Benicia Magazine July 2017

Benicia's abundant Victorians just oozing with charm Perfectly pink: Rosé wines come into their own

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Volume 12 Issue 9 July 2017

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Volume 12 Issue 7 May 2017

A weekend of rock and roll at annual waterfront festival

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Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2017, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, 372 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.8159, beniciamagazine.com.

4 • Benicia Magazine

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July’s

Big Events!

Photo by Bryan Maxwell

July 3

Torchlight Parade, 6:30pm First Street

July 4

Picnic in the Park & Fireworks 12-7pm City Park, First Street and Military West

July 29 & 30

Benicia Waterfront Festival 11am-6pm First Street Green Put on by Benicia Main Street Beniciamainstreet.org, 707.745.9791 BeniciaMagazine.com • 5

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Thank You Benicia Voters Measure your accomplishments C the results at BeniciaMeasureC.org

Measure C, the local 1¢ on the dollar sales tax approved by voters in November 2014, went into effect on April 1, 2015. Since that time, $11 million has been invested to support City of Benicia services. Of that, over $7.1 million has been invested in 15 infrastructure/equipment improvement projects, none of which would have occurred but for the proceeds generated by Measure C.

Police/Fire Radio Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,050,000

Pothole & Resurfacing Project. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$200,000

Fire Engine Replacement (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$740,491 Police Vehicle Camera Replacement . . . . . . . .$103,610

Storm Water Management & Flood Mitigation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$300,000

First Street Waterfront Promenade Railing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$273,606

James Lemos Swim Center Repair Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$790,000

Community Park Playground Project . . . . . . . .$205,700

Clocktower Stabilization & Roof Repair . . . . . .$550,000

Benicia Middle School Road Project . . . . . . . . .$550,000

First Street Microsurfacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$200,000

Industrial Park Road Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,155,000

Fitzgerald Field Bleacher Replacement . . . . . .$750,000

Downtown Sidewalk Repair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100,000

City Slurry Seal Road Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$200,000

You told us what you wanted the City to focus on‌ maintain City services and address public safety, parks, and infrastructure needs. Without your approval of Measure C, services would have been cut and these projects would continue to be just items on a list, not accomplishments.

Find out about upcoming Measure C funded projects at BeniciaMeasureC.org.

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JULY

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 9

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

14

10 From the Editor

Benicia’s stately downtown Victorians

16

Rediscovering First Street, part 5

18

Downtown bar taps bursting with craft brew

20

Annual Rosé wine competition showcases impressive offerings

12 Currents Rock and roll to wow the crowds at waterfront music fest (12) Movie Night under the Stars enchants another generation of children (12) Local Bark for Life raises funds for cancer research (13)

13 Bio

After 20 years at Artcentric, Aline Karpoyan still inspires creativity in kids

24 Interview

David Dodd takes the helm at Benicia Public Library

26 Trends

Appreciating Benicia’s robust history

28 Calendar of Events

The best events in Benicia and around the Bay

Cover: staged by Margaret Bowles, photo by Jerry Bowles Above photo: Lisa Duncan Photography

8 • Benicia Magazine

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FROM THE EDITOR

July 2017

Benicia Main Street’s Biggest Party Among the myriad ways Benicia Main Street keeps First Street humming along—the Farmers' Market, wine walks and seasonal events—surely the celebrations surrounding Independence Day must be their grandest effort.

Dating back years beyond count, the annual July 3 Torchlight Parade is a beloved event for locals and visitors who relish in our small town slice of Americana. Stretching almost a mile with an abundance of entertainments, our parade is like no other.

Following up on that extravaganza is the annual Picnic in the Park and Fireworks event. Downtown Benicia plays host to those who want to celebrate our nation’s history with other like-minded folks, July 4, noon7pm. The Picnic in the Park is held at City Park, offering arts and crafts, hot food, live entertainment and children’s activities. With an unusually grand display for such a small town, the fireworks, set off electronically this year from a barge, start at 9pm at the foot of First Street. These can be seen from many spots along the waterfront, but the best viewing is on the First Street Green with chairs, blankets and jackets in tow.

At the month’s close, the annual Waterfront Music Festival commences along the First Street Green with two solid days of rock and roll, July 29-30.

Main Street does a phenomenal job with these events, and my hat is off to the staff, who will have earned a respite after the celebrations.

Summer in Benicia offers many fun things to do: beer crawl, anyone?

Quality craft brews have multiplied here many times over since food and

Lisa Duncan Photography

travel writer Bob Ecker last wrote about our beer scene. Bob is also an area wine judge, and helped preside over the wine world’s newest fascination– Rosé wines. The current phenomenon appears to be here to stay.

Speaking of staying power, it’s difficult to get through an issue without a nod to our town’s history, this month with a pictorial of downtown’s wonderful Victorians. It seems to me that Benicia is the little town that could.

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

It boggles the mind that there's so much packed into our approximately 13 square miles, especially in summer. It’s with great pride each month that we highlight all the aspects that make up Benicia. Happy celebrating,

Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine

—Jeanne

@Jeannesteinmann beniciamagazine

Correction: In our June interview with Asha Allen, the photographer credit should have been David Roth. We regret the error.

Subscribe! Call 707.853.5226 or go to

beniciamagazine.com 10 • Benicia Magazine

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Presented by

Benicia Main Street

Live Music • Craft Beers • Wine • Family Fun on First Street Green

July 29th & Sunday, July 30th Saturday, 11:00am - 6:00pm Benicia celebrates its picturesque waterfront locale over two days on the First Street Green with live music, craft beers, wine by the glass, tasty foods, vendor village, and kids' activity alley.

SATURDAY 11:30-1:00 1:30-3:30 4:00-6:00

SUNDAY J Silverheels Public Eye Hella Good

11:30-1:00 1:30-3:30 4:00-6:00

House of Floyd Farenhyte 5150 Tortilla Soup

Corporate Sponsors: City of Benicia, Valero, Allied Waste, C & H Sugar and Amports

Daily Admission $10 Adults $5 Seniors (65+)

Children under 12 free with paid adult Weekend Pass: $15 Adults

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Movie Magic Under the Stars Photo courtesy Benicia Main Street

Annual Music Festival on Benicia’s Waterfront

By Sarah Rohrs The Benicia Waterfront Festival has had several identities over its nearly 30-year life span. Some might remember the original event simply called a waterfront celebration, and then the seafood festival and the jazz festival. These days, Benicia Main Street believes it has hit on a winning combination of live music, food and spirits all designed to celebrate summer.

Held over the years at the foot of First Street and along the pier, the action now takes place on the nearby First Street Green near the Southern Pacific Depot. Benicia Main Street Executive Director Nancy Martinez said the event has morphed into a music festival with event-goers strongly favoring rock music over jazz. The hours were shortened so that people would have plenty of time to visit downtown shops.

“We took a hiatus for a few years—we took some time to figure out how we wanted to continue,” she said.

Set in Benicia’s picturesque downtown with the waterfront providing a dramatic backdrop, the festival features two afternoons of solid, righteous live rock and roll music, plus craft beers and wine, food, vendors and children’s activities.

This year’s fun takes place July 29-30, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy, and if the mood strikes, get up and dance. Families with children are welcome, but dogs must be left at home.

The festival benefits Main Street and also serves a larger aim of drawing people downtown to bars, cafes and boutiques. “We look at it as a regional event for all of Solano and Contra Costa counties that also benefits the downtown. We end at 6pm and those attending don’t want to stop having fun.

The festival’s Vendor Village will offer arts and crafts, jewelry, paintings, clothing, gift items and more. Plenty of tenting will be on hand to provide shade should the temperatures soar. Cost to get in shouldn’t be a deterrent, Martinez said, pointing out that there are few other places where a $10 admission ticket provides an afternoon of live music.

By Sarah Rorhs Watching a movie takes on a whole new dimension in an outdoor, festive setting. Something magical happens while gazing at the silver screen on a summer evening beneath the open sky with friends and loved ones. Benicia captures a bit of that magic with its regular Movie Night Under the Stars events at the Gazebo in the downtown City Park.

On July 21 at dusk, gather the family and head down to First Street and Military West for the featured movie Moana, an animated Disney film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. The August 18 feature is The Secret Life of Pets, a PG-rated film about the drama in the lives of mismatched family pets.

Set in a Manhattan apartment building, the film shows how Max’s life as a favored pet is turned upside down when a sloppy mongrel named Duke moves in.

Movie night happens on Friday evenings, just right for unwinding after a hectic workweek. Bring a pile of pillows, a few blankets and some lawn chairs and then sit back and enjoy the movie. Food and beverages are welcome, so feel free to bring a picnic. Though the August movie is about pets, no actual pets are allowed in City Park so you will need to leave Fido at home. The city advises these are family events, so please refrain from smoking and also note that the playground closes at dusk. Free admission and free popcorn, too.

e Bands

Saturday J. Silverheels, 11:30am-1pm Public Eye, 1:30pm-3:30pm Hella Good, 4-6pm Sunday House of Floyd, 11:30am-1pm Farenhyte 5150, 1:30-3:30pm Tortilla Soup, 4-6pm 11am-6pm Saturday and Sunday July 29-30 at the First Street Green

Admission

$10 per adult, $5 per senior, and $15 for a weekend pass.

Save by getting buy-one-get-one-free postcards at the weekly Farmers Market or online at BeniciaMainStreet.org.

Tickets can be purchased the day of the event.

A Community affair

It often takes a village to put on a festival and this one is no exception. Members of the Rotary Club of Benicia and Soroptimist of Benicia will be on hand pouring beer and wine, respectively. Realtors from Coldwell Banker/Solano Pacific will man the ticket booth.

12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

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BIO

Aline Karpoyan Man’s Best Friend Supports Cancer Society with Bark for Life

By Sarah Rohrs Dog lovers will bring out their furry friends Saturday, July 8, 2017, 10am-3pm, in Benicia to honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to loved ones lost and remember those who are still fighting. An event that encourages everyone to attend, dog owner or not, the American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life is a non-competitive fundraising walk and a day of contests, games and activities, in addition to an opportunity to adopt a dog. The 2017 event lineup includes police dog demonstrations, disc dog competition and cutest/ugliest/lookalike owner/dog contests. For those with room in their homes and hearts, dogs will be available for adoption. The event will help raise money and awareness to help fund cancer research.

The program will feature dogs large and small, from Great Dane guard dogs to little Chihuahua lap dogs, as well as dog owners, volunteers, families, individuals, teams, and American Cancer Society representatives. It will take place at the Benicia First Street Green, 100 First Street. If you live outside of Benicia, for more information about Bark For Life in your community, visit relayforlife.org, or call 800.227.2345.

Aline Karpoyan in her studio.

Courtesy Photo

By Adriene Rockwell Even having lived through the civil war in Lebanon, Aline Karpoyan had a happy childhood growing up in Beirut where her family emigrated from Armenia. She lived with her parents and three siblings among a close knit Armenian community in the safer parts of the city, and when she graduated from high school at sixteen she went directly into a career she loved as a kindergarten teacher.

Kindergarten wasn’t easy. “I taught at a private Christian school, and they (kindergarteners) learned writing, addition and three languages: Armenian, Arabic and English. As a first grader I remember I had a backpack that was heavier than me,” She shakes her head: “There is no need for that much pressure.”

When she married Steve, the couple decided to raise their family on safer soil in the U.S., and immigrated first to Maryland. She was just 20 then, and three years later they moved to Benicia, where her husband took a job in an environmental engineering firm. Their first daughter, Nirvana, was a toddler, and Aline found work as a teacher’s aid at St. Dominic Elementary School.

“As soon as we came to Benicia we felt a lot of freedom,” says Aline. “I was in heaven with a two-year old child. We walked down to First Street, and the library had an amazing storyteller with puppets. The library and parks felt so safe.”

Since childhood she has been making art, and creating things with her hands. “I’m a creative person with my whole being!” So, when her mother moved in with them in 1998, Aline took a chance and followed her passion. With the encouragement of her husband, she opened Artcentric in a studio across from Big O Tires on East Military, and hosted art classes for kids. The classes were an immediate success, and soon she moved her business downtown.

For almost 20 years now, Artcentric, at 733 First Street, remains a warm and welcoming space for adults and children to enjoy pottery painting, glass fusing and mosaics. The studio hosts a range of classes and is available for drop-in time.

Aline also believes in connecting community, having spawned the idea of the annual Parade of Pigs (painted ceramic piggy banks distributed around town) to benefit the Benicia Education Foundation. “More than anything, it's a happy, safe, creative outlet for families and children,” she says.

“We don’t just sell pottery, we make memories.”

Her daughters Nirvana and Araz (the name of a river in Armenia) are in their twenties now, but they are still the center of her universe. That’s the Armenian way she says, everything revolves around the success of their children. A quote by Aline’s favorite Armenian American writer, William Saroyan, also speaks to her personal journey: “It is simply in the nature of the Armenian to study, to learn, to question, to speculate, to discover, to revise, to restore, to preserve, to make, and to give.”

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

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D

Graceful

V

owntown ictorians

14 • Benicia Magazine Currents

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S

B H

s ’ a i c i i s n t e ory e s a c w ho Lisa Duncan Photography

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

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Fir st

St re et

G Street

F Street

Illustration by M

Block by Block on First Stree Part 5 in a Series

Filled with retail stores, bars, restaurants and specialty businesses, Benicia’s mile-long downtown is buzzing with nonstop energy. First Street’s lively atmosphere pulls people into its magnetic core—shoppers, dog walkers, joggers, and those seeking food and drink or coffee culture converge here. With the stunning backdrop of waterfront vistas, history dating back to the gold rush and abundant sunshine, what’s not to love? This latest installment of our First Street primer covers F Street to G Street.

This powerhouse block offers prime shopping with eleven retail stores that include art glass shops, antiques stores, vintage clothing and furniture, an independent book store, a specialty frame shop, home décor and furnishings, a gym, a specialty toy and music store and places to eat. There are also numerous salons (seven of them!), BrickSpace Lego learning center and the Benicia Chamber of Commerce.

With such fine boutiques such as Benicia Frame, Bookshop Benicia, Romancing the Home, Mozart, Einstein and Me, Charlie’s Attic and others, plus the ever-popular Sandoval’s Restaurant, this block is always hopping.

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F Street to G Street Lindsay Art Glass 109 East F Street Lindsayartglass.com

Elisabeth’s Hair Design

601 #101 First Street elisabethshairdesign.com

Bookshop Benicia

Next Door

Benicia Frame 638 First Street beniciaframe.com

612 First Street 707.747.0941

PS Hair Studio

Romancing the Home

638 1/2 First Street pshairstudio.com

Mozart, Einstein & Me

620 First Street Abcmusicstores.com

Gypsy Bella Salon & Boutique

621 A First Street 707.567.7723

BrickSpace

Me, Charlie’s

637 First Street nourot.com

602 First Street 707.207.5491

617 First Street Benicia-rth.com

with nonstop hose seeking ck to the gold o G Street. tores, vintage specialty toy enter and the

Nourot Glass

636 First Street bookshopbenicia.com

Two Days Jewelry

treet

635 First Street 707.745.3544

Classic Cuts

610 First Street 707.748.0722

Illustration by Margaret Bowles

The Vintage Owl

Sandoval’s Mexican Food 640 First Street 707.746.7830

Bombshell Hair & Ink

120 East G Street bombshellhairandink.com

Milinda Perry Salon & Gallery

621 First Street Brickspacebenicia.net

117 East F Street findyourfabulous.com

Elisa’s Closet

Diana's Bakery Cafe and Deli

623 First Street elisascloset.com

The Steffen Collection

627 First Street thesteffencollectionantiques.com

Changes Hair Studio 631 First Street 707.747.1083

Charlie’s Attic

632 First Street 707.205.6960

639 First Street 707.297.6186

Benicia Chamber of Commerce 601 #100 First Street beniciachamber.com

Benicia Fitness 606 First Street beniciafitness.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

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Benicia’s Burgeoning Beer Scene

By Bob Ecker Lisa Duncan Photography The beer scene in Benicia is undergoing a renaissance, with craft beers all over town.

These also include hyper-local beers from Heretic Brewery, Mare Island Brewery and Davis’ Sudwerk, which can be had at Benicia’s watering holes. Plenty of other great beers and ales from California and beyond can be found at places whose owners are in the know. Some have more than others, but each spot is worthy of spending some time sampling excellent microbrews with friends. You won’t go hungry while you sip— Benicia’s many restaurants are within steps of the bars (and some are inside restaurants that serve up great pub grub).

Rookies Sports Bar and Grill

Rookies is your quintessential big, boisterous sports bar with college-aged young people mixing it up. But Rookies has upped the ante with an exciting 32 rotating beers on tap, including an incredible number of IPA’s—fifteen to be exact. I suggest sampling the Racer 5 Double IPA, the Elysian Space Dust IPA (just for the name, if nothing else) and the Anchor Blood Orange IPA. With these offerings, who needs a Bud Light?

321 First Street rookiesbenicia.com 707.746.7665

The Chill

The Chill is Benicia’s special place to relax and…chill. Still, you might want to relax instead with a fine craft beer. Try their excellent Ballast Point Sculpin’ Grapefruit IPA, the Drake’s Dry 1500 IPA or the unusual Firestone Brewery Luponic Distortion Revolution No. 005. It’s a memorable beer and a must for hop-heads.

362 First Street facebook.com/thechillwine

Bruehol Brewing Tap Room

Bruehol Brewing’s new tap room in the Industrial Park brings back over a hundred years of brewing history to the Benicia scene. And they’ll be happy to tell you all about it when you visit, so get ready for a delicious American Pale Ale or their oh so chocolaty Black Ale. Bruehol beers are also poured at Rookies, Cullen’s Tannery Pub, The Chill and Lucca.

4828 East 2nd Street brueholbrewing.com

Cullen’s Tannery Pub & Saloon

Cullen’s Tannery Pub and Saloon is Benicia’s Irish inspired, no nonsense bar, chock full of Steampunk knickknacks.

This small but interesting bar exudes an artfully fun atmosphere and offers a small selection of local beers, including Bruehol.

131 First Street Facebook.com/TanneryPub 707.637.5300 18 • Benicia Magazine

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Bottom of the 5th Sports Bar & Grill

The Bottom of the Fifth has some choice taps to sample including 21st Amendment, Stella Artois, Evil Heretic and Sierra Nevada Summer Ale on draft, going down well with a friendly game of billards. Could be worse.

498 Military East #A bottom5th.com 707.745.9949

Lucca Bar and Grill, Lucca Beer Garden

Lucca has one of the top lists around with 20 beers on tap.

Don’t miss such notables as Boont Amber, Hop Stupid and Moylan’s Kiltlifter, and even Belching Beaver Brewery. They even serve Mare Island Brewery’s Hydraulic Sandwich IPA, proving that’s there’s a sandwich in every beer. At Lucca Beer Garden, behind the restaurant’s bar, they are cooking up some tasty barbecue (yes, it’s finally happening in Benicia). Try Lucca’s tasty brisket.

439 First Street luccabar.com 707.745.0943

www.benicia.com Brenda Turner-Adams

Your Partner in Real Estate

The Rellik Tavern

The Rellik Tavern continues its fine tradition of fine wine and spirits in its sophisticated atmosphere, by providing many wonderful beers on tap. After all, who would have Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Lagunitas’ "Little Sumpin, Sumpin,” Trumer Pils and Duvel all on draft? Impressive. There are many other superlative beers to sample upon further visits to Rellik.

726 First Street therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137

707.738.9671

Experience Excellence

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

Sailor Jacks Restaurant and Bar

Sailor Jack’s is better known as a fine dining/casual spot with marvelous views, but fear not, they have a few fantastic craft beers to sample. First up is Green Flash, a West Coast IPA from San Diego. It’s a terrific, well-crafted beer and one of my all-time favorites. Jacks’ also carries the always delectable Trumer Pils, Full Sail and Heretic’s Evil Twin. Jack London would approve.

123 First Street sailor-jacks.com 707.746.8500

The Loft Wine Bar & Restaurant

A contemporary atmosphere pervades The Loft Wine Bar and Restaurant where hard-to-find wines are paired with American small plates in this urbane bar with a water-view patio. Currently on tap are Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, Six Rivers Brewery Macadamia Nut Porter, Stone Delicious IPA and Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ ale.

280 First Street wineattheloft.com 707.745-4200

Union Hotel Restaurant & Bar

The taps at the Union Hotel Bar and Restaurant, featuring huge historic stained glass windows that lend a casually elegant vibe, include some fine choices that rotate monthly. In June, Owner Gabby Oviedo was featuring Goose Island IPA, Widmer Hefeweizen, Firestone Double Barrel Amber Ale, and Modelo Especial to pair with menu special fish tacos.

401 First Street unionhotelrestaurant.net 707.746.7887

Trees beautify our city.

They also create shade, produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

City of Benicia

Tree Regulations 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.

Call 707.746.4285 or visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us Parks & Community Services.

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Celebrating the Rise of

Rosé Wines

By Bob Ecker According to recent Nielsen-tracked data of off-premise wine sales, Rosé table wines priced above $7.99, and were up a tremendous 56.2% over the last 12 months. Rosé wines, both international and domestic, are very hot; in fact as a category, Rosés now outsell Syrahs nationally.

As a wine judge participating in numerous competitions, I noticed that Rosé wines were not getting the recognition they deserved; so back in 2013 I created the first Rosé competition in the United States. Now in it fourth year, Rosé Today—the 2017 competition held at Soda Rock Winery in Healdsburg— was bigger and better than ever.

The sweet, cheap afterthought rosé wines of the past have been eclipsed by well-crafted, dry, stellar wines. Rosé Today, which, along with the recent Garden Party held at Jaxon Keys winery, celebrates all things Rosé.

2017 competition’s Leslie Sbrocco said, “It was my privilege to join the ranks of judges who also share my appreciation for the growing category of Rosé wine. From dry to sweet, domestic to international, we sampled hundreds of wines to bestow honors.”

The competition received 239 Rosé wine entries from nine countries and twelve states. The countries were the USA, France, Italy, Austria, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia and Morocco. US states included: Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. "With a wide variety of pretty pinks to salmon colors, Rosés have the most intriguing wine color variables. Delicious with light summer bbq,” said judge Denise Gill.

As for varietals, the most frequent grape used for the entered wines was Pinot Noir, and then Grenache and Sangiovese.

Other grape varietals, including Malbec, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cinsault, Nebbiolo, Mission, Pinot Meunier and Aleatico, were utilized. Each winemaker had his or her own style.

Taking home Best of Show—and also Best of Class and Double Gold in Domestic Sparkling—for the second year in a row was Gloria Ferrer 2013 Brut Rosé ($50). Best of Class Dry (with a Double Gold) was awarded to Bonterra Organic Vineyards 2016 Rosé ($16). Other winners were: International Dry: Mezzacorona 2016 Rosato ($9.99) Domestic Sparkling: Gloria Ferrer 2013 Brut Rosé ($50) International Sparkling: Veuve Ambal NV Marie Ambal Brut Rosé ($25) Domestic Sweet: Del Rio Vineyards NV Rosé Jolee ($12.99) International Sweet: Pratsch 2016 Rosé ($13) Congratulations are in order for all the Best of Class and other winners. The full list of awards can be found at: rosewinetoday.com/and-the-winners-are. “Demand for Rosé is in dramatic growth in the US and rightly so. Many of them are fresh, light, inexpensive and easy drinking. We are honored to be a part of the Rosé Today 2017 Competition and their efforts towards promoting Rosé as an ‘anytime wine,’” said Megan Bainbridge, Director of Marketing and Sales for St. Helena based Apriori Cellar.

After the competition, I had an opportunity to sample some of the wines, and loved the Apriori Sangiacomo Vineyard Rosé ($24). It was like a pale slice of watermelon in a glass. Rosé wines are finally being appreciated for their quality, enjoyment and versatility. They can be appreciated on their own or with various foods (think Sushi or grilled fish or chicken). “I was impressed by the overall quality and complexity of the entries and see a rosy future for pink wines," quipped Judge Leslie Sbrocco.

20 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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22 • Benicia Magazine

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CTORY New Location

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

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INTERVIEW WITH

David Dodd

David Dodd loves a good story.

Novels, comic books, music, movies or video games—all have stories that we can learn from. So all should be found in a library, reasons Benicia’s new director of library and cultural services.

“To me, it’s all about storytelling. Video games are storytelling, comic books are storytelling. Storytelling builds empathy,” says David, who started the new job in March.

Being a librarian is at his core. He looks at how new media and technology can be used by libraries and their patrons. He insists that libraries be neutral sources of information.

“You don’t get to apply your values. You are there to help people find what they are looking for.”

Two early jobs shape David’s perspectives: Working as a community organizer providing food, legal help and other assistance in several California cities and being a jailhouse library assistant in Alameda County.

By Sue Sumner-Moore Lisa Duncan Photography How did being a jailhouse library assistant shape you as a librarian?

During all my early experience, I was taught by really good librarians on the job. A librarian taught me about the Freedom to Read, the Library Bill of Rights, how to do a good reference interview, how to be a neutral entity. …

I defend literature and reading from any point of view because we become informed, we become empathetic when we read. It’s proven that reading fiction builds empathy, helps us understand things we have not experienced. It’s really clear that we need to break out of these bubbles we live in, and reading different points of view can help do that.

INTERVIEW

What role does a public library play in a community?

We’re partly a watchdog and partly a gatekeeper and guide. … We need to look out for the public’s interests. For example, if there’s a change in political leadership and information that used to be readily available is no longer available, our job is to help make sure that data is not lost, that it remains available.

How is technology affecting libraries?

Whatever technology is out there, we have to pay attention to how it’s being used and what the implications are for readers, what the implications are for libraries. … We’re about to get a set of virtual reality goggles, and our staff is trying out a 3-D printer to see how it works, how it might be used in a library setting so it would be accessible to everyone.

Why is it important to you to work at the reference desk each week?

I want to keep my skills up. I always want to feel that I could walk into an empty building and within a couple of months, I could create a library. I’ve never lost track of the technology or tools needed to do that.

Also, being on the reference desk is a great way to meet the public and make friends. I’m somewhat of an introvert.

I get my energy from reading and playing music, not from being with lots of people.

How much work time is devoted to the library and how much to cultural services?

The library takes about 80 percent of my time and cultural services about 20 percent right now. Some days that’s flipflopped.

What’s on the horizon for the Arts and Culture Commission?

We’re gearing up to have a fully fleshed-out public art program. The chair, Terry Scott, is working on a Made in Benicia branding program that would extend beyond art to anything made in Benicia. We also work on the film festival and review cultural groups’ grant proposals. It’s a very active program. …

We were called upon to support Arts Benicia’s application to the California Arts Council to create a Cultural District. We’re among 22 finalists.

We also are awaiting the results from the Arts and Economics Prosperity survey, which was jointly done with the Economic

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Angie’s List Super Service Award 2016 “Those two jobs gave me a perspective on America that many people could use,” he says. “It cements your values and toughens you—it was very formational.”

Taking the job in Benicia was somewhat of a homecoming for David, who worked for the Benicia Library in the early 1990s. He went on to do library work in Colorado, Aptos, San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties before returning to Benicia.

David, 60, tries to work each week at the reference desk as he handles the library’s administrative duties and works with the city’s Arts and Culture Commission.

“There’s such a nice synergy here between the arts and the community.”

Music plays a big role in his life. He wrote The Complete Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics and co-authored two other books about the legendary band. He plays in a Grateful Dead cover band and was the keyboardist for the Unitarian Universalist church in Petaluma for 12 years. He and his wife, Diana Spaulding, founded the church in 2002.

The couple have two children and a dog named Benicia. Why choose that name? “We fell in love while I was in Benicia.”

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Did you spend a lot of time in libraries when you were growing up?

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Who’s your favorite author currently?

My favorite author is Richard Powers. He’s a novelist and he won a National Book Award for The Echo Maker.

My favorite book of his is The Gold Bug Variations. He writes about music and how it relates to science and time.

I read a lot of mainstream American and British fiction. I just read Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam. I also like Kate Atkinson, who wrote Life after Life and A God in Ruins.

I do read a lot of poetry, but I struggle with nonfiction— I’d rather learn things through fiction.

What do you do to relax?

I play music, I listen to music. I hardly listen to any Grateful Dead now. I listen to world music, bluegrass, folk.

I like music that you never get to the bottom of. Books are the same way. You read something in your 20s then reread it again in your 40s, and it’s not the same experience.

And I garden—we have fruit trees, roses, grapevines, artichokes. I like the aesthetics of placing plants in the garden.

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TRENDS

Lisa Duncan Photography

BREAKING NEWS!

By Christina Strawbridge Our world has become a series of tweets, alternative facts and nonstop coverage of Russian investigations. Is it any wonder we hold on to the past in these uncertain times? This year, our country celebrates 271 years of democracy, Benicia's 170 years of becoming a California City, and Benicia Main Street's 30th year of Downtown revitalization.

A recent visit to Charleston, North Carolina served as a reminder of the ups and downs the US has faced, dating back to the 1600s. The cemeteries offer a glimpse into the city's prominence in establishing freedom, with headstone markers of leaders from the Continental Congress and signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Charleston has survived slavery, racism, wars, devastating fires, the 1886 7.0 earthquake and numerous hurricanes.

Towards the end of the 20th century, major new investments were made in the city, with a number of municipal improvements and a commitment to historic preservation to restore the unique fabric of Charleston.

With a similar commitment to historic preservation, 170 years ago Benicia established itself as the birthplace of California.

We, too, have a proud history, dating back to the mid 1800s.

As a Benician for the past 32 years, I have grown to appreciate the City's history. Recently, I become a board member of the Benicia State Parks Association and have returned to serve on Benicia Main Street's Board. Our town has much to brag about with numerous buildings that date back to California's beginnings. The State Capitol building and Fischer Hanlon House are located right in the middle of Downtown Benicia.

They are part of the California State Parks system and have survived both natural and manmade disasters.

The Fisher Hanlon House dates back to 1858, when Joseph Fischer purchased the Gold Rush Hotel on First Street and moved it to the lot at 135 West G Street, next to the State Capitol building. At that time the lot was valued at $600.00 and Fischer spent $800.00 to improve it. The hotel was designed in the Spanish style with a veranda along the front. Fischer turned the house around so that the back of the hotel became the front of the house. He added a porch and green shutters, achieving the look of Federal architecture that was popular on the East Coast.

An example of early California living, the home went through numerous renovations, and was kept in the family until the house and artifacts were donated, by the remaining heirs, to the state in 1968.

Fast forward to 2011, when the state began discussions on state park closures, with both of the Benicia State Parks on the list (the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park and the Benicia State Recreation Area).

The City of Benicia and other agencies lobbied to keep the two parks open and identify ways to invest in unfunded infrastructure improvements. Through a joint agreement, the City of Benicia provides maintenance work for both parks. The State’s Historic Structures Report will be the blueprint for future revitalization of the State Capitol Building and Fischer Hanlon House. In the June, 2017 edition, Benicia Magazine’s article showcases the recent upgrades to the Fischer-Hanlon House’s exterior, which is part of an overall plan to restore these great treasures.

Breaking News! The past is our future, and will last much longer than a tweet.

See more Benicia “Firsts” online at beniciamagazine.com.

26 • Benicia Magazine Trends

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JULY 2017 EVENTS

Photo by Bryan Maxwell

Torchlight Parade

7/3, 6:30pm First Street, Benicia Benicia’s Independence Day parade begins at First Street and Military West and stretches along First Street. The mile-long march includes dancers, floats, clowns, prominent Benicians and much more.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Picnic in the Park & Fireworks

7/4, 12-7pm City Park, First Street and Military West Foot of First Street, Benicia This event is a wonderful way to spend the 4th! Benicia’s City Park is filled with arts and crafts, delicious hot food, live entertainment and children’s activities. Fireworks start about 9pm at the foot of First Street, making this a great event for the whole family.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Flynn Creek Circus Presents Inter-Active

7/7, 7pm; 7/8, 3 & 7pm; 7/9, 1 & 4pm Luther Burbank Center for the Performing Arts 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa Flynn Creek Circus, Mendocino County’s own charmingly nostalgic, surprisingly fresh all human circus, will be raising their vintage big top tent in Santa Rosa. Having thrilled audiences all over the world, the Flynn Creek Circus presents an exciting new show for 2017. Experience a unique story told by the world-class character clowns and ringmasters as they bring you tightrope walkers, aerialists, jugglers, acrobats and more.

Flynncreekcircus.com

American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life

Dog lovers and their furry friends will meet to honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to loved ones lost and remember those still fighting. An event that encourages everybody to attend, dog owners or not, The American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life is a non-competitive fund-raising walk and day of contests, games and activities, and an opportunity to adopt a dog. The event will help raise awareness and money to fund cancer research.

Relayforlife.org 800.227.2345

Chickens 101

7/8, 1-3pm St. Vinnie’s Community Garden Marin & Ohio Streets, Vallejo Learn everything you need to know about basic chicken care. Class will cover different breeds and reasons for raising chickens, as well as feed, supplements, and their dietary needs in general. Teachers will go over how to handle birds properly, examine them for issues, and take care of their physical and social needs. Tickets are $25 or $40 per couple.

Stvinniescommunitygarden.org

Benicia Art Walk

7/8, 2-6pm Downtown First Street, Benicia Benicia Art Walk 2017 is on second Saturdays in June, July, September, and October on First Street in downtown Benicia.

Come for lunch; then stay for dinner and tour eight amazing galleries hosting the fun this year with live entertainment and other activities. Benicia Art Walk maps are available online.

Facebook.com/BeniciaArtWalk

Arts Benicia Presents: Magical Realism: Alegory, Dreams & Myth

Through 7/9, gallery open Weds-Sun, 125pm Arts Benicia 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, Benicia Magical realism, used in both art and literature, expresses a seemingly realistic view of the world while also adding fantastic or magical elements. These elements are depicted as a natural part of reality, thus creating imaginative and sometimes disturbing worlds. 40 artists exhibit work in this fantastical show.

Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Free Family at Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum

7/15, 12-4pm 734 Marin Street, Vallejo The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum collects and shares with its visitors the fascinating history of the City of Vallejo and the U.S. Navy at Mare Island. The museum presents exhibits and programs that explore and celebrate the diverse cultural traditions of the community. Free family days happen on the third Saturday of every month.

Vallejomuseum.org 707.643.0077

Movie Night Under the Stars: Moana

7/21, dusk City Park Gazebo First Street and Military West, Benicia Families enjoy free admission & free popcorn during the summer outdoor movie that begins at dusk. Bring pillows, blankets, low-back chairs, then sit back and enjoy the movie. Food & beverages are welcome.

(Please clean up after the movie.) These are family events so, please, no smoking and no pets. Pets are not allowed in city parks.

Please note that the playground closes at dusk.

Ci.benicia.ca.us/parksandcommunityservices 707.746.4285

Rivertown Revival: Heritage, High-jinks and a Hootenany

7/22, 11am-8pm Steamer Landing Park Copeland Street, Petaluma Friends of the Petaluma River present Rivertown Revival with music, art boat races, delicious local food, beer, creative vendors, a play area for kids, interactive art and more. The staff is dedicated to creating an unforgettable and eco-friendly event.

Electric guitars twang in the shade of an old barn and a magician astounds the crowd on a homemade converted truck stage. The event boasts many musical styles including Country, Latin, Hot Jazz, Vaudeville, Marching Band, and Bluegrass.

Rivertownrevival.com

Berkeley Kite Festival

7/29 & 30, 10am-6pm Berkeley Marina 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley At the Berkeley Kite Festival, the Earth, wind, and sky combine to create an unequaled festival experience. During the past 30 years, the Berkeley Kite Festival has developed a soaring reputation as one of the premier free family festivals on the West Coast. Join thousands of kite enthusiasts for this one-of-a-kind event, which brings the community together in a fantastic and dynamic way.

Highlinekites.com/pages/BERKELEY-KITEFEST.html

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PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Full Service Landscape & Garden Design Ponds & Waterfalls Decking & Fencing Color Stamped Concrete Japanese Gardens

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Benicia Waterfront Festival

7/29 & 30, 11am-6pm First Street Green, Benicia The popular summer event is back with a splash! Benicia celebrates its picturesque waterfront locale with two days of live rock music, craft beer tastings, tasty foods, vendor village, and kids’ activity area. Adult tickets $10, seniors $5, weekend passes $15. Tickets are available online, at Benicia Main Street headquarters, or at day of event.

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Art Car Jam

7/22, 11am-6pm Obtainium Works 510 Pennsylvania Street, Vallejo Art Car Jam is a one-day festival devoted to street-legal art vehicles that will be held in front of Obtainium Works. This event will feature workshops on how to turn your car into a street-legal art car, including painting, fabrication demonstrations, and art activities for children.

The event will finish with a fashion show for art car enthusiasts of all ages. Food, drink, and entertainment will be provided!

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BUSD Online Registration!

All continuing students will need to register online to receive their class assignments.

Benicia Unified is excited to announce that our registration for returning students will be done completely online for the 2017-18 school year.

Parents will verify household and emergency contact information and complete the annual release acknowledgment and permission requirements.

Online registration commences mid-July.

All households will receive directions for the registration process at that time.

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

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Welcome to Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

Full-service dentistry | In-house lab, ensures perfect fit | Orthodontics | 50% off bleach with exam & cleaning | Relaxed and comfortable environment Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years.

Ronald J. Tosch, DDS l 118 West K St. 707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

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