East County Times Column Nov. 13, 2008

Even with the weather being unpredictable these past couple of weeks, Cypress Square (Raley’s) Shopping Center is getting a new paint job. It was surprising to see the painters out on such a overcast day on Tuesday when at any moment it seemed like it was going to rain, but the painters said they weren’t worried. The temperature was mild and the paint dries quickly.
One thing that can be said for Oakley shopping centers the landlords have been spending time this past year cleaning up the properties. Cypress Square has always been kept up nice and they even take the time to decorate during the holiday season. The shopping center is going to be 20 years old next year. The one thing about shopping centers is they become dated looking and the help of a good paint job can make all the difference.
Local groups and organizations are getting set to raise money and promote their organizations during the holidays. Keep in mind before running out and getting your Christmas trees this year that the Oakley Boy Scout Troop 152 will be hosting a Christmas tree lot behind Scheer Home Systems in downtown Oakley.
They will be featuring fresh cut Noble and Douglas Fir Trees from Washington, as well as wreaths and garland. Scheer Home Systems is located at 3460 Main Street, across from O’Hara Avenue. The trees will be on sale from Nov. 28 thru Dec. 21. The group is encouraging pre-order of the trees so that everyone gets the kind they want. They are providing local delivery to both homes and businesses. For more information, call 625-5391.
In other holiday news, the Oakley Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for their annual tree lighting ceremony, set for Dec. 6. Last year the Chamber moved their annual event to the city offices from O’Hara Park and will be doing the same this year. Presently they are looking for someone to help them by playing the part of Santa for the festivities. They are hoping to find someone who has a suit and can act as a representative for the jolly old elf. The person will have to be able to delight the children, young and old, by passing out candy canes and listening to the young ones, and probably a few old ones too, wishes for the holiday. Those interested in the job should contact the Chamber’s vice president, Doug Hardcastle of Hardcastle RV at 754-4005.
For those who haven’t heard of the Oakley Chamber, the group has been involved in activities like the tree light ceremony since the mid-1980s. They host a variety of activities including the Oakley Almond Festival and monthly mixers. The Chamber is primarily a business organization, but they do take memberships from individuals as well as local organizations and clubs. Their mission is to promote the businesses of Oakley, as well as take a leadership role in the overall welfare and growth of the community.
The group hosts a monthly mixer the second Thursday of each month. The one this evening will be held at Les Schwab Tires from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All businesses are invited to attend. Even those who aren’t members of the chamber may want to stop by and check out the organization. For more details on the Chamber, call 625-1035.