Benicia Magazine January 2013

GETTING FIT FOR THE LONG-TERM, CREATIVELY

ALTERNATIVE HEALING THROUGH ENERGY WORK

What's next for downtown?

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FRESH FROM ITS NEW YORK PREMIERE Oh, Inverted World / Trey McIntyre set to music by The Shins West Coast Premiere of Cold Virtues / Adam Hougland Three stunning short works by Michael Smuin A “don’t miss� evening of dance! “engaging, fresh, irresistible� – Alastair Macaulay, New York Times

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Benicia Magazine JANUARY VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3

14 16

Photo by Jerry Bowles

Features 14

Diabetes—a preventable epidemic

16

Benicia's Waterfront Enhancement Plan kicks into gear

18

Alternative healing through energy work and life balance

Departments 8

From the Editor

26

12

Currents Benicia's creative options for staying fit

Fashionista Anna Karenina offers up stunning fashion

28

20

Map of downtown Benicia

Listening Featured musician ALVON

22

Map of Benicia Arsenal

28

Live Music Calendar

24

Interview Interview with Frances Harkins, Certified Financial Planner

30

January Calendar of Events

Cover: Marshland east of First Street, by Jerry Bowles

ùŷĽŷBenicia Magazine

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Message from the Chief

Andrew Bidou We’d like to take this opportunity to share with you some of our programs and projects:

COLLABORATION

Dog Licensing Vehicle Abatement Citizen Academy Bike Rodeos Benicia Youth Action Coalition Family Resource Center Volunteers in Police Services

TRANSPARENCY

SUPPORT

Vacation Watch Fraud Prevention

EFFICIENCY

Residential Burglary / Home Security Checklist Online Services

Livescan - Nixle For more information, please contact us: Web: Email: Phone (Non-Emergency): (707) 745-3411

SAFETY

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Domestic Violence Resources Sex Registrant Information Bicycle Helmet Giveaways

Benicia # 6%*!ć +)šĽšú

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From the Editor January 2013 Isn't it fun waking up January one, knowing you have a big blank slate in which to write a new life script? I've never been one for resolutions, but I love a good challenge, and the start of a new year feels like a good time to reflect and consider what needs shaking up. Changing things up in life can be transformative.

I've always considered myself a late bloomer, as into my 40's I was mostly focused on the daily joys and adventures of being a mom to two very active girls. I don't do well with stagnation, perhaps because there was so much moving around in my childhood, and I like the excitement and possibility that comes from pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. There's nothing like throwing things up in the air every few years and watching where they land to stimulate creativity and inspire personal and professional growth.

High on my list of transformative moments include becoming a math teacher, traveling %*0!.* 0%+* ((5ÄˆĹˇ * š%*ĹˇĂľĂ˛Ă˛Ă¸ÄˆĹˇ0$.!!š %#š $ ((!*#!/š 0š+* !ĉš)+2%*#š0+š š*!3š" )%(5š$+)!ÄˆĹˇ/0 .0%*#š the magazine and running a successful school board campaign. My four-year tenure on school board, including a year as president, is among my proudest achievements.

This issue is full of ways to transform yourself. In January many of us are looking to start the year off right by losing weight and getting in shape. You might find inspiration in our articles on Diabetes prevention and finding creative ways to stay fit. If your financial life needs some structure, check out this month's interview with Financial Planner Frances Harkins. And if healing is on your mind, we feature alternative practitioners who can help you to restore balance in your life.

Opening a new office downtown in Downtown Benicia is transforming the way we do business here at the magazine. It’s much more interactive. I didn't envision it so much as an office, but a public space where we could work and also talk with readers, friends, passersby. I've always loved the idea of the French salon where artists, thinkers, writers, community movers and shakers, friends and politicians of all persuasions gather for conversation and the sharing of ideas. A community living room, if you will. We’ve had hundreds of people stop by /%* !š+1.š+,!*%*#š +2!) !.šÜòš * š$+,!š0+š%* .! /!š0$ 0š*1) !.š!4,+*!*0% ((5š%*šþòóÜćš !š also have some interesting ideas for expanding our retail offerings. So don't be shy, we are open to the public.

What's next for our fair city? A waterfront project is the planning stages—read about what 0$ 0š !*0 %(/š +*š , #!š óÚćš %0$š %#š +3*0+3*š %),.+2!)!*0/š (.! 5š +),(!0! ÄˆĹˇ %* (1 %*#š the lighting of the trees and the upgraded intersection at First and Military, are absolutely transforming our town. Come take a look and see what the buzz is all about. Even the most cynical soul is bound to feel a sense of community pride, entering through our lovely new plaza at the top of First Street, and driving down through the tunnel of brightly lit trees all the way to the waterfront. š * š3$%(!š5+1š .!š +3*0+3*ÄˆĹˇ/0+,š%*š 0š !*% % š # 6%*!š 01 %+š * š 0+.!ÄˆĹˇĂšĂłĂłĹˇ %./0š 0.!!0ÄˆĹˇ and join the conversation. Happy New Year!

Next month's Facebook Question: $ 0š0. */"+.) 0%+*/š .!š5+1š$+,%*#š"+.š%*šþòóÜÄ?

Jeanne Steinmann

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

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Beni

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Benicia Editor Jeanne Steinmann Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

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Special Projects/Advertising Coordinator Joey Baker

Benicia Contributors Rhonda Lucile Hicks Adriene Rockwell Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

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Contributing Photographer Jerry Bowles Editorial deadlines $!ŷó/0ŷ+"ŷ0$!ŷ)+*0$ŷ,.%+.ŷ to the issue month

Advertising sales 707.853.5226 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads:ŷ0$!ŷø0$ŷ+"ŷ0$!ŷ)+*0$ŷ prior to the issue month Ad changes: 0$!ŷó/0ŷ+"ŷ0$!ŷ)+*0$ŷ prior to the issue month

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Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC Copyright © 2013, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, 611 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.5226, beniciamagazine.com.

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What makes a printing process Green?

Our printer incorporates many green practices far beyond state and federal guidelines. Sustainability in the pressroom includes: — Vegetable & soy inks — 100% paper waste recycled — Energy positive emissions systems — A plate-making system that virtually eliminates all chemicals

In-office Green Practices We walk, bike or drive a hybrid vehicle to get to work and around town.

Paper waste is either recycled or cut up and reused as scrap paper. Envelopes and other business supplies are reused.

Electronic devices are turned off at night and we use fluorescent light bulbs.

Benicia # 6%*!ć +)šĽšóó

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Fitness and Creativity

Bored by your fitness routine? there.” They meet people Dropping the extra five (or more) and exchange stories; some holiday pounds doesn’t have to be folks are tracking their GO HAND IN HAND progress. Brett and Trisha a chore; Benicia is a town rich in love the variation in all of fitness options on land and water.

The trick is finding something the neighborhoods, but that holds your interest over time, or the willingness to their favorite area is the west side of downtown, where they enjoy the diverse architectural styles of the homes. wake up your workout when it becomes routine.

Another way to get the blood flowing is to take up "land Take Benicia couple Brett and Trisha Beard, who have an interesting way of blending fitness with staying connected through paddling"—essentially a longboard with a tall padded stick with walking together. But not just the “walk out the front door and do which to push yourself along—a landlubbers spin on a traditional a loop” kind of walk—the Beards have an unusual goal—they walk water sport. Land paddling can get you from point A to B quickly, every street in Benicia. They do this every year, sometimes covering combining transportation with exercise. And if you prefer the the entire town twice. Every street, every year. What’s even more water, there are lots of choices in kayaking, paddle boarding and impressive is that they both work demanding jobs; Brett is the kite surfing. Chris Gatewood, owner of the new downtown store produce manager at Safeway and Trisha is an administrator at an Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports, will fit you up with gear for your assisted living facility in Vallejo. The couple also have two children, water sport of choice.

If you're social, there are a number of clubs who welcome new #!/ŷ ÷ŷ * ŷ óùĈŷ /+ŷ 0$!%.ŷ "0!.Ĝ/ $++(ŷ 0%2%0%!/ŷ .!ŷ ((Ĝ +*/1)%*#ćŷ They don’t share a common day off either, so making the time for members, whether you are a beginner at the sport or a seasoned walking at this level is a constant challenge. But the couple are pro. Bocce ball is big in Benicia. Some teams are highly competitive and some just want to have fun. The Benicia Day Hikers are a committed to staying fit. “We find a way,” say Brett.

With map in hand so that “they don’t miss a byway,” they pick friendly group who experience all types of terrain. With everything an area and start walking, tracking their progress by highlighting from biking to bocce and kayaking to karate, you’ll find something 0$!ŷ /0.!!0/ŷ 0$!5ĕ2!ŷ +2!.! ćŷ $!5ŷ 3 ('ŷ ŷ )%*%)1)ŷ +"ŷ öĜøŷ 5/ŷ ŷ that motivates you for the long term. In Brett Beard’s words, “It has 3!!'ĈŷöĜøŷ)%(!/ŷ,!.ŷ 5ćŷ +ŷ)%4ŷ%0ŷ1,Ĉŷ0$%/ŷ5! .ŷ0$!5ŷ .!ŷ (/+ŷ0 '(%*#ŷ to become your lifestyle.” B the alleys. “Sometimes we make a plan and sometimes serendipity Top: Bob Featherer on the bocce court takes over,” says Brett. “To date, we’ve also found over $60 on our Bottom center: Cherie McCammon at Green Valley Country Club walks. You’d be amazed at how much loose change there is out Bottom right: Jerry Wickham on Goodyear Road, courtesy of Ross and Mary Schaefer

Benicia Bicycle Club beniciabicycleclub.org Benicia Tennis Association beniciatennis.com Benicia Outrigger Canoe Club beniciaoutrigger.org Benicia Golf Association beniciagolf.org Benicia Day Hikers beniciadayhikers.blogspot.com Benicia Bocce Ball League !*% % + !ć+.#ć,üć$+/0%*#,.+ ć +)

óõŷĽŷBenicia Magazine Currents

Jan Ben Mag vol8 v3.indd 12

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City of Benicia

Tree Regulations Trees beautify our city. They also create shade, produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

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Incorrect pruning includes tipping the branch or topping the tree, causing: — Unsafe sprouts — Dangerously tall branching — Branch weakening & decay Pruning and removal of trees may require a permit.

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DIABETES: A National Epidemic

By Jeanne Steinmann Diabetes is on the rise worldwide, but Solano County residents have a special reason to be concerned: we have the highest rate of the disease in California. According to the !*0!./š"+.š %/! /!š +*0.+(ÄˆĹˇĂłĂ˛Ĺ—Ĺˇ+"š+1.š.!/% !*0/š$ 2!š !!*š diagnosed with Diabetes. Northbay Healthcare's Deborah Murray, M.D., says, "Diabetes is on the rise everywhere as diets become westernized with refined carbohydrates. % !0!/š%/š *š!,% !)% Ğøòŗš+"š 1(0/š3%((š$ 2!š % !0!/š when they die." She explains that Solano County may have a higher rate of diabetes due in part to an ethnically diverse population genetically predisposed to the disease.

Genetics alone do not tell the full story. "It is the food," says Dr. Murray. Type II diabetes is a combination of genetics, diet and lack of exercise. It used to be called adult onset diabletes but now we are seeing it in 4 year olds. If you are genetically predisposed and you are overweight, you will get it. The fatter you get, the more insulin resistant you become.â€? Unfortunately, type II diabetes is often silent until it is out of control. "By the time you get diagnosed, 5+1Ĺ›2!š ,.+ (5š (.! 5š $ š %0š "+.š óòš 5! ./ÄˆĹˇ (+*#š 3%0$š complications such as eye disease, kidney disease and nerve disease.â€?

Lifestyle and culture also play a role. We eat on the fly, we eat with cell phones to our ears and we eat while multitasking—even sit-down meals are rushed. Dr. Murray .! !*0(5š/,!*0šÜš3!!'/š%*š 0 (5ÄˆĹˇ! 0%*#šĒ0+*/š+"š, /0 ÄˆÄ“Ĺˇ 10š didn’t gain an ounce. “The difference is that in Italy people are more social when they eat. They take their time. Portions are smaller. Conversation is an important part of the meal so that food is consumed more slowly. Here, we eat too fast for our bodies to properly digest the food. I have patients who have moved back to Europe, India and other countries because here, they can’t control their diabetes. They have found that when they return to their native countries, their diabetes improves.â€?

The French also eat less and enjoy meals more because meals are part of an important social ritual. Food is savored: focused attention is given to appearance, texture, smell and taste. In the article about the French Paradox in Psychology Today, “Rediscovering a healthy and joyful relationship with "++ ÄˆÄ“Ĺˇ . $ĹˇĂľĂ˛Ă˛ĂźÄˆĹˇ *š $+6!*š 5/ÄˆĹˇ ć Ä‡ÄˆĹˇ,+%*0/š+10š0$ 0š )!.% *š/!.2%*#š/%6!/š .!šþøŗš$%#$!.š0$ *š%*š . * !ÄˆĹˇ * š that eating slowly and mindfully ensures a flavor burst with each bite so that fewer bites are necessary.

What does Dr. Murray recommend to prevent type II diabetes? "Don't eat white food: potatoes, rice, white pasta and white bread. Eat whole grain foods, but make them a small part of your diet. Don't even get me started on soda— we should ban it. The chemicals in diet soda make us hungry * š3!š! 0š)+.!ćš * š!4!. %/!š"+.šÜòš)%*10!/š!2!.5š/%*#(!š day; it's critical. B

Dr. Murray, an endocrinologist, lives with her husband on a large powerboat in the marina, 3$% $š0$!5š$ 2!š0 '!*š ((š0$!š3 5š0+š ( /' š * š 'ćš $!š/!.2! š%*š0$!š %.š +. !š"+.šþÜš5! ./š before joining the Northbay Healthcare staff in 2006, where she specializes in diabetes and thyroid disorders. When asked about the best and worst things about living on a boat, Dr. Murray replied, "The best thing is feeling like I'm on vacation every day. The worst is that there's no hot tub."

óᚼšBenicia Magazine

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Benicia # 6%*!ć +)šĽšóø

Jan Ben Mag vol8 v3.indd 15

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Along the

Waterfront: A Plan Takes Shape óùŷĽŷBenicia Magazine

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Photos by Jerry Bowles

By Jeanne Steinmann Before the days of easy credit, planned obsolescence and instant gratification (ok, that’s ,.!ÄœĂłĂźĂťĂ˛Ä•/ÄˆĹˇ "+('/Ä§ÄˆĹˇ "+.š )+/0š ,!+,(!š %0š 1/! š 0+š 0 '!š years to outfit and decorate a home. Furniture was passed down, major purchases lasted a lifetime and kitchen remodels were practically unheard of. Formal living and dining rooms were often the only rooms that were seen by guests in middle class homes; the family spaces were pretty basic.

The same principal could be extended to our humble town: Change has come slowly, carefully, over time as budgets allow. Because we are land-locked, we have not had the rapid growth that generates the kind of dollars needed to make an overnight transformation. But as our income demographic has shifted, so have our expectations. And so change has come to Benicia, project by project, step by step. If you compared +1.š +3*0+3*š 3%0$š 3$ 0š %0š 3 /š Üøš 5! ./š #+ÄˆĹˇ 5+1š might not recognize it. We’ve been dusted off, whitewashed and redecorated. Like it or not, Benicia has been gentrified.

Consider some of the improvements that have + 1..! š+2!.š0$!š, /0šóøš5! ./ĉš.!/0+. 0%+*š+"š0$!š Depot; the complete overhaul of what was once lovingly referred to as “the spit,â€? now renamed as the First Street Promenade and Peninsula; the First Street Green; new signage, matching blue light posts and garbage cans; benches, additional historic clocks, signs, and markers; major upgrades to the intersections at First & Second Streets and Military West; additional public parking and new buildings providing retail and public spaces.

If these improvements spruced up an already lovely downtown, the most recent improvement, the dazzling, spectacular lights on 200 First Street trees was the frosting on our community cake. If

you haven’t seen them yet, for heaven sakes, GO! I have seen people weep in awe at the sight and, I confess, I did too. So it would seem as though our redecorating is complete and our community living room is now in order and proudly awaits its visitors.

So what’s next? Are we finished?

As it turns out, there is room yet for further refinements. A plan is in the works for restoration of/ improvement to the land between the waterfront and B Street from First Street to the Harbormaster building, encompassing the First Street Green and the surrounding marshland. The City applied for a grant with the California Coastal Conservancy and *š )+1*0š1,š0+ĹˇĹ€ĂłĂˇĂ˛ÄˆĂ˛Ă˛Ă˛Ĺˇ3 /š 3 . ! š%*šþòóóš"+.š the design phase. A committee is being formed with representatives from City commissions and local non-profit organizations. The design calls for paths and raised walkways, a possible plaza, landscape and streetscape improvements, additional parking, public sculpture, benches and signage.

According to Vic Randall, Management Analyst at Parks and Rec and Project Manager for the waterfront plan, states that the marsh area may see some restoration but will remain in its natural state, and that the plan also provides for a sea level rise assessment. There will be four community advisory meetings and 2 public workshops, one in the spring, one in fall. Once complete, the design will be submitted to the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commission, which will in turn submit the final plan to the City Council for approval. Randall says, “This ties in really well with what’s happening on First Street. It should also help increase participation at downtown events.�

Randall is hopeful that future grants will cover the construction phase of what promises to be another great addition to our town. B

Benicia # 6%*!ć +)šĽšóú

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Becoming Whole:

Alternative Healing Emerges in Benicia

By Adriene Rockwell The healing spirit in our city is more powerful than we realize. Even the water that surrounds us is a symbol of pure fluid that flows, changes, reflects and carries away what it cleanses. Equally significant are the countless spiritual healers who are emerging among us.

One such spiritual healer, Debra Fallon, believes that light workers have always been nearby, but in this time of spiritual crisis they are revealing themselves more than ever. Local healers are too many to describe, practicing everything from ancient eastern traditions to modern holistic medicine. It can be overwhelming for seekers, but Debra gives us a start.

As a clairvoyant, Debra utilizes the wisdom of spirit guides to help in her healing practice.

“We think of ourselves as being alone, but we are not. We are all connected to something much greater,” she shares. “The veil between the dimensions is becoming thinner because our ancestors want to help us heal. They want us to be whole—to live a life of joy.”

Debra specializes in Soul Restoration as one way to become whole. “The soul is part of us that is considered separate in the Western world, but in truth it is our essence,” says Debra. “It is the part of us that lives on.”

In other words, when our souls are restored, our true essence is in charge of our lives, not the energy that we carry with us from past traumas.

Clearing stagnant energy in our bodies is a core part of restoring the soul. “If we are not in the now, but living in the pain of our past without awareness, it will continue to circle around us,” she says. We can also get stuck “running” the energy of other people.

All healing begins with intent, and when two or more people are gathered with pure intent it increases the ability to change or heal the spirit. This is also called exponential healing.

Catherine Michaels, like Debra, was called to be a healer from an early age. After many years of studying with masters, she now practices Christa Healing or energy channeling. Without physical touch she scans the vital force or aura to locate energy blocks in the spiritual, emotional and mental bodies. The physical body, says Catherine, holds suppressed emotions in our organs.

For example, the lungs hold feelings of grief or loss, and the liver holds anger. As a

clairsentient she is able to feel the pain of her clients through her own body, and uses this gift also when working with Cancer patients.

Dreams are also an important resource for us, says Catherine, who can bring past life awareness to her own dreams in order to

Balancing and cleansing the energy in and around the body through Reiki is another way to reach optimum health, and is offered at Magic Hands Healing Center, Kriss’s Pathway to Healing, and other Benicia locations. The word Reiki is made of two

Debra Fallon, Spiritual Healer/Soul Restoration úòúćúøóćòöòò luminoustouch.com Catherine M Michaels, Energy Healing úòúćüööćúúùø cmmichaels@me.com Angel Heart 4 You øòóŷ %./0ŷ 0.!!0 úòúćú÷øćõòõ÷ angelheart4you.net Kryss’s Pathway to Healing û÷óŷ %./0ŷ 0.!!0 úòúćúøóćòùüú Krysspathwaystohealing.org Magic Hands Healing Center øøøŷó/0ŷ 0ŷ 1%0!ŷõòò úòúćú÷ùćòõòò magichandshealingcenter.com

understand the pain of those she is healing.

Interpreting our dreams, she says, is a key part of becoming aware. “Our dreams give us insight into where we are right now in our consciousness,” she says. “They are multidimensional and reveal many symbols and feelings.”

Catherine offers that meditation is a critical part of spiritual development, and simply listening to our breath going in and out of our nostrils is a powerful tool for $! (%*#ćŷ 1/0ŷóòŷ)%*10!/ŷ ŷ 5ŷ.!(! /!/ŷ/0.!//Ĉŷ having a significant impact on the body.

“Things happen for us, they don’t happen to us,” says Catherine. “The universe will support what we want. It is our birthright to manifest a life of joy. Bodies are designed to be in a state of health, and we need to let go of everything that doesn’t serve us.”

She reminds us: “We are all so powerful.”

Japanese words: Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy." This energy is channeled through healers who have been “attuned” by Reiki Masters.

For those dabbling in the healing arts, the downtown storefront Angel Heart 4 You offers many talismans and charms, as well as books, classes and readings. You can even try color therapy here, including magenta or “rose-colored” glasses that are designed to stimulate the pineal chakra, and generate feelings of gentleness and kindness.

So whether our personal path to healing includes white light, intuitive readings, holistic medicine, or simply human kindness, it is comforting to know that we have all the tools we need right here in our hometown. B

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Don’t spend all that you earn.

Know how your funds are invested and why.

Interview with

Frances Harkins What financial suggestions do you make for a college grad who just got a first job?

I recommend they read the book The Wealthy Barber (by David Chilton). It gives them an overview of financial planning in a fictionalized setting. It’s about a student whose dad dies when he’s in high school so he has to go to work. He becomes a barber, but he’s very smart and so he learns what to do, why you should save, how you should save, how you should make a budget. … It’s not real sexy but each chapter is about a life experience and tells how financial planning applies to that situation.

Also, they should make sure they at least meet the match on 0$!%.ŷ÷òóĦ'ħćŷ +*ĕ0ŷ01.*ŷ %/ %(%05ŷ%*/1. * !ŷ +3*ŷ ! 1/!ŷ0$ 0ĕ/ŷ0$!ŷ biggest risk at that age. Accidental death insurance is not important, but they should have life insurance if they have dependents.

They should be doing a budget and getting used to spending less than they make so they don’t become a slave to working the rest of their lives. Also, reviewing the budget helps them prioritize: Do they want to be spending that money on going out vs. saving for a house? Reducing expenses now gives you freedom down the

Make sure you have adequate life insurance for your stage of life.

Make sure your will or trust is up to date.

By Sue Sumner-Moore While you’re pondering your gym schedule as the new year starts, remember to take time to become fiscally fit as well.

The new year is a great time to assess what you own, what you owe, how your investments are performing and whether you are on track with saving for your retirement.

Frances Harkins, a certified financial planner with Grossman Financial Management in town, sat down with Benicia Magazine in late November to discuss basic financial goals for different stages of life.

Throughout the conversation, several themes were repeated: Don’t spend all that you earn.

Know how your funds are invested and why.

Make sure you have adequate life insurance for your stage of life.

Make sure your will or trust is up to date.

Women must be as informed as men about financial matters.

If you have a financial adviser, understand how that person is paid.

Ask questions.

“When you work with someone, you should know how they are compensated. If they recommend a particular product, ask why and understand how they are being paid,” she says.

Frances, 55, and her husband, Brian, moved to Benicia in 1994 and raised their two children here. She worked for the U.S. Department of Treasury and Prudential Securities before joining Grossman Financial 11 years ago.

She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business economics at UC Santa Barbara. She planned to become an international banker, but an early job with Bank of America’s wealth management department set her on a different path.

“We had a lot of doctors who were clients, and some of them couldn’t seem to get ahead even though they made lots of money. I realized that it’s not how much you make but how you handle your money that makes a difference,” she says.

road. Oh—and they should have an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. It’s best to sign up for automatic savings for your emergency fund and retirement.

And when someone has young children?

They should put their retirement and kids first.

They should make sure they have adequate life insurance for the family, the higher the better. Keep the disability insurance, and make sure they understand their employee benefits.

They should be saving for retirement and now is the time to start saving for their children’s education. But retirement should come first. I hate to say it, but you can borrow for education costs but not for retirement.

It’s also important to put together a simple will or, if more money is involved, an estate plan. They should make sure they have directives in place for health and financial matters. Whether it’s a spouse or parents who will make those decisions if needed, make sure they know your wishes. If you have a question, see an attorney. It’s rare that you’re going to save any money in the end by doing it yourself.

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How about when college is looming for their children?

That’s the time to revisit the college plans, and ramp up how much you’re saving if you can. ...

They should be monitoring their investments to make sure they are allocated properly and well diversified. Evaluate your risk, probably with a professional rather than relying on the age-related charts available online.

You should know your net worth because it’s indicative of how you are doing with reaching your financial goals.

If they haven’t done it before, they should put together a plan to see what is needed for retirement. People think they will spend less when they retire, but they aren’t going to be sitting behind a desk. They’ll be on the golf course or taking trips, so they will be spending money. You should maximize your retirement match, and put in up to the IRS limit if you can. Make sure the assets are allocated properly, not all in one place.

They should look at long-term care costs because it might be an appropriate time to buy long-term care insurance if they can afford it. Make sure they have enough disability insurance and life insurance so the kids won’t have to drop out of college if something happens.

They should have a comprehensive financial projection at this time. Look at the assets, liabilities and projected income. And make sure Social Security is properly reporting your income.

And when someone reaches their 60s and retirement is near?

Get a financial checkup before retirement because another year or two of work can make a big difference, a big difference.

You may not have a need for life insurance at this point, so evaluate if there’s an appropriate need to continue that. If you want to buy your retirement home, make sure you can afford it.

How can parents teach their children to be financially independent?

We’re always taught not to talk about money, but that’s not good advice when it comes to your kids. It’s good for them to start developing skills and having these discussions. They live in a consumer culture, and we need to help them make good decisions.

You can start with explaining to them when they are younger that they have choices when they have money: They can use it for themselves now, they can save it for themselves for later, or they can give it to charity. Kids are always watching what we do.

Tell them why you are using a credit card for a particular purchase, whether it’s for the miles or because you pay it off every month.

Take advantage of opportunities to tell them why you’re doing what you’re doing and explaining the choices are between saving, spending and donating.

Don’t always answer, “Because we can’t afford it,� because that makes a child feel insecure. Instead, say, "We are choosing not to do that."

Celebrate them when they do well, when they save money or give to charity. B

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and a

By Christina Strawbridge A recent visit with my sister Anne was a 3-day whirlwind.

Within a short window of time we caught up on what was happening in our lives and businesses, visited our friend Patti in the hospital, experienced the Benicia Tree Lighting and Open House on First Street and took in a movie on a rainy Friday afternoon. We tend to have much in common, especially when it comes to our love of film.

The movie was Anna Karenina, which was playing at Cine Arts in Pleasant Hill. We decided to forgo popcorn and had a quick snack to tie us over during the 2-hour movie. As we bought the tickets, Anne and I noticed that only women were standing in line and filing into the theatre.

There was not a man in sight, and for good reason since this turned out to be the ultimate chick flick.

The story, written by Leo Tolstoy and set in 1870 Russia, is about a married woman who has an affair with a younger man. It is thought of by many as the best novel ever written and is discussed in college classes. I must have skipped that class because I was expecting an epic romance. The story is tragic, but beautiful in a perverse sort of way. It was interesting how the film's director, Joe Wright, used one location, on a stage with set changes, to tell the story. He interjected scenes of real locations, making the movie visually stimulating and more relevant for a 21st Century audience.

The costuming and jewelry were astonishing, and reflective of the late 1800's Russian high society, but

they also seemed modern. The fabrics, lavish with heavy silks and satins in rich colors, told a different story in every scene. The plot became secondary to magnificent millinery, incredible jewelry and all types of fur interpretations: stoles, cuffs, men's suit collars and hats.

In the October issue of Vogue Magazine, actress Keira Knightley (Anna) was featured on the cover and inside was a preview of the costumes designed by Jacqueline Durran for the movie. Durran was also the costume designer for the actress in the movie versions of Pride and Prejudice and Atonement. Sean Barrett's veiled hats, perfectly coordinated with the outfits, could easily be worn today by the likes of Kate, Duchess of Cambridge.

Chanel provided authentic jewelry consisting of rings, necklaces and exquisite earrings. I can't get the diamond strand necklace with circle broach out of my mind. In one of the more memorable scenes Anna is attending a ball and while all the other women wear gowns of pastel colors, she is wearing a black taffeta and tulle dress that the attendees (and the movie audience) couldn’t take their eyes off. In another scene, Anna wears the same dress in pure white to the theatre, trying to appear innocent of her infidelities to her social peers. It was an uncomfortable scene; Anna had nowhere to hide, even in the amazing gown.

My sister returned home to North Carolina, and even though she is across the continent we will always have that Friday afternoon, and the movie Anna Karenina, to revisit in our minds when we need a fashion or sister fix. B

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Featured Musician

ALVON

Band leader, guitarist, singer

By Rhonda Lucile Hicks You were a vocalist in the Rock and Roll Hall Fame group The Coasters. How did you get chosen to be a part of the group? Luck. I was working with the Drifters in the early eighties on a tour called Yesterday Today and Foreverš3$% $š +*/%/0! š+"š +10š0!*š %Ɖ!.!*0šøòĕ/š * šÚòĕ/š groups like The Shirrells, The Coasters, Gary US Bond, Bowser and others. It was a three-week tour with lots of shows and lots of friendly rivalry. Long story short, we talked, an opening occurred and I was hired.

Lately you’ve been touring in Russia. Tell us about how that came about and a little bit about your experiences there? I was performing in a musical called The Ascension of the Blues in San Francisco. There was an agent from Russia in the audience who had come to see another member of the cast. In this production I was playing multiple parts and I guess the agent was impressed. The rest is history. As a baby boomer I had preconceived notions about what Russia would be like. I have found Russia to be a great place for entertainers and I am excited about returning.

What’s your best moment on stage? My musical life is made up of many moments. I can speak of any number of them as great and special.

I will say that Budapest was a big deal. Too many people to count. I was /+š *4%+1/š0+š/$ .!š0$!š(+2!ćš !3š ! ( * š 0š)% *%#$0ÄˆĹˇĂłĂźĂźĂźÄž *+0$!.š %#š ! (ćš %*# ,+.!ÄˆĹˇ)5šƋ./0š+2!./! /š0+1.ćš $!š ),.!//š $! 0.!šþòòßš Hope for Haiti Concert. A very special moment. Vallejo came together that night and showed the world that it cared in a big way.

What’s the first music you remember hearing? Classical music was the first music I am aware of listening to as a child. My older sister, Angelie, was into the music and played it all the time. All the cartoons played it.

Our school went on field trips to the symphony pretty frequently.

What did you listen to as a teenager and what do you listen to now?

Everything!! R&B, Country, Jazz, and anything I could get my hands, or ears, on. B Read the expanded interview online at beniciamagazine.com.

Live Music Andrew Thierry Freight & Salvage Coffee House 2020 Addison Street !.'!(!5ÄˆĹˇ ššßáúòáš 01. 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂ¸ÄˆĹˇĂť,) thefreight.org

Gregg Allman Uptown Theatre óÜøòš $%. š 0.!!0š , ÄˆĹˇ ššßáøøßš .% 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂłĂťÄˆĹˇĂť,) uptowntheatrenapa.com

Wednesday Night Ramble Empress Theatre ÜÜòš %.#%*% š 0.!!0 ((!&+ÄˆĹˇ ššßáøßòš ! *!/ 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂźÄˆĹˇĂş,) empresstheatre.org

Temptations and The Four Tops Wells Fargo Center for the Arts øòš .'š !/0š ,.%*#/š + *0 š +/ ÄˆĹˇ ššßøáòÜš .% 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂłĂťÄˆĹˇĂť,) wellsfargocenterarts.org

Kronos Quartet Napa Valley Opera House óòÜòš %*š 0.!!0 , ÄˆĹˇ ššßáøøßš .% 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂłĂłÄˆĹˇĂť,) nvoh.org

Annie Marie and Fiddlaround 851 Music Studio óòáÜš . *0š 0.!!0 !*% % ÄˆĹˇ ššßáøóò 01. 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂłĂźÄˆĹˇĂť,) Ýøó 1/% 01 %+ć +)

Special Events:

Men of Worth Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road !*% % ÄˆĹˇ ššßáøóò 01. 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂłĂľÄˆĹˇĂť,) beniciahistoricalmuseum.org

Franc D’Ambrosio’s Broadway El Campanil Theatre Úòóš !/0š ! +* š 0.!!0 *0%+ $ÄˆĹˇ ššßáøòß 1* 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂľĂ˛ÄˆĹˇĂś,) elcampaniltheatre.com

Rhonda Vincent Bankhead Theatre 2400 First Street %2!.)+.!ÄˆĹˇ šßáøøò $1./ 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂśÄˆĹˇĂşÄ‰ĂśĂ˛,) mylvpac.com

Lady Gaga HP Pavilion øþøš !/0š *0 š ( . š 0.!!0 *š +/!ÄˆĹˇ ššßøóóÜ $1./ 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂłĂşÄˆĹˇĂşÄ‰ĂśĂ˛,) livenation.com

The Calvin Keys Quartet Bay Terrace Theater øóš *%!(/š 2!*1! ((!&+ÄˆĹˇ ššßáøßòš 1* 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂľĂ˛ÄˆĹˇĂ¸,) vallejojazzsociety.com

Ongoing The Rellik Tavern

Live music every Friday & Saturday 0$!.!((%'0 2!.*ć +)ššúòúćúáÚćóóÜúš

Upstairs at the CafĂŠ

Live music every Thursday, Friday & Saturday Jazz Sunday afternoon Ƌ./0/0.!!0 "!ć +)šššúòúćúáøćóáòò

Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar Fairfield Live music every Saturday /0% '5.% ! %/0.+ć +)šúòúćÝÚÜćúøòò

Vinnie’s Bar & Grill, Concord All Pro Blues Jam every first and second Sunday 2%**%!/ .ć +)ššßþøćÚÝøćßøóø

Very First Concerts: The Art of Listening San Francisco Chamber Orchestra Crowden Music Center óáúøš +/!š 0.!!0š !.'!(!5ÄˆĹˇ šßáúòþš +* 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂľĂłÄˆĹˇĂłĂł )š * šóþ*++* sfchamberorchestra.org Wednesday Night Ramble Empress Theatre ÜÜòš %.#%*% š 0.!!0 ((!&+ÄˆĹˇ ššßáøßòš ! *!/ 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂľĂśÄˆĹˇĂş,) empresstheatre.org Solstice St. Mary the Virgin þÜþøš *%+*š 0.!!0 *š . * %/ +ÄˆĹˇ ššßáóþÜ 1* 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂľĂşÄˆĹˇĂş,) smvsf.org Realistic Orchestra & Montclair Women’s Big Band Miner Auditorium Üš ) . !.+š !*0!. *š . * %/ +ÄˆĹˇ ššßáóóó $1./ 5ÄˆĹˇ *1 .5ĹˇĂśĂłÄˆĹˇĂşÄ‰ĂśĂ˛,) sfjazz.org

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þÝšĽšBenicia Magazine Listening

Jan Ben Mag vol8 v3.indd 28

12/18/12 8:17 AM

Benicia Grill ry! versa i n n A

Open every day 6am—3pm

2310 “D� “ Bates Ave.

Free Breakfast EntrĂŠe

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With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $8 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer.

One coupon per table. Exp. 1/31/13

Breakfast, Seafood, Salads, Steak, Pasta, Wraps, Flatbread

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Every day Buy one entrĂŠe & receive the 2nd of equal or lesser value

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With purchase of 2 drinks. Up to $8 value with coupon. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per table. Exp. 1/31/13

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Dinner-style lunch menu

Concor Concord (near HWY 4) also in Santa Clara Mon - Fri 7 - 5 and Sat 9 - 2 & Milbrae 925-798-7525 925 themouldingcompany.com themouldi

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Come visit our Com ddesigner showrooms

707.751.0155 4760 E. Second St., Benicia

Back issues, logo wear, gift bags & more!

Open Tues- Fri 10-4:30

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611 First Street, Downtown Benicia úòúćÝøÜćøþþÚšššĽššš !*% % ) # 6%*!ć +)

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Residential and Commercial Service 24/7

(707) 745-2930 www.BeniciaPlumbing.com š % ćšŋÜþßÚÜþ

Best of 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012

Benicia # 6%*!ć +)šĽšþß

Jan Ben Mag vol8 v3.indd 29

12/18/12 8:17 AM

2013 JANUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

1/2-1/30

1/3-2/3

1/4&1/18

1/5-1/27

1/8

1/12

1/12

Toastmaster’s Group

Wednesday evening 7:30-9pm Learn to speak with confidence in a friendly environment 601 First Street, Suite 100, Benicia 707.745.5694 Larry Miller

Gallery 621, Thursday-Sunday 12-5pm

Small Works of Art, Created by Gallery 621 artist members 621 First Street, Benicia Gallery621.com 707.746.6211

1/12

1/12

Men of Worth in Concert, 8pm

1/16

Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm

1/17

Community Blood Drive 1-7pm

1/19

Crab Feed, 6-9pm

1/19

Art of a Community

Ghost Walk with Donna Raymond

& Devin Sisk, Fridays, Main Street Depot 8pm Spooky tales of the paranormal history of Benicia Approx. 2 hours, no children under 10 Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House

Weekends 10am-5pm, Fischer-Hanlon tours 1st & 3rd Sundays & 2nd Saturday Tours at 1, 2 and 3pm, Jan. 14 & 15 (closed New Year’s Day) 115 West G Street, Benicia 707.745.3385

First Tuesdays Investment Club

Long-standing investment club Because of New Year’s Day, meeting second Tues. in Jan. For more info contact 707.373.1200

Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm

Benicia Library basement, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Benicia Art Walk, Self-guided Tour 3-7pm

Every second Saturday, pick up a map First Street galleries, studios & businesses Pat Ryll 707.495.2940

Folk music, humor, exciting tunes and soulful ballads Benicia Historical Museum, 2024 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

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

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

First Baptist Church, 1055 Southampton Road 707.745.0899

Crab, pasta, tossed salad and garlic bread B.D.E.S. Benicia Holy Ghost Society B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J Street Contact Ken Gonsalves 707.745.0285

Opening Reception 7-9pm Exhibition runs from Jan. 17-Feb. 17 Gallery hours: Thursday-Sunday, 12-5pm Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler Street, #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Benicia Plein Air Gallery Reception 5-7pm Featured artist is oil painter Iris Sabre 307 First Street, Benicia, Beniciapleinair.com

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Alonzo and Small Insurance Agency

Your one-stop insurance shop since 1981 Home, Auto, Motorcycle, Boat & Business Policies 707.746.0590 alonzosmall.com 1440 Military W. #202, Benicia

2nd Chance Thrift Store Adobe is a clean and sober men’s residential program solely supported by Thrift Shop sales and Labor Services.

Thrift store purchases help men rebuild their lives.

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

öòŷĽŷBenicia Magazine Calendar

Jan Ben Mag vol8 v3.indd 30

12/18/12 8:17 AM

DRE # 00674738

ESTEY Since 1946

Real Estate Sales & Professional Property Management Customer Service, Professional Knowledge, Integrity Here for you since 1946, call us today.

707-745-0924

&IRST 3TREET "ENICIA s www.esteyrealestate.com

THE BENICIA HISTORICAL MUSEUM at the Camel Barns

F REEDOM

Now through February 2013

IS A

H ARD B OUGHT T HING

Classic Country Music

An Exhibit Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation

In Concert Saturday, January 12th!

M EN OF W ORTH Tickets $20 Online or Call the Museum No Host Bar

707-745-5435 • b en i c i a h i st o ri c a l m u s eu m . o rg

Welcome to

Local Country Band CD available online pleasantvalleymusic.com or amazon.com For more info email

bobf12@juno.com

Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years.

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

707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com Benicia # 6%*!ć +)šĽšÜó

Jan Ben Mag vol8 v3.indd 31

12/18/12 8:17 AM

Contractor’s License # 678979

Solid bamboo cabinets—one of the many varieties of styles and options in our newly remodeled showroom

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

Come see our large showroom 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment

707-745-2100 www.aqchome.com

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

Jan Ben Mag vol8 v3.indd 32

12/18/12 8:17 AM