Where did you grow up? I grew up in New York. I was born in the Bronx and when I was 11 we moved to Yonkers, in Westchester County. I lived there until I was 18, at which time I moved to Berkeley.
How did you end up in Benicia? My husband and I were living and working in San Francisco and wanted to buy a house in a cool area that was affordable and commutable. We wanted a back yard with a garden where we could see stars. We checked the new houses in Southampton and loved the little main-street downtown and the water.
How long have you lived here? 17 awesome years.
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How old are you... and how old do you feel? Ay, caramba! I’m 61 and I feel about 40 to 45 … and fortunately, I can pass for about 50.
What kind of work do you do? I'm a marketing assistant for an insurance company specializing in catastrophes. I answer e-mails and phone calls and troubleshoot with agents.
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Do you participate in any community activities? Until three years ago, I was on the board of directors for Mardi Gras Benicia as secretary, pageantry coordinator and masquerade ball co-chair.
What do you do for fun? I hang out with my friends, go to their bands' gigs and plays. I go to concerts, go dancing, attend museums, theater, musicals, the symphony, the ballet, the opera and summer festivals.
What is your passion? Fostering kitties. I am the Queen Kitty (not the crazy cat lady). There is no shortage of feral cats in my neighborhood, so I feed them, trap them, get them fixed and return them to the area, like other fix and release programs.
What are your favorite places in Benicia? The State Park, downtown, the waterfront at the end of First Street, , The Saltbox House, , , , Ninth Street beach, the glass studios, the artist’s studios, the , n, , the Guard House and the State Capitol and the Tannery.
What do you love about this town? The small-town appeal, the innate charm, the ambiance, the spectacular views and being surrounded by water. Everyone knows everyone and I can expect to see friends when walking downtown. This little town has such a thriving arts and cultural scene and it's the perfect size: not too po-dunk like Mayberry, but not too spread out.