Benicia Magazine May Issue 2013

Treat Mom to a spectacular public garden

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Volume 8 Issue 7, May 2013

Solano downtowns part II: exploring our own backyard

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Celebrating our 8th Year

You are invited to:

Spring

Editor Jeanne Steinmann

Friday, May 17 6–8:00 p M Benicia Memorial Veteran’s Hall 1150 First Street Refreshments served Come celebrate the Community’s educational accomplishments and bid on your favorite p IG!

Learn about the many ways the Benicia Education Foundation is helping the lives of Benicia Parade of Pigs 4 Kids public school students and make a donation at: www.BeniciaEducationFoundation.org

It Takes Our Entire Community to Ensure Our Children’s Future Success 6 • Benicia Magazine

Web Specialist

Yarrow Sweningsen

Special Projects Advertising Coordinator Joey Baker

magazine

The Benicia Education Foundation

Celebration

Benicia Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

Contributing Photographer Jerry Bowles

Contributors Diane Gardner Rhonda Lucile Hicks

Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

Benicia Editorial: editor@beniciamagazine.com

magazine Advertising sales 707.853.5226 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: the 1st of the month prior to the issue month Contact Us 707.853.8159 Office 707.745.6757 Fax general@beniciamagazine.com beniciamagazine.com

Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC Copyright © 2013, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher. Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, 611 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.707.853.8159 beniciamagazine.com.

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Benicia Magazine MAY VOLUME 8 ISSUE 7

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Features

Celebrate Mom with a visit to one of the Bay Area’s outstanding public gardens Solano’s quaint downtowns, part II: Fairfield and Vallejo Architectural styles on display at the annual Vintage Home and Garden Tour

Departments 10 From the Editor

22 Arsenal Map

12

24 Interview

Currents A piggy parade and spring celebration benefits local schools Farmers market season inspires farm to table dining

20 Downtown Map

Interview with Laurel Waring Vice President, Benicia Moms Group

26 Fashionista

28 Listening

Paul Hanson, Bassoonist

28 Live Music Calendar 30 Calendar of Events

Project Runway’s Season 11 with designer Richard Hallmarq

Cover Photo: Bob and Kathy Brown residence; featured on the 2012 Vintage Home Tour; photo by Jerry Bowles Top left: Benicia vintage home on this year's Home & Garden Tour, photo by Jerry Bowles Top center: Filoli Sunken Garden, photo courtesy of Filoli Bottom Center: San Francisco Botanical Gardens, photo by Kathryn Rummel Right: Fairfield Courthouse scupture, photo by Jerry Bowles 8 • Benicia Magazine

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Saturday, June 8, 1-5pm Stroll Downtown Benicia on a beautiful spring afternoon and taste over a dozen wines being poured inside participating stores.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

From the Editor There are so many things happening this month it’s hard to know where

Photo by Lisa Duncan

to start. Spring has definitely sprung in Benicia, and as I write this in midApril, downtown Benicia merchants are all decked-out with colorful flowers decorating their spaces, inside and out, in preparation for the annual Benicia in Bloom event. Traffic on First Street has increased and there’s a definite buzz of activity. By the time you read this the Benicia Farmers Market will have begun, and we can all enjoy the farm-to-table experience again.

We honor moms this month, with two great options that give her the gift of your company (or at least the gift of a couple of tickets). The first is the Vintage Home and Garden Tour, presented each year by the Benicia Historical Society, where local residents open their period homes (or gardens) to the public. The range of architectural styles and interior décor always makes this a fun and interesting way to spend a day. Our cover home, c. 1900, was on last year’s tour. It’s an amalgamation of styles: part Craftsman, part Colonial Revival and part Victorian with an oriental influence. Details about this year’s event can be found in the Calendar and our story on page 18. Another option is to take Mom to one of the Bay Area’s amazing public gardens, also featured in this issue. There were too many to fit them all in, but the choices are abundant.

The Benicia Education Foundation, fresh off of the big success of the their annual Run for Education, is winding down their Parade of Pigs 4 Kids fundraiser. I love the concept behind this unique and entertaining fundraiser where local school kids and artists paint large ceramic piggy banks, donated

by Artcentric, that are placed around town in local businesses. The 18 cleverly-clad coin collectors are given tongue-in-cheek names like Wild Hog and Swine Lake (the one at Benicia Magazine’s store is Sweet and Sour Pork) that match their decorated bodies. After the piggies have collected their share of booty, they trot back to Artcentric, where auction bids are accepted May 1-17. The final auction takes place during the foundation’s Spring Celebration, May 17 at the Vet’s Hall, where the adorable swine will command a pretty penny from successful bidders.

The importance of family and community really hit home in April with the tragedies in Boston, especially for Benicians who had ties to injured runners, and the recent loss of two of our own citizens—Jim Erickson, former City Manager, and Emily Thomas, owner of Light Touch Medical Spa. Both touched many lives, and coincidentally, both lived in my neighborhood. Jim, a quiet, dignified man who exuded kindness, was part of the early morning running culture, and worked hard for the betterment of our fair city. Emily’s strong, loving spirit enriched everyone she knew. She was a mother, wife, doctor, businesswoman, walking buddy—a bright light to her family and friends. Ours is a supportive community of shared joys and sorrows, a community I feel very fortunate to be part of.

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

Jeanne Steinmann

10 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

Picturesque PIGS ON PARADE

By Diane Gardner They lurk all over Benicia, their little piggy selves in disguise. They adorn themselves in flowers, computer equipment, and even hippie garb. But Benicians in the know easily spot them in shops around town. And when one of these picturesque, hand-painted piggy banks is spied, it offers generous hearts the chance to support area schools through a donation to the Benicia Education Foundation (BEF).

The foundation’s third annual Parade of Pigs 4 Kids fundraiser marches on. Nearly twenty large, ceramic piggy banks, all whimsically decorated by prominent local artists and talented students, have been displayed in local business and collecting donations in recent weeks. But now, from May 1 through May 17, they will all be gathered at Artcentric Studios on First Street for public viewing and initial auction bidding. On May 17, during the BEF Spring Celebration, the colorful pigs will be officially auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting the BEF. Artcentric Studios, a pottery-painting studio, donated the pigs. Then well-known local artists such as Craig Britton and Nikki Back-Davis painted the pigs in fantastical designs.

Suddenly there were pigs gardening, pigs dressed to dance “Swine Lake,” and more. “It’s a really great way for artists to put their creativity out there,” says BEF President Lisa Koenen.

Local students also decorated pigs. Teresa Zabrek, Parade of Pigs Coordinator, especially noted Peace Sign Piggy and Mrs. Bloom, both created by middle school children who “just went above and beyond.” Peace Sign Piggy sports jeans and sandals, and Mrs. Bloom, vividly painted flowers and grasses. Benicia Magazine’s pig is named Sweet and Sour Pork.

The BEF encourages community support of local schools by raising money for underfunded school programs. Koenen explains that the foundation supports all Benicia schools. Its efforts financed the Accelerated Reader program used in the libraries, computer resources, scholarships for the fifth-grade outdoor education program, and the Power School system, which helps schools and parents stay connected. It also keeps school libraries and computer labs open.

The general public is invited to view the pigs at Artcentric, attend the Spring Celebration, and bid in the auction. The celebration is casual, free to attend, and will include complimentary beverages and appetizers. Whether attendees can give small or large amounts, the foundation welcomes the donation.

“If people just gave twenty-five or thirty dollars, it would make such a huge difference,” Koenen says. “We have so much more room to grow.” B

MAY 1 - MAY 17 Early bidding and Viewing: Artcentric Studios, May 1-17 Final bidding and event: May 17 during the Spring Celebration, 6-8pm Locations: Early viewing/bidding Spring Celebration Artcentric Studios 733 First Street Veterans Memorial Hall 1150 First Street Mrs. Bloom, coursesy BEF

12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

FA

From a focus on sustainable agriculture to gourmet hot food, this month local farmers markets are kicking into high gear throughout the region. The modern farmers market concept dates back to at least the 1930’s in California. According to the USDA’s 2011 Farmers Market Directory (farmersmarkets.usda.gov), there were 7,175 farmers markets in the United States. It comes as no surprise that California leads the nation: our 2011 tally, with markets across the entire length of the state, was 729. The number of farmers markets has risen rapidly since the USDA started tracking them in 1994.

The USDA’s rankings show that New York comes in second with 520 markets, and North Carolina is 10th, with 217 markets statewide.

Markets California …………………………(729) New York …………………………(520) Michigan …………………………(349) Illinois ………………………………(305) Ohio …………………………………(278) Pennsylvania ……………………(266) Massachusetts ………………(255) Iowa …………………………………(237) Wisconsin ………………………(231) North Carolina ………………(217)

Benicia Grill

Local

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ry! versa i n n A

Open every day 6am—3pm What’s the appeal that is spurring the rapid growth of the farmers market? Healthy eating and shopping in the open air are important factors. But there’s another reason— farmers markets are a natural opportunity to connect with friends and acquaintances—making them a community “living room” where children can play, live music can be enjoyed and you can get to know the farmers who grew the food. Here in the U.S., the farm-to-table concept started in California, where we have come to expect the freshest, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Join the growing number of people who shop for fresh produce at more than one market each week. The Benicia Farmers Market kicked off in late April, Thursdays from 4-8pm through October at First and B Streets. Here are a few more to consider: B

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Filoli House, photo courtesy of Filoli

San Francisco Botanical Garden, photo by Kathryn Rummel

Cornerstone Gardens, Sonoma, Benicia Magazine Archives

Benicia State Recreation Area, photo by Jerry Bowles 14 • Benicia Magazine

Cornerstone Gardens, Sonoma, Benicia Magazine Archives

Honoring Mom Not Your Everyday Bouquet

By Diane Gardner This Mother’s Day, you’re raising the bar. It’s not pancakes and juice in bed, it’s crepes and a latte. And you’re not only giving Mom a bouquet, you’re giving her a garden. Mother’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to give Mom the gift of beauty and time together, by exploring our area’s stunning public gardens. Here’s a sampling of the many area options:

FILOLI

filoli.org 650.364.8300 For the classics lover: Stroll an English Renaissance garden, gentleman’s orchard, and Georgian country estate house at this designated site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

SAN FRANCISCO BOTANICAL GARDENS AT STRYBING ARBORETUM

sfbotanicalgarden.org 415.661.1316 For the world traveler: Discover Golden Gate Park’s 55-acre botanical gardens, featuring over 8,000 varieties of plants from all over the world.

GOLDEN GATE PARK JAPANESE TEA GARDEN

japaneseteagardensf.com 415.752.1171 For the tea lover: Enjoy native Japanese plants along with classic elements such as an arched drum bridge, koi ponds, pagodas and a stone stepping path.

FORREST DEANER NATIVE PLANT GARDEN, BENICIA STATE RECREATION AREA cnpsjepson. dreamhosters.com

707.747.6204 For the California girl: Discover native California plants, a butterfly/hummingbird garden, a wildflower meadow and more as you soak in views of the Carquinez Strait.

CORNERSTONE GARDENS

cornerstonegardens.com 707.933.3010 For the designer: Walk through an ever-changing garden gallery that showcases landscape design, landscape architecture and sculpture from around the world.

DI ROSA PRESERVE (ART GARDEN) dirosaart.org

707.226.5991 For the art lover: Gardens, vineyards, and natural landscape form the stunning backdrop for a world-class art collection of over 2,000 works of art throughout the grounds.

UC BOTANICAL GARDEN AT BERKELEY

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510.643.2755 For the student: Experience this 150-year-old research and conservation garden featuring over 13,000 varieties of plants from around the world.

GARDEN ALTERNATIVES Annie’s Annuals

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anniesannuals.com, 510.215.3301 For the home gardener: Visit a shop that specializes in rare and unusual annuals and perennials, including heirloom varieties for a stunning cottage garden.

For the environmentalist: Discover the beauty of a waterconserving garden, teeming with stunning succulents, and view important collections of aloes, yuccas, agaves and more.

Morningsun Herb Farm

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morningsunherbfarm.com, 707.451.9406 For the cook: Meander through an herb farm, then create an unforgettable Mother’s Day meal with the herbs and vegetables you discover.

So invite Mom to explore a garden, no matter what her style. Check admission fees, potential reservation requirements and hours of operation in advance. You won’t just give Mom flowers; you’ll give her memories that last a lifetime. B BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Solano County

Downtowns Exploring our own backyard Photos by Jerry Bowles

With famed tourist destinations within such easy reach, it's possible we are ignoring what's in our own backyard. Solano County's downtowns are historic, quaint and worth checking out either as a destination or a detour on your next adventure.

In our second installment of a 3-part series, we spotlight things to do and see in the seven cities in our own county, just off the I-80 freeway.

Evelyn's Big Italian Pizzaria

Part ll: Fairfield & Vallejo FAIRFIELD

Downtown Fairfield

16 • Benicia Magazine

Strategically located halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento, Fairfield is Solano County’s second largest city with a population of just over 108,000. Fairfield is home to the Jelly Belly factory, Rockville Trails, the Anheuser Busch Brewery and several wineries. It’s also the Solano County seat. The large civic complex on the south side of downtown Fairfield, comprising government offices and the county courthouse, features a wide, tree-lined plaza with benches and an attractive water fountain.

Downtown Fairfield, bookended by the Westfield Mall and the courthouse along Texas Street, is part of historic Route 40, built in the 1920’s. Route 40 originally traversed the U.S., from San Francisco to Atlantic City.

The sign markers are prominent throughout downtown.

A plethora of world cuisines can be found in the 700-1300 blocks of Texas Street, including Italian, Guatemalan, American, Chinese, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, French and Mexican. Evelyn’s Big Italian Pizzeria & Ristorante serves lunch and dinner and pizza by the slice all day. There’s generally a line out the door during the lunch rush at this popular eatery, next to the corner Starbucks. Another must-visit is Truffle Berries, a bakery with all manner of decadent sweet treats, including some pretty amazing milk and dark chocolate strawberries; and uniquely decadent, cheesecake-dipped, chocolate-dipped strawberries. The bakery also makes a variety of cupcakes, chocolate truffles and cookies. Male or female, try the unusual PMS cookie, with ruffled potato chips added to the top of a chocolate chip cookie. Truffle Berries is easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention—it’s located at 731 Texas St. It’s easy to spend a day in Fairfield if you take advantage of the offerings outside of the small downtown— hiking, Rush Ranch, wine tasting, dining, a Jelly Belly tour and shopping. There’s plenty of shopping and dining at the mall, but you’ll also find small boutiques along Texas Street ranging from cigars to clothing and bikes to beads.

Fairfield Courthouse

Vallejo Ferry Terminal at Waterfront Park

VALLEJO

Vallejo, a California Main Street City, has the distinction of being the largest city in Solano County, with just under 116,000 residents in 2010. Tucked between the Mare Island Strait and the Carquinez Strait, Vallejo has an enviable location with miles of waterfront. The city is beginning to emerge from challenges it has faced in the past decade.

The real estate market is heating up, the city is no longer in bankruptcy and there are indications of an artistic renaissance in the making.

Improvements to the downtown core are having an impact, with the completion of major streetscape projects at the end of Georgia Street and the 110-acre waterfront park. The Vallejo Ferry terminal, situated near the center of the park, is an important transportation hub for commuters with ten daily departures to San Francisco on weekdays; three on weekends.

Vallejo is a culturally and historically rich city. Once home to the State Capitol, it boasts two universities, Touro University and the California Maritime Academy, which is a part of the California State University system, as well as a campus of the Solano Community College. The Vallejo Public Library’s McCune Collection, an interesting collection of printing equipment, binding tools and rare books, was left to the city by Dr. Donovan J. McCune (1902-1976), a Vallejo resident and internationally known pediatrician.

Vallejo’s old town has a mix of diverse retail stores and sprinkling of restaurants, including Good Day Café and the Vallejo Power Company.

The Good Day Café, at 314 Georgia Street, is a family-friendly place that serves old-time favorites like chicken fried steak and biscuits and gravy for breakfast; and burgers, Reuben and French dip sandwiches for lunch. Vallejo Power Company, a restaurant at 315 Virginia Street, gets great reviews but has limited hours. For a fine dining experience, Michael Warring, a little known, tiny place (just 17 seats at the 3 tables and counter), is for foodies who like an intimate setting. It gets rave reviews and you’ll need reservations; 8300 Bennington Court, near Hiddenbrook Golf Course.

It’s the art and music scene that is really putting Vallejo on the map of cultural activities. According to Arts Benicia’s director Larnie Fox, as Oakland becomes gentrified and rents increase, artists are migrating to Mare Island, where warehouse space is abundant and more affordable. The historic Empress Theater, at 330 Virginia Street, is creating quite a buzz with a continuous lineup of top musical talent. Benicians rave about the Wednesday Night Ramble, a weekly event that began almost a year ago. The North Bay Allstars perform and host "musical friends" each week, for what locals describe as a highly-entertaining event that features a variety of musical genres.

For a fun Saturday diversion, check out the Vallejo farmers market at Georgia and Marin Streets, year-round, 9am-1pm, pcfma.com. B

Cal. Maritime Academy's Golden Bear training ship

Downtown Vallejo

Vallejo Power Company Restaurant

RESOURCES Fairfield

Vallejo

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

A Charmingly Quaint Vintage Home Tour

By Jeanne Steinmann Photos by Jerry Bowles Benicia is a town of many adjectives—historic, for example. Also artistic, upscale, water-oriented and charming. But one adjective is used more frequently than others: quaint. Tripadvisor.com, the online travel and review site, refers to Benicia as quaint in several instances. Quaint has alternative meanings, but those agreed upon by online dictionaries are: — small, old fashioned or charming in a good way (yourdictionary.com) — pleasingly or strikingly old-fashioned (mirriam-webster.com) — having an old-fashioned attractiveness or charm; oddly picturesque (dictionary.com) — charmingly odd, especially in an old-fashioned way (thefreedictionary.com) Not all of Benicia is quaint; much of it is quite modern and cosmopolitan. But like many historic towns we have a charming downtown filled with quaint neighborhoods that are dotted with quaint homes and gardens.

Fortunately for the rest of us, for many years the Benicia Historical Society has offered an annual Vintage Home and Garden tour, where local homeowners open their homes or gardens to the public. Walking through some of the homes is like walking straight into the past—the period architecture is carried through the interior décor to varying degrees. Others have more contemporary interiors, and that’s part of the fun of the tour—discovering the mysteries of what’s inside.

The Benicia Historical Society works diligently to preserve our history and heritage. The annual self-guided tour is the nonprofit organization’s only fundraiser. This year’s event is scheduled for the day before Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 11, 11am-4pm, making it a nice gift option for mom. All six homes, representing an array of architectural styles, are on the west side of downtown. The tour also features one garden. B 18 • Benicia Magazine

Vintage Home and Garden Tour TICKETS: $25 in advance, $30 the day of the tour, available at Benicia Main Street, Bookshop Benicia, Camellia Tea Room and Steve’s Hallmark.

Proceeds benefit Benicia Historical Society programs, including restoration of the Von Pfister General Store. For more information, visit beniciahistoricalsociety.org.

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A. Judith Judson, 310 Military West WE ST B. S. Thompson, Farmers Ins., 310 Military West, Ste. D JS T. C. Julie Parsons Certified Massage, 310 Military West, Ste. A 2 1. Tosch Dental, 18 West K Street EA ST JS 3 2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street WE T. S T 3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street IS T. 4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street 5. Benicia Floral and Gifts, 838 First Street EA 5 ST I S W 6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street 4 T. ES T 6 7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street H ST .

8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C103 9. Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street EA Be ST C ni H 10. Studio 41, 700 First Street W apit cia 28 ST ES o .

TG l 11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street 9 ST 24 .

12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street 10 12 Ch 14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street Co amb EA mm er ST of 15 15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street G 11 e r WE ce ST .

ST 16. Benicia Magazine Studio & Store, 611 First Street 7 F S 16 T .

17. Reconnective Healing, 555 First Street 14 18. Charlie’s Attic, 519 & 523 First Street EA ST 17 19. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street FS WE T. 8 20. Fabulous Finds, 129 First Street ST 18 ES T. 21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street 22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street EA ST 23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street ES T. 24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street 25. Benicia Plein Air Gallery, 307 First Street 26. Kryss's Pathways to Healing, 841 First Street WE 25 EA ST ST 27. Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports, 238 First Street CS DS 19 21 T. T. 28. Wildflower Skin Care, 835 East Second Street

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    

BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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A. Buck Factory Outlet, 4680 E. 2nd Street B. Affordable Quality Cabinets, 4852 E. 2nd Street C. Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road 1. Rosie's Cafe, 3001 Bayshore Road 2. Fat Shafts Archery, 3001 Bayshore Road #9 3. Gizzi & Reep, 940 Adams Street, Ste. A 4. Avanti Photography, 932 Grant Street 5. MC2Golf, 960 Grant Street, Ste. A 6. IronHorse Home Furnishings, 990 Grant Street 8. Rags to Riches, 946 Tyler, Ste. C 9. Marleen's Yoga, 938 Tyler St., Studio 204 10. 851 Music Studio, 1043 Grant Street

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Indoor Range and Pro Shop 3001 Bayshore Road #9, Benicia 707.745.0447 • Fatshaftsarchery.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

For years, Laurel Waring poured her energy into issues affecting the aged. As an undergrad at UC Davis, she studied adulthood and aging. Next, she headed to Stanford to research heart disease in older adults. Then she studied UC Med in San Francisco to become a clinical nurse specialist in gerontology.

But now she spends her days with people at the other end of the age spectrum: her 4-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.

“I planned for this time of life, though I thought I’d be working part-time,” says Laurel, 32. “But I’m loving my time now with them.”

Laurel first moved to Benicia in 2006 with her husband, Grant. They moved to Washington in 2008, where she worked as a nurse. Their daughter is a Washington native, and their son was born after they returned to Benicia in 2010.

Sitting in her living room while her son plays happily with plastic critters on the couch, Laurel talks about the role of the Benicia Moms Group in her life. She is vice president of the organization, which has about 170 members.

“I was a member within a month of returning to Benicia,” says Laurel. “I needed to get out of the house and meet people and have my daughter interacting with

By Sue Sumner-Moore

other kids. My best friends are from the Moms Group.”

Photo by Malcolm Slight

Interview with What Benicia Moms Group activities do you participate in?

I’m now active in two playgroups and the health and fitness group. That’s mostly moms exercising while the kids are in strollers.

I’m part of the babysitting co-op. … It’s so helpful to be able to trade hours so you can go to the dentist or other appointments.

I’m also part of recipe share, which is an online exchange.

We have a Book Club, but I’m not a member and I’m not sure why because I read a lot.

How does the Moms Group aim to help new moms?

The Moms Group’s mission is to provide meaningful support for moms. Yes, you can make good friends through the group, but we also offer support when needed, from the advice on the forums, meals when a mom has a new baby, opportunities to get out of the house.

We have professional moms, single moms, Spanishspeaking moms—it’s not just stay-at-home moms. We try to appeal to every mom with the different clubs within the group.

We have kids of all different abilities, so we help normalize differences. The Moms Group can connect

24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

Laurel Waring moms to other moms who have similar circumstances so they can share their experiences.

So it’s not a support group per se, but we are there to provide meaningful assistance at transitional times in mom’s lives. And it’s just fun.

What do you do as vice president of the Moms Group?

Mostly I support the president, help with coordinating things and communication. The vice president selects a project every year for Community Service. This year we did two: we adopted a family through CAC (Community Action Council) at the holidays and we did backpacks in the fall, also with CAC. The group is large enough that if everyone gives a small amount, it adds up and we can make a great difference.

I’m also organizing Spa Night, which is a big Moms Night Out. We ask spas to provide people to trim bangs, paint nails, offer massages. … It’s amazing how generous this city is—we get a lot of donations. Moms certainly enjoy a night of pampering. They like having a glass of wine and a night to talk without the kids around.

How did you decide to be a stay-at-home mom?

I was working part-time in Seattle, but we wanted to have another kid and our daughter has some special needs. I had to take her to speech therapy and other therapies, and we had to do exercises at home. We’d make it seem like play. She now goes to Robert Semple Special Day School. … I can’t say enough about what Benicia schools have done for her.

We were moving back to Benicia, we wanted another kid and I was ready to be home with them.

What have you learned from being a mom?

Are You Ready To Give Up Those Reading Glasses?

I never had to have patience for 14 hours a day before. You have to be nice and patient. I can’t say I’ve mastered it; I’m still a work in progress.

It’s an awesome and challenging thing to be responsible for other beings, to have to make all your decisions and plans based on that. You just can’t eat junk food all day long, there has to be some green in there. You have to learn selflessness. But then there are these little people who think the world of you.

What will you do to celebrate Mother’s Day this year?

We’ll go to church and probably go out to dinner. My husband will let me sleep in and pick up the slack. We’re not as big on holidays as some people are.

What’s the best advice you have for new moms?

Get involved, get out and get involved with friends. Get your kids playing and happy. For me, it’s sanity. I just can’t stay home all day. Find friends you can relate to, have a support person who’s there during the day that you can communicate with in more than three-word phrases.

Who do you rely on now that you are a mom?

For day-to-day things, I have my best friends. One has a son the same age as our son, the other has five kids. We keep each other sane. Even just texting helps us keep our sanity.

The neighbors all chat with one another, and my husband’s great about taking the kids when he’s home. My parents are semilocal so they come down and help.

What do you do to relax?

We hike, and my husband and I are on a co-ed recreational soccer team that plays every Sunday in Vacaville. We’re called The Slowpokes. It’s just for fun.

I read books. I like to read anything that’s lighthearted: mysteries, lighthearted romantic comedies.

I like checking in on Facebook. I’m not on Pinterest, but I have friends who are and they point out the best things they find. I now make my own laundry detergent for cents per load. They find these amazing things.

What’s next for you?

Today? Next week? After parenthood? (laughs) Our next phase will be when our daughter starts transitional kindergarten, then we’ll start Stepping Stones with our son. With the new laws, over the next series of years as they roll back the age kids must be when they start kindergarten, they’re offering transitional kindergarten. For kids born in October and November 2008, it essentially means a two-year kindergarten program. It’s awesome for us with our daughter.

What do you hope to be doing in five years?

I hope to be working, probably half-time—that’s the blessing of nursing, you can work part-time. I’ll hopefully be teaching and doing support groups for older adults on health topics, then be home when the kids are out of school and taking them to soccer practice, swim practice, music lessons, helping with homework. B

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

Project Runway’s Richard Hallmarq

By Christina Strawbridge Photo by Location Photography NYC For the last few years, Project Runway has been a "must see" if I was home on Thursday nights at 9pm, but the debut of Season 11 changed it all for me. I've learned how to set the DVR and catch episodes on the road in order to follow one of 16 competing designers, Richard Hallmarq, as he progresses through a series of fashion challenges.

Hallmarq came into my fashion world in 2011 when he was visiting Benicia. We talked about the upcoming Benicia Fashion Weekend and how he could help take the event to another level with his contacts in the industry. I connected with him immediately, finding his enthusiasm for fashion inspiring and his personality electrifying. His collaboration with the fashion show resulted in the showcasing of his ready to wear collection, getting a model from the America's Top Model television show and adding a visual media specialist for enhanced imaging, providing an opportunity to promote a first-class fashion event throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Customers responded to Hallmarq’s collection, which focused on wearable jersey knit tops, tunics and dresses.

When I flipped on Season 11’s audition episode in January, there was Hallmarq, competing to be one of Project Runway’s finalists from hundreds of contestants from around the world. As of episode 10, he was one of 6 remaining designers. The challenges have included designing for the wait staff of SPiN, a chain of "ping pong social clubs" founded by Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon, who was the guest judge for the episode. Hallmarq and his team made really cool men's clothes that were functional and fun with the stenciled logo "Balls Are My Business" on the pants and shirts. Included in the design were ball-catching nets on poles that coordinated with the black outfits.

Bette Midler was the guest judge for The Ultimate Hard and Soft episode, which paired hardware with flowers. Richard used black window blinds and created a corset effect with a flower underlay. The Little Bit Country, Little Bit Rock N Roll challenge asked the teams to design an outfit for the stage and a red carpet look for country singer Miranda Lambert (who was the guest judge for the evening). Richard won the challenge with an open-weave tank dress enhanced with fringe of ribbons and metallic rope. At the last minute he cut up a Mood (N.Y. fabric store) promo t-shirt and used it as lining for the see-through mesh dress. Lambert couldn't wait to perform in it at an upcoming concert.

Judges Joan and Melissa Rivers complimented Richard's aqua, color blocked tunic knit dress for the Senior Fling episode, designed for mature women. They thought it was versatile for a modern woman and could be worn many ways. Even Heidi Klum proclaimed that she would love to wear it with leggings and boots.

The show has had many twists and turns this season, including putting the designers into teams instead of working individually. It has caused a lot of tension, at times escalating into tears and nastiness.

Designer Zac Posen has joined Nina Garcia, editor of Marie Claire Magazine, and producer/ host Klum, replacing long running design icon Michael Kors. Guest judges have also included Kristen Davis and Emmy Rossum, adding interesting input into who is "in or out" of fashion for the week.

At this writing, I am not sure if Richard will be the winner of Project Runway’s Season 11, but for the rest of the episodes you will find me glued to the screen on Thursday nights, rooting for him and his ability to provide beautifully made, functional clothing for women. In my book, Richard is already the winner. B

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26 • Benicia Magazine Fashionista

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Featured Musician

Bass player, bandleader Born: October 28, 1961 in San Francisco Resides in: American Canyon by way of Tokyo Favorite Food: Ribeye Steak at Celadon in Napa Favorite Book: Power of Now by Eckhardt Tolle Relationship Status/Children: Married with two children

Darryl Anders

By Rhonda Lucile Hicks Photo by Patrick Stern You play bassoon—an instrument known mostly for being a classical woodwind instrument. How did you come to play bassoon? But, more importantly, what inspired you to improvise and use the bassoon in ways that it has never been used before?

Well, I had started out like a lot of kids on clarinet. Actually, my mom and dad were very musical as there was music constantly on the stereo or being played live in the living room at our house in SF from birth on. I remember vividly the Beatles being played all the time. That, and Bach.

You have your roots as an award-winning classical bassoonist and jazz saxophonist. How did you think up the idea of putting a pickup in your bassoon and making it electric? Now that is a long story …

Back when I graduated high school, I had my mind blown by hearing Jimi Hendrix on some of his later albums such as Live at Berkeley Community Theatre, Cry of Love and Band of Gypsies. When you hear that open trio sound he got, the guitar has a lot of room to be either screaming the blues, playing low funky notes or just feedback and sounds. I found that I loved that wide range, the bassoon has a range similar to a guitar but just lower by about a 4th. The sax is pretty much set in whatever range it has depending on type, but the bassoon can play low, somewhat high and I found it had a great ability to bop back and forth between bass notes and

higher notes, kind of like a guitar. And, when I stuck a microphone down my bassoon, I would get these really cool screaming distorted tones that really sounded like a rock electric guitar! Multiphonics on bassoon thru an amp sounded to me a lot like that Hendrix controlled feedback. Hendrix was my main inspiration for starting but I went to Conservatories to really learn how to play it properly and I was also interested in classical music.

You also play saxophone and have played with Eddie Money, Boz Scaggs, The Temptations and Tower of Power. Which came first, saxophone or bassoon? Saxophone came first by a few years. I’ve done a ton of sax playing. When I first worked for Cirque Du Soleil on the show Saltimbanco touring South America—I played soprano, alto and tenor sax, Electric Wind Instrument, keyboards, percussion and bassoon. I was the first bassoonist to play in a Cirque show.

After living in Japan for four years, you recently settled in American Canyon with your family. What brought you to the area? The earthquake of March 11, 2011 really did a lot to the tourist industry in Japan. I was playing electric bassoon with Cirque Du Soleil’s Zed at Tokyo Disney Resort over there when that earthquake happened. No one wanted to celebrate and have a good time after they lost nearly 20,000 people to the tsunami and quake. People did finally start to end their grieving and they came back to the park, but by that time the damage was done. My wife knew of a friend who had a house to rent in American Canyon. As it turned out, we liked it in American Canyon. We like being nearer to nature and there’s a unique sense of newness, of a new town developing its personality. B Read the expanded interview online at beniciamagazine.com.

LIVE MUSIC ONGOING

SPECIAL EVENTS

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Gerry Tenny & the Hard Times Orchestra Freight & Salvage, Berkeley Wednesday, May 1, 8pm, thefreight.org

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Live music Thurs, Fri & Sat Jazz Sunday afternoon firststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400

Empress Theatre

Wednesday Night Ramble First & third Wednesdays Soulshine Second Wednesday each month Hot House Blues Fourth Wednesday each month empresstheatre.org 707.552.2400

Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar Fairfield Live music every Saturday stickyricebistro.com 707.863.7500

28 • Benicia Magazine Listening

The Delbert Bump Organ Trio Armando’s Berkeley Friday, May 3, 8pm armandosmartinez.com Tainted Love Uptown Theatre, Napa Friday, May 3, 8pm uptowntheatrenapa.com Booker T. Jones Yoshi’s, San Francisco Saturday, May 4, 8pm, yoshis.com The VNote Ensemble Piedmont Piano Company, Oakland Sunday, May 5, 4pm piedmontpiano.com Laurence Juber Club Fox, Redwood City Thursday, May 9, 7pm clubfoxrwc.com

Carolina Chocolate Drops Mystic Theatre, Petaluma Thursday, May 9, 8:30pm mystictheatre.com

Mystic Rhythms Band Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley Wednesday, May 22, 8pm sweetwatermusichall.com

Smokey Robinson Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre Vacaville Friday, May 10, 8pm, vpat.net

Preservation Hall Jazz Band Napa Valley Opera House, Napa Thursday, May 23, 8pm, nvoh.org

Regina Carter Miner Auditorium, San Francisco Saturday, May 11, 7:30pm, sfjazz.org Tommy Castro and The Painkillers Empress Theatre, Vallejo Friday, May 17, 8pm, empresstheatre.org Diablo Valley College Rock, Rhythm and Blues Revue Empress Theatre, Vallejo Sunday, May 19, 2pm, empresstheatre.org Paul Hanson Bay Terrace Theater, Vallejo Sunday, May 19, 5pm vallejojazzsociety.com

Maye Cavallaro The Sound Room, Oakland soundroom.org Swingin’ Blue Stars of the USS Hornet Firehouse Arts Center, Pleasanton Sunday, May 26, 2pm, firehousearts.org Fistfuls of Funk The New Parish, Oakland Friday, May 31, 9pm, thenewparish.com

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STAINS: If we can’t get them out, they won’t come out!

1440 MILITARY W. #202, BENICIA

Plumbing and Boilers

2nd Chance Thrift Store

Residential & Commercial Service, Repair & Replacement

Adobe is a clean and sober men’s residential program solely supported by Thrift Shop sales and Labor Services.

Thrift store purchases help men rebuild their lives.

Slab leaks, repipes Water heaters, faucets Toilets, garbage disposals Remodels, gas lines & more

Furniture, Collectibles & Household items 11am-6pm, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 929 First Street, Benicia, 707.745.6276

Decorative lanterns Driftwood balls Storage buckets & bins Journals & notepads Wood & iron clocks Candles & coasters

10%

discount with this ad

Free Estimates Mike Pitta, Owner/Operator Lic. #969499 Insured & bonded

707.333.5992 • up2codeplumbing.com

Full-line pet store Professional dog & cat grooming Do it yourself pet wash 1202 East 5th Street, Benicia 707.745.5016 • www.FeathererPet.com

Serving Benicia's orthodontic needs for over 25 years Home Decor

L

Jewelry

L

Dr. Tom Campbell

Letter & Number Art

611 First Street, Downtown Benicia

707.853.8159

Orthodontics for children and adults

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

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

5/2-5/30

5/3-5/11

Benicia Farmers Market 4-8pm

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

Benicia Old Town Theatre Presents Rabbit Hole

By David Lindsay-Abaire, Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm BDES Hall, 140 West J St, Benicia Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269

5/4

Senior Center Spring Craft Fair 9:30am-2pm

5/4 & 5/5

Spring on the Strait Quilt Show 10am-4pm

5/4 & 5/5

Benicia Artists Open Studios 10am-5pm

5/15

Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm

Access to over 50 artists’ studios to view & purchase art Tyler, Jackson, Lincoln & Grant Streets, Benicia Arts Benicia.org 707.747.0131

5/4-5/26

State Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House

5/16

Community Blood Drive 1-7pm

Weekends only 10am-5pm Fischer-Hanlon tours 1st & 3rd Sun & 2nd Sat Tours at 1, 2 and 3pm, May 5, 11 & 19

Donors 17+ years, good health, 110+ lbs.

First Baptist Church, 1055 Southampton Road, Benicia 707.745.0899

5/11

Vintage Home & Garden Tour 11am-4pm

5/17

BEF Spring Celebration 6-8pm

5/11

Twenty craft tables, small plants & light lunch Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L Street

Carquinez Strait Stitchers display member quilts Quilt & gift basket raffle, featured artist & demos Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, CSSquilter.org

Six Westside homes and one garden Tickets: Benicia Main Street, Bookshop Benicia, Camellia Tea & Steve’s Hallmark, BeniciaHistoricalSociety.org Vicki Cullen 707.315.6434/Jerry Hayes 707.746.6689 115 West G Street, Benicia 707.745.3385

Author Jonathan Fineberg Talk & Book Signing, 2:30pm

A Troublesome Subject: The Art of Robert Arneson Sponsored by Arts Benicia & Bookshop Benicia Books available for sale, refreshments served Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler St., 707.747.5155 for more info

5/11

Benicia Art Walk, Self-guided Tour 3-7pm Every second Saturday, pick up a map First Street galleries, studios & businesses Pat Ryll 707.495.2940

5/11

Benicia Plein Air Gallery Reception 5-7pm

5/11

Gallery 621 Opening Reception 5-8pm

Featured artist Rolando Barrero Gallery open Thursday-Sunday, 11am-5pm 307 First Street, Benicia, Beniciapleinair.com

Featured artist Mark Eanes, May 9-June 9 Thurs-Sun 11am-5pm, 621 First Street, Benicia Gallery621.com 707.746.6211

30 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

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bbit Hole Cast of BOTTG Ra a Photo by Joe Messin

Library Doña Benicia Room Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Final auction of Parade of Pigs 4 Kids Benefits Benicia public schools Veterans Memorial Hall, 1150 First Street, Benicia Beniciaeducationfoundation.org

5/18 Evening with Elizabeth Edwards & Mark Lundholm, 8pm

The singer/songwriter and the inspirational comic Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia Street, Vallejo EmpressTheatre.org 707.552.2400

Benicia Kiwanis Golf Tournament 8:30am

5/23

Singles and foursomes welcome along with all skill levels Mare Island Golf Club, 1800 Club Drive, Mare Island Register online, KiwanisClubBenicia.org

5/25

Benicia Literary Arts & Arts Benicia Present KidLit 1-3pm

Memorial Day Ceremony 10-11am

5/27

Symposium on Young Adult & Children’s Literature Featuring local authors, librarians, teachers & readers Josanna@badtke.com or benicialiteraryarts.org/blablog

Guest speaker Col. Joel J. Clark, Presidio of Monterey Diablo Regional Concert Band; Jerry Hayes, MC Arsenal Post Cemetery, end of Hospital Rd., Benicia Beniciahistoricalsociety.org

Sailor Jacks Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Lobster Tuesdays Prime Rib Wednesdays Bistro 3 course dinner Thursday

Purchase one lunch or dinner entrée in May & receive one complimentary dessert with this ad* *expires 5/31/13. One discount per person, no cash value. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Sailor Jacks • Open Every Day • 123 First Street 707.746.8500

Welcome to

Love Mom Bouquet Benicia Floral & Gifts 838 First Street • Benicia, CA 94510 707.745.5838 • www.beniciafloral.com

Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years.

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

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

• Relaxed and comfortable environment

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

"Affordable Quality Cabinets and their contractor made a kitchen remodel easy. They were helpful and supportive throughout the entire process and we are 100% satisfied with the experience and final product." 窶年ick and Stephanie

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

weekends & evenings by appointment

707-745-2100 窶｢ www.aqchome.com

Come see our large showroom 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5

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