Benicia Magazine June 2015

Improve your grill skills Simple entertaining with family and friends

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2 • Benicia Magazine

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4 • Benicia Magazine

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Community Update For questions about Valero’s Crude by Rail project please email info@beniciaCBR.com or call (707) 654 - 9745

City’s Financial Forecast Calls for More Economic Development

“We can’t cut our way out of this or tax our way out of this. We need to move forward with economic development.”

In February, the City Council and Finance Committee held a joint meeting where Finance Director Karin Schnaider revealed the latest edition of Benicia’s General Fund 10-Year Forecast. Schnaider explained that while the General Fund is expected to increase over the next few years, expenses will start outpacing incomes – draining reserves – within the next five years.

City leaders discussed a variety of suggested mitigations to help boost Benicia’s economy. Many focused on the need to increase revenues, including Vice Mayor Mark Hughes who said, “We need more aggressive economic development.” As the Benicia Herald reported, Mayor Elizabeth Patterson recognized that while economic development has costs, the city’s meeting “is ‘part of a bigger conversation’ that is happening statewide” and commented that “it’s time to invest.”

Michal Clarke Chairperson, Benicia Finance Committee

By the Numbers The Valero Benicia refinery is a continued partner in this economic development. A 2014 economic impact study by Andrew Chang & Company identifies that the Valero Benicia Refinery: Directly employs over

450

local workers

Employs

250

additional contract workers daily

Has paid over

$3 billion

Employees and the company have donated over

$4.3 billion

to local charities in the last decade

to contractors since 2006, generating in economic activity.

$13.7 million

The Crude by Rail project will allow the refinery to continue investing in our community and providing vital long-term tax revenue for our city services by: Creating at least

20

additional full-time, good paying jobs at the refinery

Requiring approximately

120

skilled craftsman jobs during construction

Supporting

3900

jobs in the region through Valero’s activities

Generating millions in additional tax revenues and increased economic activity

COMMUNITY ROOTS Valero has been providing high quality jobs in the area since it acquired the plant in

2000 and the refinery has been a cornerstone of the local economy for decades. In addition to providing hundreds of jobs, hundreds of millions of dollars of vendor spending, taxes and charitable contributions, Valero has invested billions ensuring it meets the highest standards of environmental protection.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 5

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Benicia Historical Museum ◊ 2060 Camel Road, Benicia, CA 94510 ◊ 707-745-5435 ◊ beniciahistoricalmuseum.org

BENICIA UNIFIED SCHOOLS Registration for Continuing Students Registration for all BUSD students (your student must be enrolled to attend these dates*)

Benicia Middle August 19 and 20 Benicia High August 18 and 19 Liberty High August 18 and 19 All Elementary Sites August 18

*Call school site or visit beniciaunified.org for specific times

Enrollment for New Students All sites are currently doing Enrollment for the 2015-16 school year.

Enrollment is by appointment only. Information can be found on the BUSD website under

Parents/Students and Student Enrollment.

Call your local school site or the district office.

Just a reminder that: all students entering 6th or 9th grade must show residency proof before registering

6 • Benicia Magazine

First Day of School is August 26

All students entering 7th grade must show proof of a Tdap booster before registering

Great schools, quality programs.

Benicia Unified School District 350 East K Street

beniciaunified.org

Benicia Magazine

Benicia

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Celebrating our 10th Year

Benicia Editor Jeanne Steinmann

magazine

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Solano Smile

Benicia Magazine Benicia Magazine

Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry

Benicia

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Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

Benicia Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen

magazine

Contributors Eric Hoglund Elizabeth d’Huart Adriene Rockwell Sue Sumner-Moore Christina Strawbridge Photographers Jerry Bowles Malcolm Slight Michael Van Auken

Advertising sales Joey Baker 707.718.0166 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month

Benicia

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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 © 2015, 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.

SolanoSmile.com Dr. Ramtin Nassiri, DDS, MSD & Associates Specialists in Orthodontics and Pediatric Denistry 321 First Street, Suite 203

707.748.0500 BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

JUNE

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 8

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

16

rtful living A in Benicia’s creative enclave

10 From the Editor

rilling tips G for summer entertaining

Annual June Wine Walk draws hundreds of tasters

18

12

Currents

Luncheon and a fashion show help Benicia’s CAC

Friends of the Library raise some serious coin Is Benicia real estate a good investment?

14 Bio: Nikki Basch Davis, artist 15 Backwards Glance

Benicia school days circa 1890

Capturing Benicia’s waterfront charm

20 Along the Waterfront 22 Downtown Map 24 Interview

Leah Shelhorn, Owner, Studio 41

27 Trends

Fathers, sons and career alternatives

28 Calendar of Events

Cover photo and this page byJerry Bowles 8 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

J

une, the gateway to summer, is a month of transitions. One of four

months with only 30 days, June signals a lightness of attitude, celebrating life

JUNE 2015

FROM THE EDITOR

stages marked by graduations, weddings and other cultural shifts.

For many of us, June invites a mental pause—the anticipation of living life outdoors, gatherings with families and friends—vacations on the horizon. We also honor fathers this month, celebrating the contributions they make to the lives of their children. A wonderful dad (and now, granddad) that I know, has steadfastly, quietly and without complaint, provided for and nurtured his family for over 30 years, attending to the needs of his wife and daughters before his own. Yes, I am referring to my husband Mike, but also to other stellar dads I know in this community who put their families first. Hats off to you, on the 21st and all the days of June.

Father’s Day is synonymous with grilling, whether in the backyard or one of Benicia’s splendid picnic areas. In “Simple Summer Grilling,” we offer tips to expand your grill skills for outdoor entertaining. Another fun feature, one in a series this summer, takes a look at the interesting living options unique to our town. For this issue, Judy Kendall opened her live-work Arsenal studio to us, an industrial, loft-like space full of color and whimsy.

If you aren’t joining the exodus of vacationers this month, there are some pretty good options to fill your days here in town. Immerse yourself in Benicia’s history by visiting the wonderful exhibits at the Benicia Historical Museum, especially A Call to Arms: The Benicia Arsenal–WWII, which opened last month, beniciahistoricalmuseum.org. Get tickets early for the June Wine Walk downtown, beniciamainstreet.org. It’s one of three wine walk events where you can sip and stroll, perusing downtown’s wonderful boutiques and eateries, especially those with outdoor spaces. Take note of the many historic markers, meander through the State Capitol, Fischer-Hanlon house and gardens; take in a glass blowing demonstration and much, much more. Playing tourist in your own

Photo by Joe Messina

town is a delightful way to ease into summer.

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

Jeanne Steinmann

10 • Benicia Magazine

BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

A Fashionable Cause

Currents

Last month, local celebrities took to the runway to strut their stuff at the annual Benicia Fashion Show, sponsored

by Christina S Fashion Destination (Christinasbenicia. com), owned by Benicia resident and City Council member Christina Strawbridge. Mayor Elizabeth Patterson graced the runway along with City Manager Brad Kilger, County Supervisor Linda Seifert, local attorney Stephen Gizzi, City Council member Alan Schwartzman, City Attorney Heather McLaughlin, Library Director Diane Smikahl, and other local luminaries. Strawbridge says, “This event has been going for 6 years and it’s grown so much. The city really supports it; it brings everyone together for a good cause. This year we also had a men’s store involved, Williamson & Co from Napa. It was a great time.”

The fanfare took place at the Historic Clock Tower and was a fundraiser for the Benicia Community Action Council Senior Meal Program, which delivers discounted meals to seniors. Viola Robertson, who’s been the director of BCAC since 1980, says, “We have a commercial kitchen here. We cook five days per week and deliver meals to seniors—we do about 65 meals per day.” Each meal costs about $6.45 to create and seniors are charged $3.50 or less, so the rest of the money must come from fundraising and donations. The fashion show raised about $13,000 for the program.

Benicia CAC also provides community referrals for those striving for self-sufficiency, rental and utility assistance, vehicle donations, employment programs, counseling, job training and wardrobe assistance for job interviews, among other services.

Photos, clockwise from left: Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, Kate Gibbs, Deputy City Clerk, Councilman Alan Schwartzman with Susuan Hurl, Republic Services, City Attorney Heather McLaughlin

Photos by Michael Van Auken

Wine Walk Returns to Downtown Three times each year, in February, June and October, downtown merchants combine forces to serve a delectable array of local red, white and sparkling wines. Benicia Main Street sponsors the event, which is usually a sell-out. It draws a large cross-section of Benicians from new couples and families to old timers, who enjoy strolling between about 20 shops with glass in hand. Many merchants go all in and offer small bites and nibbles. According to Nancy Martinez, director of Benicia Main Street, the wine walks have become a huge success. “What a great way to spend an afternoon—wine tasting and shopping downtown Benicia,” she says.

12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

Friends of the Library Nearing the Million Dollar Mark

The June Wine Walk takes place June 20, 1-5pm. For tickets or more information visit beniciamainstreet.org or call 707.745.9791.

Despite the combination of low public funding and the ascent of the digital age, the Benicia Library, a pinnacle of beauty at the intersection of First and Military, is thriving. Our library’s particular success is due in part to a dedicated group of people— the Friends of the Library—who have raised $900,000 over the past 11 years.

Their fundraising efforts are centered on monthly book sales, which take place the second Saturday of each month, 10am to 4pm, downstairs at the library. According to Ron Arrants, who has been the chair of the book sale committee since 1996, proceeds have grown from about $1,000 per year to over $60,000 per year. Next year they are hoping to top the million-dollar mark. Books come mostly from estate sales and personal library downsizing, and are sorted and arranged into categories by volunteers (currently 31 strong). All proceeds go directly to the library. Library Director Diane Smikahl says, “These generous donations have been used for a variety of purposes over the years, and often are used to fund programs (summer reading programs, children's and teen programs, programs run by the Poet Laureate, etc.), and for miscellaneous things that substantially improve our library. Years ago, when the current library was new, staff realized that the building was a little stark and the Friends stepped in to help provide a plant service, which makes the library much more friendly and inviting.”

There are about 350 Friends members currently, who also help get the message out about the value of the library, and, according to Smikahl, “along with the Board of Library Trustees, are able to provide a conduit for public comment and public input that helps keep our services relevant to our community.” The Friends are currently seeking new sources of book donations and a newsletter editor for their quarterly membership. For more information, visit benicialibrary.org or call 707.746.4343.

Photos by Michael Van Auken

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Is Benicia the place to invest?

Is Benicia the Place to Invest?

By Eric Hoglund, Estey Real Estate Often, buyers looking to find a place to call home tend to look at very different metrics than investors in rental property might.

Investors looking at CAP Rates and ROI numbers for Benicia homes based on today’s sale prices as compared to current rents might find it too close to breakeven to be worth the risk of the investment. I am a realist, and any good investment decision must rely on the numbers penciling out, including the cost of a high down payment. Buy and hold investors are finding many owneroccupied, decision-making metrics to be very promising. Here are three strong arguments that spell the word YES to invest.

YOUTH: Benicia is known for its great schools and a multitude of activities for young people—from sports to the arts to a wealth of educational opportunities. Home prices are directly tied to our schools’ success, and the general feeling of community Benicia exudes, especially as it pertains to our youth.

ENVIRONMENT: Mild temps and close proximity to both San Francisco and Sacramento have long made Benicia a great home base for families and commuters. Vacancy rates and relatively low inventory for both the home sale and rental markets have proved this to be true over the decades. Additionally, the low crime rate and all the amenities offered by a full-service city make it an easy choice for those who want it all.

STATISTICS: Benicia’s residential building is at near capacity— only a few undeveloped city lots remain. The law of supply and demand would suggest that if no new inventory will be made available, the existing inventory will appreciate and become more valuable.

Overall, the Benicia real estate market is healthy and homes are selling quickly with strong appreciation trends, and the inventory is predominantly being purchased as owner occupied. This being said, the savvy investor would do well to keep an eye on this gem of a community.

Here are some current numbers from Realtor.com that will show how Benicia relates to national and state averages.

AVERAGE SOLD PRICE

AVERAGE SOLD PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT*

Benicia

$456,299.00

$252 per sqft.

California

$559,980.00

$302 per sqft.

U.S.

$299,375.00

$158 per sqft.

*Currently in Benicia, the average monthly rent payment is only slightly less expensive than the average monthly mortgage payment.

14 • Benicia Magazine

Bio Nikki Basch-Davis

By Adriene Rockwell Photo by Malcolm Slight Nikki Basch-Davis is one of the most prolific and beloved plein air artists in Benicia, but what interests her more than being admired for her painting skills is being able to connect with her viewers in a deeper way.

“I try to create a mood, or tell a story through my work, something that engages the viewer’s own imagination, she says. “It goes beyond how well I paint the water, it’s how the water makes them feel.”

Basch-Davis grew up in the city of Haifa, Israel, where she began her passion for drawing at the age of seven.

She eventually studied graphic arts at the Bezalel Art Institute in Jerusalem, then later discovered her penchant for painting at London’s Royal College of Art. In the 1970s she moved to California, where she settled with her three daughters in Lafayette. As a single mom, she ran a boutique interior design business for nearly 30 years while she remained a “closet painter,” stealing moments to practice.

Long before she moved to Benicia in 2003, BaschDavis was a member of Arts Benicia, and some 27 years ago was part of the artist movement to save Eucalyptus Hill behind Safeway. Today, she’s an active member of Gallery 621 in its new space downtown, and shares a vision for innovative exhibitions that draw new audiences to Benicia as an arts destination. Above all, she says her greatest accomplishments are her three daughters and nine grandchildren. “My best work of art has been raising my girls,” she says.

What tickles her now? A growing passion for creating sculptures of women and children—and teaching.

“When I’m teaching, I’m not promising a wonderful painting, but I’m promising a wonderful time, she says.

“Making art is such a healing process. You lose your worries and get a rest from the outside world. What better gift can you give somebody?”

Although the wording of the aphorism written on the blackboard to the left of the Program is not entirely decipherable, it appears that the author is the American judge and social reformer Benjamin Barr Lindsey (1869-1943), a pioneer in the establishment of the juvenile court system and a leader in the movement to abolish child labor. To the right of the drawn window shade it is possible to discern a portion of the poem “Old Ironsides”

by Oliver Wendell Holmes. Written as a tribute to the 18th century frigate USS Constitution, the popularity of the piece helped to save the ship from being decommissioned. She is now the oldest commissioned vessel in the world still afloat!

School's Out For the Summer

9–9:10 Memorizing exercise Monday 9:10-9:25 Recite word analysis 9:25-9:45 Grammar 9:45-10:50 History 10:50-11 Study arithmetic 11-11:30 Recite arithmetic 11:30 -12:00 Book keeping 1:10-1:40 Study geography 1:40-2 Recite 2-2:10 Spelling 2:15-2:35 Literature 2:35-3:10 Drawing/composition Tuesday & Thursday, civil government Monday, Wednesday & Friday and homework (word analysis/ grammar/history/spelling)

Interestingly, it was also Oliver Wendell Holmes who perfected the stereoscope viewer, a number of which can be seen next to the books on the desk at the front of the room. Stereoscopes consist of two prismatic lenses and a wooden stand—when held up and viewed straight on, the inserted stereoscope card presents a photographic image in 3D. On the easel is a map of the thirteen colonies and the U.S. after 1783. There is also a listing of historically significant dates to the immediate right of the door.

I appreciate the beautiful cursive handwriting on display and also the lovely form of both the chair and teacher’s desk with a built-in spindle bookcase. We would be pleased to hear from anyone who knows the name of the military gentleman whose portrait hangs to the right of the print or photograph of the ship (which does not appear to be the USS Constitution) as we cannot make out the name. One thing is certain: then, as now, the students were glad to be quit of “…reading and writing and ‘rithmetic,” and left the classroom eager to start their summer vacation.

Backwards Glance

By Elizabeth d’Huart Executive Director, Benicia Historical Museum Photos courtesy Benicia Historical Museum The first week of June signals the end of the school year and empty classrooms until the new school year begins. The picture shows an interior view of a vacated Benicia Grammar School circa 1890, assuming the flags were current at the time the photo was taken. Each flag contains thirty-eight stars, which dates them to the period of 1877-1890. The school, an imposing and ornate three-story building with a grand exterior staircase and pillared porch, was built in 1882-83 and torn down in 1938-39 to make way for the new Grammar School, which now houses the Benicia Unified School District administration building on East Third and K Streets. There are so many interesting details here that supply an abundance of clues as to the philosophic bent of the curriculum being taught at the time, and the ambitious daily schedule the students were expected to accomplish.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

How Benicians Live Next month: Marina Houseboat

An Inspired Abode in an Artist’s Haven

16 • Benicia Magazine

Part One: By Jeanne Steinmann Benicia’s lower Arsenal is a hotbed of creativity with artists, photographers, crafters and makers of all types. Many of the studios are live/work spaces that are loft-like in size and feel. One of these, in the historic lower Arsenal, is inhabited by Judy Kendall. To say Kendall is an upholsterer doesn’t tell the full story: she is a master of fabric. Her studio, to the right of the large entry foyer, could be described as organized chaos, where bits and scraps of various projects vie for space amid her sewing machine and other equipment.

Kendall’s specialty lies in breathing new life into worn furniture, but she also does commissions for draperies, pillows, bench seats, boat sails and more. “Sometimes I can be so obsessive that I just have to say 'it's fine, let it go,' and walk away. But often the simpler a project is, the better. What does the customer want? I like to know what other people think.”

Opposite her studio is the distinctive space she calls home. It’s colorful and filled with light, and a mix of interesting pieces imported from France, where antiques reside alongside a multitude of live plants that form a veritable indoor garden. In take-your-breath-away fashion, the fourteen-foot ceiling supplies a dramatic backdrop for Kendall’s other passion: designing her home in a way that delights

her senses and offers a changing canvas that fuels her creativity. “You surround yourself with things you love, says Kendall. It’s a long process; a lot of the things here are my friends.

What works for me is to control clutter. You keep editing to leave enough space so things aren’t competing with each other.”

The approximate 2,500 square foot space is a combination of styles that Judy manages to pull off in a relaxed, warm vibe—oldworld meets industrial meets farmhouse—in a classic pallet of French yellows and blues with an occasional pop of red, just for fun.

In the dining room, live plants trellis through and around a large cabinet, and in the kitchen,

share space with a wire wall rack that also holds mugs and cooking utensils. Angels and antique signage are on display throughout the space, along with rare objects and collectibles that provide a good dose of whimsy, such as an antique wooden horse riding a tricycle, a colorful wooden puzzle map of the U.S. and an antique bi-wing propeller plane hanging from the kitchen ceiling. There are no formal areas, but well thoughtout sitting spaces where comfortable furnishings are enhanced by Kendall’s unusual collections.

In the master bedroom, the wooden

bedstead rests against a wall upon which Kendall hand-painted a large, sunny mural of angels keeping watch over the space.

“It’s a work in progress,” says Kendall. I’m always adding more detail.” Her daughters have worked on the mural as well. “It was a really conceived as a gift to my two daughters,” she says. The bed is enlivened by a bright orange and white quilt, one of many that Judy has created or collected over the years. When asked what it’s been like living in such a unique spot for the past twenty years, Kendall replies, “It’s a great ‘neighborhood;’ definitely a one-of-a-kind place to live.”

Photos by Jerry Bowles

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

BEEF UP

YOUR GRILL SKILLS for Simple Summer Entertaining

18 • Benicia Magazine

By Jeanne Steinmann Backyard grilling, one of season’s greatest simple pleasures, delivers a lowstress, crowd-pleasing meal in a casual atmosphere, while creating memories with family and friends. And there’s no other cooking method that better defines the American summer experience.

This season, improve your grill skills by thinking beyond the basic burger and hot dog. Expand your repertoire to include homemade rubs and sauces for a variety of meats, including turkey, fish, pork and lamb. Consider foregoing the commercial barbeque sauce habit, heaped on before, during or after cooking. Most of these sauces are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, and disguise the flavor of the meat instead of enhancing it. After grilling the meat, use a simple, homemade sauce, sparingly on the side, as many traditional barbeque eateries do.

Memorable meals can be created from the most humble, basic grill to a luxurious outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles—think rotisserie roasters, smokers, specialty woods and more. Either way, grilling has never been easier or afforded more options, leaving the cook to

spend more time relaxing with guests. If you are in the market for an upgrade, the Buck Factory Outlet in the Benicia Business Park has many choices in their showroom, or visit calcomfort.com.

Start with a homemade rub, using the basic 4-3-2-1 classic recipe: four parts sugar, three parts salt, two parts paprika and one part pepper. If you need visuals, grilling cookbooks and many online sites offer dry rub recipes that take only minutes to prepare. During the grilling process, the sugars in the rub caramelize on the meat’s surface to lock in moisture and flavor, and can be customized to taste by getting creative with the components (sea salt, kosher salt, brown or Turbinado sugar, white or red pepper, Spanish or smoked paprika, etc.). Rubs can be made in advance and stored, airtight, for up to two months.

For a low-sodium version, substitute onion or garlic powder for the salt. Rubs can be applied 15 minutes before grilling or as long as overnight in the refrigerator.

Homemade barbeque sauces are as varied as rubs. The basic components are ketchup or tomato sauce, sweeteners such as molasses or brown sugar, and vinegar. To

these, flavorings are added to taste: liquid smoke, onions, garlic, salt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce or spices, according to the desired tanginess, smokiness or sweetness. The ingredients are cooked together, stovetop, until slightly thickened.

Here’s a good barbeque sauce recipe on Food Network’s website: foodnetwork. com/recipes/ree-drummond/homemadebbq-sauce-recipe.html.

For a truly inspired meal, throw some vegetables and fruit on the grill while the meat is resting—they cook in just a few minutes. Zucchini, thick-sliced tomatoes and corn on the cob are delicious summer staples, but consider branching out into new territory with these tasty stars: avocado, asparagus, mushrooms, cauliflower, red cabbage and eggplant. Just toss with olive oil, salt and pepper, and cook over a lower temperature or indirect heat until done. And to really showcase your grilling prowess, add watermelon, strawberries, apples or cantaloupe to the usual standbys, pineapple and peaches. Serve the fruit warm, drizzled with real maple syrup, or with homemade whipped cream or ice cream.

Chicken under Bricks 1 whole chicken 4-3-2-1 rub 2 bricks covered in aluminum foil

4-3-2-1 Rub

4 tbsp brown sugar 3 tbsp sea salt 2 tbsp paprika 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (cut in half for less heat) Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.

Spatchcock the chicken (this is a quick and easy process of flattening a whole bird so it cooks more evenly and exposes more skin by cutting through the backside with scissors. Google it or visit marthastewart.com/891288/howspatchcock-chicken/@center/897845/chicken-recipes#897883).

30 minutes or more before grilling, apply the rub to the chicken by hand. Place the chicken breast-side up on the grill. Place the bricks on top of the chicken to cover. Grill over indirect heat for one hour at 375 degrees, adding 5 minutes at a time if needed until done. Let the chicken rest for five minutes and serve.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Art on the Strait

Benicia Bench, by Robert Arneson 20 • Benicia Magazine

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Exceptional Legal and Mediation Services Wills • Trusts • Family Law Estate Planning & Administration Personal Injury • DUI Real Estate • Probate Consumer Law • Business Law

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

www.SolanoLawGroup.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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

Dudikoff Insurance Agency

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

Planning, Products, & Services

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

www.farmersagent.com/gdudikoff

BOOKS • TOYS • GAMES • GREETING CARDS

Celebrating 21 Years!

Real Estate doesn’t have to be this painful!

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

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

Steve McClure

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

707.745.0848

Mexican Food 640 First Street • 707.746.7830

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CHARLIE’S ATTIC Collectibles-Antiques-Music Consignment and eBay drop-off

632 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960

Financial Planning • Investments • Fee Only Registered Investment Advisor

Lawrence I. Grossman, CFP ® AIF™, MBA, MA 940 Adams St., Suite L 707.745.8756 grossmanfinancial.com

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Your One Stop Glass Shop Since 1970 Specializing in showers, windows and mirrors 5000 East Second St., Ste H, Benicia 707.745.4570 • capitolglassbenicia.com

Urban Notions home, gift, jewelry with a dash of fun

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Michael Trahan • Interior Design www.michaeltrahan.com 707.748.1080

BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

By Sue Sumner-Moore Leah Shelhorn’s journey from artist to retailer was guided more by her passionate nature than her strategic side.

“There was no plan,” she says, smiling and shaking her head as she recalls 25 years as owner of Studio 41 gift shop. “And I’m not ashamed to say that. I just keep knocking on wood. I knock on wood every day.”

Over the past 40 years, Leah has transformed herself from an executive assistant at a CPA firm to a street artist specializing in clothing to a downtown Benicia merchant.

She opened Studio 41 in 1990 in the Arsenal as a place to sell her clothing line. The business moved to First Street in 1993 and to its current location at First and G streets in 1997. The shop now carries kitchen items, jewelry, clothing, food items and more.

Leah also is active in promoting Benicia’s downtown. She worked to help create the Benicia Improvement District, which generates income from downtown businesses for upgrades to the area. She recently completed a two-year term as founding chair

Interview with Leah Shelhorn How did you decide to move from the business world to being an artist?

I’ve always been an artist. I’ve been in art school since I was 7.

My parents signed me up because they didn’t know what else to do with me, so they put me in art.

I went to community college for one semester, and I took art.

When I got to San Francisco in 1972, I took classes at the DeYoung and MoMA. They had classes at night, and I took all life drawing, working with models. Then I took private lessons from Sam Provenzano.

In 1975, I started taking classes at the Fort Mason Art Center. I took classes in air brush, sculpture, print making, quilting and life drawing—everything, really. I can sew, so I started making art to wear. I made kimonos, shirts, vests, skirts—everything was airbrushed or silk-screened. I went on to make pillows, aprons and tea towels.

From there I became a street artist and did craft shows, and I was supplying 25 stores on the West Coast. Art to wear was really booming then.

work, I start crying. I buy from my heart. If I love it, I buy it. There’s not one thing in my store that I wouldn’t have in my own home.

How did your retail lines change over the years?

At first, it was just the clothes I made. I’d already been doing that for five years from the house. Most artists usually make their art and run their business in the garage or the bedroom or the living room. When I finally got my own space—1,000 square feet to myself—I was so happy. Many of my friends are artists, and I started carrying other people’s work in the second year out there in the Arsenal. I look back at the ads from then that say, “Now showing work from 10 artists.”

So it was clothing and then all handcrafted items in the beginning. Later on, I knew I wanted to add something else to the store and gourmet foods just felt like a natural progression.

I’ve now branched out to fair trade items, including jewelry, wooden boxes, vases, salad bowls. I want to show people what fair trade is, that people get to work in their own villages and use local materials and the work provides an income to them.

How does your experience as a working artist affect your business dealings with artists now?

What skills does it take to stay in the retail business for 25 years?

How do you select items for your store?

How did you come to be the founding chair of the Downtown Benicia Alliance?

I learned by wholesaling first and working with store owners, so I know the business from both sides. You have to respect the artists, and show that respect.

I’m fascinated by it all, the whole circle of someone creating something, then me buying it because I love it, and then selling it to someone else who loves it. When a customer buys something as a gift and comes back and says their friend loved it, I know I’ve done my job.

I love going out to the (trade) shows and seeing what’s there. I’m like a kid in a candy store. When I see the beauty of some people’s 24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

I think change is the most important thing. With the downturn, if you didn’t change, you weren’t going to be around. Good retailers could see it coming in 2006. But now we are all busy, at least, all my friends are.

I always say I don’t have plans, but I do have a plan. My plan is to always keep changing, not only for us but also for the customer. If you keep seeing the same things, you get bored.

I was on the Tourism Committee, and that morphed into me caring and really wanting the downtown to have more commercial

of the Downtown Benicia Alliance, the group that administers funds raised by the improvement district.

The most visible result of these two entities is the lights on trees lining First Street. The city and downtown merchants shared the installation costs in November, 2012, and business owners cover the monthly maintenance expenses.

“Without Leah, there would not be a Business Improvement District,” says Mario Guiliani, economic development manager for the city of Benicia. Without the Business Improvement District, there would be no lights and no Downtown Benicia Alliance, he added. “It wasn’t a one-person show, a lot of people participated. But you need that driving force, and Leah was it.”

Leah, 66, grew up in Maryland and now lives in Vallejo with her husband, George.

activities. I want this city to move forward in a good way, to be quaint and charming.

Which it is—our downtown is walkable, we have quaint buildings, we have the water.

So it started out with Tourism, which led to the Business Improvement District, which led to the Downtown Benicia Alliance.

appetizers • soup & salads • sandwiches • burgers pizza • dinner entrees • delectable desserts locally grown produce • 33 large screen TV's signed sports memorabilia • NFL ticket specialty cocktails • 22 beers on tap always rotating wine & extensive selection of bottled beer

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Why choose lights as the group’s first project?

You always want to take your lead from cities that are doing well—cities like Walnut Creek, Yountville, New York City. I took my lead from New York City.

I remember at the first public meeting about lighting the trees, I showed a photo I took of a lighted tree in New York, in Manhattan.

It’s all about what the lights bring. They bring safety, they bring ambiance, they bring a strolling atmosphere. The lights add to what we already have. Our main goal is turning strollers into shoppers.

DECKS • FENCES • ARBORS • RETAINING WALLS G & G Deck and Fence Proudly serving the North Bay Area

How do you find balance in your life?

My husband. We love to take photographs and we love wine, so we go up to the Wine Country. We’re proud sponsors of the Empress Theatre, the Wednesday Night Ramble. We don’t just sit home, we go out together.

We both like to garden. He put his vegetables in hay this year. I grow herbs— basil and stuff that I don’t use since I don’t cook. George cooks. I have 65 rose bushes.

We’re outside people. My business is inside so I want to be outside. The important thing is knowing when to stop working and do the other things that provide balance in your life.

Family owned and operated

414 A, Military East, Benicia 94510 707.750.5584• www.gandgdeckandfence.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

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26 • Benicia Magazine

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Fathers and Sons

as a favorite destination of its host. The tiny diner, complete with a soda fountain bar and swivel stools, always had a line out the door at its First Street location.

Christopher learned much from the owners about what it takes to run a restaurant. In his early twenties he decided to conquer the East Coast, moving to Boston and Cape Cod, working in restaurants and hotels between stage plays and musicals. He landed in Chicago at the Monaco Hotel, a Kimpton hotel group property. Christopher was promoted from server to banquet/meeting manager, and his first client turned out to be his dad, who was planning a meeting in Chicago. He moved back to San Francisco with Kimpton, where he had an impressive series of promotions, most recently, San Francisco Director of Operations of Restaurants. One of his properties is Dirty Habit, which is an inventive dining and drinking hideaway on the fifth floor of the Hotel Palomar. Its 50 shades of grey walls and use of metal give it a refined, industrial feel. The covered outdoor patio has comfortable sofas surrounding a fire pit and water fountains. Christopher's latest success is the recently opened BDK, named after founder Bill Drennon Kimpton.

He oversaw the project from top to bottom, converting what used to be the oyster bar and entry to the Monaco's Grand Café into a hip restaurant and bar. Christopher invited his Dad and me to the pre-opening tasting for family and friends. This was obviously a big night and an opportunity to impress his parents. Christopher worked the room, orchestrating every detail. He has definitely found his stage in which to perform, and like his brother, has become independent and successful. Their dad could not be more proud.

Trends

By Christina Strawbridge Photos courtesy BDK The relationship between fathers and sons is quite dynamic. Having grown up with three brothers and raised two boys, I have witnessed the role fathers play in their sons’ lives. Dads want to dwell on self-reliance and independence, while Moms stress finding happiness. Sons strive for approval, and often compete for attention by following in their fathers' footsteps or taking a whole different career path. Our two sons could not be any more different in their search for happiness, independence and their Dad's attention.

Scott and I spend a lot of time with our oldest son Andrew, who is a teacher and varsity basketball coach at Novato High School.

In some ways, Andrew is fulfilling his father's dream of a coaching career that never quite got off the ground. Scott majored in education and was going to be a high school coach. Unfortunately, a coaching job wasn't available when he graduated and he took a job running nonprofit trade associations. Later, Scott did get the opportunity to coach our youngest son Christopher's grade school basketball team. By the time Andrew was in high school, he was coaching his own group of 5th graders and high school varsity.

Scott is Novato's Director of Basketball Operations, which includes attending all the games, acting as the official scorekeeper, scouting the opposing teams and raising funds for the program. Andrew admits that his Dad is why he chose to be a coach. In a recent article that appeared in the Marin Independent Journal about them as a father and son coaching duo, Andrew is quoted as saying, "My father coached a sixth grade basketball team—he always wanted to coach basketball and I always wanted to be like him. Now that I'm coaching varsity basketball, he wants to be me."

Our younger son, Christopher, has chosen a career in the hospitality industry. His passion was acting, appearing locally in Benicia Old Town Theatre productions, and he attended acting school at the American Conservatory Theatre. In order to survive between nonpaying performances, he took a job at Mabel's Restaurant as a server. From the mid 1980s to its closure in 1996, Mabel's was THE restaurant in Benicia, attracting diners from all over Northern California, and spotlighted on Bay Area Back Roads

BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

6/1-6/28 Arts Benicia Artists in Residence (ABAiR)

Opening Reception 6/20, 7-9pm Completion of Creative Work Fund Project with Mark Brest Van Kampen Arts Benicia Gallery, 991 Tyler Street #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

6/1 A Call to Arms - The Benicia Arsenal WWII

6/13 Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm

Downstairs at the Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

6/13 Benicia Art Walk: Art Glass Works – All Day

Sip, stroll, dine, hear live music, self-guided tour View art and watch demonstrations Visitbenicia.org/events 707.746.4202

Featuring 1940s memorabilia & Arsenal artifacts Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

6/18-6/30 The Artwork of Marie Clair Stotler

6/20 June Wine Walk 1-5pm Sip, stroll & taste wine in downtown shops Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

6/1 Cheers! Beer Brewing in Benicia

Featuring artifacts from 1900s brewing industry Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

6/4-6/25 Benicia Farmers Market 4-8pm

Fresh fruits, vegetables & baked goods Gourmet & hot foods, arts & crafts First Street between B & D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

6/5 Acoustic Music Art & Heart 7pm Monthly Friday Concert Series

Northgate Church, 2201 Lake Herman Road Northgateweb.com 415.297.3542

6/5 Diablo Regional Concert Band 7:30pm Spring Concert

With conductor Cora Martin Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

6/5 & 6/19 Ghost Walk 8pm

Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia Led by paranormal experts Space is limited, reservations required Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

New exhibit at Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

6/23 The Magic of Gerald Joseph Come see magic!

City gym, 190 East L Street Ci.benicia.ca.us 707.746.4485

6/26 Movie Under the Stars – Dusk

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day City Park, First Street and Military West Free popcorn; bring pillows, low chairs & blankets ci.benicia.ca.us 707.746.4285

7/3 Torchlight Parade 6:30pm Independence Day Parade First Street Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

7/4 Picnic in the Park and Fireworks 12pm Arts & crafts, hot food Entertainment, kids’ activities at City Park Fireworks begin at 9pm at foot of First Street Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

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ON DECK THIS SEASON FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS.

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

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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

ALK W , P I S OP! H S &

Ages 21 and older $25 advance/ $35 day of event includes souvenir wine glass Tickets at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, and online at

Saturday June 20, 1-5pm Stroll Downtown Benicia from shop to shop, tasting fine wines for an enjoyable afternoon to “sip, walk, and shop” with friends.

BeniciaMainStreet.org • 707.745.9791

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

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Oyster Special Mondays

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Purchase one lunch or dinner entrée in June & receive one complimentary dessert with this ad* *expires Exp. 6/30/15. Dine in only. One discount per table, no cash value.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Sailor Jacks • Open Every Day • 123 First Street 707.746.8500

Welcome to Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

Full-service dentistry | In-house lab, ensures perfect fit | Orthodontics | 50% off bleach with exam & cleaning | Relaxed and comfortable environment Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years.

Ronald J. Tosch, DDS l 118 West K St. 707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

Susy was such a pleasure to work with.

She took our wishlist, and working with us, created a concept for our difficult space that gave us a kitchen that went far beyond what we had imagined possible.

Our new kitchen is much more functional, has twice as much storage space, and is exactly what we never knew we wanted!

Thank you Susy. Cheers! —T.J. and Jazmine

Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home, or a Nourot Vase, with the purchase of a complete kitchen.

Contractor's License # 687979

Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment

4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia 707-745-2100 • aqc@aqchome.com