Benicia Magazine June 2021 Issue

Bike Clubs Re-Open A Glimpse of Benicia History in Forgotten Murals

VIBE A Recipe

3.50

***** ECR WSS ***** POSTAL CUSTOMER

$

Volume 16 Issue 8 June 2021

Please deliver 6/1/2021

for Building Community

ECRWSS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND OR PERMIT NO. 2160

B FC

BENICIA FLOOR COMPANY 707-745-9024

M-F 10 to 5; Sat. 10 to 3 or by appointment 84 Solano Square in Safeway Shopping Center, Benicia

beniciafloorcompany.com

Large Showroom with Excellent Selection On-Time Installations Competitive Pricing Professional and Reliable

Hardwood I Laminate I Carpet I Tile 2 • Benicia Magazine

CSL #891342

Voted #1 Flooring Company in Solano County

Take a moment to reflect and reset.

Announcing the Benjamin Moore® Color of the Year 2021.

AEGEAN TEAL 2136-40

Buy One Color Sample, Get One 50% Off Redeem offer at your local Ace.

Pedrotti Ace Hardware 830 Southampton Road Benicia, CA 94510 707.745.NUTS (6887) www.acebenicia.com

Offer valid for 50% off one (1) Benjamin Moore Color Sammple when you purchase on (1) Benjamin Moore Color Sample from participating retailer. Must present this coupon to redeem - no copies will be allowed. Products may vary from store to store. Subject to availability. Offer cannot be combined with other offers, discounts or promotions, or applied toward prior purchases. Retailer reservers the right to terminate, cancel or modify this offer at any time without notice. Coupon expires 6/30/2021. ©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore, Color Selection Simplified, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. All other marks are the property of their respective owner. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore® paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint. 6/21

BeniciaMagazine.com • 3

Benicia Benicia

Magazine

Beniciamagazine.com

Be

Be

Be

Be

Celebrating our 16th Year Providing honest and reliable service since 1996 Commercial/Residential Installation

NTEED?

E A-1 GUARA

WHY CHOOS

Solar, Windows, Insulation and Tankless Water Heaters

707.645-0734 Lic. #719381 A-1guaranteed.com

years company, 14 ating/cooling he st be d te 4 • Vo ars, Kron TV e Bay for 5 ye th of st be d • Vote stallation /Residential In s • Commercial Award, 3 year Super Service or ct • Angie’s List ing contra rade participat • Energy Upg & techs ned installers • Factory-trai & maintained ent enforced nm ro vi en e • Drug-fre l, 21 years ess Honor Rol • Better Busin ertified ed • Diamond C cellence certifi Technician Ex an ic er m A th • Nor siness rtified green bu • Bay Area ce ound checked s fully backgr • All employee

Benicia Editor-in-Chief Mary Hand

magazine

Art Director

Margaret Bowles

Managing Editor & Website Specialist

Benicia Genevieve Hand

Contributors

magazine Genevieve Hand

Bitsy Hall Linda Hastings Cooper Mickelson Darrell Mcelvene Gethsemane Moss Ed.D Kevin Nelson Gene Pedrotti Carolyn Plath Jean Purnell Craig Snider Maura Sullivan

Administrative Assistant Solofo Evans

Photography Lisa Duncan

Social Media Specialist Bitsy Hall

Advertising Sales 707.980.1563 Adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month

Contact Us

707.980.1563, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com

PUBLISHER

Benicia Publishing, LLC

Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Benicia Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2021, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher. Benicia Magazine, Downtown Benicia, CA 94510. 707.980.1563, Beniciamagazine.com.

4 • Benicia Magazine

B

Benicia Refinery

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Quarterly Review January–April 2021

ENVIRONMENT Earth Day! Valero volunteers help Benicia Tree Foundation Lake Herman Open Space and Loma Vista Farms Valero helps Montezuma Wetlands Restoration Site and the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse

ECONOMIC SUPPORT (Grants and Donations)

Valero Donates $10,000 to the Solano County Children’s Network

HEALTH & SAFETY Valero Benicia Refinery Wins Innovation Award

VOLUNTEERISM Partnering with the City of Benicia – COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic.

Rebuilding Together Solano County Drive-Thru Food Pantry.

Adopt a Family! Valero helps families during holiday season.

Valero sets the standard for corporate citizenship and promotes prosperity in our communities.

For more information about the above events please go to www.beniciarefinery.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 5

Benicia Benicia

Benicia Magazine

BeniciaMagazine.co Benicia Magazine

June 2021 Magazine

Contents

Features

Benicia

Benicia History in 1940s murals a look at Benicia's hidden murals 16 Benicia Bike Club Get ready to ride! 18

10

Around Town Food & Drink

Benicia

Community

Brave new business owners open in pandemic 12

magazine

Benicia's new equity and diversity manager VIBE-Values, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity 20

Benicia Business Nuts & Bolts Benicia's Eastern Gateway Update on city zoning 22

Art & Artists

Benicia Art Walk is back Now in its 10th year 23

Columns

m

Kids Arts & Crafts — Hello Summer 14

Benici

Char's Hot Dogs — with a side of Cullen’s 10 Bar None – Dad's New Old Fashioned 11

Benic

m

magazine

Benicia Magazine

From the Editor Picket Fences – A Benicia Mystery Dinner and a Movie BookTails - Watch Over Me – With Mila's Martini Calendar of Events

6 • Benicia Magazine

8 24 26 28 30

16

Have a an Odd Job not listed just ask!

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

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

www.wedooddjobsnorcal.com

10

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

23

Full-line pet store Professional dog & cat grooming Do it yourself pet wash 1202 East 5th Street, Benicia 707.745.5016 • www.FeathererPet.com

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist No. 97517

1350 Hayes Street, Suite A33 Benicia, CA 94510

18

(707) 980-3331

BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

Column Editor's letter

Dads & Grads June is the month of dads and grads, and with the partial reopening of events, restaurants and family gatherings, we can celebrate in more traditional ways than we did in 2020.

The high school seniors of 2021 have had an experience like no other in a century — a year upended by a pandemic and by lockdowns that kept them from enjoying many of the activities that previous seniors have taken for granted. The graduation ceremony will be in-person this year with two graduation ceremonies on June 5th. Please contact Benicia High School for more information.

Many years ago, when I was 14 years old and a freshman in high school, my father passed suddenly on Mother’s Day. It was shocking and terrible. My sister and I were at a loss, our lives completely upended. We went through the motions at our school, Notre Dame Academy, in West Los Angeles, and participated in school functions as best we could. One of the functions we wouldn’t be able to participate in was the annual Father/ Daughter dance. But, someone decided that yes, we should be able to attend. Mr. Ruben Mendoza, father of my best friend Jeannine and four other children, extended the invitation to go to the dance with him and his two daughters. Mr. Mendoza was a tall, quiet, taciturn man who was a somewhat unlikely “date” for four teenage girls.

He picked us up in his El Camino — I still don’t know how we all fit — and off we went to the dance. He dutifully danced with us all and, after, took us to Will Wright's ice cream parlor in Westwood, where we had blueberry ice cream. I remember my dad every Father’s Day, but I also remember Mr. Mendoza, who made sure that my sister and I weren’t left out of that long ago event.

I will never forget my wonderful father and I will never forget Mr. Mendoza and his kindness.

Have a wonderful Father’s Day!

@beniciamagazine

Facebook.com/beniciamagazine

beniciamagazine

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

Beniciamagazine.com 8 • Benicia Magazine

Give the gift of Benicia!

Shop Benicia eGift Cards can be redeemed at any participating business in the city and never expire.

Best of all, you’ll be supporting small local businesses!

Go to: VisitBenicia.org/ShopBenicia

Shop online with Benicia Marketplace! Browse and purchase from Benicia’s many charming and unique local businesses, all from the comfort of your home.

Go to: VisitBenicia.org/Marketplace BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

Around Town Food and Drink BM: What was your first job?

KC: My first job was at 15. I was a busser at the Nantucket Fish Company in Crockett, CA. BM: What motivates you when things get difficult?

KC: What motivates me the most is my son, I have pretty much raised him on my own.

BM: Who would you be most excited to see walk up to your restaurant?

KC: Both sets of my grandparents, they all had passed before I took over Char’s and they never got to see what I have accomplished.

BM: What is your favorite thing about your career?

KC: The people. I like to see them happy and enjoying their food, especially kids.

BM: Who has inspired you the most?

KC: My mom has always been there to tell me that I can be or do what I want to do if I put my mind to it, and she was there to help me out when I took over Char’s.

BM: What is YOUR favorite thing on the menu?

KC: The Mushroom Swiss burger.

Hot Food, Cold Drinks, and Great People

Char’s

Is More Than Just the Best Hot Dog n

Cooper Mickelson

Summer is finally here, and this year we actually get to enjoy it! The sun is out, and our town is open. We all want to see the outside world again, so pick a day, grab a few friends, and bring your healthy appetite down to Char’s Hotdogs on First Street.

The owner, Kimberly Casarino, knew restaurant work was her calling since she was a child. She would play waitress with her grandma and grandpa, using cookbooks as menus. Kim took over

10 • Benicia Magazine

Char’s Hot Dogs in 2016 from Charlene Herd, who had owned it for almost 20 years. After 30 years of working in the business, Kim had finally reached her lifelong dream of owning her own restaurant! Her expertise and commitment are evident in the immaculate customer service, clean conditions, and inclusive menu.

This month, we got a chance to ask Kim a few questions about herself and her business.

BM: What do you like about your location inside the Tannery Building?

KC: I get to see people all day long go through there. Even if they are not my customers, I have still gotten to know a lot of people and talk to them.

BM: What do you love most about owning a business in Benicia?

KC: What I love about owning a business in Benicia is all the love and support from my customers, especially during the pandemic. I have a lot of regulars.

Kim has so much love for our small town and it’s no secret that Benicia loves Char’s just as much. Here’s what a few locals had to say when asked what their favorite thing about Char’s.

“Even though Char no longer owns it, the kindest family took it over and it carries on!”

—Kelsey C.

“Everything we’ve ever ordered never disappoints.”

—Lachelle J.

Around Town Food and Drink Wow! There’s a lot to love about this small business!

Char’s doesn’t only sell classic hot dogs that make you feel like a kid again; they make signature burgers and offer plenty of vegan/vegetarian options, too! Order whatever catches your eye, don’t forget the basket of fries or onion rings, then grab a table there or head next door to sip on an ice-cold drink at Cullen’s pub. The lovely people at Char’s will bring your food directly to your table at either location.

If you’re in the picnicking mood, then there’s an option for you, too.

Char’s is only a few steps away from the First Street Green! Pack a frisbee, a speaker, and lots of sunscreen, then order your food to-go. After that, all you need to do is carry your food across the street, and you’ll have plenty of space to spread out and soak up the sun or play fetch with your pup.

As businesses open and friends are able to meet up face to face again, a cold beer outside with your best buddies and an absolutely mouthwatering chili cheese dog is exactly what you deserve. So, whether you’re a returning customer or looking to try Char’s for the first time, I suggest you explore their menu at chars-hotdogs. com and follow them on Instagram @ hotdogsfromchars for updates. When you’re ready to run on down and enjoy some good eats, you can find Char’s in the old tannery building at 131 First Street.

“The flavor for price value!”

—Tyler T.

“Friendly workers and easy access to the pub!”

—Aly M.

“Love this place.

The lovely ladies that work here are so nice, the food is fresh and delicious, and the service is fast...This place is a must-try!”

—Lara N.

Dad is an

Old Fashioned kind of guy n

Maura Sullivan

Father’s Day, the holiday dedicated to your dad. When I think of Father’s Day, I run through the gift ideas list in my head.

What did I get him last year? What interest has he been mentioning repeatedly?

Preference for cut of meat? Favorite sports team? Quick thought interruption: remember the time he caught you joy riding without your license? Focus… Does he need more car wash supplies? Maybe a Home Depot gift card? I think I still have his shovel? Yes, definitely do. He might read this and want it back. I think I need to get him something that will impress but blur some memories of borrowed goods and adolescent mistakes. Let’s make an old fashioned, the “whiskey” business way.

Like most dads, my father appreciates a good drink that will put some hair on your chest — or maybe burn it. Strong drink with subtle soft characteristics. An old fashioned is everything I’m looking for when making a “thank you” cocktail. Let us add a twist to this classic.

Start off with the base of this cocktail, the bourbon. I like to stick with something on the warmer side, with a little hint of aromatic spices. A classic Kentucky bourbon will do the trick. I am reaching for Bulleit Bourbon. Make sure to go for the orange label, not the green, or else you will have a slap to the face of Rye. Don’t get me wrong, I love Rye whiskey with some ginger beer, but this is not the angle we’re going for with our old fashioned.

Normally, the old fashioned just requires some bitters and a garnish of citrus. I want more of a twist. Let's add some blackberry syrup. Strong and stern our fathers may be, but there is always a sweet side to them.

Blackberry syrup would be a great and delicious representation of their forgiving nature. Bitters are simple, orange will

bring out the aromas of the whiskey and bring a little acid back to this blackberrysweetened cocktail. The lemon peel is a must and needs to be fresh. If you’re worried about your bar wench skill set, I have an easy solution to peel your zest.

The potato peeler is about to be your best friend. Hold the lemon in your palm, pick a spot and peel toward yourself at an angle.

Now create:

Father’s Day Old Fashioned 2 oz Bourbon ½ teaspoon bitters ½ ounce blackberry syrup Garnish with lemon peel Choice of Whiskey Glass, One large ice cube or ball. Place in the glass while creating. In a separate glass, add your bourbon, blackberry syrup, a few dashes of orange bitters to your liking and lots of ice.

Make sure to stir not shake. Roll that lemon peel like a Ho Ho and let the peel spring back. Garnish or drop into the side. Pour over that large ice cube/ball and serve.

Blackberry syrup 1 cup fresh blackberries 1 cup sugar 1 cup water Simmer down while stirring frequently. Strain the solids into a jar and keep in the fridge after cooling down to room temperature.

Leftovers go great over ice cream.

Serve several while gifting a shovel.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

Around Town Community

A Rainbow at the End of Covid Storms

n Kevin Nelson In the spring of last year, with the pandemic breathing fire across the world, Brandon Brewster did what some might consider to be a positively daft thing. He and his wife, Alicia, bought the Double Rainbow ice cream shop and cafe on First Street.

We had to ask: Did you have any second thoughts about taking such a risk when such long-time Benicia establishments as First Street Cafe, Camellia Tea Room, and even Baskin-Robbins, were closing or about to close?

“No, I didn’t,” Brewster said over the phone the other day. “I felt it was a great opportunity. I knew it’d be a great experience for our daughters and make us feel more part of the community.”

Their daughters, Aleena and Jazmin, both students at Benicia schools, jumped at the idea. “There wasn’t much hesitation from them,” he added with a laugh.

Up and down First, and all throughout the Industrial Park, Benicia businesses have been rocking and rolling like ships at sea during a heavy storm. All have shown creativity and extraordinary business chops merely to keep the doors open, and some are actually booming during a time in which the only certainty has been uncertainty. A few brave souls, like the Brewster family, have even dared to launch a whole new thing.

Two more are Suzanne Castleman and Emily Hendrix, owners of Creative Clips on East H Street. They opened their new dog and cat grooming salon in September 12 • Benicia Magazine

of last year “right smack in the middle of the fun,” joked Castleman, who sold a house she owned in order to finance the venture.

Even in the best of times, starting a business is fraught with challenges.

So why, then, would you start one now? “Because we’re crazy,” answered Hendrix, to which Castleman responded with gleeful laughter.

“We knew that Covid wouldn’t last forever,” Castleman added, and that there was an opportunity here waiting to be seized by those with the courage to seize it. Many people adopted pets during the crisis, fostering dogs or cats that were being kept at animal shelters. Castleman and Hendix saw that these people, as well as other pet owners, were in need of the services they could supply.

“Everything fell into place for us,” said Castleman. And since they opened, their business hasn’t just grown, added Hendrix, “it’s exploded.”

“We knew that Covid wouldn’t last forever,” Castleman added, and that there was an opportunity here waiting to be seized by those with the courage to seize it.”

Brandon Brewster also saw an open door and decided to walk through it. A former employee at a high tech company across the bay, he was sick of the commute and wanted to spend more time with his daughters and wife, a dance movement therapist at Napa State Hospital. This led him to become the sole proprietor of California’s only Dapper Doughnut franchise.

His gourmet doughnut stand became a fixture at the Benicia farmer’s market, and in March 2020 he was ready to start selling his creations in a space within Double Rainbow.

Then, boom! The first of the Covid-related shutdowns forced the cafe to close, and with it, Dapper Doughnut before it could even offer a single mini-doughnut to a customer. “We figured we’ll just sit tight until it reopens,” explained Brewster. “It would just be fifteen days, then a month, then a few more months after that…”

Amid the shutdowns and restrictions, in which his catering and farmer’s market business evaporated, he remained optimistic. Able to make the purchase without debt, he and Alicia bought Double Rainbow from the previous owner outright, reopening it in June of last year. The next month, doughnuts freshly made and decorated to order joined the menu along with, nowadays, specialty sundaes constructed in honor of Benicia institutions such as the Valero refinery and the Camel Barn.

“People are coming back out again,” said the cautiously optimistic Brewster, in words that could speak for everyone who runs a business or works at one in town.

“We’re going in a positive direction. It’s exciting.”

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.

Please go to our website for Farmers Market Rules www.beniciamainstreet.org.

Benicia Certified

Benicia Farmers Market runs Thursdays April 29th to October 28th 4 - 8 pm (Jun-Aug) (Jun-Aug) and and 4 - 7 pm (Sep-Oct) (Sep-Oct) First Street between B & D Streets Sponsored by Benicia Main Street 90 First Street, Benicia

beniciamainstreet.org

707.745.9791 BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Around Town Community

n

Bitsy Hall

Ah, parents and all those who work with children, you’ve made it to summer! At this point in the year, you’re probably a kids’ craft extraordinaire, or very, very tired and out of ideas (or hey, maybe both). In either case, the start of summer is a great time to explore nature-inspired crafts and get kids away from the screen. Here are some ideas to get you started!

KIDS’ CRAFTS

Veggie Tie Dye To tie dye, you will need: WHITE FABRIC of your choosing. This can be an old tee shirt, a dress, a onesie, anything you’d like! You can even dye white doll clothes.

Rubber bands YELLOW A fairly large pot onion skins Water Vinegar A large salad-sized bowl Vegetable scraps RED Strainer Beetroots and stems 1. First, begin by boiling water and your selected vegetables. The veggie to water ratio you choose depends on the richness of color you want. If you want softer hues, start with a smaller amount of veggies. If you’re looking for bold and bright, pack lots of veggies into your water.

2. After you bring your water and veggies to a boil, switch to a simmer.

This should take anywhere from 2030 minutes.

3. Place a strainer over your bowl. Pour the vegetable and water mix over and dispose of the vegetable scraps. *These are good for a composter if you have one!

4. Add some vinegar. You are looking for about a 1:4 vinegar to water ratio.

This step depends on the amount of water used.

5. A s the water/vinegar is cooling, start prepping your fabric. Get your fabric and rubber bands ready!

14 • Benicia Magazine

Hang on to your veggie scraps, because believe it or not, they make excellent fabric dye!

YELLOW

Turmeric powder/root

PINK

Avocado skins and pits

Nature Walk Bracelets This craft is quick and easy to prepare! It’s also perfect for a long hike or a stroll through the park. However, this also works for a backyard activity.

You will need: Masking tape (that’s it, seriously).

GREEN

Whole Artichokes or Spinach

PURPLE Red Cabbage

6. Begin by twisting the fabric in either fashion: a. Put your hand in the center of the shirt and twist until it bunches into a circular spiral. b. Twist your fabric until it looks like a tail. c. E xperiment with any type of fabrictwisting you would like!

7. Attach rubber bands to either method.

8. Drop your twisted fabric into your bowl of cooled down, but still slightly warm, water/vinegar dye. Let it sit until the white fabric resembles the color of your choosing.

9. Remove the rubber bands to see your tie dye pattern.

10. Wash gently before wearing. Do not wash with other light colors until it has been washed at least once!

1. Wrap the masking tape, sticky side up, around your child’s wrist 2. A s you walk, pluck small leaves and flowers to attach to the bracelet. By the end, you should have something that looks like this:

I hope you enjoy these nature inspired crafts. Be sure to tag us @beniciamagazine on Facebook or Instagram with pictures of your creations!

Creating a Trusted Space for Financial Growth

Financial Planning & Investment Management that Puts You First wheelsupwealthinc.com Frances Harkins, CFP®, AIF® Bridget Harkins, CFP® 602 West K Street | Benicia, CA 94510 info@wheelsupwealthinc.com 707.400.0992

Alonzo Small and

Insurance Agency

Independent Agents and Brokers

Taking Care of Families and Businesses Since 1981 We work with five A+ rated companies to meet your insurance needs including your home, auto, rentals, watercraft, business & more.

(707) 319-6392

You have several options when purchasing a residential property:

Single-Family Home Townhouse Condo Multi-Family 2-4 Units Contact Kelly Baldwin at (707) 319-6392 I will walk you through the home buying process which includes obtaining your loan approval.

Trusted Partner:

Monica Jones (925) 339-1764

1440 Military W Suite 202 Benicia, CA 94510 707.746.0590

Shop Local

•

alonzosmall.com

• Lic. #FB0518834

direct/text: (707) 319-6392

Spend it here. Keep it here.

DRE#01972677

KellyBaldwin@HamannRealEstate.com www.KellyBaldwin.net

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Feature

Historic Ben n

Genevieve Hand

On H Street, tucked beside the iconic Teak Man shop and behind the Capitol Building, is a window into Benicia’s past.

You’ve likely walked or driven past this landmark many times, not knowing what lay within. The building in question used to be the site of the old California House

hotel, built in 1850, and adjacent to the long defunct Benicia Brewery. While the original building burned down in the 1945 fire that nearly also claimed the Capitol Building, an adobe was built in its place, which eventually became a bar called The Brewery, and the restaurant Tia Teresa’s.

16 • Benicia Magazine

Yes, it’s the same building that opens the music video for Bon Jovi’s “She Don’t Know Me” (1984).

The building is now a private residence and art studio belonging to local and renowned artists, Linda Fleming and Michael Shannon Moore, who discovered the unique space for sale about twenty years ago when they were looking for a new live/work space away from their home, at the time, in San Francisco. What they discovered inside moved them to make an offer in short order. All along the tall walls of the interior were murals depicting Benicia’s history, from the first settlers interacting with indigenous people to the famed boxing match on a barge in the straits, and beyond. According to a signature on one of the first panels, the 154 feet of murals were painted by Les Vandré and were completed in 1946.

Vandré is said to have been a sign painter on Mare Island during the war. Allegedly, he painted the murals in lieu of paying an extended bar tab he had racked up at The Brewery. His sign-painting skill is evident in some of the earliest murals, as he included expertly scripted captions to describe what was being depicted in each vignette. The murals tell a chronological story of Benicia, culminating in a dance hall scene over

what used to be the bar. The individuals depicted in the scenes pay homage to both well-known historical figures, such as Robert Semple and Jack London, and contemporary townsfolk, including the owners of The Brewery and other such common faces to the establishment.

Although it was not a stipulation of the sale of the building, Fleming and Moore’s primary concern was the preservation of the murals. “It was completely vulnerable,” says Moore, “we could have done whatever we wanted with the space.” So, he and Fleming reached out to the Conservator of Paintings from the Oakland Museum to find out how to clean and preserve the murals. “The walls were covered in tobacco and beer drippings,” says Fleming. Oddly enough, they were told that the tobacco coating was actually doing a nice job of preserving the murals and that they should be left untouched.

Unfortunately, however, some restoration had to be done to the bottom portion of a number of the murals. When word got around to the patrons of The Brewery that their beloved bar was closing up shop and being sold, a number of the patrons scrawled their signatures in permanent marker across the art, wherever they could reach, to commemorate their time there.

“We told the realtor that if the murals had been destroyed, that was a deal breaker,” says Fleming. And so, they arranged for partial restoration with paint to match the

nicia Murals “Allegedly, he painted the murals in lieu of paying an extended bar tab he had racked up at The Brewery.” original art as closely as possible.

With the mural restoration complete, Fleming and Moore set about making the space their home. They’ve kept much of the original structure intact and only changed what was necessary. This included replacing some of the flooring due to rot from years of overflow from leaky sinks and beer taps. They tore down some walls and installed others to partition off the space into his and hers studios and to open up storage space for their archive of work. A large door was cut into the back of the building to allow for the passage of Fleming’s large sculptural works.

All renovations were done with careful attention to the accessibility of the murals.

They closed off the back of the property, which had been an asphalt parking lot, and

created a true backyard for themselves and their dogs to enjoy. Fleming, a retired professor, called upon the help of some eager graduate students, as well as hired hands through Adobe, to assist in the renovation process. “It was kind of a white elephant,” Fleming says of the building, “No one knew what to do with it, and probably no one but us thought to live in it!”

Fleming and Moore split their time between their home in Benicia and their other properties in Nevada and Colorado, one of which houses a sculpture garden containing Fleming’s past works.

One of her iconic sculptures, “Doña Benicia’s Mantilla,” can be found, here in Benicia, toward the end of First Street, in the courtyard by Estey Realty. Her work has otherwise been recently commissioned by Facebook’s VR campus in Burlingame. Miniature models, sketches, and prototypes of her projects line the shelves of her creative workshop within the old adobe on H Street.

Read more about Linda Fleming and her work on her website, lindaflemingsculpture.com.

Moore is a painter whose work was most recently featured in Benicia last year at the Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery at the Benicia Public Library in a one-person

show entitled “Further Afield.” You can read more about his work and process in the Benicia Magazine article that covered this exhibit in March of 2020, or by visiting his website, mikesmooreptgs.com.

Fleming and Moore both value their privacy and have asked that no solicitations

be made to view the murals in their home.

Instead, please enjoy the photo spread within the magazine and more photos on beniciamagazine.com.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Feature

Benicia Bicycle Club Come Explore With Us

“Turns out group riding is much more fun than riding solo and a great way to learn about bicycling and explore the area by bike.”

18 • Benicia Magazine

n C raig

Snider

I moved to Benicia in 2003, to our home near the top of Rose Drive.

My first thought was to forget about bicycling since there was nowhere to ride except way down hill and the thought of riding back up was too much. Our previous home was in Corvallis, OR - flat, like the city of Davis.

I saw those as great bicycle towns and Benicia, with its many steep hills, not so. So, I continued my habit of running after work and on weekends (I love to eat and drink, so regular exercise prevents excess weight gain).

However, with aging, I encountered more injuries and began to worry that pounding the pavement would ruin my knees. So, with that in mind, I decided to brave the Benicia hills on my bike and run less. I’ve never looked back.

I now remind fellow cyclists that the hills are your friend! For one, it’s simply not easy to climb a hill on a bike. You must work. Riding flat ground is fun, but not a great way to burn calories.

Also, climbing hills takes time while descending is quick and effortless.

As a result, if you ride hills, most of your time is spent working and not coasting. Climbing hills on a bike also builds muscle much faster than riding the flats. Before long, the climbing gets easier and riding the flats gets faster, allowing for longer rides. And finally, climbing hills is a rewarding goal that provides a sense of achievement when

you reach the top, often revealing a nice view!

In 2004, I began exploring longer rides from home. First, Lake Herman road, then Lopes Road. I was riding an oversized secondhand Bianchi, replete with full panniers and a milkcrate. One day I was riding on Lopes when a dozen cyclists in yellow jerseys flew past me en route to Cordelia. I caught them chatting at the Cordelia Tower Mart at Goldhill Road where they immediately took an interest in me, and asked me to join any of their Benicia Bicycle Club regular weekly rides. They were having such fun, that I vowed to give it a try. So, I showed up with my “milkcrate” bike, earning myself that nickname. Turns out group riding is much more fun than riding solo and a great way to learn about bicycling and explore the area by bike.

The Carquinez bridge opened with a bike lane in 2003 and the Benicia Bridge followed in 2007, creating the renowned “Bridge to Bridge” bike route and making Benicia the hub for myriad other bike routes.

The pandemic put a damper on group riding, but with re-opening, the

Benicia Bicycle Club (BBC) has restarted its regular ride schedule. The Benicia Bicycle Club was established in 1987 to promote public interest in all aspects of bicycling and encourage recreational bicycling for all skill levels.

So, if you want to share the joys of group riding, sip coffee with friends at distant cafes, learn great tips for safe

“Before long, the climbing gets easier and riding the flats gets faster, allowing for longer rides.” riding, and have fun getting a good workout; come join us on one of our scheduled daily rides. The more the merrier! Our ride schedule is posted on our website (Beniciabicycleclub. org). For more information contact: mail@beniciabicycleclub.org Craig Snider is currently President of the Benicia Bicycle Club

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Around Town Community

Values, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity A Recipe for Building Community

n Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D. In August 2020, Benicia City Council passed Resolution 20, allowing the city of Benicia to hire an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager. After an extensive interview process, the town of Benicia hired Dr. Maliika Chambers.

Dr. Chambers is taking the lead in evaluating Benicia systems, analyzing

members matter, benefit from higherlevel sustainable outcomes. Forming collaborative partnerships enables constituents to create multi-layered solutions together. “It is about closing those gaps that are barriers to entry, whether it is race, age, gender, language proficiency… All of these things become

and false speculations. When we fail to engage in equity work, we put ourselves in a mindset of creating false narratives and making assumptions that further divide. Dr. Chambers stated, “One of the important things is that for any work like this, you have to be open to listening to the community, both positive and

“A community is a place where individuals are valued and are included and they belong equally and a place where individuals live, learn and work successfully. ”

data, addressing equity, and making the necessary recommendations to support all Benicia residents.

Equity work is more than addressing situations about race. Equity work is also about perspective, gender, age, socioeconomics, and much more.

Engaging in discussions and learning from our individual experiences provides an opportunity for growth. Communities and organizational structures that are proactive in equity work and believe all 20 • Benicia Magazine

barriers to entry and become predictors of one’s success, and we don’t think about it, but we know it,” stated Dr. Chambers. Dr. Chambers also stated, “My definition of equity is closing those gaps and, wherever possible, eliminating them that become predictors to people’s success. Because equity, true equity is beneficial to everyone and we all thrive in an equitable community.”

Ideally, normalizing conversations about equity takes away the mystery

negative. Part of the conversation is, to be able to have it, you have to be able to articulate in ways that make sense, what the experience of being in Benicia is like. If you truly want to be successful in this work, you have to be willing to listen to the hard truth and not feel like no matter what’s happened before, we are starting from today, and I want to have that conversation.” In building such partnerships, the city of Benicia will join the Government Alliance on Race

and Equity (GARE). GARE is a national network of government officials working towards the goal of racial equity.

The city of Benicia will also participate in the National League of Cities, which equips city leadership in improving the lives of current and future community constituents and building equitable infrastructures. Benicia community leaders will have an opportunity to engage in work around gender and racial disparities and ways to find solutions under the League of Cities is the Race, Equity, Leadership Council (REAL). “Elected officials will connect on how to build equitable communities, so we don’t have to reinvent the wheel, here in Benicia,” stated Dr. Chambers. Dr. Chambers goes on to state, “It’s really about tapping into the work that is already being done in this area and providing that framework.” The city of Benicia will also participate in Cities of Opportunity. Dr. Chambers stated, “Cities of Opportunities initiatives focus on equity and resilience in building capacity.” Dr. Chambers went on to state, “This initiative allows people to see how it’s done, and we have a blueprint of a framework that also provides training and funding resources to staff.”

At one point in time in our American history, it was legal to discriminate based on race and gender and exclude specific community members from attending the same schools, voting, buying property, and living in particular communities. While many of those laws are no longer in place, some of the old ideology lingers and can potentially impact decision-making. It is not an excuse, but a reality that plays out differently within our various systems, and while it is not our fault, it is our responsibility to address it.

“Equity work is not a Benicia problem, it is a national crisis of opportunity, and we want to be proactive, which is one of the reasons why I took this role,” stated Dr. Chambers.

Dr. Chambers went on to share, “I took this role because nothing has happened to the scale that would require someone come in and do this work by force; however, what we see in the news and in our community are symptoms and outcomes of the historical systemic and legislative inequities that have happened, and we want, to the extent possible, to be able to start to address that so that we don’t have to learn the difficult lesson that other cities have.”

Dr. Chambers will use data that pertains specifically to the city of Benicia. Dr. Chambers stated, “For this work, we must focus on the data demographics and patterns and trends in Benicia, so that’s a different take on data specifics. We will not be comparing Benicia to Fairfield or Vacaville, we will compare Benicia vs. Benicia and any assessment indicators and studies will be limited to the past, present and future of the city of Benicia.”

Dr. Chamber’s prefers the acronym V.I.B.E. to describe her work. “The reason I use VIBE, which stands for values, inclusion, belonging and equity, is because it applies to the work that we are doing,” stated Dr. Chambers. Dr. Chamber’s goes on to state, “A community is a place where individuals are valued and are included and they belong equally and a place where individuals live, learn and work successfully. We want Benicia to be a VIBE as in we want it to be a vibrant community, a place where people feel that and they belong, so that’s why I thought that acronym is beneficial.”

Caring, Compassionate Service Serving the Benicia/Vallejo area for over 76 years Only on-site crematory in the area Funerals, Celebrations of Life, VA Burials John “Sherm” Passalacqua

Passalacqua Funeral Chapel

901 West Second St., Benicia • 707-745-3130 www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com Greg Silva

Twin Chapels Mortuary

1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo • 707-552-6696 www.twinchapelsmortuary.com Voted Best Funeral Home In Solano County 9 Years In A Row

...IT’S A FACT!

Residential & Commercial CARPET • UPHOLSTERY • TILE & GROUT CLEANING

Celebrating our 30 year Anniversary!

spotlesscarpetcleaning.net 840 First Street, Ste. A, Benicia • 707-746-8656

All in-stock fireplaces, inserts and stoves

10% off

Clearance stoves up to

25% off

Celebrating 41 years!

Call for open hours and for appointments

707.745.5933

Calcomfort.com • 4680 E 2nd Street, Suite C, BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

Around Town Business

NEWS AND VIEWS

Benicia's Eastern Gateway n Gene Pedrotti

Visitors entering the city via the 5th Street off ramp would immediately get a taste of Benicia’s past, a flavor that runs down 5th, through Military, and back to First Street!

22 • Benicia Magazine

A major update of the City’s Zoning Ordinance and General Plan - called The Eastern Gateway Study - is underway and has the potential to greatly enhance the eastern entrance to Benicia along 5th and Military Streets.

Funded with a $160,000(?) grant from the California Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), it proposes new mixed-use zoning to increase affordable housing and guides building design & development over the next five to twenty years. As work progresses, it will improve the look, feel, and environment in east Benicia. (Note: We discussed this study in the May issue. To take a video walking tour, or view past presentations of the Planning Commission and City Council, visit https:// w w w.c i . b e nic ia .c a .u s / easterngateway. ) Six years ago, I purchased the trailer park at E 5th and N Street, planning to relocate Pedrotti’s Ace Hardware Hardware store. While plans to close the park are ongoing, this experience gave me some insight into the complexity and frustration with making design choices. Initially interviewing three architectural firms skilled in retail development, one critical question was repeatedly asked: “What should the building look like?” Well, across California there are countless strip malls of tasteless design, so no thanks there. Besides,

our store celebrates our Centennial next spring — 2022 — and I wanted a building that would carry my company beautifully into its next century. The design needed to stand out AND also stand in, that is, be part of the neighborhood. However, existing architecture in east Benicia varies greatly and it did not offer much to emulate. It would have helped tremendously to have a roadmap from which designers and architects could take their cue.

Moving forward, this is where the Eastern Gateway Study can have a great influence.

What I would like to suggest is that the community consider a single design theme for the Eastern Gateway, one that is historically linked to the downtown and carries into East Benicia. Pre-vetted and arrived at by mutual consent, it pre-selects architectural elements and options central to Benicia’s historical roots.

Think Solvang, for example. Located off the central coast in Santa Barbara County, it is known and admired for its Danish theme architecture. On a much grander scale, consider Santa Barbara; following the devastation wrought by the 1925 earthquake, the city center was rebuilt under a Spanish Colonial Revival style for which it is now famous. Or lastly, how about Old Sacramento?

Its many blocks of brickfaced ornate buildings surrounded by wood planked sidewalks evocate the Gold Rush era. All of these communities are well known for the brands and identities that come from a shared theme of architecture.

Around Town Art & Artists What could work in Benicia? Well, look no further than downtown Benicia! Imagine taking its current historical architectural style and extending it to the Eastside, all the way to the 5th Street freeway entrance! Visitors entering the city via the 5th Street off ramp would immediately get a taste of Benicia’s past, a flavor that runs down 5th, through Military, and back to First Street!

Such a design focus presents a huge opportunity! It would tie the Eastside to the downtown, creating a central theme throughout East Benicia, and strengthening Benicia’s brand and image as a California Main Street community. Streamlining the design process would reduce cost and speed up execution; it’s important to ensure that Gateway develops at a steady pace. And unlike faux and fake commercial design, mentioned earlier, architecture based upon Benicia’s historical past would be seen as authentic, a huge advantage in marketing to the public and to tourists. Benicia could become a second cousin to Old Sac! To better understand and imagine how the downtown architecture would look if extended eastward, take a look at Benicia’s Downtown Historic Conservation Plan at https://w w w.ci.benicia.ca.us/ historicpreservation.

The Eastern Gateway Study is a big undertaking. Two June planning commission meetings will consider standards such as height, parking, potential setbacks, landscaping, open space, etc. In July, City Council will continue its discussion as well. Agenda links will be posted on the web page above. Your input and feedback is not only vital, it is sincerely welcomed by City officials. Your thoughts?

Write us at: general@ beniciamagazine.com

The Benicia Art Walk is Back! n Jean Purnell

Locals and visitors alike are invited to make downtown Benicia their destination on Saturday, June 12, for the first Benicia Art Walk of 2021. Sponsored by the City of Benicia, and now in its tenth year, this popular event takes place on the second Saturdays of June, July, September, and October. The pandemic interrupted activities in 2020 – three of the four dates were cancelled – but improved conditions have made the resumption of the Art Walks in 2021 a go.

The eight galleries and studios participating this year represent one of the most active art communities in the Bay Area: Arata Art Gallery, Artcentric, Happy Life Pottery, HQ Gallery, Gallery 621, Once Upon a Canvas, Benicia Plein Air Gallery, and The Little Art Shop. Visitors will recognize participating galleries by the colorful blue banners posted out front. Galleries of First Street are again sponsoring the popular Art Passport program, in which art lovers are invited to pick up a post-card sized “Passport” at any of the locations and get it stamped at each gallery. The completed passports are entered in a drawing for $200 that can be redeemed at any one of the galleries. The Art Walk runs from 1 to 5 p.m.

Activities are planned at each location, as artists enjoy interacting with the community, with all safety protocols being observed.

Arata Art Gallery will be hosting an Artist Reception highlighting new works created

by Geraldine Arata during the pandemic.

The new works are paintings in oils with mixed media, bejeweled and sculpted.

Benicia Plein Air Gallery will be featuring the works of artist Iris Sabre. Her latest collection, “New Beginnings,” will be on display throughout June. As a plein air painter – a practice of painting outdoors, as opposed to in the studio – she communicates the joy and beauty of the natural world in her painting.

The HQ Gallery is featuring its Art Filled Life exhibition, featuring works by 18 artists in a variety of media. Many works are paired with poetry inspired by the artwork. In a collaboration with Arts Benicia, the gallery will be displaying Ce N’est Pas Un Chapeau, a fun, whimsical ceramic work by Gallery 621 artist Pam Dixon. The work is being raffled off as part of a fundraiser for the nonprofit

art center. The raffle begins June 11 and continues through the month at the Arata Art Gallery and Gallery 621. The HQ Gallery also invites visitors to enter a free drawing for an artwork being created collaboratively by gallery artists. The drawing will take place during the July Art Walk.

Happy Life Pottery will feature artworks of in-house artists David and Amy Stellato and

Join the raffle to win!

Pam Dixon, Ce N'est Pas Un Chapeau Nick Gallardo, and mixed media works of Travis White. The studio is also featuring the works of Palo Alto pastel artist Ellen Gust as part of Arts Benicia Presents.

Once Upon a Canvas will be exhibiting artworks created by students of artistteacher Charles White. The Little Art Shop, both a gallery and a gift shop, will feature the innovative fused-glass art of Mary Danko Williams, as well as works of over 30 other talented local artists who were hand-picked to represent their art form.

As you find your way from one gallery to another, enjoy shopping, historical sites, and Benicia’s waterfront views. Come for lunch and stay for dinner at one of Benicia’s many restaurants. Parking is plentiful.

Event, art, artist, outdoors, downtown Benicia, gallery, create, pottery, painting, Benicia First Street, raffle, art walk.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

Arts & Fences Culture Column Picket story unfolds each month There will be clues as the . ies ser ry ste my ia nic to “Picket Fences.”

Join us for a Be ing conclusion. Welcome rify ter d an d cte pe ex un leading to an

s e c n e F t e Pick n

Darrell Mcelvane

As the morning progresses into midday the residents of Benicia continue with their daily tasks, one young resident only has one task in mind; Payton pulls up in front of Chars to find Xavier waiting with a hotdog and soda in hand. Xavier hands Payton the food and the two begin to walk toward the waterfront. “Last night freaked me out. I have no idea what’s going on and we almost got caught,” Xavier states. “Have you seen anyone strange around your family… any new people coming around?”

Payton asks. “No, but that’s not saying anything; my dad is always doing some kind of deal with whoever,” Xavier replies, ending his statement with an eyeroll. Payton chimes in, “I heard the four men talking while I was in the closet — if that’s not irony — whatever they were talking about, it’s happening at the fundraiser. And one thing sticks out to me… when the fourth man came in, one of the men said, ‘She promised we could do it at the fundraiser.’ We need to find out who that ‘she’ is,” Payton exclaims through mouthfuls of the hotdog. “Maybe we should just leave it alone,” Xavier utters. Payton ignores Xavier’s comment, “Can you meet me tomorrow night at my house? I’ve got a feeling about something,” Payton says, throwing his trash in the can. “Meet me at 8.” He walks away leaving Xavier scratching his head.

But Payton isn’t the only Benicia resident looking for answers. Back at the Walker home, Madalyn is getting dressed to check up on the finishing touches on the F.A.C.T. fundraiser at the venue. As Madalyn zips up her tan, close - fitting dress, she looks at her clock for the time, which also displays the date. She is suddenly overwhelmed with guilt and sadness; she forgot what date it was.

It’s at that moment she hears the front door downstairs shut and the sound of the news starting on TV. “Hank?” she calls out in return. She hears a grunt that could only be Hank, her husband of 25 years. Madalyn heads downstairs to find him in the dining room, texting.

“Hi, honey how are you doing?” she asks as she hugs him from behind. “Today is always tough. I forgot, too,”

24 • Benicia Magazine

Madalyn says. Hank squirms out of Madalyn’s embrace. “I didn’t forget my son’s birthday, Madalyn,” Hank says with resentment. “Why didn’t you remind me or bring it up? I don’t understand,” she replies. “You want the truth? I was hoping you would forget, and I know that sounds bad but I– ” before Hank could finish his thought, Madalyn cuts in, “You wish I forgot?! Why would you say that? Why would you ever want me to forget OUR son? He would be 17 today!” “Why? Because I want my wife back!” Hank replies, with a tremble in his voice. “What are you talking about?1 I have always been here! You’re the one that stopped seeing me! I feel like I have been grieving him all alone,” Madalyn throws back at him. Hank, stepping toward Madalyn, “That’s the narrative you play in your head… that you lost your son, that I wasn’t there for you… what about me? We lost our four-year-old son 13 years ago. You lost your son… but I lost my son and my wife,” Hank says, leaving Madalyn stunned and wounded.

“I have to go,” Madalyn chokes out. “I’ll be back around 6. There’s stew cooking in the slow cooker; it will turn itself off,” Madalyn says, desperately wanting to avoid this conversation and her role in it. Grabbing her purse and keys, she starts heading for the door, all while a news report comes on about fires swelling nearby; none of which she hears. She stops in the doorway. “I didn’t know, Hank. I didn’t know you felt that way,” she says, so he could truly hear it. “I really do love you, Hank.” And with that, Madalyn is out the door. Hank is left looking at the shadow where Madalyn had stood. As Hank is flooded with emotion, it’s not long before the silence is broken by his phone ringing. “… Yeah, I’d love to see you,” he says into the phone with a tinge of guilt.

Madalyn rounds the corner in her station wagon and has to pull over as the tears overtake her. Taking out her napkin, she wipes her eyes, fixes her makeup, and repeats the same mantra to herself: “Things will be better tomorrow. You just have to get to tomorrow.”

To be continued…

Directory of Local Businesses To Advertize Call 707.980.1563

Judy Foster

707.480.5970

900 First Street, Benicia jfoster@coldwellbanker.com CalBRE #0117856

Personal Training Studio griffinfitness.com

707.747.6677 Lisa McVeigh, Owner

2038 Columbus Pkwy, Benicia, CA 94510

SOLANO PACIFIC

Benicia Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business of the Year

License #748221

Senior Sales Counselor

Interior/Exterior Residential & Commercial Painting and more!

707.747.0427 • hobsonpainting@gmail.com

hobsonpainting.com

Hire My Husband Quality Painting & Home Repair

Certified Personal Trainer NASM CPT, CES, PES PWR!Moves ® for Parkinson’s Disease

707-746-7958 • 925-969-0133 hiremyhusband.com hiremyhusband@comcast.net

Benicia Health and Fitness Club 1150 West 7th St. Benicia

CA Contractor Lic. # 943231

facebook.com/carolkemperfitness cekemper@sbcglobal.net 707. 297. 5769 exparkbenicia.com

Michael Trahan • Interior Design www.michaeltrahan.com 707.748.1080

See why millions trust us for Home & Auto.

Steve McClure Ins Agency Inc Steve McClure, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0I81284 Bus: 707-745-0848 steve@stevemcclure.net

1601486

HOURS 12pm — 9pm Wednesday — Monday

I’m here to help life go right, by saving you time and money when you combine your home and auto insurance.

CALL ME TODAY. ™

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company; Bloomington, IL

Since 1977

W I NNE R ANGI E ’ S L I ST SUPE R SE RVI CE AWA RD 9 YE ARS RUNNI NG!

439 First Street Benicia 707.745.0943 luccabar.com

Half Price Bottles of Wine with $15 Food Purchase

Furniture, Collectibles & Household Items

431 First Street Fri & Sat noon to 6pm Sun & Mon noon to 4pm Closed Tues-Thurs 707.999.0039

PUPS ’N’ PURRZ Specializing in All of Your Pet’s Needs!

ry 4th pair of pant s Eve

Mexican Food

FREE

(Dry clean & pressed)

No Perchloroethylene Environmentally Friendly 81 Solano Square, Benicia 707-745-1353

10:30-6 Mon, Thurs, Fri, 10:30-5:30 Sat. 11-4 Sunday closed Tuesday 422 First Street, Benicia • 707.748.7433

pupsnpurrz.com

640 First Street 707.746.7830 BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

Column Dinner and a Movie

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

and

The Descendants n

Cinema Cat & Gourmet Gracie

E Komo Mai, welcome! Home for Hawai’ian style comfort food, this family owned restaurant opened in 2014 after years of great success with their food truck and catering business. Growing up in Hawai’i, they know firsthand the unique, bold flavors of the food “da kine” you get from the islands. Aaah, the spices, the sauces, the smell, and yes, the TASTE. The name is simple, “You get plate lunch?” “Yah, we got plate lunch.”

The origin of “plate lunch” goes back to the 1880s, where it was a midday meal for hungry workers on the booming pineapple and sugar plantations of Hawaii. Many were immigrants from Japan, China, the Philippines, Korea and Portugal, who all brought leftovers to share for lunch. This combo go-to meal is a staple within the cultural melting pot of the islands. It offers several types of protein, but is always flanked with white rice and macaroni.

The BBQ chicken dish is a Benicia fan favorite — boneless, skinless chicken 26 • Benicia Magazine

thighs marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, with rice and mac salad. Or, the Ultimate Loco Moco — 2 beef patties, 2 slices of Spam, 2 scoops of rice, 2 over easy eggs, smothered in brown gravy, topped with green onions. Yes, spam is definitely a thing! Gracie personally craves the Crispy Kalua Tots — tater tots topped with crispy Kalua pork, mozzarella, house sauce and green onions. Mahalo! Fresh Ahi Poke most Tuesdays.

Don’t miss this special place where the food is really a lifestyle with aloha. Take out and patio dining. Onolicious!

1034 First Street , Benicia, CA | 707.745.4751 www.gotplatelunch.com

Jose’s Junk Removal Providing high quality & reliable full service junk removal for Benicia and beyond.

Highly recommended by over 50 Benicia customers

See what others are saying on Benicia Junk Removal-Jose Rios

Licensed and insured License: 03111662

Call or text 707.712.1073 • Junkremoval707@yahoo.com

GardenCrafters

Landscape and Design

Best of the East Bay Area 9 years in a row.

Create Your Garden Retreat!

Formal | Romantic | Modern Call for free design consultation

925.276.9693 l gardencrafters.com

* Horticulture Expertise * Low Maintenance Planting Design * Outdoor Lighting * Walls, Patios, Arbors * Pavers, Concrete & Stone

Our 2-Minute Movie Review:

The Descendants, 2011; Directed by Alexander Payne (Sideways), Nominee – Best Director There are few things that can put a moviegoer at ease quicker than a George Clooney voice over. That is how we are brought into the beautiful setting – Kauai – of The Descendants (Nominee – Best Picture) and introduced to the “screwed up family,” complex situations and unruly emotions of this skillfully layered story.

Clooney (Nominee – Best Actor) plays Matt King, a fabulously wealthy yet humble bigshot, a totally relatable dad, a “backup parent, an understudy,” whose eyes are opened in a flash to realities he never anticipated when his wife goes into a coma after a boating accident. He must take up the reins of parenting two girls while simultaneously managing the sale of his family’s enormous legacy property. He can barely adjust to each new whiplash as he comes to see his own flaws and weaknesses.

We, of course, witness his vulnerability and magnanimity.

A true comedy/drama, filled with impossible, yet believable situations, The Descendants packs a delightful family of supporting characters from Beau Bridges, as Cousin Hugh, to Robert Forster, unforgettable as Clooney’s father-in-law.

Placed repeatedly in “what-would-you-do?” situations, we eagerly ride along with them on the edge between disaster and good form. Add Shailene Woodley, and wow!

We will not sell The Descendants short by calling it a roller coaster ride. Better to recognize it as a wildly engaging lesson in good breeding and humanity.

FATHER OF EIGHT

DEPENDABLE and KNOWLEDGEABLE agent seeks customers looking for real PROTECTION and long term RELATIONSHIP. Look no further.

Stephanie Scanlan, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0H97107 739 First Street Benicia, CA 94510 Bus: 707-746-0350

to jump in and join the fun. Military training would be helpful.

ADVENTUROUS CAT LOVER seeks adventurous cat owner. Please be employed and willing to relocate.

Especially fond of black and white tuxedo cats. All responses will be answered. Looking for that Purrr-fect match.

GRANOLA EATING, CAMP LOVING, WORLD TRAVELER

Having one special person for your car, home and life insurance lets you get down to business with the rest of your life. It’s what I do.

GET TO A BETTER STATE. CALL ME TODAY. ™

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and 1101201.1 Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

Home Interior, Garden and Specialty Gift Shop For All Occasions

A wonderful selection of unique Home & Decor, for most any room in your home

617 1st St Benicia, CA 707.747.1717

1hr 55min, Rated R for language and adult situations, 10 out of 10 Whiskers | www.cinemacat-tdp.blogspot.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Column Book—Tails

Watch Over Me

by Nina LaCour

Book and Cocktail Club n

LaCour has mastered writing loneliness in a way that fills the reader with overwhelming emotion; her writing affects you for days or even weeks after reading the final sentence.

28 • Benicia Magazine

Cooper Mickelson

“I'm learning that it's good to think about what scares you. To bring it into the light. Even to hold it in your hands, if you can, and feel how it can't hurt you anymore. To think of it and say, 'I am not afraid.’”

If you’ve read a Nina LaCour novel in the past, you’re aware of her unique skill in melancholic tone, beautiful prose, and vivid imagery. LaCour has mastered writing loneliness in a way that fills the reader with overwhelming emotion; her writing affects you for days or even weeks after reading the final sentence.

In Watch Over Me, our protagonist, Mila, takes an internship on a secluded farm outside of Mendocino after aging out of foster care. The farm is owned

by Terry and Julia, a couple who are dedicated to rebuilding the lives of youth affected by the foster care system. Mila and the other two interns living on the farm are responsible for teaching the younger children.

With an absent father, a mother who has abandoned her, and foster parents who chose not to adopt her, Mila has never felt true belonging. When Terry and Julia offer her an internship, it almost feels too good to be true. This peaceful farm, filled with children whose pasts resemble her own, gives Mila a renewed sense of hope. Maybe this could be her home.

Perhaps these people can be her family.

She hadn’t been told about the ghosts.

At night, when the coastal fog rolls over the property, luminescent ghosts visit the farm. One apparition, in particular, appears to be connected to Mila. As time passes, mementos from her past begin to materialize. Dark memories crowd Mila’s mind, and she must decide whether she is strong enough to endure these chilling experiences and remain at the farm, or if she will run away from it all.

The story jumps back and forth from Mila’s haunting past to the present, giving the reader deeper insight into why Mila has such difficulty feeling loved and

cared for by her newfound family. She is consistently unable to trust herself and often sees herself as an outsider in her new home, where the other family members have managed to build such strong bonds.

As the reader, you don’t get the complete picture of the physical and emotional trauma Mila has suffered until she is ready to confront it herself. Although your life may not look the same as Mila’s, we all have things we need to heal from.

Through her lyrical writing, LaCour invites the reader to process and confront their traumas alongside this fictional character.

Watch Over Me is a highly compelling story that deals with found family and healing from emotional wounds. The novel itself is relatively short, but the poetic style, captivating characters, and powerful subject matter make this story feel large.

For next month, we’ll be reading People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. Pick up your copy from Bookshop Benicia now, or follow beniciabooktails on instagram for clues on where to find one of our donated copies.

Mila’s Martini INGREDIENTS 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin ½ oz Lillet Blanc 1 Grapefruit Edible flowers (optional) PREPARATION 1. Stir Gin and Lillet Blanc on ice.

2. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

3. Zest grapefruit over your martini.

4. Top with edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Mila’s Moctail (lavender lemonade) INGREDIENTS 6 cups water ½ cup sugar ¼ cup honey 3 Tbsp dried lavender 2 cups lemon juice Lemon slices and lavender petals (for garnish) Blue or purple food coloring (optional) PREPARATION 1. Over medium heat, combine 2 cups of water and sugar, bringing to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat and stir in honey and lavender.

2. Allow mixture to steep for 2 hours. Strain the liquid, pressing the lavender down to make sure you get all of the flavor.

3. In a large pitcher, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, lavender mixture and 4 cups of water.

4. Add a couple of drops of blue or purple food coloring if you want more color than the lavender provides.

5. Enjoy!

ESTEY Since 1946

Real Estate Sales & Professional Property Management

707-745-0924

216 First Street, Benicia esteyrealestate.com

Sales | Buying Investing Management Celebrating our 72nd year of Business

CaBRE # 00674738

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

June 2021

Calendar Of Events Farmers Market Every Thursday 4-8pm

www.benicia.com Brenda Turner-Adams

Your Partner in Real Estate

Lucca’s Beer Garden

Roxxon Main – Martinez

Fri 4 Duo Gadjo, 7pm Sat 5 Jinx Jones & the KingTones, 7pm Sat 12 GarageLand Rodeo, 7pm Fri 18 Carlos Reyes, 7pm Sat 19 Valerie Jay & the Americanos, 7pm

ST

E

“PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE...”

IA

PLUMBIN .

INC

BENICIA PLUMBING INC. G

Experience Excellence

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

32

707.738.9671

.1

96

Thu 3 Tuneriders, 5:30-8pm Fri 4 The New Frantics, 5:30-8pm Sat 5 Greg Rahn "Rent Party" CD Release Party/Live Stream with Benicia Performing Arts Foundation, 5:30-8pm Thu 10 JimBo Trout, 5:30-8pm Fri 11 Danny Montana and The Bar Association, 5:30-8pm Sat 12 Blackrock Project, 5:30-8pm Sun 13 Toree Lee McGee, 2:30-5:30pm Thu 17 Whiskey Brothers, 5:30-8pm Fri 18 The Big Jangle, 5:30-8pm Sat 19 The Breedloves & Friends 5:30-8pm Sun 20 Camp Jeff, 2:30-5:30pm Thu 24 Don Bassey & The Townhouse Ramblers, 5:30-8pm Fri 25 4th Friday Don Bassey & Friends, 5:30-8pm Sat 26 Soul Man From Japan - Takezo Takeda, 5:30-8pm Sun 27 Valerie Jay & The Americanos, 2:30-5:30pm

BEN IC

975

CSL

32

Repair or Replace • Water - Gas - Sewer Garbage Disposal • Water Heaters • Drain Line Clearing/Cleaning • Backflow Certification Testing Video Camera • Slab Leaks

Residential & Commercial Service 24/7

(800) 746-2930 www.BeniciaPlumbing.com

Best Of 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2103, 2014 & 2015

30 • Benicia Magazine

Pruning

|

Thinning

|

Cleaning

|

Removal

Risk Assessment Employee Training Exposure Mapping/Contact Tracing Employee Injury Management

“Beautiful Trees are the backbone of our landscapes, they provide visual appeal, structure and design” ISA Certified Arborist WE-10796A License# 980094

925.233.6877 | SexyTrees.com

Voted “Best of” 15 Years in a Row Family Owned & Operated Since 1972

The 2021 Honda Accord

JEANNIE HAMANN

The Most Impressive Honda Ever!

800 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Vallejo | Exit Redwood Parkway 888-619-0063 • www.AveryGreeneHonda.com

& PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 513 1st Street, Benicia

JEFF SCHLOSSER

•

(707) 208.7678

#growtogether

Your Local Provider of Premium Potting Soil and Organic Soil Amendments Free in-home consultation Personal Style Consultant

Premium Soil Blends • Organic Soil Amendments Compost Tea • Coco Coir • Microbial Inoculants Worm Castings • Bulk Soil

Locally owned & operated

707.447.2494

budgetblinds.com

Plantation Shutters from $21.99/Sq. Ft. Installed!

CA Contractors Lic. #911005

We have the styles you love!

4271 Park Road, Benicia, CA 94510 www.harmony-organics.com • (707) 747-5051 BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

CUSTOM CABINETRY FOR EVERY ROOM Receive a $ gift certificate to Romancing the Home

150

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

with with the the purchase purchase of of aa complete kitchen. complete kitchen.

Owners Trevor Cotarelo and Taylor Kennedy

707-745-2100 aqchome.com • Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment • 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia