Life can feel overwhelming as we enter a season filled with family gatherings, event planning, and end-of-year responsibilities. Work rarely slows down to match the uptick in social obligations, leaving many of us rushing through the holidays, doing our best to keep up rather than truly enjoy the moments with friends and family. When so much of our time is spent on phones, laptops, and virtual meetings, it becomes even more important to step into each in-person interaction with intention and our full attention.
This November issue of Benicia Magazine highlights the ways people, businesses, and organizations in our town continue to give their all in support of the community, even when life feels hectic. We hope these stories inspire you to log off, and check in with your neighbors, and explore the local businesses and resources that make Benicia unique.
In this issue, we step into the world of Patrice Sartor, a local librarian and beacon of light for those who need it most. Our feature explores the hidden benefits of shopping locally, which has a bigger impact on you and your community than you may realize. Our longtime Art & Artist contributor, Jean Purnell, shares the creative journey of MaryFrances Kelly-Poh, while Kari
Birdseye shares more about our City Boards and Commissions, highlighting how civic involvement shapes our future.
Dr. Gethsemane Moss, Ed. D., discusses the vital services available to our local youth and the positive impact of Senate Bill 640, while our story on the Kyle Hyland Foundation For Teen Support reminds readers how essential and one-of-a-kind this nonprofit continues to be for Benicia’s teens.
As we head into the holiday season, Mary Hand offers ideas for day trips to San Francisco in our Out & About column. You’ll also find details on Benicia’s Veterans Day celebrations and some sustainable gift-wrapping tips.
This month’s Booktails features a Booker Prize-shortlisted novel, while Dinner and a Movie pairs an Adam Sandler film with a visit to the new Bab’s Delta Diner location for some classic comfort food. The Benicia Moms Group shares insights on the power of local support, along with fun crafts and recipes for making memories with the little ones.
Every issue of Benicia Magazine comes together through the efforts of our staff, contributors, Patrons, readers, and the many people and businesses who make time for an interview or share their story. We’re deeply thankful for each and every one of you, whether this is your first issue or your 100th over the past 21 years.
As the holidays draw near, embrace the small, meaningful moments that strengthen community: cook a meal for a neighbor, dust off your library card (or get one for the first time), choose a local shop over an online cart, or simply greet a stranger with a smile. Every action, no matter how small, has a massive impact on this wonderful community we call home. B
Stay inspired, stay connected,
Out & About
San Francisco · 16 Holiday Cheer in the City
The Ripple Effect of Shopping Local Columns
Letter from the Editor · 04
Dinner & a Movie · 20 Hustle and Bab's Delta Diner
Booktails · 22
Flashlight by Susan Choi
Mom-nificent Family Spotlight · 23
On the Cover
Around Town
Community
06 · Patrice Sartor Local Librarian and Community Superstar
10 · Serving Benicia City Boards and Commissions and the Impact of Civil Involvement
11 · Investing in Every Learner Education Resources for Families and Students
14 · The Kyle Hyland Foundation A Lifeline for Teens in Benicia and Vallejo
Art & Artists
08 · Stitches & Strokes The Art of MaryFrances Kelly-Poh
Patrice Sartor (local librarian), Michael Van Auken (photographer), and Mary Hand (publisher) pose in front of the Benicia Public Library.
Photograph by Michael Van Auken
THE GAME OF CONNECTION
How Librarian Patrice Sartor Keeps Benicia Reading,
Playing, and Growing
n Benicia Magazine Staff
Photo by Michael Van Auken
When Patrice Sartor first imagined becoming a librarian, she wasn’t a lifelong bibliophile with the dream of becoming the next Miss Honey. She was working in the video and computer game industry, immersed in the creative chaos of deadlines, ideas, and late-nights. “That was a fun time, working with so many creative and talented people on projects that inspired me,” she says. “Plus, you often got free meals when you worked late!”
But after years in that fast-paced environment, and with the arrival of her children, Sartor began to crave a career that offered more work-life balance. Then one morning in the early 2000s, she came across a newspaper article that changed everything. On the front page was a smiling woman surrounded by books. The story spoke of an anticipated librarian shortage in California and introduced a new online master’s program in library science at San José State University.
She clipped the article and saved it. “I cut it out (I still have it!) and promised myself that one day I would go back to school and give librarianship a try,” she says. It was the beginning of a new path that would eventually lead her to the Benicia Public Library, where she has become one of its most dedicated and beloved staff members.
Sartor’s path to Benicia’s library wasn’t straight forward, but it was shaped by her love of connection. “My background, at its core, is connecting with communities,” she explains. She earned a psychology degree because she loved people, then found ways to stay close to that passion through every job she held, from retail to gaming. When she moved to Benicia, she started seeking out her place in the community. “The Library was a natural place to find community,” she says. She began by attending storytimes with her children and bringing home “armloads of books multiple times a week.” Before long, she was volunteering.
She enrolled in San José State’s online library program, and slowly but surely began to make the Benicia Public Library her professional home.
“By the time I finally received my degree,” Sartor says, “I was so firmly entrenched in Benicia life, I knew I would never work at any other library than BPL.”
Today, she manages the library’s social media, website, and much of its adult nonfiction collection, roles that merge her creative background with her love of communication. “It feels like I’ve come full circle,” she says, comparing her current work connecting with patrons to her early days in online gaming forums.
For Sartor, the library’s role in Benicia is about more than just books. “Much of the country feels divided right now,” she says. “Libraries have always been a place for everyone, and the BPL exemplifies this.”
She sees the library as a rare space where people can gather without pressure or judgment, “a place where you can visit with no expectation of purchasing anything.” Whether someone stops in to browse, read, or just sit quietly for a while, the space is open to all.
And sometimes, it’s not quiet at all. Sartor loves to share about the library’s community events, including the wildly popular Lucha Libro wrestling nights. Hundreds of people have packed into the library for the spectacle. “Is it the wrestling that brings Benicia's community together? Is it the free popcorn?” she jokes. “I think it's all the things, nicely encapsulated in Benicia Public Library!”
Sartor loves how libraries have evolved to meet people where they are. “I know there are still people who think libraries are just about books,” she says, “but we offer so much more than that.”
She points to the library’s expanding Thing and Tool Library, where patrons can borrow items like projectors, karaoke speakers, cornhole sets, and even Nintendo Switch consoles. “Fifteen years ago I would not have expected the Library to have tennis rackets next to juggling sticks, but I just love it,” she says. “Surprising patrons with what they can do
with their library card is a fantastic feeling.”
Beyond the gadgets, BPL offers events that bring people together in new and inventive ways, like the Chili and Salsa CookOffs or the “Cook the Book” book club that combines reading and cooking. “People love events with food!” Sartor muses.
She’s also seen a steady rise in the use of digital resources, especially as she introduces more people to Libby, the eBook and audiobook app.
Sartor believes part of what makes Benicia’s library so vital is how it serves the whole community, from toddlers to seniors, readers to non-readers. She describes lively storytimes for small children, teen sleepovers and movie nights, adult yoga classes, and a tech help drop-in for anyone struggling with devices.
She’s particularly proud of a new initiative launched by City Librarian Jennifer Baker, called No Reading Required, which makes the library more accessible for those with dyslexia or other reading differences. Through the project, the library’s catalog features images and QR codes that link to trailers, audio summaries, or visual guides. “It’s meant to showcase what the Library offers to non-readers,” Sartor says. “Those images were such fun to create.”
For her, it’s about removing barriers and reimagining what inclusion looks like.
When asked what makes her work special, Sartor says, “My most favorite thing about working at BPL is the opportunity to help people.” Whether she’s tracking down a book or helping someone use a library app, she finds joy in those small moments of connection. “Often at the end of the interaction I’m rewarded with a huge smile and a word of appreciation, and that IS THE BEST.”
Her runner-up favorite? “I never get tired of people complimenting my hair,” she says.
She’s also deeply invested in ensuring people know what the library offers. “I am curious how people find out about these things and what's the best method,” she says. “Is it our monthly newsletter? Our social media posts? Flyers? I want ALL the people to know all the things.”
Sartor’s hopes for the library are both practical and visionary. “My hope is that our Library can be one of the things that every person in town loves,” she says. “There are plenty of things to disagree on, but hey, isn't the Library amazing?”
She wants the library to keep experimenting and surprising people, much like the Lucha Libro nights. “Wouldn't it be fun to surprise people with new stuff too?” she says. “Maybe some sort of flash tattoo fundraiser would be cool. Oh, hey, we've got a Tarot and Tea event coming up! We are so cool, and my goal for the future is that everyone agrees on this!”
When asked how Benicia residents can best support the library, her answer is immediate and emphatic: “USE IT! Attend our events. Check out our materials. Print something… Borrow an eAudiobook. Tell a friend about all the things the Library can do for them. Just use it.”
programs she helps organize. She’s a gamer, photographer, concert-goer, and avid walker, often seen around town with her dog Tulip, who she says “seems to be pretty well known around town judging by the number of patrons that tell me they see me walking her.”
“I love to exercise,” she adds. “I like walking, nearly always with my dog Tulip… I like to make people happy, or at least make them smile.” She also has a passion for food. “Eating food, looking at photos of food, talking about food, and reading menus of restaurants I'm going to visit are all big passions of mine.”
Many of those interests naturally weave into her job. “I oversee the Cook Book Club at the Library. I photograph many of the events at the Library,” she says. “And whenever I am walking around town, I tend to run into people who know me from the Library, and they are all so friendly and welcoming.”
If there’s one message Sartor hopes people take away, it’s that the library belongs to everyone. She knows some people still carry misconceptions about what libraries are or who they serve, but she challenges that gently with warmth, humor, and an open heart. “Libraries are a fascinating melting pot of all walks of life and all types of people,” she says. “I encourage anyone with doubts to come to BPL with an open heart and mind and embrace your fellow humans. Smile at someone in there. Compliment their hair. I bet you'll leave happier than you entered.”
And if you do, there’s a good chance Patrice Sartor will be there, smiling back and ready to help you find your next great book, event, or connection.
Read our full, unedited interview with Patrice on our Patreon page where we share exclusive behind-the-scenes
Stitches & Strokes
The Art of MaryFrances Kelly-Poh
n Jean Purnell
“I always wanted to be an artist, but I knew I was going to starve, so I chose to take another route,” says MaryFrances KellyPoh in a matter-of-fact way, about her life path. That route was a career in healthcare, a path that led her to a home in Solano County, meeting her husband in Vallejo, and teaching herself needlepoint. She displays her award-winning needlework and watercolors at First Street Arts Gallery in Benicia. “I’ve done needlework for more than 40 years. I love doing it.” She is entirely self-taught in needlepoint, bargello, and cross-stitch. She stitches almost exclusively using silk and metallic threads, most often creating her own designs.
Kelly-Poh has created a huge amount of needlework. Some works present a mosaic of blocks of various stitches, randomly sized and sampler style, while others follow a meticulously designed symmetry. Her color palette is an important component of her design. Some works reveal decorative stitches done with vivid jewel-toned threads. Others are dominated by neutral colors and tone-on-tone palettes. Many works take months to complete, from design to execution.
Kelly-Poh was born in Macon, Georgia, one of twin sisters. “My dad was an electrical engineer, working for Lockheed, and he got transferred around the country.” The family moved to Marietta, then Brunswick, Maine, followed by Madison, Wisconsin. “That’s where I graduated from High School. We left there the day my sister and I graduated, and it was 50 degrees. We landed in Marysville, and it was over 100. I thought I was going to roast.”
She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chico State University, doing her rotations at Travis Air Force Base Hospital in the mid-sixties, during the Vietnam War. She graduated in 1968. Three days after passing her nursing exam she broke her arm. “I had no money, and no job, but I had an
apartment in Fairfield and my landlord agreed to take my rent once I got my disability payments each week. I had wanted to move to San Francisco, but I stayed here out of necessity. Of course, I know now, it’s close enough and I’d rather not live there. And then I met my husband Henry Hoe, at Vallejo General. He was a physician there. We were together for 52 years.”
She worked for the California Nurses Association in the 1970s as a consultant for nursing negotiations. “There’s a lot of wait time during negotiation sessions, hours and hours, sometimes into the wee hours of the morning,” she recalls. “I had to have something to do, or I was going to eat everything in sight. So, I started doing needlepoint.”
MaryFrances and Henry moved from Vallejo to Benicia in 1972 and she worked as a nurse in her husband’s practice for the next 25 years. “At that time, if you couldn’t afford a house in Vallejo, you moved to Benicia.” Years later, she got a certificate in non-profit management and worked at the Benicia Community Action Council for 15 years, retiring in 2010.
“I continued to do needlepoint until I retired. But afterward, I turned to other media. I took art classes together with a friend at Solano College in Fairfield and learned watercolor. I took drawing classes from Larnie Fox at Arts Benicia and watercolor classes from Samantha McNally. I’ve been doing watercolor for eight years now.”
Her subjects are varied, but most often florals, using a highly saturated color palette. “I’ve done landscapes and some plein air work. I enjoy mixing colors, something you can’t do with thread.” Kelly-Poh has also experimented by embroidering her watercolors, adding stitches and beading to accentuate line and color. “I like to structure my time, spending a couple hours on my needlepoint, a couple on my watercolor painting, and a couple hours doing tasks on the computer. If I didn’t structure myself, I wouldn’t get anything done.”
Kelly-Poh was a charter member of the HQ gallery, formed in 2016, and currently serves as chairperson. The non-profit and volunteer-run gallery was renamed First Street Arts in 2025. Located at 333D on First Street, the gallery has 13 artist members with room for more. “We have introduced a lot of artists to what it’s like to be in a gallery. We do different things, like book readings and classes, to bring people in, to look at the gallery and look at art.”
MaryFrances is a member of the Embroiderers' Guild of America, the California Watercolor Association, and Arts Benicia. She enjoys working in her garden and growing organic vegetables. For more information, visit https://www.maryfranceskellypoh.com/ and https://www. firststreetarts.org/. First Street Arts is open Thursday through Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. B
Serving Benicia
n Kari Birdseye
A record number of Benicians applied for Boards and Commissions this year with some 70 people seeking 32 positions. Many were current Commissioners or Board members seeking reappointment, but the majority were new faces wishing to serve their community by volunteering their expertise and energy for the betterment of Benicia. The new Industrial Safety Oversight drew in nearly a dozen doctors, engineers, and additional experts, while the Planning Commission was also a popular choice. The diversity of the candidate pool was impressive, from people who just moved to Benicia and wanted to learn more about their new city through service – to long time volunteers, who have found serving the City enriching and useful.
Councilmember Terry Scott and I serve on the nomination subcommittee, where we hold the first conversation with each candidate. From there, Mayor Steve Young speaks individually with each candidate. The nomination subcommittee submits its recommendations to the City Council, and the Mayor ultimately decides on the official nominees. This year, he fully agreed on the final slate of nominees, which then went to the full City Council for a vote, which was unanimous.
"Talking with Benicians about why they want to serve on a Board or Commission is one of my favorite responsibilities as a City Councilmember."
Over the years, this system has been refined, and judging by the expertise that was seated, it works. Talking with Benicians about why they want to serve on a Board or Commission is one of my favorite responsibilities as a City Councilmember. Their dedication and civic mindedness is truly inspiring, and the wealth of smart, kind people who want to step up gives me hope for not only Benicia, but democracy itself.
My journey in volunteering for the City started in 2012 with the Benicia Human Services Board, a terrific introduction to being on a Board. Mike Caplan was our kind and thoughtful Chair, ensuring that Benicia issued grant funding to nonprofit groups serving the most vulnerable folks in our community.
I joined the Planning Commission two years later, when coincidentally a few months in, Valero proposed the Crude by Rail expansion project. Under Donald
Dean’s expert leadership as Chair, I learned the responsibilities of the Commission. When he stepped down, my fellow Commissioners elected me to serve as Chair, a position I held for the next five years until getting elected to the City Council.
"Our civic-minded volunteers make our community rich, diverse and, despite what some may think, as efficient as possible, resulting in a safe and thriving place to live, work and visit."
The experience of my prior service to the community has provided the insights needed to understand how the business of the City happens, how the work of each Commission, Board and department is uniquely important and how these efforts are often interrelated. Our civic-minded volunteers make our community rich, diverse and, despite what some may think, as efficient as possible, resulting in a safe and thriving place to live, work and visit.
To those who applied to a Board or Commission this year, Benicia thanks you for your service. And for those who were not placed on a Board, please consider applying again in the future. We need each of you. Our Boards and Commissions are a terrific way to give back to your community while learning so much about our great City.
If you aren’t serving on a Board or Commission, there are still many ways to stay engaged in our city government. You can attend or watch City Council and Commission meetings, offer public comments during meetings, or write to Councilmembers about issues that matter to you. These are just a few powerful ways to have your voice heard. B
Investing in Every Learner
Education Resources for Families and Students
n Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D.
Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, qualifying graduating seniors will receive automatic letters of admission to California State Colleges, thanks to Senate Bill 640, authored by District 3 Senator Christopher Cabaldon and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. This landmark legislation creates a groundbreaking opportunity for California students, allowing qualified applicants to be automatically admitted to state colleges and universities with available space. By expanding access to higher education for thousands of young people, SB 640 represents a significant step toward educational equity, ensuring that students who may have once been discouraged from pursuing college or steered toward limited options now have a clear and attainable path to continue their education and achieve their dreams.
In Benicia, students benefit from a network of local supports. The City of Benicia’s Youth & Teen Programs offer engaging opportunities such as coding courses in AI and robotics, performing arts, sewing, and babysitting certification, helping students explore their passions beyond the classroom. The Benicia Community Action Council (CAC) provides vital community support, including referrals for housing and rent or utility assistance, school supply drives, youth job and volunteer programs, and summer enrichment opportunities.
Through the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP), eligible students receive free after-school and nonschool day programming that includes high-quality tutoring, enrichment, and social-emotional learning. The Benicia Unified School District (BUSD) also offers a range of supports, from its College & Career Center, which assists with college visits, essays, and Free Application for Federal Support and grants, to Academic Intervention Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) programs offering before and after-school tutoring. Additionally, Foster & Homeless Youth Services ensure that all students have access to tutoring, mentoring, and school enrollment support.
The Benicia Public Library continues to be a cornerstone of community learning, offering Live Online Tutoring & HelpNow, where students of all ages can connect with tutors for help in various subjects, writing feedback, and test preparation. Meanwhile, Benicia Middle School’s Homework & Help Clubs provide after-school academic support, and local tutoring programs such as Learning Circles focus on both academic growth and social-emotional well-being, ensuring a holistic approach to education.
Solano County is more than just a place to live; it’s a community that offers the transformative power of education. Across its cities and towns, students of all ages have access to a vast network of programs and resources designed to help them learn, grow, and thrive. From elementary school classrooms to college campuses and adult learning centers, Solano County is making strategic investments in every learner’s journey.
Through collaboration, compassion, and innovation, schools and community partners are shaping a future where every student, from the youngest learner to the oldest dreamer can
succeed. The county demonstrates that when a community invests in its people, everyone rises.
Beyond academics, Solano County embraces the notion that true education includes the whole person. The Solano County Library System provides welcoming spaces for study, creativity, and connection, offering literacy programs, digital resources, and workshops for learners of all ages. Mental health and wellness are also top priorities, with countywide wellness centers and partnerships bringing counseling and emotional support directly to schools. Meanwhile, food banks, housing programs, and student support services ensure that no learner faces hunger or hardship alone.
Education doesn’t stop after high school. The Solano Adult Education Consortium (SAEC), which includes Vallejo Adult School and other local partners empowers adults to earn high school diplomas, learn English, gain career certifications, or prepare for college. These programs help community members reenter the workforce, pursue new goals, and build stability and confidence through lifelong learning.
The Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) plays a vital role in ensuring all children in all of Solano County receive the support they need to thrive. SCOE partners with local districts to provide essential services for foster and homeless youth, promote social-emotional learning, and expand access to mental health care. For students needing alternative education pathways, SCOE’s Juvenile Court and Community Schools and Independent Study Programs help young people re-engage in learning, earn credits, and build brighter futures. In addition, the Solano County SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) ensures that students with disabilities receive individualized services and opportunities for growth from birth through age 22.
For many local students, Solano Community College (SCC) is where dreams take shape. With a strong focus on access and student success, SCC offers a wide range of programs, tutoring, counseling, and academic support services. The SOAR Program provides guidance for students facing unique challenges, including foster youth, those experiencing homelessness, and formerly incarcerated individuals, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to succeed. SCC also prioritizes students’ basic needs, offering food and housing assistance, as well as support for student parents balancing family and school responsibilities. Many of these resources are available online, making help just a click away. B
Every November, the day after Thanksgiving kicks off the biggest shopping weekend of the year. But before the Black Friday crowds hit the big box stores, a different, more meaningful kind of shopping holiday is taking root, Pink Friday. Held on the Friday before Thanksgiving, Pink Friday celebrates small and local business, encouraging shoppers to discover and support them rather than big-box stores during the holiday season.
This month, we hope to inspire you to not only celebrate Pink Friday with us, but to challenge yourself to skip the big-box Black Friday frenzy completely and support your local business owners, artists, and neighbors instead. Our dream is to see our community thrive in a way that only happens when we invest in ourselves and our neighbors instead of large corporations.
Pink Friday is much more than a clever marketing idea, it’s a movement centered on community growth and connection. Choosing to shop local isn’t just about where we spend our money, it’s about how we invest in our town’s future, because our holiday shopping and everyday purchases have a much larger impact on our town’s success than some might realize.
Economists use something called a “multiplier” to measure how money circulates within an economy. When we choose to shop locally, that dollar doesn’t disappear into a distant corporate account, it moves through our community, generating additional public resources and jobs.
"SIMPLY PUT, EVERY $1 SPENT AT A SMALL BUSINESS CREATES ROUGHLY THREE TIMES MORE LOCAL ECONOMIC BENEFIT THAN THE SAME DOLLAR SPENT AT A NATIONAL RETAILER."
According to the American Independent Business Alliance, 48% of each purchase at local, independent businesses is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14% at chain stores and practically nothing at online retailers. That’s a multiplier of 1.48 versus 1.14. Simply put, every $1 spent at a small business creates roughly three times more local economic benefit than the same dollar spent at a national retailer.
Small, independent businesses are naturally wired to invest locally as well. They are much more likely to buy from nearby suppliers, hire local residents, and bank with local institutions. This creates a self-sustaining cycle where money stays close to home, supporting families, schools, and essential services.
Shopping locally isn’t just good for our famous Main Street charm, it’s a cornerstone of job creation. Small businesses are responsible for around two-thirds of private-sector jobs, and every $10 million spent at local stores results in 57 jobs. By comparison, the same amount spent online with retail giants like Amazon creates just 14 jobs, and those jobs rarely exist in the community doing the spending.
Communities that consistently support and nurture their small businesses see long-term economic benefits. A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that counties with a larger share of local businesses enjoy lower poverty rates, faster employment growth, and higher per capita income. When we shop small, we help build a strong and more equitable local economy!
The impact doesn’t stop with businesses. Every local purchase directly supports the systems that make our communities livable.
Local spending fuels tax revenue, which funds the public goods we all rely on like schools, libraries, parks, and infrastructure. Roughly 90% of the funding for schools and local services comes from state and local sources, not the federal government. Local businesses also pay significantly more in property taxes per acre
than big-box retailers, further boosting the resources available for public investment.
Stepping away from economics for a minute, there’s something deeply human about shopping locally. Strolling downtown or around the arsenal or industrial park to pick up a gift, chatting with a bookseller, or discovering a handmade treasure connects us to our neighbors in ways that online shopping never will.
These seemingly small interactions create “social fabric,” the sense of belonging that turns a town into a community. Studies of the world’s happiest places, such as the Blue Zones of Denmark, show that people who make intentional, local purchases report higher happiness levels. They value craftsmanship, relationships, and experiences over convenience and consumption.
When you buy from a local artisan, you’re not just buying a product, you’re preserving traditional skills, encouraging creativity, and celebrating uniqueness in a world that too often favors mass production, uniformity and the convenience of “one-click purchases.”
Local business owners are often the first to sponsor school fundraisers and neighborhood events. They’re invested in making the community thrive and supporting them means supporting the people who, in turn, support us! I don’t see the Amazon logo gracing the flags, flyers, and shirts of our beloved local events.
There’s also a strong ripple effect. Vibrant local shopping areas increase property values and attract visitors, keeping our town lively and safe. A community that shops together grows together.
In Benicia, we also celebrate Small Business Saturday (November 29th) where Main Street hosts a Santa Sip & Shop Small Wine Walk. Get festive and get ready to shop small downtown Benicia while you sample wine and tasty bites at shops and galleries. Take a look at our events page for a link where you’ll find more information on this annual Main Street event.
"WHEN WE SHOP LOCALLY, WE’RE NOT ONLY FINDING THOUGHTFUL GIFTS AND ENJOYING FRIENDLY SERVICE, WE’RE VOTING FOR THE KIND OF WORLD WE WANT TO LIVE IN: ONE THAT VALUES PEOPLE OVER PROFIT, CONNECTION OVER CONVENIENCE, AND CREATIVITY OVER CONFORMITY."
Each of us has the power to shape the future of our community with our spending choices. When we shop locally, we’re not only finding thoughtful gifts and enjoying friendly service, we’re voting for the kind of world we want to live in: one that values people over profit, connection over convenience, and creativity over conformity.
This Pink Friday (and beyond) skip the corporate countdowns and think local instead. Stop by our local shops, meet the people behind the counter, and discover something unique. Because when we choose small, we’re making a big difference for our neighbors, our economy, and ourselves.
When you buy local, you’re not just making a purchase, you’re investing in your community’s future. B
A Life L ine for Teens in BeniciA And VaLL ejo
n Benicia Magazine Staff
In a small town like Benicia, the presence of a dedicated space for teens to connect, create, and express themselves is crucial. The Kyle Hyland Foundation for Teen Support (KHF), founded in 2015, stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, offering what few other towns can claim: a safe, welcoming, and creative environment built entirely for our youth.
The foundation was created in memory of Kyle Hyland, a vibrant and empathetic Benicia High School junior who took his life at 16. His parents, Barbara Gervase and George Hyland, found purpose in their grief by establishing the KHF to ensure that “no other family experiences the loss that Kyle’s family suffered.”
Kyle was known not only for his musical talents, playing guitar, keyboard, ukulele, and singing, but also for his deep compassion and sense of humor. “He had a unique ability to make people feel better when they were sad, troubled or upset,” his family shared. “He would frequently seek out kids who were not part of the group, the new kid at school, the kid that was shy or was targeted by bullies.”
That kindness and natural ability to make other feel included became a driving force of the foundation. Inspired by Kyle’s observation that, for teens, “Benicia was just so boring with nothing to do,” Barbara and George created the Hyland Teen Center, a place where teens could hang out, create music, express themselves through art, and find support in a “stressfree and creative environment.” The teen center is open to Benicia residents and Benicia Unified School District students in 8th to 12th grade.
"...the T ype of cenTer Th At we power is more Th A n jusT A recre Ation AL cenTer A s we AL so offer peer mentoring, A nd educ Ation ABouT mentAL he ALth Through Various workshops A nd Teen forums.”
As Barbara explains, “The KHF is the only one of its kind in Benicia and neighboring cities. Teen centers are very rare, and the type of center that we power is more than just a recreational center as we also offer peer mentoring, and education about mental health through various workshops and teen forums.”
This dual mission to nurture creativity while addressing mental health is what sets the organization apart. What began in 2016 as a small rented space has since blossomed into a cornerstone of community support. The current center, located at 1135 Church Street, feels more like a cozy home than a facility, complete with a music room, art studio, games, and a quiet space to study or reflect. “The teens think of the HTC as their ‘home away from home,’” Barbara says.
When the foundation began, there was an intense stigma against mental health. “In 2015, there was so much more stigma with respect to mental health,” Barbara recalls. “When Kyle was struggling, it was very difficult to find an adolescent therapist that was accepting new patients.”
Today, the foundation has helped to remedy that. Through its Behavioral Health Program, KHF now offers free counseling for teens in both
Benicia (at the Hyland Teen Center and Liberty High School) and Vallejo (at Jesse Bethel, and Vallejo High). With two therapists on staff, these services are life-changing for families who might otherwise struggle to find affordable care.
KHF also has a Teen and Community Awareness Program, hosting campaigns and events on suicide prevention, bullying, teen dating violence, and more. Their annual Community Suicide Prevention Walk brings residents together to honor lives lost and raise awareness.
Benicia’s teens, like those in neighboring Vallejo, face unique pressures. “When you grow up in a small town such as Benicia, everyone knows you and knows your business,” Barbara explains. “This can put a lot of stress and pressure on the youth. Add in social media and this can promote both anxiety and depression.”
While many teens in big cities find community in youth centers or cultural hubs, small-town teens don’t often have those same options. “The lack of a movie theater, a bowling alley, or a mall leave many teens without much to do,” Barbara says. The Teen Center fills that void, offering safe, supervised after-school programs during the hours when “risky behavior in youth peaks.”
More than just a hangout spot, the center is a place where teens can process the challenges of growing up in an increasingly complex world, where technology, social isolation, and fear of violence weigh heavily on all of us. “KHF is a safe space for teens to be accepted, receive help and guidance,” Barbara emphasizes. “Community-building spaces that are free, accepting and welcoming for everyone are exactly what every city needs in modern times.”
Music, which was such a major part of Kyle’s life, continues to inspire the foundation’s energy. “Kyle’s passion is alive and well in the music room of the teen center,” Barbara says, noting that his original keyboard sits among guitars, a DJ table, and a drum kit. “Teens play alone or together in groups there, and the creative expression of performing and creating music help to keep Kyle’s spirit alive.”
The center hosts open mics, karaoke nights, and “battle of the
bands” events, alongside art programs where teens can paint, draw, sculpt, or create with any medium they choose. “You name it, we basically have it or will purchase it if a teen asks for it,” Barbara says. “All of these supplies are free for the teens.”
Local artists, musicians, and volunteers have been essential to KHF’s impact. Many have donated instruments and supplies, and some even lead workshops and mentor teens. Events like KHF’s annual “60s/70s Adult Party” fundraiser, featuring a band of local musicians called Kyle’s Misfits, help fund the programs year-round.
Partnerships with other local organizations also expand the foundation’s reach. “We love to partner with other organizations and businesses to offer workshops at the teen center,” Barbara says.
As the foundation celebrates 10-years of service to our community, its future looks brighter than ever. A major milestone is already in progress: KHF recently purchased a permanent home for the Teen Center at 1155 W. 10th Street, just a block from its current location.
“The Planning Commission approved the use permit in August 2025, and the City Council later upheld the Planning Commission’s approval by a unanimous vote.,” Barbara says. “We closed escrow in October and are now in the process of applying for building permits to remodel the house for use as the future teen center. We are excited to finally bring our vision to life with this new space for generations of Benicia teens to come.”
The foundation also plans to launch a Vocational Program connecting local business owners and professionals with teens to share insights about their careers. The program is a sort of “day in the life” experience designed to help youth explore possible career paths.
"The k y L e h y LA nd f oundAtion reminds Benici A A nd Va LL ejo Th At even in The sm ALL esT towns, posiTive ch A nge c A n come from compA ssion, cre AtiviT y, A nd The cour Age to tAL k open Ly ABouT mentAL he ALth."
What began as a response to loss has transformed into an impactful lifeline for hundreds of teens, acting as a model for how small towns can effectively support their youth. The Kyle Hyland Foundation reminds Benicia and Vallejo that even in the smallest towns, positive change can come from compassion, creativity, and the courage to talk openly about mental health.
Kyle’s legacy continues to spread through every note played, every brushstroke, and every conversation where a teen feels seen, heard, and supported, possibly for the first time.
Because of the Kyle Hyland Foundation, our small town is stronger, more connected, and full of hope. B
SAN FRANCISCO IN NOVEMBER
Litquake – Where Words Party Hard
Before diving into the holidays, let’s give a nod to Litquake, San Francisco’s month-long literary festival that wraps up in early November. Picture hundreds of readings, discussions, film screenings, and themed events popping up all over the Bay Area — like literary fireworks that refuse to stay in one place. With more than 100 events and 600 authors, Litquake draws about 21,000 book-loving souls every year, making it the world’s largest free pop-up literary festival. I managed to attend one event at City Lights Books, the legendary bookstore founded by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, where writers debated the role of art, writing, and ideas in our age — deep thoughts fueled, naturally, by espresso.
n Mary Hand
On to the Holidays in San Francisco
November is when the City officially switches from spooky to sparkly. Personally, I consider Halloween the gateway drug to the holidays — a joyous sprint (or stumble) from candy to champagne, straight through Boxing Day.
I love heading into San Francisco for the season’s festivities. At the top of my list: the breathtaking Aura light and sound experience at Grace Cathedral, live jazz at The Jazz Room, ice skating (because nothing says “holiday spirit” like clinging to the rail), and the Winter Walk
at Union Square — best enjoyed with cocoa, cocktails, or both. Afterward, I recommend sliding into the Starlite Room at The Beacon Grand for fabulous cocktails and people-watching, or making the rounds at the Top of the Mark and The Fairmont, both decked out in full holiday glamour.
No San Francisco December is complete without the Great Dickens Fair (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21 + Friday, Nov. 28). It’s a glorious mashup of shopping, singing, dancing, and—let’s be honest—more drinking.
And for the culture vultures among us, November brings free museum days at the Asian Art Museum, the de Young, and the Conservatory of Flowers Add in Smuin Ballet’s “The Christmas Ballet”, and you’ve got a perfect mix of class and cheer.
November in San Francisco is truly a magical blend of late-fall coziness and early holiday sparkle — the ideal time to get out, dress up, and soak in the season’s bounty (preferably with something festive in hand). B
Earth-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas
n Benicia Magazine Staff
Americans purchase and use an estimated 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper each year, and about half of it ends up in landfills. Not only is this wasteful and harmful to the planet, but it’s also an unnecessary financial burden at a time when most of us are trying to be mindful of our spending.
Luckily, wrapping paper isn’t our only option. There are many eco-friendly alternatives we can turn to instead.
1. Brown Paper Bags
Leading up to the holiday season, save those grocery store paper bags to use as wrapping paper. Lay the bags flat and use the blank (inside) side as the exterior. After cutting the bag to size, you can decorate the plain surface with a message, drawing, or stamped design, giving your gift a personal and nostalgic touch.
2.
Fabric-Wrapped Gifts (Furoshiki)
Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese technique of wrapping fabric to carry items, and it’s become a popular eco-friendly gift wrapping method. You can use a tea towel, scarf, or even an outgrown T-shirt. Cut the fabric into a square, wrap it around your gift, and tie the corners at the top to resemble a bow. Not only is it reusable, but it adds a soft, elegant look to any package.
3. Newspaper
If you still receive the local newspaper, its pages make great wrapping material. To make it more personal, use meaningful articles or headlines that relate to the recipient. It’s a creative way to recycle while giving your gift a unique, storyfilled presentation.
4. Toilet Paper Rolls
For smaller gifts, toilet paper or paper towel rolls can be turned into mini gift boxes. Simply fold each end inward to close the roll, then decorate it with twine, drawings, tags, or small flowers for a festive look. It’s a clever reuse of something that would otherwise be tossed away.
5. Reuse Past Gift Bags and Boxes
With a little planning, you can save gift bags and boxes received throughout the year (from birthdays, holidays, or special occasions) and reuse them during the holiday season. It’s an easy, cost-free way to reduce waste while keeping your gifts beautifully presented.
You can also save tissue paper and bubble wrap from deliveries to use for gifts that you plan to mail.
Ways to Add Eco-Friendly Embellishments
Dried or Pressed Flowers
Use dried or pressed flowers from your garden or bouquets you’ve received during the year instead of plastic bows. Tuck the flowers into twine or ribbon wrapped around the gift for a delicate, natural look.
Fabric Bows
Cut old pillowcases, curtains, or fabric scraps into long strips and tie them into bows. These fabric ribbons can be reused for years and add a charming handmade feel to your gifts.
Cinnamon Sticks and Evergreen Sprigs
Bundle a few cinnamon sticks with a small sprig from your Christmas tree and tie them together with twine. This embellishment smells amazing and adds a cozy, festive touch.
Fall Leaves
Dip colorful fall leaves in melted beeswax and let them dry. Then tuck them into your wrapping or ribbon for a beautiful, seasonal pop of color.
Gift-giving is about thoughtfulness, and that care can extend to how we wrap our presents. Choosing sustainable wrapping options reduces waste and adds creativity, beauty, and a personal touch to any gift. These small choices make a big difference for the planet and for the people who receive them.
This holiday season, try swapping the shiny paper and plastic bows for something more personal
Honoring Our Heroes Veterans Day in Benicia
n Mary Hand
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice—or temporary cessation of hostilities—was declared between the Allied nations and Germany, marking the end of World War I. Originally commemorated as Armistice Day the following year, November 11 became a legal federal holiday in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, the observance was renamed Veterans Day, honoring all American veterans of every era, including our own.
Veterans Day is a time to recognize and thank all who have served in the U.S. Armed
Forces—both living and deceased—for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to preserving our freedoms. Each year at exactly 11 a.m. on November 11, Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia holds a solemn ceremony beginning with the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave their lives in service.
In Benicia, Veterans Day is observed primarily at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall (1150 First Street). Our traditions include a flag-raising ceremony, visits to area cemeteries, a ceremonial breakfast, and a main program in the afternoon.
For Veterans Day 2025, a special ceremony will take place at the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, November 11, at 11:45 a.m.
Additionally, on Sunday, November 9, Vallejo Naval Lodge #87 and American Legion Post #101 will host a free breakfast for veterans and their families from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Memorial Hall. This gathering is a heartfelt opportunity to honor and remember those who have served our nation.
RSVPs are requested by October 31 to:
Mario: mariobchesney@gmail.com
Rich: rgamoras@yahoo.com B
For Veterans Day 2025, a special ceremony will take place at the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, November 11, at 11:45 a.m.
MITCHELL LAW GROUP
490 Chadbourne Rd. Suite 137 Fairfield, CA 94534
SolanoLawGroup.com info@SolanoLawGroup.com
7 07 -748-090 0
Hustle
2022 Sports/Drama
Rated R for language 1 hr, 57 min Streaming on Netflix
n Movie Magic
This movie has it all...sports, struggle, humor, and heart. Adam Sandler plays one of his best roles in years. As movie critic, Peter Travers, says "It's always a slam dunk when Adam Sandler drops his doofus routine and really acts. Hot damn, we have a winner!" His performance earned him excellent critic and audience reviews, receiving his first SAG award nomination for Hustle.
Sandler plays Stanley Sugerman, a down-onhis-luck National Basketball Association scout. Sugerman was a former basketball star who suffered a debilitating accident ending his career. He's anxious to coach and has an excellent eye for potential talent.
Through a series of unlikely events, he discovers a raw but brilliantly talented basketball player in
Spain named Bo Cruz, played by real life NBA player Juancho Hernangomez. He risks his job and financial security to show Bo the ropes and train him to become an NBA starter.
Robert Duvall stars as Sugarmen's employer, the owner of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team, who lives by the mantra, "Never Back Down". Queen Latifa plays Sugerman's supportive and enthusiastic wife. The film also stars Heidi
Gardner, Anthony Edwards and Ben Foster, with several cameos from basketball greats. Produced by Sandler and LeBron James, it is directed by Jeremiah Zagar.
Sandler's charisma carries the show, with a feel-good ending that will have you cheering. The movie has an audience rating of 4.8 out of 5 and a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 92%. Get out your popcorn, kick back and enjoy!
Movie Magic gives Hustle 4 1/2 Moons out of five.
"Sandler's charisma carries the show, with a feel-good ending that will have you cheering."
Bab's Delta Diner in Glen Cove
134 Robles Way Vallejo, CA 94591
707.980.6353
n Gourmet Gracie Bab's in Suisun is built on comfort and community, and it’s legendary among Solano County locals. Now, good fortune has come to Vallejo with another Bab's opening at the Glen Cove Shopping Center in mid-September. Welcome!
Bring your appetite and enjoy popular breakfast entrees including their famous corned beef hash, several variations of Eggs Benedict, chicken fried steak or chilaquiles with the ever-popular fried rice. Ribeye Breakfast Steak? Yes, please! Don't forget the homemade biscuits and gravy. Korean lunch additions, including Bibimbap and Ramen, begin at 11:00 am. Dinner starts at 4:30 pm, featuring authentic Korean entrees such as Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Rice Bowls, BBQ Short Ribs, Pan Fried Mackerel, and Von's fried chicken. Bab's Glen Cove offers classic American comfort food and bold, flavorful Korean cuisine.
There’s something for everyone, with sandwiches, burgers, salads, chili and soups. Enjoy wine, beer, and Soju cocktails, and choose from plenty of vegetarian items on the menu.
The ambience is fun and whimsical, with bright colors in a playful atmosphere. The super-friendly staff provide excellent service all while looking like they're having the time of their lives (ask for Ken!). The portions are generous, food is flavorful, and the choices are almost endless. This place gave Gracie a smile and a full tummy!
Closed Tuesdays. Plenty of parking. Family friendly. Indoor dining. Enjoy! B
NOV
n Cooper Mickelson
As we approach the end of the year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of stellar book releases you haven’t yet gotten to, making the allimportant decision of what to read next feel even more daunting. One way to take a bit of responsibility off your shoulders is by turning to the world of book awards for inspiration.
Personally, I like to spend the final months of the year reading books shortlisted for the Booker Prize. The award recognizes a single work of fiction each year, and with only six titles on the shortlist, the goal of reading them all by the end of the year feels achievable. I’ve also found some of my favorite five-star reads this way. This year’s shortlist includes:
Flesh by David Szalay
The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller
The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits
Audition by Katie Kitamura
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai
…and our November Booktails pick, Flashlight by Susan Choi.
Flashlight is a lengthy and intense novel that invites readers to revisit their own childhood memories and examine past events with both a more critical and more forgiving eye. First published as a short story in The New Yorker in August 2020, Flashlight is both thrilling and emotional. It weaves together themes of identity, memory, family, migration, ableism, politics, and war.
Inspired by stories of the unexplained disappearances of ordinary Japanese citizens in the late 1970s, the novel
"Flashlight" by susan choi
follows a family swept up in the currents of 20th-century history.
One summer night in a coastal Japanese town, Louisa and her father, Serk, take a walk out on the breakwater. Their family is spending the summer at a beach house while Serk, a Korean emigrant, participates in an academic exchange from his American university. Something mysterious occurs that night, leaving Louisa to wake up hours later washed ashore, her father missing and presumed drowned.
Serk’s disappearance shatters an already fragile family unit, forcing Louisa and her American mother, Anne, to deal with both the uncertainty of his presumed death and their fractured relationship, filled with distrust and desperate misunderstandings.
Louisa is all hard edges and high walls, closed off to every attempt her mother makes to repair their broken bond. Anne, meanwhile, is dissatisfied and disillusioned with her life, allowing her need to be understood to cloud her relationships with her daughter, her husband, and her firstborn son, Tobias, whom she secretly gave up when she was 19. As Tobias becomes a more central figure, his selflessness, blind trust, and zest for life stand in stark contrast to the troubled psyches of Anne, Louisa, and Serk.
Flashlight moves fluidly across perspectives and time, spanning the postwar Korean immigrant community in Japan, suburban America, and the North Korean regime.
Choi’s characters are remarkably vivid and tangible; each chapter’s distinct voice reflects the shifting point of view so effectively that you half expect to run into these people at the grocery store. Her protagonists are flawed, frustrating, and utterly alive, even amid the stark and sometimes devastating circumstances they face.
It’s remarkable how seamlessly Choi transforms what, at first, appears to be a classic family drama
into a pulse-quickening suspense thriller. I hesitate to say too much for fear of spoiling what, for me, was the most compelling part of the story, the section that truly won me over and kept me reading well past bedtime. Instead, I’ll simply urge you to pick up the book yourself, or seek out a more detailed review if you don’t mind spoilers and want a fuller picture of the plot.
You can buy a copy of Flashlight by Susan Choi at Bookshop Benicia or order it through their website. You can also borrow a copy from the Benicia Public Library, but don’t wait too long to place your hold, the list is growing by the day.
Why Persimmon?
In Korean culture, persimmons symbolize transformation, endurance, and continuity. Featured during Chuseok, the autumn harvest festival, they honor memory and ancestry. Much like the way Flashlight explores identity ripening through hardship, bitter when young and sweet with time. Growing in both Korea and Japan, the persimmon reflects the novel’s themes of diaspora and belonging. Paired with warm spices, this mocktail invites reflection and stillness. A perfect companion to Choi’s reflective and pensive prose. B
Booktails' Cocktail of the Month
spiced persimmon mocktail
Ingredients:
3/4 oz Persimmon syrup*
2 oz Ginger beer
1/4 oz Lemon juice
1 /2 c. Sparkling water
Persimmon, thyme, star anise (optional garnish)
*recipe on our website
Preparation:
1. Add spiced persimmon syrup, ginger beer, and lemon juice to a glass. Fill the glass with ice. Top off with sparkling water.
2. If desired, garnish with persimmon slice, thyme, and star anise.
rooted in B eniciA
The p ower of Loc AL supporT
c r AfT of The monTh: fAmi Ly ThAnkfu L Tree
nTracy L. Bergier
As the holiday season approaches, Benicia comes alive with that smalltown sparkle we all love! Shop windows glowing, familiar faces greeting us downtown, and the kind of connection that reminds us why we choose to raise our families here.
This month, as we celebrate Pink Friday and Small Business Saturday, Benicia Moms Group encourages everyone to shop local and show love to the businesses that make our community so special. Whether it’s grabbing your morning coffee from a neighborhood café, picking up a teacher gift at a downtown boutique, or visiting a holiday market, every local purchase helps our town thrive. Supporting small businesses keeps our dollars close to home and strengthens the fabric of the community our children grow up in.
And while we’re shopping locally, it’s also the perfect time to reflect on gratitude, on the people, moments, and little joys that make life in Benicia so meaningful.
Gather the family for a simple but heartfelt November craft that grows right along with your gratitude.
You'll need:
- A few small branches (from the yard or a neighborhood walk)
- A vase or jar
- Construction paper or cardstock (cut into leaf shapes)
- String or twine
- Markers or pens
How to make it:
1. Arrange the branches in a vase to form a “tree.”
2. Cut paper leaves and punch a small hole at the top of each.
3. Each day in November, invite family members to write one thing they’re thankful for on a leaf and tie it to a branch.
4. By Thanksgiving, you’ll have a beautiful visual reminder of all the love and gratitude in your home.
Community twist:
Encourage your kids to write a few extra leaves for neighbors, teachers, or local shop owners and deliver them as handwritten thank-yous during Pink Friday weekend. It’s a small act that carries big meaning.
r ecipe of The monTh:
h A rvesT sheeT-pA n dinner
A cozy, local-produce-inspired meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights— and minimal cleanup!
Ingredients:
1 lb Chicken or turkey sausage, sliced
2 c. Cubed butternut squash
1 Large apple, diced
1 Red onion, sliced
1 c. Brussels sprouts, halved Olive oil, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss all ingredients with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan.
3. Roast for 25–30 minutes until caramelized and golden.
4. Serve warm for a sweet-and-savory taste of fall.
It’s the perfect dish to enjoy after an afternoon of shopping locally, making your Thankful Tree, or simply gathering around the table with the people who make this season special. B
November Events
November 1-2
Benicia Arsenal Artists Open Studios
The Benicia Arsenal 10 am - 5 pm
San Francisco Bay Area artists will open their Benicia Arsenal studio doors on this special weekend. Come explore the beautiful, historic buildings, while visiting the artist’s studios.
All studios are within walking distance to one another and there is plenty of free parking.
Our artists work in a variety of media - oil and acrylics, pastels, photography, glass, ceramics, sculpture, and more.
More information at https://www. beniciaarsenalartists.com/
November 7
Ramana Vieira Ensemble
MoHB | Camel Barn 6:30 - 9 pm
Spend an evening with this internationally acclaimed group bringing the authentic sounds of Portuguese Fado to American audiences. Listen as Vieira blends the soulful traditions of her heritage with modern textures and world music influences to create a performance that feels both timeless and fresh.
More info at https://mohbenicia.org/
November 7
Common Room Coworking Ribbon
Cutting & Open House
521 First St.
5 - 7 pm
Drinks, snacks, merch, membership discounts, and networking!
More information at https:// commonroombenicia.com/home
November 7 - 23
Solano College Theatre
"Everybody"
4000 Suisun Valley Road Fairfield, CA 94534
Discovering that their end is nigh Everybody frantically seeks answers to life’s big questions like: What do we leave behind? WHO do we leave behind? And more importantly, is there anyone who might want to come with us?
More info at https://www. solanocollegetheatre.org/
November 8
Friends of the Library "$5 Per Bag of Books Sale"
Benicia Public Library
10 - 4 pm
This bi-annual sale includes books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles.
https://www.luccabar.com/
https://www.therelliktavern.com/
November 8 & 9
The Winter Craft & Artisan Fair
Southampton Swim Club 10 Chelsea Hills Dr. Nov. 8 at 4 pm | Nov. 9 at 3 pm
Come support local crafters and artisans and discover one of a kind treasures while enjoying a festive atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity to shop handmade and get ready for the holiday season!
Some vendors will accept only cash and checks, but most will accept cash, credit, venmo, etc.
November 9
The Spirit of Isadora Duncan as Interpreted by Lois Ann Flood
Benicia Public Library
2 - 3 pm
Join us for an afternoon of dance and history as Lois Ann Flood performs a selection of historical choreography and narrates the story of Bay Area legend Isadora Duncan becoming the “Mother of Modern Dance.”
Free Veterans Day Breakfast for Veterans and Families
Presented by Auxiliary 3928
Benicia Veterans Hall
9 - 11 am
November 14
Arts Benicia's Fun, Festive & Spirited Fall Celebration
B.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall of Benicia 140 W J St
6 - 9 pm
Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Arts Benicia's Fun , Festive & Spirited Fall Celebration. It will be an event like no other... and we would love for you to join us!
There will be Spirit & Wine Tastings by SIPS, non-alcoholic drinks, delicious appetizers from Bella Sienna, and live music by Skillet Licorice trio - hot, sweet, and just a bit greasy! Plus a photo booth, Live and Silent Auctions, and more!
Thank you so much for supporting Arts Benicia! Your support is greatly appreciated.
Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Arts Benicia's Fun , Festive & Spirited Fall Celebration. It will be an event like no other... and we would love for you to join us!
There will be Spirit & Wine Tastings by SIPS, non-alcoholic drinks, delicious appetizers from Bella Sienna, and live music by Skillet Licorice trio - hot, sweet, and just a bit greasy! Plus a photo booth, Live and Silent Auctions, and more!
November 21
B.I.T.E and Improv Playhouse Improv Show
Benicia High School
7 - 8 pm
Get ready for an evening filled with laughter, quick wit, and unpredictable entertainment as BHS proudly presents its very own Improv Show featuring the talented B.I.T.E Team. Join us on November 21st for an unforgettable night of spontaneous performances that will leave you in stitches.
More info at https://www.tabbs.org/ events/tabbs-improv-show-nov-2025
November 22
VOENA's Annual Fall Tea Fundraiser St. Paul's Church Parish Hall Noon - 3 pm
Enjoy an enchanting afternoon of fragrant teas, perfectly paired with sweet and savory bites. Exclusive highlights from VOENA’s upcoming concert, “Voices of Winter Lights,” will fill the air with holiday spirit!
Tickets available at https://www. voena.org/
November
27
9th Annual Benicia Hand Up Turkey Trot
Benicia Community Park 540 Rose Drive
Registration at 7:30
Giving a Hand Up to patients along their journey fighting cancer…
Since the inception of The Tim & Jeannie Hamann Foundation in 2014, the Foundation has granted over $1,500,000 to patients giving a HAND UP with rent and mortgage payments, gas & groceries, medical expenses, utility payments and other needs. The form of support is direct to the patients’ needs to help make a difference along their personal journey fighting cancer. The Tim & Jeannie Hamann Foundation continues to grow each year.
More information at https://www. hamannfoundation.org/events/2025benicia-hand-up-turkey-trot/
November 28December 21
Christmas Tree Lot
MoHB | Fire Museum
Th & F 3-6 pm | Sat & Sun 10 am - 6 pm
MoHB’s beloved Christmas Tree Lot is back this holiday season! Featuring Douglas Firs, Noble Firs, and Nordmann Firs--find the perfect tree for your home. All proceeds will support the museum.
More info at https://mohbenicia.org/
November
29
Santa Sip & Shop Small Wine Walk Downtown Benicia 1 - 5 pm
Get festive & get ready to shop small downtown Benicia while you sample wine and tasty bites at shops & galleries.
Tickets at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/santa-sip-and-shopsmall-wine-walk-2025-tickets1860523518929?aff=erelexpmlt
December
3
In Harmony Annual Holiday Singalong First Street Green 4 pm
Families can contact In Harmony for more info/tickets at admin@ inharmonymusic.com.
December 5
Benicia Tree Lighting
First Street, Benicia
Get into the holiday spirit with Benicia’s Annual Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting! One of the most popular events of the year, the celebration features family fun all along First Street, including live music & entertainment, costumed carolers & more holiday fun!
More information at https://www. visitbenicia.org and https://www. beniciamainstreet.org
December 6
5th Annual Bring the Beat Lucca Beer Garden
12 - 3 pm
Do you remember how fun last year was?It’s so important to come together as a community and celebrate joy, friendship, and honor these beautiful souls who have been taken from us. So, thank you so much for joining us. Sponsored by Family Law Office of Ariel Brownell "Resolving Conflict With Heart"
More info at https://www.flipcause.com/secure/ cause_pdetails/MjM2MzUy B
