Employees of Prudential California Realty, 801 First St., spent Friday at Casa de Vilarrasa, an apartment complex for older residents that is affiliated with the Benicia Housing Authority.

They started by planting flowers in the front of the building, then firing up a grill to cook an outdoor lunch for the residents.

Afterward, they led the residents in games of bingo, for which prizes were awarded.

It was the first time the company has done this service project, which was suggested by Realtor Candace Snyder. “I feel that helping our seniors is important,” she said about her recommendation for the company’s involvement in the community.

The employees also wiped and polished wood surfaces on the inside of the complex.

Snyder said Prudential employees may make their Casa de Vilarrasa visit an annual event.

Chamber mixer draws standing-room-only crowd

The Benicia Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Mixer, held for the first time at North Capital Thursday night, attracted a standing-room-only crowd of the organization’s members and guests.

North Capital is at 602 West K St., in the former Old Corner Store building, which is being renovated to accomodate the financial planning and investment management firm.

Local certified financial planner Frances Harkins and registered paraplanner Danyell Bjornstad opened the doors so mixer attendees could see the old building’s facelift. Some of those attending had worked on the renovation, too, they said.

Among those who contributed to the building’s new look are architect Steve McKee, contractor Scott Deane and designer Michael Trahan.

Randy Gryder’s company, Gryder’s Painting, painted the exterior, and Dawson Urban of Hire My Husband painted the interior.

Tim Martin’s company, Classic Hardwood Floors, refinished the floor, and Martin Kane’s Engineering manufactured and installed the stair railings.

The building has a special parking space and access ramp, and new water-efficient landscaping — also to be handled by a local firm — will be planted soon.

Thompson supports act to reduce tariffs on performance apparel

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, Benicia’s member of the House, has joined a bipartisan group that has introduced an act that would reduce tariffs on recreational performance apparel.

Thompson, a Democrat from Napa, is joined by Dave Reichert, R-Wash., Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., Greg Walden, R-Ore., Jared Polis, D-Colo. and Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., in backing the U.S. Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation (OUTDOOR) Act, listed as House of Representatives Bill 5646.

“The legislation would make products like jackets and pants more affordable for American consumers, encourage participation in outdoor activities, and help designers and retailers of performance apparel better compete in the global economy,” Thompson said in a statement last week.

In their joint statement, the members of Congress said, “This legislation is a needed update to antiquated and unreasonably high tariffs set on recreational performance apparel, and more importantly it will help employers grow their businesses, remove a hidden tax on consumers, and continue to foster interest in America’s outdoor recreation.”

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, Americans spend more than $640 billion annually on outdoor recreation, an industry it said is tied to 12 million American jobs.

H.R. 5646 would change tariff rates to duty free for both knit and woven recreational performance outerwear.

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