Benicia Parks & Community Services offer a wide variety of fun, active & educational activities for children. There are so many options for children to enjoy on their own or together with their family. For a complete list of our programs be sure to check out our Activity Guide, which can be found on the City of Benicia webpage. Here are just a few activities children can’t get enough of: Summer Outdoor Movies, Tiny Tots Pre-School, Kindergym, Kids K afterschool program, dance classes, gymnastics, karate, judo, cooking classes, Lego camps, Adventures Day Camp and much, much more. We definitely have something for everyone.
370 East L St., Benicia, CA 94510
707-746-4285
http://ci.benicia.ca.us/parks
Did you ever want to touch a turtle, interact with an iguana or bond with a boa? Well, Jungle James and his merry band of reptile (and other animal & creature) wranglers would be happy to make that happen. They are the perfect addition to any children’s party—and any type of gathering, in fact—because who isn’t fascinated by those animals and insects that slither, crawl or fly around? Based in Danville, but able to take their show on the road throughout much of the Bay Area, James and his crew really help to make it easy to host a party by providing not only the entertainment but they can supply gift bags and special add-ons like their amphibian race. The guest of honor also gets a special Jungle James t-shirt. So, if you want to see anything from Aphrodite (their rainbow boa) to Zappy (their green tree frog) book a party with James and his crew and explore their wonderful world.
PO Box 391, Danville, CA 94526
925-362-3580
www.junglejames.com

Global Wine Partners (GWP) is the leading provider of financial advisory services to the wine industry and the only dedicated wine investment bank.
GWP, its founding partners and affiliates have played an instrumental role in the growth of the wine industry, advising hundreds of wine businesses for over 25 years during the greatest era of growth in the history of wine. They are widely recognized throughout the wine world as industry leaders.
Global Wine Partners’ skilled wine business professionals have well-established expertise, including a deep understanding of the wine industry and the skills, experience and resources to successfully complete all types of wine industry transactions.
GWP’s investment bankers have close working relationships with wine industry leaders around the world, and are focused solely on the business of wine—a unique advantage. This Business Services Company in Napa County is truly “Global”.
899 Adams St., St. Helena, CA 94574
707-967-5303
www.globalwinebank.com
Harold Bray Jr. has been a General & Concrete Contractor in Benicia since 1978 serving Solano and Napa counties, as well as the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area. His company does residential and commercial construction. Custom homes, kitchen or bath remodel, room additions—he does it all. Many times he even draws his own plans. (Harold is also a concrete contractor C8.)
Harold knows Benicia well, having been born and raised there, only leaving during his time in the service. Take a drive around Benicia and you’ll definitely come across his work. He has built numerous custom homes (many he personally designed) and commercial projects including rebuilding the Big O Tires Store a few years ago after the original one was destroyed by fire.
Debbi, Harold’s wife said,“Harold can really see the big picture. He is great at talking to the clients and determining what they want. Then he can look at the project and figure out the best way to expand or remodel things to suit the customer’s expectations.”
Anyone who’s worked with Harold can tell you his best qualities include promptness, dependability and high-quality service. About 80% of his clients are from referrals, or repeat clients with a new project, a fact he is very proud of. “It makes you feel good knowing people recommend you,” Harold said. H. Bray Construction is happy to provide references to those considering hiring a contractor. Harold recommends any prospective client to ask for references of any contractor they may want to use, and always check them. Harold said he enjoys remodeling projects because the possibilities are endless. Even a small improvement or change can help people enjoy their surroundings more. He also specializes in “turn key” projects, which means when the project is done, you simply enjoy! Everything is completed, including clean up.
When asked what he enjoys most about being a contractor, Harold said it’s nice to drive around town and see projects you have worked on. To remember all the changes made, work you did and friends you’ve made. It’s a good feeling to see a job well done and looking good!
305 W M St., Benicia, CA 94510
707-745-6040
www.hbrayconstruction.com
Tucked at the end of a canyon road in the ramshackle dock town of Port Costa, CA, the Bull Valley Roadhouse serves up traditional American fare with a regional touch. Using century-old techniques and pure ingredients from our best small farms, they prepare each dish thoughtfully. Thirsty? Belly up to the bar for authentic turn-of-the-century American cocktails and selected wines. Tired? Turn in at the eccentric oldBurlington Hotel next door.
This vintage restaurant definitely has become a favorite of the people who live in the Bay Area. Their personal touch to each dish and their family-style service makes you feel right at home. It is tucked away so you definitely have to make a point to head their direction, and be sure to make a reservation. So, whether you hail from afar or call the local woods home, Bull Valley Roadhouse and the town of Port Costa welcome the adventurous.
14 Canyon Lake Dr., Port Costa, CA 94569
510-787-1135
www.bullvalleyroadhouse.com

… (put on by Bouchon Yountville)
Classic French dishes such as Tarte Flambé and Fruits de Mer will appear on the menu at all three Bouchon locations, in addition to select East Coast and West Coast oysters, macarons and beignets. House-selected wines from France along with classic French cocktails and beer will also be featured. With the largest celebration historically taking place at Bouchon Yountville, San Francisco Bay Area locals and visitors alike will enjoy wholeroasted Cochon prepared Caja China-style, as well as Merguez, Choucroute Garni, and an outdoor crépe station. Favored snacks, including truffle popcorn and Bouchon brownies, will also be available.
Both Bouchon Beverly Hills and Bouchon Yountville will feature live music throughout the day, as well as a balloon artist, face painting and other children’s activities. The Dunk Tank, featuring Chef Thomas Keller and other local personalities, returns to Bouchon Yountville to benefit the Yountville Elementary School.
Washington St., Yountville, CA 94599
707-944-8037
www.thomaskeller.com

Concerned about someone discovering all your corporate secrets, your newest invention or that 100-year-old recipe? Maybe you just don’t want your identity stolen from the stuff you throw away. Your best defense is not a good offense, but rather: Shred Defense. Shred Defense doesn’t just shred your documents, they pulverize them! They offer U.S. Government approved document destruction and they do it all on site. They don’t sub the work or ship it overseas; they do it all in a precisely controlled environment with rigorously screened staff members and top-of-the-line equipment. They can also pulverize your digital media, including hard drives, CD’s, tapes or other items. As a Bay Area Green Business, they recycle all the materials—helping the earth while keeping you safe. The best part, though, is that they are a small, family-run business and know how to take care of their clients, which is probably why our readers nominated and voted for them! So call them up or stop on by, either way, they promise to destroy everything you give them!
3950 Bissell Ave., Richmond, CA 94805
925-957-6755
www.shreddefense.com
Located in Yountville, the heart of the Napa Valley, Gates Estates was established in 2009 by Broker and Owner Cyndi Gates. Gates Estates strives to make the purchase or sale of your home as effortless as possible for you. Their sales and administrative team takes pride in providing a professional and personal experience to support their philosophy of, “Making Napa Valley Your Lifestyle”.
The real estate market is always changing. The goal of Gates Estates is to make sure that they satisfy the special needs of all of their clients and at the same time make the process and transactions go as smoothly as possible.
The sales staff implements multi-level marketing strategies that benefit their clients with every transaction.
Their real estate agents have extensive access to information about the communities in which they deal. This includes, but is not limited to: schools, populations, recreation, entertainment, home values, growth potential and surrounding areas. Most of the agents live in the areas they serve and therefore can more accurately overcome potential obstacles and focus on the unique needs of their clients.
This Local’s Choice Winner for best Realtor in Napa County is dedicated to maintaining a professional, trustworthy relationship with their clients. For all of your real estate needs in Napa County call the choice of the locals’!
6550 Washington St., Yountville, CA 94599
707-944-0888
www.gatesestates.com