About Solano County, CA

When our kids were growing up, they never wanted to leave town for the 4th of July. It wasn't because they were homebodies or didn't like to have fun.

Rather it was because nobody does the 4th like Benicia. Just ask anyone who's visited Benicia over the 4th of July. And actually, when I say the 4th of July, I REALLY mean the 3rd and 4th -- for Benicia's Independence Day activities begin on the 3rd and run straight through fireworks on the 4th.

MORE THAN JUST ONE DAY OF FUN

The party actually begins early on the 3rd, when the townspeople start lining First Street with lawn chairs and placing their blankets out on the lawn on at the City Park in anticipation of the annual Torchlight Parade.

This year's parade begins at 6:30 pm on the Third of July. It's a bit hokey, a bit folksy, and every bit Benicia. And something that most Benicians wouldn't miss. The entire town shows up -- food and drink in hand to celebrate a kickoff to our country's birthday.

The parade always has a little something for everyone. Horses, dogs and a spitting camel. Firetrucks, policecars and perhaps even a cement mixer or shiny new garbage truck. Marching bands, dancing school children, clowns, belly-dancers, even a gorilla on a bicycle.

JUST THE APPETIZER...

But that's just the appetizer, for the real fun takes place the following day -- on the 4th of July.

It all starts with the Picnic in The Park -- which runs from 12 noon to 7 pm at, you guessed it, City Park. The locals show up to eat, drink and enjoy a variety of local entertainment, which takes place in front of Benicia's hometown gazebo. There are food and beverage booths, things to do for the kids, even an arts and crafts fair. Many Benicians show up early and spend the entire afternoon at the park.

FIREWORKS OVER THE WATER

But the highlight of the day -- and the part that no 4th of July celebration can be without -- takes place at dusk. Of course, I'm talking about Benicia's always spectacular fireworks display. This year's show begins right after dusk.

The Benicia Main Street Program, which puts on the 3rd & 4th of July festivities, says the pyrotechnic display is scheduled to begin around 9 pm. But the entire town migrates down to the waterfront several hours before that. Most people set up camp either at the Marina or the First Street Green in preparation for the colorful fireworks show, which takes place over the water.

Some people prefer to watch the display from a favorite spot on one of the hills in Southampton that looks out towards the water. From some of these hillside vista points, you can see not only Benicia's fireworks show, but also those from several Contra Costa cities.

Anyone who visits Benicia over the Independence Day festivities really gets to see Benicia at its best. Back in the late 1980s or early 1990s, the Disney Channel filmed our 3rd of July Torchlight Parade as part of a network promo showing that Small Town America was alive and well.

If you long for a traditional 4th in a setting that feels like you just stepped into a Norman Rockwell portrait, don't miss this year's Independence Day festivities in Benicia. It's a slice of Americana that always keeps the townsfolk from leaving town.

For more information, contact Benicia's Main Street Program at 707-745-9791.

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Coldwell Banker Kazoo Band Again Ready For This Year's Torchlight Parade

Dryer vent cleaning is the cure for most clothes dryer problems because it promotes maximum airflow which is the number one requirement for clothes dryer to operate. Here is a trouble shooting guide outlining other common problems with clothes dryers.

The Dryer won't Start

I know this sounds simple but check to see if it is plugged in. Also, check the circuit breaker or fuse. This way you won't be embarrassed when the technician comes in and bills for a service call when all they had to do was plug the dryer in. There are reasons the dryer could have been unplugged; maybe you were doing some spring cleaning and the cord was in the way or it came loose when you were sweeping behind the dryer.

Check the timer to see if it is working; you should be able to hear it clicking as it moves. Check the start switch for loose connections or broken wires. Make sure the door closes properly to engage the door switch.

Drum Turns but no Heat

Check to be sure the gas is on. Yes, this is another simple, obvious solution that could save you some money. Make sure the door seal fits tight; check for signs of wear. Check the thermostat.

Dryer Runs - Drum doesn't Turn

Be sure the door closes properly and the dryer is not overloaded. If this doesn't resolve the problem, the drum belt could be loose or maybe the bearings are worn. Check the owner's manual for instructions on how to tighten or replace the belt.

The Dryer makes loud Thumping or Scraping Noises

There are a number of things that can cause this problem, including a loose drum belt, worn bearings or the drum support roller.

Clothes take Longer to Dry

This is a very common problem that eventually happens with most dryers. Most people think that this is normal as their dryer gets older. This is a myth; there is most likely nothing wrong with the dryer. The problem is lint build-up in the dryer ducts; this is a fire hazard. The dryer needs to be pulled away from the wall and the dryer duct needs to be cleaned. Lint blockages in the dryer vent system will prevent the dryer from expelling hot air; the heat is trapped in the system and the combustible lint catches fire.

Lint can also be built up around the dryer drum, on the motor or heating element. Manufacturers recommend professional annual dryer vent cleaning to be sure your clothes dryer is working safely and efficiently.

Always unplug the dryer before attempting to take it apart to check for problems. If you are unable to diagnose or fix the problem yourself then you need to call a professional. Dryer vent cleaning fixes most problems with clothes dryers as the air-flow is the most important part of a clothes dryer's function. Most dryer vent cleaning specialists can also do the simple repairs like tightening belts and pulleys or replacing bearings.

Gina Fazil is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Sacramento, CA. Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in dryer fire prevention and "urgent response" dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation to prevent dryer fires and reduce energy costs. To read more articles by Gina visit http://dryerventcleaningsacramentoca.blogspot.com/

Today's weather is predicted to be beautiful. Why not bring your blanket, low beach chairs, and picnic baskets for delightful evening watching the popular movie "Kung Fu Panda" outside in our wonderful downtown City park.

The Blues Defenders, a Sonoma County music group will start the festivities by playing their brand of "gritty roadhouse style West Coast Blues" from 6:30-8PM.

This event is sponsored by Benicia Parks and Community Services Department along with Benicia Performing Arts. Movie night downtown has been going on for quite some years. I can remember taking a blanket and sitting on the lawn watching movies played against the side of the historic Capitol Building at least 7 years ago with my twin daughters.

It is an opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors and meet new friends!! The location in the downtown City park provides ample space for adults to mingle and children to run free playing on the famous playground which my daughters loving called the "wood park".

If you forget to bring a snack, popcorn will provided by local volunteer groups. Or just walk across the street to Safeway. Just remember this is an alcohol free event! For more information you can call 707-746-4285.

Another reason to consider living in Benicia, CA. Free Movie Night in the summers!

With summer starting full tilt and people deciding what can we do this summer for a "staycation", think of visiting Benicia, CA June 13th. Experience a French Theme Event along our famous promenade next to the Carquinez Straits. Sponsored by our wonderful Benicia Street Program this will start at 10AM and run til 4PM. Come browse the vendor booths filled with delicious treats, arts and crafts, jewelry....plenty to keep your interest piqued! Listen to the sounds of Paris by several local musicians.

"Marche Benicia" is a new event for our lovely city. Sip wines imported from France staffed by our local Soroptimist International of Benicia in the wine garden. Add some Champagne and mimosas and OH LA LA!! C'est Bon!!

Almost there!

April of 2008 I shut Down my business TAG due to the markets down turn. I will be opening back up in July of 2009 I am very happy to say. I have been keeping up with the changes made by USPAP and all the new forms. I have to admit I have missed the industry.

Well I wanted to update my profile with my current info and as I get the rest of my contact info together I will be back to update my profile. The only thing that I haven't kept up with has been what my counter parts have been going through (Brokers, Agents and Loan Agents) Please let me know whats been going on. As you can see it affected my business so much I had to shut down for over a year and take temporary work for a law firm and Genentech. Yes I ended up going back to Bio-Tech.

I am back in school though (full-time), I am getting a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I have learned the hard way that even though I believe appraising homes is my calling, and when the market is good my business can more then support the lifestyle that I have become accustomed too. But when it's bad... WOW! Good thing I have something to fall back on yes?

So I believe that I will end up working if nothing else per diem once I graduate; I will work for some science lab just to make sure that I will be able to make it through the lean times that just so happens when the market gets plundered. I also have old and new connections to people who are carpenters, finishers, contractors if anyone is in need of work in this area. All of them very good at what they do.

Anyway.. I hope to hear from some of you, I would like to know how the market has impacted others.. If any of you were effected as I was? Okay, well hope to hear from some of you soon!

~Melissa

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but since we're here we might as well Dance!