Literary workshop provides tips on getting published

(Originally published in the 11/27/15 edition)

   Lots of people want to write the next great literary phenomenon but get stuck when it comes to getting their great ideas out into the world. To help people get through this stage, Benicia Literary Arts will host a workshop at Bookshop Benicia titled “Creative Ideas for Getting Published.” The seminar will be presented by Luanne Stevenson, the president of Human Side Consulting in Lafayette. 

   In addition to life coaching and consulting various Fortune 100 companies, Stevenson has gotten books published. Along with Deepak Chopra and Ken Blanchard, she coauthored the e-book “Roadmap to Success.” The book, which provides insights on succeeding in organizations, is available for purchase on Amazon. She is also working on a book titled “Hire Slow Fire Fast.”

   Stevenson will be discussing tips she has learned on getting published, people to talk to and organizations to join in assisting with the process. 

   BLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging reading and writing in the community and getting creative works published. In addition to the presentation by Stevenson, BLA will introduce new member Michael Denison. Denison has worked in the fields of production, business management and sales, and he has authored screenplays and runs three blogs.

   “We hired him for his extensive work across all social media,” BLA President Lois Requist said. “He's very much into producing content on the Internet, and he's savvy on how to do it, as well as how to bring people to a site, so we look forward to learning and benefiting from his expertise.”

   Requist says she hopes the presentation by Stevenson will give aspiring writers helpful advice.

   “I hope they will come away motivated to go as far with their own writing as they want to and do it more knowledgeably with Luanne's help,” she said.

   The workshop will be held 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1 at Bookshop Benicia, located at 636 First St. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on the event, contact Requist at loquuu@gmail.com. To learn more about Benicia Literary Arts or to submit a writing of your own, visit BeniciaLiteraryArts.org. 

  

Local workshop to highlight sustainable technologies

(Originally published in the 11/26/15 edition)

   Bio-Pave Products, an Angwin-based green pavement technology company, will be hosting their Green Technology and Demonstration event “Sustainable Solutions to Preserve and Enhance Infrastructure” at Carter’s Biz Cafe on Tuesday. The workshop will aim to raise the issue of protecting and enhancing aging infrastructures and stress the importance of choosing sustainable products over ones that are harmful to the environment. 

   Bio-Pave Products was started by four brothers- Curtis, Douglas, Dennis and Maurice Helmer-  who have worked in the construction and pavement industry for 40 years. With their new company, they have chosen to focus on green pavement technology to not only provide a products that are environmentally friendly but are also more affordable than regular green technologies.

  “Our customers were asking if we provided a green, eco-friendly product to apply to road and street services but were concerned about cost,” Bio-Pave CEO Dennis Helmer said in a press release. “They heard products that are promoted as green were inherently more expensive to apply. Our mission was to find a product that was truly green, yet feasible, so we partnered with BioSpan Technologies. Feasibility for us means saving communities time, money and making sure we provide the highest quality in reliable products.”

   One of Bio-Pave’s products is RePlay, an asphalt sealer and preservation agent that is 88 percent bio-based material and contains 40 percent soybean oil. Additionally, the company claims the product does not exude carob dioxide emissions. 

   Helmer will be delivering an address at the event, and keynote speeches will also be given by Dr. Sheldon Chesky, the inventor of RePlay and the CEO of BioSpan technologies, and by Dr. Melanie Harrison, the CEO of Eco-Alpha Environmental Services. Harrison also says Mayor Elizabeth Patterson will be present. 

   “We’ll be discussing what’s going on in green sustainability and green infrastructure as we face climate change and what the technologies are out there right now,” Harrison said.

   Harrison will open up the event by talking about green sustainability in the face of climate change, and Helmer will show how such products have been used in Vallejo, Napa and Medford, Ore.

   At the end of the day, there will be a live demonstration where attendees will see the technologies in action.

   “You can touch it and feel it and see the efficiency of the products and how they would actually be used in the field,” Harrison said. 

   Harrison feels the discussion is crucial because of how time has affected certain foundations.

   “We have major streets and highways that are in really horrible condition,” she said. “When you look at Solano County in general, we have an average pavement index rating that’s pretty low on the scale- about 77 average.”

   “We have infrastructure that’s aging that’s gonna cost us money to fix,” she added. “We want to talk about this in an open forum, and we want to provide those types of solutions that are now going to be environmentally friendly but feasible as well.”

   She also hopes that people come away with a better understanding on what terms like “green infrastructure” and “sustainability” actually mean.

   “I want cities to understand that you can be sustainable and you can have green products that are gonna work and be reliable, but they’re also gonna be cost-effective so it’s not gonna cost the public,” she said. “I also want people to understand that when we do these kinds of projects, they’re not disconnected from the science. We can provide a scientifically sound solution that is easy for cities to implement and understand, and we can directly show how they’re gonna get there.”

   “Sustainable Solutions to Preserve and Enhance Infrastructure” will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Carter’s Biz Cafe, located on 1 Commandants Lane. Registration will begin at 8:30. The event is free, and a lunch will be provided. Come prepared with questions. For more information, contact Dennis Helmer at (707) 286-4390 or visit BioPaveProducts.com to RSVP.

Superhero teaches students about environmental awareness

(Originally published in the 11/25/15 edition)

   As you read this, a caped Avenger is touring Solano County promoting justice. She may not be Captain America or Iron Man, but her goals are just as noble.

   She is…Petrolia, the Used Oil Avenger!

   Petrolia, a life-sized recycled drop of used oil, is visiting classrooms across the county as part of the Suisun Marsh Watershed Program. In 2014, the cities of Solano received a CalRecycle Competitive Used Oil Grant, which promotes the importance of recycling used motor oil to protect the land and waterways. 

   However, Petrolia is not the only environmental superhero in Solano County. Since 2001, a giant bilge pad named Bilgee has been the mascot for the Lake Berryessa Watershed Partnership, which aims to keep engine fluids out of the lake since Berryessa is a primary drinking source for Solano County.

   “Berryessa’s always been a huge hit,” Marianne Butler, the environmental education program manager for the Solano Resource Conservation District, said. “We thought ‘Let’s see what we can do about getting a new character for Solano County since Bilgee’s up in Berryessa.” 

   As the story goes, Petrolia began life as a small oil droplet on the East Coast. After being involved in an oil spill on the Chesapeake Bay that killed thousands of sea birds, Petrolia was so aghast that she vowed to make a difference. She began encouraging people not to pour their oil down drains and educated them on how to recycle used oil. She met Bilgee at a superheroes conference, and with Bilgee’s devotion to Berryessa, he felt Petrolia would be a beneficial educator for Solano County.

   “He texted her about an open position in Solano County to talk to kids about keeping the storm drains clean,” Butler said.

   Students from across the county helped design Petrolia’s costume, which consists of a green cape, black high-heeled boots and a blue leotard with a multi-colored recycling symbol. They also helped brainstorm ideas for her introductory comic book.

   “This is a really meaningful experience for children to connect with a cartoon character,” Butler said. 

   The response from students upon seeing the character has been very positive.

   “They get this bright-eyed look on their faces with intrigue and interest,” Butler said. “She captures their attention. The reason we created her was to capture their attention and to really push home the importance of keeping storm drains clean.” 

   In December, Petrolia will be visiting 21 classrooms in schools that are partnered with the Suisun Marsh Watershed Program.  As fifth through seventh graders in Vallejo, Fairfield, Suisun City, Dixon and Rio Vista learn about the program, they will receive a visit from Petrolia. 

   “By the end of December, we will have had about 1,300 students go through the program,” Butler said.

  Additionally, the Used Oil Avenger will visit third graders in the spring as part of the Watershed Explorers Program. 

   “We bring the students to an outdoor open space to learn about their watershed,” Butler said. 

   As of now, Petrolia is scheduled to visit around 80 classrooms and 2,200 students in the spring. This will include Benicia third graders, who will be hiking from the Glen Cove Marina to the Benicia State Recreation Area. 

   “They’ll be doing different types of plant propagation,” Butler said. “Petrolia will then visit their classrooms after they participate in the program.”

   Butler hopes that students will become more educated on how they can be mindful of their own environment.

   “Our long-term goal is for students to become watershed stewards of the local resources in our county,” she said. “It’s really important for us that students go outside to visit the open spaces, and they form a connection to the spaces outside around their houses. That’s why we’re working now to bring students to their local parks.”

   Moreover, Butler sees Petrolia as a good way to get kids excited about protecting the Earth. 

   “We’re working to keep our streets and cities clean, and Petrolia is one avenue that takes us there,” she said.

   For more information on Petrolia or the Solano Resource Conservation District, visit SolanoRCD.org or contact Jamie Solomon at (707) 678-1655 x 116.

Small Business Saturday in Benicia encourages residents to shop local

(Originally published in the 11/24/15 edition)

   As the crowds dissipate from the malls and large chain retailers of the world when Black Friday ends, people can feel free to continue their shopping the following day in a way that benefits the local businesses of their community.

   This Saturday, Benicia Main Street and the city of Benicia will be presenting the sixth annual Small Business Saturday. The nationwide shopping event typically held the Saturday after Thanksgiving was founded in 2010 by American Express as a way for communities to celebrate the smaller businesses that help support their towns. Nancy Martinez, executive director of Benicia Main Street, said the program held its first Small Business Saturday that year, and it was officially recognized by the city in 2011.

   This year, fifty businesses from all across Benicia have chosen to participate in Small Business Saturday, including Bookshop Benicia, Wheels in Motion and Honeysuckle Rose. However, retail stores will not be the only businesses taking part. Shoppers can also eat lunch and get haircuts or manicures at participating businesses. 

   Teri Davena of the Economic Development Office says new benefits have been added this year.

   “Benicia Main Street is offering $5 in Downtown Dollars to the first 30 people who stop by the Depot,” she said. “That will kickstart their shopping in downtown Benicia.”

   Additionally, some participating businesses will have giveaways like designer tote bags. Some stores may offer discounts, but Martinez says that is not the focus.

   “It’s more about the public recognizing small businesses,” she said. “There’s a lot of chains and online shopping, so the fact that they can survive in this economy, we want the public to acknowledge them. We also want to thank them for helping them survive.”

   Davena says the event is a good way to get people to patronize the independent businesses that give Benicia its unique character.

   “It’s important to our town to keep them in business and offer the unique opportunities that they provide for our residents and keep our downtown vibrant and alive,” she said. 

   However, Davena recommends that residents don’t take just one day out of the year to support their local businesses.

   “This is a day to remember all of our small businesses and to remind them to shop every day locally,” she said. 

   Small Business Saturday will kick off 11 a.m., Saturday Nov. 28 at the Southern Pacific Train Depot, located at 90 First Street. For a complete list of participating businesses, visit BeniciaMainStreet.org. 

School board OKs plan for student progress

(Originally published in the 11/22/15 edition)

   The Governing Board of the Benicia Unified School District voted to approve Benicia Middle School’s and Benicia High School’s Single Plan for Student Achievement at Thursday night’s meeting.

   As Assistant Superintendent Marie Morgan noted, the SPSA is developed by school site councils to develop goals that would support the academic performance of all students. The councils look over student data and then use that information to develop objectives that work best for each school.

   The first person to speak was Stephen Brady, the principal of Benicia Middle School. For the plan’s first two goals, Brady wanted to establish career readiness for students by having them increase their literacy and mathematical proficiency by 10 percent on the English Language Arts and math portions of the California Assessment of Student Progress and Performance. Specifically, the plan aims to reduce the achievement gap by at least 10 percent for students with disabilities, students with economic disadvantages and students in numerically significant ethnic groups. 

   Brady noted that of the students who took the ELA assessment last year, 55 percent met or exceeded the standards and did better than the state average in all categories. Likewise, 44 percent of 6th graders passed, as did 60 percent of seventh graders and 61 percent of eighth graders. On the other hand, only 46 percent of students passed the math assessment.

   The third goal aims to use innovative technology and instructional materials to support safety and success for students. This includes implementing a new fire alarm system and increasing the number of students in technology-related courses. In 2013, 333 students were enrolled in technology classes, but that number jumped to 418 students for 2015. 

   The final goal concerns student connectedness and making students feel safe and engaged with the school. For this, a Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support program was established to enhance high behavioral expectations and social skills for all students. Brady noted that the number of student referrals had dropped from 167 in 2014 to 60 in 2015 so far. In 2014, 41 students were suspended, while only 12 to date have been suspended this year. No students have been expelled in the last 3 years.

   Trustee Peter Morgan said he really liked the specificity of the first two goals.

   “That’s a model for every goal-setting exercise we put into these types of plans,” he said. “I know when you achieve it. You can report back to me next year and say ‘In what areas did we not exceed 10 percent?’” 

   However, he felt the third and fourth goals seemed more like mission statements and were less concrete in denoting how the goals have been reached. 

   “A goal of putting a percentage of technology in student’s hands is a goal we can say we achieved,” he said. “Next year, when we look back, I can know if we’ve met goals 1 or 2, I won’t know if we met goal 3 or 4.”

   Next to present was Brianna Kleinschmidt, one of the vice principals at Benicia High School. The school is currently gathering data for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, who will visit in March and determine if the school is still worthy of being accredited. 

   “We’re looking at alignment to our WASC goals,” she said. “We’ve continued some goals from the previous year as well as adding some new goals as well based on our data analysis.”

   Kleinschmidt outlined five goals: developing a rigorous data system, providing a work environment that supports staff and recognizes excellence, increasing graduation requirements for all students, promoting appropriate technology and ensuring timely and transparent communication with students, staff and parents.

   Kleinschmidt noted that 69 percent of students who took the Advanced Placement exam in 2015 passed compared to 77 percent in 2014, but she also noted that more students are taking AP classes, and the number of advanced courses increased by two. For the second goal, BHS is continuing its Teacher of the Month program to recognize teachers doing innovative things, and the school recently implemented an Employee of the Month program for classified employees.

   For the third goal, BHS is aiming to increase its graduation requirements from its current 220 credits and increasing the number of career technical education pathways. 

   Kleinschmidt also noted that the number of district-owned student technological devices like computers on campus has jumped from 150 in 2013 to 567. In January, this number will increase again to 885. Additionally, as of this week, all teachers have received laptops and docking stations. 

   “They can learn right along with students in some cases,” Kleinschmidt said. 

   For the final goal, BHS has created its own Twitter account to post events and provide information. Additionally, PowerSchool reports let parents know they can sign up for alerts to remind them to check on their child’s grades.

   The board unanimously approved both plans. In other business, Chief Business Official Tim Rahill provided an update on the replacement of Benicia High’s “outdated and unreliable” fire alarm and communication systems, and the board voted to approve a mental health clinician for all district schools. 

   

   

   

Clairdee to perform holiday concert for Vallejo Jazz Society, Dec. 6

(Originally published in the 11/20/15 edition)

   Internationally renowned jazz vocalist Clairdee will be providing atmosphere for the holiday season for her Dec. 6 show “Clairdee’s Soulful Sounds of the Season” at Vallejo’s Empress Theatre presented by the Vallejo Jazz Society.

   The Vallejo Jazz Society is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010 with the goals of raising awareness of jazz in Vallejo and surrounding areas, providing opportunities for the greatest Bay Area jazz musicians to perform and reaching out to the community by bringing concerts to local schools and youth organizations.

   In just five years, Vallejo Jazz Society has put on 29 concerts featuring some of the Bay’s top jazz talents, including Larry Vuckovich, Denise Perrier, Pamela Rose and Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. For its 30th concert, Vallejo Jazz Society has chosen Clairdee to bring her soulful vocals and jazzy renditions of holiday classics to the stage.

   “She’s a wonderful performer,” Chairman Bryan Girard said. “She does a blend of jazz, soul and pop music. She’s very flexible and good at what she does.”

   Clairdee has performed across the globe, often playing to sold-out venues, and she has played with a variety of performers including Boz Scaggs, Bucky Pizzarelli and Chuck Redd. She has also opened for legendary acts like the Count Basie Orchestra, Johnny Mathis and Etta James. Additionally, she is a faculty member with the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley and has worked as a vocal jazz instructor for UC Berkeley and Diablo Valley College. 

   “We consider it a real coup to have gotten her to perform for Vallejo Jazz Society,” Girard said. “We can’t pay as much as some of the for-profit venues. Clairdee believes in what we’re trying to do and was willing to play for somewhat less than what she could normally command for a performance.”

  Clairdee’s setlist will consist of jazzy renderings of holiday songs, something she is very familiar with. In 2003, Clairdee released an album titled “This Christmas,” which featured jazzified renditions of standards like “Winter Wonderland” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The CD also featured interpretations of lesser-known holiday songs like Charles Brown’s “Bringing in a Brand New Year.”

   Girard expects audience members to have a lot of fun watching “one of the best vocalists around singing great music and backed by a five-piece band.”

   He also encourages people to support nonprofit jazz organizations.

   “Nobody gets paid,” Girard said. “We work as hard as we can just to keep this music alive and growing.”

    “Clairdee’s Soulful Sounds of the Season” will be performed from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 6 at the Empress Theatre, located on 330 Virginia St. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $7.50 for Vallejo Jazz Society members. They can be purchased at the door or online at VallejoJazzSociety.com. Up to two children 18 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information, contact (707) 533-4593 or visit VallejoJazzSociety.com. 

   

Assemblyman Bill Dodd's golf tournament benefits Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity

(Originally published in the 11/19/15 edition)

   For 16 years, Assemblyman Bill Dodd (D-Napa) has hosted a golf tournament and dinner with all proceeds going to a charitable organization of his choosing. This year, Dodd has chosen the Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity as the organization to raise money toward.

   The Fairfield-based organization, an independent affiliate of the international Habitat for Humanity, was founded in 1991 and has since built 13 new homes and repaired many more in the Solano-Napa area. 

   Development Director Kathleen de Vries approached Dodd with the prospect of highlighting Habitat for Humanity that year.

   “It is my mission to put the Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity affiliate on the map in Napa,” she said. “I’ve lived in Napa for 20 years and wrote to Bill to ask if he had found a beneficiary for this event and if he would consider us.”

   Dodd accepted her offer.

   “I am pleased to designate the Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity affiliate as the recipient of this year’s event,” Dodd said in a press release. “Habitat for Humanity’s work is well-known on an international level, and the affiliate here in the Napa Valley is doing important work with families here in our own community.”

   Dodd’s annual event has raised more than $700,000 for charity organizations, including Community Resources for Children in 2013. Public Relations Consultant Natasha Biasell said that Dodd was present for the dedication of two homes on the corner of Missouri and Taylor streets in Fairfield. 

   “He attended that dedication and spoke as our assemblyman,” she said. 

   In December, Dodd will be using his event to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. All of the proceeds will go toward the organization, which it will use to continue funding its projects, including its first new home build in Napa County.

   “We’re working with the city of Napa to purchase land for the new home build,” Biasell said. 

   The organization will also be working on restoration projects for the homes that were damaged by the earthquake that hit Napa last year. 

   The tournament will be held at the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, and it will feature an auction and dinner.

   “I’ve heard that in years prior, the golf tournament has been rained out,” Biasell said. “We’re hoping for great weather this year so that the tournament can take place.”

   The Habitat for Humanity staff has expressed gratitude that Dodd selected their organization for his event.

   “There are an excess of 600 nonprofits in Napa County, and we’re so delighted we are able to be one of them for his event this year,” de Vries said. 

   Dodd’s 16th Annual Holiday Party and Golf Tournament will be held Monday, Dec. 14 at the Silverado Resort in Napa, located at 1600 Atlas Peak Rd. Tickets are $75 for dinner and $175 for golf and dinner and can be purchased at SolanoNapaHabitat.org. For more information on the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact Renee Lawson at (707) 515-0608. 

Turkey Trot to raise money for local mother

(Originally published in the 11/18/15 edition)

   On Thanksgiving morning, First Street sporting apparel store The Run House will be hosting its second annual 5k Turkey Trot at the Benicia State Recreation Area. The event will benefit Teri Epperson, a local woman battling a rare form of cancer. 

   Epperson has been heavily involved in the community, both as a preschool teacher and a member of the Benicia Moms Group. Additionally, her husband Matt works as a firefighter for the Moraga Orinda Fire Department. Epperson’s kind personality has made her popular with both communities.

   “She’s a really nice person,” Run House co-owner Holly Potter said. “You don’t have to know her very long to be able to realize that.”

   Epperson was diagnosed with a small intestine cancer last year, and it has reached its aggressive fourth stage. To help raise money for medical support, The Run House hosted its first Turkey Trot last year. 

   “We did the run last year to raise money for her and her family just to support their medical needs and to show community support for the family,” Potter said.

   Potter and her husband and Run House co-owner Michael opted for the event to be nonprofit, with all the proceeds coming from people’s donations. The donations will go toward medical costs to help Epperson.

   “The idea was to have a Thanksgiving run without having to pay registration fees,” Michael said. “It will give people something to do on Thanksgiving morning, but it will have a purpose as well.” 

   The run was a success, with 125 people signing up and $2,600 raised, Holly said.

   “There was no registration fee, and people just donated on their own,” she said. 

   Holly said that even Epperson participated in the run last year, where she walked for 50 seconds and ran for 10 seconds for the whole 5k.

   “She was able to complete it and carry on with her chemo sessions,” she said.

   This year will be similar to last year, with Gatorade and light refreshments being served and a Turkey Trot souvenir for participants. As a new addition, the Potters are encouraging people to bring instruments like maracas, tambourines or bells to carry so participants can make music just by running.

   “Through the gentle stampede of all the people, it will sound festive,” Holly said. “I just want to make it as festive and happy as possible.”

   Furthermore, a small potted pine tree will be put up  for friends and family to help decorate.

   “Her friends can write on a Christmas ornament for her,” Holly said. “There will be plain ball ornaments with Sharpies to write some sort of positive message to her, thanking her, telling her how they’ve been inspired by her and her family.”

   People can sign up at The RunHouse.com. As of press time, 94 people have signed up for the event. Holly says there is no cutoff to sign up, but she encourages people to do it as soon as possible.

   “Last year, people mostly signed up three days before the event,” she said. “Since there’s no registration, there’s no cutoff to sign up, but we want as many people to come as possible. If people know they’re going to do it, we’re encouraging them to sign up so we can know how much water and refreshments we need.”

   The 5k Turkey Trot will be held 7:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 26 at the Benicia State Recreation Area. Participants should meet at entrance located on the corner of Military West and K Street. A $20 donation is asked per adult runner. For more information, contact Michael Potter at TheRunHouse@yahoo.com. 

Student achievement plan on agenda for school board meeting

(Originally published in the 11/17/15 edition)

   The school board will vote to approve the Single Plan for Student Achievement for Benicia High School and Benicia Middle School at Thursday’s meeting.

   The SPSA is put together by School Site Councils to develop goals to support the academic performance of all students. Each site team will study state and local measures to track progress and create a plan that works best for each school. The SPSAs for the district’s four elementary schools were approved at the Oct. 15 meeting, and now it will be Benicia Middle and Benicia High’s turns to outline their respective goals for student achievement.

   BHS has identified four goals: developing a system of rigorous data to implement effective student interventions, providing a work environment that supports staff and values excellence, promoting appropriate technology to enchain students’ learning opportunities and ensuring that communication with students, parents, staff and the community is timely, professional and service driven. 

   To help implement the first goal, Site Council staff would like the number of students passing the California High School Exit Exam to increase by 3 percent and Early Assessment Program scores to increase by 5 percent. According to a report prepared by the high school, 36 percent of the students who took the EAP in 2014 did not demonstrate readiness for college-level English and 28 percent were not prepared for college-level math. Additionally, 43 percent of the special education students who took the CAHSEE’s math exam did not pass, and 21 percent of economically disadvantaged students did poorly on both the English and math portions. 

   The report suggested offering implementations to help students succeed on these exams, including the provision of after school English and math labs and an integrated math support period with a companion class.

   To implement the second goal, the plan is suggesting full attendance at staff and department meetings because a 2013 staff survey indicated that only 54 percent of faculty members “feel they are part of a collaborative environment that encourages reflection and analysis of the teaching and curriculum decisions.” 

   For the third goal, the plan aims to increase the faculty use of existing school technologies and make sure there is a baseline standard.

   For the fourth goal, 64 percent of participants in a 2013 faculty survey indicated they were not properly informed about school developments and 35 percent of respondents to a 2013 parent survey said they did not get updated information about their child’s academic achievement. To help realize this goal, staff would have to establish an email and communication protocol, and parents would have to become more involved in student programs like band or athletic boosters.

   Benicia Middle School’s goals are for students to increase both their literacy and math proficiency on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress by 10 percent, to increase parental and community partnerships through awareness and community engagement and to improve infrastructure to provide a learning environment that offers opportunities for 21st century teaching and learning.

   In other business, the board will hear an update on Measure S bond projects and consider the approval of a new mental health clinician for the district.

   The board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 in the Benicia Unified School District Board Room at the district building on 350 East K Street. There will be an earlier closed session at 6 p.m.

   

Author to discuss role of women in World War II

(Originally published in the 11/15/15 edition)

   World War II marked a turning point in the role of women in the workforce. While their husbands were off fighting in the war, women took on the industrial labor and other jobs typically viewed as men’s work.

   They also took roles in the war effort, and it is this part of history that author Jeane Slone has chosen to document in her historical fiction trilogy consisting of the novels “She was an American Spy During World War II,” “She Built Ships During World War II” and “She Flew Bombers from the Factories to the Bases During World War II.” Slone will be doing a presentation on the latter at the Benicia Historical Museum today at 1.

   “She Flew Bombers” tells the story of Violet Willey, a young woman who had aspired to be a pilot since her youth. Willey takes a job as a Woman Airforce Service Pilot during World War II against the urges of her traditional mother. The book details the bravery and hardships of the over 1,000 women who learned to fly over 77 varieties of military aircrafts across America to deliver them to army bases for men to fly into combat.

   The novel is based on Slone’s interviews with six former WASPs and weaves in historical photographs and research narratives. The book received the 2012 Indie Book Award.

   Slone will be presenting as part of the museum’s ongoing exhibit “A Call to Arms: The Benicia Arsenal- World War II." Executive Director Elizabeth d’Huart says this will be a good opportunity for Beniciains to learn about a less-explored part of history.

   “As somebody who works at a local history museum that is housed in buildings that were from the original Arsenal, I know an awful lot about the role of men,” she said. “I like the fact that I learn more about the woman’s role. This is an important period in history for America.”

   “It’s the advent of women emerging out into the workforce during World War II that changed the course of relationships between men and women in the United States,” she added.

   D’Huart also believes that Slone’s expertise will provide a lot of education on the subject.

   “(Slone) is an author who specializes in the period of World War II, particularly focusing on the role of women,” she said. “She does very meticulous historical research. She crafts novels that are basically expositions of the very specific duties of women in helping the military during the war effort.”

   During the war, many women were working the assembly lines in Benicia, d’Huart said. The presentation will let viewers know what that was like. 

   “It gives one a better perspective on their mindset and the kind of challenges that they faced in their day-to-day lives in terms of working in the Arsenal and the additional challenges that they had in working within the constraints of coupon rationing and their husbands, sons or brothers being off at war,” she said. “Combining all those things is an interesting mix.”

   Overall, d’Huart feels the presentation will be an interesting window to the past and how it relates to today.

   “It’s always interesting to be able to connect the dots between what each of us as individuals are experiencing today and what our mothers, fathers or grandparents were experiencing during those same time periods in their own lives,” she said. 

   Slone will be delivering her presentation through a Power Point and will read passages while acting them out in character. A question and answer session and book signing will follow, and attendees are encouraged to go upstairs and view the rest of the exhibit afterwards.

   The presentation will begin at 1 p.m. today at the Benicia Historical Museum, located on 2060 Camel Road. The event is free, and refreshments will be served. 

Local author tackles press in latest novel

(Originally published in the 11/13/15 edition)

   Past Bookshop Benicia Author Events have featured local writers with ties to the area. The author featured for next weekend’s event, Delfin Vigil, is as local as they come.

   The 1993 Benicia High School graduate’s new novel, “Death of a Newspaperman,” is loosely based on Vigil’s experiences working for various newspapers, particularly the San Francisco Chronicle where he worked as a copy assistant and reporter for 10 years. 

   The book tells the story of a reporter named Desmond De Leon who works for the fictional San Francisco Call in the 1980s. De Leon is fascinated with the history of San Francisco journalism, particularly that of 19th century publishing tycoon and Call founder Charles Sansome, who was shot to death in an editorial dispute. De Leon becomes dissatisfied with the deteriorating moral character he comes to view in newspapers and tries to figure out what Sansome would do.

   Vigil describes the novel as “a love letter to San Francisco and a breakup letter with newspaper journalism.”

   He has had a long history of working with newspapers, dating back to when he wrote stories for Benicia Middle School’s student paper The Viking Press. After graduating from high school, Vigil got a job at the Contra Costa Times shortly before the paper was sold to Knight Ridder.
   “I got a pretty early glimpse of a fading era of newspaper journalism when it was shifting from family-owned to corporate-owned,” he said. 

   In 2000, Vigil got a job as a copy assistant at the Chronicle and became a reporter covering everything from features to breaking news. He held the job until 2009.

   “It was a dream job,” he said. “I knew from sixth or seventh grade that’s what I wanted to do with my life.”

   Vigil described his experiences at the Chronicle as mostly good, but over time he began to see a change in the values of newspapers.

   “I pretty much grew up in a newsroom,” he said. “I was surrounded by people who told me ‘You gotta question authority. You gotta challenge. Don’t be intimidated, you stand up and you challenge.’ As I slowly saw the career that I really valued become devalued and become less of an honest way of making a living, I was really sad to see most people weren’t using that same mentality to our own authority.”

   One thing Vigil enjoyed about writing the book was the freedom to use his own voice.

   “I wanted to do it in the form of literature as much as possible because in journalism you have to be objective,” he said. “When I think of journalism, I can’t be objective. I have very strong feelings about it.”

  Vigil used this voice to channel the need for journalists to question authority in his book.

   “There’s a lot of books about journalism that are the woe-is-me-laid-off-newspaperman-trying-to-figure-himself-out type, and I really didn’t want to write that,” he said. “ I wanted to write a book that says ‘This is not OK’ and that certain authorities should be held accountable.”

   Although his experiences in newsrooms inspired the premise of “Death of a Newspaperman,” Vigil’s experiences in Benicia inspired the creative process.

   “Benicia is very close to my heart,” he said. “For me, it felt like an environment that was very welcoming to writers and musicians. All my memories of growing up in Benicia are of creating something, whether being a part of a band or a record label or performing in the Industrial Park.”

   Vigil also wrote parts of the book during visits to Benicia and even recruited longtime friend and fellow Benicia graduate Scott Bradley to provide the illustrations. Bradley will be joining  Vigil at the Author Event to answer questions and sign copies of the book.

   “It will be something of a homecoming for both of us,” Vigil said.

   Bookshop Benicia owner Christine Mayall praised Vigil for how he captured an era, and she believes that having two speakers will provide a good look into how the book came together.

   “He’s a real renaissance of a man,” she said. “It’s always interesting to hear about the creative process and how they come up with a subject.”

   The Bookshop Benicia Author Event will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21 at 636 First St. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the store at (707) 747-5155.

Benicia sports bar to celebrate silver anniversary

(Originally published in the 11/12/15 edition)

   In the fall of 1990, Vanilla Ice was ruling the charts, “The Simpsons” was entering its second season, the Internet seemed like science fiction to most and a Benicia institution opened its doors for the first time.

   Bottom of the Fifth, located on the corner of Military East and Fifth Street, is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. In that time, the sports bar has been a place for Benicians to drink beers and watch sports games, but the building had housed several different businesses before that.

   “When I was a little kid, it was a Pentecostal church,” Owner Bruce Adams said.

   In 1979, the building became a bar called The Landmark, which lasted until the late ‘80s. At the time, Adams was running a bar on First Street called JM’s. 

   “The landlord called, this place was sitting empty, and I made a deal with the owners to come up with an option to buy,” he said. 

   Adams opened Bottom of the Fifth with the goal of providing Benicia with a cleaner bar than some of the other taverns in town.

   “Back then, there were four or five neighborhood bars,” he said. “I was trying to make one a little nicer in 1990 than everyone else’s, and I did it. I was wildly successful.”

   Adams was able to keep people coming back with the amenities he offered. When the bar opened, it had three pool tables and four TVs for patrons to watch.

   “That was state of the art in 1990,” Adams said.

   As the name suggests, sporting games have always been a major emphasis of Bottom of the Fifth. The TVs are tuned to games of every kind from NFL to MLB to rugby. With the advent of DirecTV,’s NFL Sunday Ticket, the bar has had access to broadcasts of football games across the country.

   “For 21 years, we ran a 49er booster bus that went to Candlestick Park every home game,” Adams said. 

   The saloon has had plenty of changes over the years. Over time, the number of TVs expanded from four to nine, and the biggest change occurred just a few years ago: Bottom of the Fifth added a kitchen. This happened as a result of Adams deciding the place should be more than just a neighborhood bar with sports games.

   “Times change,” he said. “What worked in 1990 didn’t work in 2010. We morphed into a more of a place to get something to eat and have something to drink.”

   After a few years of renovation plans, Bottom of the Fifth re-emerged in 2013 as a sports bar with a remodeled design and full-service kitchen. Visitors can sit down and nosh on appetizers such as onion rings and chicken wings or eat entrees like burgers or fish tacos. All the items are freshly prepared and never frozen.

   Despite the changes, Adams has held firm on one thing: no minors.

   “There’s enough family places downtown for people,” he said. “This is a bar where you can get something to eat.”

   Bottom of the Fifth will hold a 25th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Nov. 21, where all beers will be half price.

   “We wanted to roll everything back to ‘90s prices, but nobody wanted to do the math, so we just made everything half off,” Adams’ son Sam said.

   Additionally, Sam says the bar is close to selling its five millionth drink. When that happens, the customer who purchases it will be rewarded.

   “The winner will get free food and drinks for a week,” he said.

   After over 40 years in the bartending business, Bruce is satisfied with his accomplishments.

   “I couldn’t be happier with the way my 25 years have turned out here,” he said. 

   Bottom of the Fifth is located on 498 Military East. The bar is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day, and the kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to midnight. 

   

Furry friends find new homes at weekend's pet adoptions

   (Originally published in the 11/11/15 edition)

Pups ’N' Purrz held its 3rd annual Adoption Day By the Bay over the weekend, and the store was able to find homes for several different pets.

   The First Street pet supply store partnered with other Bay Area adoption agencies- Umbrella of Hope, CARES and Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation- to adopt out dogs and cats. The event expanded to two days, which meant more opportunities for people to pick up a new friend.

   On Saturday, four chihuahuas were adopted: 5-year-old Fiona Apple, 5-year-old Jersey Mac, 8-year-old Megladon and 7-year-old Fuji Apple. 

   Sunday, however, was a day for the cats. Crush and Fanta, both 7 months old, found new homes where they will be able to continue their young lives with loving families.

   “It was a great turnout for both days,” Pups ’N’ Purrz owner James Long said. “Some people were looking for certain animals, and the agencies that didn’t have them on Saturday had them on Sunday, so I think expanding to two days helped.”

   The next adoption event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday Dec. 6 at ARF, located at 2890 Mitchell Drive in Walnut Creek. Additionally, Umbrella of Hope will be holding an adoption event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19. The agency is located at 4080 Railroad Avenue, Suite C, in Pittsburg. Pups ’N’ Purrz is located at 422 First St. 

"Rock the House" to raise funds for home renovations

(Originally published in the 11/11/15 edition)

   Rebuilding Together Solano County and the Vallejo Veterans will be partnering once again to present the 6th Annual Renovatin’ Rocks the House joint fundraiser Friday. The proceeds will help Rebuilding Together continue its mission of renovating homes for low-income households.

   Elizabeth Hoffman, executive director of Rebuilding Together, says the event was created to bring attention to the group’s mission.

   “We wanted to do an annual fundraiser in which we can highlight what we do, which is renovation for low-income seniors, veterans and disabled homeowners,” she said. 

   As in past years, the event will feature a dinner, a silent auction and a live auction. The dinner will feature dishes from several local restaurants, including Venticello’s Ristorante, Sandoval’s Mexican Food, Robert’s China Garden and Nine O Seven Grill in Benicia and Pasta Pomodoro and Buttercup Grill & Bar in Vallejo. 

   The auctions will allow attendees to bid on a variety of items, including queen bedspreads and various furniture. 

   “The funds raised from the event go directly into our projects for next year,” Hoffman said.

   The event coordinators are still looking for volunteers to help before, during and after the event.

   “Volunteers are helping us set up the event, so we’re at Vallejo Veteran’s Hall this whole week,” Hoffman said. “We’re also going to be here after the event on Saturday, so we’re also looking for volunteers to help us with that.”

   “People can also make a financial contribution,” she added. “The seats are almost sold out, but if people are still interested in coming, they can give us a call, and we can see if there’s still seats available.”

   Ultimately, Hoffman wants the event to pull in more funds than ever before.

   “It’s gotten bigger and bigger every year,” she said. “Last year, we raised a little over $30,000 for our projects. “Our ultimate goal is to beat what we did last year, so we’re hoping to raise a little over $30,000 again this year.”

   Renovatin’ Rocks the House will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at the Vallejo Veterans Memorial Building, located at 420 Admiral Callahan Lane. Tickets cost $35 per person with reserved tables for eight costing $240. If you can not attend the event but would still like to donate, visit RebuildingTogetherSolanoCounty.org and fill out the flier. 

Music industry professionals to share tips with aspiring artists

(Originally published in the 11/10/15 edition)

   Looking to gain a career as an entrepreneur in the music industry? Solano College has an event to help the future Jay-Zs of the world on the path to success. 

   On Nov. 20, Solano Community College and the Solano Small Business Development Center will come together to host Music Biz Live 101 to assist those who are passionate about music by providing them with entrepreneurial advice to help thrive in the business. 

   According to Melissa Pegg, an assistant at SBDC, the idea is “to introduce entrepreneurship to the millennials.”

   “The goal is to bring high school kids and college kids together so they can learn what these artists who have already been in the business have gone through and what they’ve done to become successful,” she added.

   To get this message across, visitors will be treated to panels and performances by industry professionals, all of whom are local and many of whom are either current students or alumni of Solano College.

   Some performers have even achieved worldwide success. The headliner, Vacaville resident Lyndsey Elm, was a contestant on the current season of NBC’s “The Voice.” The 22-year-old wowed the judges with her acoustic rendition of Meghan Trainor’s hit “Lips are Movin’,” which led to all four of them trying to claim her for their team. The video of her performance has been viewed on YouTube over 1 million times.

   Elm was selected to be a part of Gwen Stefani’s team, but the contestant was eliminated in one of the Battle rounds. Nonetheless, Elm’s appearance on the show has led to a number of gigs since, including singing the national anthem at the Golden State Warriors’ Nov. 4 game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Elm will share her experiences to the attendees of Music Biz Live 101 and perform songs.

   “I reached out to Lyndsey through Facebook and got a response,” Pegg said. “We’re very lucky that she responded that way.”

   DJ Symphony of the rap group The Wu-Tang Clan will also be performing. The turntablist also runs the Symphony DJ Academy at the Solano Town Center, which Pegg happened to walk into when she was looking for performers.

   “I just walked into his shop and was talking with him, and he said ‘Well, why don’t I do it?’” she said. “He offered his participation, and that’s so awesome because it’s tough to get people to volunteer to do these types of events.”

   The rest of the performers will be Solano alumni and current students, including LaTiana Kates, Karyssa Lynne, the Flow Alliance Dance Crew, and more. 

   “For them to take the time out of their day to help support bringing the kids to the college, teaching entrepreneurship and giving back to the community is the best thing,” Pegg said. 

   In addition to the performers, there will also be a panel featuring professionals talking about the industry. Panelists include Solano music professor Kristy Juliano, Felstar Recordings President Felton Pilate, Vallejo rapper Dulon “Mugzi” Stevens and Christopher Upperman, a senior advisor with the national Small Business Administration.

   “They’ll talk about the business plan,” Pegg said. “Some of them will probably go into stories of how they made it.”

   Other topics will discuss financing, how to get a loan and what opportunities are available. Even if students do not have an interest in working in the music industry, Pegg says these skills are important for any aspiring entrepreneurs to learn.

   “Even if you aren’t going to handle finances, you should know what a balance sheet looks like,” she said. “It’s all about the bottom line when it comes to being an entrepreneur. To understand the concepts and the legalities of the business, we know you’re not going to be a specialist in it, but you have to understand what you’re getting yourself into so you can be successful.”

   “I was in the business for 15 years, and had I known some of the things that i know now, I would probably not be sitting in this seat,” she added.

   Music Biz Live 101 will take place from 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20, at the lecture hall and auditorium at Solano Community College Vallejo Center. The college is located on 545 Columbus Parkway. Tickets are $1 general admission, and there will be a $1 parking fee. Attendees can register at SolanoSBDC.org or EventBrite.com. All proceeds will benefit SCC’s music school.