Recently, a high-profile historic building was condemned in the 900 block of First Street. Scaffolding was added in case of a tremor or a strong wind gust. The red tag meant that it was unsafe to enter the businesses that had occupied the building for years. Estey Real Estate & Property Management, a long established real estate company, moved to the corner of First and B Street (Harbor Walk) in a matter of days.
Adobe Thrift Shop was left without a place to go and the overwhelming task of transporting their merchandise to a new location. For those of you who are new to the scene, Adobe has been an institution in the community since it was founded in 1994. As a half wayhouse for men, they have helped hundreds of individuals with drug and alcohol addictions during that time. Because of Adobe, many nonprofits have been able to flourish. For the last 25 years, they have assisted with the set up and take down of the popular weekly Farmers Market. They clean up after parades and parties. When the Waterfront Festival was established, members of Adobe were there all weekend sometimes working 12 hour days. Besides assisting Benicia Main Street, they have donated countless hours of time to the community of Benicia and are a crucial part of the town’s vitality.
The Adobe Thrift Shop was opened over 25 years ago to help fund the program and support Benicia. It has been a great place to drop off furniture of all types and treasures that have served their time.
Adobe has found a new home with the help of Kathleen Olson of Olson Realty and Nancy Martinez of Benicia Main Street. Last week they moved to 433 First St. (the former home of Ironhorse Home Furnishings). When I asked Metropolitan Van & Storage owner Dennis Paulley if he could help Adobe with the move he agreed to donate his staff time and a large moving truck to make it happen. I was thrilled to see the Metropolitan truck parked in front of the old store front with professional movers loading overstuffed couches, armoires and tables headed to a new home.
Metropolitan Van & Storage located in the Benicia Industrial Park is another long established business that is always there to assist the community’s nonprofits. The privately owned family business headed by Dennis Paulley has assisted the Salvation Army, Community Action Council, Soroptimist International, Benicia Main Street and Benicia Relay For Life to name a few. His mother, Helen Estes has given her time and money, for as long as I can remember, to help the less fortunate in our community. She has done it quietly and without fanfare.
Benicia is fortunate to have caring individuals who are willing to make a difference with their contacts, businesses and expertise. It’s what makes Benicia such a special place to live, work and visit. It is a village!

Christina Strawbridge is the owner of Christina S Fashion Destination on First Street

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