Benicia Magazine July 2019

BEER AND BARBEQUE Crossroads Smokehouse boasts best ribs in Benicia Skål! Checkout our list of favorite Beer Gardens

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Benicia

Celebrating our 14th Year Editor-in-Chief magazine Mary Hand

Benici

Benici

Benici

B

Art Director

Margaret Bowles

Benicia Web Specialist

Yarrow Sweningsen

magazine

Contributors

Genevieve Hand Jeannine Mendoza Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Jack Thompson DonnaBeth Weilenman

Photography

Lisa Duncan, Jerry Bowles

Copy Editor/proofreader

Save $5 when you try it before you buy it* Find you perfect color, then save big on your next gallon of Valspar, Clark+Kensington and Royal paints.

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Advertising sales 707.751.0100 or 707.373.2213 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 707.373.2213, Beniciamagazine.com beniciamagazine@gmail.com

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Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2019, 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. 707.751.0100, Beniciamagazine.com.

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July 2019 Features 16 F rom an old fashioned

4th to a blowout Waterfront Festival

18 Summer Food

at Crossroads Smokehouse and Deli where Barbecue and Napa style meet

Cover:

Conner and Miguel Delgado outside of the Wassmann House Above: Olive Decker Lisa Duncan photographer See article on page 11

6 • Benicia Magazine

People and Places Community

11 A vant Garden Begins Peak Season as Sustainable Solano Continues to Grow 11 Wassmann House — Our Cover Story

Benicia Profiles

12 B ill Cawley Jr. Beloved Community Leader Retires

Food and Drink

14 C heers for beer gardens Cheers, Skål, Prost, Salud, and Sláinte!

Downtown Benicia

18 P rogress on Red Tag Buildings It’s a painstaking process to repair these buildings but well worth the wait

Culture

22 M aking Moves: Local Choreographer Milissa Payne-Dance

Literature

25 P ast Poet Laureate Lois Requist finalist in two categories of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Music Scene

26 B enicia’s Music Explosion Some evenings Benicia has one of the highest live stage per population numbers in the Bay Area

Philanthropy

27 Bras for a Cause

In Every Issue 8 From the Editor 10 Trends – A new Era for Benicia Magazine

Art

24 MaryLou Carreia 28 Calendar 30 Music

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FROM THE EDITOR

July 2019

Hello!

Photo by Lisa Duncan

Facebook.com/beniciamagazine

beniciamagazine

@beniciamagazine

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

I first visited Benicia 31 years ago while on business. I came for a press check on one of my magazines which was being printed at Mariposa Press out in the Benicia Industrial Park. My sales rep took me sightseeing around the area. We visited the lovely old neighborhoods, historic points of interest, the scenic parks and the charming downtown. We culminated our sightseeing with dinner at Nantucket (Sailor Jack's) as the sun was setting on the straits, the sky was pink, lavender and peach. I fell in love.

We moved our family to Benicia the following year from Venice Beach. Yes, it was a bit of a culture shock, but we adapted quickly. I moved my business to the Treasury Commons and continued to publish tourism publications for the California Ski Industry, Cities of Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

A second move brought me to an office on D Street, where I met a cast of characters including Steve Gizzi and Steve Lipman who made sure I got involved with the City. I joined Soroptimist International, the Benicia Tourism committee, the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations. My mom joined Arts Benicia, and her work was featured at Studio 41. My kids went to Robert Semple where I was president of the PTG. Times change. I have always had a love for the arts, and decided to switch the focus of my business. I became marketing director for Smuin Ballet, then marketing director for Diablo Regional Arts Association and the Lesher Center for the Arts. These positions gave me access to all aspects of the performing arts, music, theatre and dance. I continued as communication director of the California Ski Industry.

During the ensuing 30 years Benicia has grown, changed and yet always retained its historical roots. As one of California’s oldest communities since its founding in 1847, Benicia has witnessed more changes than many California cities. To be sure there have been ups and downs, but Benicia is resilient and inventive with a community that is hardworking and compassionate. This is what is reflected in Benicia Magazine.

When Christina and Scott Strawbridge heard that Jeanne was ready to retire from the magazine they spoke to me about the possibility of continuing it, I didn’t hesitate. It is my absolute privilege to step in as editor-in-chief of the magazine and to work with publishers Scott and Christina. As we step into this new era of Benicia Magazine, we do so with Margaret Bowles the art director that has created the look and feel of the magazine from the beginning, that has so accurately and beautifully reflected our city. We also are continuing with the talented writers that have contributed to the quality of the magazine through the years.

We will continue as the community gathering place that Jeanne Steinmann founded. You will see more of us on social media, and will hear from us in a bi-weekly newsletter. We look forward to meeting you out and about.

All the best, Mary Hand

8 • Benicia Magazine

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People and Places Trends

A new era of

Benicia

magazine

Christina Strawbridge Magazines have always been close to my heart. I sometimes even preferred them to reading a book. As a young girl visiting my Grandmother, who subscribed to Life Magazine, we occupied our time together devouring the photos and stories in this oversized publication. As a teenager, I had the same devotion to Seventeen and Glamour, especially when the fall (back to school) editions were delivered. My bookshelves are crammed with years of Vanity Fair, Vogue, and other fashion inspired magazines. Some of which I just can't part with.

When Benicia Magazine was first published in 2005, I was immediately attracted to its oversized dimensions. Back then it was called Inside Benicia, and the Publisher/Founder Jeanne Steinmann had hit on a need in the community for local information. Jeanne, who served on the Benicia Unified District Board, focused those first issues on the awardwinning Benicia schools. Benicia Magazine received a new name and look around 2010. It had a standardized size and glossy 10 • Benicia Magazine

look that was easier to handle and read. By then it had evolved into a premier monthly lifestyle and community publication that sought to maintain truth and integrity with every issue.

I started contributing to the magazine shortly after I started my business, Christina S, in 2006. Writing a monthly column gave me a creative outlet that I had never had the opportunity to explore. I have written about my travels, fashion, moving, riding in a biplane and nearly 15 years of crazy experiences. With each issue, I have grown as a storyteller and have a bit of a following.

I love hearing that people actually read what I write. My Grandmother would be so proud.

Are magazines making a comeback?

Did they ever really go away? I believe that the printed word is here to stay.

It may have morphed into digital for a while, but I believe both can live together simultaneously. When Jeanne decided to retire from her creation this year, we talked about the ‘what’s next?’ Neither one of us wanted to see the end of what Benicia

has come to expect every month in their mailboxes.

Enter Mary Hand! Mary came into my life about a year ago, serving as my campaign chair when I ran for City Council.

She lives here in Benicia has an extensive background in publishing.

Mary has produced publications in large municipalities and for the State of California with award winning California Snow. She was also the founder and publisher of Destinations West and helped produce Tahoe Quarterly. With Mary onboard as Editor and Chief and Margaret Bowles staying on as Art Director, I knew that the team was in place to continue the legacy.

Many of the same writers are eager to stay on and we will be attracting some new talent as well. My husband Scott is the Publisher and although we are not sure what that means, he likes the title.

I never thought about owning a magazine.

Now more than ever the printed word is essential to bringing our community together with information about our unique place in history. Let the new chapter begin!

People and Places Community

Avant Garden

Enters Peak Season as Sustainable Solano Continues to Grow Beth Steinmann Photo by Jerry Bowles Community Gardeners are getting ready for the summer season at First Street’s Avant Garden, which means the kale and chard are coming out and tomato starts have been planted. Maggie Kolk, who runs the garden along with her husband Jack, says, “The tomatoes are just beginning to blossom. We’ve got lots of fresh basil and peas, and the eggplants are coming up.

We have a very prolific artichoke plant, and someone just planted cantaloupe.”

Maggie is excited about a gift from a former Sustainable Solano permaculture landscaper who moved away: a large tool trailer, which is parked on site and full of garden tools—tools that are also being used for the first Resilient Neighborhood design and build in Vallejo, made possible by a grant from PG&E. Also on site at Avant Garden are 43 garden beds, an outdoor education area, a shed, a picnic area, and a “community share plot,” where volunteers grow food for donation. All soil, provided by Benicia’s Harmony Organics, is rich and organic, and

gardeners must adhere to strict organic gardening and low water usage guidelines.

Avant Garden was the second addition to Benicia Community Gardens (after Swenson Garden, located at Military and East Second), founded as a nonprofit twenty years ago, a seed that has taken root across Solano County. Now called Sustainable Solano, the organization and its many members and volunteers keep 18 gardens throughout the county.

According to its website, “Sustainable Solano has grown to encompass a diverse group of initiatives that all work together toward nurturing the whole… Today, we are involved in programs that promote sustainable landscaping, building a local food movement, driving new conversations about the world we live in and bringing together neighbors to create a more resilient way of living.”

There are numerous ways to get involved, including joining Sustainable Solano for $85 annually and signing up to care for a garden plot, showing up for a community work day, attending one of Sustainable Solano’s many evening educational events

at Avant Garden or other locations, or participating in a weekend permaculture installation, where volunteers learn by helping build permaculture infrastructure on an actual property.

Marilyn Bardet, a longtime environmental advocate and a “root” of Sustainable Solano, is particularly excited about a $440,000 reallocation of settlement funds to be used for a community and water caretaking program, that will include ways to encourage lawn removal, create water-wise gardens and use alternative landscaping, and to train young people in sustainability practices.

Maggie, who is a new board member at the organization, says, “I feel really lucky to have come on the board at this time because there are still lots of opportunities to expand the depth and breadth of what we do.”

Sustainablesolano.org has instructions about how to join, a full rundown of initiatives and an events calendar. Or, stop

by Avant Garden at 400 First Street and see what’s blooming.

More about the cover Christina Strawbridge Photo by Lisa Duncan Harry Wassmann was born in 1899 in the home his Grandfather built on East 2nd Street in Benicia. Harry lived his 99 years in that same house. He and his wife Diane raised their 2 children, Greg and Catherine, there, celebrating many Fourth of Julys in Benicia.

When we were searching for the perfect house to photograph the first issue under the new regime, the Wassmann house stood out. It had recently been rented by a young couple, Matt and Hillary Decker, and their two children, Olive and Finn. Hillary grew up in

Benicia and said that the family was so happy to be in living here. We had recruited a pair of brothers, Conner and Miguel Delgado, to be the subject of the July issue of Benicia Magazine. Photographer Lisa Duncan and editor Mary Hand were there to capture the exuberance of the moment. Props of American flags and hot dogs were part of the fun. Somehow I think Harry would have got a kick out of the scene. After all, he was so proud of our City, its amazing history and its future!

BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

People and Places Profiles

Bill Cawley Jr.

Retires from Benicia Plumbing

From left to right: Christina Strawbridge, Bill Cawley Jr., Leeann Cawley and Bill Cawley lll Scott Strawbridge Photo courtesy Benicia Plumbing When someone retires from their company, it usually does not warrant a page long article in Benicia Magazine.

But when it is long time Benician Bill Cawley, it is different story. On March 16, nearly 400 people honored Bill at his official retirement party at the Concord Hilton. There was no place large enough in Benicia to hold the event. It was an extremely interesting crowd made up of Northern California Industry and Labor Leaders, along with hundreds of the Cawley Benicia friends and family. His wife Leeann, as usual, was by his side. Vice Mayor Christina Strawbridge read a City of Benicia Proclamation in recognition of Bill Cawley for his service to the Benicia Community. Many speakers reminisced about the impact Bill had on their lives and careers.

Bill and Leeann started Benicia Plumbing together in 1975 and have employed hundreds of Solano County residents through the years. Bill began his Plumbing Apprenticeship in 1964 and graduated in 1969. This was his first step in becoming an Industry Leader.

During his long career, Bill has helped hundreds of young men and women 12 • Benicia Magazine

enter the Union Plumbing Industry, which has allowed them to earn a good living, including solid health and welfare and pension benefits Besides Bill's service to the Industry, both he and Leeann served the Benicia Business Community. Bill was President of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce in 1979 and Leeann served as President in 1982.

Both worked tirelessly on behalf of the Benicia Relay For Life, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society. Leeann was the chairperson of Benicia's Relay for several years.

Benicia/Tula Association and the Soroptimist International of Benicia have received benefits from this caring couple.

The Cawleys were chosen by Benicia Main Street to by the Grand Marshall of the 2017 Third of July Parade.

In 2017, they were given the Outstanding Citizen Award by the Benicia Police Department for their involvement with the “Leading the Way Project.”

Benicia Plumbing's Company motto is “People Taking Care of People.” Both Bill and Leeann Cawley have lived by that motto and Benicia has been better off because of the Cawleys.

Some of Bill's services to the Construction Industry include: President of Northern California Mechanical Contractors Association in 1998 Chairman of the Napa-Solano Apprenticeship Committee for nearly 30 years Member of the Contra Costa Apprenticeship Committee in both Martinez and Concord for nearly 25 years Chairman of the California State Pipe Trades Apprenticeship Committee from 2010-2015 Chairman of the Western Mechanical Conference LaborManagement Committee in 2015

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People and Places Food and Drink

Cheers For

Beer Gardens

Cheers, Skål, Prost, Salud, and Sláinte!

Jerry Bowles Summer is here and people are heading outdoors. What better way to enjoy being outside than with a beer? Beirgartens, or Beer Gardens as they are commonly called, are the perfect solution. These largely open-air establishments serve beer and food in spacious patios, often with shared picnic tables. Beer gardens are family friendly, mostly dog friendly, and some even have areas where kids can play. With interesting and varied menus, Beer Gardens are a great way to relax with a beer, great food, music, family and friends. Our own Lucca Beer Garden is a wonderful example of this trend serving great food and live music. As you travel the greater Bay Area you will find many examples that provide an interesting destination for a day trip. Here are some of our favorites.

Lucca Beer Garden

439 First Street Benicia, CA 94510 Since opening in 2016, Lucca Beer Garden has become the hottest music and beer venue in Benicia and well beyond.

Programming has been diverse from Rock & Blues based bands to Celtic, Gypsy Jazz, Zydeco, Bluegrass, Americana, Country and more. It’s relaxed outdoor setting, family friendly vibe, crystal clear sound and early hours with performances typically concluding by 9 pm. Lucca Beer Garden has set a new standard for local entertainment.

Food: Barbeque and appetizers luccabar.com 14 • Benicia Magazine

Speisekammer Restaurant

2424 Lincoln Ave. Alameda, CA Here is the opportunity to pay homage to the country that invented the biergarten, and to pair traditional steins of pilsner with even more traditional German food. Hearty dishes like potato pancakes, and roasted pork with beer sauce make up a small portion of the German cuisine on the menu. Take your food in the Biergarten (Beer Garden) when there is music playing to top off the experience.

Food: Authentic German cuisine speisekammer.com

Fieldwork Brewing Co. 1160 Sixth Street Berkeley, CA 94710 Fieldwork Brewing Company is a craft brewery founded in Berkeley, CA with a focus on exceptional, honest beer-making. Fieldwork brews are served in the Berkeley, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, and San Ramon Taprooms, and at the finest craft beer-focused establishments in Northern California.

Food: Creative Tamales and Grilled Cheese fieldworkbrewing.com

Arthur Mac's Tap and Snack

4006 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, CA 94609 Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack is the centerpiece of North Oakland's newly constructed MacArthur Annex, a mixed use space constructed from shipping containers. The project is the newest venture from local East Bay design firm Farm League Restaurant Group.

Food: Pizza, wings, snacks, and a good selection of cider and local beer on tap. arthurmacs.com

Stone Brewing, Napa

930 3rd St. Napa, CA 94559 Stone has brought their bold craft beer and eclectic food menu to the region wellknown for its amazing wine and cuisine, featuring locallybrewed beers, a picturesque dining experience, growler fills and Stone merchandise.

The onsite 10-barrel brewing system enables them to continue their longstanding tradition of innovation and creativity. The brewery and restaurant features two stories with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Napa River.

Food: Full Service Restaurant. stonebrewing. com/visit/ outposts/ napa

Telegraph Beer Garden AKA BEERYLAND

2318 Telegraph Ave Oakland, CA 94612 Of all the area beer gardens, Telegraph is probably the funkiest. Every square inch is graffitied, decor includes old bike wheels and half of a GameStop electronic sign, there’s a selection of craft beer, wallet-friendly sub-$5 beer cans, and the soundtrack jumps between Bad Brains and Herb Alpert. Despite their lack of pretension, they take their food seriously, with a thoughtful food menu including house made sausages, a delicious Porchetta sandwich and a handful of vegan options, including a hearty tofu hoagie. There are also burgers, one of which is a mac and cheese burger.

Food: Burgers and snacks, vegan options. telegraphoakland.c

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Drake's Barn

985 Riverfront St West Sacramento, CA 95691 In 2018 Drake’s opens the BARN, featuring food, beverages, and entertainment, along the river in West Sacramento, CA. The two acre landmark location includes the PizzaSmith restaurant, YOLO Food Truck, a 400 seat beer garden, outdoor bar, and fire pits. The venue will host a wide array of community events, from craft fairs to music concerts.

Food: Pizza and snacks. drinkdrakes.com

Classic Cars West Oakland

411 26th Street, Suite B Oakland, CA 94612 The Classic Cars West Vegan Restaurant / Beer Garden features craft beer brewed almost exclusively in Oakland on tap. The draft line up features Oakland United Beerworks, Ghost Town Brewery, Line 51, Federation brewing, Fieldwork, Crooked City Cider, Ale Industries, Temescal Brewing, Novel Brewing and more. This is one of the Bay Area’s largest beer gardens with murals by local artists. Delicious Vegan comfort food by is served 5 days a week with brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Food: Great Vegan Food, Burgers, Sandwiches, Soups and Salads. classiccarswestbeergarden.com Beer gardens are a fun place to spend an afternoon, and their increased popularity makes finding one easy. From the coast to the valley, sipping beer has been taken out of the dark and brought into the fresh air. The nature of shared tables and pleasant surroundings makes meeting other people easy and fun.

So, as the Summer season kicks into gear and you head out of town, keep an eye out for the familiar “Beer Garden” or “Biergarten” sign. And when you find one you really like please take a picture and share it with Benicia Magazine!

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

ting a r b e Cel

Benicia Torchlight Parade Donna Beth Weilenman Benicia welcomes the heart of summer fun this month, beginning with its two-day Independence celebration, starting with the Torchlight Parade July third, and family picnics and fireworks on the Fourth of July.

The historic parade was started more than a century ago by the city’s volunteer fire department.

Participants used real torches to see, since the parade took place at night. After a hiatus, it was revived in 1975 just before the Bicentennial year, and moved to afternoon hours July third to avoid conflicts with other cities’ parades—and let others come see Benicia’s procession. The Torchlight Parade starts at 6:30pm, July third on First Street at D Street, and can have up to 120 entries, said Nancy Martinez, Benicia Main Street Executive Director. It ends at City Park, Military and First Street, where a secret panel selects winners.

Jeannie and Tim Hamann, owners of Hamann Real Estate, are this year’s grand marshals, honored for their Hamann Foundation that helps cancer victims. Behind them will be the City Council, studios’ dancers, athletes, gymnasts, dog club members with their pets, commercial entries, automobile clubs’ vintage show cars, Benicia Old Town Theatre Group representatives and, new this year, Travis Air Force Base’s entry. One unusual past entry involved people flipping a hefty tractor tire along the parade route.

On Independence Day, Benicians gather for the Picnic in the Park, packing food, grilling onsite or buying from vendors, including Soroptomists’ ice cream booth. “This event is a wonderful way to spend the Fourth,” she said. Entertainment includes singer Michelle Lambert and the group Tin Man. Children can play in Jubilee Jump’s jumpy house, Martinez said.

16 • Benicia Magazine

Benicia Waterfront Festival

A Taste of First Street

Photos courtesy of Benicia Main Street Benicia’s fireworks display will start about 9pm on July Fourth.

After collaborative talks among the Oakland fireworks company, Pyrotechnic Spectaculars by Souza, Benicia Fire Department and Main Street, the launch site is back at the pier, to give viewers a better show. “We’re so excited about that,” Martinez said.

Other summer fun includes the Ghost Walks, starting at 8pm, the third Friday of each month. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 707.745.9791.

Golden Bough returns July 26 to the Benicia Historical Museum at 2060 Camel Road. Doors open at 7pm, and the concert starts at 8pm. Their show,“Travelin’ Songs—the Best of American Folk,” highlights the ensemble’s sweet vocals and expert instrumentation.

Tickets are $25, available at the museum’s office, at Bookshop Benicia, 636 First St., and online at BrownPaperTickets.com and Beniciahistoricalmuiseum.org.

The annual Benicia Waterfront Festival, from 11am to 6pm, Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28, celebrates the city’s picturesque setting. Originally a seafood festival, it grew for 14 years until Main Street traded it for a jazz festival that lasted several years. But it was missed. Enthusiasts persuaded Main Street seven

years ago to revive the Waterfront Festival, now a major regional festival, Martinez said. Attendees enjoy live music, wine and craft beer tasting, and the chance to buy various foods and shop at a vendor village. Children have a special activity area. Performing July 27 are DJ Black Ice, In Living Cover and Foreverland, a Michael Jackson tribute band, and July 28 are House of Floyd, Neon Velvet and Tortilla Soup, a blend of new and returning acts.

Daily admission is $10, $4 for those 65 and older and free to those 12 and younger accompanied by paid adults. A weekend general pass is $15. Tickets are available online at Beniciamainstreet.org.

A Taste of First Street, from 6pm to 9pm, Tuesday, Aug. 20, lets ticket buyers sample cuisine tastes from participating First Street restaurants and have two glasses of wine. Tickets are $35 for singles and two for $65, available from Benicia Main Street.

Benicia Public Library, 150 East L St., has a packed-full summer schedule in air-conditioned comfort. On the calendar are book club meetings, writing sessions, senior movies, electronic and table games, classes and reading programs and other activities that continue all the way through fall. Its schedule is available online at Benicialibrary.org.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

People and Places Downtown Benicia

Progress Made

on Red-Tagged Buildings Donna Beth Weilenman Part of Benicia’s beauty comes from our historic buildings. Designed with an elegance and attention to detail from a bygone era, it is our privilege and responsibility to maintain these buildings. It is good to see the progress being made on First Street, particularly with the Mason Building which is at the top of the street. The scaffolding has been removed and parking spaces have been freed up. It’s a painstaking and expensive process to repair these buildings but well worth the wait.

Northern California was rocked Aug. 24, 2014, by an earthquake on the West Napa Fault.

While Benicia was far more fortunate than its neighbors, Vallejo and Napa, in avoiding widespread damage, the city didn’t escape unscathed.

Benicia’s building staff issued a red tag to the Paper Tiger building at 901-903 First St., because of damage, according to an update from Rachel O’Shea, the city’s chief building official and City Floodplain manager. Two years later, another notable downtown building was red-tagged. In July of 2016, Benicia staff responded to concerns about the Mason Building, formerly known as the Esty’s Building, at 106 West J St. After a site visit, the Building Division asked for an engineer’s evaluation. The city then required the owner take several precautions, including having tenants leave the building.

There’s been progress on both structures, O’Shea said. City staff has been working with the engineering team of the Paper Tiger building owner, R. N. Haney. Together, they’ve evaluated and shored the historic structure “to save it from any further damage,” she wrote. “Over the years, the owner continued to demonstrate a commitment to repairing the structure, though the project experienced delays for a variety of reasons, including the repair costs and the specialized construction needs.” The good news is the building now has a new foundation and cement frame in the front lower story, and “all shoring has been removed and framing is underway.” Built in the late 1890s, the building’s lower level was modernized decades ago.

The building’s upper story reflects the period of its origin, making it a contributor to the historic downtown.

Collaborating with the city’s unreinforced masonry plan check consultants, the Mason engineering team prepared construction plans to address crack repair and parapet reinforcement. The building’s new owner completed repairs, according to O’Shea. “A major building on First Street is now ready for occupancy due to safety improvements,” she wrote.

The venerable building, built in the mid-1880s, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s been a Masonic meeting hall, a Solano County court room and a public meeting room.

Benicia staff recognize both the value as well as the challenges of having such historic and older buildings, O’Shea said. “The Community Development Department is committed to helping property owners who want to invest in Benicia’s historic buildings and choose to preserve and repair them as they age or experience unexpected natural disasters,” she wrote.

“Unexpected damage to a historic structure can cost a significant amount of time, coordination, funds and a property owner’s commitment to historic preservation.” Often special skills and techniques are required.

Most historic framing won’t meet today’s building standards. Some projects must be addressed on a case-by-case basis with the help of historic architects, cultural resources experts, masons and other specialists. “Benicia values its history, and the Building Division encourages property owners to seek ways to preserve and rehabilitate or restore buildings to keep Benicia history alive for all who live and visit the community,” O’Shea wrote.

18 • Benicia Magazine

Chef La Licata personally smokes all the meats to perfection

Photo by Lisa Duncan

Barbeque and Napa style charcuterie meet at Crossroads Jeannine Mendoza Imagine walking down Benicia’s friendly First Street and finding yourself hankering for a bit of lunch. You are in for a tasty surprise at Crossroads Smokehouse & Deli, located at 333 First Street in downtown Benicia. You can have your choice of barbequed or smoked hand cut meats, or a variety of sandwiches like hamburgers, cheeseburgers, grilled chicken, chicken club, hot or mild link sandwiches, or something you seldom see on the west coast, a decidedly delicious cheesesteak, replete with wonderfully melty provolone cheese, and green and red peppers. This is pure heaven on a toasted bun.

Crossroads Smokehouse & Deli, true to its name, also has a fully stocked deli with imported and local cheeses from Sonoma and Petaluma, including goat and sheep cheeses. You can purchase meats that have been smoked on the premises including pulled pork, barbequed beef, brisket, full racks of pork and beef ribs, and chicken leg quarters. Sides that are all freshly made on the premises include a classic potato salad, a redskin potato salad, house salads, barbequed beans, seasonal pasta salad, macaroni salad, and seasonal fruit salad.

Chef and owner, Dominick La Licata, focuses on barbeque featuring made from scratch entrees, smoked on-site meats, and salads that include local produce.

He recently described the establishment as “a wine country barbeque/charcuterie.

For summertime we have created what we call a picnic basket. You choose a couple of meats, a couple of cheeses, some cured meats like prosciutto, different imported salami, olives, maybe some fig jam and some fresh bread. You can order this and create your own picnic elsewhere or hang out here at the patio and enjoy the music and good weather and perhaps a glass of wine or a beer.”

Chef La Licata personally smokes all the meats to perfection, and it took him about a month to achieve the smoking of the brisket; too little smoking and the brisket risks toughness, and over-smoking makes the meat fall apart too much. Chef also grinds the hamburger in house, and slices the meat used for cheesesteaks as well, which explains why they are so delicious. No prepackaged or frozen food will be found here. In keeping with the focus on locally grown produce and cheeses, he uses locally prepared barbeque sauce made in Benicia as well as other locally produced

sauces, hot sauces, pickles, mustard and olives. Crossroads Smokehouse & Deli offers catering for all occasions including weddings, parties, and meetings.

The welcoming outside patio draws all sorts of people, families, couples, date night duos, and dog lovers. The delicious food, attentive and cheerful staff and attractive patio area combine to deliver an enjoyable meal.

Live music adds to the fun twice a week. The music on Thursday differs from Saturday because Thursday’s crowd consists of many Benicia Farmers Market devotees who may enjoy relaxing with a drink or early dinner after their shopping is completed. Thursday’s music will be comprised of groups and solo artists, regulars who have been playing at Crossroads Smokehouse & Deli for a while.

Saturday’s music is more low-key with live music during mid-afternoon, featuring solo artists and small groups that range from blues and jazz to classic rock, and Celtic music.

All in all, Crossroads Smokehouse & Deli is a local favorite that is not to be missed.

Drop in sometime soon to enjoy the sunshine, local color and outstanding food.

You will not be disappointed.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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20 • Benicia Magazine

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White Camel Sale For Benicia Historical Museum The Annual “White Camel” Trash to Treasure Vintage Sale returns on Saturday & Sunday, July 13 & 14th, 9:00am – 3:00pm. This great event is once again being held at the Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barns, 2060 Camel Road, Benicia, CA.

Given last year’s great response, the event has been extended to cover two days, with additional vendors showing both inside & outside of Stone Hall. So mark your calendars because you won’t want to miss a chance to find that perfect treasure during this event.

The White Camel Sale is proudly sponsored by the Law Office of Dana Dean.

All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the Benicia Historical Museum programs.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

The Arts Dance

Making Moves: An Interview with Milissa Payne Bradley Genevieve Hand Photos by David DeSilva If you’ve ever seen a ballet, a fight scene in a movie, or even the Blue Angels soaring overhead in perfect synchronization, you’ve witnessed the product of choreography. Choreography is the art of composing a precise sequence of movements to achieve a desired outcome. Most frequently, it is attributed to the composition of dance.

Milissa Payne Bradley is a local choreographer—an artist who composes such sequences of movement. A Benicia resident, her work has been featured across the Bay Area and has gained national recognition, with Huffington Post touting her as “the e.e. cummings of ballet.”

We sat down with Payne Bradley at Farm and Flour to pick her brain about life as a choreographer, her creative process, and so much more.

BM: Where are you from, originally?

MPB:

I’m from a small town called Keansburg. It's located in between Fresno and Bakersfield—a very small agricultural town right next to Selma, California, the raisin capital of the world.

BM: And what brought you to Benicia?

MPB:

I came originally to dance for Oakland Ballet. The Bay Area has always been a place I’ve been attracted to—that meeting of art and culture—and Benicia is a microcosm of the Bay Area, but in a tranquil setting. I knew that it was a place I wanted to stay.

BM: How did you start choreographing?

MPB:

I knew that's what I wanted to do from an early age. I wanted to be the teacher. I wanted to be the person crafting and cultivating the steps. I went into my professional dance career as a way to build my reputation and my resume to give me the clout to one day go out and choreograph. I always had this bigger picture in my mind.

When I started working at SOTA, San Francisco School of the Arts, the director there, Elvia Marta, was a big advocate of my choreography—always pushing me to do more. I started using my resources and calling my professional friends, asking if I could choreograph a dance on them. At first it was just my friends being kind and volunteering their time, and now my reputation has grown to the point where I’m getting commissions with different dance companies and I’m taking different works to New York, Virginia, or Santa Monica, and getting more opportunities. Getting my name out there.

BM: Whose choreography inspires you?

MPB:

George Balanchine, Crystal Pite, Bronislava Nijinska. Those are the ones that stand out.

22 • Benicia Magazine

BM: What else inspires your choreography?

MPB:

So many things inspire me. Architecture, textures, nature, music… My family really inspires me. We’ll sit around talking about “well, what would make a cool dance?” And I think I’ve always been, as a female, an advocate of femininity and feminine power. So, there's always an undercurrent and an underlying question of “where is the strength of women in this?”

BM: What is your mission statement as an artist?

MPB: My mission is to find a marriage and a connection to

use the classical ballet vocabulary in an accessible way. To bring dance to a larger generation of, hopefully, new dance lovers. I think dance is a form of communication as well as literacy and I think it's a way for us to speak to someone. So, just trying to find a way to speak the language of dance to everyone.

BM: What is your next project?

MPB: I’ve got a dance film that I’m working on that I’m

really excited about. The dance is based around water, some of it will be set in Benicia, but it's also about a journey of someone, a growth. How the tide ebbs and flows and brings in what you need and lets go of what you don’t.

BM: You’ve just started a doctorate program. Tell us about that.

MPB: It’s a program through Stanislaus State for a

Doctorate in Educational Leadership. I'm going to go through the community college emphasis (rather than K-12), so hopefully that will enable me to one day move up to a higher administrative role—maybe a provost or a dean, or vice president.

BM: And what is your goal in this higher role?

MPB: Advocating for art. Because right now it's a

luxury. Not everybody gets to enjoy art—and by art, I mean performative and visual. It's something that kids have to be immersed in outside of school because school is more focused on academic standards, testing, etc. I want to help to bring art into schools because it's just as important as math or English.

Because we as artists know that art is essential to creativity and thought, because we are involved in it, but we had what is now considered a luxury. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Payne Bradley is scouting locations here in Benicia as the set for her upcoming dance film, expected to debut in early 2020. To find out more about her work and background, please visit her website: Milissapayne.com.

Dancer: Chantelle Pianetta BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

The Arts Benicia Gallery

MaryLou Correia Featured Artist at Benicia Plein Air Gallery

HalfDome,Yosemite Photo curtesy of MaryLou Correia

Reflections Photo curtesy of MaryLou Correia

Donna Beth Weilenman For MaryLou Correia, “Painting is my way of cherishing nature and welcoming the surprises and unexpected gentle creatures I meet along the way.” She’s the July featured artist at Benicia Plein Air Gallery in the heart of Benicia’s downtown shopping district.

The series of springtime paintings in the exhibit take the viewer on a visual tour of several beautiful places, some just a short distance from Benicia. “My favorite season for painting in California is early spring, which begins with February’s dramatic clouded skies and sprinkles of snow on the local mountains. This year, the late rain produced spectacular flowering orchards,” She went on to say “In March, I painted along the flooded roadways and above the blooming almond orchards with incredible clouds.

I painted with freedom and delight until the clouds burst.”

Correia went to the John Muir National Historic Site, where the famed environmentalist’s family orchards were 24 • Benicia Magazine

in bloom. After visiting John Muir’s home in Martinez, Correia traveled east and south, in search of more outdoor subjects.

“Brentwood’s ancient cherry trees put on a spectacular show, and the Antelope Valley was so breathtaking. Candy for the eye. Streaks of pure cadmium yellow and orange straight out of the paint tube. It has been a spring of abundance,” she said.

But the exhibit includes more than her California paintings. Gallery visitors also will see her oil paintings from a retreat to the Mexican fishing village of Boca, where, she said, “I enjoyed the people, their delight in the simple, slow pace of life, good food and music.”

Correia is an award-winning artist who said she’s inspired by observing nature and man’s gentle intrusion into it, and is influenced by the Impressionists’ use of brilliant, sensuous layers of color. When she paints, she said she tries to capture the grace and beauty of nature in a vignette in time. She paints loosely with exuberant strokes, with brushes loaded with vibrant color combinations.

She said she uses figures subtly to stir the viewer’s imagination and paints pure landscape with only a hint of human presence. In this approach, Correia said she hopes to encourage viewers to appreciate and preserve landscapes for future generations. “For me, the adventure is the process of painting, the meditative absorbing challenge of capturing the moment, a sense of the place,” she said.

In addition to Correia’s featured art, the Benicia Plein Air Gallery has a new collection of plein air paintings by all 13 of the gallery’s artists. Correia’s exhibit opens July fourth and runs through August fourth, and the public is welcome to her reception, from3pm to 6pm, Saturday, July 13, at the gallery.

Benicia Plein Air Gallery, at 307 First Street, is staffed by the artists. The gallery is open from noon to 6pm, Thursdays through Saturdays. The gallery’s website is BeniciaPleinAir.com.

The Arts ­ Literature

Lois Requist Book-Finalist In Two Categories

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A two-topping large pizza with 6 twists & 2 liter soda Donna Beth Weilenman Photos courtesy of Lois Requist A book by one of Benicia’s past poet laureates and published

by Benicia Literary Arts is a finalist in two categories of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Lois Requist’s book, Late Harvest Green, an Idaho Farm Family Through the 20th Century, by Lois Requist, has been named a finalist in the categories of Ebook fiction and general fiction/ novels of less than 80,000 words in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. These awards are the largest international awards for independent publishers, according to an announcement from Benicia Literary Arts. They were established to recognize exceptional independently published books in more than 70 different categories. Winning book authors are invited to the Gala Awards Reception in Washington, D.C., and receive gold award stickers for their books, which become listed in various catalogs and receive possible consideration by various literary agents.

Late Harvest Green, edited by Mary Eichbauer and others, was published in 2018 by Benicia Literary Arts. Its cover is from a painting by Susan Street and was adapted for the book by Tom Stanton, Benicia’s current poet laureate. “I’m thrilled that the book has received this recognition and appreciative of Indie Books for honoring publications by independent authors and publishers,� Requist said. “It’s hard to get attention in a world dominated by large publishers.�

Requist is a native of Idaho, although she has lived most of her adult life in California. This book’s story is largely taken from childhood memories and impressions of her home in Nampa, Idaho. The author has published two other books, Where Lilacs Bloom, and RVing Solo Across America Without a Cat, Dog, Man, or Gun. She’s also published poetry, short stories and nonfiction articles, and writes the column “The Village Voice� for Carquinez Village, a duty she shares with Judie Donaldson.

Benicia Literary Arts publishes work it considers to be of high literary merit. Since its inception in 2012, it has published The Long Blue Room, a book of poetry by Joan Gelfand, “With a Dream so Proud, The Life of Stephen Vincent Benet, by the late Donnell Rubay, and the last four anthologies of the First Tuesday Poetry Group, led by the poet laureate. Late Harvest Green and other publications by Benicia Literary Arts are available at Bookshop Benicia and other stores and online at Amazon.com.

Benicia Literary Arts’ website is benicialiteraryarts.org.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

The Arts Music

Exciting

Music Scene in Benicia and Beyond Jack Thompson Highly accomplished artists and lesser known talent from a broad range of genres are now appearing in Benicia, or within an evening’s reach. In addition to our downtown, we’ll be telling you about headliners at Vallejo’s Empress Theater and Napa’s nightlife as well as the Clock Tower shows, VOENA’s travels and classical music at The Capitol State Historic Site.

We’ll be looking into Martinez’s growing scene and will tell you about the unique and entertaining Porch Fest in Napa that happens the last Sunday in July.

It’s no secret that Benicia has experienced exciting growth in its live music scene, on some evenings Benicia has one of the highest live stage per population numbers in the Bay Area.

Musicianship, technical development, collaboration at a high artistic level and the performance spaces to support them are all here. It has grown our “destination” status, and with it an enthusiastic crowd of locals and road trippers bringing rock, jazz, roots, 60’s, classical, folk, Celtic, cabaret, and theatrical which has contributed to the economic development of our quaint and magical small town.

As a lifelong writer, producer, studied musician and awarded performer. I care deeply about great music and all it takes to bring that moment of lightning to the stage. We have the structure to be a noted Entertainment Destination. I welcome your insights, feedback and artist alerts.

26 • Benicia Magazine

IN THE CLUBS—

Following is an overview of Benicia’s venues and stages. As always if you hear something please let us know!

Crossroads Smokehouse & Deli

Serves up the best ribs and brisket along with all of their delightful deli items. They have updated the patio and provides wine and beer service in the performance area, Rock, folk and pop from 6-9pm Thursdays outside during the Farmer’s Market season.

June began acoustic Saturday Afternoons, 3:00 pm to 6:00pm. Watch for chart topping rock and pop from The Dawdlers.

First Street Cafe Upstairs

Provides a lot of variety including rock, jazz, open mic, comedy, trivia and a range of soloists. The window tables provide a great watch of the street scene, with The Union Hotel a block away and Lucca Beer Garden just across the street. Not in the mood for quiet? Check out 60s vocal masters The Tuneriders with Ken Cooper.

Lucca Bar, Grill and Beer Garden

Outdoor venue known for staging Bay Area recording artists and touring acts.

The venue evokes a family feeling, both in the traditional sense and for the family of those who love and respect the music and players. There will be many “don’t miss” surprises gracing their Beer Garden stage.

Oh, if you see the name ‘Jeff’ anywhere on the schedule (there’s a couple of them) this is where you want to be.

Nine Zero Seven

New on the map with music Thursday evenings either on the patio or inside their intimate restaurant and lounge.

The Rellik

A well-established club with wide variety, booking impressive local and national touring acts leaning toward rock, dance, showcase, and a ‘live’ open mic. There’s a great dance floor and the music is played at an energetic volume.

Union Hotel

Music on the patio Thursday nights with a jazz ensemble in its 11th year of residency.

Ranging from smooth groove and pop, going far out as Bop. No matter where you go in Benicia the music is respected and celebrated. There’s hardly ever a cover charge, but there’s always a tip jar. In a town where you can hear a nationally selling artist cut loose in the intimacy of 30 people, make sure you keep your seat. The people around you are contacting their friends and the Bay Area is coming through the door. Just another show in a small town. Cheers!

Philanthropy

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We Help Each Other be Present and Active Benicia Old Town Theatre Group (BOTTG) founded in 1964, is a local non-profit theatre group. BOTTG has produced over 100 plays, including comedy, musicals and dramas.

BOTTG community volunteers participate in city events and collaborate with the arts and nonprofit groups as business and tourism stakeholders.

Tim and Jeannie Hamman started fundraising annually for Relay for Life, benefitting Cancer Research. The Hamann Foundation’s focus is “To promote cancer research, provide services and support to cancer patients and survivors and to make a difference in the Battle against Cancer."

BOTTG supporters created individual art pieces entitled "Bras For a Cause" with patrons voting for their favorite "Bra" by a donation, and each art piece was auctioned off. The proceeds benefitted the Hamman Foundation. The $500 goal was hugely surpassed with a grand total of $1,786.

Community theatre in Benicia contributes to the social capital of the town. This collaboration is a fantastic example of being there for each other.

Dyanne Vojvoda, Cindy Smith, Lori Ann Griffen, Laura Paoletti, Natasha Harris, Beate Bruhl, Lillian Downing, Joann Boccolini, Pat Macleod, Chris Francis, Jill Saurwein, Leah Shelhorn, Karyn Desouza, Toni Hassard, Carol Berman, & Christina Strawbridge.

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Calendar

July 2019 Events

the Camel Barns takes the White Elephant Sale to the next level by offering a sale of items from local merchants and artisans as well as a wide variety of gently-used “treasures”. Browse the household items, books, seasonal gifts, vintage wares, and much, much more! Hungry?

There will be offerings for purchase while you shop.

Event is a fundraiser for Benicia Historical Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Python Ron Summer Show

7/3, 10am City Gym 150 East L Street, Benicia Come meet all the different creatures that travel with Python Ron, from 18-foot pythons to 4-foot-long lizards. Python Ron gives everyone the opportunity to get up close and personal with these awesome creatures. Only $2 per child. Please arrive 15 minutes early as a courtesy to t he entertainers.

Ci.benicia.ca.us/pcs 707.746.4285

Taste of Napa

Torchlight Parade

7/3, 6:30-8:30pm First Street at Military, Benicia Benicia’s Independence Day Parade happens the night before the 4th of July! Stretching along First Street, it includes dancers, floats, clowns and entertainment.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.747.9791

Picnic in the Park & Fireworks

7/4, 12-7pm Downtown 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 9 p.m. at the foot of First Street making this a great event for the whole family.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.747.9791

Benicia Certified Farmer’s Market

7/11, 18, 25; 4-8pm First & B Streets, Benicia The Benicia Certified Farmers’ Market 27th season is open every Thursday in downtown Benicia and runs run through October, offering farm fresh produce and fresh cut flowers along with arts and crafts 28 • Benicia Magazine

Benicia Certified Farmer’s Market Photos courtesy Benicia Main Street

vendors, specialty foods, baked goods, and numerous gourmet food vendors. Children can enjoy activities like face painting and the inflatable bounce house on the First Street Green.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.747.9791

Renegade Craft Fair

7/13 & 14, 11am-6pm Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco Renegade San Francisco gathers the expansive Bay Area creative community for three annual weekends of exceptional and inspirational craft. Fort Mason

Center Festival Pavilion offers a bright and airy marketplace for attendees to discover new artists, shop innovative design, and enjoy immersive features. Attendees may sip cocktails while shopping from local makers and designers, grooving to vinyl DJ sets, attending workshops and enjoying bites from local food trucks.

Renegadecraft.com/fair/sanfrancisco-summer

White Camel Trash-toTreasure Christmas in July Vintage Sale 7/13, 9am-3pm Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Benicia Historical Museum at

7/13, 11am-3pm Vista Collina 850 Bordeaux Way, Napa Savor exceptional food, wine and music at Taste of Napa, the festival’s annual celebration featuring the best that the valley has to offer. Guests can wander the grounds and sample fare from more than 70 local wineries, restaurants and top artisans. Napa Valley’s newest distillery, Loch & Union, serves up its award-winning gin in a dedicated lounge, and a Reserve Tasting Salon offers exclusive wine tastings in a private setting.

Entertainment includes music

by DJ Marcus T and a concert featuring rock and roll party band Wonder Bread 5.

Festivalnapavalley.org

Benicia Art Walk

7/13, 2-7pm Downtown Benicia The Benicia Second Saturday Art Walk is a community-driven event, featuring resident and local guest artists at a variety of galleries in downtown Benicia. This event is held the Second Saturday of each month, April through October.

The Art Walk is free to the public and family friendly.

Facebook.com/BeniciaArtWalk

Movie Night Unter the Stars: Moana

7/19, 8pm City Park First Street & Military West, Benicia Bring pillows, blankets and low-back chairs, then sit back and enjoy the entertainment with free admission and free popcorn during the movie. Food and beverages are welcome, so don’t forget to pack a picnic dinner. The movie starts at dusk. This is a family event so, please, no smoking and no pets. Keep Benicia parks beautiful, please help clean up after the movie.

Ci.benicia.ca.us/pcs 707.746.4285

Providing honest and reliable service since 1996 Commercial/Residential Installation

Golden Bough in Concert

7/26, 8pm Benicia Historical Museum’s Stone Hall 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Join Benicia Historical Museum as acclaimed trio Golden Bough takes its music in a different direction, with the new show: Travelin' Songs—the Best of American Folk.

Spanning the country, Golden Bough links traditional folk songs with more recent favorites of the American Folk Revival from the 50s and 60s, singing and playing the music of America that has endured throughout the generations. From working on the railroads to leaving on that jet plane, Golden Bough brings you the songs America loves. Tickets $25, no-host bar included.

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

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Solar, Windows, Insulation and Tankless Water Heaters

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Benicia Waterfront Festival

7/27 & 28, 11am-6pm Benicia Waterfront The popular summer event is back with a splash! Benicia celebrates its picturesque waterfront locale with two days on the First Street Green. Live Music Craft Beer & Wine Tasty Foods Vendor Village Kids’ Activity Area, all designed to celebrate summer.

As the popularity of the event has grown through the years, it has attracted visitors from as far away as Germany!

Set at Benicia’s waterfront, the festival features two afternoons of live rock, R&B with a little Latin pop thrown in. Plus craft beers and wine, food, vendors and children’s activities. 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 price for an entire afternoon of food, fun and shopping? Only $10 for adults, kids under 12 are free and seniors (65 and up) are $5.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

Live Music

July

Music Empress Theatre

Lucca Beer Garden

707.552.2400

707.745.3749

439 First Street, Benicia Luccabar.com No Cover Charge

Thursday 4th, 6:30-9PM

Friday 5th, 6:30-9PM Saturday 6th, 1:00-3:30pm

Saturday 6th, 6:30-9PM

Sunday 7th, 3-6PM

Thursday 11th, 6:30-9PM

Friday 12th, 6:30-9PM Saturday 13th, 1:00-3:30PM

6:30-9PM

Sunday 14th, 3-6PM

Thursday 18th, 6:30-9PM

Friday 19th, 6:30-9PM Saturday 20th, 1:00-3:30PM

6:30-9PM

Sunday 21st, 3-6PM

Thursday 25th, 6:30-9PM

Friday 26th, 6:30-9PM

Saturday 27th, 1:30-3:30

6:30-9PM

Sunday 28th, 3-6PM

The FOXCATCHERS are Jeff Tamelier & Christopher Cole Eamonn Flynn Band Afternoon Bizzy Lewis Idlewild West An Afternoon of Irish Music w/ Vince Wolfe, Lewis Santer & Friends Lisa Marie Johnston & Friends Tuneriders Sweettooth Duo Marina Crouse with S.E. Willis, Ruth Davies & Booby Cochran Pato Milo & Joe Livoti Leah Tysse Band New Copacetics Afternoon Joe Aspatore Bell Brothers Valerie Jay Camp Jeff 4th Friday with Don Bassey and Friends Eric Eckstein GarageLand Rodeo Sin & Graham

330 Virginia St, Vallejo EmpressTheatre.org aturday, July 6th, 8:00 PM S

aturday, July 13th, 8:00 PM Eric EQ Young & Friends S $25 Online | $30 Phone & Box Office

Uptown Theatre Napa 707.259.0123

1350 Third Street, Napa UptownTheatreNapa.com

Jul 6th, 8:00PM

July 10th & 11th, 8:00PM

July 14th, 8:00PM

707.742.4142

333 First Street, Benicia heritagepantryandspice.com

707.552.2331

July 6th, 4:00-7:00PM

July 7th, 2:00-5:00PM

July 12th, 6:00-9:00PM

July 20th, 1:00-4:00PM

July 27th, 2:00-5:00PM

30 • Benicia Magazine

Funk Jazz Legend & Trumpeter, Tom Browne, $30 — $40 Ray Obiedo and Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Ensemble featuring Leah Tysse — 30 – $40 Papa Joe & The New Deal — $15 Project 4 Band — $15 The Rhythm Method 4 — $15

Y&T Please Note: 12+ (Under 16 w/ Adult) $35 - $50 Ticketmaster or Box Office An Evening With Lyle Lovett & His Large Band $70 - $115 Ticketmaster or Box Office GUSTER! $34 - $54 Ticketmaster or Box Office

Crossroads Smokehouse and Deli

Vino Godfather 500 Walnut Ave, Vallejo, CA 94592 Vinogodfather.com

A Night of Spectacular Duo’s The Young Fables Handmade Moments & Complicated Animals $25 Online | $30 Phone & Box Office

July 18th, 6 PM-9PM July 25th, 6 PM-9PM

Valerie Jay & The Americanos The Dawdlers

1st Street Café 707.745.1400

440 First Street, Benicia firststcafe.com

July 12th, 7-10:15PM July 19th, 7-10:15PM July 26th, 7-10:15PM July 27th, 7-10:15PM

Parts & Labor Glenn Lowe First St. Funnies (Comedy) TuneRiders

ESTEY Since 1946

Real Estate Sales & Professional Property Management

707-745-0924

216 First Street, Benicia • esteyrealestate.com

CaBRE # 00674738

Sales Buying Investing Management

Celebrating our 72nd year of Business

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 35 years.

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

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

Benicia's

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

“It was a pleasure to work with Trevor and Taylor at AQCC. The whole experience was first-rate. They were attentive to detail, dependable and creative problem-solvers. We recommend them highly! Thanks guys!”

— Art and Nancy Dahlberg

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

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