More Travels in the East Bay

This week I decided to go to Benicia; it lies just across the water and to the east of Crockett. I know only that it has an old main street and a sizable art community. Across the bridge and a few more miles and I arrive at a city quite a bit larger than the other towns I've described. It has about 28,000 inhabitants, is home to industry, and boasts of its history as the state capitol for a brief period in the 1850's.
Of course I am again drawn to the waterfrontand its choice "photo ops". This city has expensive homes fronting the water and a riverwalk with benches here and there for those inclined to stay a while. I spend most of my time here walking along the water and on the pier. The main street has many old buildings, about ten restaurants in a four block area, and a vintage theater advertising gigs with local bands; it is somewhat unremarkable.
The Arts Center is in a row of warehouses with studios and a gallery. the gallery was closed and only one glass artist was working. These buildings are near the water with a view of the refineries.
Before leaving the city I went to the Benicia History Museum. I saw replicas of the flags of about 16 countries that had for a brief time landed on California shores and claimed the territory- including Russia and Argentina or Venezuela (I can't remember which). Lots of facts about choosing a state capitol and General Vallejo and his wife, Benicia. But what most interested me was that the museum was housed in the former camel barn. Apparently in the 1850's Jefferson Davis had the idea to import camels to assist the army in the desert. They used them for several years, then moved them to Benicia to be sold at auction. One man purchased all 32 camels for $1050. Makes me wonder what he did with them.
Coming back over the bridge I then drive west to go to Hercules. First I have to pass through Rodeo (Ro-day-oh). Refineries! I find them also interesting- shiny metal structures spewing thick clouds into the air, huge trucks entering and leaving, and men working. Rodeo was rather ugly and somewhat down-and-out.
Hercules seems to be only housing developments of various kinds. One that I can see from the road attracts me. It appears to be of a different ilk ,and I have to see it up close. This was built as a small town, circa 1920-40, and holds 330 houses. It is seductive as the houses are pretty and all different. I remember the first time I went to Disneyland and entered on Main Street with the cheery little houses and a brass band playing. I was attracted and repelled at the same time. This was Disneyland. The landscape is barren. A woman walks toward me on the empty street. May I ask you a question, she says. Did you just take a photo? Why are you taking photos? I tell her I am a tourist and that I like taking photos. She is anxious and clearly objecting, tells me that I can ask the agent for photos. I tell her I mean no harm, smile, and walk to my car.