Benicia Magazine Quarterly Winter 2023

Heart The

of Winter

$

5.00

Winter 2023 Please deliver 12/1/23

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

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Beniciamagazine.com Celebrating our 18th Year Publisher Mary Hand Editor in Chief Genevieve Hand Art Director Cooper Mickelson Website Specialist Genevieve Hand Contributors Patty Gavin Genevieve Hand Mary Hand Linda Hastings Derek Linsley Alexa Manning Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D Caitlin McCulloch Darrell Mcelvane Cooper Mickelson Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D Kevin Nelson Jean Purnell Maura Sullivan Social Media Specialist Dalia Nino Cover Photo Michael Van Auken Administrative Support Karina Escalante Alexa Manning

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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.

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Table of

CONTENTS FEATURES 24 Holidays Close to Home and Far Away

26 Wellness in Winter

AROUND TOWN Art & Philanthropy 12

ary Shaw M Solano Water Stories

14

IP with Soroptimist S 6th annual Wine Tasting Event

Hidden Benicia 30 Quiz: How Well Do You Know First Street?

Business 17 Bell and Brass

Bringing beautiful things into the home

18 Cartel Crystals

We deserve our dreams

Food & Drink 10 Drift

COLUMNS 8

From the editor

34 Booktails

She Would Be King

by Waytu Moore

A welcoming atmosphere and delicious refreshments

29 Bar None —

Bourbon Pear Spritzer

Community 22

Let it Snow!

A guide for winter fun in the snow

28 Black History Month

35 Dinner & a Movie

Baxters Restaurant & Bar 32 & NEAT: The Story of Bourbon 36

The White Card: Unpacking the Layers with Director Carlene Coury

City of Benicia Save Our Streets

Profile — Rachel Morgado

Winter 23/24

Cover Photo: Michael Van Auken 6 • Benicia Magazine

38

Events Calendar

* Picket Fences continues on beniciamagazine.com

Cover Staging by Le Sparkly Chateau.

On the Cover: Riddell-Fish House We wanted a warm fireplace scene for the cover of the Winter Quarterly, The Heart of Winter. It was suggested that we look at the Riddell-Fish House on West K Street. The house is stunning and we had four fireplaces to choose from, plus a fun and very photogenic pup named Jake.

Thanks to John and Mara Sigler for letting us use their beautiful home and thanks to Jake too!

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Columns | Letters n From the Editor

n From the Publisher

Though the heart of winter is cold, there is much in it to warm the spirit. There are dozens of quotes by well-known authors, poets, and the like illustrating this dichotomy. Many speak of a harsh winter juxtaposed with the kindness of our fellow humans, or appreciating simple things we might otherwise take for granted, like the warmth of a good sweater, because of the dismal, dreary days of winter.

Here, in Benicia, California, it’s a stretch to say our winters are dismal or particularly harsh; but we revel in the warm spirit of winter, just the same.

Perhaps you’ve experienced a personal winter, having gone through a hardship, loss, or illness, and have experienced this phenomenon for yourself.

These winters in life give us the ability to appreciate our springs and summers that much more. You might find a spring-like warmth in the helping hand of a friend or neighbor in your time of need. Or find yourself particularly appreciative of a good day after a particularly bad one. As John Steinbeck said, “What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?”

Lately, the City of Benicia has been experiencing a winter of its own. As many of our readers are aware, the City is facing a funding deficit. And, as humanity does during the dearth of winter, many community members and small business owners have stepped up to ensure that things we may have taken for granted, like our 4th of July Fireworks and our annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market, continue on when the City can no longer provide them.

So, this winter season, take stock of all that brings warmth to your life, and consider how you can spread your warmth to others. In this way, we explore all the facets of the heart of winter.

“Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” — Paul Theroux I love the beginning of winter: the days and evenings are spent enjoying holiday activities like shopping, dining, going to parties, giving time to charities and nonprofits, and attending as many holiday performances as possible.

January usually brings snow, and we will hit the slopes either skiing, snowshoeing, or simply enjoying the snow falling outside the window. Unfortunately, by the end of January I start sinking into a rut. And February and March just leave me cold. Literally. My activity level slows to a snail’s pace and I slip into emotional and physical inertia.

I’m determined to change my winter pattern by engaging in more positive behavior by seeking out the pleasure of being quiet and calm.

It has been said that winter months are a fallow time, that it’s a time to quiesce, to evaluate, notice the stillness of Nature, and to perhaps make changes. This is an important cycle within the calendar year.

Winter is made up of outside chill and inside warmth. By appreciating both facets of the season, we reap the full restorative effects winter brings—an emotional and physical reprieve from life’s challenges. Emotional rest allows us to become more self-aware, become more emotionally balanced, and have more resilience and flexibility. Physically, we tend to become more sedentary, which brings on the winter blues, added weight, and discomfort. It is essential to keep active in winter.

Engaging in quiet sports, calm exercise, or running is a good way to take care of your body and mind. Be sure to read Derek Linsley’s article Wellness in the Heart of Winter for more information on how to keep fit and healthy including tips on what to do and how to do it. He concludes his article with five ways of improving your heart health this winter while supporting local businesses and events.

Joyful Holidays to all and Happy New Year too!

The

Heart of Winter

— GENEVIEVE

Facebook.com/beniciamagazine

— MARY

beniciamagazine

Post or send your suggestions & ideas to: Editor@beniciamagazine.com | Beniciamagazine.com 8 • Benicia Magazine

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around town | Food & Drink

around town | Food & Drink

Drifting into Town n Caitlin McCulloch Photos by Michael Van Auken

and Beyond

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Be transported to another place without hopping on a plane (or even crossing the bridge) when you enter Benicia’s Drift Benicia, a new coffee shop and the brainchild of co-owners Monica Dito and Ryan Birch. The power duo has been involved in the food and beverage industry for many years and have been planning this new venture for a while, but had trouble finding available locations that felt like the right fit.

That perfect spot to hold Drift Benicia has ended up being the space that Java Pointe Cafe once occupied, which happens to be walking distance from the couple’s home where they and their children reside.

“When I lived overseas in Switzerland, there was a no-car zone,” Dito says. “The downtown area had all the stores and schools; you had to walk or bike everywhere, and I loved it. It forced me to get out. When I came back to America, I thought ‘how can I do that?’ Everyone has huge commutes and is so disconnected. When I moved to Benicia it was just amazing…everything on First Street is so accessible.”

At first, the couple was just going to focus on Drift offering coffee and pastries (which they do), but there’s much more to how it has evolved.

“We offer butterfly pea tea made with wild hibiscus flower, something that we brew in-house that has a mild flavor,” Dito says. “When you mix it with anything acidic, like our lemonade, it turns from blue to purple, but if it’s in a latte, it stays blue. We also have a very high ceremonial grade matcha, which is infused with lavender in vanilla. We’re always looking for something new and exciting…we don’t want something set for 20 years. We want to allow people to experience new things without having to travel all around.”

And then there’s the pizza, which many people begged for after sampling their local food truck, Mangia2 (Mangia Squared).

“It’s evolved,” Dito says. “I committed to the kitchen trying recipe after recipe, note-taking, and researching to come up with this pizza crust…normal focaccia doesn’t have a very long shelf life. With our pizza, we start a few days before...it’s a lot of manual work. It goes through a whole process of letting it rise, stretch, rise, stretch. It’s not a fast food pizza. All the gasses are released during the fermentation process, so you won’t get a bloated feeling. It’s how pizza should be, like in Italy. A lot of our inspiration came from our trip to Italy where all we did was eat pizza.”

Though Dito and Birch are both Italian-American, they ultimately decided against that influence when naming their space.

“We considered an Italian name for a cafe, like Dolce Vita Cafe or Bella Cafe,” says Birch. “We didn’t want to tie ourselves down to that identity. I was keeping atop the storms that were happening in January and all this driftwood that was coming in. I love to collect natural wood and build garden beds or re-use it for art. Wouldn’t it be cool if we took that and used pieces as accent pieces? The inspiration was really our love of reuse and you can see that in our cafe. The garbage bin is a reused wood palette. Our tabletops as well as wood slabs that have been repurposed. It’s kind of a vibe, too. Relax, float, and be light, let the waves take you where they may, wherever you end up. We love to hear our customers’ takes on the name.”

There’s something for everyone at Drift, and the couple is just as passionate about supporting our community as they are about creating a welcoming atmosphere and delicious refreshments.

They’ve donated free coffee to those participating in coastal cleanups and even had a free lemonade day for high schoolers.

Currently, Birch has been focused on expanding their beer collection and has just launched a wine club (not your typical vino found at the grocery store) for anyone interested in joining. Patrons can also look forward to unique events.

“We have a lot of ideas that involve the community that will be launching,” Birch says. “We’ve been discussing an Italian conversation night. We’ll put on some music, people can come in to enjoy an authentic dish, have a glass of wine, and can practice speaking the language. Monica is fluent in at least four languages, and the best way to always learn a language is to be in that environment. We want to give people an opportunity to experience that. We have a number of couples who have traveled to Italy and they say ‘I feel like I've been transported back!’”

Drift is open daily from 7am-4pm. For more information, visit Driftbenicia.com. B

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around town | Art & Philanthropy

around town | Art & Philanthropy

Mary Shaw Tells Solano Water Stories

“I have always loved figure drawing but realize it's not the end product that matters to me. It's about exploring the medium and pushing it, whether it’s drawing, charcoal, or painting. Process gives you building blocks.”

Shaw’s exhibition is part of a larger Arts Benicia grant project called Stewarding our Resources: Solano Artists Create, Collaborate, and Educate, funded by the California Creative Corps, a program of the California Arts Council. The project is engaging artists in creating original material to be used to educate Californians about water conservation and climate mitigation.

Accessible for all ages, Solano Water Stories includes two video stations, one focusing on water-conscious landscaping, while the other features publicly accessible water education programs. An “idea library” of reading materials accompanies an interactive Haiku poetry station. Visual materials include water cycle, online flood zone maps, and watershed infrastructure maps, and images of protected open

That pushed me toward an environmental focus. But UTK was not accepting new applicants in zoology, so I went to the art school and got involved there.”

Shaw graduated from Tennessee’s School of Art and Architecture with a major in drawing and painting. She studied figure drawing with F. Clark Stewart, reductive charcoal drawing with Thomas Riesing, took printmaking with Beauvais Lyons, and photography with Baldwin Lee. “Both Lyons and Lee taught me about process. I have always loved figure drawing but realize it's not the end product that matters to me. It's about exploring the medium and pushing it, whether it’s drawing, charcoal, or painting.

Process gives you building blocks.”

In 1994, she and husband Andy moved to Benicia when he was recruited by Bio-Rad. California presented an entirely new ecosystem for Mary to explore. She was certified by the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener program with a specialty in California Native Plants. While raising her family, she was an active volunteer in the public schools and with the Native Plant Society. She helped to create a mostly native plant

n Jean Purnell “Water has become a commodity that’s bought and sold, much like gold or oil.

It's like that everywhere, but particularly obvious in California,” begins Mary Shaw, reflecting on the research she has done in preparation for curating an educational and artistic exhibition on display this month at Arts Benicia, titled Solano Water Stories. “Benicia doesn’t get water from the Solano County Water Project.

Our water comes from the North Bay Aqueduct and the State Water Project, but we also buy water from Vallejo.

People started to understand more about the sources of our water when the North Bay Aqueduct pipe broke, but it’s a very complicated system.”

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space and endangered animals in Solano County. Original works by regional artists Akiko Suzuki, Janet Barnes, Lawrence Buford, Mark Brest Van Kempen, and Jean Purnell are displayed.

Originally from Atlanta, Mary remembers drawing from the age of three. “I think I started by drawing on my parents’ furniture, and I just kept going,” she laughs. A western civilization tour to Europe during high school created a strong passion for art, which she studied at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

“I took a lot of science classes and was interested in Zoology or ecology. I visited Copper Hill, Tennessee, the site of an old copper mine, and saw the ravages of strip mining, the devastation of the land, and the destruction of local biodiversity.

garden at Robert Semple School and was a founding member of the Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden in the Benicia State Recreation Area.

She worked at Bookshop Benicia for about 12 years. “The owner, Christine Mayall, used to be a neighbor. I started working for her when she was in Southampton Shopping Center. I love reading and I read multiple books at once. The bookstore supported my habit. It still does.”

She joined the staff of Arts Benicia in 2012, doing exhibition installations and later, managing the exhibition and education programs. “I’ve been doing installation work since I was in college. It was always the art that pulled me in. The act of installing work is its own thing. You create alternative conversations between the artworks. Each work expresses something on its own but together as part of an installation, it becomes something more powerful.” In 2019 she moved on to focus on her own art and exhibition services. She continues to design and install exhibitions for Arts Benicia and other galleries as an independent contractor.

Solano Water Stories brings together Shaw’s passions for the environment, art, and the community. “It’s about caring enough to make a difference, doing something as simple as changing the landscaping in your yard to use less water. Climate change is going to be the major problem for the next generation. We’ve got to work together to find solutions.”

Arts Benicia is located at 1 Commandant’s Lane, Benicia, in the Commanding Officer’s Quarters. Exhibition hours are 1 to 5 pm, Thursday through Sunday, through December 17. For more information, visit artsbenicia.org and marywshaw.com. B

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around town | Art & Philanthropy

SIP with Soroptimist 6th annual Wine Tasting Event

Winter and Wine February 3, 2024

n Patty Gavin What better way to warm your insides in the middle of winter than with a blend of wine and friends? An ideal place for this great blend is at the sixth annual Sip with Soroptimist “Winter and Wine” event at the Clocktower in Benicia, February 3, 2024.

The Clocktower will be transformed into a delightfully elegant winter wonderland that will take your breath away. The evening will feature tastings of wine from time honored regional wineries.

Champagne and beer will also be available — something for everyone! Delectable heavy appetizers and dessert will round out the offerings to please your palate. A new feature this year will be whiskey tasting by SendSips, Benicia’s own premiere wine and liquor emporium. The evening will include an extensive collection of Silent Auction items to bid on, including stays in Las Vegas and Hawaii, and raffle prizes galore. A wine pull is also in store, where attendees can purchase the opportunity to pull a hidden bottle of wine from the wall, with the chance of winning a $100.00 bottle of wine. And as a backdrop to your evening, of course there will be music.

Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization whose members use their collective power to provide women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Soroptimist of Benicia has

empowered hundreds of local women and girls over the last 46 years. Sip with Soroptimist is the organization’s major fundraiser of the year, with proceeds to support a wide range of local projects and programs. This year will be especially crucial as Soroptimist of Benicia partners with SafeQuest Solano and the City of Benicia to refurbish a local house. The house will be utilized as a transitional safe house for those who have experienced domestic violence, sex trafficking, or sexual abuse. This “House of Hope” will bring a much-needed space but will require significant funding. In addition to this project, Soroptimist of Benicia supports multiple scholarships at Benicia and Liberty High Schools, supports the “Live Your Dream” award for women head of household returning to school or for skill training, and provides supplies for the SCOOP closet at the Family Resource Center. Soroptimist sponsors a Literacy Program, which will provide fifth grade girls in Benicia with a “one of a kind” literacy event.

As with most non-profit organizations, community support is vital in helping Soroptimist continue these programs and services. Come support SIP with Soroptimist…Winter and Wine on February 3, 6:30-10:00 at the Benicia Clocktower. Tickets are $85.00, available on Eventbrite.com.

Come for the wine, come with your friends…create a memorable blend! B

“Wine and friends are a great blend.”

- Ernest Hemingway

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Bell & Brass Bringing Beautiful Things Home n Genevieve Hand Photo by Michael Van Auken Bell & Brass Home Goods opened its doors at 619 First Street in June of 2022, filling the literal and figurative void left by the closure of Romancing the Home. However, the dynamic duo behind Bell & Brass, Eric Rivera and Michelle Yong—also owners of Daughter of Luna Floral Design—didn’t simply want to imitate Romancing the Home.Instead they wanted to bring their style and identity to the table.

The idea behind Bell & Brass was essentially to be an extension of Daughter of Luna, with both stores “bringing beautiful things into the home.” They saw an opportunity to bring fresh and trending styles in the home goods arena directly to Benicia so that Benicians didn’t have to leave town to find great things for their homes. “Staying local is what we’re trying to do here,” says Eric, who—as Michelle did for Daughter of Luna—left his corporate job to go all in on Bell & Brass.

While Bell & Brass has been warmly received by the community, it hasn’t been a seamless ride. At first, Bell & Brass geared the store toward trendy, well-made furniture, which Michelle says Benicia may not have been ready for. “I think we were a little too trendy at first,” she says with a laugh.

Adjustments have since been made, and now Bell & Brass has pivoted to better serve its clientele.

around town | Business from North America, making beautiful, one-of-a-kind gifts.

“We really like this side of the business because it lets us work one-on-one with the customer on what their vision is. It lets us be creative, and the customer be creative as well.” says Eric.

These custom pieces are ideal for momentous occasions such as housewarmings and weddings, or even as corporate gifts.

Michelle and Eric source the wood for their engraved pieces, and other items as well, from local small businesses. They carry products from Oakland Spice Shop—a beloved Bay Area staple that Benicians can now stock up on right here in town—as well as other Bay Area-local brands. Their leather goods come from a nearby Benicia vendor.

For the holidays, Bell & Brass is offering curated gift baskets.

Come in and fill a beautiful wooden gift basket with unique items to be wrapped up, ready to give. Or, come with a budget in mind and let Bell & Brass curate the basket for you. Consider including a custom engraved set of coasters or cutting board in the basket for that personal touch. Their popular pop-culture ornaments are back this year as well, for all your tree-decorating needs.

Be sure to stop in at Bell & Brass for your gifting occasions throughout the year—even if the gift is for yourself. Where else in town can you find beautifully unique bowls, flatware, and a full set of wine glasses alongside affordable, high-quality custom engraving? “We really want to become Benicia’s premiere personalized gifting option,” says Michelle. B

"To further differentiate themselves from other shops in town, they’ve recently rolled out their custom wood engraving service. This service is done in-house, with quick turnaround and no minimums."

Bell & Brass today has a collection of specially curated foods, home decor, kitchenware, and select furniture pieces.

To further differentiate themselves from other shops in town, they’ve recently rolled out their custom wood engraving service. This service is done in-house, with quick turnaround and no minimums. All their wood is high-quality and sourced

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around town | Business

around town | Business

Cartel Crystals A Love Story

"The couple does everything together. Crystals became an integral part of their marriage as they are something they are both passionate about...While Enjolique enjoys the spiritual benefits, Zach is extremely knowledgeable on the science behind rocks and their chemical composure." n Alexa Manning Cartel Crystals (noun): a place where one enters to buy crystals, but leaves feeling a little more at peace and a little more loved.

Enjolique Oranje opened Cartel Crystals at 623 First Street this fall, but you may recognize her from the Crystal Shack in Solano Square. Cartel Crystals is a bright space; pale pink walls and clean lighting create a soft ambiance, perfect for letting the shelves upon shelves of crystals speak for themselves.

Though she has encountered naysayers who believe crystals to be “just rocks,” Oranje sees crystals as extensions of the earth in similar ways that we, humans, are. Made up of the same stardust, we can never be completely sure that the vibrational energy emitted from these “rocks” cannot influence us at all.

As a passion project, Oranje’s goal is to connect her customers with crystals that resonate with them.

When customers enter the space, it may seem counterintuitive that there are no labels explaining the uses of any of the crystals, but this is actually a strategic decision. Oranje explained that she doesn’t use labels in part because she doesn’t want to imply that each crystal only has a small handful of uses when they’re really capable of a myriad of things.

Oranje also chose not to use labels to encourage conversation. She loves to talk to her customers who, without information from labels, are encouraged to ask Oranje for help. Learning about who they are and what they’re looking for is when perfect pairings are made with the help of her vault of knowledge and resources.

But who is Enjolique Oranje? Besides owning Cartel Crystals, she is a Disney Travel Agent, a wife, a daughter and sister. She is a woman who has felt the pressures of life and gotten out from under it with the help of crystals and her husband, Zach.

First Street’s regulars may have noticed Oranje’s husband preparing the space for the move from the Crystal Shack. He has toiled away, building Oranje’s vision to life.

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The Oranjes have been married for nine years after growing up as family friends. Oranje described her husband as her “teen crush” as she shared their story; but, it wasn’t until their twenties when they reconnected and fell in love. They married only a year after the first Instagram direct message.

“I wouldn’t be able to do this without him,” Oranje says. Besides using his construction knowledge from his family’s business, Oranje’s husband supports her in every possible way from paperwork to taking over on opening day while she recovered from surgery.

“My poor husband,” was a refrain during our conversation—Oranje would laugh and smile as she said the phrase, honoring the ways that he trusts her vision and finds ways to encourage her dreams. Though he was initially upset when the lease on the Crystal Shack was signed, he understood Oranje’s vague vision and actualized it within the space. Now, the location will stay with the Oranjes as the home of their surf brand, another business that they have invested in together.

"By following her dreams and becoming a business owner, she has built a life that she loves. Making crystals the center of that business surrounded her with reminders of love and happiness in her life, not just that of her husband, but also her own. "

“if there’s something you both love to do, you have to keep that alive,” The couple does everything together. Crystals became an integral part of their marriage as they are something they are both passionate about. Once they discovered this shared interest, the Oranjes planned annual trips to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

While Enjolique enjoys the spiritual benefits, Zach is extremely knowledgeable on the science behind rocks and their chemical composure.

Though they seem to have opposing perspectives on the crystals, that’s not the point. The point is, as Oranje says, “if there’s something you both love to do, you have to keep that alive,” even during difficult times. Besides the Tucson show and other crystal collecting excursions, they make it a priority to take trips to Disneyland. While it’s partially work for Oranje’s travel business, they set aside time for play, as well. Neither of them would enjoy

going to Tucson or Disneyland without the other, Oranje explained. Part of the fun is spending time together and enjoying each other's company.

While Oranje’s husband is a huge factor in her success and happiness, the real hero of this story is self-love. It quickly became clear to me that Oranje’s first priority is happiness. “I don’t want to live to work, I want to work to live,” she stated. “Money is money. It comes and goes.”

It was hard to picture Oranje in her twenties, burnt out and unenthusiastic, while she sat in front of me, recounting that time in her life. The woman I saw looked deeply content. By following her dreams and becoming a business owner, she has built a life that she loves.

Making crystals the center of that business surrounded her with reminders of love and happiness in her life, not

just that of her husband, but also her own.

But how did Oranje drum up the courage to take this dive? She used a Walt Disney quote to explain, “if you can dream it, you can do it.” By trusting her own capabilities, yet another act of self-love, she has brought to fruition a business that brings joy into her life.

Quelling the perfectionist thoughts will continue to be a challenge, however, Oranje maintains a positive outlook. She tells herself truths and mantras, relies on her husband, and trusts in crystals. She spends her days at Cartel Crystals helping her customers welcome such happiness into their lives, spreading her love wide into the Benicia community.

Life is challenging, but here is a mantra that we can all borrow from Enjolique Oranje: “I deserve my dreams.” B BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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around town | Community n Mary Hand Photo Courtesy of Holiday Inn Club_Tahoe Ridge Winter is here which means it’s time to plan your winter trips. Pull your winter equipment out and get ready for another legendary season. you are a hot shot skier, or your preference is to sit by a window and watch the skiers and boarders fly down the slope while you enjoy a warm drink with a fire crackling merrily behind you, take some time to enjoy the snow.

Lake Tahoe The Tahoe area is known for winter adventures that range from extreme to easy going. While Tahoe is home to over a dozen ski areas, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to keep everyone entertained on and off the hill — from snow tubing and ice skating to fishing and hot tubbing. And since the snow usually sticks around until spring, you have plenty of time to enjoy them all! Give the kids a break from their ski boots, and spend the day sledding at a family snowpark. Or take in the stunning vistas on snowshoes or on the miles of cross country skiing trails. Those seeking a faster pace will be thrilled with professionally guided — or self-guided — snowmobile tours amid the stunning scenery of the Sierra Mountains.

Snowshoeing I was introduced to snowshoeing last winter while on a trip to Wyoming. My friend, Jon Fowkes, a Wyoming native, took me on a stunning walk/hike on trails that faced the Tetons. It was spectacular, and to my surprise, it was fun. It doesn’t take as much adrenaline as skiing or boarding and isn’t as physically exhausting as cross country skiing. You can be as leisurely as you want. The High Sierra in winter provides many excellent guided snowshoeing options. Whether you are looking for a leisurely naturalist-led trek covering skills, techniques and lots of natural history, or a more strenuous ascent of a nearby peak, Tahoe Adventure Company can arrange it! Your guide will offer fascinating natural and human history information along the way as well as complete instruction and safety information. No experience necessary!

Fishing? Yes! While not on the top of my winter activity list, yes, there is fishing on Lake Tahoe from December to April. The Mackinaw feed throughout the day and it is the perfect time to catch some fish! Who knew? A few local fishing charters that cater to visitors in the winter are Sierra Fin Addicts located in Incline Village, Captain Chris' Fishing Charters operating out of the Tahoe City Marina, and Mickey's Big Mack charters in Carnelian Bay. All include fish cleaning and fileting, so you can take your catch of the day straight to the grill!

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around town | Community Ice Skating Grab your skates (or rent them) and hit the ice at Tahoe City Winter Sports Park. On top of ice skating, you can sled, snowshoe, and cross-country ski. Grab a bite to eat and a drink at Cafe Zenon while you are there. ​At Northstar Ski Resort, during the summer it's a roller rink and during the winter months, an ice skating rink! Located in the heart of the Village, the skating rink is free for all and if you don't have your own skates, you can rent a pair for $10. After taking some laps around the rink, relax at one of the surrounding fire pits and maybe even enjoy a cocktail!

The Truckee River Regional Park located close to downtown Truckee has an ice rink with a perfect atmosphere! Enjoy skating under tall pines, complete with bonfire, overhead lights, and music!

Snowmobiling Okay, I have done this a few times at different resorts in California and Nevada. I was taking photos and videos of different runs, checking safety signs and other directional cues. This was when I was communications director of California Ski Industry Association. I will admit that it was fun, but it is noisy. I prefer quiet sports, so this is not my favorite. For those of you who love it, you can sign up for an exciting snowmobile adventure with Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours. They have been providing tours in the North Lake Tahoe area since 1985 and are North Lake Tahoe's premier snowmobiling operation.

The tours are designed for all ages and ability levels.

We have over 100 miles of trails that travel through the pristine National Forest offering spectacular views of the entire fabulous Lake Tahoe.

Sledding or Tubing Everyone can have fun tubing and sledding.

There’s no particular skill involved here, just point downhill and go!

Playland Tubing, Boreal Mountain Resort’s tubing park, offers snow tubing with convenience to produce nothing but smiles for the whole family!

At the Tubing Hill at Northstar Ski Resort, enjoy an exhilarating ride down their 200-yard hill. Tubes and riders are transported by tow lift to the top of the hill.

Palisades Tahoe Snow tubing is located at SnoVentures Activity Zone in the base area, adjacent to the parking lot. It’s a perfect place for the kids, and when they’re done, warm up at the SnoVentures Lodge! Check out Disco Tubing where Palisades Tahoe takes snow tubing to a whole new level!

Located in Tahoe Donner, the Snowplay area offers a full day of fun for the family with sledding, tubing, hot cocoa, & fire pits.

For some good ol' fashioned sledding, check out the Granlibakken Sled Hill located at Granlibakken Resort in Tahoe City. B

BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

feature

feature

Near and Far With the winter holidays upon us, we thought it appropriate to look at how people celebrate this special time of year, both here in Benicia and around the world.

N E A R

n Mary Hand The Most Wonderful Time of the Year has gained more importance over time. Yes, there is a distressing amount of commercialization, but despite that aspect, people have come to view the holidays as a respite from the stress of local and worldwide angst. Certainly, the holidays arrive with stress of their own, but for the most part, it’s a happy stress. It’s an excuse to pull away from the pounding ugliness of the worldwide tragedies and instead focus on the beautiful and the fun. Really, it’s okay to do this. We need it.

Benicia is a cozy berg that cherishes its holidays and traditions. A lot of energy is spent on decorating and parties and gift giving. It’s lovely to stroll down First Street and look at the holiday windows, perhaps stop for a cup of hot chocolate and one of the bakeries.

One of the perfect times to do this is at the annual Holiday Open House. First Street merchants along with Benicia Main Street host this popular open house at the beginning of the Christmas Season. Merchants offer beverages and treats and show off their holiday goods while costumed carolers sing traditional Christmas tunes. Live entertainment and Christmas Tree lighting add a festive atmosphere to this family event.

Music is also an integral part of the holidays in Benicia including an annual concert from our renowned local children’s choir, VOENA. This year’s concert will be at

n Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D The holiday season has arrived once again, and with it, interesting and unique winter traditions that take place all over the world. During the shortest days of the northern hemisphere, many of these celebrations involve lights, fire displays, or other types of illumination.

People everywhere embrace these cheery annual traditions, and here are a few of the more interesting ones to be found.

Parol or Paritaan

A Philippines Christmas celebration is not complete without the beloved "parol" or "paritaan," an elaborate lantern made from capiz shells or Japanese paper and originating from the Spanish colonial era. These lanterns are carried to "Simbang Gabi," or Midnight Mass each Christmas Eve, representing Mary and Joseph's search for a place to spend the night. Besides the use in processions, parols have evolved to become seasonal decorations that adorn homes and other buildings.

Initially, parols were star shaped, representing the Star of Bethlehem, but nowadays they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and the color selection varies depending on the region. More recently, electric lights have replaced candles to make parols safer and more brilliant.

Las Posadas

Mexico also has a similar tradition, Las Posadas, where celebrants travel from home to home, singing and seeking shelter for the Holy Family. They finally stop at a predetermined house where they enjoy tamales and hot

24 • Benicia Magazine

the lovely St. Peter’s Chapel on Mare Island, the oldest Navy chapel on the West Coast and the 2nd oldest in the United States. VOENA's debut in this concert series will envelop this extraordinary space with angelic voices in the presence of an astounding collection of Tiffany stained glass, dressed in full Victorian attire!

Let us not forget The Nutcracker, a holiday favorite.

Benicia Ballet will once again present The Nutcracker in all its glory, with Tchaikovsky’s familiar score and the Sugar Plum Fairy, Mouse King and Dancing Snowflakes!

For a different take on dance, The Christmas Ballet

by Smuin Ballet is a holiday favorite — celebrate the festive season with a show that’s a little ballet, a little Broadway, and a whole lot of fun.

The Second Annual Chanukah Celebration will take place on the fourth night of Chanukah at the City Park Gazebo on December 10 at 4:00 pm. The menorah will go up at the Gazebo on the 5th and will be lit on the 7th. The events included in the eight days are the fourth night lighting on the 10th, the congregation B’nai Israel, Rabbi David White and friends bless the candles and sing holiday songs on the sixth night on the 12th, Benicia Solano Jewish Women’s Network hosts the annual Megan Campbell Memorial Menorah lighting and Chanukah story telling and songs on the 13th, and the 14th is hosted by Solano Napa Hadassah Chapter, who will light the candles on that final night. B

drinks. Sometimes these celebrations include fireworks as well. Las Posadas is also a tradition in other Latin American countries. These celebrations typically take place from the 16th to the 24th of December, during Advent.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a holiday in the USA that celebrates African American culture and heritage. An exchange of gifts, a lighting of candles and most importantly, an opportunity to honor the seven principles of unity, selfdetermination, teamwork, sharing, purpose, creativity and faith are the basis for this holiday.

Hanukkah Jews worldwide celebrate Hanukkah, the festival of lights that mark a miracle that occurred many generations ago where the wicks of a menorah lasted eight nights when there was only enough oil for one night. Fried foods like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are eaten, special songs are sung and children play the dreidel game. This celebration lasts for eight nights.

On the first night one candle is lit, and the next night two candles are lit, and so on until the eighth night when all eight candles are burning brightly. This holiday also includes gift giving and the singing of special songs.

These annual customs add meaning to our lives and provide an opportunity for people to get together and enjoy themselves despite the chilly, short days of winter.

These seasonal holidays also give us all an opportunity to celebrate and share good times with our loved ones, and build priceless memories that will be cherished in years to come. B

F A R

BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

feature

Wellness in the Heart of Winter

n Derek Linsley

I lie in bed, wide awake, unsure of what stirred me from my sleep. My watch displays 5:00 am, an hour before my alarm is scheduled to ring. Feeling my heart’s steady rhythm in my chest, I opt for an early start, fearing the loss of a natural wakefulness if I return to sleep. I quietly slip on my running sneakers and set out for a jog. Dry leaves crunch beneath my feet as I softly close my front door behind me. The moon glows on the horizon, visible for a brief moment more before disappearing until tomorrow. A rush of cold air touches my face like a splash of cool water, chilling but refreshing. Winter has arrived. I turn onto my street and settle into a steady pace. The sound of footsteps echoes off the houses. My body groans and creaks, but my heart understands the task at hand and begins to thump faster without objection.

The heart is a remarkable muscle. The heart begins beating 6 weeks after conception, and will beat continuously until one’s last breath. Around 50 million gallons of blood pass through the heart’s four chambers over the average lifetime, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool every year. This blood not only delivers oxygen to every cell in your body, but also brings nutrients from the digestive system and collects waste products for removal.

Despite its vital role, the heart’s significance renders it a vulnerability, and even this resilient organ has its limits. Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. Nearly 700,000 Americans succumb to heart disease each year, and many

26 • Benicia Magazine

more experience a decline in the quality of life due to a damaged heart. Coronary artery disease is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. It can significantly affect the heart’s optimal function and can cause the heart to falter in the form of a heart attack.

Preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and timely medical interventions are pivotal in reducing the risk of heart-related issues and improving overall heart health. Under the discomfort of exercise lies a crucial tool in the fight against heart disease. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (such as walking or doing yoga) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise (such as running) per week can reduce the risk of heart disease by approximately 20-30%. Research shows that individuals who were previously sedentary and then began engaging in regular physical activity significantly decreased their risk of heart disease, sometimes by as much as 50% compared to those who remained inactive. Perhaps, I ponder as I plod along the road, all this effort is indeed worthwhile.

I look down at my watch and see my heart rate steadily increasing along with my pace: 140 beats per minute, 150, 160. A feeling of calm and gentle awareness comes over my body as the discomfort of the first mile dissipates. My journey continues, leading me onto First Street and into the glow of downtown Benicia. I am greeted by a few other early risers donning headlamps and reflective clothing, each on their own journey to heart health. In their company, I

feel a resonating energy, not only from their vigor but also from the historical aura emanating from this street.

" First Street is the beating heart of our small-town community...

Yet, just like one’s heart, preserving the vitality of this thoroughfare, the heart of our community, demands ongoing effort. " First Street is the beating heart of our small-town community. As I pass through empty intersections, I reflect on all the memories made on First Street in just my short time being a resident of this small town.

Parades, art and wine walks, bustling farmers markets, and firework shows. Familiar shops and restaurants fly past, each representing hopes, dreams, and hours of dedication from the owners.

Yet, just like one’s heart, preserving the vitality of this thoroughfare, the heart of our community, demands ongoing effort. Online retailers present new corporate competition; the aftermath of contentious pandemic times lingers in fractured communities; stay-at-home

habits picked up during covid lockdowns endure.

Earlier this year, small business sentiment fell to a 10year low. As Katherine May in her book “Wintering” beautifully reflects, “We have seasons when we flourish and seasons when the leaves fall from us, revealing our bare bones. Given time, they grow again.” Despite these recent challenges, the pulse of First Street feels more vibrant than ever.

As I reach the end of First Street I’m met by the first signs of the rising sun along the Benicia waterfront. I harbor a profound gratitude for the blessing of a healthy heart and a nurturing place I call home. Reflecting on my journey through the quiet streets and the warmth of my community's beating heart, I am struck by the parallel between nurturing our own heart's well-being and tending to the heart of our town. Just as taking care of our physical health involves dedication, persistence, and mindful choices, so does preserving the vibrancy of our community. It's in the collective effort to cultivate a thriving and supportive environment that we discover the strength to overcome challenges, promote resilience, and foster a brighter future. In caring for both our individual hearts and the heart of our community, we sow the seeds for a healthier, more connected, and vibrant existence.

Five Ways I’m Improving my Heart Health this Winter while Supporting Local

1

Stay Active Take a fitness class at one of our fabulous gyms and fitness studios such as The Elevate Co., Benicia Health and Fitness Club, the Training Loft, Benicia Fitness, Jazzercise, or meet up with Benicia Run Club (@beniciarunclub) for a group jog.

2

Healthy Eating and Hydration Fuel up with fresh juice or kombucha from Juice House Co., or get some great nutrients from Freshly Rooted Tribe’s Irish Sea Moss. Try the vegetarian menu at Aung MayLika for delicious and heart-healthy eating.

3 4 5

Manage Stress Join a yoga class, get a massage, or find a quiet place to just sit and meditate. The City maintains many benches along our waterfront that provide a serene space.

Maintain Social Connections Catch up with old friends at the First Street Christmas Tree Lighting and Open House.

Meet new people at First Street’s “shop small” events.

Adequate Sleep Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. B BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

around town | Community

n Dr. Gethsemane Moss, ED.D. Why is there a fear of engaging in conversations that make people uncomfortable and vulnerable? Why is there fear of discussing lived experiences, especially concerning perceived experiences around gender, race, socioeconomic status, etc.? While one person’s experience may be uniquely different, there are similar experiences among humans that intersect. The play The White Card, written by Claudia Rankine, creates space for uncomfortable and awkward dialogue between a philanthropic socialite couple, their political activist son who sees his parents as part of a bigger problem, a multi-generational art dealer and the well-educated upper-middle-class artist whose creativity ignites thoughtprovoking conversations amongst viewers who engage with her pieces.

Art can catapult the viewer into imagination and motivation through visual expression. Rankine states, “The White

around town | Food & Drink

Coury also shared that she was first introduced to The White Card during a reading at the Benicia Library performed by the Benicia Theatre Group in June 2022. Coury shared that upon the end of the reading, participants were about to be dismissed, but she saw an opportunity to unpack what attendees had just experienced. “We need to talk about this,” stated Coury. Coury shared that the conversation with the actors of the Benicia Theatre Group and the audience lasted about 90 minutes. Fast forward, and at the end of another directorial production with The Pinole Community Players, she proposed to the theatre group the idea of having a reading of the play, which will successfully return to the Pinole Community Players for a second running. Coury shared, “When I saw it for the first time, I was moved enough to bring it to Pinole Community Players.”

When asked about outcomes for attendees, Coury stated, “It depends on where you are at, and if you don’t want to learn anything, you won’t come. It can make you uncomfortable, but there are funny moments.” Coury also stated,

BAR NONE

The play will be in the format of Reader’s Theatre, and attendees can anticipate the full intensity of each character. Coury shared, “We are working on the actor’s voices and bringing the characters to life. Your voice is your actor.” After each reading, there will be a discussion with the audience and actors.

When asked about the importance of people attending, Coury shared, “The White Card has layers to unpack, and being able to peel back the layers and take a step back is a start when engaging in uncomfortable conversations.” While participants don’t have to engage in the discussion after the play, there will be opportunities to ask questions, have a discussion, or listen and learn.

The cast includes the following actors: Jeffrey Trescott, Pennell Chapin (Pinole Community Players performances only), Gwendolyn, Sampson Brown,

Claudia Rankine’s Play,

The White Card: Unpacking the Layers With Director Carlene Coury Card stages a conversation that is informed and derailed by the black/white American drama. The scenes in this one-act play, for all the characters’ disagreements, stalemates, and seeming impasses, explore what happens if one is willing to stay in the room when it is painful to bear the pressure to listen and the obligation to respond.” The White Card forces its characters to engage in living room dialogue around art and the imagination. The author also shares that this play “was a way to test an imagined conversation regarding race and racism among strangers.”

The White Card, directed by awardwinning director Carlene Coury, will take place in Pinole (Pinole Community Players), Pittsburg (Pittsburg Theatre Company), and Martinez (The Campbell Theater) with dates in January and February to include the recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday in January and Black History Month in February. Check each theater for specific dates and times.

“Attending can help someone become more introspective.” Coury went on to share about the importance of never assuming that we know what someone’s experience is based on their appearance, which also plays out during the dialogue amongst the actors as the conversations become more intense.

Davi Santiago. The following actors have alternating roles: Martie Muldoon*, Desty Shoemaker*, Tyleen Kelly*, and Susannah Wood*. Note: The Martinez production is being spearheaded by actress Gwendolyn Sampson Brown. Carlene Coury will direct all performances.

The performances are free to the public.

BOURBON PEAR SPRITZER n Maura Sullivan Pumpkins are out and Pears are what you need.

They’re a simple fruit with a light sweetness that can be spiced for a great twist on a seasonal beverage. Even better, it won't taste like a candle and you can still feel at home wearing Ugg boots while enjoying responsibly.

Ginger Sage Simple Syrup Ingredients qual parts water to sugar (I used 1 cup of E each) 5 Cubes of frozen ginger 4-5 Sage leaves Directions 1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, until simmering. Be sure to continually whisk until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Once combined and simmering, remove from heat and let it sit for 5-10 mins for the flavors to absorb.

3. Strain and store in a glass jar until you’re ready to use.

Bourbon Pear Spritzer Ingredients 1½ oz Bourbon 2 oz Fresh pear juice 2 oz Ginger ale 1 tbsp Ginger sage simple syrup 1 pear & sage leaves (for a garnish) Tip: to really spice it up, a poached pear in red wine (Pinot Noir) will add an extra tang and additional color.

Directions 1. Take a glass filled with ice and mix in bourbon, pear juice, ginger ale, and ginger sage simple syrup.

2. Serve with a beautiful pear garnish and sprigs of sage.

More about Claudia Rankine: https://claudiarankine.com/ Claudia Rankine also founded the Racial Imaginary Institute, which is also known as An Interdisciplinary Cultural Laboratory. https://www.theracialimaginary.org/ Author Claudia Rankine published poetry as early as 1994 with titles including, Nothing in Nature Is Private, The End of the Alphabet, Don’t Let Me Be Lonely: An American Lyric (2004). Rankine is best known for The Provenance of Beauty: A South Bronx Travelogue. The White Card first hit the stage in 2018 and delves into racism as it shows up in everyday life. B

Remember garnishes always add a nice touch, even when you're simply enjoying some alone time at home. B

Happy Holidays and Happy Drinking!

Artfullyalissa

28 • Benicia Magazine

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

around town | Hidden Benicia

Quiz

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW FIRST STREET? First Street is the go-to street of Benicia.

It is the shopping street, the dining and drinking street, the history street, the celebration and parade street. But how well do you really know it? Take this quiz and find out. Answers at the bottom.

Question 1 You’ve passed by the SpanishAmerican War-era cannon in front of the Veterans Hall at the top of First Street a hundred times.

What color is it?

Question 2 Starting from Military, heading down First toward the water, what is the first lettered street that crosses First? a) K Street b) L Street c) M Street

Question 3 Continuing in the same direction, what is the last lettered street you see before reaching the turnaround and the pier? a) C Street b) B Street c) A Street

Question 4 You’re going down to Lucca to hear some live music but you realize you need to turn around. Is there a sign prohibiting you from making a U-turn at this E Street intersection? Yes or no.

30 • Benicia Magazine

Question 5

Question 9

Driving from Military to the turnaround at the foot of First, how many stop signs will you encounter?

Parking is free on First, but there are limits on how long a vehicle can occupy the same space between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. What is the time limit? a. 1 hour b. 2 hours c. 3 hours d. There are no time limits.

Question 6 Three business sectors dominate commercial activity on the street: Food and Drink (bars, restaurants, cafes); Retail Shops (art galleries, antiques, fashion, etc.); and Finance (real estate, legal, insurance).

How do these three sectors compare to each other in terms of the number of businesses on First? List them from greatest to least. Note, salons, gyms, and other services are not included in these sectors.

Question 7 The State Capitol Building is at West G and First. On the other three corners of this intersection are three popular dining establishments. Name them.

(One point for each correct answer.)

Question 8 Here is a jumble of current and past bars and restaurants on First: Rookies, Mare Island Brewery, Randy’s, Aung MayLika, Pastime, First Street Cafe, Choices, The Rellik, Elvia Rita’s, Kinder’s. Match the current bar/restaurants with the ones that occupied these locations in the past.

(One point for each correct answer.)

Question 10 There are three places on First that have permanent public restrooms.

Name them. One point for each correct answer.

Question 11 Two colorful pianos were in two different locations on First during summer 2023, available for members of the public to play.

Where were they? One point for each correct answer. B SCORING RUBRIC 20 possible total points.

Masterful: 17-20 correct Pretty Darn Good: 14-16 Need to Visit First More Often: 13 or less Answers: 1. Green. 2. K Street. 3. B Street.

4. Yes. There are four signed intersections that prohibit U-turns. This is one of them.

5. Three. 6. By unofficial tally, Retail Shops (49), Financial (38), Food and Drink (28).

7. States Coffee, Sandoval’s, Dianna’s Bakery & Cafe. 8. Rookies/Choices, Mare Island Brewery/First Street Cafe, The Rellik/ Pastime, Elvia Rita’s/Randy’s, Aung MayLika/ Kinder’s. 9. Three hours. 10. City Park by the fire station, the area behind the State Capitol, the fishing pier. 11. St. Paul’s courtyard and the State Capitol lawn.

n Kevin Nelson

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

around town | Community

“SAVE OUR STREETS”

COMMITTEE CONTINUES TO GATHER SIGNATURES FOR A BENICIA BALLOT MEASURE – NOW TARGETING THE NOVEMBER, 2024 ELECTION

Benicia magazine patrons

Thank you to our patrons: Penny Stell Susan Gandy Melissa Mickelson

n The Benicia “Save Our Streets” Committee A citizens’ committee has formed in Benicia The Benicia “Save Our Streets” committee, which is attempting to gather enough signatures to qualify for a ballot measure, continues to move forward with their effort. The initial goal was to have the measure placed on the March 2024 ballot, which would have required the collection of over 2,000 signatures by October 11, 2023. Unfortunately, the committee wasn’t able to quite reach that goal, and so they now have their sights set on the November, 2024 election. The committee, along with many supporters in town, have collected over 1,000 signatures so far, and now have until February 7, 2024 to collect the remaining signatures necessary to qualify for next year’s November ballot.

The goal of the measure is to generate funds that will be dedicated to repairing, improving, and maintaining the streets throughout Benicia. All of the funds collected with the 0.5% sales tax initiative will go into a special account (not the General Fund), and cannot be used for anything but roadway, and related sidewalk and storm drain improvements. It will also include the creation of a citizens’ oversight committee and an annual audit.

If Benicia citizens are interested in signing the petition, they can stop by Coldwell Banker (900 First Street), or Hamann Real Estate (513 First Street), or reach out to one of the Save our Streets committee members. Committee members include: Mark Hughes, Maggie Kolk, David Batchelor, Glenn Loveall, Tim Hamann, Krista Heredia, and Bobbie White. Additional information can be found at the following link: https://beniciasaveourstreets.com/ The “Save Our Streets” committee thanks all of those who have already signed the petition, and encourages other citizens in town, who want to see improvements to the streets in our community, to also lend their support by signing the petition. B

If Benicia citizens are interested in signing the petition, they can stop by Coldwell Banker (900 First Street), or Hamann Real Estate (513 First Street), or reach out to one of the Save our Streets committee members.

Leslie Hall David Lindsay Bruehol Benicia Brewing Sara Sullivan Randal Mendoza and Debbie Weiss JoAnn Boccolini Terry Baldwin Lesley and David Fong Juliet Farnsworth Dennis Dellarocca Marta Krista Kinney

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32 • Benicia Magazine

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column | Booktails

column | Dinner & a Movie

She Would Be King

by Waytu Moore

Baxters Restaurant & Bar 280 1st Street Benicia, CA

Book and Cocktail Club n Cooper Mickelson As we transition into winter, I find myself in need of more rest, solitude, and moments of introspection. A slowness takes over my days, and I crave books that are best read unhurried. Stories that beg to be savored and consumed with intention rather than devoured during a week-long beach vacation. She Would Be King by Wayétu Moore satisfied that craving and left a lasting impression that has me recommending it left and right this season.

Magical realism mixes with historical fiction to create this marvelous story.

Thoroughly researched and incredibly empowering, She Would Be King is full of strong women and loveable outcasts who guide us through an enchanted retelling of Liberia’s formation in the mid-19th century.

In a West African village called Lai, a woman gives birth on a day proclaimed by the village to be cursed. The baby girl, Gbessa, is born with the title of witch and is shunned by her community. Wild and passionate, Gbessa survives isolation, starvation, and even a deadly viper bite.

On a plantation in Virginia, a baby boy is born from supernatural circumstances. June Dey spends his entire childhood hiding his unusual strength until he is forced to use it to escape an altercation with the overseer, forcing him to flee.

In Jamaica, a white British colonizer and a Maroon give birth to a boy, Norman Aragon, who can fade from sight when the Earth calls him.

These three unforgettable characters are inexplicably drawn together by their desires for freedom and family, forming a bond that demonstrates to readers what it is to be accepted and seen as “good” by those who genuinely matter. I quickly became invested in this trio's fate and was pulled further into the story's soul, picking up bits of history along the way.

This glimpse into Liberia’s formation was one of my favorite aspects of She Would Be King. Before picking it up, I had no idea 34 • Benicia Magazine

n Gourmet Gracie and Movie Magic

“The girl with the biggest gift of us all. Life. If she was not a girl or if she was not a woman; if she was not a woman or if she was not a witch, she would be king.” how spectacular this country's history was.

While speaking on how cathartic the writing experience was for her, Moore states, “Liberian history is a part of American history, but in my public-school history books, that history was either reduced to one sentence or altogether absent. So growing up and hearing my father tell stories about the country’s history and the experiment of bringing together black people from all over the world in what they hoped would be a sanctuary, and making peace with those who were already there, who had never left, was something that I knew I always wanted to unpackage through literature. I wanted to explore the marriage of the indigenous African, the African American and the Caribbean points of view.”

A spirited story of the African Diaspora, this novel also explores exile, belonging, resilience, found family, and freedom. She Would Be King brought me back to how reading felt as a child, when every story was a magical experience, creating wonder and deep understanding of things that seem far out of reach for a young mind. This powerful debut novel by Wayétu Moore gives voice to those who didn’t have one and inspires those who’ve yet to find theirs. B

Booktails' Cocktail of the Month

Winter Tea Elixer

Ingredients 1 1

cup butterfly pea flower tea tsp honey fresh mint leaves, muddled juice of 1 lime pinch of salt blueberries

Preparation

1.

repare hot butterfly pea flower P tea and add honey, lime, and salt while it’s still hot. Set aside to cool.

2.

Rim a decadent glass with honey and coconut sugar.

3.

Gently muddle the mint at the bottom of the glass and then place a large ice cube inside. (Sip Tip: Make the ice cube from butterfly pea flower tea) 4.

Pour cooled tea mixture over the ice cube.

5.

Top with frozen blueberries.

Kenneth and Kevin, 20-year Benicia residents, opened Baxters in the summer of 2023. Their passion is to offer a unique dining experience with a sense of community and friendship—and so far, they have done just that. Upon entering Baxters, you'll receive a warm welcome and a sincere effort to ensure that your experience goes perfectly. Special occasions are treasured and celebrated.

The menu includes Seared Sea Scallops, Fettuccine Bolognese and Roasted Lamb Loin. The Wild Alaskan Salmon is prepared perfectly, the Chicken Cordon Bleu attracts customers from the next county over. So many menu items are very special 707.745.4200 here. Executive Chef Eric Parada consistently produces deliciousness through his baxters.restaurant attention to detail and dedication to food.

The wine list at Baxters is constantly evolving. Pro-tip: Gracie recently discovered they will soon be featuring Elizabeth Spencer wines. These prestigious wines are elegant and refined for a broad range of tastes. Specialty cocktails are a must with an impressive selection of bourbon.

The Office Speakeasy, which is an adjoining room to Baxters’ main dining area, can host private parties of up to 16 people. The speakeasy features an authentic 1902 player piano and a prohibition bar. This cozy space is behind a velvet curtain and offers privacy and individualized service.

Word on the street is that soon Baxters will be offering monthly Bourbon and Bacon tastings! Gracie didn't know this was a thing but we're here for it! And, maybe by the time you read this, there will be BRUNCH!

NEAT: The Story of Bourbon Documentary, 2018

n Gourmet Gracie and Movie Magic NEAT: A liquor served at room temperature without any water, ice or other mixer.

"Everything about bourbon comes from the soil. This is a story of grains, water and wood. A story of immigrants and farmers, businessmen and criminals. A story of cold winters and hot summers. It's the story of time. This is the story of bourbon."

These are the opening words of the movie—a fascinating and informative, colorful and charismatic, uniquely American history of bourbon. This movie features master distillers, industry insiders, bartenders, historians and celebrities discussing the special stories of America's native spirit.

Did you know that bourbon can only be made in America? Excavators are still digging up old distilleries in Kentucky that closed during prohibition. Lots of patience and multiple years of aging are necessary to produce a batch of bourbon.

We learned, as well, that all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon is naturally made from the gifts of the earth. Charred white oak barrels provide flavor and color.

The documentary follows the chronological timeline, from the distillation of whiskey by early pioneers to the current thriving bourbon environment. Two people anchor the film: Castle and Key Master Distiller Marianne Barnes (the first and youngest female in this position) and third generation Buffalo Trace employee Freddie Johnson. Their stories and passion will tug at your heart.

Grab a glass of your favorite bourbon, turn down the lights and take a fantastic trip through the fascinating and compelling world of Kentucky bourbon.

Movie Magic gives NEAT 5 out of 5 Moons for bourbon lovers. Cheers! B

BeniciaMagazine.com • 35

around town | Community

around town | Community

Creating the Next Generation of Educators “Building this course back up from the ground sounds challenging, but Morgado is ready for it. Inspired by her own mother, Morgado is passing on her love of teaching into the hearts of many. From highschoolers down to the students at the elementary schools in town, soon nearly every child in Benicia will feel the effects of this educator's work. ”

36 • Benicia Magazine

n Alexa Manning

couple steps ahead of their peers. Yet the career-exploration aspect of the course is perhaps the most important of all.

So many teens go off to college not knowing what to Growing up as the child of a teacher, Rachel Morgado heard from her classmates how much they loved her mom, major in, not to mention which career to pursue. By giving an educator at St. Dominic School. It was during her most high school students the access to hands-on experience in crucial developmental years that her heart was warmed by the potential career paths, Morgado is preparing her students for that kind of decision making. “Even if they rule out education, I positive impact that teachers can have on their students.

Morgado is now a teacher at Benicia High School—her alma will still have helped them come closer to understanding what mater—channeling that inspiration into her students. Though she kind of life they want to build,” she says.

But when I asked her what she gets out of the course, typically teaches English Language Arts to ninth graders, Morgado has taken on a new elective in the Career Technical Education Morgado had to take a moment to think.

“I love to be involved in the community,” she stated. As a (CTE) program. Previously known as Teaching Career Paths, Careers in Education will expose Juniors and Seniors to education BHS alumni and a former employee of the City of Benicia, Morgado loves Benicia and its people. “It’s fulfilling for me to careers, even those that aren’t teaching in the classroom.

Some students may graduate from Careers in Education be so entangled in the community that was positively impacted inspired to become a teacher like Morgado, but others could by my mom’s influence as a teacher and continue that work.”

She went on to tell me that she also finds the course to be a walk away ready to write curriculum or advocate for teachers and students in the political arena. With thorough coverage on great source of self-reflection and improvement, “I’m teaching the kids how to do what I do, so now relevant debates, events, and court I feel hyper-aware of what I could be decisions, each of Morgado’s students doing differently or better.” are being empowered to make waves.

“It’s my hope that each Morgado keeps an open dialogue “It’s my hope that each student student that enters my with her students. In teaching her that enters my classroom leaves with a new understanding of the many classroom leaves with a new students the history, ethics, and best practices of education, she has career options in education, but, more understanding of the many opened herself up to criticism. But, importantly, my goal is to teach them anticipates this feedback and skills that will be useful in any field,” career options in education, she even welcomes it. she says. “This course is about giving but, more importantly, my the kids the tools that they need to “By telling me their honest opinion feel ready to take on the world.” of how the course is going, I can only goal is to teach them skills improve. I can only become a better Students take on weekly that will be useful in any teacher and a better influence in their presentations and group projects lives. In critiquing both me and the to mimic real life collaboration. One field...This course is about course, the students are practicing of these recent presentations was a lesson plan. The students were giving the kids the tools that self-advocacy and creating a more impactful learning environment for assigned to write a short lesson they need to feel ready to themselves,” she says. plan on a topic of their choosing and perform it towards their peers.

When asked about her vision for the take on the world.”

Morgado shared with me that one future of the course, Morgado’s eyes group taught the class how to make lit up. As it is just the first year of this friendship bracelets, and even brought in the colorful strings course being back in BHS’s catalog, she is somewhat limited with to create them. The presenting group gave Morgado a chance the opportunities she can drum up for the students. Soon, with to pick out the colors for her bracelet ahead of time, making enough students enrolled in the course, the school will offer parts sure she got all her favorites.

I and II of the course with differing levels of hands-on experience.

As she recounted this story, Morgado smiled; the pride Short-term, the course will include classroom observations she has in her students is palpable. The students taking this at all four elementary schools in the Benicia Unified School course must feel it, too, because they continue to show their District later this school year. Morgado hopes that it won’t dedication and enthusiasm for their coursework. be too long before Careers in Education II, the second year Part of this enthusiasm is due to the possibility of college of the course, is up and running with in-classroom Teaching credit. As a CTE course, the students are actively preparing Assistant opportunities for Seniors where they can practice for the future. Diablo Valley College offers a similar course and teaching real lessons to real students.

Morgado is in the process of getting her curriculum reviewed Building this course back up from the ground sounds for articulation. If she succeeds, her students who pass the challenging, but Morgado is ready for it. Inspired by her own final exam will receive credit towards their college transcripts. mother, Morgado is passing on her love of teaching into the With this class Morgado’s students are being given the hearts of many. From highschoolers down to the students at chance to catapult into adulthood. By getting a head start on the elementary schools in town, soon nearly every child in their college credits and skill development, they’re already a Benicia will feel the effects of this educator's work. B

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r e t win EVENTS

around town | Events

around town | Events

Month of december Holiday Art Boutique NY2CA Gallery Thurs-Sun 12-5pm Give the gift of art this holiday season with featured artists Paula Boas, Ralph Copeland, Marty Jonas, Kathy Kearns, Twigg, Judy Warburg december 8 Candlelit Evening Annual MoHB Holiday Fundraiser MoHB, 2024 Camel Road 6:30-11pm Enjoy an evening full of incredible appetizers and memorable custom cocktails, find the perfect gift at our silent auction, dance the night away to some of your favorite songs, optional Historic Cocktail Tasting, and more. Information at mohbenicia.org december 9 Victorian Inspired Ornament Making Historic Benicia Capitol 11am-2pm Join Benicia High School's Girl Scouts to craft a beautiful and Victorian inspired holiday keepsake. december 9 29th Annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Market First and D through First and H St 10am The parade starts at 10am at First and D Street and ends at H Street. The parade features local marching bands, dancers, and the much-anticipated Santa Claus. The Holiday Market features handcrafted arts & crafts, gourmet items and delicious foods. december 9 Santa's Coming!

Fischer Hanlon-House (135 W G St) 12-4pm Visit with Santa at the Fisher-Hanlon House. Pre-registration is required beginning December 6th at the Historic Benicia Capitol Building.

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december 10 Santa's Coming!

Fischer Hanlon-House (135 W G St) 1-4:30pm Visit with Santa at the Fisher-Hanlon House. Pre-registration is required beginning December 6th at the Historic Benicia Capitol Building. december 15 Benicia Holiday Home Tour 5-8pm Join us for a festive and joyful event, the Benicia Holiday Home Tour 2023, taking place in downtown Benicia. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as you explore beautifully decorated homes in the historic district, each with its own unique style and charm. december 15 Holiday Spirits Arts Benicia 1 Commandants Lane 5:30-7:30pm Join us for a Bourbon, Brandy, and Cognac Tasting, served with light hors d’oeuvres. Part of the night will feature a raffle of Holiday gift packages. Music will be provided by the Happy Jazz Duo. Details at artsbenicia.org/events december 16-17 Light Up the Night 900 East 2nd Street 12-4pm Come out to Benicia's best and most exciting Christmas Tree Lot for a unique and magical family holiday experience. Kids Activities, Holiday No-Host Cocktail bar to enjoy your favorite holiday cocktail while you shop. december 17 Sing it Yourself Messiah!

Benicia Clocktower 3pm Get Ready to Sing! Maestro Urs Leonhardt Steiner and the Golden Gate Symphony present our annual holiday bash - the Sing it Yourself Messiah!

month of January Dine Downtown Benicia Downtown Benicia Eat your way through January!

With so many restaurants in our downtown, you can enjoy all your favorites and find many new ones.

Share pictures of your meals to info@ beniciamainstreet.org for a chance to win $100 Downtown Dollars.

January 13-14 Vallejo Symphony Presents: An American in Paris Empress Theater, Vallejo 8-10pm Vallejo Symphony presents An American in Paris An American in Paris - George Gershwin Concerto for Clarinet, Strings, and Harp - Aaron Copland TODD PALMER, CLARINET Symphony in C - George Bizet Saturday, January 13, 2024 (8:00PM) Sunday, January 14, 2024 (3:00 PM) month of february Love Local Downtown Benicia Send some love to your favorite Downtown Benicia business during the month of February for a chance to win $100 Downtown Dollars. The more love letters you send, the more chances to win!

February 2 First Friday at the Museum 2060 Camel Road 6:30-9:30pm Enjoy live music from singer Ariel Marin, no-host bar, and food truck specialties. $5 for members, $15 for non-members.

February 3 Sip with Soroptimist "Winter & Wine" Benicia Clocktower 6:30-9:30pm See the Clocktower transformed into an elegant winter wonderland.

Taste wines, delectible heavy appetizers and desserts, and taste whiskey with SendSips at this year's fundraising event.

February 3 Wine & Chocolate Walk Downtown Benicia 1-5pm Stroll First Street with your sweetheart tasting fine wine and chocolate pairings inside downtown shops.

Gallery Exhibits november 7 - December 21 Susan Marcus Sachs Marilyn Citron O'Rourke Art Gallery november 18 - december 17 Properties of Water Arts Benicia January 4 - February 29 Exhibit with Dan Suzio and Ebba Navas HQ Gallery February 1 - March 17 "Probability 2" Larnie & Bodil Fox NY2CA Gallery

Music &

Entertainment The Rellik Tavern 726 First Street, Benicia Last Friday of the Month Goth Night Tuesdays, 7-10pm Open Mic for Musicians Wednesdays, 7-10pm Karaoke with Glenn Snyder Sundays, 6-10pm Poker Night Thursdays, 9pm-1am DJ Live music Friday and Saturday. Visit therelliktavern.com for the full lineup.

Empress Theatre 330 Virginia St, Vallejo Live Music at Empress Theatre September - November 707.552.2400

September 10 Benicia Chamber Players Opening Concert: New Beginnings and Inspirations Benicia Community Congregational Church 3-4:30pm Join the Benicia Chamber Players for the opening concert of their 23/24 season! “New Beginnings and Inspirations” celebrates a new era for BCP by offering a snapshot of the exciting and varied concerts that await this season.

Classes &

Workshops December 3 Sunday Afternoon Pottery Project: Snowmen!

Happy Life Pottery 11-2pm Tap into your creative side to make your own pottery Snowman/Snowwoman! Come by yourself, bring a friend, or bring your whole family!

December 5 Wreath Making with Wendi Bruehol Benicia Brewing 4828 East 2nd Street December 7 Thursday Night Social Pottery Project (for Adults): Butter Dishes!

Happy Life Pottery 6-8:30pm This Pottery Project is for Adults only, and feel free to bring a beverage of your choice! No experience required.

Lucca's beer garden 439 1st street, Benicia Live Music at Lucca Beer Garden December - February 707.745.3749

sundays in december 2-Week Dichroic Glass Jewelry Workshop Happy Life Pottery 3-5pm Join jewelry artist Michalen Silva for this fun, two part, in-person class in designing your own glass jewelry.

Tuesdays Trivia with King Trivia Mare Island Brewing Co. First Street Taphouse 6:30pm Grab your friends for craft brews, food, and a few brain ticklers from the quizmasters at King Trivia every Tuesday upstairs, in the Benicia Room.

december 9 Holiday Workshop with Lorraine Curtis 1 Commandants Lane 1-4pm A maker’s workshop of DIY holiday candles, jewelry, cards, ornaments, and watercolor sugar cookies! All Materials will be supplied. Grades 3-12.

January 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17, 25 Portrait Painting 991 Tyler Street #206 10am-2pm During this 6-week Portrait Painting course, you will learn how to analyze the structure of the head, techniques to locate the features and how to see value.

January 21 Gelli Printing for Collage Arts Benicia Annex, 991 Tyler Street #116 10am-2pm Delve into the world of color theory as we explore how to select and combine colors effectively to achieve your desired aesthetic. february 11 Paste Papers Arts Benicia Annex, 991 Tyler Street #116 1-5pm Join Gillian Boal in this Paste Papers class. Bookbinders made their paste papers to use on books. february 4 Contemporary Papers Arts Benicia Annex, 991 Tyler Street #116 10am-4pm Drypoint is a printmaking technique of the intaglio family, in which an image is incised into a plate by scratching the surface with a hard, sharp metal (or diamond) point. february 10, 11 Abstracts in Mixed Media with Acrylics 1 Commandants Lane 10am-4pm Have you always wanted to know how to begin an abstract painting in acrylic and mixed media? We will learn the joy and freedom of abstraction, and discover how to tap into our intuition. B

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