I’ve been two weeks at a barn raising, of sorts. A few months ago, my Sacramento son-in-law Chad commented around the camp fire of a pending expense he had to replace his family’s roof. He wasn’t sure where to get the money, and wasn’t hinting. Sue and I had just paid $14,000 for our smaller […]
Search Results for: cooke
Matt Talbot: Catastrophe and community; Reflections on the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm
Almost exactly 25 years ago, in October of 1991, I was living in a small apartment in the Rockridge district of Oakland, right at the base of the hills. I had just started a new job, and had rented an apartment on the third floor of a building that was about a 25 minute walk […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: LUCCA 439 1st Street, Benicia, CA
Shrimp and oysters on my plate My supper was to be their fate They are gone but not forgot Cooked on a grill not in a pot Benicia, Cal. On E and 1st Go fill your bellies, quench your thirst Young and old and canine too Don’t sit home and sing the blues Music playing […]
A Different Drummer: On Living Alone While Married
I’ve been baching it for a month, living alone without my honey, tucked into our small Pennsylvania attic apartment, doing building repairs. Beyond the emotional loneliness, how did I fare? When I arrived I was able to empty my suitcases and put my clothes into the four-drawer dresser, sorted not stuffed. I put all my […]
A Different Drummer: Restless Kitchen Syndrome
Welcome to Steve’s Kitchen. In this week’s episode we will make experimental chili. Taped to the inside door of my spice cabinet is a weathered brown 1981 championship chili recipe that I have been using most of my adult life. It hits the spot. My polite and blunt friends both say it’s excellent, so all […]
Rookies to cook ribs to benefit Benicia High’s athletic department
Saturday, April 24 will be a day to honor Benicia High School’s extracurricular programs. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a classic car show will be held along First Street to benefit the BHS Panther Marching Band. As patrons gaze at the wonder of a 1968 Buick, Rookies Sports Bar and Grill will be hosting […]
Benicia businessman attends Paris climate conference
A month ago, the United Nations held its Climate Change Conference in Paris where representatives from 196 nations gathered for a historic agreement, and a Benicia businessman was there to witness it. Grant Cooke, the CEO of Benicia mechanical engineering firm Sustainable Energy Associates, has authored books on the topic of climate change, including “The […]
Review: Perfect date night: Sunset dinner on the Wine Train
THE NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN offers a variety of ways to enjoy a ride on the historic train that ambles through the region at a leisurely pace between downtown Napa and Calistoga. Enjoy a wine tasting event on board, stop for a winery tour en route, or take part in a murder mystery dinner. Any […]
The Tideline: Naked on the run
WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, MY MOTHER WHIRLED around the house like a cyclone, always racing against time. Mom ran the family insurance agency by day, pored over paperwork at night, and raised three children all the while. She countered Dad’s absences with her nonstop presence, managing to be in three places at once. She […]
Holy Ghost Festa to turn 108
Sunday parade, dance continue long Benicia tradition For the 108th year, Benicians will participate Sunday in the Holy Ghost Festa, a celebration that itself dates to the late 13th century, said Ken Gonsalves, president of the Benicia Holy Ghost Society. “The Benicia Holy Ghost Society is one steeped in tradition, a tradition for Portuguese Americans […]