missions: Nuestra Señora de la Soledad. It seems like a no-brainer while traveling on the El Camino Real, but we hadn’t given the missions, dotted along its length, much thought since our girls were in elementary school, when mission projects were mandatory. Soledad’s mission was built this month, 222 years ago.

Soledad is also the jumping-off point for another California icon most of us pass by without a second thought: Pinnacles National Monument. Elevated this year to National Park Status, it’s expected to bring much-needed economic vitality to the area. It occurs to me that there’s a parallel with Benicia: our own tourism program, culminating with the lighting of the trees downtown, has been instrumental in drawing visitors here from Sacramento to San Francisco, and Sonoma to San Jose. First quarter sales tax generated from Downtown Benicia businesses was up 27% from last quarter. Kudos to those of you who are embracing the Shop Local phenomenon by supporting Benicia’s unique shops, bars and restaurants. Mostly locally owned, they lift our town into something wonderful—a welcome respite from chain-store mania. Can you imagine our city without our lovely downtown? It’s our community living room. And it may take a shift in perspective, but the journey really can be as much fun as the destination, whether that destination is distant or right in your own backyard.

Jeanne Steinmann

Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com 10 • Benicia Magazine

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Scarecrow Contest

Sun. Oct. 27 voting ends, Tues. Oct. 29 winners announced. Scarecrows decorated by downtown businesses. Ballots for judging available to the public at Farmers Market, Benicia Main Street, and participating merchants.

Haunted Depot

Fri. Oct. 18 & 25, 6-9pm; Sat. Oct. 19 & 26, 12-3pm & 6-9pm; Sun. Oct. 20 & 27, 12-4pm; Oct. 31, 6-9pm. With donation of canned good: Adults $3; Children under 6, $2. Without donation: Adults $6; Children under 6, $4.

Ghost Walk

Fri. Oct. 5 at 8pm. Two tours available at 7:30pm and 8pm on Fri. Oct. 11, 18 & 25 and Sat. Oct. 12, 19 & 26. Discover where Benicia ghosts hang out!

Halloween Costume Contest & First Street Stroll

Sat. Oct. 26, 10am Kids of all ages; Halloween Costume Contest & Trick or Treat, City Park. Local merchants get into the spirit by putting out candy, snacks and goodies! Canine & Critter Costume Contest at noon, First Street Green.

Farmers Market Finale

Thurs. Oct. 24, 4-7pm Fresh fall produce, live music & more!

Come bid farewell to the Market till next season.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

“the more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

—Dr. Seuss

KidLit EXPANDING YOUNG HORIZONS THROUGH THE WRITTEN WORD

By Diane Gardner Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis once said, “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” This fall, Benicia’s top children’s writers, educators, and librarians will lead an inspiring and informative event designed to help parents, children’s writers, educators and youth expand children’s horizons through a love of literature: the KidLit Symposium. This two-part event seeks to “promote the joy and importance of literature and non-fiction for and by children and young adults.”

Benicia Literary Arts co-president Josanna Berkow explains that reading is “critical to forming an intelligent, caring, empathetic, aware human being who can function in this world properly.” It’s vital to their success.

And whether parents seek fresh inspiration for reading with their children or aren’t sure where to start, they’ll gain the tools they need. Benicia High School student and writer Ann Klingelhafer says that a love of reading is essential for our youth, in life and in school.

“It helps you to be more comfortable talking to people. It also helps when doing assignments so you get a gist of what you’re doing,” she says.

12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

Award-winning writer and Clayton Valley High School teacher Rob Rogers explains that with the online world and social media, “just about every kid is his own publisher and is contributing in a way to the written world.”

It’s important, Rogers says, to talk about how to do it right. And the event also offers special support and instruction for adults interested in writing for children. Aspiring and experienced writers will both find helpful guidance as they create new worlds for children.

Sponsored by local non-profit Benicia Literary Arts, the October 20 symposium will begin with a panel discussion and question-and-answer session focused on the importance of literature, reading, and writing and how to foster it in children’s lives. In addition to Rogers and Klingelhafer, the panel will feature local children’s writers, Benicia High School English teacher Teresa Finn, Bookshop Benicia owner Christine Mayall and Benicia Public Library librarians. An overview of and sign-up opportunity for the subsequent practical workshops, scheduled for November 17, will follow.

The panel experts will lead the workshops.

One workshop is designed especially for

current and aspiring children’s writers, divided into three separate interest groups, each offering genre-specific instruction.

Another workshop focuses on what to read to your children, when to read it, and how to make it fun. A third explores the intellectual development of teen readers and writers. The fourth workshop will be led by teen writers, for teen and middle-school writers.

Participants can walk away better enabled to help children discover, as Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) wrote, that “the more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” B

KidLit Symposium & Workshops

Moderated Panel Discussion Sunday, Oct. 20, 1-3pm, Arts Benicia Gallery, 991 Tyler St. Free, $5 donation appreciated, Books for sale & complimentary refreshments

Workshops

November 17, 1–3pm, Commanding Officer’s Quarters, 1 Commandant Lane benicialiteraryarts.org facebookcom/BeniciaLiteraryArts

BENICIA

CLEANTECH EXPO 2013

IMPLEMENTATION OF

Common Core Standards

Tapping into Emerging Technologies

Constance Beutel's e-bike with her Scottie, Rory

By Jeanne Steinmann If it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a vision to raise the consciousness of a community. Fortunately there are innovators and forward-thinking individuals here in Benicia whose vision is inspiring a whole new way of looking at growth and progress through the lens of sustainability. One such self-described “futurist” is Constance Beutel, the brainchild and driving force behind the Benicia Clean Tech Expo, now in its second year. “New technologies are inspiring a renaissance of thinking,” says Beutel. The idea behind the expo is to raise awareness about emerging clean technologies that create jobs, increase economic vitality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to Beutel, Benicia is “well-poised to be a player in the clean tech revolution.”

In addition to working in telecommunications for 30 years, Beutel holds an EdD in Education; and served in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves, where she earned the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal. Today, she teaches Education and Technology and Education and Sustainability classes at the Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the videographer for Dominican University’s Institute for Leadership Studies. She lives in Benicia with her two Scottie dogs.

In partnership with the City’s Community Sustainability Commission and the Office of Economic Development, the expo will celebrate Benicia’s existing clean tech companies, invite exhibitors and attendees to see what’s happening in the industry and encourage companies outside of town to locate here. The emphasis is on clean transportation, which is expected to be a big draw for attendees who can check out a range of e-bikes and e-vehicles. Other exhibitors include representatives from the clean building, manufacturing, engineering and recycling industries, and from educational communities such as Dominican University, the Sonoma State University Center for Sustainable Communities and Solano Community College. Benicia Magazine will be exhibiting as well, showcasing a commitment to green printing practices.

One outgrowth of last year’s expo was the Solano Clean Tech Innovators Association (SCTIA). The group is working on a venue for a “maker’s space” where kids and adults can see and use new technologies in 3-D printing and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/ manufacturing). “We are at a hinge of history facing monumental challenges as we sweep out old ways of thinking about manufacturing.

We have new potential for a maker’s revolution, using clean technologies and global connections to do something really exciting,” enthuses Beutel. “The expo allows a glimpse into things that have happened and those that are forthcoming, that don’t require big government or major corporations. It’s something scalable that we can do in our own community.”

The Benicia CleanTech Expo 2013 will be held at the Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia, Friday 10/18, 1-6pm and Saturday 10am-4pm. B

A year focused on depth and complexity with real world application.

Benicia Unified School District 350 East K Street, Benicia, CA 707.747.8300 • www.beniciaunified.org

Home, gift, jewelry with a dash of fun

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• letter & number art • reclaimed wood & metal items • decorative bins & boxes

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LOCAL PUMPKIN PATCHES AND EVENTS Matt and Mark Cooley’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch 10/1-31, 6585 Milk Farm Rd, Dixon.

530.304.0163, coolpatchpumpkins. com. Started in 2000, the maze was in the Guinness Book of world records in 2007. This year’s maze is 53 acres and features a pumpkin patch, scarecrow contest, teepee village & giant pumpkin smashing.

The Evolving Face of Halloween

By Beth Steinmann Illustration by Jerry Bowles If change is the only constant, the Halloween holiday is no exception. The Christian festival of All Saints started in the 8th century AD and was likely an offshoot of the much older Celtic holiday, Samhain, a time to celebrate the end of the harvest and honor the dead. Twelve centuries later, every child across America knows the words “trick or treat.”

Romantic visions of apple-bobbing and rustic barn room dances in bygone years gave way to the neighborhood walkabouts of my generation. But as the world gets bigger— and parents become more concerned about safety—the face of Halloween continues to evolve. Parents ferry their children to safer towns and neighborhoods (like Benicia), and malls and have gotten in on the action so parents can shop while kids go store-to-store.

Neighborhood trick-or-treating is sadly no longer the national Halloween norm.

But have no fear—only a fright—our historic, safe and kid-friendly community abounds with ghoulish festivities this October.

Benicia Main Street presents a ghost walk, haunted depot, pumpkin patch, and kids’ costume contest and sidewalk stroll. A canine and critter costume contest will follow, with treats and awards. First street merchants also get into the spirit with Halloween goodies and a highly competitive scarecrow contest.

An aspect of holidays that should always stay central is community togetherness and participation. In days of yore, people were drawn together by necessity, pooling resources 14 • Benicia Magazine

to harvest and prepare meat and grains for the long winter ahead. And ritualization of these tasks put everyone on the same page. While consumerism has become a holiday ritual, it will never replace the feeling of connection to friends, family and community. Benicia has geographic advantages with its watery backdrop and historic Main Street that lends itself so fittingly to autumn festivities.

Larry Davis, executive pastor of Northgate Christian Fellowship, shares Benicia’s vision for community involvement. His Trunk or Treat event was born out of a desire to serve kids, and recreate the old-time Halloween feel in a safe and fun environment. Last year the event took place at the Solano Square Shopping Center, with over 5000 participants, 40 decorated trunks full of treats, carnival games and a costume contest. “We want to make sure there’s something for all kids, from babies to teenagers, even dogs. One of the big pieces is to continue to create and build community here in town.” Davis’ goal is to expand the event to Vallejo, and eventually hold it at the Solano County Fairgrounds. This year’s Vallejo location is at Lowe's parking lot, 401 Columbus Parkway.

Autumn is a special time of year and here in the Bay Area, Halloween marks the end of Indian summer and the beginning of colder, shorter days. There’s an instinct to cook more warm food and take time to gather with friends and family. In addition to the festivities, use this Halloween as an opportunity to celebrate with crisp apples, pumpkin carving, games and treats. B

Western Railway Museum’s Pumpkin Patch Festival 10/12-27, 5848 State Highway 12, Suisun City, 707.374.2978 wrm. org. Ride a historic train to get your Halloween pumpkins and enjoy a hale bale fort, tractor rides, music, games & food in a country setting.

Trains to the Pumpkin Patch Festival depart every 30 minutes, beginning at 10am.

Haunted Depot 10/18-20, 25-27, 31.

90 First Street, Benicia. 707.745.9791, beniciamainstreet.org. The normally mild-mannered Southern Pacific Railroad Depot will be mysteriously transformed into a frightful depository of ghosts, goblins and spirits.

Halloween Costume Contest and Sidewalk Stroll 10/26, 10am First Street Green. 707.745.9791, beniciamainstreet.org. For kids of all ages. First Street merchants participate for all to enjoy. Canine & Critter Costume Contest with treats and awards.

Erickson Ranch Carve and Q 10/26, 11am-4pm 2482 Cordelia Rd., Suisun Valley, 707.864.0557, ericksonranch.com.

Features Charlie Wade Blues band, Nick’s BBQ, wildlife, jam tasting, food, hay rides, pumpkin carving.

Second Annual Trunk or Treat 10/31, 6-8:15pm Solano Square, Benicia, and Vallejo Lowe's, 401 Columbus Pkwy., northgateweb.com. Kids & teens of all ages are welcome for an old-fashioned trick-or-treat from decorated drunks. Costume contest, carnival games, music & dancing.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Slow Travel in the WINE COUNTRY 1

Story and photos by Madra Rue, Benicia cyclist

When sightseeing, it’s often the habit to focus on the destination and gloss over the act of getting there. Freeways and improved highways have reduced travel time, but also the opportunity to experience what’s along the way. I have been guilty of this and have often told myself to slow down and see what’s out there. Well, it finally seemed like the time to put that advice to the test. As a result I took what would be a pleasant day trip in a motorized vehicle and turned it into two and a half days of exploration on a bicycle.

16 • Benicia Magazine

2 Day 1

Napa-CalistogaRio Nido 71 miles, 2200’ elevation gain

After the usual pondering over maps, it was decided that starting in Napa would give good access to bike-friendly roads, along with some amazing views as I headed up the Napa Valley. One of the best cycling

roads in the Napa Valley has to be the Silverado Trail, with its wide, smooth shoulders and gentle terrain.

The road came by its name from the mercury mines and the Silverado Silver Mine in northern Napa County. It was the transportation of mercury (quicksilver) and silver from the mines that led the Silverado Trail to become the first permanent road between Calistoga and Napa. Traveling north, the scenery is stunning.

Emerald green vineyards lay in

stark contrast to the strawcolored hills spotted with oak trees. As you continue, the terrain becomes accented by gentle hills along the road and dramatic ridgelines above the valley floor. Although the Silverado Trail is a less traveled option to Highway 29, it is dotted with many noteworthy wineries.

Traveling by bicycle affords the opportunity to stop and really take in the views and sounds. The cry of a hawk overhead, or even the gentle sound of a far-off tractor in a vineyard, adds to the experience. After roughly 30 miles of fairly easy riding, the Silverado Trail comes to an end at the town of Calistoga.

Calistoga was made popular for its mineral springs when Samuel Brannan opened a resort in 1862. Since then it has become world famous for spas, restaurants, wine and bottled mineral water. This is a nice spot to take a break or have a beer at the Calistoga Inn brewery. Leaving Calistoga, I headed north on Highway 128 and climbed for a few miles on road without much shoulder.

Fortunately I was traveling midweek and traffic was sparse. As I cruised north the land became more open and agricultural, with vineyards stretching on for miles, all the while guarded by the prominent Mount St. Helena, where Robert Louis Stevenson once spent some time living in an abandoned Silverado Silver Mine shack.

For the next 16 miles, I had a small shoulder and very little

Good food and a saloon, which offers live music at least three nights every week, make for a great stay.

by the time I reached Rio Nido, which is only about 1.5 miles upstream from Guerneville, vineyards were no longer the prominent feature in the landscape. Rio Nido seems to be mainly a resort town with few services except a gas station, and of course, the not-to-bemissed Stumptown Brewery with its large deck overlooking the Russian River.

Day 2 3 traffic as I headed towards Alexander Valley.

Twenty four miles after leaving Calistoga I reached Healdsburg, founded

by Harmon Heald and incorporated in 1867, when it was an agricultural town. Today, the town with its central square is home to excellent shops and restaurants, and the Bear Republic Brewery. In spite of being surrounded by vineyards, Healdsburg has not always been about grapes. Prunes were the major crop up until the 1970’s when the vineyards returned.

Leaving Healdsburg, my path headed west toward Westside Road and the Russian River.

Once outside of Healdsburg, the traffic quickly subsided, and I was left with a rather narrow and rough road that rolled through hills covered in oaks and vineyards. Six miles out I came across another testament to the rich agricultural history of the area. In 1905, a large hop kiln was built on the Walters Ranch to support the largest hop-growing region in the West.

Prohibition put a quick end to the hop industry when the Volstead Act was passed in 1919. Only two wineries survived Prohibition by producing sacramental and “medicinal” wine.

The remaining 11 miles to Rio Nido ease you from the Dry Creek area, with grass and oak hillsides, into the Russian River Valley with groves of redwood trees and lush fern undergrowth.

The number of redwoods seemed to be in inverse proportion to the vineyards and

Rio NidoGuernevilleOccidental-Pt. Reyes StationBolinas

Day 3

Bolinas-Fairfax

17 miles, 2218’ elevation gain

4

58 miles, 3383’ elevation gain Day two started with a quick dash to Guerneville for some supplies. Guerneville became an official town around 1870, but before that it was known as Stumptown, due to the large number of huge stumps left behind by loggers.

From Guerneville I started a beautiful climb up to the town of Occidental. Founded in 1876 and once the last stop on the Pacific Railroad, today Occidental is a lovely hamlet with several nice restaurants and places to spend the night.

This is a beautiful area to travel in, and especially so for cycling.

I enjoyed a long descent out of Occidental. The landscape changed to grazing pastures and hillsides with cows quietly staring back as I made my way toward Valley Ford and Point Reyes Station.

Point Reyes Station, or Olema Station as it was originally called, was once little more than a stop along the railroad to Tomales.

Today it’s a commercial hub in West Marin, and a mecca for tourists and cyclists.

Bovine Bakery and the Cowgirl Creamery are worthwhile stops by bike or car. Now I was back to traveling on Highway 1 with its narrow or nonexistent shoulders. The good news for the cyclist is that Highway 1 sees a large volume of both

5 recreational and touring cyclists.

Drivers in the area seemed used to cyclists being on the road and they tried, as did I, to share it, with pleasant results for both parties. After 13.5 miles of seemingly endless ups and downs, I cruised into the eclectic town of Bolinas.

It’s true about the lack of road signs leading to Bolinas.

This seems to be a proud tradition for the locals. Spending the night in Bolinas is always interesting and I have never had an unpleasant time in this unique little village.

From here my path led out of town on the Bolinas-Fairfax Road, which, by the way, seems to be lacking signs as well. This narrow and very twisty road leads up to Bolinas Ridge and by the time I got there, the redwood trees were dripping with dew and I was enveloped in fog. Six miles and a little over 1,500 feet of elevation make for a good morning climb.

The remaining drive is over some very winding roads with 180-degree switchbacks and narrow stretches in the shadow of redwood forests and along the shore of Alpine Lake reservoir.

World-class wineries, award-winning microbreweries, amazing scenery and great shopping and restaurants are, no matter what your chosen mode of travel, surprisingly close at hand. I, for one, plan to take a little more time to enjoy what so many travel so far to see. B Photos: 1. Historic Hop Kiln near Healdsburg 2. Westside Road toward Guerneville 3. Russian River in Guerneville 4 Hwy 1 south of Tomales Bay 5. Wild coastline on Hwy 1 6. Fairfax-Bolinas Road

6

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

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A Hidden Treasure in Plain View

THE BENICIA FIRE MUSEUM

By Jeanne Steinmann Photos by Jerry Bowles Benicia’s best-kept secret might just be the Benicia Fire Museum, a gem of history that puts it right up there with top sites to see in town. The museum is run solely by the Benicia Volunteer Firemen (which includes women). According to the museum’s literature, the organization is the oldest continuous volunteer fire 18 • Benicia Magazine

service in California. It is housed in a nondescript building, kitty-corner from the James Lemos Pool complex. Marked outside by an interesting display of fire hydrants from the past, it’s what’s inside that comes as a surprise.

The large, one-room museum is a treasure trove of fire memorabilia.

Christine Cooley, who moved to Benicia from Concord in 1992, was ready to

answer every question and share a detailed history of each of the exhibits.

Cooley has been volunteering at the Fire Museum since 1996. It’s something she can relate to—her background includes working as an emergency medical technician.

One of the first fire engines to arrive in California and the Museum’s centerpiece display, the Phoenix, an 1820’s double-

decker hand pumper, sits proudly on its perch just waiting to be admired. Aside from being downright adorable, if the name can be applied to a life and property-saving piece of equipment, the pumper has a rich history. Shipped around the Horn, it arrived in Benicia in 1847 for a long stay before doing a stint at the prestigious De Young Museum in San Francisco, and helping fight the fire that engulfed the city after the 1906 earthquake.

It took 45 firemen to operate the pumper, with 15 men at a time working 15-minute shifts. Made of one solid log of South American wood, it was completely restored in 1966, and weighs in at 5,000 pounds. Other engines on display include The Solano, purchased in 1855, The Griffin, a late 1800’s era restored Ramsey pumper, and the Chief Solano Engine No. 5, purchased in 1950.

The walls are lined with hundreds of toy fire trucks and other memorabilia: antique extinguishers, badges, uniforms, leather helmets and pieces of original fire hoses made from buffalo hide. The hoses had to be boiled in oil after each use to restore pliability. In those days, extinguishing structure fires was not an attainable objective—it took too long to arrive and tap into the rudimentary water supply—the goal was to keep the fire from spreading. There’s even an original display of a piece of Benicia’s 1800’s-era water pipe, made of kerosene-soaked wood. It’s well worth an hour’s visit, steeped in Benicia’s fascinating history.

Benicia’s Fifth Annual

Arbor Day Celebration A Thousand Trees for You and Me

The Mt. Diablo fire is still burning, as well as the Rim Fire near Yosemite, as we go to print. They are grim reminders that fire is an unfortunate aspect of life. October is Fire Prevention Month; remember to change your smoke alarm batteries November 3, when you set back your clocks. B Photos 1 & 2. Warning and suppression gear; protective helmets through history 3. Extensive collection of historic toys 4. Antique extinguishers 5. Buffalo hide fire hose segments

5

City Park Saturday, October 12, 2013, 10am - 2pm

Benicia Fire Museum

900 East Second Street, Benicia Free admission, donations gratefully accepted Open the first three Sundays each month, 1-4pm For more information, to volunteer or to arrange a tour: 707.745.1688 Monthly meetings: First Wednesdays, 7pm, all are welcome

Live music & tree care demos Guided tree walk Local art, craft, green products, and food Master Gardeners Sustainability Commission California Native Plant Society Fall Plant Sale & much more!

For more information: www.beniciatrees.org/arbor-day info@beniciatrees.org

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

FIRST STREET BENICIA

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ST B. S. Thompson, Farmers Ins., 310 Military West, Ste. D JS T. C. Julie Parsons Certified Massage, 310 Military West, Ste. A 2 EA 1. Tosch Dental, 118 West K Street ST JS 3 2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street WE T. ST 4 IS 3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street T. 4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street 26 EA 5. RPM Mortgage, 376 First St. ST IS W 6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street T. ES T 6 H 7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street ST .

8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C103 EA Be 10. Studio 41, 700 First Street ST C ni H W apit cia 28 ST ES 11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street o .

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10 14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street 12 Ch Co amb EA 29 15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street mm er ST of G 11 e r 15 WE ce ST 16. Urban Notions, 611 First Street .

ST 7 F 16 ST 17. Reconnective Healing, 555 First Street .

14 18. Charlie’s Attic, Tannery Bldg, 129 First Street EA 17 ST 19. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street FS 30 WE T. 8 20. Fabulous Finds, 129 First Street ST ES 21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street T. 22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street EA ST 23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street ES T. 24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street 26. Kryss's Pathways to Healing, 841 First Street 27. Vanite' Couture, 374 First Street WE ST 5 EAST CS 28. Wildflower Skin Care, 835 East Second Street DS 19 T. 27 T. 29. Gallery 621, 621 First Street 21 30. Benicia Run House, 523 First Street

23 Benicia Main Street

20 • Benicia Magazine

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Benicia Historic Tannery Building Antiques, home furnishings & gifts

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Farmers Insurance Group

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Sthompson1@farmersagent.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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A. Buck Factory Outlet, 4680 E. 2nd Street B. Affordable Quality Cabinets, 4852 E. 2nd Street C. Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road D. Capitol Glass Co., Inc. 5000 E. 2nd St. Ste. H E. Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler St., #114 1. Rosie's Cafe, 3001 Bayshore Road 2. Fat Shafts Archery, 3001 Bayshore Road #9 3. Gizzi & Reep, 940 Adams Street, Ste. A 4. Avanti Photography, 932 Grant Street 5. MC2Golf, 960 Grant Street, Ste. A 6. IronHorse Home Furnishings, 990 Grant Street 7. Marleen's Yoga, 938 Tyler St., Studio 204 8. 851 Music Studio, 1043 Grant Street

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Benicia Golf Association BeniciaGolf.org

To find out more call Dale Thorne, 707.745.4852 or Charles Kibby, 707.746.6054

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24 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

A Fashionable Ride at the America’s Cup

By Christina Strawbridge The invitation came late on a Saturday afternoon to attend the Louis Vuitton Cup finals of the 34th America's Cup series in San Francisco the following day. The information was rather vague, but we were told to be prepared to go out on the racecourse on the Louis Vuitton-sponsored boat and wear tennis shoes and a warm jacket. Did that mean we would be on board one of the futuristic catamarans with their overpowering sails as part of a crew? Since none of us had any sailing ability, that was doubtful; but the looming question of "what to wear?" kept me up half the night. After all, it was sort of a fashion event with participants from Louis Vuitton and Prada, whose sponsored catamaran was in the finals.

Nautical is not part of my wardrobe vocabulary, and I don't own Vuitton or Prada, so my game plan was to work around a pair of Ed Hardy fish-printed tennis shoes paired with basic black with an edge. I decided to layer a long sleeve mesh top over a black tank, worn with loose fitting black pin stripe pants. My three-quarter length black French duster, with appliquéd, colored numbers on the sides and a high low effect in the back, completed the ensemble.

We arrived early for the race and the San Francisco Bay was gleaming with calm water and blue skies. Since we had some time, we drove down to the lower piers that house the big catamarans, and spotted crewmembers preparing for the race. Arrangements had been made to meet a representative at Pier 19 to park our car and get our passes. The tickets were sleek: A 3-part, folded box that had a Louis Vuitton look to it. Inside was a VIP pass to Club 72, which is the Official Hospitality Partner of the America's Cup. This facility was built to give the best vantage point for watching the races in a luxurious setting. The America's Cup Park has transformed Piers 27 and 29 with retail stores, featuring Louis Vuitton, Puma and Oracle Team USA. There is an exhibit called Flying on Water, an interactive and educational experience about the history of the America's Cup. A large area has been designed for visitors to enjoy food and beverages, including the Napa Valley Wine Lounge, Flute Bar and Lounge by Mumm Napa, the Nepresso Café and a beer garden.

Most of the areas have free public access and offer unusual seating, 26 • Benicia Magazine Fashionista

such as black beanbags, to stretch out on.

The America’s Cup Pavilion is a 9,000seat amphitheatre that hosted 20 summer concerts, along with family entertainment.

Let the Race Begin!

An hour before the race started, we boarded a doubledecker yacht called the Chardonnay, which was birthed next to the loading area of the Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) and the Italian Prada Luna Rossa crew. As the two teams headed for the starting line, I waved flags from both countries, trying not to show any favoritism, but I must say the Italian sailors looked very fit!

The Chardonnay sailed the racecourse while guests were treated to amazing views of San Francisco and delicious food and drink.

We were able to get very close to the racing teams and their seventon crafts, while they lifted out of the water as if they were flying.

Unfortunately, fog came rolling in under the Golden Gate just as the race started. Viewing the race was challenging, but the closed circuit TV on the upper deck let us know who won the Cup. The Kiwis of Emirates Team New Zealand were the easy victors, who would take on the home team, Oracle Team USA, during the month of September for the oldest trophy in international sport.

As it turned out, my fashion choices were perfect for the day, I was comfortable and dressed a little differently from the Ralph Lauren navy blazer and ballerina flats (they must not have gotten the tennis shoe memo) worn by my fellow VIPs. It was a once in a lifetime moment when fashion and sport made a splash! B Top: View from the Chardonnay Above: Strawbridge at the America’s Cup Pavilion

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707.427.0445 BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

By Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight

What did you think you’d be doing at this stage of life?

When I retired, I just couldn’t think of myself as not working. Work has always been very important to me. …

I guess because I was always so busy that when Marshall died, I continued at that pace. I led this adrenaline-filled life. If I was asked to go anywhere, I said yes. I went and went and went. It wasn’t until I got here (her home in Rancho Benicia) a year ago that I found some peace. I don’t want to be going all the time now.

Did I know when I retired that I’d ever slow down?

No. The best thing in my day is I go swimming. I go every day.

I had no idea that I would ever be content to do mahjong, knitting and swimming. I’m at a time where I’m accepting life as it is, and it’s good.

Interview with

Ellen Blaufarb

Ellen Blaufarb grew up in a vibrant neighborhood that consisted of a single apartment building in New York.

“Our apartment house was our community. You knew your neighbors, and you were part of each other’s lives. The richness of that is palpable,” says the retired principal.

That childhood experience shaped her professional and personal life. “I like building a sense of community. It’s important to me. I tried to keep that going at Mills. … It’s all about community and warmth and caring,” says Ellen, who was the school’s principal until her retirement in 2004. The building now houses the Benicia Community Center.

After retirement, Ellen and business partner Giovanna Sensi-Isolani opened Benicia Knitting Circle. That partnership ended after five years, and Ellen went on to work as a counselor at Liberty High School and on the city’s Human Services Board.

Life changed in other ways during that time as well: Ellen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and again in 2006. Her husband, retired Vallejo educator Marshall Blaufarb, died while snorkeling in the Caribbean in 2008.

Now, at age 73, Ellen finds herself building community in different ways as she mentors five students at Liberty High School, serves as vice president of the social club at Rancho Benicia, writes a column every other week for the Benicia Herald, meets with Merrill Garden residents once a month, knits, swims, and plays mahjong, bocce ball and online games with friends.

“It’s kind of amusing to me. I’m doing the things my mother did and that I looked askance at—I’m knitting and playing a lot of mahjong.”

October is

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 28 • Benicia Magazine Interview

You’ve written about having breast cancer twice. Why did you decide to be so open about this?

I’m trying to write about things that might be helpful, especially to Baby Boomers who are coming up and looking at who’s done this or that and been successful. So I wrote about having breast cancer and about being a widow. As a widow, you ask yourself, “What are you going to look forward to?”

What do you look forward to?

I try to have something special to do every day— something I can look forward to. My mahjong group, my knitting group who comes here. My life is full of women—the men are leaving and the women are left on their own.

How was your cancer diagnosed?

Both were detected with a mammogram. Go in for your mammogram! It’s still state of the art for detecting cancer.

They found the first breast cancer in 2004, just as I was retiring. It was stage 1A. I asked Marshall why no one was bringing dinners or any of the things I thought people did when someone had cancer, and he said, “Ellen, you’re treating it like a pimple.” Well, I was. I had stage 1A. … But I did have cancer, a growth about the size of a peanut.

The second one was a separate cancer in the other breast. With the second one, I got very upset. I kept asking, “Am I going to keep having cancers?”

My doctor in Vallejo said, “If so, we’ll cut it out again.”

What?!!?

I wasn’t satisfied with that, so I went for a second opinion in Southern California. She said the same thing.

I was monitored every six months for the first five years for both of them, and now I’m monitored once a year.

What treatment options did you choose?

I chose to have a lumpectomy and radiation. I had radiation at the Walnut Creek Cancer Center the first time, and the oncologist said, “You’re not going to die of breast cancer.”

The second time, I went through the same treatment except I had radiation at Queen of the Valley in Napa. I also took Tamoxifen for the second one.

Lobster Tuesdays Prime Rib Wednesdays Bistro 3 course dinner Thursday

What would you say to someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer?

The computer! My grandson tried to teach me Minecraft. He was able to learn mahjong so I wanted to learn Minecraft because it’s a game he enjoys. You have to have dexterity because you’re doing this thing with your left hand and you’re doing this other thing with your right hand. He was so patient. He said he’d do the right-hand part for me, and it still wasn’t working. So he said, “Maybe this isn’t for you.”

What’s next for you?

I’ve been looking for next. There’s a part of me that still puts myself out there. I put myself out there for the school board and that didn’t happen. …

There’s a part of me that knows my energy level is not what it once was, but my desire to serve is still there. So I’m letting it unfold, but I’m still putting myself out there. B

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The most important lesson is that you are mortal, and we all die at some point. It was the first time I realized that. I’m good at denial. Death was going to be a long way off. It turns out I’m not going to be someone who got through scott-free, even though I’ve had my privileged life. …

More and more of us who are older are saying if we get cancer, well, we will really consider whether to do chemotherapy or not because we’ve seen what it does. Do you want to go through that and be sick, sick, sick—or accept the fact that you are on the path to the end of your life? One friend said, “I won’t use all of my financial resources if I’m terminal.” Your quality of life is diminished and you may buy a just month or two.

We’re the only ones who can say, “Hey, I’m terminal. OK, it’s time to go.”

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER 2013 10/1-10/31 Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House

Fischer-Hanlon tours all Sundays & 2nd Saturdays, 1, 2 & 3pm Capitol self-guided tours Thursdays 12-4pm Fri-Sun 10am-5pm Reserve tours 707.745.3670 115 West G Street, Benicia 707.745.3385

10/3-10/24 Benicia Farmer’s Market 4-8pm

Fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods Gourmet food, delicious hot foods, arts and crafts Between B & D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

10/3

Benicia Plein Air Gallery, Marshall Lockman Exhibit

10/5

Ghost Walk Oct 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 & 26

Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia Fun, interactive tour led by paranormal expert Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

10/6 First in Speaker Series, California/Benicia Living History 6pm

Artist reception Oct. 12, 5-7pm Gallery open Thursday-Sunday, 12-6pm 307 First Street, Benicia, Beniciapleinair.com

“Mrs. Mizner and Her Mother: Eyewitness Accounts of a Deadly Shipwreck and Great Earthquake/Fire of 1906” Senate Chambers, Benicia Capitol State Historic Park 115 West G Street, Benicia, $10 per person at the door info@bspa1853.org 707.745.3670

10/9 Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm

Benicia Library basement, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

10/12

Live music, tree care demos, tree walk, local art/craft, food California Native Plant Society Fall Plant Sale Master Gardeners, Sustainability Commission & much more!

Benicia City Park, beniciatrees.org/arbor-day

10/14 Benicia Art Walk, Self-guided Tour 3-7pm

5th Annual Arbor Day Celebration 10am-2pm

Every second Saturday, pick up a map First Street galleries, studios & businesses Pat Ryll 707.495.2940

10/15 Those Amazing Mizners: Benicia's Celebrated Clan 1-4pm

Opening reception & program, Benicia Historical Museum Free entry and refreshments 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

30 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

10/17-11/17 Arts Benicia new exhibit, Evolution of Style 12-5pm

Curated by Jerrold Turner, featuring work of eleven artists Arts Benicia Gallery, Thurs-Sun 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

10/18

Dare to pay a visit! 10/18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 & 31 Call for times & prices, bring canned good for discount Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street 707.745.9791

Haunted Depot Ghosts, Goblins & Spirits 10am

10/18-11/9 Benicia Old Town Theatre Group Presents

The Sunshine Boys by Neil Simon Opening Night Champagne Gala $25; Fri. & Sat. 8pm, Sun. 2pm BDES Hall, 140 West J Street Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269

10/18-19 Benicia CleanTech Expo 2013 1-6pm

Makers/Innovators Space with hands-on demos of 3D printing. Exhibitors cover all facets of alternative energy & transportation along with other CleanTech sectors Beniciacleantech.org

10/19-11/24 Gallery 621 Opening Reception 5-7pm

Featured Artist Lee Wilder Snider, painter Thursday-Sunday 12-6pm, 621 First Street, Benicia Gallery621.com 707.746.6211

10/20 Kid Lit Symposium 1-3pm

Moderated panel discussion by local children’s writers, librarians & Bookshop Benicia owner Christine Mayall Arts Benicia Gallery, 991 Tyler St. Suite 114

10/26

Costume contest & trick or treat, City Park Canine costume contest, First St. Green Local merchants pass out candy, snacks and goodies Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

10/27

Traditional tea, haunted hat contest & fashion show by Christina S Sponsored by Camellia Tea & Soroptimist of Benicia Benefits Safequest & STAND; $40/person Advanced reservation & payment required Camellia Tea Room, 838 First Street 707.746.5293

Halloween Costume Contest/Trick or Treat 10am

Annual Bewitching Tea 11am, 1 & 3pm

10/31 4th Annual Trunk or Treat 6:15-8:15pm Trunk or Treaters go from trunk to trunk, collecting candy Decorated trunks; fun, safe event for entire family Solano Square Shopping Center parking lot Northgateweb.com/trunkortreat

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Advanced Mortgage SVF Alan M. Schwartzman Branch Manager

DRE 00681649/01215943 NMLS 238622/1850

ams@advancedmtg.com

Exceptional Legal and Mediation Services

Mitchell S. Chernock Sales Manager

DRE 00583404/01215943 NMLS 236204/1850

mitchell@sky-valley.com

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

• Purchase/Refinance • Conventional, FHA, VA, 203 K Rehab • Reverse Mortgages for Seniors • Native American Home Loans

Real Estate • Probate Consumer Law • Business Law

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

www.SolanoLawGroup.com

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707. 746. 4920

Lic. by Dept. of Corp. under the CRMLA

615 First Street Benicia, CA 94510

advancedmtg.com

Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years.

• Full-service dentistry • In-house lab, ensures perfect fit • Orthodontics • 50% off bleach with exam & cleaning

Ronald J. Tosch, DDS l 118 West K St.

• Relaxed and comfortable environment

707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

"Allan and his team did an outstanding job on our kitchen renovation, it looks amazing. From quality cabinets to design and renovation, we have a beautiful, functional kitchen to enjoy for years to come." —Della and Ray

4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment

707-745-2100 • aqc@.aqchome.com

Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home with the purchase of a complete kitchen

Contractor's License # 687979