Just like most of us, First Street has many moods. On a weekend day, this town is jumpin’. Under cobalt skies with a winter chill in the air, Benicia is vibrating with energy. Cars are parked curbside as far as the eye can see. East B Street looks like a parking lot all the way to the Marina. People are ready to be out.
A well dressed couple is leaving Belle Sienna – she in all black and high heels – he with coat and tie. They might be out-of-towners, or perhaps a couple celebrating a special occasion. Lines are formed at the bakeries, groups congregated on the sidewalks. Tables are set and ready for diners.
A woman wearing a 1950s-style vintage red knit dress walked toward me carrying a black “pocket book.” I asked her if it was one of those fine, older purses that clicks when you close it. Absolutely. She proudly opened it up and showed me the inside compartments and then closed it with a satisfying click and sashayed up the street.
Dropped into Christina S and saw Sally who cheerfully welcomed me. Am always curious about what Christina has found for her cutting-edge, international collection of women’s wear. A delightful new addition is the transformation of the side room into an elegant boutique with shelves displaying brightly colored straw hats, bags, and scarves. Fantasies of the French Riviera filled me with longing.
One year later, the sign on the old Majestic Theater still reads “Thank you essential workers.” Remember the cheering, horns blowing and bagpipes lowing at seven each evening? You don’t hear that anymore. Essential workers continue to be on the front lines. The vast majority of Benicians on the Street are respecting and protecting each other with their masks dutifully strapped to their ears.
Stopped to talk to Lindy, one of the gardeners at the Avant Community Garden. She graciously showed me her newly planted plot — chard and nasturtiums for food and dahlias and hollyhocks for beauty. She handed me an orange nasturtium blossom to taste, which had a mild peppery flavor and described how the leaves were even more fiery. I’d made a new friend and made a mental note to grow nasturtiums.
Two beautiful jellyfish swimming in a clear glass cylinder caught my attention in the window at Mozart, Einstein and Me. The iridescent green and pink umbrella-shaped creatures were being propelled up and down by their graceful tentacles. They looked real but better, not as I remember them from southern California beaches where bits and pieces of them littered the shore and scared us kids. An aquarium without the upkeep sounds like a great idea.
Pausing in front of Coldwell Banker, I was transported to the 1950s. The sound system was playing an old Patience and Prudence tune — “Tonight You Belong to Me.” Smiling at how sweet and innocent it sounded, I reflected on Netflix movie I’d seen the night before — “Now Voyager” starring Bette Davis. How times have changed. In those days a love scene consisted of a gentleman holding two cigarettes between his lips, lighting them, and handing one to the lady saying, “Shall we have a cigarette on it?” Shocking!
Vying for attention along the avenue are a sleek black Corvette that looks like the bat mobile, a vintage Sprite sports car dressed in its original green and yellow paint, a brand new aqua BMW sports car, the color of an Easter egg, and several red convertibles.
It’s always moving to walk by the Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall and look at the tiled murals representing the four major wars that we’ve been involved in and feel gratitude to those who have kept us safe. An attractive sculptural frame was erected recently to showcase their large sign in front near the sidewalk. On this particular day, I noticed a single, purple rose hanging on the rosebush next to the sign. It seemed perfectly placed.
As I took the path to the library, I smelled smoke. Three couples were bundled up and gathered around one of the picnic tables by the empty bocce courts and barbecuing steaks. An assortment of condiments were lined up along with side dishes. Rushing the season? Probably not. Meals with friends is one of the delights that we all look forward to.
Coming to the end of my walk I stopped at the new Burmese Restaurant “Aung Maylika.” I noticed a new vending machine in front outfitted with desserts, drinks, candies and other goodies. — a quick way to grab something to drink and open 24 hours. Owned by a family from Burma (Myanmar) their food is made from scratch. Must try it. Later, looking at their website was a quote by Aung Sang Suu Ky, once again under house arrest, describing “The Golden Land” of Burma. Welcome to Benicia Aung Malika family. May peace and freedom prevail in your country of birth.
Letters From Benicia 