A FREE SEMINAR WILL GUIDE HOMEOWNERS and answer their questions about selling their houses, said Albert Mayzeles of Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific and Property, which is sponsoring the event.

Mayzeles said the seminar will answer questions about whether this is the right time to sell a home, loan modifications, short sales, refinancing, Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), debt forgiveness and how to determine how much a home is worth.

Other questions also will be addressed, he said.

“Our experts will include an attorney, mortgage lender, short sales manager and local real estate agents,” he said. “Come get your questions answered and get some peace of mind in the process.”

Those attending will not be under any obligation, and the information is free, he said.

The seminar will take place at 6 p.m. March 13 at the Solano Association of Realtors, 1302 Springs Road, Vallejo.

Seating is limited. Those who want to attend may register at cbspeducation.com to assure a place at the seminar.

New cardio kickboxing class at Vallejos Tae Kwon Do

Vallejos Tae Kwon Do Academy, 420 Military East, has added a new class for women who want a different type of workout that can show results in two weeks.

Benicia Cardio Kickboxing has been designed for those who want to get in shape or seek a different type of workout.

Instructors said they conduct the class in a motivational manner so participants are in an upbeat, comfortable environment that encourages them to think of exercising in a new way.

The class is a workout regimen for those of any shape, size or ability who are interested in improving their fitness, cardiovascular health and muscle toning.

Vallejos Tae Kwon Do Academy has both individual and group training, and has been teaching Tae Kwon Do to Benicia residents since 1982.

It offers a variety of programs focusing on exercise, character building, martial arts and self-defense for both children and adults.

Those interested in the class may call the Vallejos Tae Kwon Do Academy at 707-746-1795 to sign up for a free class, or visit the academy’s website.

Local studio hosts acclaimed stylist

Paula Schwartz, owner of PS Hair Studio, 638 1/2 First St., was chosen to be host Feb. 6 to an in-salon haircutting and styling demonstration by the award-winning and globally acclaimed master stylist Phillip Wilson.

“Phillip shared his amazing skills, techniques, and his incredible passion for the professional salon industry to the PS Hair Studio staff as well as other stylists based in Benicia,” Schwartz said.

Wilson has represented such companies as Wella, Redken, L’Oreal and FHI as their style director during career. He is Vidal Sassoon-trained, and most recently was involved in an industry tribute to the late hair styling innovator.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom to start 2013 season

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s season-opening weekend, March 16-17, will recognize the second year of its Superman Ultimate Flight roller coaster, said Don McCoy, park president.

“When Superman Ultimate Flight opened last summer, it was ranked among the best roller coasters of 2012,” McCoy said.

Guests can ride all coasters two times in a row that entire weekend, he said. In addition, those two days only, general admission price will be cut in half for those buying tickets online or at the park, he said.

“This one-of-a-kind roller coaster features the tallest inversion west of the Mississippi, ranking it alongside the tallest coaster inversions in the world,” he said.

Riders reach speeds of 62 mph along the 863-foot track, one of seven roller coasters at the theme park. The park also has multiple other rides and a chance for children to visit with such Loony Tunes characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Tweety.

Visitors can see wild animals, including sea lions at the Pinnipeds of the Caribbean show, endangered Siberian and Bengal tigers in Odin’s Temple of the Tiger, and other species in Birds of the Wild, the Wildlife Theater, Elephant Encounter, and Walrus Experience educational demonstrations.

A new bottlenose dolphin show will premiere this season at the 3,000-seat Toyota Marine Mammal Stadium, McCoy said.

In a limited engagement through August, Neil Goldberg’s Cirque Dreams Splashtastic aquatic theatrical show will let visitors see both marine mammals and human acrobats and aerialists at the Dolphin Harbor Theater.

To give guests a chance to help conservation efforts, the park has put in a Conservation Parking Meter near the Bird Theater. Money put into the meter will be used to save species of plants and animals through SaveNature.org, an award-winning ecosystem protection organization founded in 1988.

The park’s Dolphin Discovery is the only program in Northern California in which guests may swim with a dolphin. Visitors can sign up to participate in the Trainer for a Day series, where they can actually shadow marine mammal trainers in a day-long program. During the overnight Sharks in the Dark program, guests can sleep among the sharks. With a Backstage Safari, guests can sign up to take a mini behind-the-scenes tour in three animal areas.

The park will be selling Six Below hand-dipped ice cream and funnel cakes and several new locations, and is opening Studio 6F apparel shop behind the Dolphin Harbor Theater and Harbor Stage.

Regular hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., though season pass holders may visit the park two hours early, starting at 8:30 a.m., McCoy said.

Special events are slated throughout the entire season, beginning with the Lowe’s-sponsored opening weekend, McCoy said.
Others celebrate or promote health and safety, physics, math and science, leadership, safari and ocean discoveries, parks, American independence, sharks, the Latino culture and year-end holidays.

“This will be an exciting 2013 season here at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom,” McCoy said. “As the premier destination for an affordable, day-long or multi-day visit, fun for all ages, we look forward to providing our guests with thrilling entertainment experiences all season long.”

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is at 1001 Fairground Drive, Vallejo. Opening weekend discounted online general admission is $29.99, valid March 16 or March 17.

Daily main gate general admission is $59.99; admission for children 48 inches and shorter is $39.99; children two and younger are admitted free.

For a limited time, season passes, for admission to any Six Flags theme park in the United States, are $54.99 when four or more are purchased in a single transaction; included is one free season pass parking pass as well as other discounts.

The park also is selling a season dining pass to season pass holders, McCoy said. The $69.99 dining pass lets users eat lunch and dinner at the park during every visit through Sept. 22. For an additional $5, that pass can be extended through Fright Fest, and for $10 more, the pass is extended through Holiday in the Park.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is open weekends and select Fridays through May 19. Daily summer operations will be from May 24 through Aug. 18. The park will be open on weekends and special dates for Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park through Jan. 5, 2014.

Those interested may visit the theme park’s website.

— Donna Beth Weilenman

The Benicia Herald’s weekly Benicia Business Beat column is an opportunity for local businesses and companies to tell our readers about such news as moves, grand openings, awards, promotion of employees, staff changes and changes in goods and services.

Submissions need to answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how, preferably in the body of an email, and provide contact information.

Deadline is 3 p.m. Friday for news items that will appear in the next Tuesday edition’s Benicia Business Beat. Please email news releases and accompanying high-resolution photographs and logos to beniciaherald@gmail.com, and put “Attn. Business Beat” in the subject line, as well as the name of the business.

The Benicia Herald also appreciates area companies’ advertising patronage. For advertising services, call 707-745-0733 or email adsbenicia@yahoo.com.