Benicia Magazine October 2020 Issue

Downtown Hauntings Brujeria & Voodoo

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Rebecca Gulick KT Graham Bitsy Hall Genevieve Hand magazine Darrell McElvane Jeannine Mendoza Maura Sullivan Christina Strawbridge Yesenia Alanis

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Scott and Christina Strawbridge Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2019, all rights reserved.

Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher. Benicia Magazine, Downtown Benicia, CA 94510. 707.751.0100, Beniciamagazine.com.

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Benicia October 2020

Contents Features Paranormal Benicia 16 Brujeria and Voodoo 18

6 • Benicia Magazine

Drs. Carney, Campbell, Vitakes and Lim

Around Town BENICIA BUSINESS Q&A Benicia Realtor answers questions ART & PHILANTHROPY Artist Lisa Reinertson Presents “Borderlands” Nikki Basch Davis Offers Scenes of Joy at Gallery 621 COMMUNITY Advice from Fire Chief Chadwick: Be prepared Virtual learning FOOD AND DRINK Octoberfest!

Recipe for Summer's End

10 12 13 As a team, Drs. Carney, Campbell, Vitakes and Lim, have over 125 combined years of experience in all

14 15 22 23

Columns From the Editor Picket Fences: A Benicia Mystery Dinner and a movie Trends

8 24 26 28

Cover and this page by Lisa Duncan Photography

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Column

Letter from the (interim) Editor October 2020

Facebook.com/beniciamagazine

Yes, yes, Mary is fine. I recognize she hasn’t been absent from this page since she took over as Editor in Chief over a year ago, so I just want to clear up any concern, right away. She was merely on vacation – a much deserved road trip to beautiful Wyoming – during the production of this issue. In her stead, I took up the helm as Editor.

Amid the oppressive early September heat, smoke from recent fires, and the general scramble of learning on the job, I found this issue to be a turbulent joy to work on. In this issue, we chat with Fire Chief Josh Chadwick, feature art exhibitions finally showing in-person again, and check in on the state of distance-learning. We offer some Oktoberfest cheer, as well as an experimental fall recipe for you to try out. The plot thickens as we continue Angela’s story in Picket Fences. Of course, we also had to get a little creative – after all, how do you have an October issue without the usual Halloween and harvest festivities?

Well, ghost stories and mysticism have been around for as long as humans have been able to talk about them, surviving many a pandemic. The stories may have been reshaped over the years, but the original kernel always remains; a cautionary tale, an explanation for the unexplainable, or sometimes simply an escape from reality. As this issue came together three such stories emerged.

From an urban legend, to Benicia’s mysterious ghosts, to a brush with Brujeria, I hope these stories pique your appetite for spookiness this season.

And remember, while trick-or-treating might be out of the question this year, it just so happens masks are very much in. However you celebrate whatever you celebrate, please do so safely.

beniciamagazine @beniciamagazine

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

8 • Benicia Magazine

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Around Town Benicia Business

Benicia Real Estate Local agents answer your real estate questions

“Will interest rates remain low for the foreseeable future?”

You focus on business We focus on COVID Small Business Safety

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In the 31 years of my real estate career I have been asked this question countless times. Though it may seem that predicting interest rates requires a crystal ball, there are a few more reliable indicators to be looked at. I have found that in the months leading up to a presidential election, the interest rates frequently drop and then remain fairly stable until after the election, and even into the new year. Current interest rates are at or near historic lows. For anyone in the market for a new home or even a second home, these current low interest rates may well be the opportunity of a lifetime.

Predicting what will happen in 2021 is a bit more difficult. The long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic on unemployment and both small and large business is a big unknown. Currently, the Federal Reserve is taking measures to help the economy weather recent events by purchasing bonds and mortgage backed securities. These actions help keep the interest rates low. If this policy continues into the new year it will help to keep interest rates low. Once the economy starts to recover, the Federal Reserve will cut back on purchasing and interest rates will start to climb.

In conclusion, if you are in the market for a new home, now is the time to act.

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Art & Philanthropy

Lisa Reinertson Borderlands

PRESENTS

AT E P P E R S O N G A L L E R Y Rebecca Gulick Like an act of kindness, art can pierce through the white noise of bustling life and stir the heart.

That is the hope of Benicia sculptor Lisa Reinertson with her new series of artwork on display at Epperson Gallery throughout the month of October. The “Borderlands” series focuses on the human suffering resulting from the Trump administration’s family separation policy, which the artist found deeply disturbing.

“All the ideals of justice, compassion, and moral standing of the United States were thrown away by this administration instituting this punitive and cruel policy,” she said. “Images of children in cages, lying on concrete floors, covered in mylar blankets, both enraged me and broke my heart. And then they have lost track of thousands of the children. This is unconscionable. I do not know how much of an impact art can have, but it is the voice I have.”

One of the works on display, “Portrait of an Asylum Seeker,” Reinertson explained, is a portrait of a transgender woman who was escaping from sexual assault and targeted violence, and whose friend died in custody at the border. “Mother Arrested” and other sculptures in the series are about the separation of children from their mothers at the border.

“By creating artworks that confront the viewer in threedimensional space, my intention is to touch our hearts. My hope is to remind us of the human decency that our country has always tried to stand for, and to make people think about how we can reclaim the goodness in us as a people.”

Known for her life-size figurative ceramic sculptures and largescale public sculptures cast in bronze, Reinertson has created several historic bronze monumental portraits of Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez, each with intricate narrative basrelief imagery. In May 2019, her bronze sculpture, “Neptune’s Daughter,” was installed along Benicia’s shoreline walkway behind The Tannery Building. Thematic veins running through her work encompass expressions of humanist compassion and social justice and peace, as well as the stewardship of our natural environment.

“I have worked primarily with clay over my lifetime as an artist,” she said. “Initially, all of my bronze works were public commissions, but in recent years I have been casting more of my ceramic sculptures in bronze, which has been a wonderful way to bring my studio work into public, outdoor settings, such as ‘Neptune's Daughter’ here in Benicia.”

Lisa Reinertson’s series, “Borderlands,” is on view at Epperson Gallery, just across the Strait in Crockett, through November 1.

Epperson Gallery is at 1400 Pomona Street, Crocket, and gallery hours are 11 to 5, Friday through Sunday. For more information about the gallery, visit www.eppersongallery.com. To learn more about the artist, visit her website at www.lisa.reinertson.com.

Top: No ceramic Bottom: Portrait of an Asylum Seeker

12 • Benicia Magazine

Art & Philanthropy

Nikki Basch Davis Offers Scenes of Joy AT G A L L E R Y 6 2 1 Rebecca Gulick Gallery 621’s featured artist for the month of October is Nikki Basch Davis, who presents her “Celebration” series of paintings and sculpture.

“In times of extreme loss and challenges,” she said, “these works attempt to give a glimpse to a life with joy, friendship, and celebration.”

Basch Davis’ paintings are imbued with a sense of hope for humanity amid turbulence and uncertainty, according to curator Robert-Jean Ray in his foreword for the exhibit. “She is a humanist whose work emulates the finest examples of early twentieth century German Expressionism and American Social Realism.

The portrayals realized in her paintings and sculptures celebrate the human spirit, conveying moments of serenity, affection, tolerance, despair, and joy.”

Gallery 621 showcases contemporary artists working in a variety of media, including painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Nikki is one its founding members and designs the exhibits at the gallery. Her featured-artist show, “Celebration,” runs from October 1 through November 2.

Gallery 621 is located at 309 First Street, Benicia. Hours are Friday through Sunday, from 12 to 6 pm. For more information, visit gallery621.com.

Top: Celebration Cetner: Shall We Dance?

Bottom: Like This Left: First Dance

BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

Around Town Community

Advice from

Fire Chief Chadwick:

Be Prepared Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D The LNU Lightning Complex fire that occurred in Lake, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano and Napa counties last month, serves as a reminder that we live in wildfire country.

Although the fire did not reach the city of Benicia, it did impact parts of Solano County, resulting in smoky conditions and a hazardous situation for people with breathing issues such as COPD and asthma. The proximity of this fire disaster also created stress for Benicia residents who worried if the fire would come this way.

In a recent interview with Benicia Fire Chief, Josh Chadwick, the fire chief stated that the LNU Lightning Complex fire was a wake-up call for all Benicia residents. He made the following helpful suggestions: First, all residents should clear dry brush that might be growing around their property and/or hillside, making sure that there is a thirty foot clearance around all homes and structures.

Second, all residents should be able to evacuate quickly and at a moment’s notice. They should have already established a list of what to take beforehand.

This way, they don’t waste time on the day of the emergency and can focus on leaving in a timely and safe manner. This list, which includes food, water, medication, pet food, change of clothes, baby items, identification papers, insurance policies, etc., should be made now, in a thoughtful and rational manner, before the next wildfire scare.

Third, residents should sign up for the online emergency alert system, Alert Solano. This system enables the agencies in Solano County to provide critical information to residents swiftly in case of wildfire, severe weather, road closures, missing persons, and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.

This is a free app that you can access by searching “Alert Solano” on your phone. You can have the alerts sent via text or email. This service can be a real lifesaver in an emergency.

Benicia Fire Chief, Josh Chadwick, also used the interview to promote the Benicia Fire Museum, located at 900 E. 2nd St. This small but fascinating museum boasts antique fire trucks, fire equipment, and other historical equipment used during fire and earthquake emergencies throughout Benicia’s history. The museum also pays homage to Benicia’s volunteer fire service. The first of such organizations in California, it was founded in 1847, before California entered statehood. Because of the COVID pandemic, please call the museum regarding their schedule: 707.745.1688.

14 • Benicia Magazine

“ The mute button. Yeah, the mute button. Hit the button next to ‘end call.”

“It’s okay, we’re all learning.”

“Yes, I do see your dog!”

These words are uttered repeatedly in virtual classrooms.

You have probably heard the word “mute” more than ever before. You have probably seen, in person or in photographs, a disgruntled child in headphones laying sideways on a too-big desk chair. It’s no secret: distance learning and teaching is hard, for all parties involved. Navigating a new system of learning and teaching amidst a pandemic is something that none of us signed up for.

But we’re trying.

Community Around Town

Weathering the Uncertain Storm of Virtual Learning Bitsy Hall With coronavirus cases still raging in California, school reopenings in the near future do not seem likely. Governor Gavin Newsom has recently rolled out a color framework for counties to dictate economic reopenings. This four-tiered framework represents varying degrees of COVID severity – yellow being minimal, orange; moderate, red; substantial, and finally purple; widespread. When a county has been in the red tier for at least 14 days, institutions can embark on the pursuit for reopening.

At the time of this writing, Solano County is in the purple tier.

In the unlikely event that schools do open in the near future, school re-closures due to COVID outbreaks are a real possibility. Anyone who has worked with young children or has young children can attest to their nonchalance with germs. They lick their hands, cough while telling you a secret close to your ear, and quite simply, do not follow rules to a tee because they are rightfully imperfect, still-learning beings. Even for our goodie-goodie rule followers, sometimes it is impossible to abide by the rules with crowded classrooms and spaces unfit for proper distance. Think of the viral pictures of crowded high school hallways and the too-close desks in a classroom. It’s unsurprising that so many schools, globally and nationally, have had to close soon after reopening.

Teachers, parents, guardians, and students are all exhausted.

The majority of us are ready to return and never look at each other through a Zoom call again.

Students are missing out on important and valuable parts of their educational experience: the social-emotional learning and

life skill training of collaborative work and academic discourse, the fun of assemblies, recess, and lunch period. Many parents are feeling frustrated and overwhelmed with balancing work and having their children learn from home. Teachers are trying to cram all grade level standards and curriculum into short blocks with glitchy connections and technological learning curves.

Despite our eagerness to return to normalcy, the severity of this pandemic is not showing clear signs of slowing down. In order to weather the storm of distance learning, we must practice forgiveness, flexibility, and excellent communication. Mistakes are an essential part of learning. You, your children, and your child’s teacher are all in a learning process under strenuous and stressful circumstances. Schedules will change, wifi will crash, and plans will not always go as expected. To mitigate the certainty of error, communicate with your child’s teacher: ask clarifying questions, check your email frequently, and express concern with kindness.

To assist your child with the discomfort of sitting at a computer for hours at time, explore flexible seating options. Prior to COVID, many teachers implemented flexible seating options in their in-person classrooms with great results. Wiggly students especially benefit from kick bands, squishy chairs, and low tables. While at home learning, offer your child the option to lay on the floor on their stomach with a pillow for support.

This is a great seating option for students who always seem to end up sideways on a desk chair thirty minutes into their virtual learning day. If this is against any virtual classroom norm, practice communication and polite concern with your child’s teacher.

To help better a trying situation, remain curious and open to options (such as the aforementioned flexible seating) to assist your child’s learning.

Be flexible, communicative, and above all else, understanding.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Feature

l a m r o n a r a P a i c i n e B Bitsy Hall

Everyone has felt it: that little chill up your spine when walking through the dark, the inexplicable goosebumps that appear on your arms when you’re alone digging through the attic. Whether or not you believe in ghosts or spirits, the odds are that you have experienced a heightened sense of vigilance for what seems to be no particular reason.

But for some Benicians, it is certain that this chilling sensation comes from a particular place: the spirit world.

Tucked on the corner of First & West E Street, in the old Jorgenson’s Saloon building, Angel Heart 4 You sits quaintly with inviting signs and historical charm. Passing by, you might catch a glimpse of windchimes and crystals. This historic building draws visitors inside and, allegedly, not all of them are living.

Upon meeting with Angel Heart 4 You’s psychic medium, Chris Hernandez, and co-owner, Lia Valenzuela, the stories tied to this building began to unfold.

In the 19th century, Jorgensen’s Saloon occupied the entire building that now houses Angel Heart 4 You and several other small businesses. It is rumored that the upstairs was inhabited by sex workers and frequented by their customers. On those same floors there is a burn mark etched into the hardwood from an old iron. It is believed this mark is from one of the workers from the Jorgensen era tending to her clothes. While this physical imprint may serve as evidence of the building’s history, Hernandez, Valenzuela, and owner Carol Mayer believe that its history surfaces in paranormal ways.

Ghosts and spirits are said to inhabit the building. This has not only been confirmed by multiple mediums, but with puzzling encounters from many people. However, Hernandez explains, “ghosts and spirits are different.” Ghosts, often unaware that they are dead, frequently remain in the place of their deaths and are experiencing confusion, fear, or other upset. They remain earthbound until whatever internal conflict is resolved. Spirits, on the other hand, have realized their ascension into the spirit world.

They are able to come and go as they please.

16 • Benicia Magazine

"

Attics and basements are typical spots for the non-living, as spirits and ghosts find comfort in calm places.

"

There are two noteworthy paranormal inhabitants inside of the walls of First & E: a spirit named George and a young ghost by the name of Mark. As the owner of old Jorgenson’s Saloon, George is a playful spirit with ties to the building. Valenzuela and others believe that he resides in the old elevator of the building.

This claim is partly due to an experience had by Valenzuela: one evening while closing, she caught a strong whiff of whiskey. The source of the smell appeared to be coming from the elevator. Valenzuela contacted Hernandez, who then did an investigation and found high levels of activity close to George’s quarters.

As for Mark, the young ghost, it is believed that he felt a pull towards Carol Mayer’s warmth. Believed to be no more than nine years old, he was naturally drawn to maternal energies. Mayer was known to leave small toys throughout the store for him to play with. Valenzuela is certain that Mark indulged in his childish tendencies: she found angel figurines turned around and even once-scattered balloons methodically placed behind the counter after leaving them overnight. Before departing the building as a spirit, it is believed that he resided in the closet near the entrance of the shop.

Why would entities from the spirit world occupy enclosures like old elevators and closets? Hernandez explains that spirits and ghosts are drawn to areas that are not frequented by the living. In fact, they are likely to inhabit the highest and lowest points of buildings. Attics and basements are typical spots for the non-living, as spirits and ghosts find comfort in calm places.

Though one may be more likely to have a paranormal experience when in the calm of solitude, there are times when these encounters happen in perfect sight amongst the company of others. As many Benicians have heard, the old buildings on First Street are full of haunting tales. Only a few blocks down from Angel Heart 4 You is a restaurant with a history of paranormal encounters: Sailor Jack’s. Once the home of a storied small business operator, Captain Blyther, and later a brothel, this building is said to house several paranormal entities from the past.

James Morgan, the co-owner of Sailor Jack’s, shared a supernatural experience he once had last spring: Upstairs, he watched a lone customer order a top shelf margarita at the far corner of the bar. He was “dressed like a stereotypical pimp” with “flashy jewelry included.” The man was having an aggressive and demanding conversation on the phone. He leaned back several feet from the bar, and Morgan saw the untouched drink tip over before his eyes. He believes that this man’s suspected occupation angered a spirit who had experienced the wrath of abuse as a sex worker in that very building.

Much like Hernandez explained, ghosts remain earthbound because of internal conflict.

Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, we can all attest to inexplicable phenomena. Next time you’re in the quiet of the basement, remember that you may not be alone after all.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Feature

and Something wicked this way comes

Protective Rituals in the 21st Century

Yesenia Alanis The changing of the seasons heralds a time for cleansing and decluttering in our household. As spring was ending, and the heat of summer started rolling in, my mother did not waste a single minute, scrubbing every nook and cranny. As my mom began sorting her outdoor storage closet, she came across a strange object: a handmade sock doll. Mom followed her first instinct, and threw the doll in the trash.

The next evening, I visited my mother and during our chat, she interrupted me to ask, “Did you leave a handmade doll here?” My eyes instantly widened because I have always found dolls to be creepy (thank you, Goosebumps!), and this “handmade” doll found in our storage was no exception. Super suspicious! I did not allow my mother another

18 • Benicia Magazine

word before asking her where the doll was. Without hesitation, I ran outside, emptied our trash can, and discovered the stuffed crew sock that had stubs tied off to make what looked like arms and legs. This sinister object had two mismatched buttons sewn where eyes should be, and a brown hair-like rope tied around its neck. I instantly thought, “this is a pop-voodoo doll, or some intense form of Brujeria (witchcraft).”

My mother came outside and, collecting the candles she found with the doll, proceeded to describe what she discovered in her storage closet: Behind a few boxes on a shelf, my mom found three candles that had been melted down over time, in a triangle formation, with this doll in the middle of the triangle. I instantly dropped the doll, realizing I had been touching potentially bad juju with my bare skin.

Please understand that my very traditional Mexican upbringing included experiences with people who practice energy cleansing and folk medicine.

These folk healers, who incorporate massage treatments, are known as sobadores, and along with curanderos (other folk healers who use folk remedies), address emotional, spiritual and social aspects of illness. After realizing that this might be a case of Brujeria, I called my grandmother. She put me in contact with a sobador who directed us to put the doll in a jar of salt-water, place it in the bag in which it was found, and bury it in an unfrequented area. As we buried the jar, we were to mix salt with the dirt, as salt is known as a purifier that will prevent the release of the doll’s bad energy. To cleanse ourselves, we were to trace an egg all over our bodies while saying: “I have no intentions of harming, I have intentions of healing.” After we were done with the egg, we were instructed to drive to a location we don’t typically visit, and drop the egg in the middle of a crossroad. This is supposed to symbolize confusion and misdirection for negative energy, preventing it from following us home. I do not want to portray us as a family who believes in witchcraft, bad juju, and superstitions, however, this is not our first run-in with witchcraft-related occurrences.

Though not always the case, individuals who practice Brujeria (Latin American witchcraft) tend to do so with intentions to harm or bring bad luck to others. Voudon, or “voodoo,” is an African-originated belief system of various stories, songs, practices, spirits and rituals. This belief system has changed over time and can vary slightly in traditional African cultures due to the effects of colonization and enslavement of Africans. In pop-culture, voodoo is often portrayed as a sinister religion with the classic example of dolls that are “versions'' of another human. Doing harm to the doll will cause harm to the person it portrays. It is important to make this distinction as Voudon does not differ from mainstream religions, but its pop-culture portrayal may bring negative connotation – hence why I named the object we found a “pop-voodoo doll.”

Frankly, my parents are not very superstitious but when it comes to Brujeria, they know it’s foolish to discount or dismiss it. We still don’t know who made the doll and, overall, the experience shook up our family, but we can now laugh at this incident, and remind ourselves of the strength of our faith. Oh, and to keep our gates locked at all times.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

Around Town Food and Drink

Maura Sullivan As we approach the last few months of the most “interesting” year of the 21st century, we are still holding out hope for our yearly traditions. Halloween décor is ubiquitous as ever, the harvest moon is still coming, and the annual occurrence of our autumnal “second summer” is at its peak. Why would we dare put our lederhosen and beer steins away?

Oktoberfest. A festival I’ve only dreamt about attending. I’ve heard so many stories over the years of what happens inside the tents. Large communal tables shared by travelers and locals. Meeting new people while celebrating a local tradition. A travel junky’s dream. And let’s not forget the imbibing of beer from 6 Munich breweries, all delightfully golden with a beautiful amber glow. Perfect for a California heat wave. September 19th would’ve been the start of the 187th annual Oktoberfest, ending October 4th. With international travel canceled and still no end to COVID, the festival has been canceled. But that shouldn’t stop us from exploring this German tradition and celebrating in the Golden State.

But what brew should you reach for? When we think of popular beer styles in California, IPAs and pale ales appear to have taken claim of this large state.

And although Sierra Nevada offers an Oktoberfest beer, I would suggest we stick with something more authentic. No need to cross the Benicia Bridge or go hunting far and wide for a bottled, imported beer. Simply place an order with our local brewers at Bruehol Benicia Brewing. Bruehol holds a special place in their hearts for German style brewing. Their portfolio consists of Benicia Brewed Ales, Lagers and special releases; and their owners have authentic connections to Deutschland. Mark Keller, whose name translates to 'Cellar' and historically would have designated him as a cellarer in the profession of brewing or winemaking, runs the brewery along with his business partner and fiancée Natalie Boltz, who was born in Koln during the time of unrest leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall. It's safe to say that the love and respect for their German heritage is shown through the historically relevant recipes they use to create the unique beer offerings at their Benicia taproom. We asked Natalie what they offer and what they suggest to our readers this season. “Each year we offer something for Oktoberfest and, though COVID-19 has prohibited the opportunity to host our annual party, we will have seasonal releases you can purchase at the taproom. Currently the 32oz crowler cans are the only option for to-go beer, but with the loosening of the regulations surrounding the COVID-19 restrictions, hopefully growler fills can be resumed soon. Making its annual appearance is the fan favorite Smoked Helles Lager as well as the Matthew Turner Marzen. This winter, Bruehol plans on releasing its first Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout, aged in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels.”

– Natalie Boltz Now that we have the beer figured out, let’s get into the food. We want to stay traditional, but not all of us have the time to make bread dumplings. I found a recipe for some juicy Bratwurst on MiddleburyCoop.com.

I hope this brings the Oktoberfest celebration to the comfort of your home.

Make sure to check out the Bruehol Brewing website for their list of current beers, merchandise availability, and to place your order for crowlers which sell for $15/ each or a 3-pack for $40. Drive-up sales are also an option. Be sure to follow @bruehol on both Instagram and Facebook for up to date information!

Celebrate responsibly.

Cheers!

22 • Benicia Magazine

INGREDIENTS • 1 package Bratwurst • 4 T sunflower or canola oil • 1 local yellow onion, chopped • 4 C local red cabbage, shredded • 2 tart local apples, cored and thinly sliced • ½ tsp caraway seed • 2 T apple cider vinegar • 1 lb small local potatoes, halved • 1 C local beer (Bruehol) • salt & pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until it begins to turn clear, about 5-8 minutes.

Add cabbage, apples, vinegar, and caraway seeds and mix to combine. Place sausage links and potatoes on top of the cabbage mixture, season with salt and pepper, then pour the beer over top. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and allow to simmer for about 30 minutes. Serve with local mustard.

Around Town Food and Drink

“I love a good lasagna, but sometimes feel a little overwhelmed by the prep.”

Lasagna or Soup? Both!

KT Graham As the weather starts to chill, I always find myself looking for warming recipes. Fall inclines me to make soups and casseroles and wonderful artisan bread to sop up every last flavorful drop. I love a good lasagna, but sometimes feel a little overwhelmed by the prep. Last year a friend forwarded a link to something called Lasagna Soup. I looked at it, Googled for more, and found everything I needed to create the perfect marriage of lasagna and soup. It comes together in just a couple of hours and best of all, it cooks in one pot. I strongly encourage you to make your own ricotta to add at the end. Not only is it insanely easy, but you can do it first and then let it drain while you make the lasagna. Believe me, homemade ricotta could very well change your life.

A homemade loaf of no knead bread is fantastic with this, but if that’s just a bridge too far, pop into One House Bakery and pick up a Country Loaf or some Brioche rolls. They’re both fabulous. Add a green salad to this and you’ve got a dinner from heaven. Please visit our website for this recipe: https://wwww. beniciamagazine.com/recipeforafallday/

HOMEMADE RICOTTA

LASAGNA SOUP

TIME: 1 hour 15 minutes

TIME: 1 hour 30 minutes

YIELD: 1 cup

SERVINGS: 6

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

4 cups whole milk ½ cup heavy cream ¼ t salt 2 - 3 T lemon juice

2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 pound Italian turkey sausage or ground turkey 1 cup chopped onion (1 medium or ½ large) 3-4 cloves minced garlic 1 t each salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme ½ t smoked paprika 1 bay leaf 6 cups chicken stock 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes with juice (fire roasted are great!)

6 oz can tomato paste 8 oz uncooked farfalle pasta ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2-3 Tablespoons freshly chopped basil, plus more slivered for serving 8 oz ricotta cheese, for serving

Instructions

Slowly bring milk, cream, and salt to a rolling boil in a 3 quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Add lemon juice and reduce heat to low to simmer, stirring constantly until curds form, about 2 - 4 minutes.

Pour into a cheesecloth lined sieve and let drain 1 hour or more.

Chill, covered. Will keep 2 days in the fridge.

NO KNEAD BREAD TIME: 2 hours 40 min PLUS 18 hours rising time Yield: 1 loaf

Please visit our website for this recipe: https://www.beniciamagazine.com/ recipeforafallday/

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-heat. Add turkey sausage and brown, breaking up with a spoon, about 5 mins. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika as it cooks.

Add onion and cook about 6 mins more. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add in chicken stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Stir until combined.

Bring to a light boil, reduce heat, simmer for 30 minutes. Add pasta and cook to al dente per directions on the package.

Stir in the parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Ladle soup into bowls and top with a spoonful of ricotta cheese and more basil if desired.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

Column A (Soap Opera) mystery

Join us for a Benicia mystery series.

There will be clues as the story unfolds each month leading to an unexpected and terrifying conclusion. Welcome to “Picket Fences.”

s e c n e F t Picke Previously in Picket Fences …

Successful and popular realtor Angela Wingate discovers that someone is interested in purchasing a house in Benicia that has a dark and mysterious reputation. Angela has a past connection to this house and she is clearly frightened of it. Suddenly, Connie, a person from that same past, appears at her home, and she is most certainly unwelcome. Our story picks up there.

Connie looks at Angela as she enters her home without being invited in. “ What’s wrong, Angela?

You look like you’ve just seen a ghost,” she says with a grim smile. Connie moves around the entryway touching everything as if to leave her mark. “You’ve done very well for yourself …but I would expect nothing less from you.” Angela’s eyes have followed her every move. “What do you want, Connie?” She asks, trying desperately to hold back tears. “I'd like a drink first …A bourbon, neat.” Connie requests. “Of course, please join me at the bar,” Angela replies.

As they walk to the bar, they run into Payton at the bottom of the stairs. “I thought you left to meet Dad,” Says Payton, curiosity clear on his face when he sees Connie. “Well, you must be Payton” Connie states. Clearly agitated, Angela shouts at her son, “Go back upstairs, Payton. Now!” Payton freezes looking at his mom, shocked at her tone. “Oookay ... nice to meet you …I think.” Payton retreats upstairs.

At the bar, Angela pours the drinks and finally says, “Just what the hell are you doing here, Connie?”

“You know why I’m here. You owe me. Clearly, my money has done well for you,” sneers Connie.

“I owe you nothing... I got out, I found an opportunity and took it!” Angela says, her face reflecting fear and panic. “I know all about Bruce … your opportunity,” Connie states with an arrogant expression on her 24 • Benicia Magazine

face. “You leave him out of this,” Angela replies, slamming the drink down. “Get out …get out of here now,” Angela says in a hushed, fervent voice. “But Angela, I’m a guest in your home," Connie smiles, “However, since you are so inhospitable, I’ll take my leave. Just one last thing. When Are you going to tell Bruce you killed Shane Baxter?”

Angela stands behind the bar speechless, looking at Connie like a rabbit caught in a trap. “Looks like this is a lot for you to process …you should call Bruce, you’re going to be late.” Connie says with a smirk of satisfaction. She gathers her purse and coat and walks out, leaving Angela unnerved in the stillness of her absence. Composing herself, Angela searches briefly for her cell phone before resigning herself to the landline. The walk to the kitchen receiver helps to ground her once more. Picking it up, she calls Bruce. He answers on the second ring, “Hey honey, are you parking? I’m at the table in front by the window.” There is a long silence. “Honey? … Angela?” Through a shaky voice, Angela finally speaks, “I need you to come home.” Bruce, puzzled, but hearing the distress in her voice replies, “I’m on my way.”

To Be Continued…

Voted “Best of” 15 Years in a Row

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513 1st Street, Benicia

& PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Giving A Hand Up to local cancer patients along their journey of Fighting Cancer

•

(707) 747-9300

Downtown Benicia

October 1-31 As people stroll downtown during the month of October, they will be greeted by scarecrows fashioned by downtown businesses. While there will be no contest and voting this year, every scarecrow out on display for public viewing and enjoyment is considered a winner!

For participating businesses, go to www.BeniciaMainStreet.org BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

Column Dinner and a Movie

DINNER AND A MOVIE The third in a series of at home food and movie pairings.

Char’s Hotdogs and the movie 42

Let’s play ball!

Cinema Cat & Gourmet Gracie Char’s Hotdogs has been a staple in downtown Benicia for almost 25 years. The service is super friendly and the food is fresh, well-prepared and comes out hot just the way we like it.

Char’s has a huge selection of hotdogs—from Polish to chili cheese dogs, kraut dogs to Cajun hot links. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, patty melts and the best onion rings in the county!

26 • Benicia Magazine

BENICIA PLUMBING INC.

Cullen’s Pub | 131 First Street, Benicia | 707.637.5300

call for hours

“You don’t have to be a baseball fan to be moved

by Robinson’s story and Boseman’s performance.”

For so many reasons, our choice of baseball movies to go with your Char’s hotdog is 42.

Let’s start with Chadwick Boseman. It’s shocking and so sad to lose this compelling actor to colon cancer at age 43. Much of his earlier work in films was devoted to portraying pioneering figures in American history: James Brown in Get It on Up in 2014; Thurgood Marshall, in 2017’s Marshall; and of course, Jackie Robinson in 42.

If you’re a baseball fan, you already know that Robinson is honored every year across every major league team with all players wearing his number 42. It is a tribute to the incalculable impact of his debut and career as the first black player in major league baseball. Under ruthless pressure and relentless scrutiny, he distinguished himself by his talent on the field and his integrity across the board.

Chadwick Boseman portrayed Jackie Robinson in the 2013 film 42 with a depth and humanity that were hallmarks of Robinson himself. We are presented with the pain and the beauty of a history that we must keep revisiting until we get it right. You don’t have to be a baseball fan to be moved by Robinson’s story and Boseman’s performance.

42 was written and directed by Brian Helgeland known also for Man on Fire, and L.A. Confidential. 2h 8m, Rated PG-13 8 out of 10 Whiskers on www.cinemacat-tdp.blogspot.com

E

Instagram: hotdogsfromchars Open 11 am – 6 pm Tuesday through Saturday All COVID guidelines followed.

PLUMBIN

32 .1

96

ST

Char’s Hotdogs | 131 First Street, Benicia | 707.745.4476

IA

.

INC

BEN IC

“PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE...”

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The burgers are just the right size, juicy with your choice of cheeses and extras. Fries and sweet potato fries are some of the most popular and mouthwatering additions. I know what you’re thinking. Where’s my beer? Baseball, hotdogs and a beer, right? We have you covered. Cullens’s Pub and Char’s have a relationship. That’s right, you can order Char’s hotdogs and burgers right from the pub. Relationships like this help both businesses during covid restrictions.

Char’s accepts phone in orders, has counter service to go and lots of added outdoor seating with water views. Char’s is located at the bottom of First Street at the entrance to the historic Tannery Building, right next to Cullen’s. Attractive prices; you can’t go wrong!!

975

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32

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

Column Column Trends Trends

Christina Strawbridge Every town has their own haunted house. Rumors swirl about what might be occurring behind the overgrown shrubbery and fenced-in grounds of these creepy estates.

The House of Blue Lights was well known in my hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana. Legend has it that the owner Skiles Test was an eccentric millionaire that had buried his wife in a glass casket in the middle of his swimming pool and surrounded her with blue lights (reported to be her favorite color).

Skiles Edward Test was born in Indianapolis on October 19, 1889. His father, Charles Test made his fortune as president of the Indianapolis Chain Works, founded by the future owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

When Charles Test passed away, he left Skiles his fortune.

In 1913, Skiles married his first wife, Josephine Benges, and moved northeast of Indianapolis into a small house, tucked away in a huge, heavily wooded property.

No one knows exactly when the Skiles Test property gained its fame. Rumor says it began in the 1940s, when Skiles used blue lights around the property at Christmas

28 28• •Benicia BeniciaMagazine Magazine

time. The rumors of the dead wife and glass casket emerged, seemingly out of whole cloth. Supposedly, Mr. Test, whose wife in fact had not died, was amused with these stories, until the property was overrun with so many trespassers. He fenced the entire estate away from the world. The curiosity continued into the 1960s and remained even after his death on March 19th, 1964.

The estate sale that followed his passing was nearly as legendary as the house itself. It even made the local news! An estimated 50,000 people showed up to bid on items that Skiles had accumulated throughout his years including hundreds of cans of soup, and multiples of other household staples. The real driving force was people wanting to get a better look at his mysterious property.

As a 12 year old, I was fascinated with the lore of the House of Blue Lights. My summers were spent on my blue Schwinn bike trying to solve mysteries, like my favorite character, Nancy Drew. One of my neighborhood friends had taken me to the estate before Test had died. There was a secret hole in the fence that allowed us to squeeze through. We climbed the overgrown hill and passed a pet cemetery

with hundreds of tiny markers. As we got closer to the house, we could see the pool. It was in bad shape, as were the rest of the buildings. No glass casket or blue lights to be seen. Out of nowhere, came a groundskeeper, brandishing what looked like a rifle. You never saw two girls move so fast, down the hill, past the cemetery and through the hole in the fence. Of course as a true detective, I returned many times that summer, approaching the estate through underground tunnels and long roadways that were protected by guard dogs. You may wonder, where was my mother? Times were so different then; when the long days of summer were about leaving the house early, returning for a quick lunch and then back on the bike until dinner time.

There is little left of what was “The House of Blue Lights,” as it is now a nature park named after the owner. I wonder if the legend might still remain, especially for young boys and girls that spend their summers on a bike. Do the blue lights still shine through the trees as legend has it?

Do Skiles and his wife haunt the place? I dare you to go find out.

Photos: Skiles Test’s house 1910 and present day, from historicindianapolis. com. Current house photo Ryan Hamlett.

#growtogether

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Lindsay Art Glass is closing-everything must go.

All inventory including fixtures, displays and equipment are for sale.

Thank you Benicia for all your support over the past 22 years!

Wednesday through Sunday | 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM 109 East F Street, Benicia | 707.748.1336 BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

FATHER OF EIGHT

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

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30 • Benicia Magazine

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VIRTUAL AGENT SERVICES The way we buy and sell homes has changed. The need for a local & experienced realtor has not. We have the tools to help you navigate the new normal, and achieve your real estate dreams.

Ridge Real Estate Group rreg@ridgerealestategroup.com ridgerealestategroup.com 707.315.9803 DRE 01998765 Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description.

All measurements and square footage are approximate.

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