Benicia Magazine May 2016

Bringing the artisan bread revolution into home kitchens

May 2016

FUN SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR BENICIA'S KIDS

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Community Update MAY 2016 For questions about Valero’s Crude by Rail project please email info@beniciaCBR.com or call (707) 654-9745

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As an added safety measure to the Crude by Rail project, Valero has committed to installing a camera at the Park Road crossing in Benicia to allow emergency dispatchers to monitor train traffic through the intersection. To reduce traffic problems, no trains would be scheduled through the intersection between 6 and 9 a.m. and 4 and 6 p.m. on weekdays.

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The Valero Benicia Refinery has been recognized as one of the safest refineries in the nation and has earned Cal/ OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program STAR Site certification continuously since 2006 for voluntarily implementing a variety of safety programs that go beyond Cal/OSHA standards.

The refinery has a full-time, on-site emergency response team that is highly trained, state-certified and capable of responding to any hazardous material incident, including one involving railcars. The refinery regularly conducts drills and exercises with local, state and federal agencies using the Unified Command Structure to ensure refinery personnel and other agencies are prepared to respond to an emergency.

Fast Fact: Additional safety regulations have been implemented at the federal and state levels since Valero submitted the project application in 2012. These safety measures include: lower train speeds, upgraded braking systems, use of rail traffic routing technology, increased emergency response trainings and planning for emergency response capabilities, safety improvements in tank car design standard, and improved risk assessment and notification for rail routing, among others.

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Contributors Elizabeth d’Huart Adriene Rockwell Sarah Rohrs magazine Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore Photographers Michael VanAuken Jerry Bowles Malcolm Slight

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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 © 2016, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher. Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, 372 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, beniciamagazine.com.

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MAY

16

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 7

12 FEATURES

16 Italian Renaissance

festival brings family fun to Vallejo

DEPARTMENTS 10 From the Editor 12 Currents

Fun and interesting options for Benicia’s kids this summer

18 New gallery adds to

14 Backwards Glance

Historic 1923 pageant of spectacular proportion

Benicia’s arsenal of art

14 Bio Jasmine Powers, Benicia Biker Barre’s dynamic owner

20 The handcrafted at home

22 Interview Michelle A. Brown, Raley's wine steward

artisan bread revolution

24 Trends

A mother’s pride in her son’s teaching career 26 Downtown Map 28 Calendar of Events The best events in Benicia and around the Bay Cover photo: An edible hobby, Benicia's Madra Rue takes on handcrafted artisan bread at home. Photo by Jerry Bowles.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

From the Editor May 2016

Top: Benicia Old Town Theatre Group cast by Joe Messina Bottom: Arts Benicia Open Studios

by Jerry Bowles

Benicia bursts with cultural activity this month. The annual Arts Benicia Artist Open Studios weekend runs May 7 and 8, attracting thousands of visitors who view art in artist live/work spaces. It’s a free event with maps available at the Arts Benicia Gallery, 991 Tyler Street. Many of Benicia’s galleries will be open for the event, along with a brand-new gallery in the Arsenal—see our story on page 18. Benicia has long been known as an arts community, and if you haven’t yet tapped into this hotbed of creativity, Benicia’s art scene is more accessible than ever.

There were 14 galleries in Benicia at last count, remarkable for such a small town. Some of these are professional concerns like Arts Benicia, where fine art exhibits are skillfully curated. Others are found inside shared spaces where the galleries are as unique as the art itself, tucked inside downtown businesses that devote entire rooms to art, or a large, dedicated wall like the Rellik Tavern. At Java Point Café, all of the walls are covered with an ever-changing riot of colorful, small paintings to check out during your meal. Whether you prefer to see the work of famed Benicia artists or check out creative offerings from those just starting out, you’ll find a hearty welcome to peruse at your leisure.

Another charming aspect to Benicia is downtown’s vintage homes. The Benicia Historical Society will again sponsor the annual Vintage Home and Garden Tour May 7. It’s a journey into the past—experiencing historic homes along with lovely gardens—and a nice gift for mom. Tickets are available online at beniciahistoricalsociety.org, and several locations around town.

Rounding out May’s cultural offerings, final performances of Benicia Old Town Theatre Group's spring comedy, Keeping Down with the Joneses, run through May 7. Get tickets at beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com. Always entertaining, BOTTG’s seasonal plays are another great way to honor mom.

Speaking of art and moms, here’s a shout-out to mine, JDRW, who paints delightful landscapes. I unfortunately did not receive the art gene, but mom inspired my brother, Dan, who, in his early retirement, has taken up the brush himself.

—Jeanne Steinmann

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

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www.carnevalefantastico.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

CURRENTS

Summer Offerings to Keep Kids Entertained

In just six short weeks, kids will be out of school. Even the most serendipitous summer calls for a bit of structure. If you are looking for ideas that reach beyond sports, the pool, local parks and hanging out with friends and family, there are many interesting options right here in town. How about sharing Benicia’s rich history with your kids with a tour of the Historical Museum or State Capitol? Or look into Arts Benicia, Artcentric, the Benicia Public Library and independent businesses— all offer some pretty cool programs for kids. Are your young ones interested in theater? Do they love creative endeavors or wacky science? From day camps to book clubs to archery and more, here are some resources that will keep kids of all ages entertained. Check all info for most recent updates.

Photos: Tails-N-Tales at the Library, Carol Delacruz with Honey, photo by Mike Jory, courtesy Vallejo Times Herald; Flying Monkey Theatre Arts, courtesy FMTA; Arts Benicia EcoArt Camp, courtesy Arts Benicia; Kids learning and making, photos courtesy of Brickspace; Skateboard lesson at Benicia Community Park, photo courtesy of Wheels in Motion 12 • Benicia Magazine

BENICIA PUBLIC LIBRARY ARTS BENICIA

In June and July, Arts Benicia is offering their Summer EcoArt camp for kids in grades 3-5. "I'm very excited about Arts Benicia's EcoArt Camp this summer. There's a fantastic variety of art making to pique kids' curiosity and ignite their creativity. They will have a chance to build, sculpt, carve, draw, paint, make prints, mosaics, collages and cartoons. While learning about tools and different media, kids will also explore the imaginative uses of working with recycled and sustainable objects in combination with traditional materials,” says Celeste Smeland, AB’s Executive Director. The four theme-based sessions run 8:30am-12:30pm; prices range from $175-185. Arts Benicia is also offering their popular Family Art Day (free), June 25 at the Arts Benicia classroom and there’s a free art project at the library July 21. Artsbenicia.org, 707.747.0131.

FAT SHAFTS ARCHERY

Fat Shafts offers kids archery lessons and party opportunities at their Business Park location. The archery’s Open Range hours are Monday through Friday 12-8pm and Saturday 12-5pm. $15 per hour includes equipment; $10 per hour with your own equipment.

For the Jr. Olympic Archery Development program, Saturday morning classes for 8-20 years old are Saturday, 9am, 10am and 11am; $10 per hour with equipment and $7 per hour with your own.

Fatshaftsarchery.com, 707.745.0447.

BRICKSPACE LEGO LEARNING CENTER

In addition to their many educational programs for kids, Brickspace offers drop-in build and play and a multitude of summer camps, including a Girls S.T.E.M. camp, Chess camp, Spy Academy camp, Medieval Castle and Knights camp and a Train your Dragon camp to name just a few. According the website, LEGO building is a hands-on activity encouraging creativity and teamwork using LEGO bricks and educational products to introduce science, technology, engineering and mathematics (S.T.E.M.) concepts in a fun way. For kids 3-12, camps run all summer and prices range from $25-$166. Brickspacebenicia.net, 707.745.8088

The Benicia Library has many programs for kids from babies to teens, most of which are free. Too numerous to list, here are some highlights: Kite Making, Video Game Afternoons, kid’s book clubs, Board Game Evenings, Free Comic Book Day and special events.

In Tails and Tales, on Wednesdays at 2:30pm starting June 15, children 1-5 years old can have ten minutes each with Honey the dog and her handler. Benicialibrary.org, 707.746.4347.

ARTCENTRIC POTTERY & GLASS FUSING STUDIO

In addition to painting your own pottery, Artcentric offers programs for kids and families, but call ahead for schedule changes. Pajama Night, 5-8pm, is the last Friday of the month, and if dressed in pajamas, the studio fee is waived. Family Sunday and Wacky Wednesdays offer a discounted price, and there’s a Mom & Me class on selected Tuesdays from 11:30am. For pricing and other information, go to artcentricbenicia.info or contact Aline at 707.745.9553.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Hyland Teen Center Kylehyland.com, 707-315-3065, 1315 Military West City of Benicia Summer Guide Ci.benicia.ca.us, 707.745- 4200, 250 East L Street Benicia Makerspace Beniciamakerspace.org 707.654.4131, 4592 East Second St., Suite O&P Benicia Historical Museum Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org, 707.745.5435, 2060 Camel Road Benicia Capitol State Historic Park Parks.ca.gov/?page_id=475, 707.745.3385, 115 West G Street James Lemos Pool, 707.746.4286 181 East J Street

FLYING MONKEY THEATRE ARTS

According to the website, Flying Monkey Theatre Arts “exists to provide children in the community with opportunities to learn life skills through dramatic art.” Summer camps begin June 20 and run weekly through July 15 at Robert Semple Elementary School (no camp July 4). Each weeklong themed camp includes supplies, professional teaching artists, live performances and complimentary recording video link. Themes range from Musical Madness to Fairy Tales Alive with prices ranging from $100 to $120.

Flyingmonkeytheatrearts.com, 707.373.7388.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

BA CKWA RDS GLA NCE

Past Pageantry

By Elizabeth d’Huart, BHM Executive Director Photo courtesy Benicia Historical Museum According to an online dictionary definition, the meaning of the word “pageant” is thus: “A public entertainment consisting of a procession of people in elaborate, colorful costumes or an outdoor performance of an historical scene.” As you can see, this one qualifies on all counts. This photograph in the museum’s archives captures just a small number of the cast of some several hundred, who took part in “A Pageant Under the Auspices of the History and Landmarks Department Sponsored by the Solano County Federated Women’s Clubs and Presented by the People of Solano County at Benicia on Saturday, May 19th, 1923.”

The pageant took place at Pometta Ranch, once situated on East Second Street across from the current location of McDonald’s.

Scripted by Miss Jean Davis of the Armijo High School Department, the spectacle covered the history of every town and city in the county,

Jasmine Powers

By Adriene Rockwell Photo by Malcolm Slight Jasmine Powers lives up to her name as the owner and founder of the Benicia Biker Barre, the place to go when you’re ready to transform your body—and your life. Powers purchased the fitness studio in the historic arsenal from the Daily Method in 2015, and says it’s her life calling. “If I can change just

14 • Benicia Magazine

took many hours to perform, and was an all-singing, all-dancing tribute to the people and events that shaped our local heritage.

Those of you familiar with the musical The Music Man may fondly remember a scene in which the well-upholstered matrons of River City drape themselves in sheets and do their best to embody the characteristics of first, “…one Grecian urn,” and then “two Grecian urns,” etc., by striking dramatic poses and holding them for several moments, then moving as gracefully as their senior limbs would allow into the next pose. Imagining this movie moment will give you a good idea of the pace and flavor of the whole affair as best as can be construed from the pageant program in our archives.

The Benicia “episode” featured a lengthy list of legendary and lesser-known Benicia personages: Carmela and Pedro Mendoza, Dr. Robert Semple, Jasper O’Farrell, Lieutenant Warren, Thomas O. Larkin, William Tustin and family, Lundy Alford, Nathan Barbour and family, Captain Von Pfister, Betherel Phillips, Miss Fannie Cooper and Major Stephen Cooper, Jimmie Heeman, Judge Mckenna, Sister Dominica, Judge Hastings, Miss Mary Atkins, Mrs. C.T. Mills, Dr. Breck, Mr. Weinmann and Ulysses S. Grant, Major Powell and General Sherman.

Keeping them company were representative characters personifying “Benicia” and “Fame” as well as many “Spanish Dancers” and “Flirts, Singers and Square Dancers” who performed to an original score of music titled Dance of Joys and Laughters of Life, Music of Solano House and Memory Music, composed by Dr. Douglas Wright, Jr. Whew! If you are wondering if there was anyone left in the audience to watch this herculean extravaganza, well, dear reader, there were 10,000 onlookers! The several newspaper clippings we have attest to the enormous success of the pageant which apparently exhausted those appearing in it so profoundly that, as far as we know, it was never performed again! Any interest from would-be thespians?

one person’s life, I will be fulfilled,” she says. “I want women who come here to feel beautiful inside and out, and to feel comfortable in their own bodies.”

The Benicia Biker Barre is not your typical fitness studio, and offers classes like Buti, which fuses tribal dance and power yoga. She also offers PowerSpyn for a cardio burn on a bike, and a Barre class that combines ballet, Pilates and yoga—all classes starting with setting a positive intention.

“I believe we’re responsible for our own happiness. We can’t rely on anyone else,” says Powers, who teaches many of the classes herself. “You have to make sure your cup is filled up, because a lot of people depend on you. There’s no way you can take care of anybody else when your cup is empty.”

Powers speaks from experience as a mother of three who struggled with weight in her early 30s. At 5’2” she weighed more than 180 pounds, and says she hated everything about herself. It turned out she had a thyroid problem caused by a malignant tumor.

Once it was removed, she was determined to change her life. “It’s not about losing inches, it’s about being okay with the way you look in the body you have right now. You can be slim, but if you’re not okay inside—if you’re not good enough for yourself, then it doesn’t matter.”

Born in Hong Kong, Powers moved to Vallejo with her parents when she was 9. She has always enjoyed performing, even acting in commercials as a young child. She still loves to sing, and has performed with a jazz band at the Union Hotel. She gets it from her father, who played stand up bass in a jazz trio. Her mother was an English teacher at St. Catherine of Sienna School in Vallejo. At 17, she took an office job at a law office in Fairfield, and worked her way to become a legal assistant. Eventually a door opened at a law office in San Francisco, where she met her husband Matthew, a litigation attorney.

They moved to Benicia eight years ago with their children Tatiana, 19, Jacob, 14, and Cameron, 11. “We live in the most beautiful city,” she says.

Powers believes we have to step outside of our comfort zone in order to change our lives, and she’s not afraid to kick our booties. “You have to start somewhere,” she says. “It doesn’t matter where you are in your life. In order to be great, you have to start somewhere.”

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16 • Benicia Magazine

By Beth Steinmann Maurene Drew, affectionately known as Molly by the Renaissance fair crowd, is on a mission to raise the entertainment bar in Solano County by bringing high-quality events to the people. She and her partner, Dalia Vidor, own Benicia-based production company Avalon Themed Events, and have created Carnevale Fantastico, an Italian-themed Renaissance fair now in its second year. Drew is on the board of and entertainment director for the biggest Renaissance fair in Northern California, the Northern California Renaissance Faire, and Vidor works at the Vallejo Visitor’s Center and has been producing Shakespeare in the Park in coordination with the Greater Vallejo Recreation District for six years. When the two got together to create Carnevale Fantastico, Vallejo was the obvious choice.

The GVRD has been an important sponsor and provided a scenic location, Blue Rock Springs Park.

Within the central goal of taking quality and innovation to the next level, Drew conceived the Italian theme. She says, “The English Renaissance fair has been done so many times. People love Italian food and culture, and Italy was really the center of the Renaissance with the Theatre del Arte, comedy, high fashion, beautiful art, music, dance and food.” According to the event website, “The first stirring of ‘la rinascità’ (the rebirth) began in the Tuscany region of Italy and was centered in the cities of Florence and Siena, but it soon reached Venice and Rome as it spread throughout the region.”

With Vidor and Drew’s combined community connections and a rich cultural heritage to draw from, the theme and event fell into place. After actor auditions, the team held Italian Language workshops that were also available to the public through the GRVD Spring Recreation Guide. According to Drew, many Renaissance fair actors and crafters have moved to Benicia and surrounding areas in recent years so it was easy to rally people. Most of the actors are experienced performing at Renaissance fairs or the Dickens Fair, and/or are professional stage and screen actors.

In addition to rotating stage shows, several hundred costumed actors engage with the crowd throughout the weekend, including travelling performances of Romeo and Juliet vignettes, inviting guests into another world.

“All the costumes are movie quality—you won’t see them anywhere else. People put a lot of work and detail into the costumes representing different areas of Italy— Venetian, Florentine, Tuscan, etc. They are beautiful and very colorful,” says Drew.

Four stages will be packed full of comedic fodder, with 30 minute shows that are included in admission and rotate through several times daily. Features include morality plays (comedic takes on actual historic court cases), the Cucina dell’Arte (wherein Mama Focaccia and her daughters reveal the arts of the Italian kitchen), comedic sword fighting shows, traditional music and dance, marionette and fairy tale shows especially for kids, and seafaring songs (especially for adults!).

In addition to world-class entertainment, traditional crafters will be selling handcrafted wares, and making traditional Italian food including wood-fired pizza, Italian sausage, cannoli and more along with beer, wine and Italian sodas. Benicia’s Rellik Tavern and Lagunitas Brewing Company are helping to sponsor the event, and Drew’s job as a wine distributor came in handy for sourcing authentic Italian wines.

Some VIP Parking will be available on site, but SolTrans, another sponsor, will offer free transportation from lots at Solano Community College, the Vallejo Ferry Terminal and the Vallejo Transit Center on Curtola Parkway. Tickets are less expensive online and can be purchased at carnevalefantastico.com, where you can also find detailed information about the shows along with photos to whet your appetite for the Italian Renaissance experience. Drew says, “We encourage people to dress up! This is not just an event to get people through the door. Our goal here is higher art.”

For tickets and more information, go to carnevalefantastico.com. Advance General Admission: $12.50; kids 12 & under free. Blue Rock Springs Golf Course, 655 Columbus Pkwy, Vallejo Photos: p. 16 top left and far left, by Stephen Jacobson; p. 16 center, 16-17 top middle, and 17 top right and far right, by Rosemary Guglielmelli; bottom left and right by Jim & Sam Dowdall

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Benicia’s Newest

Art Gallery Opens this Month

Painting by Susan Street

By Sarah Rohrs The Benicia Arsenal plays a big role in the city—business hub, treasure trove of history, and destination for those seeking to create, enjoy and view art of all kinds. Found among the mixed industrial and business uses is Arts Benicia, and numerous art studios and offices. So, it seems a perfect fit that a new gallery is opening inside the former U.S. Army headquarters building found at the “split” at the end of East Military Street. The HQ Gallery at the Arsenal will open in coordination with Artist Open Studios, May 7 & 8. The gallery is at 1350 Hayes Street, and has its own entrance at the back of the building.

Benicia painter Susan Street got the idea for HQ Gallery at the Arsenal and adopted the Nike slogan “Just Do It” to bring it about. She has an art studio in the historic white administrative building with the ornate façade over the front entrance. As she came and went from her studio she thought a courtyard in the center would be a lovely spot for an art gallery. She approached the property management firm overseeing the building and floated the idea among several artists. “I got a tremendous response. I nearly fainted,” she said.

Eighteen artists will show work in a range of mediums, including oil and watercolor paintings, metal sculpture, pottery, photography, mixed media, jewelry and fine needlework. Some have shown all 18 • Benicia Magazine

over the Bay Area and beyond, while others work at home or in their studios and have never, or rarely, shown their work. Arts Benicia board president Barrie Robinson is one of them. Robinson does found-object sculptures and mixed media work in her Arsenal art studio. She said the new gallery has been a major boost. “This will be the first formal place for me to display. It’s new to me and very exciting. I was surprised to be asked if I wanted to join and I’m excited to begin displaying my work. It will give me, all of us, incentive to keep producing a body of work,” Robinson said.

Mary Frances Kelly-Poh will show her traditional needlepoint for the first time in a gallery, too. One piece that might go up is a large kimono that won a best of show prize at the California State Fair. She said she’s glad needlepoint will be on display. “I believe people need to see this kind of work. Because it is thread, people often think it’s not art. It takes months to do this. The kimono took 18 months to stitch.” Susan Street will also show her paintings, many of which are landscapes of local settings.

Benicia painter Lee Wilder Snider immediately said “yes” when Street asked her to join. “Aside from her fluidity and strength as a painter, she (Street) listens, sees the big picture and gets things done.” Snider also said she liked the combination of people working together and all the different kinds of art to be displayed. “I’m excited

and intrigued. I see the gallery as a mix of different voices, each adding to the strength of the whole. It’s a new group coming together with ideas and hopes. The challenge will be giving voice to the vision, and then putting practical things in place to make it happen,” Snider said.

The gallery’s small space may even inspire her to try working on a smaller scale or do some three-dimensional work.

Plain air painter Nikki Basch Davis also eagerly agreed to be part of the new gallery. She wants to support any effort to give artists new venues and voices to show their work. A new gallery, she said, will also help put Benicia on the map as an arts destination. First Street has the Plein Air Art Gallery and Gallery 621. “We have an incredible amount of very accomplished artists in this town and not all of them have the opportunity to be represented in their work. The more outlets we have for art, the better,” Davis said.

The new HQ Gallery is near the Arts Benicia headquarters, at 991 Tyler Street, which has its own gallery and is surrounded by dozens of artist live/work studios. The two organizations intend to complement and support each other. Arts Benicia board president Barrie Robinson said the new gallery is testament to Benicia’s large, vibrant and talented artistic community, and Arts Benicia Executive Director Celeste Smeland said the new gallery is “wonderful. A new gallery adds to the artistic vitality and visitor experience of the Arsenal district.”

During Open Studios May 7-8, the HQ Gallery at the Arsenal, 1350 Hayes St, will be open 10am-5pm both days. Regular hours following Open Studios will be noon-4pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

BENICIA UNIFIED A Community of Schools

Where’s the Art?

21st CENTURY LEARNING THAT INCLUDES

Benicia is filled with art galleries, you just need to know where to look. They are tucked away in dedicated spaces in local businesses, in the Arsenal and strewn along First Street, both upstairs and downstairs. The most prominent of the downtown galleries are the Plein Air Gallery and Gallery 621.

But if you want to completely immerse yourself in art, you could make an entire day of perusing the artistic offerings, and more than a day if you want to check out Benicia’s growing collection of public art. The Benicia Library has a dedicated gallery that features wonderful exhibits as well as several interesting pieces of public art.

Creativity Critical Thinking Collaboration Community

Benicia Arsenal Arts Benicia Gallery, 991 Tyler Street HQ Gallery at the Arsenal, 1350 Hayes Street Downtown Benicia Military West to the waterfront Marilyn Citron O'Rourke Art Gallery, Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street Gallerie Renee Marie, 1038 First Street Dos Gatos Gallery, 828 First Street Studio 41, 700 First Street Nourot Art Glass, 675 East H Street Smyers Art Glass, 675 East H Street Milinda Perry Salon & Gallery, 117 East F Street Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street Mernie Buchanan, 117 East D Street Gallery 621, 309 First Street Plein Air Gallery, 307 First Street Once Upon a Canvas, 129 First Street Listing of public art in Benicia www.visitbenicia.org/arts/public-art

Our schools are student-centered, safe & welcoming and forward thinking.

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

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Photo by Jerry Bowles

The Edible Craft of Artisan Bread Making at Home

By Jeanne Steinmann As businesses folded or downsized during the Great Recession and the American dream became even more elusive, people were forced to take stock of how they were living their lives. Perhaps one of the upsides to the global financial meltdown was the wave of creativity that arose during the aftermath.

Many folks in search of a more sustainable lifestyle chose not to return to a corporate setting, and instead follow their passions in the gentler arts. The handcrafted food movement is an outgrowth of baby boomers and young folk alike making a conscious choice to downsize, or live more simply. The desire for healthier eating has also played a significant role in the sheer number of foods being grown and/or produced at home. In the past few years, cities like Benicia have legalized backyard chicken coops and beekeeping, and it’s hard to walk a block in Benicia without seeing planting beds full of vegetables.

As the billion-dollar specialty food industry continues to thrive and consumers become more informed about the industrialization of food, the rise in handcrafted items continues to evolve. Examples include specialty food trucks—here in Benicia we have several, including Got Plate Lunch at the farmers market—and olive curing, cheese making, pickling, micro distilling and specialty sausage making.

Another example of the edible craft movement is baking handcrafted bread at home. Techniques have certainly evolved from the bread making I used to try in my kitchen 25 years ago, which was then eclipsed by bread making machines that have now fallen to the wayside of the baking industry. Today’s artisan breads are mouthwateringly rustic, dark crusty loaves made popular in 20 • Benicia Magazine

part by Ken Forkish with his book Flour, Water, Yeast, Salt, referred to by devotees as the bread making bible. Published in 2012, the book focuses on the fundamentals of bread making by hand, with an emphasis of producing loaves that have abundant flavor and texture.

In 2013, the book garnered the James Beard award and International Association of Culinary Professionals award.

In addition to Forkish’s method, there are many artisan bread making resources, including websites, books, videos and blogs such as forum.breadtopia.com. The bread making revolution means that these delectable loaves, some made over three days, brought what used to be the exclusive purview of professional bakeries and restaurants into home kitchens across the country. One of Forkish’s recipes calls for mixing the dough, refrigerating, then dividing and shaping into round loaves. The loaves are put into proofing baskets to proof again in the refrigerator, and then baked in a preheated Dutch oven. The result is a rustic, rich brown loaf to savor in your own home. But there’s more to it—it’s about the experience of creating something wonderful every step of the way, without the help of machinery. It’s about tapping into a 30,000-year history of bread making, experimenting with texture, color and flavor, and sharing the bounty with family and friends. Ultimately, artisan baking grew out of the slow food movement, and some of the specialty loaves are not quick to make. But the end product, for those who are willing, is worth the effort.

RESOURCES Kenforkish.com Breadtopia.com Youtube.com/watch?v=rtoMhY0vS9E Flour, Water, Salt, Yeast; Ten Speed Press, 2012

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

Michelle A. Brown

INTERVIEW WITH

By Sue Sumner Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight It started with going wine tasting in Napa Valley as a weekend pastime. Michelle A. Brown and her husband, Jeff, then joined a couple of wine clubs. She talked of working at a winery part-time after retiring from Raley’s.

And since she likes to immerse herself thoroughly in whatever interests her, she took an intensive two-day class on wine at UC Davis in 2013.

In one of those perfect-timing moments, Raley’s created a new position at the Benicia store and Michelle became its first wine steward in 2015. She credits Raley’s owner Michael Teel with the vision to add a wine steward to the store. “Michael had the idea of making wine and spirits part of Raley’s food and family and celebrations focus,” she says. “To me, wine is an extension of that food focus. When you’re sharing food with friends, wine is part of it.”

The extra training required for the job appeals to this life-long learner. She studied for six months to earn a Level 2 wine and spirit certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. “That’s when I started to learn that I don’t know very much about wine,” she says of the course that covered wine regions around the globe, what grapes grow where, wine laws and material related to spirits.

Michelle spends most of her work time on the floor, helping customers select from the more than 1,000 wines sold in the store. “For me, I think the best wine is the one you like to drink,” she says.

Michelle, 57, moved to Benicia in 1981 and began working in Raley’s floral department in 1992. Over the years, she worked in corporate positions and was a store supervisor before becoming the wine steward. She loves learning more about wines from around the world. “I finally found something that’s going to keep me going for a while,” she says, laughing.

22 • Benicia Magazine

What sparked your initial interest in wine?

It started with food. All of us in my family are really into food. We’re all foodies. We talk about what we’re eating, what we just ate, what we’re going to eat next. …

My husband enjoys wine, so after the children got older, we started going to tastings and we joined a couple of wine clubs. We decided to start with the Napa Valley, and we’re still going there. There are so many wineries that we haven’t gotten to all of them. We go up every six weeks or so.

As we would go up there, we noticed that many of the people who were working in the wineries were older. We were thinking that would be a great part-time job once we retired, to have that experience of talking to others about wine, the opportunity to talk to people really from all over the world.

What’s surprised you in your time as the store’s wine steward?

Two things overall.

Number 1: How little I knew. I really could spend the rest of my life learning more about wine.

Number 2: The interest of young people in wine. The millennials are more adventurous. They’ve traveled, so they know more about wine from other areas and are willing to try something out. I didn’t expect they would be my customers, and I’m encouraged by that.

What do you ask customers before making a recommendation?

Because I want my focus to be on the food, I always ask them what they’re serving. It’s different if they are going to someone’s house and they don’t know, or if they are bringing the wine as a gift.

The second question always is, “What is your budget?” Here our wines are placed with the most expensive on top and the lower-

priced ones on the bottom shelves, so I’ve been exploring the bottom shelves the last couple of months.

Because I’m dealing with so many young people, I want to be able to recommend something they can serve with confidence.

If we really start talking, I like to find out how many guests so we can plan for that. You don’t want to serve too many different types of wine, and you plan on a bottle for every 2 guests.

Once we make a decision, I like to spend time talking about what to do with the wine when you get home.

Some should be popped in the fridge right away, some should be opened for a while before serving.

And remember, room temperature is based on houses from 400 to 500 years ago. Homes now may be 70 degrees, but homes then were about 64 degrees.

What do you suggest for people who want to learn more about wine?

The main thing is to study the varietals first, learn which grapes are which.

For people who enjoy reading, I recommend Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine. I have The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil.

Reviewers say Wine Folly condenses The Wine Bible down.

There also are tons of tutorials online, on YouTube.

How do you learn more?

Raley’s is getting ready to put a group together to do level 3 of the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) courses. It looks like that will happen in August, but that’s not confirmed yet.

What is your go-to wine?

I like Franciscan Estates Chardonnay, and I’m really into Clarendelle white Bordeaux as well.

What do you do to relax?

My husband and I are big scuba

divers. That’s another subject we’ve immersed ourselves in. We try to go two times a year, all over the world. Everyone in our family dives so it’s a family affair. We have a big trip to Indonesia planned for after Christmas. We love to do that.

The funny thing is that when we travel, we usually don’t drink wine (laughing). We’re often in a hot climate and wine isn’t the best choice, plus you can’t drink when you dive. It’s like we take a break from wine when we’re on vacation since it’s my job.

I do yoga, and I have this huge project going on at the gym. I’m working with a personal trainer. You have to be in good shape to dive, so the trainer is helping with that.

We love to be outside gardening. I like to walk, and we like to go to the DeYoung.

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What’s next for you?

More travel, definitely. We’re planning an African safari. I want to go to Europe, but we’ve been saving that for later.

I’m very, very interested in art. Once I finally retire, I’m thinking about getting a degree in art history just for pleasure and selfenrichment. Maybe Asian art, maybe tribal tattoos—something I don’t know much of anything about but would like to know more.

Michelle's Suggestions for Choosing Wine

Keep your menu and guests in mind when choosing a wine to serve with your Mother’s Day brunch, says Michelle A. Brown, wine steward for Raley’s in Benicia.

“I suggest you keep it low-alcohol since brunch is early in the day,” she says. She suggests making a sangria from red or white wine and adjusting sweetness to your taste.

Some guests may be on medications and can’t drink alcohol so non-alcoholic wines could be added to table, she says. “That way all your guests feel part of the celebration.”

Michelle’s other recommendations: Champagne/sparkling wine: “With any celebration like Mother’s Day, Champagne or a sparkling wine is always a good choice. Chambord is nice to mix with your Champagne to give it a little blush.

“I like to add fruit also—raspberries or pomegranate seeds,” she says, adding that Champagne is available at every price point and Prosecco is a good option for a sparkling wine.

Mexican food: “If you’re having something like huevos rancheros, I suggest Beaujolais-Villages by Louis Jardot.”

Eggs: “I like Alsace Riesling Hugel. It’s not sweet and it would be great with eggs,” Michelle says. (She also recommends Wine and War: The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France's Greatest Treasure for interesting info about the Hugel family and how the French hid wine from the Nazis during World War II.) Bacon and eggs: “I also like J Pinot Gris. It’s light and it’s good with eggs and bacon.”

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Heritage Tree Program Anyone can nominate a tree for Heritage designation!

A prospective Heritage Tree must meet 1 of 7 criteria, including historical significance, diameter and aesthetic value.

Find out more online or call 707.746.4285

Heritage Tree applications and pruning & removal permits can be downloaded at www.ci.benicia.ca.us, Parks & Community Services 24 • Benicia Magazine Trends

Teacher's Pet

By Christina Strawbridge Recently, I had a meeting close to where my eldest son Andrew teaches. He has been the Physical Education teacher at Hamilton Meadow Park School in Novato for three years. I am ashamed to admit that I had never been to the campus but had passed it numerous times while traveling on Highway 101, headed to the Marin area. Since my appointment ended early, I decided to drop by the school to see Andrew in action.

The campus is typical of most California schools, with a series of low-level buildings and numerous portable classrooms brought in to accommodate a growing student population. The walls are painted with reminders of cultural acceptance, and the motto “Believe, Achieve, Succeed...

No Excuses!” The most prominent building is the gymnasium, which seems to be a fairly new facility where Andrew spends most of his days, teaching PE to 6th to 8th graders.

Nasser, a 6th grade boy who recently moved from Nigeria to Novato, greeted me at the door. He offered his hand and a big smile to welcome me to the class. As I entered the gym, I was immediately surrounded by a mass of girls and boys wanting to meet the teacher's mom. The PE Class was a true representation of the school's diverse cultural backgrounds. As my son stood in the midst of these eager faces, blowing his whistle and giving direction, I was reminded how skilled he is as a teacher. Trying to keep a class of 35 engaged for an hour and 45 minutes is something of a feat, with kids constantly asking to get a drink of water or tattling on their teammate. With three of these classes a day twice a week, no wonder he is exhausted when he gets home!

Andrew's final period is a Current Affairs class, and he asked me to share my experiences as a City Council member. The students were very attentive. They thought I looked more like Andrew's sister than his mom, which didn't go over so well with the teacher.

The class was very aware of the upcoming presidential election, and could name all of the candidates with one exception: John Kasich. We covered a range of topics including the draught, and how much time I spent on city issues. I stressed the importance of voting (they knew the voting age) and keeping up with what was going on in their town as well as around the world.

My visit gave me renewed appreciation for the teaching profession. Teachers have to be self-motivated with the ability to reach their students every day. They teach life lessons and believing in oneself, along with the standard curriculum. Their profession is one of the most important—they bear the responsibility of preparing future generations for life's challenges.

Andrew has the gift, and as his mom, I was glad to share two hours of his school day, along with the students he influences.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

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19. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street 20. Benicia Magazine, 372 First Street 21. Christie Finn, Coldwell Banker, 900 First StreetW

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The Benicia Historical Society presents

A Wonderful Place For Gifts

Vintage

Home & Garden Tour Saturday, May 7, 2016

Visit Benicia’s best homes & gardens Home Tour Hours: 11am-4pm; self-guided tour Tickets $25 in advance; $30 day of tour Tickets are available at beniciahistoricalsociety.org Benicia Main Street • Bookshop Benicia Camellia Tea Room • Steve's Hallmark

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

For more info, call 707.746.6689 or visit www.beniciahistoricalsociety.org

BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Spring into Giving Week

4/30-5/7, 9am-5:30pm weekdays 11am-4pm weekends Benicia Main Street 90 First Street, Benicia Give and get back during this weeklong promotion that benefits The Family Resource Center of Benicia. When you bring a donation to Benicia Main Street between Saturday, April 30 and Saturday, May 7, you’ll receive a discount card valid with participating downtown merchants during the event week. Some restrictions may apply. Donations should be dropped off during business hours to receive the shopping/dining passport. See web link for list of suggested donations.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.747.9791

28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

Benicia Old Town Theatre Group Presents Keeping Down with the Joneses

5/1, 2pm; 5/7, 8pm Historic B.D.E.S. Hall 140 West J Street, Benicia Geoffrey Jones is convinced that the Russians are about to launch a nuclear strike against England. He builds a bomb shelter equipped with everything he, his wife Deirdre, and her mother will need to outlast such a strike. They plan to try it out for three weeks when, inadvertently, they’re trapped inside with his uptight mother-inlaw, a handsome phone installer, the lovely Swedish nanny and an Indian milkman. They try to make the best of it, when who should enter through a side hatch but their provocative next door neighbors Sonia (a porn star) and husband Raymond, who, ever striving to keep up with the Joneses, have now

kept down with them by building their own underground shelter.

By a strange set of circumstances, the neighbors are also trapped and neither neighbor wants to admit this to the other. Hilarious complications ensue until everyone gets out.

Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com 707.746.1269

Give Local Solano

5/3, 12am-11:59pm Takes place online Solano Community Foundation, along with 28 local nonprofits, will participate in this online day of giving that brings community members together to acknowledge and support local nonprofits. Give Local Solano is part of a national fundraising event organized by Give Local America to build a local and national culture of philanthropy.

Givelocalsolano.org, Solanocf.org 707.399.3846

Native Plant Society’s Spring Plant Sale 5/7, 9am-3pm Heritage Presbyterian Church 1400 East Second Street, Benicia The Jepson Chapter of the California Native Plant Society will be holding its spring plant sale with hearty native starts that have been grown in their revamped nursery.

Experts will be available to answer gardening questions.

Beniciacommunitygardens.org

11th Annual SF Cinco de Mayo Celebration

5/7, 10am-6pm Valencia Street between 21st and 24th streets, San Francisco The celebration will showcase the very best of Mexican and Latin American cultures with a diverse array of Mexican and Latino foods, music, dance and artistry for the entire family to enjoy. Attendees will enjoy rich cultural experiences and activities focused on retaining cultural traditions in its community.

donuts will be available for purchase.

Sonomacounty.com/sonomaevents/all-hobbies-swap-meet

Carnival Fantastico

5/14 & 5/15, all day Blue Rock Springs Park 650 Columbus Parkway, Vallejo Enjoy a weekend of merriment set in the birthplace of the Renaissance in Italy. Sample a collection of regional wines and traditional beverages, savor a variety of Italian cuisine and laugh along with the classic comedy of Commedia dell Arte. Interact with historic characters showcasing the spectacular fashions of the Italian Renaissance. Enjoy traditional music and dance, and dazzling displays of swordsmanship. Shop handcrafted wares and witness live demonstrations by the artisans.

Immerse yourself in the culture and revel in the pageantry of one of the most beautiful settings in history, Renaissance Italy.

Carnevalefantastico.com

Photos by Ben Gogna

The Kid’s Zone includes a musical petting zoo, magic tricks and much more. 65 vendors will provide their delicious, diverse foods, showcasing their arts and crafts and empowering the multi-cultural community through greater awareness of their products and services.

Mncsf.org/sfcincodemayo

Annual Vintage Home & Garden Tour 5/7, 11am-4pm Downtown Benicia Homes Take a peek at exquisitely restored homes and gardens, plus an office that began its life as a saloon. Tour includes the Fischer-Hanlon home garden, where refreshments will be served. Sponsored by Benicia Historical Society. Advance tickets available online or at Benicia Chamber of Commerce, Benicia Main Street, Bookshop Benicia, Camellia Tea Room and Steve’s Hallmark.

Beniciahistoricalsociety.org 707.746.6689

Arts Benicia Annual Artist Open Studios 5/7&5/8, 10am-5pm More than 70 artist’s studios around Benicia. Benicia is well known for its vibrant artist

community. Each year scores of artists open the doors of their live/ work and studio spaces throughout Benicia’s Historic Arsenal District and all over town, providing a unique glimpse into their creative world. Visitors can ride a SolTrans Shuttle between the arsenal and downtown and explore artist studios on Jackson and Tyler Streets in the Arsenal, see glass blowing on F and H Streets, tour galleries and other venues on First Street, speak with artists about their work, watch demonstrations and purchase original art.

Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Mother’s Day

5/8, all day Find a special way to celebrate your mother and mothers everywhere today!

10th Annual All Hobbies Swap Meet

5/14, 8am-2pm Santa Rosa Vets Hall, 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa The 10th Annual All Hobbies Swap Meet will have something for everyone. Radio-controlled airplanes, helicopters, cars, trucks, drones, model rockets, plastic models, model trains, legos and more. Check out displays from local Hobby Clubs. Coffee and

Musical Salute to WWII Veterans

5/15, 2-4pm Fischer-Hanlon House Gardens First & West G Streets, Benicia Enjoy the Benicia High Jazz Band, lemonade and cookies in the garden between the Benicia State Capitol and the Fischer Hanlon House. Also features singer Laura Dorais and WWII Vet Bob Hitchcock.

Protectbeniciastateparks.com

122nd Annual Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival

5/21, 10am-4pm Downtown Santa Rosa After the parade, the fun continues with the 2016 Festival in beautiful Downtown Santa Rosa in conjunction with the AMGEN Tour of California cycling competition. Enjoy lots of family fun activities, music and a wide variety of food booths. Stick around for the awards ceremony at 4 pm and see who wins a trophy.

Roseparadefestival.com 707.542.7673

Urban Farm Tour in Benicia and Vallejo

5/22, 9am-3pm Avant Garden Staging Area, Corner of First & D Streets, Benicia The Institute of Urban Homesteading tour of sites in Vallejo & Benicia offers a foray into the suburban wilderness

and features sites ranging from a permaculture food forest to a mini livestock operation. See water wise gardening, edible landscaping, bees, rabbits, chickens, goats, pollinator habitats, greywater and rainwater catchment, intergenerational gardening and even some cows! Ask questions, get advice and sample some of the bounty these farms are producing. Tickets include a tour of BCG’s staging area and four other sites, plus morning hospitality.

Itineraries will be available at willcall the morning of the event and participants can drive or carpool to the various sites.

Beniciacommunitygarden.org

Vallejo Admirals Spring Training Game

5/26, 5-7:30pm Watch professional baseball at the Admirals' game 4 in Benicia at Fitzgerald Field, after the Farmers Market!

The Admirals open their season this month. Tickets are reasonably priced and season passes are available.

Traditional baseball fare is available for purchase, including hot dogs, chips, soda and Cracker Jacks.

Game tickets are $5/adults, premium tickets $10, and children 10 and under are free. Vallejoadmirals.com

Bottlerock Festival

5/27-5/29, 11:30am-10pm Napa Expo, 575 3rd Street, Napa Three full days of music, food, art and brews featuring headliners Stevie Wonder, Florence & The Machine and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Four stages showcase dozens of amazing musical acts throughout each day and night.

Tickets and full schedule and lineup are available online.

Bottlerocknapavalley.com

Memorial Day Ceremony

5/30, 10am Benicia Post Cemetery Hospital Road in the historic Benicia Arsenal All are welcome to attend this ceremony that includes Color Guard and guest speakers honoring Veterans.

Beniciahistoricalsociety.org 707.746.6689 BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

BREAKFAST • SEAFOOD • SALADS • STEAK • PASTA • WRAPS • FLATBREAD

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Benicia Grill

707.751.0155

Benicia Grill E. 2nd

St

680

4760 E. Second St. Benicia Dinner-style lunch menu Open every day 6am—3pm

9th Year Anniversary!

ENTRÉE EVERY DAY Buy one entrée & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value

With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $7 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer.

One coupon per table. Exp. 5/31/16

BREAKFAST ENTRÉE Mon-Sat only, 6am-3pm

Buy one breakfast entrée, & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $7 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer.

One coupon per table. Exp. 5/31/16

ENTIRE BILL

With this coupon. Not valid with any other offer.

Exp.5/31/16

30 • Benicia Magazine

April 30 — May 7

Donate an item to Benicia Main Street for the Benicia Family Resource Center and receive a 10-15% off Passport valid with participating downtown merchants* Passports available at Benicia Main Street 90 First Street or online at BeniciaMainStreet.org

707.745-9791

*some restrictions may apply

Some suggested items needed for donations: Diapers Baby Wipes Formula Baby Shampoos & Bath Soap Feminine Hygiene Products Deodorant Bath Towels

Wash Cloths Socks Night Clothes Hair Brushes Toothpaste Shampoo & Conditioner Body Wash

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

Celebrating 25 Years

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

“Affordable Quality Cabinets and their design team helped us solve layout issues to get all of the items we wanted in our kitchen. We are very impressed with the quality of the cabinets, attention to detail and customer service.”

—Lisa G.

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Contractor's License # 687979

707-745-2100 aqc@aqchome.com