As I left for coffee Monday morning, the tree crew was coming in to cut down the big, beautiful weeping willow tree near the Benicia Yacht Club. “May I see your permit?” asked by a concerned citizen slowed them only briefly. Though these trees add grace and charm to the marina, this one, we’re told is diseased. Does that mean it should come out?
I spoke with Ed Brennan, arborist and friend, who said, “I looked at it this morning and don’t dispute it’s removal. It’s had numerous branch failures, has pockets of decay, and is located at the intersection of two busy walkways. They’ll replace it.”
With what, I wonder? I hope it will be a similar tree in size and grace. I really hate to see that willow tree go.
Saturday morning, I saw all these small people in uniform with their parents going toward the marina green. While at yoga class at Benicia Fitness on First Street, the soccer folks came by in the middle of the street. A parade, I guess. We’re used to having parades in downtown. I like them. No one comes to watch this one. Everyone is in it. The crowd gathers and walks up the street. Only in Benicia!
It’s August, but already darkness descends quite a bit earlier already. That autumnal season is coming, as are the political conventions, which now are mere pep rallies. Maybe if we ignore them, they’ll go away.
As part of the September 8th Art Walk, poets will be reading on three patios on First Street. Joel Fallon, Jeff Burkhart, Peter Bray, and Lois Requist will read at 5 pm at the Plein Art Gallery, 307 First Street; at 6 pm at Gallery 621, 621 First Street; and at 7 pm at Jordan Real Estate, 1038 First Street. A reading will also take place at Bookshop Benicia at its new location at 636 First Street, details of which will be announced at a later date.
Since I wear more than one hat in town, please allow me to announce that, as poet laureate, I’ll be giving a reading in the Dona Benicia Room at the Benicia Public Library on Saturday, October 6, at 3 p.m. This will include poetry and prose readings with some context—what happened to cause me to write in response. This will be co-sponsored by the Benicia-Vallejo Branch of American Association of University Women and the Benicia League of Women Voters.
