Benicia Magazine February 2021 Issue

The Language of Flowers BENICIA City of Art & Artists

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years company, 14 ating/cooling he st be d te 4 • Vo ars, Kron TV e Bay for 5 ye th of st be d • Vote stallation /Residential In s • Commercial Award, 3 year Super Service or ct • Angie’s List ing contra rade participat • Energy Upg & techs ned installers • Factory-trai & maintained ent enforced nm ro vi en e • Drug-fre l, 21 years ess Honor Rol • Better Busin ertified ed • Diamond C cellence certifi Technician Ex an ic er m A th • Nor siness rtified green bu • Bay Area ce ound checked s fully backgr • All employee

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KT Graham Bitsy Hall Genevieve Hand Darrell Mcelvene magazine Jeannine Mendoza Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D Kevin Nelson Jean Purnell Maura Sullivan Christina Strawbridge

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PUBLISHER

Mary Hand, Benicia Publishing

Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Benicia Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2021, 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. Benicia Magazine, Downtown Benicia, CA 94510. 707.980.1563, Beniciamagazine.com.

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February 2021

Contents

Features Benicia Black Lives Matter 16 The Language of Flowers 18 Benicia: City of Art and Artists 20

Around Town

Food & Drink

22

A Trio of Sweets 10 A Valentine’s Day Affair with a Cookie and a Vino 11

Community

Arts and Crafts for Valentine’s Day 12 All Hands on Deck! 13

Winter Walks 14

Benicia Business

Sun Shines Through the Clouds 15

18

Art & Philanthropy

It Takes All of Us: The Importance of Giving 22

Columns

From the Editor

Picket Fences – A Benicia Mystery

Dinner and a Movie Trends – Road Trip??

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8 24 26 28

18

Alonzo Small

Trio of Sweets

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Column

Groundhog Day

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Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: Editor@beniciamagazine.com Beniciamagazine.com 8 • Benicia Magazine

It’s true that the entire year of 2020 felt like the movie Groundhog Day. Get up, work from home, work with kids, order food, watch TV, sleep, get up in the morning and repeat. With hardly any variety, that is how our days rolled out, one after the other. We have high hopes for 2021, and even with its extremely rocky start, we still do. Okay, maybe the enthusiasm has dampened a bit. But at least we have Valentine’s Day to inject a little light into an otherwise dark and chilly month that feels a bit like the 14th month of 2020.

For many people, Valentine’s Day is a holiday that is fraught with anxiety; what restaurant, what gift, what wine, what chocolate, what relationship? How to make it special for kids? To make this day less anxious, let’s have some fun.

The top 4 gifts for Valentine’s Day are: Chocolate candy, romantic dinner, flowers and jewelry. Sounds good! In this issue we have you covered on all fronts; from flowers to dinner ideas, and from date ideas to activities for your kids.

Included in the month of February are also Marde Gras and a few other somewhat minor holidays. There is one very serious and important National Day in February that I would like to highlight. February 1 is the annual observance of National Freedom Day in our country. This day honors the signing of the resolution that later became the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Abraham Lincoln signed the document that outlawed slavery on February 1, 1865. Although this resolution was ratified by the states later, it was the very first step to make all people, regardless of their origin and color of skin, free.

February 1 is also the start of Black History Month. A time to reflect on the achievements of African Americans and their significant role in our country’s history. So, if frivolity isn’t your cup of tea, halt your looping Groundhog Day by delving into Black history and perhaps learning something new. Come to think of it, you might consider doing this no matter your cup of tea.

Enjoy your February.

Mary Hand Publisher/Editor Contact info: 707.980.1563 editor@beniciamagazine.com

Dinner for two with Chocolate too This Valentine’s Day, cozy up at home while you quarantine with your Valentine! Share a delicious takeout dinner made with love from one of Downtown Benicia’s many fine restaurants. Then enjoy a decadent box of See’s Chocolates from Benicia Main Street.

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Around Town Food & Drink

A Trio of Sweets n

KT Graham

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the very best sweet treats for your loved ones. Sure, you could go to See’s Candy and get an assorted box. Don’t get me wrong, See’s Candy is great! (I particularly love the dark chocolates, in case you’re wondering.) But wouldn’t it be fun to present them with your very own creation? If you have kids, the great thing about baking is that you can also involve them as helpers.

There’s no better way to introduce them to the love of cooking than to let them help you bake. My mother did it for me, and by the time I was a teenager, she had turned all the household baking over to me. I didn’t realize how much going off to college would impact my family and their need for baked goods. When I got home for Thanksgiving break my freshman year, my father met me at the door holding the mixing bowl and a bag of chocolate chips. He hadn’t had any homemade cookies all fall and he was bereft! I made cookies for him that very afternoon.

So what are you going to bake for your Valentine’s Day weekend? I’ve got a few suggestions for you.

Of course, there’s chocolate! I have a chocolate cake recipe that will satisfy every chocolate lover in your life. You can make it as a Bundt cake, cupcakes, or even mini cupcakes that make for little chocolatey bites. I know it’s also true that not everyone loves chocolate (though I can’t, for the life of me, imagine why!) so there are two other recipes that are equally amazing, a deeply flavorful lemon bar with a cookie crust, and coconut macaroons. The macaroons are incredibly easy and oh so luscious. The lemon bars are exquisite and make use of some of those lemons growing all over town right now. If you don’t have a tree, I bet you have a neighbor who would happily let you have a few from their tree. I’ve also included the option to use Meyer lemons, if that’s what you have handy and if you love them as much as I do.

As we roll through this month, I hope that you find the time to pause and truly appreciate the love around you, your wonderful partner, the kids in your life, the family with whom you choose to surround yourself. Loving deeply and gently, and opening yourself to the love of others is how we get through all the crazy days that life throws at us. I am a firm believer that one of the best ways to show that love is through cooking, baking, and sharing amazing foods. So let’s get to it!

Recipes for these wonderful concoctions can be found on Benicia Magazine website: beniciamagazine.com 10 • Benicia Magazine

Around Town Food & Drink

A Valentine's Day Affair with a Cookie & a Vino n

INGREDIENTS

1 cup bread flour ¾ cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons kosher salt or 1½ teaspoon table salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 2-3 tablespoons cold water 1 cup dark brown sugar

½ cup white sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon espresso powder 1 large egg 1 large egg yolk ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips 5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

PREPARATION

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F (180˚C).

2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flours, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

3. In a medium light-bottomed saucepan, add the butter and melt over medium heat.

4. Bring the butter to a boil, stirring occasionally. As the water begins to boil out of the butter, the milk solids in the butter will separate, sink to the bottom, and begin to toast and brown. As this begins to happen, make sure to stir constantly so the butter browns evenly. It may become quite foamy and difficult to see, so keep a close eye on it.

5. Once the butter has turned a nice nutty brown, remove from the heat and pour into a liquid measuring cup to stop the cooking. Give it a stir and add 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to the butter to bring it back up to 1 cup of liquid. Set aside to cool to room temperature. To help speed this process up, you can place in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. You want to make sure the butter is still liquid when you’re adding it to the dough later on, so make sure to remove after 15 minutes.

6. In a large bowl, add the sugars, vanilla, espresso powder, and cooled brown butter. Cream together with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes.

7. Add the egg and yolk and beat until incorporated.

8. Add the dry ingredients, about ⅓ of the mixture at a time, and beat between additions until just incorporated. It’s okay for there to be a bit of unmixed flour on the edge of bowl, this will be incorporated in the next step.

9. Using a wooden spoon, fold the chocolate chips and chunks into the dough 10. Scoop the cookies onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in 3-tablespoonsized mounds.

11. For optimal flavor, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or, even better, overnight.

12. Evenly space the dough 3 inches apart from one another on a parchment paperlined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven for 12-14 minutes.

13. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Recipe: https://tasty.co/article/marietelling/brown-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies Makes 18 cookies

Maura Sullivan

There once was a chocolate chip cookie. This was no ordinary chocolate chip cookie. Even Toll House could not take credit for this luxurious cookie. If you think I’m being dramatic, think again. It would make any grandma blush. This is a Browned Buttered Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Lightly Sea Salted Cookie.

I know the name is intimidating. To me, the name of the cookie doesn’t do it justice. My real feelings for this cookie might take a while to explain, but let me break it down for you.

Browned butter should be called liquid gold. This technique helps create the perfect texture. Chewy in the center and crispy on the edges. Browned butter continues to spread it’s magic by enhancing the sprinkle of espresso powder and vanilla. The flavors don’t end there. As you bite into the chewy, gooey center, your taste buds are met with a bitter/sharp melted dark chocolate. Immediately followed by a sweet soothing milk chocolate. Put all of this magic into one bite, your senses will explode with the touch of sea salt hitting the roof of your mouth.

Now, I say this is an affair because a classic such as milk would be the proper partner for this morsel of over-indulgence. But, my love for this cookie cannot be met with something so underwhelming. I followed my hidden desires and hunted for the perfect match. I met an Australian pinot noir. Grown in between two famous regions, this beauty comes from Victoria, Australia.

The name of this lover is Brokenwood, Beechworth 2016 Pinot Noir. This wine has light aromatics, such as subtle floral notes. This wine comes off shy, but mingles well with the aroma of freshly baked cookies.

With a first bite and sip of this bright, tart pinot noir, this will not only accentuate, but will complement the dark chocolate. A second sip will cleanse the palate. It will only leave you wanting more.

After making your imagination go wild, of course I would include the recipe. The pinot noir, on the other hand, may be a little hard to grasp. Any Australian or New Zealand pinot noir would complement your cookie. Though they can be completely different styles, look for fruit forward or anything with spiced notes.

Special tip for these: best when fresh! I pre roll the dough into the size I want, place them in a sealed ziplock bag and store in the freezer. Pull out as many as you like when ready to bake. It’s a great way to keep the affair going long after Valentine’s Day is over.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 11 BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

Around Town Community

Arts and Crafts for Valentine’s Day n

Bitsy Hall

While parents have long tried to quell their children’s fixated gaze on screens, their efforts have begun to wane in the face of omnipresent technological needs. Screens are no longer just for video games and Nickelodeon, they have become virtual schools and social platforms. Technology isn’t going away anytime soon, but we can’t forget the importance and power of immersive artistic outlets. No matter your child’s age, crafts offer a multitude of benefits: they inspire creativity, invigorate the senses, and assist in motor development. Here are two Valentine’s Day themed arts and crafts to try with your child: For more fun and educational Valentine’s Day crafts for kids, please go to Benicia Magazine

website: beniciamagazine.com

Love Bugs

Candy Jewelry Love Bugs are adorable little critters that are easy to make. These make great Valentine’s Day gifts for your children’s friends as well.

What’s better than candy jewelry for Valentine’s Day? Kids can create beautiful necklaces and bracelets for themselves and friends using gummy hearts and gummy bears. You can use a needle to create a hole in a soft gummy candy and they will look like real beads.

You will need: — Desired amount of Pom poms, preferably red or pink — 1 package of small googly eyes — Pink or red felt — Scissors — Hot glue or regular Elmer’s Glue — Pipe cleaners (optional)

You will need: — String of your choice — Gummy candy of your choice (it’s nice to have a variety) — Scissors — Needle

To create 1 “Love Bug”: 1. Cut a small heart out of the felt that is slightly larger than the diameter of your pom poms. However, they can really be whatever size you choose.

2. Put a dot of glue in the center of your felt heart.

3. Press the pom pom onto the glue and hold for a few seconds.

4. The circular upper part of the heart is the base/feet of the Love Bug. This is the front.

5. Select two googly eyes and glue to the front of the pom pom.

6. Optional: Glue pipe cleaners in heart shapes or spirals for antennas.

And there you have it, a Love Bug.

12 • Benicia Magazine

To create your candy jewelry: If you are using any candy that needs a hole added, make sure to do so ahead of time instead of having a needle lying around. It will also be less stressful for you in the moment.

Lay everything out so the kids can see their choices.

Cut the string for them into appropriate sizes.

After they have strung up their masterpiece, help them put a knot into the string.

Around Town Community

All hands on deck! n

Mary Hand

Despite the impressive ingenuity of Benicia businesses during this time, the impact to their livelihoods, along with millions of other small business owners and employees across the country, from COVID-19 is shocking.

According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurant industry sales and job growth have been hit hard. We can certainly see the effects here in Benicia.

Our restaurants have created new menus including entire family dinners to entice us to order from them. And after investing in outdoor dining solutions for brisk weather, they have suddenly found themselves completely shut down again to everything except delivery and take-out. We need to step up even more, because if we don’t use them, we will lose them.

Small businesses are essential for the economy of our town.

They bring growth and innovation to our community. They create entrepreneurship opportunities and provide employment and support for our communities and neighborhoods.

Our shops and restaurants know many of their customers by name; they are our neighbors and friends.

They are what make our town special and unique.

Benicia Restaurants If you can, please try to order in twice a week, consider purchasing gift certificates from our salons or your favorite esthetician, and order their products. And please don’t forget our artists. You can still browse the galleries in limited numbers, or go online. Benicia is known for its art and artists, let's support them.

So …

Eat more! Then, post about what you’re eating. Now’s the time to go wild with those foodie photos.

Visit your gym online or outdoors and tell your friends to hop into your favorite virtual class with you next time.

Order your wine by the bottle or cocktails from our bars and restaurants. Then post about what you’re drinking. Yes, we want you to boomerang-cheers to your heart’s content. But be sure it’s socially distanced or at home with your SO! Or buy someone a drink (check out Bruehol’s virtual buddy board!)

Buy something for yourself.

Buy something for someone else.

Order flowers, just because.

I know everyone is really tired of this, but we have to dig a bit deeper. It will be worth it.

Amore Bistrot Aung MayLika Burmese Cuisine Backyard BBQ & Café Bella Siena Restaurant & Bar Benicia Grill Bottom of the Fifth Bruehol Brewing Char’s Hot Dogs Dianna’s Bakery & Café Double Rainbow Elviarita’s Mexican Grill Ensenada Restaurant Farm & Flour Fox & Fawn Bakehouse Got Plate Lunch Izakaya Japanese Tapas & Sushi Java Point Café Juice House Co. Kaigan Sushi Kimono’s Lim Ros Thai (newly opened) Lucca Bar & Grill Mai Thai Cuisine Mirchi Indian Grill One House Bakery Pacifica Pizza Palermos Pearl Thai Cuisine Rrags Caffe Sailor Jack’s Sandoval’s Mexican Food South Villa Chinese Restaurant Sprankles Deli Szechwan House The Cellar The Loft Wine Bar & Restaurant The Rellik Tavern The Workshop TJ Taco Jalisco Union Hotel Restaurant & Bar Venticellos BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Around Town Community

n

Genevieve Hand

You may be wondering how you can make a date or celebration feel special amid pandemic closures.

Sure, you can get creative at home by cooking a special meal with your SO, creating some ambiance, and trying to find something, anything to watch that you haven’t already binged.

Or, you could head outside and do something different. Here are a few ideas for getting out and enjoying a day with those you care about in a safe way.

Take a long walk on the beach…

Living where we do, we are spoiled with access to a number of beaches.

You can stay close by and enjoy our hometown shores, or take a longer drive out to the Marin Headlands or Point Reyes. For some in-between and often less crowded options, you can head to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline or go sea glass hunting at Point Molate. Go midday and pack a romantic picnic, or go later and catch a gorgeous sunset. Either way, be sure to bundle up!

Enjoy a picturesque bike ride…

Feel the crisp air rush by as you pedal your way along the car-free Vine Trail in Napa Valley. Currently, the trail stretches from Napa to 14 • Benicia Magazine

Yountville, but there are plans to extend it to Vallejo in the future. The 6-mile Oak Knoll stretch of the trail parallels Hwy 29 and offers views of vineyards, winery estates, and some residential areas. Grab some takeout from your favorite Yountville restaurant, or pack your own snacks to enjoy.

Closer to home, you can ride along the Benicia State Recreation Area or marina bike trails. Both have lovely water views and places to stop for a picnic along the way. If you choose the Benicia State Recreation Area, be sure to watch for winter waterfowl and the Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden (near the picnic area).

The Dillon Point trail at the end of the Recreation Area is another loop you can take, however it is posted as not suitable for standard road bikes.

Share a different experience…

If you’re looking for something unique and are up for a trip out of

town, you can check out the Albany Bulb. A former landfill site, the Bulb is now home to 150 species of birds, wildflowers and trees, views, and informal outdoor sculpture, painting, and performance art. Take a stroll along this versatile space and feast your eyes on the natural and manmade.

Travel a little farther to Golden Gate Park to see the sculpture and light installation, Entwined, an otherworldly forest of whimsical shapes and light in celebration of the park’s 150th anniversary. The outdoor exhibit, by San Francisco artist Charles Gadeken, can be found at Peacock Meadow during the park’s open hours and the illumination can best be enjoyed from around sunset to when the lights go out at 8:30pm. Visits are currently limited to 15 minutes in length to help reduce the spread of Covid, but you can continue your stroll and explore other illuminated stops along JFK Drive.

Around Town Business

Sun Shines Through the Clouds Real Estate Forecast 2021 n

Eric P. Hoglund

How does one begin to wrap their head around 2020? An even better question is, how do we all move forward in 2021? I have found that a laser focus on facts and statistics can help settle emotions and build the foundation for a plan to move forward. I hope to provide you, the reader, with a good overview of where we were in terms of real estate in Benicia, and more importantly, where we are going.

Understatement of the century: COVID-19 had a huge effect on all of us. Over one year, we have fundamentally changed how we live and work.

These changes are not all permanent, but like good Americans, we find our ingenuity sharpened by crisis.

We all look forward to a new day when we have been inoculated to this horrible virus and can again resume interacting and connecting in-person.

I am going to share some very good news, right up front: real estate has done very well in 2020. Here is another bit of encouragement: it is only going to be better in 2021. Here are 5 reasons why I know that this is true.

1. I nterest Rates Will Remain Low: Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell has said that no matter what happens politically, the Fed Rates will stay low through 2023. That is a huge forecast, and it is great news for those of you looking to buy or refinance your home in 2021. These low rates will eventually need to go up, and from a Macro Economic perspective that means eventual inflation. That being said, the best hedge against inflation is an asset at a fixed low rate (hint: YOUR HOME).

2. E mployment: While we have had some serious losses in 2020, and small businesses have been especially hurt during this time, the recovery has already begun. According to the Department of Labor’s latest report in December 2020, the Unemployment rate in the US was 6.7%. To put this into perspective, it is thought that anything less than 6% is considered full employment. While there will undoubtedly be fluctuations, look for this number to continue to improve in 2021.

3. Demand Remains High: You have heard that economics can be summed up as Supply vs Demand? Well, the supply will remain very low through 2021. New construction is on the way, but due to COVID-19, costs of materials and other factors, it will not come fast enough. Meanwhile,

Millennials are having children and needing larger homes due to work/school from home needs.

Droves of folks are also leaving the high-density living environment of the big cities and moving to the suburbs (Benicia). This all creates high demand.

Here are some more fun statistics that will support my predictions for 2021. I’ll compare 2019 numbers with 2020 numbers (remember, we lost almost an entire quarter of sales due to the initial lockdown in CA). In 2019, Benicia had 257 single family homes sold, versus 246 in 2020. In 2019, the Median Home Price was $660,000, versus $700,000 in 2020 (5.8% increase). In 2019, the Cumulative Days On Market was 46 days, versus 31 days in 2020. Finally, in 2019 the Median Price/Sqft. of a home in Benicia was $349/sqft., versus $364.56/ sqft. in 2020. These are striking figures, especially during a global pandemic.

These facts, mixed with a general need to resume a normal life, whatever that is, point to a brighter tomorrow. We should see a 5% to 7% price increase in our market by year's end, and while that is not why folks ultimately decide to buy or sell, it certainly lends to the urgency once the decision is made. Look for inventory to remain low. We will likely sell nearly the same numbers of homes as we did in 2019, if not a few more, but expect the market to be filled with step-up buyers, meaning buyers looking to buy a larger home than the one they are currently in. These step-up buyers will open the door to first time buyers and investors to snatch up the smaller homes. Look to make some new friends this year, as folks from surrounding cities will discover the beauty and charm of Benicia and make it their new home.

If you want to know the best time to get into the real estate market, it was yesterday. If you want to know the next best time to get in, it is right now. I see sunshine, even on cloudy days.

“We should see a 5% to 7% price increase in our market by year's end”

Eric P. Hoglund Real Estate Broker Lic. # 01420325 Estey Real Estate & Property Management

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Feature

Benicia Black Lives Matter: Community Members Advocating for Racial Justice and Systemic Change “You are growing into consciousness, and my wish for you is that you feel no need to constrict yourself to make other people comfortable.” ― Ta-Nehisi Coates, Between the World and Me

n

Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D

February is dedicated to Black History Month in honor of the accomplishments and contributions made by African Americans.

The traffic light, invented by Garrett Morgan, the long-lasting carbon lightbulb filament, invented by Lewis Latimer, and the automatic elevator doors, invented by Alexander Miles, are just a few of the many contributions and inventions made by African Americans. Acknowledging and sharing the accomplishments of African Americans began with the idea of one man who believed that African Americans should know their history and be inspired to continue contributing. Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950), was instrumental in ensuring that the accomplishments of African Americans were made public and celebrated. Dr. Woodson enlisted the help of his fraternity brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated in his efforts.

Dr. Woodson published stories about the accomplishments of African Americans. Dr. Woodson was one of the founders of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and launched the Journal of Negro History and Literature Week.

Black History celebration began in February 1926, as a oneweek event. In 1976, the celebration extended to the entire month of February. Dr. Woodson chose February because of two notable men who had ties to the African American community, Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.

The creation of the Benicia Black Lives Matter (BBLM) community organization was formed after the death of George Floyd, an incident witnessed by millions of people across the United States and world. Floyd’s passing was a tipping point

16 • Benicia Magazine

that stirred up past and present negative emotions for many. For some people of color, it was a harsh reminder of a different reality of navigating systems met with dimensions of positionality dealing with race, gender, and socio-economic disparities within communities and the linkage of policy, education, economic opportunities, and access.

The founder of BBLM, Nimat Shakoor-Grantham acted and sparked a community conversation to shed light on her experience as a Black woman in Benicia and to raise awareness about the experiences of other Black community members as well. “We aim to raise the awareness for the citizens of Benicia about the biases that happen in town and how it impacts the Black residents of Benicia,” says Shakoor-Grantham. ShakoorGrantham goes on to share, “The main objective is to bring Benicia closer together in an authentic way; not by saying I don’t see color and everything is good. Benicia is a beautiful place but has an ugly underside that needs to be addressed.”

The BBLM community organization has core teams: City Government Action Team, Education Action Team, Cultural Arts Action Team, Awareness Team, and the New Member Committee. BBLM members include a diverse group of residents who are parents, retirees, business owners, lawyers, doctors, specialized licensed professionals, and recent Benicia High School graduates now attending college. All are dedicated to working with local Benicia leaders in shaping systems and policies that present every Black person and other marginalized groups, the social, economic, creative, and political power to thrive.

Education Action Team member and Benicia High School graduate, La Paula Parker shared, “Being a Black young woman in Benicia is very difficult and exhaustive at times. BBLM is significant because it requires Benicia to wake up and actually acknowledge the reality of our community and the larger world.” Parker goes on to say “education is one of the best ways for us to grow as a community. Education at its core allows us to understand one another, empathize, and love each other. I hope to better incorporate ethnic studies curriculum into the Benicia school system.”

Benicia High School graduate, Branden Ducharme, was one of the BBLM team members who made a presentation at the Benicia City Council, resulting in the passing of Resolution 20. Ducharme states, “BBLM is responsible, with the help of Benicia’s city council, for the passing of Resolution 20, which included many great things, the most notable being the creation of an Equity and Diversity Manager position within the city.

When asked about the connection to the National Black Lives Matter Organization Ducharme shared, “I can assure you that whatever negative assumptions you may have about us or our agenda are probably far from the reality of our work. BBLM is tailored to Benicia in two main ways. The first is that it is a grassroots organization with currently no official affiliation with other BLM organizations, though we do value many of the same principles. The second being that every single member as of right now is either a current Benicia resident or has been one in the past.”

BBLM is providing Professional Development that started in January 2021 and extends through March. The workshop series, Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ), takes participants on a journey to examine the history of white supremacy and resistance movements. The workshop aims to help build the attendee's ability to effectively act and advocate on behalf of social justice. This free training series was open to members of the Benicia community. BBLM also partnered with the Benicia Library and has established a Black Lives Matter Collection curated reading list.

“I can assure you that whatever negative assumptions you may have about us or our agenda are probably far from the reality of our work.”

BBLM team member Branden Ducharme

You can reach out to Benicia Black Lives Matter social media or email them at the following: Twitter: @beniciablm https://twitter.com/beniciablm Instagram: @beniciablacklivesmatter https://www. instagram.com/beniciablacklivesmatter/ Facebook: @beniciablm https://www.facebook.com/ BeniciaBLM Website: https://beniciablacklivesmatter.weebly.com/ Email: admissionsbblm@gmail.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Feature

The Language of

Flowers Be Sure to Stop and Smell the Roses on First St.

“Luther Burbank once remarked, ‘Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.’”

18 • Benicia Magazine

n

Jeannine Mendoza Ed.D

With the continuing COVID crisis, the exhausting political arena, and short winter days, a cheery, colorful bouquet can be just the ticket to salve our battered souls. We could even take a cue from Kate Greenaway, who, in 1884, published The Language of the Flowers, with a list of definitions for each flower. For example, you could send several hibiscus flowers to your intended recipient, and your flower message would be, “Delicate Beauty.” Or, you could send a bouquet with two or more different types of flowers and send a more elaborate message. For example, if your bouquet contained honeysuckle and lily of the valley, your message would be, “Generous and Devoted Affection and Return of Happiness.” Using Greenaway’s book in the upcoming Valentine’s holiday could help you convey your intentions in a truly eloquent way.

We are lucky enough, here in Benicia, to have TWO amazing and completely different flower shops in our downtown.

Daughter of Luna, a unique flower and gift shop located at 931 1st

St., and owned by Michelle Yong since 2019, offers more than the usual seasonal blooms. Daughter of Luna has houseplants, greeting cards, candles, home décor, and more. Just walking through the store will lower your blood pressure as you gaze at artfully arranged plants and floral arrangements. Yong’s eye for color and detail results in a panoply of desirable gift items for yourself or others.

Her website is chock full of imaginative arrangements, greeting cards, and gift boxes in all price ranges, if you prefer to shop from home. Daughter of Luna is an homage to the owner’s mother, who ran a San Francisco gift shop for many years. Shop online at dolfloral.com or call 707.750.5167. Or, stop in and commune with the flowers when you next venture out.

Sweetness and Light Floral Design,

at 301 1st St., is a decidedly different sort of flower shop, as their primary focus is flowers and events. Even during this time of smaller weddings, owner Wendi and her staff are capable of handling all the components of your special occasion: caterers, flowers, linens, seating, etc. Wendi has been handling weddings since 2012, and has been featured in Bay Area Bride, a showcase of Bay Area weddings, and Junebug Weddings, a popular wedding blog. Her specialty is outdoor weddings and she excels at helping couples create their personal dream wedding. True love knows no bounds, apparently. Wendi also can assist you with other events, including receptions and memorials. Sweetness and Light will deliver your arrangement and has been quite busy transporting orders for people hesitant to go out. If you wish, you can peruse a variety of floral offerings online at sweetnessandlight.com, make your choice and order online. You can also order by phone at 707.652.5599. Make someone’s day today and send them some cheerful posies. You’ll be glad you did!

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Feature

Benicia City of Art and Artists Hidden Benicia

Robert Arneson circa 1971

“For residents and visitors alike, there are at least three distinctive Robert Arneson places “hidden” around Benicia…”

20 • Benicia Magazine

n

Kevin Nelson

Benicia is a city of art and artists, and the most celebrated Benicia artist of all was a sculptor named Robert Arneson. Arneson, whose work is known and collected around the world, grew up in Benicia and lived and worked here until his death in 1992, at the too-young age of 62.

For residents and visitors alike, there are at least three distinctive Robert Arneson places “hidden” around Benicia which, despite its small size, abounds with tuckedaway treasures worth discovering. One is the “Benicia Bench,” a whimsical selfmocking portrait of the artist created by Arneson in the year before his death. It sits in the center of a public plaza located along the waterway that boats use to stream in and out of the Marina.

While this site is not exactly hidden and certainly not unknown, it is a long, winding ramble if one were to try to walk there from First Street. Better to go by car (or even better, by boat!), following the road that takes you into the Marina all the way to the end. There you’ll see a bust of Arneson’s bearded and curly-haired head, upon which is a plank and what looks like a mallard duck sitting on top of the plank. Never afraid to poke fun at himself, the Benicia High grad’s tongue is sticking comically out the side of his mouth. On the board are scrawled the words, “Jack London Sat Here.”

Arneson Park, a tiny pocket park at the junction of West I and West 4th Streets along the Bay Trail, is a tribute to the artist. It perches on a cliff with a spectacular view of the Carquinez Strait that is a landscape painter’s dream. Small children come to play on the slides there, and there are benches and a picnic table for anyone wishing to revel in the sight of the late afternoon sun staining the surface of the water golden. It is a sure bet that most of those who enjoy this quiet little park have no idea that the man for whom it is named created one of the most talked about and controversial art works of his time, a bust of murdered San Francisco mayor George Moscone.

San Francisco MOMA, the Whitney and Met in New York, the Smithsonian, LACMA in Los Angeles—these are only a few of the leading art institutions around the country whose collections include Arneson’s ceramic and bronze sculptures and drawings. His work displayed in galleries and museums to this day, Arneson taught sculpture for many years at the University of California at Davis where one of his colleagues in the art department was another major Benicia artist, sculptor Manuel Neri.

“The Benicia Bench” and many other Arneson works sprung to life in his former home studio on 430 First Street, across from Lucca and next door to the future outpost of Mare Island Brewing. Now the home of his wife, Sandra Shannonhouse, an accomplished artist in her own right, the building is a large, lovely two-story dark brown structure with a peaked roof and an upstairs balcony framed by charming red double doors and windows. Bricks with Arneson’s name are inlaid into the sidewalk out front, right where people walk.

The fact that every day the feet of strangers passing up and down First tromp unknowingly across his name surely struck Arneson, a man with a highly developed sense of humor, with absurdist delight. One can even imagine the great artist himself stepping on the bricks himself as he left his studio after a morning of hard work to go up the street to have lunch at Mabel’s. Mabel’s was a convivial little diner where Arneson and other artists and townspeople loved to hang, sort of Benicia’s version of the Algonquin Round Table. It is long gone now but the town’s Bohemian spirit lives on in its public art, parks and even under foot.

Arneson Park

Benicia Bench

BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

Around Town Philanthropy

It Takes All of Us:

The Importance of Giving n

Jean Purnell

With the COVID-19 pandemic now entering its second year, and vaccine distribution still in start-up stages, the impacts of this crisis are likely to persist for years. As our community attempts to contain the spread of the virus, shelter-in-place restrictions and halted economic activity have resulted in lost income or employment for many. Small businesses, restaurants, and cultural organizations have struggled to survive. While relief grants at city, state, and federal levels have helped address these growing needs, local philanthropy has become more important than ever.

Benicia has a wide range of nonprofits that serve our community by channeling donated resources directly where needed. Some of these agencies help to meet basic needs such as hunger, shelter, and poverty, while others address the special needs of youth, seniors, veterans, or other groups. Valuable cultural programs serve to enhance and enrich the quality of life, while other groups care for the environment. Serving diverse needs, they all rely upon the community support of individual donations and volunteers to carry out their missions. A few examples serve to make the point.

The Kyle Hyland Foundation for Teen Support serves the special needs of teens through social interaction, music, art, counseling, and mentoring. Weekly Zoom meetings help teens stay connected in these socially distanced times. A new program is being launched to raise awareness about critical issues such as cultural diversity, dating violence, gender equality, suicide prevention, bullying, cyberbullying, and drugs/alcohol. “Isolation has created mental wellness challenges for many teens,” says founder Barbara Gervase.

“We hope to bring speakers on mental health as part of a separate program to enhance wellness for teens, and we’ll need community support to make it happen.”

The Family Resource Center acts as a safety net for Benicia families and seniors experiencing financial hardship. “We can assist with rent or utility payments, and supply basic toiletries, diapers, or household goods,” says Kendall Lara, who coordinates the program for the Benicia Police Department. “The Soroptimists have helped us maintain a supply closet of these items, and donations help us provide backpacks for school children and the homeless.”

22 • Benicia Magazine

In response to the pandemic, St. Paul’s Episcopal has pivoted from serving hot meals one day per week to providing food-to-go twice a week, quadrupling the number of meals served. “None of this would be possible without the support of local businesses who donate food, and our volunteers and generous donors,” says Reverend Annie Mertz.

throughout Benicia and Solano County. “To participate in USDA food distribution programs, we had to have a facility large enough to bring in a 53-foot truck,” says Pierini.

“None of the local programs had this kind of space.

Individual donations enabled us to rent space at the Solano County Fairgrounds and hire a “There is a huge need forklift crew to remove pallets for food in our community of food from the truck. Since because of the pandemic,” receiving our first truckload says Heather Pierini, founder in July we’ve been able to of Food is Free Solano, which distribute 1.6 million pounds of coordinates a network of food food. And we’ve had over 100 stands in neighborhoods volunteers helping us as well.”

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Cultural and arts organizations have also suffered this year due to the closure of libraries, galleries, theaters, and museums.

Individual donations have made the difference between bankruptcy and survival.

“We wouldn’t have made it to 2021 without the support of our community,” says Celeste Smeland, Executive Director of Arts Benicia. The

non-profit visual arts center cancelled exhibitions and dozens of classes in 2020 before adapting its programs to online modes of delivery.

“Our community really stepped up with donations despite how difficult the past year has been. Their support enabled us to continue serving our community with art education, online exhibitions, and services for youth.”

Finding a cause you care about and a way to help is often personally rewarding and a way to express your own values. Your actions not only help others, but may inspire friends and family to do the same for a purpose they care about. Many of Benicia’s worthy nonprofits are listed at https://greatnonprofits.org/city/benicia/CA. Others can be found by searching online or asking for referrals. Research what these groups do and consider making a small gift or volunteering your time to help. Many volunteer opportunities are listed at https://solano.cvnl. org/. It takes all of us to meet the needs of others and to sustain the quality of life we want in our community.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

Column A (Soap Opera) mystery story unfolds each month There will be clues as the . ies ser ry ste my ia nic to “Picket Fences.”

Join us for a Be ing conclusion. Welcome rify ter d an d cte pe ex un leading to an

s e c n e F t e Pick Previously in Picket Fences …

Angela’s run-in with Connie, an unwelcome figure from her past, shook her. After she reluctantly revealed part of that past to her husband, Bruce, he stormed off in disbelief. We rejoin the story the following day, with Angela distracted at work.

n

Darrell Mcelvane

As the residents of Benicia carry on with their midday business, Angela is no different as she sits at her desk drawing up contracts. In the back of her mind, she wonders what Connie is planning and where Bruce went last night. With all that simmering in the back of her mind, Angela’s escape is work.

“Angela ... glad I caught you. I have a showing in 20 minutes,” Mark says, handing her a blue folder. “I did some digging and found out who bought the Baxter house.” Angela cuts him off, “I already know, but thank you for looking into it.” Surprised, Mark replies, “Oh… You met the family already?” Taking the folder, Angela pauses, “Wait… a family?” As Angela starts to read the papers, she’s interrupted by a chipper voice. “Angela! I’ve been trying to talk to you all week about the F.A.C.T. fundraiser – I just ran into Payton, he said you would be here,” Madalyn says in one breath. “I have to go – we’ll talk later,” Mark calls over his shoulder as he dashes out the door, running squarely into a beautiful dark-haired woman in the process. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there… Wow, you’re stunning… I’m Mark Chambers,” he says, as the two lock eyes. “Hi, I’m Angela’s friend, Connie.

And believe me, all is forgiven,” Connie says with a sexy smile. Mark holds the door open for her. Gliding through the doorway, Connie cuts into the conversation between Angela and Madalyn. “I am so sorry to interrupt. I’m here to take Angela to lunch,” Connie says, fixing her icy gaze on Angela. “We had a lunch date?” Angela asks as calmly as she can, her breath catching in her chest. “Why, yes… I was going to lay out the plans and timeline,” Connie says with a bit of a smirk. She then turns to Madalyn with a falsely sweet smile, “I’m sorry, how rude of me. I didn’t ask your name.” “This is Madalyn Walker,” interjects Angela, “Madalyn, this is Connie Spalding.” “So nice to meet you. I do hope I wasn’t interrupting,” Connie responds.

24 • Benicia Magazine

“Not at all! We were just talking about the clock tower fundraiser for F.A.C.T.,” Madalyn says with excitement. Connie’s ears perk up. “A fundraiser? How wonderful. Angela, why haven’t you mentioned this to me?” Connie asks with a glimmer in her eye.

“It’s an annual fundraiser for Feed America’s Children Today,” explains Madalyn, “We sell tickets and tables —“ “Nothing you would be interested in, Connie,” Angela cuts in, hoping to end the conversation. “Why would you think that? It sounds like a noble charity,” Connie replies. Angela glares at Connie, knowing that she has never had a heart, and certainly had never cared about anyone else. “Suddenly she cares about charity?” thinks Angela. Connie turns her gaze to match Angela’s. “In fact, I’d like to give right now,” she says, pulling out a red checkbook and gold leaf pen. “Great! Every little bit helps. Make it out to F.A.C.T.,” Madalyn recites cheerfully. Angela, a feeling of dread creeping within her as she thinks about the strings attached to that check, tries to halt the transaction diplomatically. “Connie, that’s nice of you but you really don’t have to…” “Don’t be silly Angela,” Connie says, handing the check to Madalyn. Madalyn’s mouth falls open. “Connie! This check is for $40,000!” Madalyn gasps in disbelief. “Yes, I know. Angela is a very dear friend and if it’s important to her, it’s important to me. Sorry, Angela, I’m going to have to reschedule our lunch date… I might have a project for us and really should get to planning it… I’ll call you later.” Connie says, dashing out the door. Madalyn, in shock, is still staring at the check. “You have some great friends… what does she do?” Madalyn asks. “She deals in agriculture… You know, dirt.” Angela replies, watching Connie speed away in her black sports car.

To Be Continued…

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Column Dinner and a Movie

The sixth in a series of at home food and movie pairings.

Amore Bistrot & Groundhog Day n

Cinema Cat & Gourmet Gracie

Gracie is so excited about this one! The elegant, picturesque and historic Inn at Benicia Bay is now also the home of the lovely Amore Bistrot, opened in December, 2020, after the owners immigrated from Milan earlier in the year. Amore is an authentic Italian Bistrot and Market tucked away in a downtown alley — you will be amazed and delighted! Delicious breakfast items: Think, cream filled cornetto/croissants or bomboloni alla crema. And, of course, a variety of espresso drinks. Fresh burrata and mozzarella salads, daily dinner specials, family meals and a wide array of imported Italian wines and ales are also offered. The charcuterie plate with Italian cheeses, meats and olives is a delicious standout — all proudly Italian. Cannoli Siciliani, a typical Sicilian dessert, is something to celebrate. Ricotta cheese cream piped into a cannoli tube, filled with fine chocolate chips, pistachio and sweet, refreshing Amarena di Vignola black cherries — a mouth watering treat individually made to order. Housemade sauces and toppings are also available.

Amore is the real Italian deal with emphasis on seasonal and non-GMO ingredients. The charming market has a broad range of food products and gifts, including Dolce & Gabbana Panettone, Felicetti Pasta, Caputo Semolina/Pasta Flour, Partanna Olive Oil and coffee beans, all directly from Italy. Gift baskets are available to order. Amore, indeed! Ti amo!

Inside dining and outdoor patio seating will be available pending pandemic restrictions. Order takeout online, stop by, or call for menu availability.

26 • Benicia Magazine

Amore Bistrot 145 East D Street, Benicia, CA 94510 (On Kuhland Alley behind The Inn at Benicia Bay) 707.752.4300 | www.amorebistrot.com

Our 2-minute movie review: Groundhog Day, 1993, rated PG, directed by Harold Ramis.

Not trying to top the Inn at Benicia Bay, but the Cherry Street Inn, a strong, if fictitious, supporting character in this month’s movie is a B&B, ostensibly in Punxsutawney, PA. It is where a self-absorbed weatherman, Phil Connors — played adroitly by Bill Murray — stays during his assignment to cover the small town’s Groundhog Day celebration. But then a funny thing happens, an odd sensation, kind of like déjà vu` — Phil wakes up every morning in his cozy room only to find it’s Groundhog Day all over again.

Punxsutawney is chock-full of quirky and loveable residents who make perfect, innocent foils to Murray’s condescending caught-in-a-loop self. Stephen Tobolowsky, as Needle Nose Ned Ryerson, gives a comedic performance that lives in one-liners quoted even today. Chris Elliott plays Murray’s cameraman, a character almost as shallow as his subject.

What makes the film, and ultimately Phil, endearing is that he begins to benefit from all those do-overs. He chips away at his old, egotistical persona, and lo and behold! A human being emerges. It is only then that he gets the girl, played, sweetly, by Andie MacDowell.

Groundhog Day is among the rarest of movie delights, a laugh-out-loud comedy with deep insights about the human experience and some warm fuzzies to boot. Just deep enough to make it memorable after the laughter fades.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Column Trends

...continued “Through the years, the property grew into this romantic destination for not only getaways, but weddings and special events, as well.”

28 • Benicia Magazine

n

Christina Strawbridge

One year ago, I was getting ready for my "sometimes" annual trip to Paris. Although February is not the best time to visit the City of Love, airfare was rock-bottom and hotels were welcoming visitors after a year of yellow vest protests that had plagued the city. As luck would have it, I tore the meniscus in my right knee the morning we were to take off. By the time we landed, I could not walk. Great! 5 days in Paris relegated to limping and seeing a French doctor. Mon dieu!! Welcome to 2020.

Since that week in Paris, our world has changed and I long for some semblance of ooh la la. It took almost a year to get the knee fixed and in the meantime we have tried to find escapes that are not too far from home and don't require a lot of walking. Since I still don't cook, we have been relegated to take-out and eating in the car, or bringing the insulated boxes home to eat at the kitchen counter. I can recite the menu of almost all of our wonderful restaurants in Benicia, from memory.

A few months ago, we packed up the car and the dog for a 62.2 mile drive to Lodi via Hwy 4. You may wonder, what could be of interest in Lodi?

Wine and Roses is a chic hotel and resort spa with an innovative restaurant offering local farm to table cuisine and a list of over 70 local wines. I did not realize that Lodi has more vineyard acreage than our neighboring counties of Napa, Sonoma and Central California, combined. Lodi is best known for its Zinfandels but there are many other varieties to sip. Wine and Roses’ sevenacre estate houses the historic Towne House, dating back to 1898 when Burton Towne bought a small cottage after moving to the region from Minnesota.

Through the years, the property grew into this romantic destination for not only getaways, but weddings and special events, as well. Each of the 66 rooms have been newly renovated, providing a tranquil and cool atmosphere with either a balcony or patio veranda that faces the wooded grounds. There are two resident Macaws, named Rudy and Best Man, that are entertaining, unless you are a poodle. Paris, our dog, thought it was his job to protect us from these savage birds. Yes, they do take dogs, which is a must these days for family getaways.

Although the area offers recreational opportunities like biking, hiking, boating etc., we have found that for this moment in time, it's a great place to relax and escape the routine of carry-out.

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Excludes stairs, not valid with any other offers or coupons

Celebrating 41 years!

Call for open hours and for appointments

707.745.5933

Calcomfort.com • 4680 E 2nd Street, Suite C,

Voted “Best of” 14 Years in a Row

JEANNIE HAMANN

spotlesscarpetcleaning.net 840 First Street, Ste. A, Benicia • 707-746-8656

Need landscaping ideas?

Planning a garden?

Watch Watch for for Benicia Benicia Magazine Magazine March March issue! issue!

& PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 513 1st Street, Benicia 30 • Benicia Magazine

JEFF SCHLOSSER

•

(707) 747-9300

www.benicia.com Brenda Turner-Adams

BENICIA PLUMBING INC. “PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE...”

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BEN IC

PLUMBIN .

INC

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Your Partner in Real Estate

975

CSL

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Repair or Replace • Water - Gas - Sewer Garbage Disposal • Water Heaters • Drain Line Clearing/Cleaning • Backflow Certification Testing Video Camera • Slab Leaks

707.738.9671

Experience Excellence

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

Residential & Commercial Service 24/7

(800) 746-2930 www.BeniciaPlumbing.com

Best Of 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2103, 2014 & 2015

VIRTUAL AGENT SERVICES The way we buy and sell homes has changed. The need for a local & experienced realtor has not. We have the tools to help you navigate the new normal, and achieve your real estate dreams.

Ridge Real Estate Group rreg@ridgerealestategroup.com ridgerealestategroup.com 707.315.9803 DRE 01998765 Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description.

All measurements and square footage are approximate.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

“Working with Trevor and Taylor from AQC was a seamless process. Their attention to detail went beyond our expectations and we LOVE how our kitchen and media room turned out!”

— Kennedy and Dustin Morris

Receive a $150 gift certificate to Romancing the Home

with the purchase of a complete kitchen.

Benicia's K I TCH E N A N D BAT H EXPERTS

Owners Trevor Cotarelo and Taylor Kennedy

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

707-745-2100 aqchome.com • Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment • 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia