[BenIndy: This post was first published in the Benicia Herald (to subscribe to the Herald, scroll to the end to find instructions). You can find more from Steve not only on the BenIndy but also at A Promised Land: America as a Developing Country, where he blogs about domestic and international politics and policy, including lessons that the United States can learn from other nations. If interested, you may sign up for future posts by subscribing to the blog.]

By Stephen Golub, originally published in the August 18, 2024 Benicia Herald

I recently interviewed Christina Gilpin-Hayes, who’s running for Benicia City Council. Part One of the interview, published today, focuses on her background, life, work and engagement with community service. Next Sunday, Part Two will address why she’s seeking office and her priorities and aims if elected.

More information on Christina can be found at her campaign website,  https://www.christinaforbenicia.com/

Now, on to the interview…

SG: What made you decide to move to Benicia?

CGH: My wife and I decided we were ready for a slower pace of life and more space. We explored homes from Oakland, where we were living, all the way to Sacramento and everywhere in between. We found a house in Benicia that we loved and immediately put in an offer. Even though we were outbid, we had already fallen in love with Benicia. 

Shortly after, we found another home in Old Southampton that we also loved. Although it hadn’t been updated much since it was built in the early ’70s, we saw its potential. We spent a few months in Airbnbs with our two dogs while the house was fixed up.

SG: Since arriving, are there any aspects of Benicia that you’ve learned about and that have especially pleased you?

CGH: I love how much Benicians care about being Benicians. On the first day we arrived after closing on the house, neighbors came over to welcome us and get to know us. I also appreciate how many Benicians have been here for generations. The community genuinely cares for each other. If you check any of the Benicia social media pages, you’ll see people returning lost wallets, stuffed animals left at the parks, and making sure lost pets find their way home. There is such a rich history here, but what I love most about Benicia is the Benicians.

SG: As a fellow animal lover, I’ll start asking about your interests by addressing your involvement with animal rescue. Could you describe that work and how you got involved with it?

 CGH: I’ve been involved in animal rescue in some form since I was a kid. Back then, it was sneaking sick feral kittens into my room without my mom finding out. I’ve volunteered for West Coast Boxer Rescue (WCBR) for over a decade and had previously volunteered for other rescues as well. I foster dogs who are waiting for their forever homes or those with medical needs who need a soft place to land while they heal. I also transport dogs from high-kill shelters to rescue or from rescue to their new adoptive homes. As an adoption coordinator, I meet with families to ensure the dog they’re interested in is a good fit for their home and activity level.

Before my involvement with WCBR, I rescued two boxer puppies who were being sold at just 5 weeks old and were very sick with parvovirus. My plan was to find them adoptive homes once they recovered, but one was deaf and partially blind and relied heavily on her sister, so I kept both girls. Lola passed away in 2022 at 9 years old, and Gemma, my deaf girl, passed away just a few weeks ago at 11.5 years old.

SG: What other community activities have you been involved with, whether elsewhere or especially here?

CGH: I am the founder of the Benicia LGBTQIA Network. We started the group to create social and networking opportunities for our LGBTQ+ community, and it has been very well received in Benicia. We alternate between hosting free events, like a picnic in the park, and events at local Benicia businesses to keep our dollars in the community. We did host one event in Martinez at a movie theatre, but otherwise, we stay local in Benicia.

We’ve participated in most of the activities Benicia has to offer. We enjoy the farmers market, the peddler’s fair, the dog festival, and all the great outdoor activities. My wife just started paddleboarding on the Strait, and we both enjoy hiking around Lake Herman and attending events at City Park. 

I’ve always been involved in community activities, whether through an official organization or by stepping in when I saw a need that wasn’t being met. During the early stages of COVID, in my previous neighborhood, we offered grocery shopping or ran errands for our elder or at-risk neighbors. I also helped organize a peace march and rally in Richmond after a violent attack on a student following a homecoming dance in 2009.

I’ve often hosted fundraisers and community meetings at my home when a suitable venue wasn’t available or affordable. Being involved is something I feel strongly about, and I strive to live by that commitment every day.

SG: I understand that you also host a neighborhood gathering/film show for kids on Halloween. What is that like?

CGH: I do! I’ve been doing this for many years at my home in Oakland, and I continued the tradition when we moved to Benicia. We hang a projector on the garage, show kid-friendly Halloween movies, and invite our neighbors to come over and hand out candy with us. The first year in Benicia, we had just a few people, but last year we almost ran out of room on the driveway!

We live in Old Southampton, on a block that may not have the same trick or treating reputation as other areas in Benicia, but since we started this, word has gotten out. Our first year, we had only 7 kids; this past year, we had almost 50! While that might seem low compared to some of other neighborhoods, 50 kids in Old Southampton is impressive! We posted on Nextdoor and Benicia Happenings, and people drove up with their kids to trick-or-treat before heading to the flatter neighborhoods.

The kids enjoy getting treats from multiple homes at one stop, and we also make sure there are plenty of snacks and drinks for the adults who might need a break from the Halloween activities.

SG: Could you tell us something more about your personal and professional backgrounds?

CGH: I grew up in Citrus Heights, a suburb of Sacramento, and lived in Pittsburgh, PA, where I met my wife, for eight years, followed by nearly two years in Chicago. The Chicago winters were too much for me, so I moved back to California in 2007, settling in Oakland. I completed my bachelor’s degree at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, focusing on Business Communication and Organizational Behavior.

I started my legal career at a small legal service company before moving into a paralegal role at a large firm in Pittsburgh. I’ve worked at several large firms, including assisting startup companies. I later moved into a leadership role, managing almost 100 paralegals and case assistants. After a brief stint in financial services, I returned to a law firm where I now serve as the Operations Manager on our Innovation team. We’re building state-of-the-art legal technology solutions (in layman’s terms, software to make corporate legal services less expensive and more efficient). I lead a small team and do a lot of training, which I really enjoy.

SG: Thanks very much, Christina.

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Stay tuned for Part Two of this interview, coming Sunday, August 25.

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