Trying to focus on my breath during Sunday morning meditation, I heard a blood curdling shriek and then the sound of James Brown belting out “I feel good, da da da da da. I knew that I would, da da da da da!” Back to the breath and then “Bar Bar Bar —Bar Barbra Ann.” The Benicia Panthers Band’s 27th Annual Vintage Car Show was back. A blast from the past. Cut the sit short and mindlessly followed my reptilian brain downtown. Hundreds of gorgeous cars were lined up from E. Second St., blanketing the Marina Green, down First to D St., and all along the fishing pier. The Band marched, giant speakers amplified old rock ’n’ roll, and Benicians and out-of-towners chowed down on tasty truck food as they checked out their dream cars. Chevy’s were prolific — 57 two-doors, Bel Aires, pickups, and Corvettes. Fords and Pontiac GTOs were a close second. The colors “sparked joy” — chartreuse, purple, turquoise, fuchsia, candy apple red. The crowd was diverse — babies to the elderly, car clubbers talking shop with other owners for whom their rides had been a passion since high school. A 1960’s Buick sported a steering wheel and dash that looked carved from Carrera marble — a masterpiece which took months for the detailing aficionado to “hydroplane.” “It was an act of love,” his wife said.
And then I saw the car of my dreams — a 1940 Buick Eight — a scrumptious, buttery yellow confection draped over an Art Deco body with lines of artfully placed chrome, a mile-long hood, gracefully curved fenders, the quintessential roadster convertible. With yellow visors over the windshield, there were matching wheel covers on each side. Leonard Cohen (my notes must be wrong) from Vallejo found it online in Minnesota, bought it without a test drive, and had it delivered in a professionally enclosed trailer. Moments later spied Jean and John Kelley behind their stunning easter egg purple 1950 baby Lincoln, a sight for sore eyes as my Papa Daddy used to say. All rounded and sleek with a big chrome smile on its face, it was an Art Deco lover’s fantasy. John was wearing a US Marine Corps Veterans cap. I thanked him for his service and he said, quietly, “You were worth it.” Married 63 years, with 11 grandchildren, they enjoy driving the Lincoln around their Green Valley community. Up ahead, a mature fellow was movin’ to the beat of “Johnny Be Good.” Couldn’t resist as I joined him, trying to mirror his moves but not quite making the grade, reverting to ancient dance forms like the Twist and the Hitchhike. Sergio took it all in stride and moved on.
Heading home silently singing a Beach Boys tune was startled to see a fully outfitted army parked on E. D St. — rifle mounted on the roof, two shovels on the side, fuel canisters, rope, camouflage, fire extinguisher, water jugs, and many canvas bags of unknown content —a reminder of our privileged place in the world.
This and that: The sailboat races began Thursday, seven sleek vessels plowing the Strait under a gray sky that threatened rain … The first Farmers Market is tomorrow. Hope they have white nectarines … Le Sparkly Chateau in the old Benicia Frame Shop sells silk kimonos made of Indian saris and French-themed items for the home …The HQ Gallery on First has opened an adjunct space in the the Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barn … A sign at the former Java Point Cafe — “Adarna Takeout Restaurant coming soon — April 26, 2022” … Carquinez Strait Stitchers present “Spring on the Strait,” an exhibition of the works of master quilters on April 30 at the Clocktower, http://www.csquilter.org …… Back near home, a flock of geese calmly feed in the wetlands preserve along East 2nd, softly clucking as they feast. A woman with a dog off leash checks out the scene and throws a ball in the direction of the geese who screech, beating their wings in terror as the dog advances and they are driven from their home.
The heady perfume of jasmine filled the air as I walked up to Rite Aid for a second Booster. Was laying low the next day when I heard live singing from across the Marina. Opening the front door I saw dear friend Judie Donaldson carrying a fold-up chair. She had been to the the first annual Benicia Diversity Festival and was thrilled by the high quality of the performers. Hosted by the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation, the gathering showcased music and dancing from some of the many cultures that call Benicia home. “It was gratifying to hear Mayor Steve Young say that he hoped that this inaugural event illustrates that our diversity makes us a stronger community,” Judie said.
Sarah Beserra is an artist, collector, Dharma practitioner and retired lobbyist.
Letters From Benicia 