about town · annual spring plant sale, featuring california natives, other drought-tolerant...
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_______________________________________________________________ Serving the El Sobrante Business Community Since 1957
About Town
The El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter March 2018
President’s Message At the last Chamber board meeting held on February 5, 2018, the board developed a position statement regarding the proposed methadone clinic. After careful consideration of information provided by BAART corporation representatives at various local meetings, including the MAC, the board agreed with the sentiment expressed by the residents and business owners in the area that the proposed location was not compatible with our vision of our community. The lack of planning for security, and traffic concerns were among the reasons the community voiced opposition to the relocation of the clinic from its present Cutting Blvd. site. The board’s position statement is as follows:
“Believing that the El Sobrante business district is an inappropriate place for the methadone clinic, the El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce opposes relocation of the BAART methadone clinic to the El Sobrante Valley. “
There are times when the Chamber leads the way in moving forward with the community. However, this time,
it was individual members of the community first moving towards this goal. This is not to say that the Chamber board members did not agree with or understand the concerns expressed by those individuals. Quite the contrary. The board, as the leaders of the Chamber, took the time to allow for all the information to come out; from the members of our community, from the corporation proposing the clinic, and also from local government representatives. It is appropriate to thank Supervisor John Gioia for also listening to all the input, and deciding not to support the clinic’s move to San Pablo Dam Rd. This experience highlights what can be done when community members join together to listen to each other and develop solutions to problems and issues that arise. It’s encouraging that many of the individuals who participated in this process are interested in staying in touch and forming a group to address other issues in our community. I strongly encourage their conversations to make El Sobrante an even greater community than it already is. Scott Tuffnell
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2017 – MARY HILL
Mary was born and raised in Guam, the fifth child of a Catholic family of eleven children. She and her husband left Guam in 1971 for Georgia, but in 1972 moved to California where Bryan, her first son was born. She returned to Guam in 1973 where her son Kevin was born. When he was 3 weeks old the family moved to Hawaii, for special medical treatment for Kevin. They lived in Hawaii until 1981. Upon returning to the U.S. mainland, she settled in Richmond, where she bore her third son, Justin, in 1986. In addition to her sons, she has two granddaughters and four grandsons. Mary raised her family, living and working in Richmond, serving the community in sales and in the banking field since 1982. She started her career with Mechanics Bank on September 3rd, 2003, and just retired this last December. Mary also served as Secretary for our Chamber Board for years, but in 2011 had to resign her position to battle lung cancer. She is so glad to say, she will be cancer free for 7 years in March of this year. Why is Mary so deserving of this award tonight? Mary exemplifies what makes our community so special. She demonstrates a high standard of work ethics, dedication and loyalty to her employer, and genuine friendliness and excellent customer service as a teller at Mechanics Bank.
Congratulations to Mary Hill, on being named Citizen of the Year 2017!
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2017 EL SOBRANTE WHEEL AND BRAKE
The Business of the Year award for 2017 goes to Lyle Miller, owner of El Sobrante Wheel and Brake, located at 4040 San Pablo Dam Rd. This is one of El Sobrante’s oldest businesses, located in El Sobrante for almost 45 years. EL Sobrante Wheel and Brake was established in 1974 by Lyle’s dad, Lyle Miller, Sr. In 1987, Lyle took over the business with his brother, David. Then about a year ago, David retired to Bend, OR, and Lyle was left on his own…a one-man operation! Despite the demands of the business, Lyle does enjoy life beyond his work. He cofounded the El Sobrante Historical Society with Maurice Abraham, Donald Bastin and Steve James, and is an officer and Board Member of the non-profit Society. And, judging from Lyle’s many Facebook posts, it’s clear he enjoys lots of fun times with friends and his wife, Jackie. A favorite activity is long road trips on his new Harley. He has helped a lot with the Stroll over the years as well.
Congratulations to Lyle Miller of El Sobrante Wheel and Brake!
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
STOP & SHOP IN EL SOBRANTE! 2018 Chamber of Commerce Officers & Directors
President: Scott Tuffnell, Realtor, Windermere Rowland Realty Vice-President: Mark Croda, Owner, El Sobrante Town Garage Treasurer: Bob Davis, Investment Advisor, Castle Rock Wealth Management Secretary: Beverly Wallace, Resident Directors: Maurice Abraham, Resident Marie Carayanis, Membership Chair Jim Cowen, Farmers Insurance Nicole Donn, US Financial Mortgage Lending Barbara Pendergrass, Chairwoman, Municipal Advisory Council
Major John Hermannson, Salvation Army Susan McCloskey, Resident Sonny Randhawa, State Farm Agent Bob Sharp, Independent Real Estate Agent Bobbie Squelatti, Baskets by Bobbie Judy Ward, SPAWNERS
Martha Booz, Newsletter Editor and Website Publisher, [email protected]
EL SOBRANTE BUSINESS OF THE MONTH MARCH 2018
Four Corners, Pizza, Pasta, Bar 4203 Valley View Road, El Sobrante, CA
510-222-9925 Saturday-Sunday 3:30-9:30PM, Closed Monday
Tuesday-Wednesday 11:30AM-9:30PM Thursday-Friday 11:30AM-11:30PM
Four Corners Pizza
"Four Corners Pizza" has been a familiar name around El Sobrante for many years. Situated on the corner of Sobrante Avenue and Valley View Road, it occupies the corner directly across the street from the former Adachi’s Nursery. New owners since November 2017, Raj and KB Bhanot are committed to bringing "Four Corners" to the next level. The new signage is just a hint that there's something new to expect inside. The original bar and dining area have been given a new look. Now a full-service bar, the Bhanot brothers invite you to check out their great wine collection and extensive selection of imported beer. If you are into sports, you are sure to find a good seat where you are surrounded by six (6!) big
screens. And if you want something a little more "hands on" they have a new pool table. Four Corners also has a newly renovated party room for private parties. They have a 120 inch screen for displaying presentations. More importantly, Raj and KB are working to provide their customers with a great entertainment experience at a great price, with delicious food. They are currently working on an online ordering system for their customer's convenience. If you haven't had a chance to experience Four Corners lately, please give them a try. Raj and KB guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Congratulations to Four Corners for being Business of the Month!
2018 Calendar of Mixers
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Mixers are held monthly, except if there is another Chamber event that month.
March 14 Cricket Wireless, 3550 San Pablo Dam Road April 11 Somewhere Else Sports Bar, 5216 Sobrante Ave May 9 State Farm Insurance, 454 Appian Way, Suite F
June 13 El Sobrante Town Garage, 4012 San Pablo Dam Road July 11 Jim Cowen’s Insurance, 5341 Valley View Road
August 8 Nerd Crossing, 400 Appian Way September No Mixer -- STROLL!! October 9 Windermere Rowland Realty,
930 A San Pablo Avenue, Pinole November 14 Elks Lodge, 3931 San Pablo Dam Road December 12 Mechanics Bank, 3884 San Pablo Dam Road
Chamber members at February Mixer President Scott Tuffnell at February Mixer
WHY JOIN AND SUPPORT YOUR CHAMBER? Networking & Visibility - It’s not just who you know, it’s also who others know whom you can meet. Networking is powerful. Attend and enjoy our monthly mixers, free of charge. Meet your fellow business associates and residents. We always have a good time. Advertising & Exposure - Discounts on your ads in our monthly About Town Newsletter and free listing in our El Sobrante Guide to Shopping, Dining and Services publication, over 5,000 copies distributed. Spring and Fall issues are published annually, and posted on the Chamber website. www.elsobrantecachamber.com. Have a Voice - Gain a say in planning future projects and events for our El Sobrante Valley Community. Your Chamber membership is needed to fund street maintenance, advertisement and website expenses, school scholarships, new Welcome signs and street banners, and much more. Join now – membership offers you endless opportunities! Application included in this issue. Marie Carayanis, Membership Committee, [email protected]
EVENTS OF INTEREST SPAWNERS Volunteer Work Party Sat. Mar. 17, 9:30am – 12 pm, El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way in El Sobrante
Join us at the newly opened El Sobrante Library Plaza! We're finishing up planting our native plant demonstration garden. People with all levels of experience are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes, comfortable work clothes, and bring a water bottle. SPAWNERS will provide tools, gloves, and snacks. To learn more about any of our events or to RSVP, contact Helen at (510) 665-3538 or [email protected]. C4AGES NATIVE PLANT SALE April 7, 11:00 - 3:00pm. Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante (C4AGES) will hold its annual spring plant sale, featuring California natives, other drought-tolerant ornamentals, succulents, and unusual edibles. Bargain prices - most plants $5 or less. In the plaza behind the El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante. www.greenerelsobrante.org.
Galaxy All Stars Win National Cheerleading Award Galaxy Force All Stars Cheerleading Team won the Most Spirited Award for the 2017 Stroll. Now, the Team has won the JAMZ National Cheerleading Award recently in Las Vegas. Hooray!! The team is composed of 8 girls and 1 boy ages 14 to 18. The team captain is Emily Boom and her two co-captains are Angela Espinosa and Emma Barron. There were over 400 teams at the All Star Cheerleading Nationals in Las Vegas, and 5 in their category. This was Galaxy All Stars’ very first year as an All Star Team and to win first place is truly an amazing honor. The new season begins in April and they hope to become back to back NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
APPLICATION FOR METHADONE CLINIC
WITHDRAWN!
The application to the Richmond Planning Department for the methadone clinic has been withdrawn, according to a letter from Hector Lopez planner. The City of Richmond is not continuing the process to permit the clinic to move into the San Pablo Dam Road site. There is a For Lease sign on the property again. The company running the clinic is working with Supervisor Gioia to find a more appropriate location to serve the health needs of the people of West County.
Irish Dinner Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner with all the fixings - $30 each
EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BOARD MEETINGS—Visitors Welcome
Board meetings are held every month at 5:15 pm on the dates below at the Chamber Office, 3769-B San Pablo Dam Road. Park in Kaliente’s lot.
January 8 February 8 March 5 April 2
May 7 June 11 July 2 August 6 September 10 October 1 November 5 December 3
BUSINESS GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE The 5 th edition of the Guide to El Sobrante Shopping, Dining and Services is now available! A big thank you to the sponsors of the 5th Edition of the Guide: Dr. Dan Rixen, Rixen Chiropractic; Jim Cowen, Farmers Insurance; Mark Anthony Porter, Ameriprise Financial; Bob Davis, Castle Rock Wealth Management; Scott Tuffnell, Windermere Real Estate, and US Financial Mortgage Lending, Nicole Donn. The 5th Edition celebrates the distribution of 5,000 copies. In order to distinguish each edition from the previous one, we select a different color. The 2018 brochure features a light green color. If you would like copies, please email Marie at: [email protected], or call the chamber office at 510-223-0757.
Monthly Community Meetings El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting Meets 1st Monday of the Month @ 5:15 pm Sheriff's Annex / Chamber Office ---- 3769-B San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante http://www.elsobrantecachamber.com Marie: 510-387-0581 / [email protected] / Office: 510-223-0757 El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Mixer Meets 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 5:30 – 7:00 pm, at a different location each month See Community Meetings Listing below Supervisor John Gioia Code Enforcement Meeting Meets 1st Wednesday of every OTHER Month @ 2:00 pm Office of Supervisor Gioia / 11780 San Pablo Ave, Suite D, El Cerrito http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/5216/District-I-Supervisor-John-M-Gioia El Sobrante Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) Meets 2nd Wednesday of the Month, 7 pm, at Library Meeting Room, 4191 Appian Way, in back of the library http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/1640/El-Sobrante-Municipal-Advisory-Council El Sobrante Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Meets 2nd Thursday of the Month @ 6:00 pm. Meeting room, El Sobrante Library SPAWNERS (San Pablo Watershed Neighbors Education & Restoration Society) Volunteer Workday 3rd Saturday of the Month @ El Sobrante Library or De Anza outdoor classroom at Wilkie Creek site, De Anza Dr. and Santa Rita Rd. Water Bug Team meets 4th Sat of the Month. See website for more info: spawners.org For information contact [email protected] Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante (C4AGES) Meets 3rd Wednesday of the Month @ 7:00 pm Library Meeting Room. See http://www.greenelsobrante.org Richmond Elks Lodge has a dinner the 3rd Friday of every month, at 3931 San Pablo Dam Road, 6 pm – 9 pm. Indivisible Group, formed to resist hatred and promote peace and understanding, meets the 4th Saturday of the month, @ 2 pm, Hope Lutheran Church on May Rd.
March 2018 Community Meetings
Fri, Mar 2, 4-6 pm, Sat Mar 3, 1-3 pm
Friends of the El Sobrante Library Book Sales
At the Book House behind the library parking lot
4191 Appian Way.
Mon, Mar 5 5:15 pm
Chamber of Commerce Board meeting
At the Board office 3769-B San Pablo Dam Rd.
Wed, Mar 14 Chamber Mixer Cricket Wireless 3550 San Pablo Dam Rd, Suite B4
Wed, Mar 14, 7 pm
Municipal Advisory Council
Library Meeting Room
4191 Appian Way
Thur, Mar 15, 6 – 8 pm
Planning-Zoning Advisory Council
Library Meeting Room
4191 Appian Way
Fri, Mar 16, 6:30 pm
Richmond Elks Lodge
Monthly 3rd Friday Dinner All Welcome
RSVP 510-223-3441 and for information
Sat. Mar 17, 9:30 – noon
SPAWNERS Work Party
Behind the Library 4191 Appian Way
Mar 21, 7 pm C4AGES Meeting Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante
Library Meeting Room 4191 Appian Way
Sat, Mar 24 2 – 4:30 pm
Indivisible Group Hope Lutheran Church
On May Road in El Sobrante
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Members
**Allstate Insurance Company** Richard Smith **Plumbing Express** Cathy Brazil **Ameriprise Financial Services** Mark A. Porter **The Pool Doctor** Kelly Heath A P N Smoke Shop Wahid Ahmadi Rodica Popovici, D.D.S. Rodica Popovici Appian Express Mart & Gasoline Ashok Attri Rancho Sports Bar Richard Oliver, Adam
Oliver Battaglia Consultant Services Len Battaglia **Real Estate Services” Anne Skeffington Bay Alarm Andrew Nosanchuk **Republic Services** Bielle Moore Beadiful Beads by Bobbie Bobbie Squellati Richmond Elks Lodge Linda Pitts Big Minds Unschool Dr. Melanie Hayes Richmond Moose Lodge Larry Jordan **Bill’s Underground** Bill & Donna Schupp **Rixen Chiropractic** Dr. Daniel Rixen **Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa
Lorna Padia Markus **Rotary Club of El Sobrante** Randy Stevenson
Burgess-Allard Family K. Schminke Round Table Pizza Greg Merritt Canyon Swim School Fred Brown **Security Public Storage** Melissa & Enrique
Serrano Castle Rock Wealth Mgmt Bob Davis Sewer Connection Cathy Brazil **Chapel of the Mission Bells** Larry Cyr **Signs by Scott** Scott Erwin Cloverfield Organic Farm Susan Abernathy **Space and Time Organized** Janet Flint EBMUD Sharla Sullivan **SPAWNERS** Helen Fitanides Elite 24 Fitness & Nutrition Larry Brooks **Spunaugle & Tuffnell** Jenny Tuffnell **El Sobrante Town Garage** Mark & Katrina
Croda St. Joseph Cemetery Jerry Burkeen
**El Sobrante United Methodist Church**
Mark Zier St. Paul School Natalie Lenz-Acuma
El Sobrante Lock & Key Kyle Hager State Farm Insurance Sonny Randhawa El Sobrante Wheel & Brake Lyle Miller The Noodle House Miguel Gallegos Envios Na Ya Natilie Esperanza The Peddler Jeff Jerge Envoy Mortgage Evelyn Freitas **US Financial Mortgage
Lending** Nicole Donn
Epicycle Media Charles Anderson **Vegan ‘N Chicken** Shabaz Abbasi, Zafar Khan
Fisk Termite Control Robert C. Sibley **Wadsworth Glass* Veronica Jerge Four Fools Winery Marc Grisham West County Wastewater
District Marla Sena
Godfathers Limousine Service Tony Raffanelli West County Reads Robin Wilson Grisham & Associates Marc & Dana
Grisham **Wilson & Kratzer** Kim Welch
Guardian Adult Day Health Ctr Peter Behr **Windermere Rowland Realty** Mike & Renee Rowland **J & A Market** Ranjeet B. Prasad **Windermere Rowland Realty** Scott Tuffnell Jay Vee Liquors Fathi Elias Z Realty Investments Mike Zeelen JBM Construction John Mora Jeha Properties Dave Jeha **Jim Cowen Insurance** Jim Cowen Kool Cuts Branda Medrano Maurice Abraham Resident Lakeridge Athletic Club Bruce Thomas Arnold E. Bolton Resident **Little Wishes Spa** Karla Amador-Daza Martha Booz Resident Los Cerros Mexican Restaurant Eduardo Guzman Eletha Cannon Resident Lucy’s Coin & Jewelry Pawn Adam Gross Marie & Nick Carayanis Residents Lynden & Company Thomas Lynden Mary Beth Ferguson Resident MCECleanEnergy.org Kalicia Pivirotto Dina & Bob Fowler Residents Michael Pejza Insurance Michael Pejza John S. Koepke Resident **Mike’s Appliances** Mike Murphy Lorna Padia Markus Resident **Mechanics Bank** Michael Frith Susan & Dick McCloskey Residents
Morgan Properties Aubrey Morgan Lillian Nardi Resident Mr. Fixit Handyman Carlyle Garrick Barbara Pendergrass Resident Nerd Crossing Jim Hammack Shirley Rosenthal Winston Resident On-site Health Care Services Leesa Latimerr Beverly Wallace Resident Oliver’s Ace Hardware Richard Oliver Bob and Shirley Sharp Residents Paul Morris Management Paul Morris Sheila Ann Webb Resident PHQ Wireless Ian Isaacson Ruth Williams Rockey Resident **Planchon Roofing** Doug Planchon Anna Zazueta Resident
**Ad Sponsors**
El Sobrante Guide to Shopping, Dining & Services: Sponsors
We are grateful to the following firms and people for supporting our Guide to Shopping, Dining and Services in El Sobrante:
Dr. Dan Rixen, Rixen Chiropractic Jim Cowen, Farmers Insurance
Mark Anthony Porter, Ameriprise Financial Bob Davis, Castle Rock Wealth Management
Scott Tuffnell, Windermere Real Estate Nicole Donn, US Financial Mortgage Lending
The Guide is available on our web site as well as at the Library, the Chamber office and at many businesses. Check it out! The website link to the Guide is: http://www.elsobrantecachamber.com/BOM.html
Green Team Update The Green Team, who clean up the downtown area of trash frequently, are still hard at work. Anyone interested in joining the GREEN TEAM efforts keeping downtown El Sobrante cleaned up is encouraged to contact Maurice Abraham at 510 243-6652 or via email at [email protected]. Maurice is always glad to have more volunteers!
Friends of the Library Update
The Friends of the El Sobrante Library invite you to our book sale Mar 2nd, from 4 – 6 pm, and Mar 3rd, from 1 – 3 pm, at the Book House, at the back of the library parking lot! The Friends newsletter is going out this week. If you don’t get one, or if you want to get one, please let me know, and I’ll be glad to send it to you.
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
About Town Newsletter March 2018
THE EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.ElSobranteCaChamber.com
3769 – B San Pablo Dam Road
El Sobrante, CA 94803
Office: 510-223-0757