Who's Who in Benicia: Pat Hall

Where did you grow up? Orange County...two blocks from Disneyland!

How did you end up in Benicia? I wanted to get out of Southern California. I took a driving trip up the coast looking for great towns with marinas, since I sailed often. A friend told me about Benicia, it wasn't even on my map! I parked, started walking around town and old people smiled, said hello- they were anxious to talk about their town. Wow...this place was special! I moved here without a job, but I was confident it would all work out. I heard how good the Benicia schools were and was excited about that prospect.

 How long have you been in Benicia? 19 years now

 How old are you... and how old do you feel? I will give you the same answer I give my students; I am as old as YOU think I am, and I feel about the same age!

Where do you work? Proudly, at as the art teacher.

How long have you been teaching? Something like 22 years. I've was a bilingual 4th grade teacher in Paramount. At , I taught speech and language to mostly 4th and 5th graders. When Mathew Turner opened, I was their first 4th grade teacher. I've been the art teacher at BMS for four years.

Do you participate in any community activities? I am currently on the board of . I am excited that we will be holding our first Benicia student show at the gallery in many years! The Next Generation show will take place in March.

What do you do for fun? I draw, work out, garden, golf, ride my bike, kayak, read and see friends.

What are your favorite places in Benicia? The State Park, anywhere along the waterfront, , my friend Laurie's store- (sometimes I like this place TOO much) and I USED to love Cliff's!

What do you love about this town? For the same reasons I moved here...I love the friendliness of the people and the location on the water. You can't beat the ease of escaping to other great places, such as the City, Napa and Tahoe.