Hidden Benicia: Steve Jennett
Steve Jennett: Perhaps the Longest-Serving Bartender in Benicia Steve Jennett, the bar manager and bartender at Sailor Jack’s, has a unique distinction. He may be the longest-serving bartender in Benicia history. He has worked at the First Street waterfront restaurant...
Father’s Day: Lionel Largaespada
Lionel Largaespada: Inspirational Dad Father’s Day is this month, and to celebrate, we wanted to highlight a local dad who is not only there for his kids, but also for the community. Lionel Largaespada fits that bill. He has given back to our community through both...
Profile: Penny Stell
A Penny for Your Thoughts Photo by Luke George Photography Sitting across from Penny Stell in her art deco themed living room, she humbly insists we can’t need more than a quarter page to tell her story. After nearly an hour-long interview, I beg to differ. By the end...
Profile: Gloria McKenzie
Lady Limitless: Gloria McKenzie Photo by Luke George Photography “I’m really not that interesting, you know,” says Gloria McKenzie with a wry smile. Born in 1938, at the end of the Great Depression, and part of the Silent Generation, Gloria McKenzie has seen and done...
Profile: Maximilian Rex Burgess-Shannon
Maximilian Rex Burgess-Shannon: A Man with a Plan Maximilian Rex Burgess-Shannon. An impressive name for an equally impressive person. A native Benician, you can often find him helping out at various community events and service clubs, such as the Kiwanis. He is an...
In Memoriam: Tom Gavin
Longtime Benicia resident, Tom Gavin passed away November 30th, 2022, at the age of 70, after a battle with cancer. Originally from Chicago, he moved to Vallejo at age 16 and lived in Benicia for the past 37 years. In that time, he became a valued member of the...
Profile: The Ethereal Wadale
The Ethereal Wadale There are few Benicia residents as recognizable as Wadale. If you’re unfamiliar with his name, you’re almost certainly familiar with his appearance. He’s usually dressed in a collage of accoutrements, with beads and jewelry dangling from his hair...
Lathan “Young Lay” Williams
Grateful and Moving Forward: A Conversation with Lathan "Young Lay" Williams and his book ReveLaytionz Bay Area Rapper Young Lay was on the rise of his career, landing a song on the movie soundtrack of New Jersey Drive, a 1995 Spike Lee, 40 Acres and a Mule...
Chairwoman Rhonda Pope
Tradition, Culture, and Gratitude: Chairwoman Rhonda Pope Flores of the Buena Vista band of Me-Wuk Indians Visiting Mission San Jose in present day is to experience a picturesque and peaceful oasis in close proximity to noisy Interstate 680. This tranquil site belies...
