What a joy to be up and about and walking toward First Street. A jet stream pierces the cornflower blue sky. Nasturtium leaves as big as small plates line the path along the Marina, ready to be plucked for a salad. While waiting for my to-go order at Sandoval’s — a crispy chicken taco — noticed a historical sign on the building: “The Bohn Building. City Attorney 1948-1968.” Inscription — “Architect and driving force behind the modernization of Highway 780, the first State Capitol Building, the Benicia State Park, First Street Development, the Benicia City Water System, and the Benicia Industrial Park.” Where would we be without these infrastructure projects? Thank you, J.B. Meanwhile, back at Sandoval’s front door, I’m handed a big bag by always friendly wait staff Eric. He includes a generous quantity of freshly deep-fried chips and plenty of salsa.
Speaking of infrastructure, the large, muddy pond that fills up on East B Street’s parking lot after a rain is being filled in by the City, and it looks like they might be blacktopping the entire parking area. Ducks and geese better scurry… Taking a shortcut up Kuhland Alley, noticed that the sturdy white sandbags lined up before two double-wide garage doors are still there in case of flooding. Hope springs eternal… Three doves cooing in a tree near Amore Bistrot all look identical. Later learned that males are larger and have pale pink breasts and a bit of iridescent blue on their heads. The females wear basic grey and brown without accessories… Also on Kuhland Alley, sweat peas, already three feet tall are blooming in rubber pots. Identical, perfect white calla lilies, reminiscent of a Diego Riviera still-life, stand at attention in their terra-cotta pots.
Mainstay Java Point Cafe closed last Thursday without fanfare. For years prior to Covid they were the place for hearty breakfasts, coffee drinks, soup and sandwiches, and fine art. “We’re moving on to new opportunities.” Thanks for the memories Java P. … Elisa has a sign in front of her eponymous vintage boutique that says” If you’d like me to wear a mask, just ask,” a compassionate response to the demise of the indoor mask mandate … Sign on the former Benicia Frame shop — “Something amazing coming soon.” Sparkly Rags will open a second shop there in March — home decor this time … One of the artists at Gallery 621’s new digs upstairs next to St. Paul’s has painted a brightly colored mural on the steps to welcome art lovers to the gallery’s spacious new digs … The talented landscape architect who designed the One House Bakery patio — a magical garden paradise — is co-owner Catherine Pervan, mother of head baker Hannalee.
After years of planning and negotiation, the Benicia Library has installed a momental clay sculpture by late Benicia artist Katrina Van Male. A serene, kimono clad women, her hands in prayer, is surrounded by hundreds of tiny figures embedded in her gown and tucked into niches in the base of the statue. Van Hale’s final wish was to dedicate the piece, four years in the making, to the children of Benicia. It’s a United Nations of children, animals, and mosaics, combining multicultural references from Central and South America, Europe, and Asia. Also, don’t miss Michael Moore’s stunning desert landscapes and drawings in the Gallery, curated by Kathryn Weller Renfrow … Stopped by Sweetness and Light Floral Design and spotted some three-foot camellia branches heavy with blooms for only $12. As I was checking out, I was told by owner Wendi that their most recent job was a divorce party in the patio, complete with cocktails, DJ, and dancing. Both exes attended.
On Saturday, I discovered a $30 gift card for Bella Sienna in my wallet; so my sister Susan and I walked there for lunch, as parking was impossible. The patio was booked, but we scored a sidewalk table next door at Sailor Jack’s. My sister spotted a grilled crab and cheese sandwich at the next table. Good eye! We both thought the same thing. Could it be the return of First Street Cafe’s special Dungeness crab and artichoke sandwich? We split one with a Caesar. Instead of artichoke, Jack’s has avocado, but no matter. They’re both green and start with an “A.” It was excellent!
My friend who lives in the Napa Valley was bemoaning the fact that she and her husband have had to evacuate their beautiful home and vineyard at least five times due to fires. Since the invasion of Ukraine she has changed her tune and now says she just feels grateful. While Ukranians are evacuating to camps in Poland, Romania, and Moldavia, she and her husband evacuate to — their cottage in Carmel. Thanks, my friend, for putting things in perspective. Unicef.org; savethechildren.org; CARE.org.
Sarah Beserra is an artist, collector, Dharma practitioner, and retired lobbyist
Letters From Benicia 