The Saturday before Thanksgiving was a sparkling, crisp winter day. The high tide made a gentle lapping sound against the promenade across from the old railroad station. Stopped by Benicia Main Street to get some Downtown Dollars and discovered Mary Ellen Hayes and former City Council member Christina Strawbridge inside decorating for the holidays. A French cafe table and chair sat out front on the deck with a note taped to its surface: “Reserved for Jerry Hayes.”
“Why is there a table reserved for Jerry,” I asked Mary Ellen. “Oh, he’s out there every Saturday from 12-4 pm to answer questions people may have about Benicia’s history.”
Jerry, a former mayor of Benicia and a past president of the Benicia Historical Society currently serves as its historian. Jerry and Mary Ellen are longtime Benicia preservationists and owners of the historic Hayes Building which used to be the Camellia Tearoom. I still miss Mary Ellen’s fabulous soups and sandwiches — oh, and the desserts!
Took a walk down First St. Saturday to gather material for this column. “It’s freezing out here,” I said to Scott who works outside at his Teak Man shop. “It’s 46 degrees. It hasn’t been this cold in 30 years,” he said as he slipped into his tent.
A black and white checkered box caught my eye on the ground by the front door of Wong Family Dentistry. I can detect See’s candy a mile away. Good to know that a dentist can still eat sugar. It must have been delivered the day before, but there it was still waiting to be brought in. A big box of See’s candy unmolested in plain sight and still there? What a town!
Sparkly Chateau was a vision of glitter, lights, candles, and Christmas trees and dazzling the shoulder-to shoulder shoppers and wine tasters. Co-owner Salina looked like a princess tending the wine bar in the back beneath a black and white striped awning, sheltering a luscious bower of pink roses and a crystal chandelier.
Double Rainbow is moving into Dianna’s former cafe on the corner across from the Capitol. More hot fudge sundaes!
The construction in the back of SIPS will become a warehouse complete with a golf simulator. Had to look it up. “A golf simulator is a high-tech indoor system that replicates the experience of playing golf. It analyses your swing and projects virtual outcomes.” Haven’t touched a driver or a putter since I took Golf 101 at UCSB and got a “D.”
His blinding white suit reflected light a half-block away. Up close I saw that it was white poly or one of the other esters in a blue snowflake design. With a tie to match he exuded a snappy hipster vibe. Some might say it was tacky, yet, with a certain je ne sais quoi.
“My wife bought me this six years ago when my boss asked me to do something festive to inspire others and bring us all together at the office Christmas party,” said Kevin Gourieux who was gnawing on a piece of beef jerky. His pal, Chuck Luton, rocked a suit that gave new meaning to the term “suit of lights” — traditional bull fighting regalia. Jacket, pants, and tie were a bright red polyester blend with a cheesy but festive overall pattern of colorful Christmas lights and squiggly cords. No question about it — a suit of lights without the bull.
A huge banner that says “Common Room COWORKING” is draped across the second floor balcony above Roberto’s Fine Jewelry. Owner Rachel Bhagwat was rushing between a copy machine and the front desk.
“I’m a remote worker and live just up the hill. I felt isolated working from home, and a lot of my friends and especially those with kids were saying they needed a quiet space to work. So I said lets give it a shot.”
The six or so rooms are tastefully decorated and contain fully equipped work stations. A conference room, professional mailbox services, private chat room, and a kitchen and cafe with access to the balcony are available.
“We’ve been open only three weeks, so I am very excited,” Rachel said. “ I think in the new year it’s going to be packed. We offer free passes for anyone who wants to come in and try us out. So they can go on our website and grab one.” commonroombenicia.com.
Popped into Revel & Co a new woman-owned and curated party boutique that has taken over Sparkly Rags former space next door to Double Rainbow. The shop is filled with all things needed to throw a shindig. A stunning Christmas tree made of red and green balloons adorns the front window.
“What inspired you to open your business,” I asked the convivial owner Ilana Shackelford.
“I enjoy attending good parties and like to have fun. And so why not make it a business? I’m a local. My family has lived here for years. My hope is that every single person who comes into the shop feels connected, excited, and inspired. I’ve been open seven whole days so everything is very new. But I’m getting positive feedback and feel so welcome.”
“I carefully select things that I think the community would like. Most of my merchandise is from California or the West. Many of the greeting cards are from Bay Area artists,” she added.
The boutique features merchandise for parties with themes — tennis, girls’ nights, baby showers, game nights, golfing, weddings. “Eventually we will have workshops like calligraphy and wreath making.” Ilana makes all of the wreaths, trees, arches, and garlands herself using latex and foil balloons. “Unlike the mylar balloons sold at bigger stores, ours last for days,” she said. Website: revel.com.
Loved the signage in the window at Bookshop Benicia — “When you shop small you’re not just checking off a list, you’re helping pay local wages, keeping storefronts alive, and sustaining the creativity that big corporations can’t replicate. Every purchase, every visit, every kind word keeps small businesses like our thriving.
Amen
Letters From Benicia 