Rain is expected this afternoon so I left for my walk late morning. Deciding to take a new route to First Street, I headed up Kuhland Alley between East D and E Streets. Huge bright yellow grapefruit hang heavily from backyard trees on my left. Across from them is an improbable group of mature cacti – huge, prickly pear paddles and towering Organ cacti – real old-timers like you would see in Arizona. I passed by the back door of the Benicia Bay Inn which now is the home of Amore Bistrot, “an authentic Italian bistro and market.” Must try one of their breakfasts or lunches to go one day soon.
Approaching First Street, I was stopped in my tracks by a colorful scene underneath a marine blue patio umbrella. The Matilija Foodstand consists of a table covered with baskets of citrus ruby red grapefruit, navel oranges, blood oranges, mandarins, and artistic little blackboards with descriptions written in chalk. Next to the table it is a hand made food cart filled with turquoise baskets of “darling” clementines and a colander stacked with lemons. Sourcing from local organic growers, the invisible purveyors operate year-round strictly on the honor system.
Up ahead, sitting on a bench in front of Java Point, is a fellow I’d noticed many times but had never spoken to. A true bohemian with extraordinarily complex regalia, he introduced himself as Waylan Ricky Green. He sported red and black capes, multiple scarves, a leather hat with feathers, a plastic chest plate, rings and bracelets, belts and chains, and a leather vest. Ricky said he was part Apache, Cherokee and Cheyenne on one side and Scotch/Irish on the other. An outgoing, gentle man, he told me about the life-threatening encounters that he has experienced in other towns because of his unusual appearance. Benicia is a safer environment he says. As we finished chatting, “Ricky” picked up his guitar, and twirled gracefully as he sang to passersby.
On the corner of First and F, notices on the windows of the old First St. Cafe revealed that an ancient cistern had been found beneath the floorboards during the remodel. The new tenants, Main Street Brewery, are creating a time capsule for any Benicia interested in participating. Other changes are enlarging the tiny bathroom, refurbishing the old bar, and connecting the upstairs with the downstairs. Wonder if they’ll have jazz upstairs on Sundays like before? Always loved listening to Bryan, on tenor sax and his band.
As I walked by St. Pauls, I admired the new spring plantings in the beds, hyacinths, decorative cabbage, begonias, stock. People were sipping their coffee drinks and scarfing down pastries from One House Bakery next door. This was a few days before One House closed temporarily due to an employee’s positive Covid test. We send healing wishes to all and look forward to the reopening of this star attraction on First Street.
Crossing First, I walked past Computer 1, and waved to Dan behind the counter. Awhile back, he transferred all the old files from my old laptop to a new one for a very reasonable price, saving me a trip to Berkeley and the Apple store. The interior of the shop is a throwback to a simpler time – an old Coca Cola cooler, penny gum machines, old photographs, and posters, flags and other antique paraphernalia exist side-by-side with new technology.
Popped in Romancing the Home for some candles. What a transformation from Christmas! It’s all spring now with pastel table cloths and silk flowers, soaps and lotions, scented candles, table ware, gift baskets, valentines and old fashioned hankies. Found some thick coral candles for the vintage Mexican tin candlesticks that I found on Etsy.
Boxes of pastel rose bouquets in small, white boxes ready to be delivered drew me into the charming patio nestled between Gallery 621 and The Plein Air Gallery. Sweetness and Light is just as it sounds, a quaint, English-type flower shop approached through a vine strewn patio. Wendy, the proprietor, is living her dream of owning her own shop. She had just finished creating a stunning bouquet which she called “sunset,” inspired by one large purple orchid. Her arrangements are informal as if freshly picked, many from local gardeners. Vases of freshly cut sweet peas, peach and burgundy roses, and yellow rose buds scented the air as soft jazz set the mood.
I’d beaten the rain as I headed down “B” Street. By now we should know if Punxsutawny Phil saw his shadow yesterday. Based on what I saw today my guess is “not a chance.”
Sarah Beserra is an artist and collector, Dharma practitioner, and retired lobbyist.
Letters From Benicia 