Benicia Magazine November 2017

READYING YOUR HOME FOR HOLIDAY GUESTS

Continued Lack of Inventory Drives Up Benicia Home Prices

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Contact Us 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com Editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2017, 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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A welcome, guest-ready home for the holidays

16

Block by block on First Street, J Street to Military West

19

Low inventory continues to affect Benicia home prices

20

The not so unlucky number 13 8 • Benicia Magazine

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 From the Editor 12 Bio Sheila Clyatt, master gardener and Mary Farmer school garden volunteer

13 Art this Month

Oil paintings by John Tullis at Milinda Perry Gallery Samantha McNally watercolors featured at Plein Air Gallery

18 Live Music

A robust lineup of live music in and around Benicia

24 Interview

City Manager Lorie Tinfow discusses her priorities for Benicia

26 Trends

Downtown restaurants a big draw for tourism

28 Calendar

The best events in Benicia and around the Bay

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FROM THE EDITOR

November 2017 As we go to press with this issue, fires continue to burn in several North Bay counties. We are deeply saddened by the extreme loss brought about by the firestorms. On behalf of all thirteen of us on the Benicia Magazine team, heartfelt condolences go out to all who have been affected.

Speaking of thirteen, this issue officially marks the start of Benicia Magazine’s 13th year. I'm viewing it with a heavy dose of gratitude, especially apt in November, while recognizing, within the current circumstances to the north, that life is a delicate balance of light and shadow.

Just having finished twelve strong years of bringing relevant and interesting stories to Benicians, I’m eagerly anticipating what’s next. Although Benicia is small, we have a huge collective heart. I am humbled to continue publishing stories that spotlight what makes our town so exceptional—and top on my list is the outpouring of love and kindness towards our neighbors, whether right here in B town, Solano County or up in the wine country, where Benicians have many ties.

The season is upon us, and this month offers many opportunities to take advantage of holiday events, shopping and dining. Although it is tempting to buy online or at big-box stores, this year it’s more important than ever to keep your tax dollars local.

In this issue, we profile two dynamic women: Lorie Tinfow, Benicia’s city manager, and Sheila Clyatt, master gardener and Mary Farmer school garden volunteer. You’ll also find local art, live music, what’s happening in the Benicia real estate market, our final Block by Block on First Street

Lisa Duncan Photography

feature, and how to put your best foot forward while hosting holiday guests.

Speaking of holidays, the coming months will undoubtedly be difficult for many. As the Bay Area recovers, the huge outpouring of community solidarity provides a silver lining as we chart our collective future. A happy Thanksgiving to you all, along with heartfelt thanks to our loyal readers, from the entire Benicia Magazine team.

—Jeanne Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine @Jeannesteinmann beniciamagazine

10 • Benicia Magazine

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BIO

Sheila Clyatt Planting Roots in Benicia’s School Gardens

12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

By Adriene Rockwell Lisa Duncan Photography Sheila Clyatt is a third generation San Franciscan with roots in the Sunset District. For about 20 years, she and her husband Tom raised their daughters Kate and Amelia in the small alpine community of Mount Shasta, and while homeschooling her own children, she became an educator for home and charter school programs in Siskiyou County.

The couple moved to Benicia six years ago after they became empty nesters. Sheila’s been getting her hands dirty in our school gardens ever since.

Although her garden work is down to earth, she’s always had a rebellious streak. She’s hiked the 200 miles of the John Muir Trail, sailed on a schooner up the inland passage, kayaked with the orcas in British Columbia, hiked the Chilkoot trail in Alaska, bicycled alone across Europe, traveled by train across America, worked and lived alone on an island in Boston Harbor, and traveled to Central and South America, New Zealand and Pacific Islands. “When no one is looking, I am apt to do something wild just to feel fully alive and push my own limits,” she says.

Lately, Sheila is on a new kind of adventure; planting roots in Benicia’s school gardens. At Liberty High School, she and her fellow Master Gardeners have transformed the garden space from a vandalized lot with a dilapidated greenhouse to a flourishing learning landscape with six productive beds, fruit trees, a covered gazebo for teaching, and a greenhouse to produce starts for other schools in Benicia.

Wearing her hat as a UC Davis trained Solano Master Gardener, Sheila also volunteers at Mary Farmar Elementary School. “It is a beautiful site overlooking the Carquinez, sheltered from the wind and providing the students with a rare opportunity to grow food and other environmentally supportive plants,” she says.

Students

harvest a bounty of fruits and vegetables, including persimmons, pomegranates, apples, oranges, avocados, apricots and berries.

In several raised beds, students nurture leafy greens, peas, potatoes, artichokes and whatever they can make grow.

Sheila got involved in the schools through her community work as the coordinator of Avant Garden on First Street, and helping plant the first “urban orchard” in Benicia at Heritage Church with Sustainable Solano (formerly known as Benicia Community Gardens).

The school gardens are now her great love, but she can’t do it alone.

“There is a dire need for volunteers,” she says. “There are some days I can’t even open the garden to the kids because we need at least one more adult.”

This is a bigger problem than we realize. According to Sheila’s research, children in the digital era are suffering from what experts call “Nature Deficit Disorder,” and are losing perspective of their own value, greatly due to the constant exposure to unrealistic images online. We know now that school gardens restore balance by offering some sense of control, and children are personally empowered by their ability to contribute.

“We have to teach our students how to be sustainable because those tools will empower them to prosper emotionally, spiritually and in health,” she says. “I’m in love with the kids. Everything I give them, they return to me ten-fold—they make my life better.”

Volunteers could have this feeling too. You’ll learn on the job, and parents and grandparents are especially encouraged. And, just in case it’s fear that’s holding you back, Sheila shares this: “Fear is never a restriction as much as a choice, and life can always be a new opportunity and a grand surprise.”

To become a school garden volunteer, please email Sheila directly at saclyatt@gmail.com.

ART THIS MONTH Artist John Tullis is a native Californian, born in Los Angeles, where he lived in a tract of homes built to house the many defense industry employees in Southern California. “I watched freeways being built and I witnessed orchards being bulldozed for tract homes.

I remember seeing the rocket ship at Tomorrowland rising above the orange groves that became Disneyland parking lots.” However, his home was just a bicycle ride away from the beautiful beaches down the Coast Highway, where he says he spent most of his time. Though he always loved to draw, at the time, Tullis shied away from a study of Fine Arts, which emphasized painting. After college he followed his housemate and moved away from LA and settled in the Bay Area, where he

worked for 40 years designing books for a printing company in Richmond. After taking a couple of plein air workshops, he discovered, finally, the joy of oil painting.

Eyes Wide Open is the title of Tullis’ upcoming show at Milinda Perry Gallery. When asked why he chose the title, he says, "More important than learning how to handle a brush is learning how to look.

That means training your eye to observe. Great artists don't paint horses, houses, faces or mountains. They paint shapes, colors and values while forgetting what is before them."

Watercolor artist Samantha McNally paints in the studio and outdoors, or “en plein air.”

She began painting in oils in college, and then switched to acrylics for a time. “I participated in art shows where most of the people painted in watercolors and the effects were so beautiful I had to try it. I took a few classes in the ‘90s and have been painting in watercolor ever since,” she says.

McNally’s subjects range from portraits of people and animals to plein air landscapes and house portraits.

She loves painting outdoors, “because you can really get a feel for the subject in person rather than from a photograph.” From her website bio, McNally says she joins other plein air painters on loca-

tion whenever she can. “The beauty of the Bay Area inspires me to paint en plain air, because it’s a challenge that is very satisfying. I paint with groups of artists because it’s very helpful to get critiques and helpful suggestions for our paintings,” she said.

Bookending the three art galleries in the 300 block of First Street, the Plein Air Gallery is adjacent to Gallery 621 and the HQ Gallery. It’s fun to visit all three and peruse different types and styles of art.

McNally’s past exhibitions and awards are too numerous to list here, but can be found on her website, samanthamcnally.com/about. They include exhibits in galleries and other venues in Benicia and the greater Bay Area.

The Golden Coast, by John Tullis

Paintings by John Tullis at Milinda Perry Gallery

Paintings by John Tullis Nov. 1-Dec. 31 Artist reception Nov. 17 5-7:30pm Milinda Perry Gallery 117 East F Street, Benicia

Distant Diablo, 15" X 18", by Samantha McNally

Benicia Plein Air Gallery features Samantha McNally

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

creating a welcoming,

GUEST-READY HOME

The holidays are all about friends and family. Attending to the comfort of your guests will no doubt make things easier for everyone, ensuring a successful visit for you and your overnight visitors.

The basics may seem obvious, but when was the last time you checked your guest room comfort factor? Some of us use the “spare room” to store clutter, or as an office. If your guest room is a shared space, de-cluttering is a critical component to getting ready for family and friends. Many of us also have aging parents with individual needs. Is there a box of tissues handy, and a night light in the bathroom? Making sure your home is clean, prepared for special needs and clutter-free will save you time and frustration once overnighters arrive.

14 • Benicia Magazine

Thinking about how you like to be treated at someone else’s home can make you a better host.

Do your guests know where the coffee maker is and how to use it? What about guest room ventilation and temperature? Is there a fan available for warm fall nights, or extra blankets for chilly ones? Robes are not critical, but guests using bathrooms not adjacent to their sleeping spaces will be appreciated.

Benicia interior designers Michael Trahan and Kristine Passalacqua offer up ten more items that will have guests singing your hosting praises.

Michael Trahan

1. Great bedside lighting, visually and functionally, is much appreciated by guests.

www.benicia.com Brenda Turner-Adams

Your Partner in Real Estate

2. Make

sure bed and bath linens are fresh and in good condition. Replace guest bed pillows if needed.

3. Put out bottled water or a small water pitcher and glass for each person in the space.

4. Leave

some chocolates in the guest room for a welcoming, decadent touch.

5. In whatever bathroom guests will use, add a new bar of soap and sample-sized shower essentials.

Kristine Passalacqua

707.738.9671

Experience Excellence

brenda@benicia.com 1015 First Streeet Benicia, CA 94510 BRE01039726

1. Spend the night in your guest room to see, feel and hear what your guests will experience and tackle any necessary changes/additions.

2. Weather

permitting, open windows before your guests arrive to freshen the air in the room.

3. Make sure your guests have space in the closet to hang their clothes and hangers to hang them on.

4. A luggage rack in the room is helpful and can be found inexpensively online.

5. Fresh flowers in the guest bedroom or bathroom are always a nice touch.

Michael Trahan, CID

MICHAEL TRAHAN Interior Design, Real Estate & Event Staging P.O. Box 506, Benicia 707.748.1080 Michaeltrahan.com

Kristine Passalacqua, NKBA

Kristine Passalacqua Studio of Interior Design, Inc. 415 West I Street, Benicia 707.746.7123 StudioOfInteriorDesign.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Block by Block on First S

Fir

st

St

re

et

Part 9 in a Series

J S tre et

16 • Benicia Magazine

Street Mil

ita

ry

We

st

In the final segment of our series on what’s where on First Street, we cover J Street to Military West. With an art gallery, medical practices and professional offices, including Bank of the West and Kennon Realty, these two blocks are dominated by our town’s lovely entrance: City Park and the Veteran’s Hall. City Park’s Gazebo, large trees, picnic tables, benches and historic markers beckon visitors to explore, or just sit and people-watch in the cool shade.

Fire Station 11 occupies the northeast corner, and on the southeast corner, the spectacular Playground of Dreams. Designed by Robert Leathers, this opulent wooden structure was built by hundreds of community volunteers.

The playground’s many bridges, slides, swings and other unique features have been delighting children of all ages for the past 25 years.

There is a restaurant in this section as well: the popular Got Plate Lunch, which serves up abundant Hawaiian food to hungry diners in a casual setting. From the Kalua Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich to the Portuguese Sausage, Eggs and Rice, the authentic menu and large outside deck draw a loyal clientele, enjoying a slice of the Islands.

J Street to Military West Gallerie Renee Marie

1038 First Street 707.480.5501 Galleriereneemarie.com

Studio J Hair & Nails 1036 First Street

707.745.1450

Bank of the West

K S tre et

1001 First Street 707.745.4900 Bankofthewest.com

North Bay Pediatrics

1075 First Street 707.745.2574 Northbaypediatrics.com

Axelrode Ortho

1075 First Street, Suite #4

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Benicia Wellness Center

1075 First Street, Suite 3 707.745.2345 Beniciawellnesscenter.com

Benicia Veteran’s Hall

1150 First Street 707.745.1769 Beniciavetshall.club

Tosch Dental

118 West K Street toschdental.com Illustration by Margaret Bowles

City Park

150 Military West Ci.benicia.ca.us

707.745.2130

707.746.4285

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Live Music Local live music continues in November! Check out these fine venues to see your favorite groups. From rock to symphony, Irish music to tribute bands, local live music is within easy reach—much of it free of charge. Call or check websites for last minute changes or updates.

Lucca Beer Garden 707.745.3749 439 First Street, Benicia Luccabar.com • No Cover Charge Nov. 3, 5:30-8pm

Nov. 4, 1-3pm Nov. 4, 5:30-8pm

Nov. 5, 2-5pm

Nov. 10, 5:30-8pm Nov. 11, 5:30-8pm Nov. 17, 5:30-8pm Nov. 18, 5:30-8pm Nov. 24, 5:30-8pm Nov. 25, 5:30-8pm

Jenny Kerr & Philbillie Milner JimBo Trout CD Release Party Big Jangle An Afternoon of Irish Music with Vince Wolfe, Lewis Santer & Friends GarageLand Rodeo Fog City Swampers Zenkali The New Frantics Don Bassey & Friends Marina Crouse & The Blues Defenders

Empress Theatre 707.552.2400 330 Virginia St, Vallejo EmpressTheatre.org

Nov. 1, 8pm

Nov. 3, 8pm

Nov. 4, 8pm

Nov. 8, 8pm

Nov. 10, 8pm

Nov. 24, 8pm

King Perkoff Band $15 Online $20 Box Office & Phone 1st Avenue RevueUltimate Prince Tribute Band $25 Online $30 Box Office & Phone King James –James Taylor and Carol King Songs $20 Online, $25 Box Office & Phone Jinx Jones and the Kingtones $15 Online, $20 Box Office & Phone Mindi Abair Concert and CD Release 35 - $65 Online Meet and Greet Package Additional The Killer Queens with opener The Zach Waters Band $20 Online, $25 Box Office and Phone

Uptown Theatre Napa 707.259.0123 1350 Third Street, Napa UptownTheatreNapa.com

Irish Music Zenkali II Lucca Beer Garden King Perkoff Band Empress Theatre An Irish Christmas Uptown Theatre Stevie Mello Upstairs @ the Café Courtesy photos 18 • Benicia Magazine

Nov. 25, 8pm

Nov. 30, 8pm

The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute $50-230 Ticketmaster or Box Office An Irish Christmas Concert $35-55 Ticketmaster or Box Office

Upstairs @ the Café, First Street Café 707.745.1400 440 First Street, Benicia Firststreetcafe.com • No Cover Charge Nov. 10, 8-11:15pm Nov. 11, 8-11:15pm Nov. 17, 8-11:15pm Nov. 24, 8-11:15pm Nov. 25, 8-11:15pm

Stevie Mello Jazz Vocals TuneRiders Rock & Roll, Oldies Shelby, Texas Bluegrass, Country Doug Houser Rock & Roll, Oldies Jason & Thompson Folk, Acoustic

Real Estate Realities

By Eric Hoglund We simply are not building enough single family and multifamily houses in California to meet the evergrowing population.

This fact is complicated by the dynamics of the job market (like unemployment rates and the lack of new and existing business start ups or expansions, respectively), concerns over water storage, anxiety over rising mortgage rates, the recent swath of fires and the looming fear of shadow inventory left over from speculators snatching up the wreckage of the housing collapse a few years ago.

One cannot look at California and not narrow the focus to the San Francisco Bay Area. After all, we are the home of the Silicon Valley, and some of the hottest real estate markets in the nation, not the least of which are cities like Oakland and Vallejo that seem to be growing in equity by leaps and bounds, but each with their own unique challenges. Oakland and Vallejo, seem to be going the way that Brooklyn and Queens did a decade ago, as hordes of Manhattanites flooded to the boroughs to find price relief. Today you will find folks from San Francisco and the Peninsula who are headed in droves to places like Oakland (just across the bridge) and Vallejo (a 45-minute ferry ride away) to buy homes and secure their piece of the American Dream.

This leaves Benicia in a unique situation, in this author’s opinion. Geographically, Benicia has no direct connections to mass transit like the ferry and Bart, but is centered in a perfect spot for freeway travel to both San Francisco and Sacramento. As you may already know, Benicia is all but built out. Only the remaining buildable lots within the city limits are available to add any housing.

We do have a large piece of land, commonly known as the Northern Gateway Project, that is designated commercial/industrial, that developers have been trying to carve out a small piece for housing, to no avail. Even if they succeed in securing some residential units within the boundaries of the project, it would not add much. So where does that leave us here in Benicia? In the short run, it means continued inventory shortage for both

properties for sale and for rent. It means equity should continue to grow as buyers will have to buy existing homes and improve or modernize them if they want to stay in a community with low crime and great schools. It means rental rates will continue to rise— thus bringing in investors with cash looking to finally be able to consistently cash flow rental units in the area—and as a result put additional pressure on sales in a market that already has very tight inventory.

Truly, Benicia is coming to a crossroads. This little city will have to try and balance affordability and growth with pressures on infrastructure. We will need to continue to try and create a business-friendly environment while keeping the feel of a small-town community. Capitalizing on public private projects, such as the Downtown Benicia Alliance working with the City to light the trees on First Street, or the City of Benicia allowing Genentech to operate a private ferry for their employees to get to and from work in South San Francisco, is just the kind of out of the box thinking that will be key to keeping our town relevant in the greater Bay Area market. We must also allow for rental expansion while being mindful of the impact on parking, local parks and school population.

Finally, we will have to do it during one of the most politically divisive times in American history.

I live and work in this small town, and I will do my part to help steer our community’s future in the right direction.

I would encourage those reading this article to do what they can, too. Start by shopping local, and then take the next step and volunteer for a local cause that appeals to you. Finally, you can engage with your elected officials and voice your concerns or share your vision for the future. It will be this kind of constant care that will propel Benicia into the next decade with positive and carefully thought-out growth.

Eric Hoglund is a licensed Real Estate Broker, California BRE Lic.# 01420325, Estey Real Estate & Property Management. 216 First Street, Benicia, 707.745.0924, esteyrealestate.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Lucky Lucky Thirteen Thirteen

Benicia Magazine turns 13!

Shrouded in mysticism, the number 13 has different meanings and lore in different parts of the world. Since Benicia Magazine is entering its 13th year, we thought readers would enjoy some random facts about this auspicious number. Although considered unlucky in the United States, the number 13 is seen as lucky in many other cultures.

The number 13 also figures prominently in science, mathematics and the early beginnings of our country.

From Apollo 13’s “Houston, we’ve got a problem …” to the iconography on the dollar bill, these random facts will add to your store of useful information. Plus, you’ll have a leg-up during your next trivia game and be a hit at your next social gathering.

13 lo

Apo l 20 • Benicia Magazine

1920—193 3

1. In Greek mythology, Zeus was the thirteenth and the most

powerful god.

2. Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th.

3. There are approximately 13 cycles of the moon each year.

4. There are 13 cards in each suit in a standard deck of playing cards.

5. The four seasons each have 13 weeks.

6. Children become teenagers at age 13.

7. The dollar bill has many icons with 13 elements, including the pyramid, letters in E Pluribus Unum, 13 arrows and 13 stars.

8. Prohibition in the United States lasted for thirteen years, from 1920—1933.

9. 13 is a prime number and a Fibonacci number.

10. 13 flipped around is 31, which accounts for the number of days in most months.

11. The number 13 is highly represented at the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose: 13 bathrooms, 13 steps in the staircases, etc.

12. Apollo 13 had a successful landing on the moon and return to earth, despite an onboard explosion.

13. Aluminum has an atomic number of 13.

aphobia k e d i a k s i Tr

Compiled from redtri.com, Wikipedia.com, mathisfun.com, abc7.com, knowledgehouse.info, mysticalnumbers.com Read more at: www.boldsky.com/yoga-spirituality/faithmysticism/2014/how-is-number-13-lucky-040718.html

BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

Business &

Professional Beautiful teeth.

Beautiful smile.

Beautiful life!

Family Dentistry

Jacqueline Lim, DDS 707.745.1994 164 East H Street, Benicia, CA

Dr. Clifford Hoffman DO, MPH FAMILY PRACTICE

707-750-5944 831 E. 2nd street #103, Benicia www.CliffordHoffmanDO.com CliffordHoffmanDO@gmail.com Board Certified Family Physician Osteopathic Manual Medicine

DIREC SERVING THE BAY AREA

707-980-2143

K-12 Math, English, languages, GED, SAT, ACT

brightbirdtutoring.com

Dr. Richard Joyce Dr. Geoffrey Sampson OPTOMETRISTS 874 Southampton Rd., Benicia, CA 94510

707.745.6266

Lanita Nelson fine custom framing since 1981 707.745.0609

847 First Street, Benicia Inside Well Kept Salon Lanitanelson.com OSHA Compliant

638 First Street Benicia

707.745.4014 beniciaframe.com

HOME GIFT GARDEN

372 First Street, Downtown Benicia

707.853.8159

Biofeedback reduces stress and promotes wellness.

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Steve McClure Home Auto

Business

560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

www.stevemcclure.net 707.745.0848

Cabinets… Built in Benicia Master Cabinet Builder

Over 40 years experience

COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR

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Custom Cabinets & Furniture • Closets • Garage hatzidesigns.com

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22 • Benicia Magazine

Michael Trahan • Interior Design www.michaeltrahan.com 707.748.1080

4251 Park Road, Benicia, CA Mon-Thu 8am-5pm • Fri 8am-3pm

Winterize Your Auto

TORY

Professional &

Business

Chiropractic Center Benicia

New Location

Dr. Kerry Lilley, D.C.

Mexican Food 640 First Street 707.746.7830

Heritage Pantry & Spice SPICES & RUBS

707.748.0880

(707) 742-4142 364 First Street, Downtown Benicia heritagepantryandspice.com

701 Southampton Road, Benicia Chiropracticbenicia.com

Lucca Beer Garden Live music, BBQ menu & lots of fun!

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

Camellia Tea Room

Thurs-Fri 5-10pm • Sat-Sun 1-10pm 439 First Street, Benicia 707.745.0943 • luccabar.com

828 First Street • Downtown Benicia 707.746.5293 camelliatearoom.com

Benicia Customized Household Services

Joseph L. Wilder Financial Advisor

Dapper Digz Cleaning/Organization Errands Pet & Plant Care Meal Prep/Cooking

707.745.3122 555 First St, suite 104 Benicia, CA 94510

joseph.wilder@edwardjones.com edwardjones.com/joseph-wilder CA Insurance License OC24309

510.301.7243 Furniture, Collectibles & Household Items

Mercedes-Benz Service & Repair Since 1985

431 First Street Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat Noon-9pm 707.999.0039

986 Adams Street, Benicia 707.745.5606 starmotors-benicia.com

10% off labor with this ad

License #748221

STAR MOTORS

Interior/Exterior Residential & Commercial Painting and more!

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

with

Lorie Tinfow

By Sue Sumner-Moore Lisa Duncan Photography

A decade older than most people in the room, Lorie Tinfow took a seat at Gunn High School in Palo Alto and opened the SAT test booklet.

Taking the college entrance exam in a room full of high school students was part of her plan to make big changes in her life. The journey eventually brought her to Benicia, where she became city manager in April.

Lorie married at 18, had a daughter at 20 and divorced at 24. She’d moved from a job at a drivethrough photo booth to working as a secretary during those years. Along the way, she read books that she heard guests discussing on Phil Donahue’s talk show.

“I wanted to read those books and know what they were talking about,” recalls Lorie, now 56.

She also wanted to be more than a secretary. She took classes at a community college and transferred to Stanford in 1989.

“I was a 28-year-old sophomore with an 8-year-old daughter,” she says. “I wanted to teach middle-school math because I loved math.”

She took a class in her final term at Stanford that opened her eyes to another possibility: city management. She graduated in 1992 and opted for grad school because the economy was flagging at the time.

She headed to the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, earning a master’s degree in city and regional planning with an emphasis on transportation in 1994.

Consulting jobs followed until Walnut Creek hired her as an administrative analyst in 1996. Her work since then has included stints as assistant city manager in Walnut Creek and Saratoga, and three years as city manager in Pacifica. As city manager in Benicia, she oversees an organization with a $40 million general fund and $70 million overall budget. The city has the equivalent of 223.5 full-time employees in addition to seasonal, part-time workers.

Lorie and her husband, Greg, live in Walnut Creek.

How did a class at Stanford change your career goals?

I took a class from two city managers. They had us do a role-playing session where some of us were members of a city council who hired a city manager who had to put forward a budget. … I was hired as the city manager. I credit that experience with helping me see that this could be a good job for me.

24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

What convinced you to apply for the city manager post in Benicia?

In the ’80s and ’90s, my parents and my sister lived in Vallejo.

I was in Walnut Creek, and we would meet here for the Fourth of July. Main Street wasn’t anything like it is now, but I remember thinking even then that Benicia had such a personality, such character. Not all places have that.

When the (city manager) job was open in 2010, I applied. I was one of the top applicants, but I didn’t get the job. So I learned more about the community then … and I’ve been keeping my eye on this place. They’ve done some really smart things here.

What smart moves has the city made?

They took action to set aside money for reserves. Not every city does that.

There’s a trust between the city and residents, the recent water and sewer rate hike aside. They did a survey in 2014 that showed 90-95 percent of the residents were satisfied or very satisfied with the city.

The community passed a sales tax without an end date—that’s almost unheard of. They’ve done a good job with First Street.

Turning the Arsenal into an artist enclave—that was very smart.

What is your top priority for the city?

My major focus is on the city’s finances. In February when the council approved my contract, that same night they got a 10-year forecast and an actuarial forecast for city pensions. I stayed for the meeting and thought the city would be OK for two years.

That gave us time to look at the financial challenges and figure out what to do.

INTERVIEW I learned on May 10, when I got updated numbers, that the challenge is now. So I shifted gears and my focus is on getting us to the next two-year budget and to be in a stable position. We were able to balance the current budget because of one-time income of about $2 million. …

I want to focus more on what to do in the future rather than figuring out what happened in the past. I’m piecing together information on what’s happening, and we’ll take that information to departments, then the (city) boards and commissions, then the community.

We have the styles you love! and Shutters Free in-home consultation Personal Style Consultant Locally owned & operated

We have an issue with employee retention. The city made decisions in the past—decisions that had to be made at that time—about compensation reductions, freezing positions.

We’ve had 10 years without growth (in incomes), so people are coming here but they not staying. Also, some are retiring. … I can’t build momentum when we have a lot of turnover.

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What other challenges does the city face?

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What can residents expect to see from city government in 2018?

We’ll have the outcome of the cannabis discussion and likely a ballot measure for taxes if the council decides to do that. … I know it seems like nothing to some people, but to us, it seems like a very big deal.

We’re also working on the marina lease. Right now we are making payments on a bond and the lease payments to us don’t quite cover that. The new financial director and I are looking at that, trying to determine if we can restructure that at a lower interest rate so the bond payments and income from the lease are closer together.

What do you like best about being a city manager?

I like having the ability to make a difference in people’s lives, whether they know it or not. It could be something like improving the street paving schedule. In Pacifica, I worked to improve the tsunami warning signal location.

I like hiring good people—that’s really exciting. I like helping the council wade through a difficult situation and come to a good outcome. …

One of the interesting things about my job is so many people have something they want to tell me, whether it’s history or gossip or things they think I should know.

What do residents need to understand about the city government?

There are limits. The people who work at the city want to be responsive. I’ve seen people go to extremes to do that, and it’s great to see. On the other hand, there are some expectations we just can’t meet sometimes.

The community feels we’re going to do things in a certain way, and it is not always feasible. We’re all in this together— we all have a role to play in making things work.

What do you Dream of?

• Custom solo or group Paddleboard adventures • Individual or corporate health coaching • Your life, Optimized

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MUSIC SCIENCE ART An incredible selection of puzzles, games, electronic kits & gifts

620 First Street Benicia 707-746-7565 2156 First Street Livermore Awarded NAMM’s National 2015 Top 100 Music Retailers!

What do you do to relax?

I like to spend time with my granddaughter, and I’m a photographer. I like to take travel pictures, pictures of people, portraits (pointing to a photo she took of an Italian street scene that hangs on her office wall). Greg & I like to travel. Hopefully we’ll get to Italy next year.

Right-brain enhancing learning tools mozarteinsteinandme.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

TRENDS

Dining Alfresco with the Pup

By Christina Strawbridge Pacifica Pizza, Venticellos & Nine Zero Seven, First St. Café Lisa Duncan Photography

We eat out almost every meal, usually at a First Street restaurant. Since Paris the pup came into our lives last year, the choices have been limited to outdoor venues.

Eating alfresco in Benicia is glorious on a warm fall evening. Depending on the location, dining outside might come with a magical sunset over the Carquinez Strait, or watching families and couples as they stroll along our ten blocks of charming buildings and historic landmarks.

There are over twenty independently owned restaurants downtown offering diverse menus, some of which have been in Benicia for decades. Deanne, Randy and

26 • Benicia Magazine Trends

Danny Sandoval have all owned and operated different establishments since 1986. Sandoval’s, Randy's and Nine Zero Seven are memorable because of the personalities behind the great food.

Jeff Cromer has owned Pacifica Pizza since the mid 1980s, and has not only fulfilled the pizza fix in the community, but has employed many Benicia teenagers through the decades. First Street Café husband and wife team Mark and Terry Krull have been at it since the early 90s, consistently offering breakfast, lunch and dinner nearly every day of the year. Their scones are incredible.

The Camellia Tea Room, owned by mother-daughter duo Maryellen Hayes and Casey Garcia, is known throughout the Bay Area as the place where ladies, and

• Serving the Benicia/Vallejo area for over 70 years • Only on-site crematory in the area • Funerals, memorials, VA Burials John “Sherm” Passalacqua

Passalacqua Funeral Chapel men, like to lunch. The restaurant bakes on site and has an exotic list of teas, with a backdrop of Benicia-based Bradbury and Bradbury handscreened wallpaper on the walls and ceiling.

These business owners also give back to our schools and nonprofits with donations and people power. Hosting fundraisers has also been a way to contribute to the community with use of their restaurants as event venues.

Many other entrepreneurs have joined those mentioned above, becoming the number one draw for visitors and residents in the town's tourism efforts. Restaurants remain the top sales tax generator for First Street and are the anchor for Downtown Benicia nightlife.

With the time change and winter season approaching, the outside tables have been put away, and it seems like midnight at 5pm.

Thankfully, the twinkle lights on the trees remind us of the investment made by merchants and restaurateurs, who have the vision for a charming and welcoming downtown core.

For the Strawbridge family, dining out turns to dining in. Do I hear carry out?

901 West Second St., Benicia 707-745-3130 www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com Greg Silva

Twin Chapels Mortuary 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo 707-552-6696 www.twinchapelsmortuary.com

Voted Best Funeral Home In Solano County 7 Years In A Row

...IT’S A FACT!

Residential & Commercial CARPET • UPHOLSTERY TILE & GROUT CLEANING

CELEBRATING 27 YEARS! 800 First Street, Ste. A, Benicia • 707-746-8656

spotlesscarpetcleaning.net

A Wonderful Place For Gifts

700 First Street Benicia, CA 94510

707-745-0254

www.studio41.com

OPEN EVERY DAY Beautiful Greeting Cards

BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Benicia Ballet, photos by Peter Lichty

November 2017 Events Downtown Holiday Shopping Spree

11/1-11/30 Downtown Benicia For every $10 spent at participating merchants, receive one ticket for a drawing for a Downtown Benicia Shopping Spree in Downtown Dollars, valued at $500. The drawing will take place on the evening of the Holiday Open House on December 1.

Contact Benicia Main Street for details.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Having a Wonderful Time, Wish you Were Her

11/1-11/10, times TBA Historic BDES Hall 140 West J Street, Benicia Benicia Old Town Theater Group’s newest comedy,

by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, directed by Ed Nattenberg, is “a wild bedroom farce involving infidelity, double standards, midnight rendezvous and a hungry bear.” General admission $22, seniors and students with ID, $10.

Beniciaoldtowntheatergroup.com 707.746.1269

28 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

La Boheme by Giacomo Puccini, Verismo Opera Production

11/4-11/19; Saturdays 7:30pm, Sundays 2pm Bay Terrace Theater 51 Daniels Avenue, Vallejo Rodolfo, an aspiring poet falls in love with Mimi, a fragile seamstress. Their intense passion is only matched by their youthful idealism. Can their tender relationship survive the cruelties of life? Charming camaraderie and sincere emotional truth make the characters among the most appealing in opera.

Verismoopera.org

Sip with Soroptomist

11/11, 7-10pm Historic Benicia Clock tower 1189 Washington Street, Benicia Soroptimist International of Benicia’s mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Join Soroptimists for an evening of wine tasting & pairing, a fundraiser for Soroptimist efforts.

Soroptimistofbenicia.org

Solano Turkey Trot

11/23, 8am Solano Community College 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield The 9th Annual Solano Turkey Trot will be held Thanksgiving Day. Event organizer is Solano Hearts United, a partnership between Fleet Feet Sports of Vacaville and three local nonprofits: Mission Solano, Meals on Wheels of Solano County and The Salvation Army Kroc Center of Suisun City, serving children, families and the homeless and disadvantaged in Solano County. All races start and finish at Solano Community College in Fairfield, and include a 10K Run, a 5K Run/Walk, and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run. Visit the STT Event website to learn more.

Solanoturkeytrot.org

San Rafael Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland 11/24, 12-8pm; 11/25, 9am-12pm 4th & 5th Streets, San Rafael In its 38th year, Winter Wonderland features a Holiday Marketplace with arts & crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, free snow sledding and holiday parade. Starts noon Friday; free snow sledding, kids’ activities, Holiday Marketplace, parade (5:30pm), tree lighting ceremony and meet & greet with Santa. Saturday features snow and kids’ activities.

Sresproductions.com/events/san-rafael-parade-oflights-winter-wonderland

PATTY SMALL is excited to announce she has joined Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation!

Sales Manager • NMLS #236288 Cell: 707-373-0193 • Direct: 707-392-5267 Fax: 866-845-2474 • patty.small@fairwaymc.com 555 First St., Suite 102 • Benicia, CA 94510 Copyright©2017 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289.

4801 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-877-699-0353. All rights reserved.

Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Real Estate Broker - CA Bureau of Real Estate Company License #01391174. CA-BRE License #00577383.

Dine In Carry Out Delivery Online Ordering

ILY SPECIAL! FAM

24.99

$

11/26, 12/3 Camellia Tea Room 828 First Street, Benicia Camellia Tea Room and Benicia Main Street invite all to bring teddy bears and join in the festivities at Camellia Tea Room. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Tea Room.

Camelliatearoom.com 707.746.5293

11/29, 6-9pm California and Kearny Streets, San Francisco The 555 California Street Tree Lighting Celebration is San Francisco’s premier annual holiday event. This year, the Culinary Kickoff™ is part of a re-imagined holiday celebration. This year’s event features all-star talent teamed with tasting selections from top Bay Area chefs and vintners. In keeping with the tree Lighting traditions, this year’s event includes musical performances and other festivities.

555treelighting.com

plus tax

A two-topping large pizza with 6 twists & 2 liter soda

Teddy Bear Tea Party

555 California Street Tree Lighting and Celebration

FW 1549553

can not be combined with other offers, exp. 11/30/17

Banquet Rooms Available events, meetings & parties

Round Table Pizza

878 Southampton Road, Benicia

707.746.7000 • roundtablepizza.com DOING Owned BUSINESS FOR OVER 46 YEARS Family & Operated Since 1972

Benicia Holiday Open House & Fundraiser

12/1, 6-9pm Downtown Benicia First Street merchants along with Benicia Main Street host this ever-popular Open House at the beginning of the Christmas Season. Merchants offer beverages and treats and show off their holiday goods while costumed carolers sing traditional Christmas tunes. Live entertainment, wagon rides and Christmas tree lighting add a festive atmosphere to this family event.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Come this weekend for the OurinGoal is to Exceed your Expectations Red Carpet treatment!

Benicia Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

12/2, 2 & 7pm; 12/3. 1 & 5pm Solano College Theatre 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield The 27th annual performance of Benicia Ballet Theatre! The BBT is back at the Solano Community College Theatre after it's period of renovation. Benicia Ballet Theatre and Solano College Music Department present The Nutcracker, with the Symphony Orchestra of Northern California. Margaret Rose Kenrick, Artistic Director, Dr. Jonathan Knight, Conductor. Tickets: $15-24.

800 ADMIRAL CALLAGHAN LANE VALLEJO, CA 94591 EXIT REDWOOD PARKWAY

888-619-0063 www.AveryGreeneHonda.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

Photography · Cindi Stephan · twoirises.com

ESTEY

After over 50 years in the same location, we have moved our offices to the waterfront. The former location at First & J Streets was red-tagged by the City as unsafe.

Real Estate Sales & Professional Property Management

CaBRE # 00674738

Come see us in our fabulous new space at 216 First Street!

Since 1946

Celebrating our 71 st year of Business

707-745-0924 216 First Street, Benicia • www.esteyrealestate.com 30 • Benicia Magazine

DON'T TOP TREES! Tree topping hurts trees & impacts home values

Topping is perhaps the most harmful pruning practice.

Topping: • Is a violation of the Benicia Tree Ordinance • Causes decay • Stresses a tree's health • Creates safety hazards • Is a high-maintenance pruning practice • Makes a tree unsightly and detracts from a home's landscape

Pre-schools at BUSD Year round AM/PM and Full day at all Elementary Sites Parent co-op Stepping Stones Call 707.747.8367 for more info

Don't top your trees, learn how to prune correctly. www.ci.benicia.ca.us, Parks & Community Services www.beniciatrees.org

Benicia Unified School District • 350 East K Street, Benicia, CA

707.747.8300 • www.beniciaunified.org

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

Contractor's License # 678979

Celebrating 27 Years

Receive either a 9" Nourot vase or a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home with the purchase of a complete kitchen.

“I LOVE my new kitchen! Allan and Mary Ann are wonderful to work with, not only for providing beautiful, quality cabinets and great design, but they also made ordering hardware, cabinet glass and countertop material/installation a breeze. I highly recommend AQCC!” —Christie

Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5

weekends & evenings by appointment 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia

707-745-2100 l aqchome.com

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops