Benicia Magazine September 2018

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10TH ANNUAL

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Benicia

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ining tdoor D

& Ou

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Celebrating our 13th Year

Benicia

Be

Benicia

Editor Jeanne Steinmann magazine Editorial Assistant Kris Caplin Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

Benicia Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen

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Contributors magazine Tomoka Red St. Johns Beth Steinmann Donna Covey Courtney Tait

Be

Photographers Lisa Duncan Jerry Bowles

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

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

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

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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

707-745-7534 September 2018

City Council to Monitor Refinery Regulations In June, the Benicia City Council voted not to put forth a local Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO), but rather monitor the implementation of California's new statewide refinery regulations. The Council reaffirmed its decision at its July 17 meeting.

Now, Valero is working with City of Benicia staff on meeting the council’s expectations for an accelerated (six-month timeframe) installation of additional air monitoring equipment.

FENCELINE MONITORING

In addition to over one hundred existing community, fenceline and refinery air monitors, the refinery will soon begin construction and installation for new fenceline monitors required by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).

Valero has agreed to the City Council's accelerated timeline of six months for implementing these monitors.

Valero is also developing options for an added fenceline monitor to enhance the BAAQMD plan.

REFINERY SAFETY RULES

Additionally, the refinery continues to implement new refinery safety regulations mandated last fall for all California refineries. These standards, (named “Program 4”) are the strictest in the United States. They exceed local regulations, including the Contra Costa County ISO, adopted in 1998.

REFINERY/CITY COMMUNICATIONS

Valero continues to work with City staff on communication initiatives including incident reports within 72-hours, unified Emergency Operations Center (EOC) coordination, collaborating to establish Benicia’s evacuation plan, and increasing registration for AlertSolano.

Refinery Fire Department Takes Top Honors

Sean Word, Bill McCune, Quentin Andrade, Steve Beafore, Louis Miesner, Brie Williams, Harley Peek, Mike Straws, Marlo Reyes (Captain)

Fast Fact: Safety First:

Valero Benicia Refinery Fire Department took First Place and was named “World Champs” in the 7-man Heavy Rescue Challenge at the International Rescue & Emergency Care Association (IRECA) competition held in Boise, Idaho this summer.

The Valero team also earned Third Place in both the Basic Life Support and 4-man rescue competitions.

The June 25-29 competition provided Valero employees the opportunity to compete against industry peers in First Responder, EMT, Paramedic, and Technical Rescue. The refinery’s fire department has competed in the event since the 1970s.

The refinery has raised over $450,000 in six years through its invitational sporting clay event.

Beneficiaries: Food Bank of Contra Costa County and the Benicia Community Action Council.

Community emergency? Get alerted. Register now at AlertSolano.com

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18

Contents Features Savage & Cooke Distillery anchors Mare Island’s historic core

September 2018 In Every Issue

Community

Benicia Community Action Council pays off its mortgage with a little help from friends 18

Sound art: an interesting and creative take on musical performances 20

Scene

12

Dwell

A vibrant, graphic addition to Benicia’s waterfront dome house

Sonoma State offers Bachelor's degree program in Vallejo at Solano Community College 10

Art

A gem of a gallery in Benicia’s lower Arsenal shows works from Norcal artists 10 10

Craving authentic Southern cuisine? Get it in Benicia at The Workshop

Shop

8

Calendar

24

Music

26

People Benicia’s Diana Brennan, VP of Communications & Marketing for Sonoma Raceway 28

15

On the Cover: Fashion Runway Weekend 2017, photo by Charles Schoenberger

Culture

Benicia Fashion Runway gears up for a weekend of stylish events

From the Editor

14

Food & Drink

707

Paintings by Janet Barnes on view at Milinda Perry Gallery

20

16

The Little Art Shop gift store and gallery features handcrafted goods by area artists 17

Top left: Savage & Cooke Distillery barrel storage, Lisa Duncan Photography Top right: Flex rehearsal at Arts Benicia for the piece Circumambulation, left to right: Lena Strayhorn, Larnie Fox, Bodil Fox, Chris Miller, courtesy of Flex

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Applications/Information Available at: Office of the City Manager City of Benicia 250 East L Street, Benicia

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Completed applications are to be returned to the Benicia City Manager’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2018.

Questions: BeniciaCommunityRelations@Valero.com

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FROM THE EDITOR

September 2018 The creative vibe that permeates Benicia is substantial this month with art, music and fun events. In this issue, art and music combine in Flex, the newish ensemble created by Larnie and Bodil Fox. Flex creates “sonic performance on sculptural things.” Check out this particular aspect of their creative endeavors on page 20.

I recently visited the impressive Jen Tough Gallery, a large, bright space that opened earlier this year and is about to expand to a second location in the lower Arsenal. The gallery features works from area artists, and is just up the street from the Arts Benicia Gallery—a welcome addition to the Arsenal’s art scene.

The new Savage & Cooke distillery anchoring Mare Island’s historic core is transforming the area—read about it on page 18.

Benicia photographer Lisa Duncan and I had an exclusive tour in July where Lisa got great photos. We were impressed by the renovation of the beautiful old buildings, where some of the parts and pieces were sourced from other buildings on the island. Fantastic brick and iron elements that harken back to their ship-building roots found a contemporary use that honors the original architecture the new Savage & Cooke spaces.

This month’s events include the September wine walk, the Fine Arts, Crafts & Marketplace, Fashion Runway Weekend, Art Walk, and Arts Benicia Presents, After Dark. Peppino D’Agostino plays at the Historical Museum this month; get tickets now if you want to catch one of his coveted Benicia performances.

Now that Bella Siena restaurant has integrated into the community, Farm + Flour, which opened in August, is creating quite a buzz. One House Bakery is also expected to open soon. I love these welcome additions to the downtown food scene.

On another note: Benicia Magazine has always highlighted the many things that make Benicia special—and steered clear of politics. I recently received an email from a person of authority in City government, the purpose of which appeared to be to intimidate me on behalf of an unnamed constituent, from running Christina Strawbridge’s monthly Trends column, despite the fact that we go beyond the State's Fair Political Practice Commission guidelines.

As you are probably aware, Christina is running for a City Council seat. She has entertained us with her monthly missive on culture and fashion for many years. Though we will continue to run Christina’s column as we see fit, we had already determined Trends would not run September through November, as was the case in her previous campaign.

It is sad to see local politics devolve into the kind of acrimony that is currently present on a national level. Mike and I sincerely hope the community can come together to treat the election in the positive manner Benicia deserves.

Lisa Duncan Photography

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

Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine @Jeannesteinmann beniciamagazine

—Jeanne

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Scene 707

Scene Art

Solano Community College Vallejo Center; Lisa Duncan Photography

Sonoma State Partners with Solano Community College

By Jeanne Steinmann Did you know … that Sonoma State University offers students at Solano Community College’s Vallejo campus an upper-division program that leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies? In a unique partnership with the junior college, the program offers a convenient way for Benicia and Vallejo students to obtain a four-year degree at a two-year college—saving students the long commute to the Rohnert Park University. Sonoma State’s courses at the JC cover social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. Classes are taught by Sonoma State faculty on evenings and weekends, and there’s even an online component for working students.

Students who are interested in the program can register online for the Spring 2019 session between Aug. 1 and Nov. 15, 2018. Late applications accepted on a space-available basis. Classes are held at Solano Community College, Vallejo Center, 545 Columbus Parkway, Vallejo.

For additional information, contact Susie McFeeters, susan.mcfeeters@sonoma.edu, 707.664.2601.

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A Second Arsenal Location for Jen Tough Gallery Staff writer Starting off by enhancing the cultural scene in downtown Vallejo, the Jen Tough Gallery is now located in the Benicia Arsenal, providing a unique backdrop to showcase many types of art.

Despite Benicia’s long history as an artist enclave, making art more accessible to the public is a welcome endeavor. Large wall spaces are not abundant in Benicia, aside from the Arts Benicia Gallery. A right turn on Tyler Street instead of a left to Arts Benicia leads to the Jen Tough Gallery, a bright, dramatic space with stark white walls and soaring ceilings, that invites visitors to view the works of 20 local and Northern California artists.

With a contemporary vibe, the gallery is located at the rear of the 940 Tyler building in the lower Arsenal. In July, a group exhibition included paintings by Benicia artist Carol Dalton; and a summer show ended late August. Through September 6, Erin McCluskey Wheeler’s mixed media paintings are featured in a solo show and September 7-20, dynamic, textural compositions by Jeff Snell will be on view.

As a former long-time art director, Jen worked for Urban Outfitters, Warner Brothers and other high profile companies, as well as extensive freelance work. She recently announced a second exhibition space in the Arsenal that could include artist workshops. I’m exploring the idea of offering workshops in addition to the second gallery—it’s a lovely space,” said Jen. “What amazes me about Benicia is the history of art and the artists working in the Arsenal. I also fell in love with the gorgeous lofty spaces,” she said, adding, “The arsenal is a quiet, overlooked area. The art history here has a pioneering spirit. That’s exciting—I love that.”

JEN TOUGH GALLERY 942 Tyler Street, Suite E, Benicia 707.563.1360 Jentough.gallery Open Mon.- Thurs. by appointment Fri.-Sat. 12-7 • Sun. 12-5 Top, Mercy Returns Me, by Melissa McGill, Left, Summer show opening. Photos Courtesy Jen Tough Gallery

Community and Belonging Reflected in Artists’ Paintings

By Donna Covey “My inspiration comes from the positive feelings and warmth I get from the world around me: family, faith, traditions and community.” - Janet Barnes Janet Barnes is an artist whose paintings reflect the values of what is most important to her in life. The consistent themes within all of Janet’s paintings are community and belonging, whether it be with family sharing daily experiences at the dinner table, musicians practicing for their performances, or girlfriends gathering in a cafe. Her latest exhibition runs this month through October in downtown Benicia.

Janet will tell you that Jacob Lawrence, who was one of the most important artists of the 20th century, had a profound effect on her paintings. His influence can be seen in her use of bold, bright colors and her depictions of everyday life. “Sitting down to dinner every day, or having Thanksgiving dinner with my family, leaves me with a positive feeling of belonging, and I share this feeling through my paintings,” she says. Janet categorizes her style of art as social abstract with people always being the main focus in each painting.

Although Janet studied art history and advanced art at CSU Sacramento, she considers herself self-taught. She recently received first-place awards for her paintings in juried competitions in galleries around the North Bay, and her work has been shown at the Joyce Gordon Art Gallery in Oakland and San Francisco’s Moscone Center.

The Benicia community can view Janet’s solo show entitled New Works 2018 at the Milinda Perry Gallery, 117 East F Street, Benicia, 707.816.1655, Sept. 1-Oct. 29. The public is also invited to an artist reception Saturday, Sept. 8, 5-7pm.

Photos courtesy Janet Barnes Top left, Evening Recap, bottom left, We Talk About Life, bottom right, Welcome, by Janet Barnes

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Scene Community

CAC Roberta Cooper and Viola Robertson in front of CAC building Lisa Duncan Photography

By Tomoka Red St. Johns Benicia Community Action Council is known for the many ways it helps people in need. Now it’s received a helping hand to pay off its mortgage. In turn, the agency will have a chance to provide even more assistance to those in need.

The mortgage burning—either literally or symbolically— will take place the morning of Sept. 21 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Community Building, 230 East J St. It’s a suitable site because the St. Paul’s Historic Trust, a separate fund that underwrites care of the church’s three historic buildings, is a key player in the Community Action Council (CAC) mortgage story.

That story began in the late 1990s, when Executive Director Viola Robertson sought a loan so the agency could own its building at 480 Military East. The CAC had $150,000 in hand toward the purchase—$75,000 from a federal grant program that offered financial help to communities affected by the closure of Mare Island Naval Station; $25,000 from the Solano County Board of Supervisors through then Supervisor John Silva, a believer in the CAC; $25,000 from what then was the Exxon Benicia Refinery (now Valero) with help from its spokesperson Fred Newhouse; and another $25,000 raised by the CAC itself, Robertson said.

But banks wouldn’t lend the $150,000 balance without collateral. Robertson was willing to put up her own home, but admitted, “That would have been a terrible hardship.”

Fred Railsback, president of St. Paul's Church, the CAC Board and active with the Lisa Duncan Photography St. Paul’s Historic Trust, proposed a “win-win” solution: The trust would lend $150,000 from its endowment fund at 6 percent interest for 25 years. The CAC would have its building and the endowment fund would earn interest on its loan.

Mortgage-free

by September

Monthly payments originally were $1,120, dropping in recent years to $980, Robertson said.

But the CAC could use that money for other reasons.

Known as someone who stretches a dollar farther than anyone, Robertson uses CAC resources to help indigent people with food and utility bills or rent payments. The CAC helped 175 families file income taxes. It serves 60 meals daily to the elderly. It offers job training and resume assistance and conducts money-managing workshops.

The agency sent 50 children this year to a Salvation Army camp, provided backpacks full of school supplies to 103 children and distributed swim passes at Benicia’s Lemos Aquatic Center to children of low-income families. It helps older people stay in their homes.

The CAC itself manages two homes, in Fairfield and Vallejo, with 10 beds for discharged patients who have no safe place for recuperation.

It provides transitional housing for the homeless. “We’re required to have 60 clients,” Robertson said. It handles 70.

One man lived by the Scandia theme park, bathing in its fountain. His story broke her heart, she said.

Like every nonprofit, the CAC needs money to do more.

So Valero Benicia Refinery decided proceeds from this year’s annual Sporting Clay Invitational Shoot June 29 would pay off the remaining $63,000 mortgage. That was the goal, anyway.

Drawing tickets alone brought in more than $24,000.

With income from 41 teams and 162 participants, including 54 Valero employees, the event netted $100,000 for the CAC, said Sue Fisher Jones, who recently retired from the refinery and who volunteered for the event.

Once the mortgage is satisfied, the remaining money likely will go to replace the CAC’s old phone system and its aging computers, so the agency can operate more efficiently, she said.

The main mortgage-burning celebration will take place at St. Paul’s Parish, Friday, September 21, 9:30-11am, with admission being donations of nonperishable foods to the Food Bank Of Contra Costa and Solano. Robertson said she also wants the CAC to have an open house that day, so generous donors “can see where their money goes.”

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Scene Dwell

70s Waterfront Dome Home

Gets a Vibrant Makeover

By Beth Steinmann Lisa Duncan Photography Back in 1970s, Thelma Levine Worthen and her husband Dick Worthen bought waterfront property on West I Street in downtown Benicia, after a lengthy permitting process with the San Francisco Bay Conservation & Development Committee for a dock and floating barge, and 1.5 story house that would feature a geodesic dome.

Dick was a builder who also taught rhetoric at Diablo Valley College, and Thelma taught elementary school. Thelma’s daughter Laura Eytan relates that Dick was on the cutting edge of design—and a very interesting guy. As a young person, Laura helped build the dome.

After Dick died, it was a challenge for Thelma to keep it up.

She went into assisted living, and eventually, Laura bought the house from Thelma’s estate. Over the past few years she has been slowly fixing it up, and filling it with art, including her own, Jewish items and collections such as Indian Saris. Laura renovated the kitchen, upgraded bedrooms and bathrooms and replaced the flooring. True to a 70s era home, the interior features lots of wood and several original stained glass windows made by a local artist.

Before purchasing the property, Laura had lived in San Francisco then New Jersey. But she and her three kids had spent a lot of time at the dome, and she’s very happy she was able to purchase it in her retirement. Again working with BCDC, she recently completed a project shoring up the home’s dock, which also functions as an extended deck.

As part of her effort to maintain and improve the home, she replaced the dome’s cover and re-sealed it which lead to having the exterior painted a vibrant blue named Good Karma.

Meanwhile, she met and collaborated with budding artist Chris Weiner, which opened up a whole new color world. Chris painted strong, masculine graphic motifs on several of the panels before moving out of the area.

Laura set out to paint the remaining panels, which are now almost complete, in her feminine, curvy style, which juxtaposes well with Chris’ strong graphics. “The colors remind me of my Jewish prayer shawl, a Tallis,” she said. She also found inspiration from the sari's she brought back brought back from her travels in India. A door and window frame were painted green, which turned out to be named So Sari.

Of her bold color choices, she says, “I’m very vivid. I needed my bright, happy colors and curvy graphics. The dome is my sanctuary. I needed a sense of feminine power and protection.

It’s all about Jewish mysticism—to lift people up and bring them to the light.”

As the dome home vibrates with fresh energy and color, Laura reflects on the process. “This is where my life has been leading, this has been my journey and I’ve been coming in this direction since I was little. I sit here on the deck and I have a little piece of paradise. It’s idyllic.”

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Scene Food & Drink The Dish

in the

Neighborhood

By Courtney Tait Danny Glassmaker wanted to bring some funk to Benicia.

Not the musical kind, though you might hear a Marvin Gaye tune or two as you dig into one of the juicy, spicy po’ boys The Workshop is known for.

The funk is the vibe, the charm, the feel of this New Orleans-style eatery. Tucked between Benicia Bait & Tackle Shop and Jon’s Hair Loft on Claverie Way, it’s the kind of down-to-earth place you hear about from people in the know, people who plan their Wednesday afternoon around a Creole Jambalaya—the midweek special—done right.

“Our concept is to keep it real,” says Glassmaker, who opened The Workshop with his wife Naomi in 2013. “It looks like a little po’ boy hole in the wall and our hours are kinda weird, like what you’d find in New Orleans.”

Having lived in NOLA for 12 years, Glassmaker knows his way around Cajun and Creole cuisine. He grew up in Benicia, but fell for New Orleans after visiting the city when he was 18. At 22, he moved there, and in 1997 graduated from the Culinary Arts Program at Delgado Community College. He honed his skills working for various New Orleans chefs. “Most of our menu is traditional, classic recipes made in the 1800s,” says Glassmaker. “Everything has my twist on it, but the foundation— like how to make roux or how to blacken meat—there are certain techniques that I keep legit.”

While a touch of California influence can be found in specials like the vegan butternut squash soup, The Workshop’s Southern authenticity is visible from the moment you sit down.

Three kinds of Louisiana hot sauce grace each table, along with

Glassmaker’s homemade Cajun seasoning. And napkins are kept in coffee tins from Cafe Du Monde—the New Orleans institution for beignets.

Naomi, who runs the restaurant’s front end, says, “People from New Orleans tell us the food reminds them of home. It’s the best they’ve had in the area, which is what we’re aiming for.”

The menu features six different po’ boys, including Shrimp, Brisket, Smoked Sausage (with andouille sausage from Baton Rouge), and Caramelized Roasted Veggie. There’s a daily soup special (I had the Creole Cream of Cauliflower, which was fantastic), a spinach and roasted veggie salad, fried sweet hushpuppies, and a hot special like Breaded Pork Chops (Tuesdays), Cajun Chicken Pot Pie (Thursdays), or Beignets & Beans (Saturdays). “Everything is fresh and made in-house from scratch,” says Glassmaker. “It’s simplicity with quality.”

Though the cuisine was inspired by Glassmaker’s time in New Orleans, he’s had his eye on the location since he was a kid, when it was home to Reel Fish & Chips. “I grew up in the neighborhood, so it was always a familiar place,” he says. “I remember thinking, ‘That would be a cool little workshop.’

A few decades later, he’s come full circle, giving his old neighborhood that New Orleans funk. “We have something that’s really different,” he says, “and the community has made us feel welcome.”

The Workshop is open Tues.-Fri. 11am-2:30pm, and Sat. 8-10:30am and 11am-2:30pm.

Photos courtesy of The Workshop

The Workshop

707.747.6028 • 511 Claverie Way, Benicia Facebook.com

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Scene Culture

Tenth Year for

Benicia’s Annual Fashion Weekend Staff writer both nights. Sponsored by Christina S Fashion Destination, In the spring of 2009, the seeds of Benicia Fashion Weekend major sponsors include Hamann Real Estate, Color Zone, were sewn, and by fall, ready to present to the community. Metropolitan Van and Storage, Republic Services and Mt. Under clear skies and balmy weather, guests were treated Beautiful Winery, among others. The runway production has to a professional fashion runway show with local luminaries benefited the Benicia State Parks Association, the Arts and modeling the latest fashions.

Culture Commission Public Art project and the Soroptimist Safe This first festive event was held at the Inn at Benicia House and Resource Center. A portion of this year’s proceeds Bay on D Street, with live music, a silent auction, wine and will again benefit the Safe House, and each designer will donate nibbles. Auction proceeds benefitted the Benicia State Parks an item from their collection to be raffled off at the Grand Finale Association. The brainchild of Christina Strawbridge, whose Runway Show. goal was to showcase fashion and beauty on First Street, the At press time, the confirmed lineup includes Richard fashion runway show generated a buzz in the community.

Hallmarq, PR Season 11; Char Glover and All Stars, PR Season 13, Following the initial success at the Inn, the show moved to Amy Bond from last season’s Project Runway, and Erin Green, the Arsenal for two years, and then back downtown for another from America's Next Top Model. Talent recruitment has been seven successful years. For each show, the parking lot behind a collaboration between Strawbridge, Richard Hallmarq and the Treasury Commons building gets transformed into a Project Runway Season 11. “The key to the success of the show creative venue under the stars, pulsing with music and energy, is to highlight a diverse mix of designers who have relevant soft lighting and large potted trees and shrubbery. collections,” said Strawbridge. “Because Project Runway has The early shows featured women’s fashions from Christina such a huge following, the audience loves seeing the designers S, Be Chic Boutique, Piccolo, Miguelena and Posh. Over and their collections up close, showcasing the future in fashion time, the other shops closed, but and design. It benefits the Strawbridge continued the event, community and brings making connections with famous people into town.” designers from America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway—including Friday, 9/28 Richard Hallmarq—and other fashion 6-8pm, Meet the Designers luminaries such as Patricia Field, Union Hotel Courtyard costume designer for the hit show Sex 401 First Street and the City.

8-10pm, Shop with This September marks the tenth the Designers anniversary of Benicia Fashion Christina S, 370 First Street Runway, with locals and visitors Downtown Benicia from around the Bay arriving in their chicest attire. To offer a professional Saturday, 9/29 runway show of this magnitude is 6-7:30pm, Fashion Runway rare in a town our size, and has been Reception highlighted by local and regional 7:30-8:30pm, Grand Finale press.

Runway Show Fashion Runway Weekend also 8:30-10pm, Shop the includes a Friday Night Meet and Night Away Greet with the models and designers 370 First Street at the Union Hotel, plus late night shopping. Saturday night features Tickets a runway reception followed by the Christina S, Benicia Main much anticipated runway show.

Street and online at Local businesses and individuals Brown Paper Tickets help with the set-up, including interior Friday $25, Saturday $45. designer Michael Trahan, Penny and beniciafashionrunway.com Bob Stell and a full team for set up and ChristinaSBenicia.com take down of the runway. Members of facebook.com/ Photo by Charles Schoenberger Benicia Soroptimist cover the door beniciafashionrunway 16 • Benicia Magazine

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Scene Shop

The Little Art Shop gallery & gifts

By Jeanne Steinmann After the closure of the Mankas Corner co-op called The Little Art Shop (formerly the Clay Station), Rejina Christopher and her husband Mel took over and moved the business to Benicia’s Tannery on First Street last year.

The couple previously lived in New Mexico, but Mel was offered a job from PG&E and they moved to Vallejo. “I’ve always been artistic and now that we are here, I have time to focus on my art,” Regina said. When the opportunity came to take over The Little Art Shop, they jumped at it.

Rejina worked as a volunteer while homeschooling three kids, but maintained her creative endeavors. “I love all mediums and I delve into all of them. I make little creatures from wooden knife blocks, I do a lot of upcycling, I do clay, painting and metal work," she said. It’s just a natural progression—I’ve been training for this my entire life. All the steps in life come together and add to your training.”

The shop is a cross-section of many different types of art, combining gallery with gift store, where everything is handmade by local artists from the East and Northbay. Prices range from $3 magnets to $1,000 sculptures. “There are 26 artists total, doing fused glass, textiles, woodworking, painting, paper art, mixed media, metal art and more,” said Regina, who also shared her appreciation for the support Benicia art and artists receive from the community. “Benicia is fabulous; the support for art events and venues is very strong,” she said, adding that there’s been a lot of support from other vendors in the Tannery.

We’re helping emerging artists, from 26 to 78 years old.

We’re proud of that,” said Regina. “Art opens up your mind.

It helps to form new pathways and ways of thinking. Art is a blessing.”

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

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WINE ENTREPRENEUR’S

NEW DISTILLERY ON MARE ISLAND

Dave Phinney made his name in wines, launching The Prisoner label and Orin Swift Cellars. After selling both companies, he opened Savage & Cooke distillery on Mare Island, naming it for two naval officers who had been assigned there.

His Ayate Tequila starts in Guanjuato, Mexico, and is finished there in Phinney’s wine barrels. His Second Glance American Whiskey and Burning Chair Bourbon also are finished in wine barrels, but in Savage & Cooke’s building of vintage bricks and sturdy wood floors.

Phinney will use grains and water from his own Northern California land to produce future whiskies. To eliminate water pollution, the distillery uses a closedloop system.

“Dave has always been a spirits fan,” said Lauren Blanchard, Savage & Cooke’s general manager.

Encouraged by distributors and friends, he found what he needed on Mare Island.

As much as space and a central location, Phinney wanted a site with “heart and soul,” Blanchard said.

Mare Island’s history and architecture showed him “it’s the right place,” she said.

Savage & Cooke’s products are distributed successfully in 35 markets nationwide. They’re sold regionally at certain Whole Foods, Bounty Hunter in Napa and in several Marin County sites. They’re served at high-end food and cocktail restaurants.

These are specialty beverages, ranging from $38 to $95 a bottle. “They are meant to be enjoyed neat or over ice,” Blanchard said.

This fall, Savage & Cooke is opening a tasting room, The Vault, in a former secret place used for wartime planning when Mare Island was a U.S. Navy shipyard.

From 1854 to its closure in 1993, it produced or repaired war ships, including 44 submarines during World War II, when the shipyard had had 50,000 employees. After

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A renown Northern California winemaker has set his sights on making Vallejo’s Mare Island a prime tourist destination, starting with the distillery he opened last year.

By Tomoka Red St. Johns

the closure, Vallejo kept Mare Island’s historic structures and contracted with Lennar Mare Island (LMI) for development.

LMI, the Mare Island community and Vallejo welcomed the distillery, Blanchard said. “We’re thankful for that.”

Phinney believes Mare Island has the qualities to become a travel destination. “Dave has a lot of faith in the island. He has a strong belief the island can be successful,” Blanchard said.

He’s secured seven buildings proposed for a winery, restaurant, bar, coffee company and places for fine leather goods, quality beef and artisan shotguns.

“Savage & Cooke is a major project,” she said. “Dave also has a tremendous track record of success.” Other entrepreneurs are watching, and some say they want to open businesses there, too.

It’s ideal for craft beverages, Blanchard said. Breweries and wineries have opened tasting rooms. Its waterfront, historic St. Peter’s Chapel with Tiffany stained-glass windows, arts community, museum and shoreline heritage preserve make it a place to discover.

“Mare Island is a place they’ve heard of, but they haven’t spent time on the island,” she said. “People will be pleasantly surprised.”

Photos pages 18 & 19 Lisa Duncan Photography

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Auditory Artistry

By Tomoka Red St. Johns Some artists are intrigued by colors, textures and shapes. Larnie and Bodil Fox also appreciate similar qualities of sound.

Lines from their roof are connected to a mixing board inside Larnie’s backyard studio—Bodil has her own, next to his. But Larnie’s has a sofa where people can sit and listen to the sounds the wind makes as it blows past the rooftop strings. “It’s a wind harp,” Larnie explains.

The Foxes once led the Crank Ensemble, a band of players who played improvised concerts on unusual instruments that produced sounds by turning cranks, as the band’s name implied. But some members got busy, having children and moving on. The Foxes had no problem with the paredown. They formed Flex, with Chris Miller and Lena Strayhorn, a new and smaller ensemble with more structure. They play composed pieces with actual beginnings, middles and ends.

Concerts are “sonic performance on sculptural things,” and the sounds come from “low-tech handmade instruments” and bamboo constructs. Sometimes special lighting is incorporated, since band members also are visual artists.

The Foxes have been busy, too. Even though Larnie no longer directs Arts Benicia, he still is associated with the gallery. He and Bodil were artists-in-residence at the Montalvo Arts Center, something that gave the couple a new experience—sharing a studio. At times, said Bodil, they had to establish “here is the line.”

“We spent a lot of time figuring out how to collaborate,” Larnie said. But the co-residency worked out, as the two artists helped each other with their individual projects. One piece was part of Drop

by Drop: A Brief History of Benicia Water Through the Eyes of its Artists, at the Benicia Historical Museum. Amid photographs and paintings stood Clepsydra, a bamboo and copper installation piece based on an ancient water clock.

Using a water pump, the device broadcast sounds of water. Bodil made the sculpted copper vessels, each making a distinctive sound. For a year and a half, Clepsydra was on display, adding sound as well as three-dimensional beauty to the exhibit.

A celestial event inspired a performance event with other artists at Canessa Gallery in San Francisco. Larnie made the instruments. Their sounds were enhanced through a mixing board and amplifiers. “It was based on our trip to Oregon to see the total eclipse,” Fox said. He had seen partial eclipses before. The experience of a total eclipse, seeing a shadow approaching from distant hills, was unprecedented and intense. “The darkness is rushing at you,” Bodil said. “That was one thing I was not prepared for. Or the cold.” “It felt profoundly wrong,” Larnie said. Some of their companions began screaming or sobbing.

The couple tapped into that experience for the presentation. Wheels with tiny projections strike strings. Some sounds are soft and rhythmic, like heart beats. Some are harsh and unsettling. Still others hint at conventional stringed instruments or bells. “We carefully scored it,” Larnie said. A documentary is available online at youtube.com/watch?v=hFItv5AC_N0&feature=youtu.be.

They also have performed Circumambulation at the RE:Sound event on Mare Island. Their auditory artistry has made the couple more aware of soundscapes around them. On a trip to Belize, they planted a recorder in a remote area, returning later to find the recorder had captured aural treasures.

Good sounds are everywhere and from everything—industrial noise to the laughter of children when they leave a classroom to play, to the sonic windmill made at Montalvo and now is incorporated in FLEX performances, they said.

The latest show is Bocce Ball and Other Human Propelled Spheres, curated by Bodil, whose contributions to the show came about almost by accident. Larnie had acquired a ceramic concrete, but decided it didn’t work for him. He handed the stuff off to Bodil, who has used it to create her open-sided spheres. Bocce Ball and Other Human Propelled Spheres is on exhibit Sept. 18-Oct. 28 at Benicia Public Library, 150 E. L St. Its reception starts at 3:30pm on Sept. 22.

Top: Garden of Memory; bottom, Birdhouse,

by Larnie Fox by Larnie Fox Photos by Michael Zelner 20 • Benicia Magazine Feature

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Mulch Wide — Not Deep Mulch is one of the most beneficial things a homeowner can do for the health of a tree.

Benefits of proper mulching: Maintain soil moisture Control weeds Improve soil aeration & drainage

Apply mulch properly or it can cause harm to trees and other landscape plants.

For more info visit: www.ci.benicia.ca.us, Parks & Community Services 707.746.4285

45th Annual

Fine Arts, Crafts & Marketplace Saturday, Sept. 15, 10am-4pm

A quality event with an extensive selection and variety of fine arts & crafts

FREE admission & parking Rain or shine

Starts at First & G Streets

Historic Downtown Benicia (I—780 to Central Benicia Exit)

Benicia Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 707.745.2120 • beniciachamber.com

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DIRECT

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22 • Benicia Magazine

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CTORY COLL

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Calendar

SEPTEMBER EVENTS Kings Mountain Art Fair 9/1, 2 & 3, 10am-5pm 13889 Skyline Boulevard Woodside Started in 1963, the Art Fair event is held every Labor Day weekend, celebrating over 50 years of art and ambiance. It benefits the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Kings Mountain Elementary School and other community activities, staffed by local volunteers. It is known for its stunning location among the redwoods and its unique and varied artists, selected by jury.

Kingsmountainartfair.org

Trivia Night at Vet’s Hall

9/6, 7-9pm Vet’s Memorial Hall 1150 First Street, Benicia Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall hosts a trivia night first Thursdays in the lounge/bar. It’s open to the public, $10 per team, up to 4 players per team. Players bring their own snacks and compete to test their knowledge.

Topics change weekly; follow the Facebook page for clues to upcoming topics. Email team names to beniciavetspubquiz@ yahoo.com to reserve seats.

Walk-ins welcome.

Facebook.com/beniciavetshall 707.745.1769

Benicia Certified Farmer’s Market

9/6, 13, 20 & 27 First Street from B to D Streets Benicia Benicia’s Farmers Market offers fresh fruit & vegetables, baked goods, gourmet food, delicious hot foods, arts & crafts, live entertainment, and face painting.

Market is on First St. between B & D Streets. Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Benicia Art Walk 9/8, 2-7pm First Street, Benicia Celebrate Benicia Art Walk 2018 on second Saturdays in June, July, September & October in downtown Benicia on First Street.

Come for lunch or stay for dinner, and tour eight amazing galleries that host the fun with great art, live entertainment, small sips and other activities. Look for the blue banners or follow the 2018 Benicia Art Walk Map. Visitbenicia.org/arts/visual-artscrafts/

Oakland Food Festival

9/14, 3pm-9pm; 9/15, 11am-10pm; 9/16, 11am-6pm Jack London Square Broadway Street, Oakland Supporting Food Craft Institute, the Eat Real Festival is an annual celebration of good food with a focus on artisan food craft, street food, craft beers, local wines and delicious cocktails—all featuring sustainable local ingredients.

Participants learn where food comes from, who grows it and how to make it. Attendance is free of charge, all food is affordable and incorporates regionally-sourced, sustainable ingredients.

Eatrealfest.com

45th Annual Fine Arts, Crafts & Marketplace 9/15, 10am-4pm First & G Streets, Benicia Artisans & crafters will set up booths on First Street in historic downtown, for the 45th annual Fine Arts, Crafts & Marketplace.

Vendors are pre-screened to ensure a quality event with an extensive selection and variety of fine arts & crafts. Held rain or shine, admission & parking free.

Beniciachamber.com 707.745.2120

Arts Benicia Presents After Dark

9/15-10/21, hours vary Arts Benicia 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, Benicia After Dark explores our darker sides and alter egos. As the curator, Jen Tough, says, it’s about “allowing the voice of our own tiny devils to come out and play.” This show includes an opening reception with refreshments, 9/15, 6-8pm.

Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Benicia CAC Mortgage Burning Ceremony

9/21, 9:30-11am St. Paul’s Parish Hall 120 E. J Street, Benicia The Benicia Community Action Council will have a mortgage burning ceremony for paying off the mortgage on their building on Military East Street. It was paid off with a public-private partnership that benefits the entire community.

Bencac.org, 707.745.0900 Wine Walk 9/22, 1-5pm First Street, downtown Benicia Stroll First Street on a beautiful autumn afternoon and taste over a dozen wines being poured inside downtown shops.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Peppino D'Agostino in Concert

9/28, 8-10pm Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road, Benicia A native of Italy, D’Agostino has made his international mark as a musical artist on the guitar since he arrived in America 33 years ago. Peppino has recorded 18 CDs and performed in 33+ countries at festivals & concert

halls. He will play with special guest Carlos Reyes, recording artist, producer, engineer, harpist and violinist. He has broken musical barriers since his first public performance at age five.

Tickets $35, doors open at 7pm.

No-host bar.

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Benicia Fashion Runway Weekend

9/28 & 29 Downtown Benicia A weekend of stylish events featuring famous designers from Project Runway, Project Runway All Stars and America's Next Top Model. Meet & Greet Friday September 28, tickets $25, at the Union Hotel. The Fashion Runway event is Saturday, September 29, tickets $45, outdoors at Treasury Commons Building. Visit the website for details and tickets.

Beniciafashionrunway.com

Baby Boomers Got Talent

9/29, 2pm Vallejo Navel and Historical Museum 734 Marin Street, Vallejo The inaugural Baby Boomers Got Talent takes place this September with a cast of 15 local, seasoned performers. Acts will range from dancing to singing to comedy and more. The show is directed by native Vallejoan Derrick Leonard, who believes age shouldn’t be an obstacle in getting back on stage. derrickleonard777@gmail.com 707.712.9048

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Exceptional Legal and Mediation Services

www.benicia.com Brenda Turner-Adams

Your Partner in Real Estate

707.748.0900 Benicia Historic Arsenal SolanoLawGroup.com 1001 Madison Street Benicia

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Our Mortgage is

MELTING AWAY! Thanks to a $100,000 donation from the Valero Benicia Refinery, the Benicia Community Action Council is paying off its mortgage, upgrading computers and much more.

Join us to thank Valero, collect food for families, and burn our mortgage.

Friday, September 21, 2018

St. Paul’s Parish Hall, 120 E J St, Benicia, CA 9:30-11 am — Food Collections 9:45 am — Special Ceremony Refreshments served.

FREE admission with food donation for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

Thank You Valero!

Benicia Community Action Council 480 Military East, Benicia, CA 94510 (707) 745-0900 I www.bencac.com

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Live Music

AUGUST LIVE MUSIC BeaufunK feat

Diablo Rhythm Wranglers

Empress Theatre

Lucca Beer Garden

707.552.2400, 330 Virginia St, Vallejo EmpressTheatre.org

707.745.3749, 439 1st Street, Benicia

Sept. 1, 8pm Sept. 12, 7:30pm Sept. 14, 8pm

BeaufunK feat Michael Jeffries & Fred Ross $15 online/$20 phone and box office Wed. Night Live Presents Kenya Baker Trio $10 General Admission Uptown Funk Bruno Mars Tribute Band $20 online/$25 phone and box office

Luccabar.com No Cover Charge

Sept. 1, 1:30pm – 3:30pm 5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 2, 2pm – 5pm Sept. 6, 5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 7, 5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 8, 1pm – 3:30pm 5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 9, 2pm – 5pm Sept. 13, 5:30pm – 8pm

Sept. 14, 5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 15, 1pm – 3:30pm The Mavericks

Uptown Theatre Napa 707.259.0123, 1350 Third Street, Napa Uptowntheatrenapa.com Sept. 6, 8pm Sept. 12, 8pm Sept. 16, 8pm

ABBA The Concert 2018: A Tribute to ABBA $45 - $65, Ticketmaster or Box Office The Mavericks $40 - $75, Ticketmaster or Box Office Craig Ferguson - Hobo Fabulous Tour (actor, writer & comedian) $65 - $90, Ticketmaster or Box Office

5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 16, 2pm – 5pm Sept. 20, 5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 21, 5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 22, 1pm – 3:30pm 5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 23, 2pm – 5pm Sept. 27, 5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 28, 5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 29, 1:30pm – 3:30pm 5:30pm – 8pm Sept. 30, 2pm – 5pm

Diablo Rhythm Wranglers Jeff Camp Irish Music w/Vince Wolfe, Lewis Santer & Friends The FOXCATCHERS are Jeff Tamelier & Christopher Cole The New Frantics he Breedloves Vinci Vibe & Her Groove Sector Unplugged Acoustic w/Graham Day Solo Groove Dragon - Cor Bassman, Fred Ross, Greg Rahn, Rich Aguon, Ben Reyes & Frank Acosta Joe Aspatore Project 2Non Jeffs w/Tom Miller, Jeff Campitelli & Jeff Tamelier Saturday Afternoon with Joe Aspatore The Chris Ahlman Band Unplugged Acoustic w/Squeeze Box Harrison Flynn & Aquarian Exposition Oakland Crush The Keller Sisters TBA Unplugged Acoustic w/Cularan GarageLand Rodeo Don Bassey & Friends JimBo Trout Jenny Kerr Band Unplugged Acoustic w/Syria T Berry

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CHRISTINA STRAWBRIDGE 2018 BENICIA CITY COUNCIL

30 Years of Commitment to Benicia 5 15 13 10 26

Years on the Benicia City Council Boards and Commissions Years Christina S Fashion Destination Blocks of tree lights Downtown Years since starting the Farmers Market

Christinaforbeniciacouncil.com FPPC# 1339457 • Paid for by Christina Strawbridge for City Council 2018

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People

Benician Handles Communications, Marketing at Sonoma Raceway

Photo, top: Diana Brennan with NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, photo by Joe Jacobson Bottom: Diana Brennan, Courtesy photo

By Tomoka Red St. Johns When scores of reporters and photographers head to Sonoma Raceway to cover its motorsports events, Diana Brennan and her staff make sure things are handled so the news crews can do their jobs.

The Wi-Fi must operate. Food must be delivered on time.

Announcements, programs and media guides must be in place. Reporters’ seats must be marked. That’s just the beginning of the list of jobs this Benicia resident oversees.

Besides expanding the track’s media presence, she also has been instrumental in the track’s many community activities. Brennan is Vice President of Communications and Marketing for Sonoma Raceway, the only place she’s ever worked. She was 10 when she first went to the track.

Her father drove a 1940s Willys in drag races. “I would hang out at the track,” she recalled. “I enjoyed being there.”

Later, when seeking an internship, she turned to the one place she knew best. Georgia Seipel, drag racing manager at the time, sent her to the marketing department. “I sent in my resume and called once a week.”

Brennan was determined.

John Cardinale, community and media relations manager, met her at Christmas break, then hired her in 1999, the summer of her sophomore year at the University of the Pacific, Stockton. She returned during her junior year as well, and 10 days after her graduation in 2001, Cardinale hired her full time in the track’s media relations department. She was named senior manager of media and communications in 2006 and director of media and community relations in 2012. “John and I worked together for 13 years,” she said, adding, "he was an incredible manager."

When Cardinale was diagnosed with gastric cancer, Brennan was on maternity leave with her son, Jackson, now seven years old and a Matthew Turner Elementary School pupil. Cardinale lived only two more years, dying May 20, 2013. Before his death, he launched John’s Walk against Stomach Cancer, a fundraising walk around the track’s 2.52-mile road course. That event continues to raise money for stomach cancer causes, and Brennan is instrumental in that event, too.

Cardinale’s training gave Brennan the ability to fill in when her boss was away undergoing treatments. After his death, she said, “we made it through the year.” In 2016, Brennan was promoted to vice president of communications and marketing, adding to her duties in public relations, track charitable activities and other events.

During her years at Sonoma Raceway, Brennan has seen the track’s modernization. “Five and a half million cubic yards of dirt” were moved during the overhaul. It’s also carried several names, from Sears Point to Infineon, changed “overnight,” she said. When that partnership ended, the track was renamed Sonoma Raceway. Public relations has experienced its

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“It’s a unique environment, incredibly fun and rewarding to see” own changes. When Brennan started, she counted on faxes and mail. “We don’t do that anymore," she said.

Instead, she uses web pages, social media updates and broadcast emails.

Sonoma Raceway was threatened by the wildfires that swept through Napa and Sonoma counties in 2017. Once out of danger, the track opened its campground to evacuees, becoming “a helpful part of relief” and “a key part of the recovery,” Brennan said.

More fun was the Shell Ecomarathon April 19-22. Student teams from North and South America designed vehicles to go farther on the least amount of fuel. Some of those vehicles reached 3,500 miles on a single gallon. Brennan has worked on the track’s sustainability summits and bicycle events, touring car championships, drag racing series, NASCAR weekends and the annual IndyCar season finale. Brennan credited track President Steve Page’s willingness to try new things at Sonoma Raceway.

Surrounded by race cars, Brennan said she leaves racing to the professionals, although she’s been driven around the track by a few drivers so she can better communicate motorsports’ thrills. “It’s a unique environment, incredibly fun and rewarding to see,” she said.

Brennan commutes each workday to the track from Benicia, where she lives with Jackson and her husband, Andrew. She listens to podcasts on the long drive. She has no plans to move closer to her workplace.

“I love Benicia—I love the family atmosphere,” she said.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

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8/21/18 10:39 AM

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30 • Benicia Magazine

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September BenMag Vol13 v11.indd 32

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8/21/18 10:39 AM