POLISH UP YOUR BRASS KNUCKLES AND YOUR COPPER AND BRONZE GEARS — the Tannery Building’s second annual Steampunk Show will take place April 12.
Highlighted at the show will be “Odd Art” by local artists Randy Bernard/Victorian Elements of Benicia, Tracy Cullen of Benicia, Robert McCullough of Vallejo and Ted Shawver of Danville.

Returning to the event will be world-renowned steampunk artists Shannon O’Hare (Major Catastrophe) and Kathy O’Hare (Lady Impetuous), and Obtainium Works of Vallejo.

“The Major will answer your questions about Steampunk, explain how you can get involved with the Order of Cthulu, and talk about their recent episodes on ‘Oddities: San Francisco,’” Denise Cullen said. “Oddities: San Francisco” was broadcast on the Science Channel.

“The Girlz,” a display of steampunk mannequin models, is being brought by Benicia’s Creations & Illustrations, Art Gallery and Tattoo Studio.

Those attending will get to see Cullen’s Coach, the world’s only pedal-powered stagecoach theater that is pulled by a team of eight bicycles in tandem. The coach provides music and theatrical entertainment at street events and area festivals.

Also on display will be steampunk art cars, and a guest speaker will talk at 7 p.m. that day. Vendors specializing in steampunk items will be front of The Tannery Building.

Steampunk, a term introduced by author K.W. Jeter, began as fiction that speculated a world in which steam, not electricity, powered technological developments. It draws on the works of H.G. Welles and Jules Verne, and its fans often dress in Victorian-era attire.

The Steampunk Show will be from 3-8:30 p.m. April 12 at the Tannery Building, 131 First St.

Those interested in participating may contact Denise Cullen at denise@tannerypub.com. Prospective vendors may contact Judi Morales-Gibson at jmoralesgibson@yahoo.com.

Award tour visits Pedrotti Ace Hardware

The inaugural J.D. Power Award Neighborhood Tour stopped by Pedrotti Ace Hardware on Friday afternoon as part of its recognition of the company’s annually earning trophies for the past seven years.

The stop in Benicia is one of many on a cross-country tour, and lets participating stores display those seven trophies for a few hours. The trip will cover 24 states in 17 weeks.

“This is really cool,” said Gene Pedrotti, owner of the hardware store at 830 Southampton Road.

He said the trophies’ local stop “gives us the opportunity to thank our customers for rating Ace Hardware ‘Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retail Stores’ seven years in a row.”

Ace has won that honor since J.D. Power first began awarding it, Pedrotti said.

Awardees are chosen through the responses of more than 4,100 consumers who buy home improvement products or services in the previous 12 months.

Ace was ranked highest among major retailers, with an 803 score on a 1,000-point scale, Pedrotti said. Consumers ranked the companies based on merchandise, sales and promotions, staff and service, and store facility.

“Receiving this award from our customers (is) an absolute honor, and makes us even more determined to provide our neighbors with amazing customer service and satisfaction,” he said.

Sonoma Raceway looks to expand uses

Sonoma Raceway is looking to add other types of activities and events at the venue, Laurence Lea, media representative, said.

The raceway is applying to modify its Sonoma County use permit so it can become the site of a music festival and smaller social and fundraising events, Lea said.

The application to the Sonoma County permit and Resource Management Department “represents the raceway’s first effort to make significant changes to its operating conditions in 17 years,” he said.

Plans for a festival “are not fully developed,” Lea said, adding, “The Raceway envisions an event featuring nationally recognized artists presented in an environment that showcases Sonoma restaurants, wineries, arts and culture.”

Other requested modifications would let the raceway extend hours of operation to 10 p.m. and allow five more days of camping in its Lakeville Highway west side lots.

“Our use permit reflects a snapshot of activity at the raceway nearly two decades ago,” said Steve Page, raceway president and general manager. “The professional sports and entertainment industry has changed dramatically in that time and our business model needs to change with it.” 

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