Benicia Magazine July 2021 Issue

Summer Travel Close to Home

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Aly Mickelson Cooper Mickelson Darrell Mcelvene Gethsemane Moss Ed.D Kevin Nelson Gene Pedrotti Carolyn Plath Jean Purnell Maura Sullivan

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We offer classes specializing in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Tap, Acro and Contemporary for ages 2 1/2 - Adult.

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Benicia Benicia 18

July 2021 Magazine

Contents Features

Columns

16 Time to getaway

8 From the editor

3 different destinations, only a couple of hours away

26 Dinner and a Movie

Benicia Magazine

BeniciaMagazine.com Benicia Magazine Benicia Magazine

getaway

Benic

Benicia

Sailor Jack’s and Big Fish

m

magazine

30 BookTails 18 B enicia backyard barbecue Summer is here and it’s time to party!

People we Meet on Vacation

Special thanks to Nina Simone Aquino for the great photos she took of our Benicia Barabecue.

Benicia

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magazine

Benici

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Departments Around Town

Have a an Odd Job not listed just ask!

• Moving • Run Errands • Yard Work • Event Help • Deliveries

Food and Drink

Licensed, Bonded and Insured Call (707) 297-6679 or E-mail Chris@wedooddjobsnorcal.com

10 Grillin’ Not just for burgers anymore

www.wedooddjobsnorcal.com

11 B ar None A beautiful wine for a barbecue

12 Lucca Bar & Grill

Traditional favorites and tasty new menu items

Community 14 Benicia Business — Nuts and Bolts Refillable Coleman camping cannister -at last!

MITCHELL LAW GROUP 1001 Madison Street, 2nd Floor Benicia, California 94510 SolanoLawGroup.com info@SolanoLawGroup.com 707-748-0900 Wills • Trusts • Estate Planning & Administration • Family Law Real Estate • Probate • DUI • Consumer Law • Business Law

20 Hidden Benicia Remembering Nathan

22 A rt & Artists Daniel Hunter, featured artist at Gallery 621

28 C lassroom to recording studio

Academia is not always a young artist’s first choice

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist No. 97517

1350 Hayes Street, Suite A33 Benicia, CA 94510

(707) 980-3331

Full-line pet store Professional dog & cat grooming Do it yourself pet wash

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1202 East 5th Street, Benicia 707.745.5016 • www.FeathererPet.com

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Column Editor's letter

Summertime and the Livin' is Easy For our July issue we decided to feature backyard parties, and what would be better than a backyard barbecue? The idea of a party with several people seemed almost exotic since it had been so long since we had done such a thing.

But everything is open now and we’re all in for opening up.

Our barbecue included a few family members and friends.

The beautiful yard and grill were contributed by Malissa Mickelson. Dinner was provided by our art director, Margaret Bowles, and master coordinator was Cooper Mickelson.

Every angle was covered, from food to beverages to games and music. We used serving and decor items from Benicia shops (Romancing the home and Happy Life Pottery), food and beverages (Bruehol Brewery and Mt. Beautiful wines) and food from local gardens and grocery stores. Family, old friends and new enjoyed themselves immensely and toasted the beginning of summer.

It’s also the season to enjoy some summer camping. Jon and I have always tent camped, but we are contemplating joining the RV crowd. So, we recently decided to try a small trailer. We rented the trailer through RVShare and chose a campsite close to home, in one of Russian River’s great campgrounds. It was great fun and so relaxing! We liked being able to leave the trailer and take a drive to the coast where we could picnic on the beach and Emmy, our greyhound, could run free. It was so refreshing to be in nature. When we returned, Emmy jumped out of the car, looked at the house, looked at the trailer, and jumped back in the car. Clearly she thinks life on the road is grand.

Enjoy the summer, the outdoors and our beautiful town!

Mary

@beniciamagazine

Facebook.com/beniciamagazine

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

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Grillin'

Around Town Food and Drink

It’s not just for burgers anymore n

KT Graham

We’re well into summer and I know you’ve been grilling already.

Are you starting to get bored with the same old stuff? Chicken, burgers, steak, hot dogs, or sausages. It’s easy to get into a rut. If you find yourself wondering if there’s more to grilling than the old standbys, I’m here to answer with a resounding YES!!

Have you branched out yet to fish on the grill? I love salmon steak, but used to struggle with how to keep it from sticking. One day, I sliced a lemon into thin slices and laid them on the grill as a bed for the salmon. No more sticking!

By the time you turn it, the steak will have cooked enough that the second side won’t stick so no need to try to make a new bed of lemon.

Of course, if you have a fillet, leave it skin side down directly on the grill until the skin is nice and crispy.

By the time the skin is crispy and releases easily from the grill, the fillet will be cooked and won’t require turning.

Shrimp takes no time on the grill. I love to marinate it and then put it on skewers. For 1 ½ lbs of cleaned shrimp, combine 1 T olive oil, 5 crushed cloves of garlic, 1 cup of orange juice, zest from 1 orange, and several sprigs worth of fresh rosemary leaves. Add the shrimp, cover, and stick in the fridge for an hour. They will only take 2-3 minutes per side on the grill, and having them on skewers makes them easy to flip quickly.

For me, though, the real stars of the summer grill are vegetables. There are all kinds of vegetables that turn out great.

You’re probably familiar with squash and

10 • Benicia Magazine

eggplant. Maybe you’ve even roasted a sweet red pepper on the grill. Those are all good options. As far as I’m concerned, pretty much any vegetable can get a little rub or drizzle of olive oil and go right on the grill. Some people like to also add salt to the veggies before grilling. I tend to add salt later if I’m in the mood for it.

If you find yourself with leftover grilled veggies, you have the makings for tomorrow’s lunch. I’ll use a roll or good

bread, add a smear of pesto, then grilled squash, eggplant, sweet red pepper, feta cheese or fresh mozzarella, and I have a gourmet sandwich.

I hope this inspires you to try something new. There are so many options out there, and to be honest, veggies from the grill just taste better. So go to the farmers market, load up your bags, and treat yourself to a whole new world of grilling.

Around Town Food and Drink

A beautiful wine for a

...any vegetable can get a little rub or drizzle of olive oil and go right on the grill.

barbecue

Here is a list of things I love on the grill that maybe you haven’t tried.

Asparagus Butternut squash I don’t

even peel it. Just cut into rounds (scrape the seeds off the inside) and put them directly on the grill.

When they’re done, top them with fresh ricotta, chopped sage, and toasted pine nuts. It’s heavenly.

Green cabbage Yeah, no

kidding. Slice it into wedges (leave the core in because it helps hold it together on the grill), drizzle with a little olive oil and grill it over medhigh heat for about 5 minutes on each side. It softens but still has a bit of bite to it, and it gets incredibly sweet. It’s so much better than you imagine it might be.

Broccoli & Cauliflower florets become crispy goodness on the grill.

Fava beans Put the pods on the

grill whole, about 4-5 minutes per side. They’ll pop out of their skins like edamame and are luscious and creamy.

Corn on the cob OK, so this one doesn’t get olive oil. I soak the ears, husks and all, in a pan of water for about 30 minutes and then put them on the grill, turning a ¼ turn every 5 minutes. Once they’re done, the husk and silk comes off easily.

And fruit! Peel a pineapple, slice it into rounds and put directly on the grill. You can thank me later.

n

Maura Sullivan

It’s sundown on a clear summer’s evening. Little pillows of smoke rise from behind every other fence in our little town.

The strong scent of burning coal and slow burning wood is carried by the Benicia breeze. As I sit on my balcony enjoying the aromas, what the hell am I doing drinking a basic beer? With my senses being awoken like this, I need something more complex. I need wine!

The beauty of BBQ meat is that it goes great with so many options. We could go robust with a hefty cabernet, or even a merlot to enhance the grape jelly marinades. But the 9pm sundown wouldn’t allow something so heavy. Staying awake for second helpings and dessert is key.

We need something light to enjoy in the late night heat. Before we dig in, we need something refreshing to start. A crisp rosé will refresh the pallet and the nose from the overpowering smoke. A great starter to sip on while “patiently” waiting for the pork to tender down in it’s long smoldering smoke bath. I have just the line up for such a savory evening. Mt. Beautiful wines will pair perfectly.

Mt. Beautiful, a winery located in the South Island of New Zealand. Taking center stage in the North Canterbury region, this winery produces much more than a Sauvignon Blanc. The rolling hills and unpredictable coastal weather creates a complex pinot noir, a bright chardonnay

and a textural acidic riesling. This wine aims to surprise your tastebuds. Their 2020 rosé is a fragrant wine, created with a slight touch of savory pinot noir skins and blended with refreshing pinot gris.

The blend creates a subtle strawberry and freshly cut pear flavor. The finish is simple and crisp. Goes beautifully with a few taste tests of pulled pork, in my opinion.

When going further into the evening, you’ll need something to pair with your full tower of meat. When I think of BBQ, I think of my dad’s slow cooked/smoked ribs.

A rich rack of baby backs. Every bite is tender, sweet and graced with a little kick of spice. Mt. Beautiful pinot noir would be my choice to wash these bad boys down with. The pinot noir gives an exceptionally juicy introduction to the pallet. Softening and complimenting the spicy kick from the ribs. Finishing with a slight tannic and an earthy aroma.

You can find these wines or pick them up in our very own town. Mt. Beautiful has a US office located in the Benicia Arsenal District. Feel free to order online and note for pick up in Benicia.

Just mention baby back ribs. They’ll know what you’re looking for. Unfortunately, there are no tastings, but if you’d like to try a glass or two, The Chill and Lucca’s offer a few Mt. Beautiful wines by the glass.

Visit: https://www.mtbeautiful.com/ourwines/wine-shoppe/ BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

Around Town Food & Drink

What’s up at Lucca Bar & Grill n

Lucca’s salads are all great choices, and include Caesar, Cobb, Crab Louie, and the unrivaled Salad Nicoise with seared ahi tuna.

12 • Benicia Magazine

Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D

Benicia’s collection of eating establishments certainly took a hit over the past year, what with the pandemic, lockdown, and restaurant restrictions.

Luckily for us, most restaurants used all their creative juices to keep in business, creating safe outdoor dining areas, providing delivery, and takeout. Over the shutdown, Lucca took advantage of the downtime, and hired a chef consultant, Bruce Paton, also known as the beer chef, to fine tune their menu.

Lucca Bar and Grill’s beer garden and outdoor music venue is a welcome respite for music lovers and food lovers alike.

Commit ment to quality and creative cuisine has always been apparent, and even more so now that restrictions are being lifted. Tasty tuna tartare, and the unexpected deviled eggs are sure to please.

These are not your Aunt Martha’s deviled eggs from the 1980s, but something more unique. These deviled eggs come with crab or bacon, and the one that can’t be beat comes with duck prosciutto and pickled figs. The flavorful combination is an incomparable taste treat well suited to a cold white wine, sangria or glass of

beer. Lucca’s popular staples like wings and their famous poppers are also available.

Besides the aforementioned bar bites, more substantial sandwiches like the Lucca burger, or the crab roll with chimichurri sauce fill the bill. Lucca’s fried chicken is perfection, with its crunchy coating and succulent chicken meat within. Other popular dishes are the creamy and velvety mac and cheese, the beef or duck confit sliders, and the homemade country style biscuits.

Lucca’s salads are all great choices, and include Caesar, Cobb, Crab Louie, and the unrivaled Salad Nicoise with seared ahi tuna. On the menu are vegetarian options as well with a vegetarian chef’s salad, and a delicious beet salad with Humboldt Fog goat cheese.

Now that the CDC has finally ascertained that it is safe to visit our favorite local establishments and watering holes (as long as we are vaccinated!), we can enjoy our community mainstays like Lucca’s, and

venture out to enjoy creative menu items and live music in al fresco settings.

It’s time to revel in the delights of the season after so many months apart and indoors. Laissez le bon temps rouler !

Let’s Talk Real Estate ShopBayAreaHomes.com

Tina Hancock

Realtor® | DRE 02006363 707.386.4354 Tina@ShopBayAreaHomes.com Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

ET PR ES EN TS BE NIC IA MA IN ST RE

Where’s ? a i c i n e B a n Do July 9th – 31st

Win $100

Downtown Dollars

Find the framed picture of Benicia’s namesake at participating businesses to win Downtown Dollars!

For more info, visit

BeniciaMainStreet.org www.beniciamainstreet.org www.facebook.com/beniciamainst www.instagram.com/beniciamainst/

Benicia Main Street | 90 First Street, Benicia, CA 707.745.9791 BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Around Town Benicia Business

BENICIA NEWS AND VIEWS

Going Camping? It’s a Gas!...

n Gene Pedrotti

Is there a way we could address this wasteful by-product as we had with batteries and lamps?

14 • Benicia Magazine

Consider the ubiquitous Coleman cannister — you know, the little onepound propane tank that screws into a camp stove. Great product, but horrific waste when empty. It is likely that far more energy is used in the mining of ore or steel production of a Coleman than the gas that fills it.

And what a mess they make in campgrounds and national parks!

They are expensive to handle and to dispose of. According to Maria Knutson, recycling coordinator for Republic Services in Benicia, empty tanks are hazardous material and, when improperly thrown in the trash, can cost up to $10 per can to separate and send to proper disposal, a hidden cost which Benicia residents pay as it is built into the waste rates for Benicia. Worse, she noted, “We don’t want them in our garbage or recycling trucks because they are explosive!”

Twenty years ago, I approached the City and Republic Services, offering the hardware store as a drop off site for household fluorescent tubes and alkaline batteries. Since then, residents have deposited thousands of lamps and loads of batteries, perhaps a million by now! One day pondering the waste caused

by Coleman empties, I thought: Is there a way we could address this wasteful by-product as we had with batteries and lamps?

This started two summers ago while spending a few nights in Nevada City with my husband, Ian, where we encountered an usual product — a refillable one pound propane tank called Flame King. At $15, it was a stout, well-constructed tank, reusable and refillable. As well, in these Sierra foothills where camping is popular, there was a local propane supplier, Kamps Propane, who was

offering to fill (and re-fill) these canisters. Filling was critical — it’s not enough to purchase a tank — you must have a source to refill it.

Back at home, I reported this discovery to Maria and also reached out to some of my Ace colleagues to discuss a re-filling program. Kamper Propane joined our meeting but described a re-fill process that was complicated, slow, and labor intensive. Although many of us were already filling your BBQ tanks at our stores, it simply wasn’t practical to fill the small one-pound tanks.

However, the Kamper folks took note of our interest in developing an eco-friendly re-fill program. And they went to work! Investing in a three-hundred-unit fill station, Kamper has solved the re-fill problem with a one-pound exchange program! Similar to Blue Rhino and Sodastream, consumers purchase an initial tank and then exchange it for a refill.

And so it is with great pleasure that Ace can introduce Little Kamper, the area’s first refillable one-pound propane tank! Each year, Benicia consumers purchase thousands of Colemans… for camping, balls games, parties, you name it. All of these get tossed into the

“Kamper has solved the re-fill problem with a one-pound exchange program!” garbage when empty. If we can shift 10-20% to Little Kamper, we will contribute to tremendous reductions in steel production energy output, trash waste, and reduce your recycling fees.

Full disclosure: Kamper is not cheap — consumers pay $19.99 for the initial canister and $ 9.99 for refills. Kamper set this pricing, as it barely covers the handling costs of stocking-selling-exchanging and return-shipping the empties. However, the eco-friendly benefits in reduced energy waste and recycling far outweigh these costs.

Little Kamper is not only transformative, it can be a gamechanger, radically redefining how we purchase and use small can propane. If this works for the 1# Coleman, why not the 16.2 oz Bernzomatic tank used in soldering?

In an era where sustainability is top-of-mind, Little Kamper has an important role to play. Please consider Little Kamper for your next camping trip or sports event and make this program as popular as fluorescent tube and battery recycling at Ace! In a sustainable future, it is the only way to purchase the #1 propane responsibly.

For more information on Little Kamper, visit: https:// littlekamper.com/ or CalRecycle: https://www. refuelyourfun.org/ BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Feature

In every walk “ with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ” - John Muir n

Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D

Now that vaccination rates are up, more parks and attractions are reopening, enabling us to enjoy the great outdoors. Many of our favorite places to commune with nature have been closed these past long dreary months since March 19, 2020 when the state of California issued its first Shelter-In-Place order, and now we have the opportunity to renew our spirits. Who among us does not need a fresh outlook on life, a restoration of our soul? Here, I've listed some places that are perfect for a day’s outing or even a longer visit.

Mendocino One hundred and fifty miles northwest of Benicia lies Mendocino, the spectacular site of the romantic 1971 movie, "Summer of '42." Picturesque Mendocino is a place of windblown cliffside trails, salty breezes and soaring shorebirds. A charmingly quaint downtown area is replete with specialty shops and inviting restaurants, offering a universal appeal. Eclectic galleries, the Mendocino Art Center, and a collection of great restaurants and bars are also available.

Adjacent to the downtown area is the Mendocino Headlands State Park with miles of trails, beaches, and stunning ocean views. Big River Beach in the Headlands area is where Big River meets the Pacific Ocean, just south of town, and is a broad, sandy beach, perfect for beach activities. Five miles north of Mendocino is the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, providing an interesting tour and ocean views. Nearby Jug Handle State Natural Reserve has both hikeable hillsides and an impressive beach with high bluffs.

16 • Benicia Magazine

Mendocino

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Sierra Lakes

A final nod to those both young and old who love sea life, Monterey Bay Aquarium recently reopened after being closed for thirteen months. This world class aquarium that first opened in 1984 is a sure bet, and requires advanced reservations and online-only ticket sales. Face coverings and timed entries are among the new practices put in place for a safe visitor experience. Masks for those three and above are required and although that might present problems for some younger visitors, it benefits us all.

Even if you visit Monterey and don’t visit the aquarium, there are sure to be public areas to view sea otters and sea lions. These places include the Coast Guard pier, the Old Fisherman’s Wharf (built in 1846), and the Municipal Wharf # 2, all three popular with fishermen. Monterey also is a great place to pick up some specialty seafood at long established wharf and Cannery Row restaurants. Kitschy shops that appeal to all tastes can be found as well. Even though Monterey is only 128 miles away from Benicia, it can provide an interesting and enjoyable day trip for the whole family.

Sierra Lakes In a recent travel article, Tom Stienstra, the San Francisco Chronicle Outdoor editor, outlined the Sierra Lakes area, north of Truckee and Lake Tahoe area.

These lakes, located in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area in Plumas National Forest, are an hour’s drive north of Truckee, only 160 miles northeast of Benicia.

There are seven lakes that you can drive to on the Gold Lake Highway between Highways 49 and 89, and even more lakes that you can hike to as well. There are assorted campgrounds, lodges, and cabins in the area that lies between the towns of Bassetts to the south and Graeagle to the north. The Lakes Basin Recreation Area is great for day use or overnight camping. The campgrounds are seasonal and vary in amenities and features. Some offer launches for inflatables or kayaks.

Others are better for swimming or fishing.

The site Recreation.gov is your link to make camping reservations. Just enter Lakes Basin and several campsites pop up including Diablo, Berger, Packsaddle, Salmon Creek, Sardine Lake , Pass Creek and a multitude of others. For a little time spent exploring this site, you can tailor a camping experience to suit your preferences. And for the most part, the cost per night is around $20.00. This experience can fit anyone’s budget .

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Feature

A F r i e nd s , Foo d & F u n

Friends, Food & Fun Friends, Food & Fun

n C ooper

Mickelson

This year, the City of Benicia and Benicia Main Street made the difficult decision to cancel the annual Torchlight Parade on July 3rd and the firework picnic on July 4th due to a concern over mass gatherings.

City Manager, Erik Upson, explained that “In Benicia, we don’t have the facilities that would allow us to limit the size of mass gatherings.” The annual parade often brings in around 20,000 spectators, so this is a critical issue to consider. He went on to state that “The safety of our community remains our top priority.

We have the end of this pandemic in sight and can look forward to celebrating again as a community next year.”

Although we are all saddened by another year without one of our favorite summer traditions, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy this beautiful July weather! Small neighborhood celebrations are not only allowed but encouraged. Call up your friends and family, and plan a fun backyard barbeque with us!

The backyard barbecues we know in America today were popularized in the early 1960s; they were the go-to family event on a sunny weekend. Dad would stand in front of the grill, barbecuing hot dogs and hamburgers. Mom would make homemade lemonade by the pitcher and watch as the kids ran through sprinklers. When the food was ready, the entire family would gather around the picnic table and enjoy a delicious meal over its white and red checkered tablecloth.

Soon, these backyard parties turned into a neighborhood event. Multiple families would gather together to sip cocktails and play games together in the summer heat. It was an excuse to spend quality time with friends and extended family. Now, the All-American backyard barbeque is something most of us look forward to every summer.

18 • Benicia Magazine

Time to Plan Planning a backyard BBQ can be a daunting task, so we put together a few tips and tricks to help you out.

1. Prep, prep, prep. Try to prep as

much as you can ahead of time so you can enjoy the party.

2. Assign each guest a side dish,

appetizer, or dessert. Cooking the entire meal is a ridiculous amount of work for one person, and everybody loves a chance to share their best recipes.

3. If the weather cooperates, consider

setting up the table and games the night before or the morning of the party. That way, you have more time to rest before the party starts. 4.

Batch cocktails and bottled/canned drinks are your best friend. It’s no fun to get stuck at the bar making drinks all afternoon. I’m a massive fan of “serve yourself” mimosa bars and Cutwater Cocktails.

4. Ask your guests about dietary

restrictions and hot dog vs. hamburger preferences before you go to the grocery store.

Knowing how much of every item you need cuts back on stress and unnecessary waste.

5. Set up some outdoor wastebaskets.

There will be tons of napkins, beer bottles, etc., and you don’t want to be cleaning up after people all night.

Time to Party!

As if the planning wasn’t tricky enough, now it’s time for the execution! Here’s the basic party schedule I’ve found works best.

11:30-12:00

As soon as guests arrive, offer them a beverage from the cooler or point them toward the mimosa bar.

Don’t forget to grab yourself a drink as well; this is a party, after all.

12:00 pm

Yard games and snacks! Giant Jenga, corn hole, lawn darts, and backyard bowling will keep guests entertained for hours.

Make sure that the playlist is on, and the speaker is turned up; let’s set the right energy early on.

2:30-4:30 pm Time to start grilling! Take orders from all of the guests, and be sure to throw vegetarian options on the grill first to avoid any meat-contact problems.

Announce last call at 4:30, you’ve been grilling for two hours, and you deserve a break. This is also a great time to make sure there’s plenty of water available. It’s hot, and some of your guests have been sipping cocktails since noon.

6. To avoid awkward introductions

5:00 pm Time for dessert! Clear off the snacks table and bring out the brownies, cupcakes, and miscellaneous treats your guests have baked (or bought).

If you’ve planned art and crafts, this is the best time to get it started. People are mellowing out; their thirst is quenched, their tummies are full, a mini DIY project is perfect for keeping everyone entertained.

7. Outdoor lighting. It will get dark,

8:00-9:00 pm You’ve reached the finish line. The sun is going down, so it’s time to turn on those lights and get the fire pit going if you have one.

It’s helpful to set out some Ziploc bags or disposable Tupperware for guests to bring home any leftovers. Everybody worked hard on the food, so we don’t want to throw anything away.

and set the right mood, invest in a Bluetooth speaker to play music.

(Check out our Benicia Magazine Playlist for this month, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser)

so I suggest you put out some tiki torches or any other outside lighting the day before the party.

If you host or attend a backyard BBQ this month, share your photos with us or tag us @beniciamagazine on Instagram so we can see how much fun you had!

9:00-Sleepytime

Party’s over kids, so any guests overstaying their welcome can help with the cleanup. Hopefully, most of the trash has found its way to the wastebaskets, and the majority of leftovers are with your friends who’ve already left.

If you’re anything like me, then you’ll be perfectly fine rinsing off plates, glasses, and silverware, then simply leaving them in the dishwasher for tomorrow. You’ve done a lot today, and your bed is calling your name, so the backyard games and furniture can wait.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Around Town Hidden Benicia

Nathan’s Memorial n

Kevin Nelson

Riding a bicycle. It is among the simplest and most joyous of life’s pastimes. For boys and girls, and many adults, riding a bike represents freedom, the thrill of going fast, the pure, innocent joy of being young and alive.

But on a dark day in March 2016, this community and others around the Bay Area recoiled in shock and sadness at the accidental death of Nathan Smith, a Benicia High fifteen-yearold, who smashed into a galvanized metal speed limit pole across from Matthew Turner elementary while riding his bike. Flying down Rose Drive and making the left hand turn onto Dempsey Drive, Nathan was on his way to the skateboard park. A passerby saw the crash, Benicia Fire came running, and an ambulance sped him to the hospital. But his injuries were too grave, and he could not be revived.

We all make mistakes. Accidents happen. A fifteen-year-old kid, sparked by the simple, innocent adrenaline rush of pure joy, crashes his bicycle and he pays for it with his life. Hardly seems fair, somehow.

That is the sad part of this story, the sadness that for his family and friends will never entirely go away. A light has gone out, not to be relit in this life. But there is more to tell about Nathan’s story, and it sheds a light not only on how much people still care about him but on the heart of this small town in which his short, happy life took place.

At Dempsey and Rose, at the base of the very pole that took Nathan’s life, there is a memorial for him. Out-of-towners visiting Benicia to shop on First and see the sights will never come by there. Many downtown residents as well as those in the Southampton hills may not even be aware it exists. But it is there, and it sprung up, like a flower blooming in early spring, as soon as news spread about how he died and where.

20 • Benicia Magazine

Kids and schoolmates who knew him, heartbroken family members, sympathetic members of the community placed flowers, messages and tokens of sorrow on the pole itself and the ground around it. The memorial today is nothing if not ecumenical. There are two crosses, one bedecked with flowers, and a plump Buddha statue. The flowers laid there were originally fresh, now they are plastic and brightly colored: purple, blue, yellow, orange. Stones painted by small children sit next to an angel figurine. On a polished stone is written this message: “Thank you everyone for your love. Miss you Nate. [Signed] Grammie.”

There are two bicycle handles, one attached to the pole; these may have even belonged to Nate. A wristband on a handle delivers the message, “Ride On.” There is an informal, spontaneous quality to this collection of memory material, and what makes it doubly poignant is its location: within earshot of children playing on the grounds of Matthew Turner and on the drive into Community Park with its ballfields and soccer fields and skatepark similarly alive with the excited, happy sounds of young people at play.

It is easy to imagine a car passing by the memorial for the first time and a child inside staring out the window at it, asking, “Mommy, what’s that?” What it is is a continuing cry of the heart for a boy taken too soon. It is also an expression of caring from the community in which Nathan rode through the streets, carefree, and skated till the sun came down. In five years it has not been touched except to add to it or perhaps tidy it when needed. It remains in the spot where anguished tears brought it to life.

Sometimes the generosity and grace of a people is shown by what they do—by reaching out, getting involved, taking action.

But sometimes grace makes itself known in a different way: by standing by, in silent support, and letting the silence serve as an act of shared remembrance and respect.

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Celebrating our 30 year Anniversary!

n

Aly Mickelson

Whether you’re planning on hosting a BBQ, hitting the road or taking a flight, all require a perfectly curated playlist to get that summer feeling started. Creating this perfect playlist can take hours or even days of searching music apps, adding and subtracting songs, making sure the mood is just right. To help take that stress away (we’ve all had enough of that this past year) we’ve put together a mix for any occasion. This list is compiled of old classics, recent hits and up and coming artists.

Simply put this playlist on repeat and relax all summer long.

American Girl — Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Golden — Harry Styles Steal My Sunshine — LEN Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix) (feat. Stevie Nicks) — Miley Cyrus, Stevie Nicks Send Me On My Way — Rusted Root Cruel Summer — Taylor Swift The Best — Tina Turner It’s Note Living (If It’s Note With You) — The 1975 Island In The Sun — Weezer Could You Be Loved — Bob Marley Dancing Queen — ABBA Middle of Love — Jake Wesley Rogers Left Hand Free — alt-J Gimme Shelter — The Rollings Stones Sunflower, Vol. 6 — Harry Styles Let’s Go Crazy — Prince

PICKET FENCES n Darrell Mcelvane

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Around Town Art & Artists

Daniel Hunter’s Pages from a Painted Book Featured Artist At Gallery 621

n

Jean Purnell

Daniel Hunter will be the featured artist at Gallery 621 for the month of July, exhibiting a series of paintings that Hunter calls Pages from a Painted Book.

Hunter joined Gallery 621 in 2017 after showing his work there earlier that year. Benicia’s friendly artist community and a warm welcome from fellow gallery artists made him glad to reconnect with Benicia.

“I’d spent time here 10 years earlier, but it has changed substantially,” said Hunter, who currently lives in El Sobrante. He found First Street much livelier and the waterfront even more beautiful than remembered.

Hunter developed his skills as an artist through degrees in ceramics and sculpture. He holds the BFA from the University of Arizona, Tucson and the MA from UC Berkeley. He liked California so much he stayed in the Bay Area

22 • Benicia Magazine

permanently after graduating.

After school, Hunter picked up a camera as a means to an income for the next 30 years. His work in photography led to a job at Ramparts, an influential literary and political magazine, doing design and layout, magazine covers, and journalistic assignments. After the magazine ceased publication, Hunter set up a photography studio and darkroom in Oakland where he taught classes for adults for many years. He later obtained a “professional credential” and became a full-time photography teacher at Oakland High School where he taught for 17 years, gradually incorporating ceramics into his teaching. He set up a ceramics studio at home and let photography go.

When his work in ceramics became more physically taxing than he desired, he transitioned into painting.

Hunter describes himself as a very visual person. “It’s what I see that gets my brain going. No matter what medium I’ve worked with – ceramics, sculpture, photography, painting – the artistic endeavor is like having a conversation with yourself. You put in the hours to get comfortable with the craft and master the materials, then it’s all about mining the stuff in your brain.”

The paintings in his current show are made by alternating layers of enamel spray paint with layers of wax resist on wood panels. The wax is removed, and more layers of paint are applied.

Sometimes Hunter sands the panel to remove paint before adding more. The paintings show his interest in spatial relationships, abstract shapes, gridlines, and bright contrasting colors. “I’ve been working with color for years, using multiple layers of pigment and glaze on my ceramics. What I’m doing with my painting now is very similar.”

Conceptually, each work in the current exhibition represents a page from a painted book. “I tend to work in sequences. Something interests me and I might do 5 to 10 paintings that develop that particular concept. All the works are different but related in some way. They just hang together as though they are pages in an imaginary book.”

Hunter stayed home like everyone else during the pandemic, spending enormous time in his studio and producing the works in the current show. “It was a great time to paint, but I missed the simple pleasure of adult conversation.”

When he is not painting, Hunter enjoys hiking, being outdoors, and observing the amazing geology of the California landscape. His work has been shown at the Pence Gallery, the LH Horton Gallery at San Joaquin Delta College, the Richmond Art Center, Arts Benicia, and other Northern California galleries.

His show opens on July 1st and closes on August 1st. Gallery 621 is located at 309 First Street in downtown Benicia. For gallery hours, visit gallery621.com.

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24 • Benicia Magazine

We are honored to continue serving and promoting the small business community as we exit these difficult times.

Thank you for your support and generosity to Benicia small businesses, and for making a difference to so many.

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the community of Benicia proved that it is generous and compassionate. The community faced each new challenge with

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courage and grace. We are proud to live and work in Benicia and we thank you for always going above and beyond for each other.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

Column Dinner and a Movie

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

Big Fish

n

Cinema Cat & Gourmet Gracie

This landmark building, previously a sea captain’s home, circa 1868, has a front-and-center waterfront view and was named for the famous author, Jack London, who frequented the area and loved to carouse with the Captain. The upstairs bar for dining and/or cocktails is Gracie’s favorite in the evening with those gorgeous Benicia sunsets over the water. Try the signature “Call of the Wild” libation or one or two of several “Jackatini” options.

26 • Benicia Magazine

Sailor Jack’s

And, ooooh la la, OYSTERS! Delicious and super fresh, multiple varieties are offered daily. All kinds of seafood… mussels, clams, shrimp, Dungeness crab, lobster…the Ahi Tuna or Crab stack with avocado and mango is fantastic!

Egg battered, local Petrale Sole is a downtown favorite and loyalists come from across the Bay for the “world-famous New England Clam Chowder!” Get there early for the Yellowfin Tuna Sandwich, which is only available for lunch and is wildly popular. Dinners include your choice of Creekstone Farms filets or ribeyes.

Indoor dining and extensive outdoor dining waterside are available, as well as take out. Look for the beautiful white tent at the bottom of First Street; reservations recommended.

Delightful and Delectable with unparalleled views of the Carquinez Strait and the Benicia shoreline—enjoy yourself!

And the sea o’nights Is bright with lights, Whenever they’re out to play For the White Sea foam Is their beautiful home, Where they live forever and aye.

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Our 2-Minute Movie Review:

Big Fish, 2003; Directed by Tim Burton (Nightmare Before Christmas) By: Cinema Cat In honor of all that sea food from Sailor Jack’s, this month we watched Big Fish.

Now, we have a long-standing crush on Billy Crudup, so this review may not be completely objective, but after Almost Famous, what can a reasonable person do?

Crudup plays Will Bloom, the cynical adult son of Edward Bloom, played by Albert Finney, who is on his deathbed as the movie opens. Stories-within-the-story are told in flashback as Bloom does what annoys his son the most – he prevaricates, he dissembles, he fabricates and exaggerates – or maybe he just plain old lies. At this late moment, before a son of his own is born, Will wants to get to know who his dad really is; he wants a modicum of closeness and to feel for once that his dad knew he was there.

But the stories his dad tells are too fantastic for anyone to believe, and Will cannot accept his dad for what he is, even now. Or…maybe he can.

Big Fish travels through fantasy entwined with reality and comes back to meet itself in a sweet and satisfying resolution.

The yarns Bloom spins will delight the children in the audience, and the rest of us just might see ourselves coming around in the end.

2hr 5min, Rated PG-13, | 8 out of 10 Whiskers www.cinemacat-tdp.blogspot.com

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Around Town Community

F RO M TH E C L A SS ROO M TO TH E R E CO R D I N G STU D I O

Encouraging Creative Artists To Nial Johnson

FOLLOW THEIR PATH

n Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D. July is the month of independence and health awareness, but it is also the month of high school graduation and the next phase of life. For some, it may be a time to get a job, work for the family business or travel around the world in search of meaning and purpose, but what if you already know what you want? Does one follow the burning desire calling from within, the exciting and stimulating one, or do you follow the path of least resistance already planned out? For some, the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming.

Deciding not to go to college may not be an option for some because of family dynamics and expectations. Maybe some parents and guardians knew the importance of setting up 529 College Savings Plans. While some career choices require degrees in specialized areas of education, one can still seek employment in various career choices.

The cycle of unhappiness and job dissatisfaction can spiral quickly without financial or healthy retirement plans in place, regardless of salary.

28 • Benicia Magazine

Kenny Rakkar

Sometimes, artists feel pressured to choose something that does not suit their soul and the adulting decisions that take them further from satisfaction. Nial Johnson and Kenny Rakkar graduated from Benicia High School with the class of 2019. Johnson and Rakkar began producing Music, self-taught, and kept their Music-making abilities a secret from their parents. Johnson states, “I didn’t share anything with them at first because I was scared. I didn’t know what I was doing yet, and it was just for fun.” Johnson goes on to share, “I am not sure how my sister found out, but the first thing she did was tell my parents, and my mom was excited, and my dad was shocked but excited as well.”

Rakkar states, “I showed my family a year later, after I started Musicproducing. Their initial reaction was that they loved it, but after I told them how I wanted to turn it into a career, they liked the idea, but they also wanted me to have a Plan B to fall back on.”

Johnson attended community college after graduating high school but decided to continue focusing on his Music for now. Johnson shares, “I tried

going to college right out of high school, but I couldn’t make the connections I needed to create, and I can always go back to school.” Johnson felt compelled to follow his gift for creating Music. He says, “Opportunities and dreams are not always there, and when I had my mind focused on music, I made my decision.”

Rakkar attends community college and says, “I am going to community college right now, but I haven’t decided if I want to pursue music 100%, because balancing the two does get difficult at times.”

When asked about their K-12 schooling shaping or helping their musical interest, both did not feel supported in the school system in their endeavors. Rakkar states, “Middle school and high school didn’t do much for me as an Artist, except taking elective classes, which I wasn’t a big fan of, because they teach you to do something a certain way, and as an artist, it was restricting since you are supposed to break the rules and experiment.”

Johnson participated in the Benicia Unified School District music school program. Johnson was a member of the

Benicia Middle Marching Band and the Drumline and was involved in programs outside of school.

During middle school, Johnson landed a role as the young prince in the play Cinderella with the African American Shakespeare Theatre Company in San Francisco, working alongside professionally trained actors. Johnson says, “Taking music was useful for learning to play an instrument and learning to read music.” Johnson shares, “the creativity that comes from making your Music isn’t something that can be taught. It’s within yourself.” Johnson shares that his creativity in producing Music and writing lyrics is his mental ability and gift, which would be difficult to transfer to others who don’t have the ability, saying, “The mental part is the creativity. You can’t teach that. If you want to be a doctor, then you go to school.”

Johnson graduated from Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, which allowed him to participate in various activities centered around Culture, Education, Health, Civic Legislature and Engagement, Social Activities, and Community Service, which included Leadership Training and Financial Literacy. In addition, children in J&J participate in an annual teen conference held on a college or university campus.

Johnson and Rakkar both feel a deep connection to Music. Johnson stated, “Music is important to me because it’s very therapeutic. Music can change moods for me. Johnson goes on to state, “I know if I’m having a bad day, I can either listen to it or just say how I’m feeling on a song, and it will make me feel better.” Johnson goes on to say, “I couldn’t imagine this world without Music.” Rakkar states, “Music is important because it is an escape from reality and gives you a chance to forget about your real-world problems, but it also gives you something to relate to.”

Johnson and Rakkar expressed how beneficial it would be for Benicia to have space for young recording artists to connect, collaborate, and create and encourage parents to support their children in their endeavors.

You can follow Rakkar on Spotify, Apple Music, other music platforms, Instagram, and YouTube @ Spaceybeatz1.

Johnson’s Music is on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, Tidal, Deezer, and more.

You can follow him on Instagram and YouTube @ YaboiNilo. You can also see Johnson on the Netflix Series, 13 Reasons Why, Season 4, as he was part of the high school regular cast. During this experience, he met other artists he collaborates with under @ TheLastAppollos on Instagram and YouTube.

Additional Info: 2017-18 California Department of Education Dataquest, 64% of students who graduated from high school intended to attend college, more or less, and 69% for Benicia Unified School District.

Surveys by Forbes, CNBC.COM, and the Employee Benefits Research Institute, shared that eight out of 10 workers live from paycheck to paycheck, and nearly 60% of Americans have less than $1,000.00 in savings and report being in debt.

July BBQ products continued from page 18 When we started planning our Benicia Barbecue, we decided we would go shopping on First Street for inspiration and supplies. Below is a list of products that caught our eye.

Bamboo salad bowl This bowl is made of solid bamboo, it is ecologically friendly and gorgeous Bowl $78 Tongs $12

Classic highball glass Beautifully designed and perfect for summertime cocktails $12 each Romancing the Home 617 First Street- 707.747.1717 www.benicia-rth.com

Cutting boards in two sizes Recycle, redesign, reuse — Napa Sonoma Wine barrel head Cheese tray Large-$60. Small $50

Hand sewn fun & funky aprons!

Completely reversible with an adjustable neck strap & three pockets on either side! Comes in 2 lengths $35 short $40 long 632 First Street, 707.742.3411, happylifepottery.com

Bruehol Brewing

The beer for our Benicia Backyard barbecue is from Benicia's own Bruehol Brewing. Bruehol specializes in German style pilsners, lagers and good old American IPA's! Visit their taproom at 4828 E. Second Street 707.327.6768 brueholbrewing.com

Mt. Beautiful Mt. Beautiful was our choice for our smoked meat pairing. Hailing from New Zealand by way of their US office right here in Benicia. Mt. Beautiful wine are available via online order and can be picked up right here in town. www.mtbeautiful.com

Spotify Remember to check out Benicia Magazine Playlist for this month, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

Column Book—Tails

People We Meet on Vacation

by Emily Henry

Book and Cocktail Club n

Her protagonists are charmingly flawed, causing you to hate, root for, and relate to them all at the same time.

30 • Benicia Magazine

Cooper Mickelson

“I'm on vacation. Vacations always end. It's the very fact that it's finite that makes traveling special. You could move to any one of those destinations you loved in small doses, and it wouldn't be the spellbinding, life-altering seven days you spend there as a guest, letting a place into your heart fully, letting it change you.”

After reading Beach Read, by Emily Henry, last year and falling in love with it, I was beyond excited to pick up her newest novel, People We Meet on Vacation, for this summer. As someone who rarely reads romance, I was surprised at how quickly I devoured both of Henry’s books.

She writes witty dialogue in a way that makes a conversation between fictional characters feel natural and engaging.

Her protagonists are charmingly flawed, causing you to hate, root for, and relate to them all at the same time.

Simply put, People We Meet on Vacation is a friends-to-lovers story.

Poppy and Alex are polar opposites who met during their freshman year of college. They quickly learned that they

are from the same small town in Ohio and ended up carpooling home together that summer. During this painfully long car ride, we discover how incompatible this pair is. Poppy is wild and unpredictable, finding something to love about everything. Alex feels the need to always be in control, finding reasons to hate almost anything.

Against all odds, these two form a strong bond. Thus began a tradition of week-long summer trips together that lasted for a decade, until two years ago, when something happened during their trip to Croatia that caused Poppy and Alex to stop talking entirely.

In present day, Poppy lives in New York City and writes for a travel magazine. She has everything she’s ever dreamt of, yet she’s never felt worse. When a friend asks about the last time she felt happy, Poppy immediately knows it was with Alex. In an attempt to heal their relationship and get her life back on track, Poppy invites Alex on one last trip.

The two travel to Palm Springs for a low-budget vacation that will end with Alex’s brother’s wedding. Poppy hopes that in recreating their first cheap

summer vacations, they’ll rekindle that special spark that made them inseparable in the past. Unfortunately, from broken A/Cs to pinched nerves and heat stroke, this trip is one big disaster after another.

People We Meet on Vacation takes us back and forth between the present-day Palm Springs trip and vacations of the past. Throughout the novel, we begin to understand the complex relationship these two friends have shared over the years. The tension between our two protagonists will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting for someone to finally make the move that will turn a friendship into the relationship it’s meant to be.

One of the things I love about this novel is how it enforces the fact that happiness comes from the individual, not outside factors. No job, relationship, or vacation can make you feel fulfilled. You have to do that work on your own.

If you’re in the mood for a light read that will satisfy your travel bug and inspire you to plan your 2022 vacation, pick up a copy of People We Meet on Vacation. Pair it with a Mai Tai and a lounge chair, then head to our Instagram (@beniciabooktails) to let us know what you think!

Pick up your copy of Supermarket by Bobby Hall to read along with us this month. If you want a chance to find one of our hidden copies around town, be sure to follow our Instagram account for clues.

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Staycation Mai Tai INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces Pineapple juice 1 1/2 ounces light rum 3/4 ounce orange curaçao 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce orgeat 1/2 ounce dark rum Pineapple wedge and Maraschino cherries (for garnish) PREPARATION 1. Fill a rocks glass with 1 cup of crushed ice.

2. Mix pineapple juice, light rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat in a cocktail shaker with ice.

3. Shake and strain into the rocks glass.

4. Float dark rum on top.

5. Garnish with pineapple wedge and cherries.

6. Sit back and relax (the most crucial step).

Staycation Mocktail INGREDIENTS Pineapple juice Ginger ale Pineapple wedge and Maraschino cherries (for garnish) PREPARATION 1. Fill a Collins glass with ice.

2. Pour equal parts pineapple juice and ginger ale over the ice.

3. Garnish with pineapple wedge and cherries.

BOOZY POPSICLE RECIPE ON INSTAGRAM

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