SMYERS GLASS, 675 EAST H ST., will have a holiday studio open house Thursday through Sunday, artist Judith Keyes said. Visitors will see demonstration of glassblowing techniques, using the 2,000-degree furnaces, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day of the open house. In addition, items created by the glassblowing artists will be on display […]
Benicians urged to ‘Shop Small’ on Saturday
Benicia’s Office of Economic Development, Benicia Chamber of Commerce and Benicia Main Street are asking residents to “Skip the Mall, Shop Small,” and patronize local stores during the holidays, Teri Davena, OED administrative secretary, said.
Making $ense of Real Estate: Forward with reverse mortgages
THE BABY BOOM GENERATION STARTED REACHING the traditional retirement age of 65 in 2011. The reverse mortgage industry had long been preparing for a dramatic increase in demand in long-anticipated wave of new retirees. But just as Boomers were beginning to retire, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and MetLife Bank — the top three reverse […]
Benicia Biz Beat: Cookware sale to help Humane Society
THE 18TH ANNUAL MEYER FACTORY OUTLET COOKWARE SALE, Dec. 4-15, will help the Humane Society of the North Bay. During the sale, Meyer will accept any customer’s check, cash and credit card donation to the Humane Society and will match those donations, up to $15,000. The company has two Solano County stores, one at 525 […]
EDB eyes ‘Small Biz Saturday,’ Industrial Park transportation plan
Small Business Saturday, which is Nov. 29, and a plan for an Industrial Park transportation and employment center were discussed by the Economic Development Board on Wednesday. “Small Business Saturday is celebrating its fourth year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving,” Administrative Secretary Teri Davena told the EDB. The event, launched by American Express as a “way […]
Making $ense of Real Estate: More affordable homes is a good thing
THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS RECENTLY RELEASED the third quarter results of the Housing Affordability Index, the most fundamental measure of the health of housing in California, and the results show continuing good news for the prospects of California real estate. The statewide index rose to 36, meaning roughly 36 percent of households could afford […]
Benicia Biz Beat: Bombshell Hair & Ink welcomes new tattoo artist
BRANDI SMART IS THE NEWEST TATTOO ARTIST at Bombshell Hair and Ink, 120 East G St. “She is a breath of fresh air for our salon, and our customers are already very pleased with her style of tattooing, and her friendly, happy personality,” salon owner Cheri Graf said.
Making $ense of Real Estate: A leg up for 1st-time buyers
FOR MANY YOUNG PEOPLE, the dream of homeownership seems to be elusive if not impossible. Numerous studies and surveys indicate that increasing numbers of young families are putting off the idea of buying a home. The median age of home buyers is on the rise and the percentage of younger families buying their first homes […]
Benicia Biz Beat: Rookies keeps farmer’s market going
ROOKIES IS CONTINUING THE THURSDAY AFTERNOON TRADITION of a Benicia downtown farmers market — even after the official market has closed for the season. The Benicia Certified Farmers Market, operated by Benicia Main Street, finished its regular season in October, but Rookies Sports Bar and Grill, 321 First St., will start having a farmers market […]
Benicia Biz Beat: Downtown biz helps pets find homes
“PUPS N’ PURRZ ADOPTION DAY BY THE BAY WAS A HUGE SUCCESS,” company owner James Long said. “The weather was great, and all rescue groups in attendance had adoptions throughout the day.” It was the second Adoption Day by the Bay for the pet store, 422 First St. During the event, Umbrella of Hope saw […]