Benicia Magazine January 2021 Issue

New Beginnings

Health & Well-being 2021 100 Years of Helpful

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Celebrating our 16th Year

Benicia Editor-in-Chief Mary Hand

magazine

Art Director

Margaret Bowles Michael Pistillo

Benicia Contributors

Solofo Evans Bitsy Hall Genevieve Hand magazine Darrell Mcelvene Jeannine Mendoza Jean Purnell Maura Sullivan Christina Strawbridge

Administrative Assistant Solofo Evans

Website Specialist & Editorial Assistant Genevieve Hand

Photography Lisa Duncan

Social Media Specialist Bitsy Hall

Advertising Sales 707.980.1563

Adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month

Contact Us

707.980.1563, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com

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.

4 • Benicia Magazine

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Valero Benicia Refinery Community Advisory Panel (CAP)

New Member Sought The City of Benicia and Valero Benicia Refinery are seeking one member of the Benicia community to serve as a Community-at-Large member on the CAP. The purpose of the CAP is to provide an ongoing means of communication between the community and the refinery.

Applications and information are available at: Office of the City Manager City of Benicia 250 East L Street 707-746-4200 sgrebe@ci.benicia.ca.us

-or-

Valero Benicia Refinery Community Relations Department 3400 East 2nd Street 707-745-7534 paul.adler@valero.com

Completed applications are to be returned to the City Manager’s Office by 5:00 pm on Friday, January 29, 2021.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 5

January 2021

Contents

9

Features

New Beginnings 9 Health & Well-being 2021 10 100 Years of Helpful – ACE Hardware 14

Around Town

Art & Philanthropy

Community

10

Discover HQ Gallery 16

The Mechanics of Bodybuilding 11 Supper's On - Entrepreneur Creativity 12 Covid-19 Testing 23

Benicia Business

Benicia Real Estate – Tina Hancock 13

14

Food and Drink

Freshly Rooted Tribe 20 The Hail Mary – Do not pass! 21

Columns

From the Editor

Contributing Writers

Picket Fences – A Benicia Mystery

Dinner and a Movie Trends – Road Trip??

6 • Benicia Magazine

Cover: “Sunrise over Benicia” Photo: Romona Fuller

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

Column

Speaking of new beginnings

Facebook.com/beniciamagazine beniciamagazine @beniciamagazine

There has been a lot of upheaval during 2020.

Businesses have closed and downsized, and a few intrepid souls have actually embarked on new ventures. Like many others, Benicia Magazine is also making a change.

My company, Benicia Publishing, has purchased the magazine, ensuring its production will continue as it has for the last 15 years.

In this issue you will meet many of the magazine’s contributors. This is a group of multi-talented individuals, many of whom are born and bred Benicians, a few of whom are transplants and a couple who are out of the area, entirely. We have a cross-section of artists, both visual and performing, educators, business people, photographer, social advocates and scientists. Margaret Bowles, our art director, will continue designing and contributing to the magazine as she has for the last 15 years. Quite a group.

The talent door is still open and, if you are interested, we are always looking for photographers and writers. Please feel free to contact us.

We also would very much like more input from the community. If you have a constructive comment, or an interesting idea, please let us know. Finally, this magazine is a business. We do not receive money from anyone but our advertisers, and we write about everything we feel is pertinent to Benicia; our restaurants, shops, businesses, personalities, schools, artists, music and musicians, salons and events – when we start having them again! You do not have to purchase advertising to have us write about you or your business.

We are looking forward to evolving along with our town as we all begin again in this new year.

Happy 2021!

Mary Hand

Publisher/Editor Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: Editor@beniciamagazine.com Beniciamagazine.com

8 • Benicia Magazine

Contact info: 707.980.1563 editor@beniciamagazine.com

Feature

New Beginnings n Mary

Hand

Benicia looks forward to new beginnings in 2021

No one knows what 2021 will bring. Nobody knows what the “new normal” will look like. Will there be wedding ceremonies featuring every person a couple has ever met, packed stadiums, concert venues with thousands of people crooning the same tune? Will the now-2021 Summer Olympics happen?

Will awards shows be back? Will we even care? Well, yes we definitely will.

There are no clear answers. But there is hope.

There’s nothing wrong with looking forward to a 2021, post-Covid world

Here are the wishes of a few Covid- weary Benicians:

u A PROPER VACATION – Everyone is

more than ready for an extended stay away from home, and a trip out to some faraway, golden, perpetually pleasant oceanside resort.

u WATCHING A MOVIE in an actual

theater, with popcorn

u CAREFREE HUGS and handshakes We have great news in that there are vaccines now proving to be 95% effective in preventing the coronavirus. If the pandemic had happened ten years ago we would not have had such a quick solution. Today’s technological innovations have allowed the vaccines to be developed at unprecedented speeds.

Another thing to look forward to in 2021 is a greater focus on well-being. Employers are recognizing and empathizing with the stress their workers are experiencing. Families are learning how to be together and entire communities now understand the importance of taking care of themselves and each other.

In 2021, we will all be very focused on how to be better humans and how to help others more than we have before.

Benicians have always supported each other, especially those in need. We have always stepped up in a crisis, and the past year is no exception. Businesses help other businesses, artists help other artists, the young help the old. It is this history of compassion that will see us through to the end of the pandemic.

The pandemic has tested each of us to the very depths of our being. But like everything, it will pass. There’ll be a day in the future where we’ll all look around and let out one epic, collective sigh of relief.

u ATTENDING A CONCERT – in person u BASEBALL, BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL – in person u GOING TO THE GYM u STRESS-FREE HAIRCUTS u GOING OUT TO EAT and actually dining

inside, with several people

u FAMILY GATHERINGS with the extended

relatives, including grandma and grandpa

BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

Feature

Health & Well-being The power of resilience n Genevieve

Hand

Yes! 2020, the year that will go down in historical infamy, is finally over. Yet, we are still “‘I don’t have in the thick of many of the problems that 2020 wrought. As such, our New Year’s resolutions time’ is a common may be looking a little different this year. “New year, new you” doesn’t have quite the same misconception and ring to it this time around. Yet, it is a given that many will again choose the start of the new excuse. You can year as a time to recommit to themselves. To make the time. invest in their health and well-being. With this in mind, we spoke with Lisa McVeigh of Griffin And, now that Fitness to get her take on what people should consider as they take on this goal. many of us are no She points out that the main unique factor this year is the pandemic. Many people have longer commuting, been more sedentary than usual and working from home with less than ergonomic home we actually do offices. As ever, the biggest challenge for have more time!” many is simply getting started. Whether you’re getting moving for the first time, or for the first time in a long time, start small.

“For example,” says McVeigh, “first commit to drinking more water each day. Then, look at your nutrition.

Then, start walking.” You can’t start sprinting from a complete standstill, so set realistic goals to start, then begin nudging those goals along little by little. McVeigh also points out that having a buddy with whom you can work toward your goals can be very helpful, and can be done in a safe, socially distanced way. Using some sort of fitness app can also be helpful for keeping you on track.

“People often quit after a setback or failure.” The trick is to keep going, and if necessary, rethink the goal you set for yourself that day. “It takes about three weeks to change a behavior, and motivation increases the more your honor your commitment.”

McVeigh points out that fitness isn’t simply about looking a certain way; it’s also about longevity and simply feeling better. Exercise helps strengthen bones as well as Lisa McVeigh of Griffin Fitness

10 • Benicia Magazine

muscles, all of which is essential to keeping you moving as you age. In addition, “when you commit to doing something for yourself, you tend to feel good about that.” This holds true for physical fitness as well as mental fitness.

“I encourage all my clients to meditate and to not give up on it,” says McVeigh. During 2020, many people experienced heightened levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. As such, committing to mental health has become a priority for many. A practice like daily meditation can help strengthen your resilience to outside stressors that wreak havoc on mental health.

Its benefits have also been shown to improve focus, clarity, and mood. “‘I don’t have time’ is a common misconception and excuse. You can make the time. And, now that many of us are no longer commuting, we actually do have more time!”

McVeigh urges readers to see what their gym of choice has to offer, be it outdoor or virtual classes and personal training (as Griffin Fitness offers), or to simply start walking with a buddy or solo. She also urges readers to think about last year’s resolution. “If it didn’t work for you last year, what’s going to be different this year? Come up with something new. Apply successful approaches from other aspects of your life. Do what you can to be the best person you can be.”

If you are unsure about where to start on your health and fitness journey, it’s always a good idea to talk with a health professional about setting personal goals. If you’re unsure how to start meditating, there are many paid and free resources online. In addition, it’s a good idea to see what services your healthcare provider (if you have one) offers.

For instance, Kaiser Permanente partners with the Calm and MyStrength apps, making them free to its members.

We’ve had to rethink and reimagine so many things over the last year, and that has been a testament to our tenacity. So this year, instead of “new year, new you,” let’s reimagine the sentiment. New year, same you. But a stronger, more resilient you.

Around Town - Community

n Solofo

Evans

The gym – a place of arduous activity, limit-testing and perpetual growth…all with a delicious, sweat-heavy brow. No matter how much stronger you get, you are just going to increase the weight, the repetitions or the number of forms to make sure you meet and exceed a challenge. There are many who take pride in what they have become, and for good reason. This level of dedication to self requires the unyielding desire of the truly committed. As an ex-bodybuilder and athlete, COVID-19 has undoubtedly done me – and everyone else – dirty.

I was taught as a bodybuilder that it isn’t always the amount of weight lifted that promotes muscle growth and fat consumption – it is the kind of demand you put on the muscle you are trying to target. I’ve been experimenting for months on body weight exercises and found that growth is, indeed, still possible. Without dumbbells, barbells and machines to use, understanding how your body moves and what part of your body you are wanting to target is key. Squats and any type of chest press, for example, are all compound movements (they require more than just the primary muscle to perform). Did you know that your basic squat form recruits your abdominals, lower back, quadriceps (quads – front of the legs) and hamstrings (hams – back of the legs)? Squats hit more than just the gluteus maximus (the butt specifically, the shape of the butt when seen from a side profile)! The amount of weight you put on the bar often impacts how much of these secondary muscles you start to recruit.

A little secret… if you narrow down what you are targeting, you can get development with less weight!

I’m not exactly the type to share what my exercises are, however, setting up a guide to figure out what to target would be a pleasure.

I highly recommend doing what are called “blank repetitions.” Basically, you are looking for the muscle you want to hit. When gyms open back up, you will see individuals doing the motion of an exercise, unweighted, while their other hand is on the assumed muscle target. Once a mastery of blank reps is achieved, you’ll notice that some of the motions look similar to some bodybuilding

poses. This is due to the level of focus that has been achieved to engage the exact muscle chosen to be the momentary center of attention.

Another one that I feel is often overlooked would be achieving “to failure” for every lightweight set – and most other cases when our dream of an open, unrestricted gym comes true.

My high school coach, back in Alabama, taught us what failure was very early on. He said, “if the weight ain’t heavy ‘nuff t’kill ya’, don’t rack it ‘till it lays ya’ out!”... thanks, coach. But, there is a lot of truth in that comment. As mentioned before, growth and fat consumption is based on demand – if you’re pushing to the point where your body is literally saying, “one more and I’m at the edge,” you’re doing it right – to the edge we go…

Everyone is capable of becoming stronger, more in shape or “satisfied.” However, be mindful of your body. It will get you through most things but that doesn’t mean that it’s indestructible. If you experience a pulling sensation on a muscle, to the point where the “I’m at the edge” feeling erupts suddenly because of some strange tweak, stop the motion! Have the poor fella in a resting position and lightly stretch to make sure you haven’t done any damage, then move on to another targeted muscle. If there are any questions, comments, or arguments (I tend to welcome challenges), feel free to reach out to Benicia Magazine and have my name as part of the subject. Of course, the plethora of trainers and coaches in Benicia would be happy to give guidance (and challenge!), as well. I have yet to meet one who was wrong about their training methods. Grow, shape and eat well!

“if the weight ain’t heavy ‘nuff t’kill ya’, don’t rack it ‘till it lays ya’ out!”...

BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

Around Town Community

Supper’s On!

Enchantment Evenings on 1st Street n Catherine

Crawford

Here’s the thing. So many of us have been doing the same thing in the same place, every single day, for months. We really are starving for a little indulgence, a little bit of feeling special, of delighting in a beautiful space and perhaps music. Impossible? Perhaps not. There is a unique caterer and event planner in our small town that has taken on the challenge of Covid and has created something new.

Supper’s On is a small event business owned by Michelle Hederling. In normal times Michelle would produce a variety of events, from intimate dinner parties to major galas. She is a specialist in tablescaping and is immensely imaginative in coming up with creative themes for all size gatherings, many with travel themes, like Japan, Thailand or safari (photo safari, of course). She specializes in catering to all different food tastes and diets, including vegan, plant based, keto and beyond. Using locally sourced and organic ingredients, Michelle had a robust clientele.

But 2020 delivered something that even the most seasoned event planners couldn’t have expected: the coronavirus pandemic. With events cancelling and small businesses and restaurants closing, Michelle knew she had to pivot to something else, something new.

With most small businesses facing similar challenges, Michelle thought, “Why not collaborate?”

Supper's On helps open a local food truck. One of the many vendors that have been helped by Michelle Hederling.

She talked with vendors and suppliers and came up with micro events that are Covid compliant, limiting the guest list to only 2 to 6 people, members of a pod. She began creating small dinners in collaboration with Sweetness & Light florist, and called them Enchantment Evenings. She decided to use local photographers, local retailers and incorporate other downtown businesses in each event.

She then came up with themed micro events, like Spicy & Saucy for couples. This event takes place at a secret location and includes a 5 course dinner, music and conversation about relationships. Each event that Michelle devises is tiny, exclusive and beautifully designed.

Michelle is a wonderful example of entrepreneurship in Benicia, she is upbeat and energetic, and she does her best to engage as many businesses as possible in her productions.

12 • Benicia Magazine

Enchantment Evenings on 1st combines Supper's On and SweetnessAndLight.

Around Town Benicia Business

Benicia Real Estate Local agents answer your real estate questions

Question: Is it wise to buy or sell during a pandemic?

The Real Estate Buying and Selling Process has changed due to the pandemic as rules and procedures continues to evolve. The process has become more efficient with technology improvements.

While none of us have a crystal ball, if it’s your instinct to buy or sell now – it is probably right on.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Feature

Gene Pedrotti’s family opened a hardware store in Crockett in the 1920s, and continues the business here in Benicia to this day

n

Gene and his dogs.

TOP: Gene Pedrotti was responsible for getting the C and H lights turned back on after many years of being dark.

14 • Benicia Magazine

Jeannine Mendoza Ed.D

Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Gene Pedrotti, the owner of the Ace Hardware store located at 830 Southampton Road, is one of those thoughtful, committed citizens.

A third generation native Californian with strong roots in the community, Gene and his family have operated the Ace Hardware store that bears his name for the past ninety-eight years, and his commitment to the community is apparent. Pedrotti’s paternal greatgrandparents settled in Marin County after the Gold Rush, and became local leaders in the growing community. In fact, one of Pedrotti’s ancestors, Matias “Matt” Pedrotti, became president of the Bank of San Rafael, and served as Marin County Supervisor at the same time. This ancestor helped rebuild the city of San Rafael after the devastating 1906 Earthquake. He was

so civic-minded, he actually bequeathed a ranch in Marin County to provide for the medical needs of the homeless.

Of course, much later the land was appropriated by the federal government in an eminent domain proceeding that gave the land to the Hamilton Field Air Base, in Novato. Decades later, though, the Air Base was decommissioned, and some of the acreage was set aside for affordable housing. In a way, “Matt” Pedrotti’s final act as benefactor for the homeless finally came to fruition. Besides being civic leaders and part of the pioneer community that settled the area, the family opened a hardware store in Crockett in the 1920s, and continues the business here in Benicia to this day.

At the beginning of the pandemic in March, the state responded to the health crisis with a lockdown. Hardware stores are considered essential services, though, and Pedrotti’s Ace Hardware stayed open with the employees wearing face masks and shields, maintaining social distances,

Feature

ABOVE: Gene worked with the City of Martinez to create a memorable 60th Anniversary for the Zampa (Carquinez) Bridge in 1987.

LEFT: 1949 Baseball Team

disinfecting surfaces and limiting the number of patrons allowed to enter.

Initially, Amazon could not supply basics to Benicia residents, but Pedrotti’s stepped in and responded to their need for essentials like toilet paper, soaps, sanitizers, and everything else. The hardware store actually benefited from the pandemic, with record sales. Right away, Gene saw the toll the pandemic was taking on other local businesses, with a number of store closures taking place in Benicia and environs.

Back in 1997, Gene, as owner/manager of the Ace Hardware, won the nationally esteemed President’s Cup for the best Ace Hardware in the U.S. His dedication and the extra hours spent on the job enabled Gene to be able to make the necessary commitments to his suppliers, and obtain the necessary products for his customers. The relationships he had built with suppliers and corporate higher-ups over the decades worked to his advantage during the darkest days of the pandemic.

According to Gene Pedrotti, the symbiotic role between business and community became obvious as the pandemic continued in Benicia, and business owners either shut their doors or reinvented the way they did business.

To-go meals, curbside service, outdoor service and pick-up orders became the new normal, and allowed businesses to continue operating on a limited basis. A tough election complicated the situation, resulting in some discordant feelings between stakeholders. Recently, however, with a COVID vaccine on the horizon, residents and business owners can be hopeful that there will be a return to a semblance of normalcy in Benicia.

Gene Pedrotti has some ideas on how to revitalize business in Benicia.

First, once it is safe to do so, he thinks it would be a good idea to plan a grand re-opening celebration of the downtown shopping area. Maybe some re-branding is in order to put an inviting face on our downtown. Maybe the old movie house

can be refurbished, and put to better use. Perhaps now is the moment to put affordable housing in the city, as many city workers cannot afford the rents here in town. Affordable housing has been a predicament since the 1970s. Pedrotti himself has stated, “We need to cultivate and accommodate affordable housing, and the diversity which it brings to the community.” It is refreshing to see a business owner view their loyal workers as human beings, and not just as the means to a profit. It is inspirational to see a business owner wish to reward the efforts of his workers with affordable housing. And once this pandemic loosens its grip on our local economy, we have an opportunity to make important changes.

Thoughtful consideration of what we want for our town should steer our next actions.

For a continuation of the history of Gene Pedrotti, his family and commitment to community, please visit our website beniciamagazine.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Around Town Art

Discover HQ Gallery Barb Duvall demonstrating how to create art at HQ Gallery. Photo by Ok Kyong Hanrahan n Jean

Purnell

Taking pride in showing diverse artistic styles is what makes the HQ Gallery, now in its fifth year, a favorite of repeat visitors to Benicia. Located at 333D First Street in the Historic Washington House in the heart of downtown, the HQ Gallery is a collective of emerging and established artists who work in various mediums, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting, prints, collage and ceramics, photography and assemblage, mixed media, digital art, needlepoint, and small gift items including art cards and accessories. “Our many out-of-town visitors tell us that they enjoy finding something new, something different, something for everyone in a range of affordable prices, in a warm and friendly environment. We want to be sure our locals know we’re here as well,” says Jean Purnell, one of the gallery’s newer artists. “If you haven’t been in the gallery yet, please visit us!”

Founded in 2015 by artist Susan Street, the gallery took its name from its original location in the Headquarters Building in the Benicia Arsenal District. “I founded the HQ Gallery because I wanted to encourage new artists and my artist friends to show their work in a public place,” says Street about the gallery’s unique mission. “But after a few years in the Arsenal, we decided we needed walk-in traffic, so we began looking for a downtown location.”

16 • Benicia Magazine

With the move to First Street in 2017, the gallery has become an active participant with Galleries of First Street, Benicia Main Street, and Arts Benicia, helping to create events that promote the local art scene such as the Art Walk, Benicia Open Studios, and seasonal holiday events. A new show is produced every two months.

“My work is primarily landscape painting plein air in a loose, painterly style. I’m one of only two or three gallery artists who work in oil,” says Purnell, who joined the gallery in January of 2020. The gallery has several talented photographers, including Tibby Lerner, one of HQ’s longterm members. Lerner’s photography is inspired by nature, as well as city and urban landscapes. She has recently been using her original photography to create digital art as well. Barrie Robinson, a founding member, considers herself a “maker” and creates art pieces and assemblages from found objects. These often-whimsical pieces are a way for Robinson to express her unique sense of humor. The works of digital painter Barb Duvall incorporate bright vibrant colors and portray the relationships between animals and humans through their facial expressions. Her works are dye-infused metal.

The diversity among the twenty or so artists is as intriguing as it is intentional.

Selection criteria for new artists include quality of work as well as consideration of how each artist’s work can add

something different to the gallery’s overall presentation of art. The physical size of the gallery allows for about twenty artists to participate, and the gallery is currently accepting applications for new members.

The HQ Gallery has been careful to follow all required health and safety measures to ensure that visitors can enjoy their time in the gallery, while allowing for social distancing. The restrictions have prompted the artists to develop new means of sharing information about the gallery, including a virtual tour and artist profiles on the website (hqgallery.net), and short videos about each artist on Instagram @hqgallerybenicia. Artists also enjoy setting up an easel on the sidewalk outside the gallery on weekends, when weather permits, and demonstrating their art for the public. They look forward to being able to return to public events, which include opening receptions for new shows, art auctions, art-inspired poetry readings, and other ways of helping visitors engage with art.

The HQ artists invite you to drop in and see the newest show, installed in early January. Visitors can learn more about HQ’s award-winning artists, upcoming shows, events, and hours of operation through the gallery’s website and Facebook.com/hqgallerybenicia/.

Artists interested in learning more about membership can inquire via hqgallery333d@gmail.com.

Canyon by Jean Purnell

Art by Tibby Lerner

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Column Feature

Darrell Mcelvane grew up in Vallejo and now calls Benicia my home. Darrell understands the magic of the 94510, has a love for all things sparkly and beautiful—and Benicia fits the bill.

He has worked for UCSF for the past five years and also worked for Stop AIDS Project and the San Francisco AIDS foundation.

Darrell holds the belief that in every conversation, there are three thing we all want to know: Do you hear me, do you see me, and does what I say matter to you?

Lisa Duncan* has been photographing for over 15 years as a professional photographer.

Her passion is for wedding photography and fine art. She is truly a professional and takes her job to heart. She believes her priority as a photographer is foremost to capture moments that truly matter. Those raw fleeting moments that are once in a lifetime: “Its not just about the pictures, it's about the feelings.” * Lisa Duncan “writes” with her photographs.

Karina Escalante is a Benicia native who currently works as an environmental scientist at a local Benicia business. With a degree in Biology from San Diego State University, she has a love for the outdoors and all the critters that come along with it. In her spare time, she can usually be found reading a good book or out walking the local neighborhoods and trails with her husband, Kenny, and their golden retriever puppy, Archie.

Solofo Evans, also known to many as Slu, is a University of Tennessee graduate with a Business Analyst degree focusing on International Business and a minor in Linguistics with mastery in French and proficiency in Japanese. With a thirst for knowledge and a perpetually multitasked agenda, Solofo has contributed to Benicia Magazine as business advisor, administrative assistant and writer.

Patty Galvin's response for the opportunity to write for Benicia Magazine—grateful and delighted! Recently retired, she has a newly found interest in writing for the magazine, and other journalistic type endeavors.

A graduate of UC Davis, most of Patty's work life has been in education as a 6th grade teacher, and an art teacher in Catholic Schools.

Rebecca Gulick, a tech writer and project manager by day, loves writing about the arts for Benicia Magazine. A proud BHS Panther Band parent to two teenage musicians, Rebecca is also a singer and choral-music fanatic.

Among her recent pursuits are editing virtual-choir videos and learning to play the cello.

18 • Benicia Magazine

Column For a more complete bio of each contributor, please go to our website

Kathryn T. Graham has spent her professional life working as a Production Director for dance companies and festivals both local and international. Cooking is one of her deep passions. She has catered art openings for Anna Dal Pino and John Lefan, has been on a team that held New Year’s Day open houses for up to 70 guests, and has organized dinner parties either cooking the whole meal or assigning recipes to everyone to create a cohesive potluck.

Bitsy Hall is a Benicia native and local elementary school teacher. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley with a major in Peace and Conflict Studies and Human Rights, and is currently finishing her masters of education at Touro University.

Bitsy is a contributing writer for Benicia Magazine and also manages their social media pages.

Genevieve Hand is a Benicia native who grew up dancing at Stage One Dance Center, where she gained an appreciation of the performing arts at an early age. She earned a dual bachelor’s degree in dance and anthropology at the UCSB, and is currently pursuing her MBA through Colorado State University. She also fills a variety of roles for Benicia Magazine, including, among other things, being a contributing writer and proofer, as well as managing the magazine’s website.

Jeannine Mendoza, a sixthgeneration Californian, was born in Santa Monica, and raised in Venice. She earned a B.A. and M.A. in Reading Improvement at CSUN, a teaching credential at LMU, an M.Ed in Administration at UCLA, and a Doctorate in Curriculum at UCLA. Jeannine taught public school for 35 years.

Although not a Benicia resident currently, Jeannine has worked in the East Bay area off and on for thirty years. She has traveled extensively in the U.S and abroad.

Christina Strawbridge knows how gratifying it is to have someone acknowledge your writing. Starting almost 15 years ago, Christina has explored fashion, travel, the famous and not so, family, friends and her health.

The column has unlocked her own points of view and hopefully entertained her readers. Because she covers trends, her subjects needs to be timely. In other words, she never knows where it will go, creating an adventure for the pen and paper and you the reader.

Maura Sullivan is a Napa living, Benicia Native. Her inspiration stems from career in the wine business. Her 6+ years’ experience has taken her to the famous Napa Valley and as far as New Zealand. With her travels she has discovered new and unexpected flavors while keeping the classics in mind. Before she discovered vino, she was also involved with homebrewing. She still holds a special place in her heart for the classic northern California IPA.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Around Town Food and Drink

FRESHLY ROOTED TRIBE A Health Awakening n Bitsy

Hall

If you’re anything like the majority of Americans, you may have self-soothed with one too many cocktails and homemade bread loaves throughout the course of the pandemic. While these vices may have provided temporary relief from the emotional hardship of living through a global crisis, you may have noticed a decline in your health.

Maybe the stairs are becoming more mountainous or your jeans a little tighter (but really, who has worn them since March anyway?). Unzippable preCovid jeans or not, you may be looking to 2021 as a year of health reclamation. Luckily, for Benicians and visitors alike, there is a health revolution burgeoning from a little downtown shop: Freshly Rooted Tribe.

Owners Chris and Audrey Ciancaglini are a husband and wife team. Hailing from Vallejo, these high school sweethearts turned 20 • Benicia Magazine

married power couple share a healthcare background and a calling to help others.

Shortly after their move to Benicia in 2013, Chris and Audrey decided to make healthier lifestyle choices to pass onto their children.

This decision led them to venture into a vegan lifestyle, where they would soon discover Irish sea moss: a nutrient-dense food with a wealth of health benefits.

The more they researched, the more their passion was fueled. Word of this plant-based powerhouse needed to be spread.

In 2016, quality Irish sea moss was difficult to find. Chris and Audrey did research to source the highest quality sea moss possible. Blended with Kangen water, a strong alkalized water with antioxidants, their sea moss comes prepared to eat straight from the jar.

Their sea moss is 100% wild harvested from the Atlantic Ocean, meaning that their sea moss has never been farmed or grown in pools. Due to its natural form of harvest, Freshly Rooted Tribe’s sea moss is annually tested for radioactivity, microbes, pesticides/herbicides, heavy metals, and petroleum residues.

The sea vegetable is never uprooted, but rather cut just to where it meets the water, to ensure regrowth of the algae.

The high quality sourcing allows for a clean taste and maximum nutritional value.

The nutrition profile of sea moss is huge. It contains 92 of the 102 minerals the body needs,

while also providing a healthy dose of iodine to aid in thyroid function. The anti-inflammatory properties of sea moss help in exercise recovery and joint health. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties and mineral content, it boosts immunity with its antimicrobial and antiviral properties. “This stuff helped people survive the potato famine,” explains Chris. And even though sea moss alone is not a cure-all, Chris adds that it is a catalyst towards your health goals. His explanation is simple: when you feel energized and nourished, you are more likely to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

“It’s not hype, it’s an awakening.”

While sea moss packs a punch, it is versatile and can be added to a multitude of different diets. Anyone who has ventured into the health world online has been pulled in multiple directions – should you do keto? Should you be vegan? What about intermittent fasting or calorie restriction? Whatever you decide, sea moss fits into just about every category. With virtually zero calories and no carbohydrates, it won’t break your fast or chip away at your caloric bank.

Freshly Rooted Tribe’s mission to foster a healthier community through their products has taken off. The power of sea moss combined with the drive of the Ciancaglinis is spreading beyond their quaint storefront. Exciting ventures are on the horizon for this young and ambitious couple. As Chris Ciancaglini says, “It’s not hype, it’s an awakening.”

Around Town Food and Drink

The Hail Mary Do not pass!

n Maura

Sullivan

When all the resolutions you’ve made have been broken year after year, it’s time for you and your resolutions to come to a compromise.

January is the time to recover from the holidays, not a time for penance.

Healthy choices can be made with a little bit of spice added. Who's to say someone is watching? Maybe nosy neighbors, but we won't tell if you don’t.

Let me give you an example of a proper New Year’s resolution compromise. Say your resolution is to adopt a high protein diet with more veggies. A Double-Double from In-N-Out Burger, protein style (lettuce instead of bun), is a nice high-protein meal. The cheese and animal style fries will be your compromise.

This would be a good time to mention I’m NOT a nutritionist...A better example would be to tell you about my favorite “healthy” compromise.

It is essential for Sunday brunch. The Hail Mary (Bloody Mary) at the Rellik Tavern.

Let me start off by saying the bloody mary mix tastes like it was made by someone who knows how to pronounce Worcestershire sauce.

This is an important detail. If you can pronounce Worcestershire (Worrstah-shire) you have a clear understanding of this magnificent, savory sauce. The tomato juice has a perfect consistency and a kick to clear up any congestion.

Of course, you’ll find the traditional garnishings on top—celery, asparagus, green beans, lemons and cocktail olives. Plenty of potassium, Vitamins C and B. This glass mug is not for the faint hearted.

This will be your breakfast lunch and possible dinner in a glass.

My cheat meal can be found at the very top. Stacked fried chicken sliders with an onion ring in the center for good measure. A spicy jumbo shrimp roll, also known as the Raven Claw, skewered with two healthy slices of thick-cut bacon. All hail Mary!

I have a fruity “healthy” option for you as well. A bubbly classic that can be found/made at the Chill. A beautiful glass of Aria Pinot Noir Brut with a dash of Lynn’s famous sangria. Off-dry bubbles with a dash of bright red ripe fruit. Guaranteed to brighten up your Sunday.

I hope you make good choices (*wink, wink*) and a healthy, happy start to the year.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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Shortly after the onset of COVID-19, the City of Vallejo went into partnership with a lab in Menlo Park, Avallino Labs.

According to Anne Cardwell, Assistant City Manager for the City of Vallejo, Avallino Labs is unique, in that their test is very reliable and they are able to turn the tests around within 24-48 hours. At the beginning of the pandemic, this type of turnaround time was pretty rare, and even now, with increased testing, Avallino’s turnaround time surpasses what most healthcare providers can offer.

The primary goal was to provide timely testing capability for our own essential workers with the City, particularly public safety and other city employees that regularly need to interact with the public. They also reached out to neighboring entities like City of Benicia and Vallejo Flood and Wastewater to see if they would be interested in accessing the testing. They incorporated the use of the tests with Project Room Key, a program initiated by the Governor’s office, to house the homeless during the pandemic. Finally, they partnered with the County to provide tests to Vallejo long-term care facilities that have the potential to become “hot spots.”

The city embarked on this initiative, but knew that they couldn’t do it alone, so they formed a partnership with La Clinica to assist with the administration of the tests and the required reporting to Public Health. La Clinica has been an excellent partner in this effort and works closely with the City to coordinate testing dates and communicate directly with Avallino Labs to get results, and then contact those tested with their results.

They offered regular testing opportunities for City of Vallejo employees, and they also made testing dates available to our local public entities, including City of Benicia and Vallejo Flood and Wastewater, both of which entered into an agreement with City of Vallejo to access COVID-19 tests for their employees, should they need testing due to potential exposure or symptoms of the virus.

It’s inspiring to see how many individuals and organizations immediately stepped up to provide testing to our essential workers and the community’s most vulnerable individuals.

We are confident that many of these relationships will be strengthened and relied upon as we continue to tackle challenges associated with COVID-19 and beyond.

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 Picke n Darrell

Mcelvane

Previously in Picket Fences…

Prompted by threats from an unwelcome visitor, Angela had just finished recounting a dark story from her past to her husband, Bruce. Astonished by the story, Bruce had stormed away from the house. We rejoin our story that same night with Angela and Bruce’s neighbor, Madalyn, returning home with groceries.

Madalyn rounds the corner just in time to see Bruce speeding out of the cul-de-sac. She pulls into her driveway and looks back at Angela’s, thinking how unusual it was to see Bruce drive recklessly.

Madalyn makes her way to her front door, balancing her groceries in her arms. Plac-ing the bags down in the kitchen, she sees a note that reads, “I’m going to be late tonight, don’t worry about dinner.” “You’re never home for dinner these days, are you?” she sighs to herself. Pulling out the rotisserie chicken she bought and a fork from a drawer, she dives right in at the kitchen sink. “Another night alone… how did we get here?” she thinks. As she pours a glass of wine, a vintage steamer trunk in the living room catches her eye. She walks over, glass in hand, and kneels before it. Unhooking the brass locks, she takes a sip of wine for courage and pulls out a white plush bear. Tears begin to roll down her cheeks as she pulls the bear to her face before placing it aside. Taking another sip from her glass, she pulls out a pair of over-alls and slowly runs her fingers over the name “Sydney” embroidered across the front. Her tears flow now, as she thinks of the life that should have been. she finishes the rest of the wine in one full sip no..no.. you can't... stop it stop it tomorrow will be better it won't hurt to-morrow just get to tomorrow. Madalyn whispers to herself closing the trunk.

As the midday sun shines down on the beautiful seaside town of Benicia, Angela’s son, Payton, is still wondering who the woman from last night was, why his mother had acted so strangely, and where his father had gone in such a hurry. Perturbed, all he

24 • Benicia Magazine

knows is that his mom's so-called friend was the key.

During his lunch break from school, Payton stops

by Benicia Health and Fitness to collect his paycheck from his part-time job. He gets out of his car and starts walking toward the gym when a blue truck speeds into the parking lot. Payton looks up, knowing this could only be one person. Xavier Lavenworth. He was 6’1” with blonde hair and green eyes. He looked like Captain America and old money. Payton looks at him, wondering what it must be like not having to worry about anything, having your parents set you up for life. “Hi, Payton!” he hears from across the parking lot, Payton whirls to see Madalyn approaching at a brisk pace in her Easton Tie Dye Joggers and Black Cove Sandals she picked up from Collektive Boutique. He’s seen women like Madalyn at the gym before. They never seem to come to the gym to actually work out. “Hi, Mrs. Walker,” Payton returns with a forced smile. “Is your mom at her office? I have to talk to her about the clock tower fundraiser for F.A.C.T,” Madalyn chirps. “She should be,” Payton shrugs. At that moment, Xavier Lavenworth passes them to enter the gym.

“Now, he is nothing but trouble. Just like his daddy,” Madalyn says, under her breath.

“I wouldn’t know,” says Payton, allowing himself the distraction of Xavier’s slightly arrogant strut. His gaze still fixed, Payton begins walking toward the gym. “Bye, Mrs. Walker…” he says over his shoulder.

To Be Continued…

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Visit BeniciaMainStreet.org BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

Column Dinner and a Movie

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

Mare Island Brewing Company & Beer Culture the Movie

26 • Benicia Magazine

n

Cinema Cat & Gourmet Gracie

Please note: Mare Island Brewing will soon be in Benicia on 1st Street Did you know that Commodore David Farragut, famed for uttering, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,” served as Mare Island Naval Shipyard’s first commander in 1854? Mare Island was named for General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo’s prized white mare that survived a capsized ferry and swam ashore. So much history has transpired since then, including the closure of the shipyard in 1996. In 2013, the Mare Island Brewing Company set up shop, renovating one of the nine Coal Sheds that stored and loaded coal onto Navy steamships. The fully restored waterfront building became the Coal Shed Brewery in 2017, a state of the art, 15 barrel brew house. Tours, tastings and private events by appointment.

The Ferry Taproom on the Vallejo waterfront (at the Ferry Building) is open daily with food, craft beer and rooftop seating. Core beers include Coal Shed Stout, Hydraulic Sandwich Pale Ale, Saginaw Golden Ale and Survivor’s Tale Pale Ale. Menu includes burgers, beer cheese, Cajun deviled eggs, shrimp & grits, Korean style fried chicken sandwich or the famous poutine!

Originating in Quebec, poutine is a delicacy of steak fries, cheddar cheese curds and sausage gravy. Seriously fabulous. Be brave, it’s a new year!

Oh, did I mention they have beer? Yes, beer.

It will change your life. So, drive or sail or ferry on over to the dock and take in the views….and the beer!

We learn a lot in a short period of time and come away with respect for the small business men and women who struck out into the world with only water, barley, hops, and yeast. Their willingness to take risks, their creativity, sense of community, and passion for their unique products are infectious. We come out of the film ready to break out of our ordinary beer ruts and venture into the taste sensations of Left Hand, Oskar Blues, Equinox, and New Belgium, to mention only a handful of the local beermakers making small batches of locally-sourced beers. Nothing run-of-themill. Not the people or their products.

And happily, we will soon have Mare Island Brewing Company right here in Benicia! This viewer is ready, mug in hand, to develop the taste and appreciation for fine, young beers.

PLUMBIN

32 .1

96

ST

IA

.

INC

beer is not beer.”

“PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE...”

G

“Just so you know,

BENICIA PLUMBING INC.

E

Just so you know, beer is not beer.

That tantalizing statement will be made clear to you in this month’s lively and informative documentary, Beer Culture the Movie.

In just under one hour, the filmmaker takes us into the hearts and minds of the pioneers, the entrepreneurs, the artists and creators who bring microbreweries and brewpubs to life into our communities.

The film is set in Colorado, arguably the micro brewing capital of the country. It gives us a thumbnail history of independent brewing, from immigrant brewers yearning for beer from the old country, all the way up to the renaissance of beer in our current culture ~ more flavorful, less fizzy.

BEN IC

BEER CULTURE THE MOVIE

975

CSL

32

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Column Trends

Church from Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” in the town of Bodega.

28 • Benicia Magazine

Christina Strawbridge

My Mom was great about taking road trips. She would load up her beat-up Dodge station wagon with her five kids and my grandmother for a day of adventure that usually included grocery shopping, errands, exploring the local lake for a picnic and stopping at an A&W root beer stand for a cold one. Mom never worried about the Indiana weather or the fighting kids in the back seat, as she always had an escape plan. Getting stuck in the snow or finding cover during a tornado were all part of the adventure. Being cooped up in the house was never an option.

I tried carrying on the practice when we moved to California in the mid ‘80s.

My two boys and I would hit the LA freeways, adventuring to the famed sites of Hollywood, the Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, movie star house tours, flying kites on the Malibu beaches, roller skating along the boardwalk in Newport and discovering the coolness of California from the perspective of a star struck Midwesterner.

n

Being relegated to staying home these last 10 months has resurrected my interest in road trips. Northern California is an incredible place to explore from the interior of your car.

For our recent 49th wedding anniversary, my husband, Scott arranged for us to travel to Santa Rosa for a romantic takeout dinner from La Gare. The famous French restaurant is located in the Railroad Square Historic District and is known for its authentic cuisine and amazing chocolate mousse. Seeing that I love all things French, it was the perfect spot to celebrate this major milestone. Before pickup, we decided to take the road to Bodega Bay which is only about a half hour from Santa Rosa. It was a beautiful chilly day as we traveled through miles of farmland and hills that had a tint of green because of recent rain. The first town we came across was Sebastopol, the "Gravenstein Apple Capital of the World" dating back to the 1850s. Apples have been replaced by grapes and the town itself seems kind of quirky, with a mix of

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

Column Trends old and new in a quaint setting. The next stop was the tiny village of Bodega, which we discovered is different from Bodega Bay. As we approached the village to the left, we could see the Potter Schoolhouse, made famous by the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds. It is located behind a bright white church with a tall steeple that was also seen in shots from the movie.

Hitchcock was attracted to the bleak treeless hills, quiet fishing harbor and the fog of Bodega for this very scary movie.

There are other reminders of the The Birds as we pulled into Bodega Bay, even though most of it was filmed on the back lots of Universal Studios. My imagination got away from me as we took the winding HWY 1, thinking of Tippi Hedren (Melanie Daniels) driving her Aston Martin convertible on her quest to deliver love birds to Rod Taylor (Mitch Brenner).

We stopped the car along the side of the highway to get a better view of the roaring ocean and bravely walked hand in hand along the cliffs to see the waves hit the rocks below us. As we headed back to pick up the Coq u Vin dinner at La Gare, these two love birds decided that there is romance and adventure within a few miles of home, even after almost a half century together. Next road trip???

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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

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