The blackboard in front of Double Rainbow ice cream shop advertises that they bake mini donuts fresh every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So I placed an order on-line for a little box of six. Arriving promptly the next morning, I was greeted by the gracious owner, Brandon, patiently flipping tiny donuts in a vat of bubbling oil. He fished out six and gave them to a helper to frost. “How do you like your work?” I asked. “Oh, we just love it,” he said. “We have two girls who think it’s a lot of fun.” Brandon and Alicia took over the shop in 2019 and consider it a way to spread happiness. I noticed a sugar cone with a full scoop of what looked like mint chocolate chip face down on the counter. “Some poor little kid dropped it,” I thought, totally relating. When I stuck my finger in the ice cream to see if it was real; it wasn’t. “Wouldn’t it be fun to accidentally drop one of those on my white couch when I have a party,” I fantasized, before I realized that I hadn’t had company in almost two years. Maybe this will be the year.
Later Saturday, I noticed a line of dogs and their humans standing in formation on the “B” St. green, as a trainer barked instructions. One by one, each owner with dog performed a walking slalom, swerving in and out of the line with precision. Filming the class was Christina, the wife of trainer, Erwin.“He has had a passion for dogs since he was a toddler and trains them because he doesn’t want them to end up in a shelter,” she shared. “Each dog has different needs whether it is socialization, obedience, rehab, military or police work. The first step is evaluation of what the issue is, then training at your house or ours, and then work in the park like today.” There was a flock of snowy white herons feeding nearby, and the dogs paid no attention. The group made their way up First Street, two by two, leashed and orderly, stopping at each corner to get instructions from Erwin on safely crossing the street. The classes are as much for the owner as the dog. Some owners are unaware that Benicia’s leash ordinance exists not just to protect their dogs and others, but the public, as well.
During the 30% off sale at Fabulous Finds antiques, I scored an enormous, gold carved mirror with no plan on how to get it home. Walked over to Adobe and saw Pat chatting with two fellows. “Could I hire you for about an hour?” I asked. Before he could answer, his friend John Sigler said, “I’ll do it, let’s go.” I recognized John from when he had an antique shop on First Street and at other sales around town. Explaining that it wouldn’t be ready to go until the following day, told him I’d give him a call when it was ready. The next day, even before I could dial his number, John showed up, despite working an estate sale up the hill. Not only did he deliver the mirror, he attached it to the wall for safety, all as a favor to help me out. Benicia is all about community.
What kind of car is that? The vintage, coral colored coupe across the street from the Union Hotel reminded me of an old Jaguar or maybe a Karmann Ghia with its rounded lines and Art Deco styling. “Borgward” was spelled out in Chrome beneath the aerodynamic hood ornament. On the back and side, also in chrome, was the signature “Isabella, Coupe.” Back home, on-line, I learned that the Isabellas were produced between 1949 and 1961 in Germany. An old color card showed the paint choices — derby maroon, jade green, Iceland blue, coral red, aero blue, flamingo red, ivory. So much more fun in the days when gas was 30 cents/gallon than today with cars being almost interchangeable.
Seen around town: Tulip trees starting to bloom … Ripe grapefruits, like yellow bowling balls, their dead weight dangling from threadlike branches … Bunches of orange dates cascading from a palm tree … Quince trees about to pop on E. Kuhland Alley …. A neglected, chipped, and rusted car on E. 2nd with a hearty weed growing out of the crack between the windshield and the hood … A giant aloe bush with crimson, flame-like blooms shooting toward the sky on E. K … Lavender and purple pansies peeking out from the overgrown foliage in front of Sala Thai … A giant weeping willow beside the Marina wearing a ballet skirt, bell-shaped branches culminating in delicate leafy fringe that looks like feathers … My neighbor, Donna, moving to Buenos Aires to study Spanish and dance the tango. Life adjusts and goes on.
Sarah Beserra is an artist, collector, Dharma practitioner, and retired lobbyist
Letters From Benicia 