This blog is dedicated to articles that have run in the East Bay Times (East Contra Costa County, California), Brentwood News, Oakley News, Antioch News, Pittsburg News written by community columnist and correspondent, Roni Gehlke.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Ironhouse to break ground on new wastewater plant
By Roni Gehlke
The Ironhouse Sanitary District will break ground on its new wastewater management facility on Wednesday.
The long-awaited ground breaking comes after years of planning a new plant that would handle the needs of both Oakley and Bethel Island, according to district engineer Jenny Skrel. It will be located on Walnut Meadows Drive near the Ironhouse Sanitary District office.
After receiving several bids for the construction of the facility, many of which came in under the district engineers' initial estimates for construction, the district finally made its decision of which company they would contract with. On April 7 it awarded the project to Western Water Constructors Inc. of Santa Rosa.
Skrel said that the bid price came in at just over $54 million.
"That is $12 million less than the engineers had originally estimated," he said.
Western Water Constructors Inc. has worked on several wastewater improvement projects throughout Northern California, including the recent Marin Wet Weather Improvement Project in San Rafael and the White Slough WPCF improvements in Lodi.
The sanitary district began working on the plans for a new wastewater plant several years ago while the area was experiencing rapid growth. Even though growth in the area has slowed down in the past few years, the district still needs to complete construction on the new plant as soon as possible. Recent new state regulations require the plant to be upgraded. Since the cost of upgrades would outweigh the cost of a new plant, ISD chose to start from scratch.
The district recently received special low-interest financing from a State Revolving Fund Program (SRF) that allowed it to put the project out to bid and get the ball rolling.
The district said that the ground breaking on Wednesday will be very low-key with no public invited. There will be a bigger event some time in the future.
The Ironhouse Sanitary District will break ground on its new wastewater management facility on Wednesday.
The long-awaited ground breaking comes after years of planning a new plant that would handle the needs of both Oakley and Bethel Island, according to district engineer Jenny Skrel. It will be located on Walnut Meadows Drive near the Ironhouse Sanitary District office.
After receiving several bids for the construction of the facility, many of which came in under the district engineers' initial estimates for construction, the district finally made its decision of which company they would contract with. On April 7 it awarded the project to Western Water Constructors Inc. of Santa Rosa.
Skrel said that the bid price came in at just over $54 million.
"That is $12 million less than the engineers had originally estimated," he said.
Western Water Constructors Inc. has worked on several wastewater improvement projects throughout Northern California, including the recent Marin Wet Weather Improvement Project in San Rafael and the White Slough WPCF improvements in Lodi.
The sanitary district began working on the plans for a new wastewater plant several years ago while the area was experiencing rapid growth. Even though growth in the area has slowed down in the past few years, the district still needs to complete construction on the new plant as soon as possible. Recent new state regulations require the plant to be upgraded. Since the cost of upgrades would outweigh the cost of a new plant, ISD chose to start from scratch.
The district recently received special low-interest financing from a State Revolving Fund Program (SRF) that allowed it to put the project out to bid and get the ball rolling.
The district said that the ground breaking on Wednesday will be very low-key with no public invited. There will be a bigger event some time in the future.
Chivers named Contra Costa County fair queen
In our "Neighbors" series, we give you a personal look at the people who are serving your community. If you would like to nominate someone for this column, contact Judy Prieve at 925-779-7178 or e-mail jprieve@bayareanewsgroup.com.
By Roni Gehlke
Lifelong Oakley resident Jennifer Chivers has been attending the Contra Costa County Fair longer than she can remember. When she was 7 she entered her first animal, a salamander, in a fair competition and then continued for years with different animals. When she heard that the fair was looking for the next queen she decided to apply for the position and was excited when she was given the honor last week.
"I've been active in the fair for a long time," Chivers, 19, said.
When she was a child growing up she and her family lived on a one-acre parcel in Oakley that had room enough for a barn and several farm animals. "My brother was entering animals into the fair long before I was. When I joined the Knightsen 4-H I became really involved," she said.
Over the years Chivers said she has entered everything from steers to pigs to goats and a lambs. "I've done the best with the steers and pigs."
No longer an active member of the 4-H, Chivers still is involved by helping other kids with their animals and their fair entries. Her parents still have several animals at home, including some goats and pigs.
When she was younger, Chivers said she also entered other contests in the fair, including "Theme of the Fair" decorations contests, outdoor landscaping theme table set-ups and Table Setting contests.
"I've really enjoyed being part of the fair and participating," she said.
Chivers is a graduate of Freedom High School and attends Los Medanos College where she's studying general education classes while she prepares to transfer to California State University East Bay, to pursue a degree in biological sciences. When she graduates from college she hopes to work in a lab. She says she hopes she will be lucky enough to work in a children's hospital. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her animals, reading and studying anything related to biology and science.
The fair queen competition is not a pageant. The queen is chosen by a board panel based on an interview process to determine which applicant will best represent the youth of the county. The contest is countywide. Besides having to be a Contra Costa County resident, the queen must be between the ages of 18 and 25 and not married.
Aside from holding the title as Queen of the Fair, the winner accepts the role as fair ambassador and is on hand for the fair to help with different aspects of the show.
"Her duties will include helping out with kid's contests, the livestock auction, opening ceremonies and interacting with customers during the fair. She will also make special appearances at community events as an overall spokesperson for the duration of her yearlong reign," said Fair representative Wendee Williamson.
In addition to the Queen's tiara, sash and cash award, Chivers will receive a gift donated by the Antioch Lion's Club. This year's fair theme is "It's a Blast" and takes place from May 28 to May 31.
By Roni Gehlke
Lifelong Oakley resident Jennifer Chivers has been attending the Contra Costa County Fair longer than she can remember. When she was 7 she entered her first animal, a salamander, in a fair competition and then continued for years with different animals. When she heard that the fair was looking for the next queen she decided to apply for the position and was excited when she was given the honor last week.
"I've been active in the fair for a long time," Chivers, 19, said.
When she was a child growing up she and her family lived on a one-acre parcel in Oakley that had room enough for a barn and several farm animals. "My brother was entering animals into the fair long before I was. When I joined the Knightsen 4-H I became really involved," she said.
Over the years Chivers said she has entered everything from steers to pigs to goats and a lambs. "I've done the best with the steers and pigs."
No longer an active member of the 4-H, Chivers still is involved by helping other kids with their animals and their fair entries. Her parents still have several animals at home, including some goats and pigs.
When she was younger, Chivers said she also entered other contests in the fair, including "Theme of the Fair" decorations contests, outdoor landscaping theme table set-ups and Table Setting contests.
"I've really enjoyed being part of the fair and participating," she said.
Chivers is a graduate of Freedom High School and attends Los Medanos College where she's studying general education classes while she prepares to transfer to California State University East Bay, to pursue a degree in biological sciences. When she graduates from college she hopes to work in a lab. She says she hopes she will be lucky enough to work in a children's hospital. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her animals, reading and studying anything related to biology and science.
The fair queen competition is not a pageant. The queen is chosen by a board panel based on an interview process to determine which applicant will best represent the youth of the county. The contest is countywide. Besides having to be a Contra Costa County resident, the queen must be between the ages of 18 and 25 and not married.
Aside from holding the title as Queen of the Fair, the winner accepts the role as fair ambassador and is on hand for the fair to help with different aspects of the show.
"Her duties will include helping out with kid's contests, the livestock auction, opening ceremonies and interacting with customers during the fair. She will also make special appearances at community events as an overall spokesperson for the duration of her yearlong reign," said Fair representative Wendee Williamson.
In addition to the Queen's tiara, sash and cash award, Chivers will receive a gift donated by the Antioch Lion's Club. This year's fair theme is "It's a Blast" and takes place from May 28 to May 31.
Trinity offers complete event planning in Brentwood
By Roni Gehlke
Correspondent
Name of business: Trinity Media Inc.: A Trinity Event
Type of business: Full-service social and corporate event planning company
Owners: Tim Ewell; Kristin Frost is the local event coordinator and wedding designer
Founded: 2008
Address: 1277 Prominent Drive, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-513-2672
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Event times vary depending on customers' needs
Number of employees: three
Products and services: Trinity Media Inc. offers everything necessary for planning and
implementing of any kind of special event. The company offers services that include day-of-event and wedding and quinceañera coordination, milestone events, corporate galas, press conferences, full-service event planning, partial event planning, corporate video production, audio and visual support and staging design.
How did you get into the business?: Kristin Frost graduated from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo with a degree in recreation, parks and tourism administration with a focus on special event and tourism management.
"I chose this major because in my personal life I was always volunteering to run fundraisers, auctions and dinners and I enjoyed the planning process," she said. After receiving her degree she worked at hotels on the Central Coast getting involved with the banquet and event planning process. When she moved to the area in July with her husband and met Ewell, he offered her a job with Trinity Media Inc. to start helping with their planning on corporate events. In November the company decided to launch A Trinity Event to encompass both corporate and social event planning productions.
Best part about the business: "Making the client's visions come to life," Frost said. "It is such a joy when at the end of an event, some of which started over a year ago in planning, and the client looks at our staff and smiles and says thank you for making their event even better than what they were imagining."
Worst part about the business: "I am a creative person, so the everyday business aspects are not as much fun as the planning and event parts," she said.
Key to success: "Showing up and coming through," Frost said. "In today's society if you can keep your promises and come through on your word, show up on time and dress professionally, you can be successful."
She also said she treats each event as though it was her own or for her own friends and family. She also works to portray herself and the company in a good light.
Biggest misperception about the business: "Event planners are only for celebrities," Frost said. "Event planners are for everyone. We like to plan, we have experience at it and have relationships with many vendors."
She said that an event planner for any wedding or any event, could take the stress out of the event and let the client actually be a guest and enjoy the event.
Future plans: "We hope to expand into a store front and expand our staff so we can encompass even more service offerings," she said.
Correspondent
Name of business: Trinity Media Inc.: A Trinity Event
Type of business: Full-service social and corporate event planning company
Owners: Tim Ewell; Kristin Frost is the local event coordinator and wedding designer
Founded: 2008
Address: 1277 Prominent Drive, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-513-2672
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Event times vary depending on customers' needs
Number of employees: three
Products and services: Trinity Media Inc. offers everything necessary for planning and
implementing of any kind of special event. The company offers services that include day-of-event and wedding and quinceañera coordination, milestone events, corporate galas, press conferences, full-service event planning, partial event planning, corporate video production, audio and visual support and staging design.
How did you get into the business?: Kristin Frost graduated from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo with a degree in recreation, parks and tourism administration with a focus on special event and tourism management.
"I chose this major because in my personal life I was always volunteering to run fundraisers, auctions and dinners and I enjoyed the planning process," she said. After receiving her degree she worked at hotels on the Central Coast getting involved with the banquet and event planning process. When she moved to the area in July with her husband and met Ewell, he offered her a job with Trinity Media Inc. to start helping with their planning on corporate events. In November the company decided to launch A Trinity Event to encompass both corporate and social event planning productions.
Best part about the business: "Making the client's visions come to life," Frost said. "It is such a joy when at the end of an event, some of which started over a year ago in planning, and the client looks at our staff and smiles and says thank you for making their event even better than what they were imagining."
Worst part about the business: "I am a creative person, so the everyday business aspects are not as much fun as the planning and event parts," she said.
Key to success: "Showing up and coming through," Frost said. "In today's society if you can keep your promises and come through on your word, show up on time and dress professionally, you can be successful."
She also said she treats each event as though it was her own or for her own friends and family. She also works to portray herself and the company in a good light.
Biggest misperception about the business: "Event planners are only for celebrities," Frost said. "Event planners are for everyone. We like to plan, we have experience at it and have relationships with many vendors."
She said that an event planner for any wedding or any event, could take the stress out of the event and let the client actually be a guest and enjoy the event.
Future plans: "We hope to expand into a store front and expand our staff so we can encompass even more service offerings," she said.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Around Oakley: Anime Club returns to Freedom
This year several Freedom High School students decided to bring back the defunct Anime Club. The club, which hadn't been around for three or four years, has again become popular.
If you looked up anime on the Internet, you would find that the concept has been around since 1917, but if you asked kids today they would likely tell you it was devised just for their entertainment in the past several years.
Long a fixture in Japan, anime began to pick up steam in the United States when "Pokemon" came on television about 10 years ago. Soon all sorts of toys and card games were developed around the animated cartoon series, offering more popularity than some had seen since "Tickle Me Elmo."
Some say their interest in anime was a continuation from their enjoyment with the Pokemon series. "I still like Pokemon," said Nick Fisher, a freshman and member of Freedom's Anime Club. "But there is so much more to anime. Anime is colorful, and keeps my attention with the sometimes funny and interesting dialogue."
Freedom's club meets every Thursday after school on the campus. The club is still small, according to club president Christina Kline, a junior at the high school.
"I like the Anime Club a lot. I haven't been there much, but from what I've seen, they have a good selection of information about anime," said freshman John Villanueva, who can't make the meetings but keeps updated from friends who are involved in the group. "They don't show bad anime, and are overall a good club."
The group attending sets the theme for the day's meeting. Kline said the group usually begins by handling club business, like discussing any of the new fundraisers it has been working on, and then moves on to announcements from the club members.
Generally, the announcements range from anything about the anime industry, which can include anime series, films, video, video games and Internet-based information.
The one thing about anime is that it crosses over to any genre of fiction, so there are a variety of topics that can be discussed. They also watch current anime DVDs that club members bring in and share.
"We all get together to learn more about anime and make friends," Kline said.
Next Thursday, the group will be working on Magic the Gathering Tournament to help raise money for the club. Magic the Gathering is a card game featuring an anime theme, and has a large following among teenagers.
The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and is open to anyone who wants to join. There is a registration fee of $3 for players and $2 for spectators. Prizes will include a Magic the Gathering Core Set and various cards.
The club is hoping for a large attendance, and even if people don't play the game, they will come to watch and enjoy some refreshments.
Freedom students are welcome to join the club anytime they like or just sit in on a meeting to see what it is all about, Kline said. She said members of the group are friendly, and always ready to meet more people who share their interests.
If you looked up anime on the Internet, you would find that the concept has been around since 1917, but if you asked kids today they would likely tell you it was devised just for their entertainment in the past several years.
Long a fixture in Japan, anime began to pick up steam in the United States when "Pokemon" came on television about 10 years ago. Soon all sorts of toys and card games were developed around the animated cartoon series, offering more popularity than some had seen since "Tickle Me Elmo."
Some say their interest in anime was a continuation from their enjoyment with the Pokemon series. "I still like Pokemon," said Nick Fisher, a freshman and member of Freedom's Anime Club. "But there is so much more to anime. Anime is colorful, and keeps my attention with the sometimes funny and interesting dialogue."
Freedom's club meets every Thursday after school on the campus. The club is still small, according to club president Christina Kline, a junior at the high school.
"I like the Anime Club a lot. I haven't been there much, but from what I've seen, they have a good selection of information about anime," said freshman John Villanueva, who can't make the meetings but keeps updated from friends who are involved in the group. "They don't show bad anime, and are overall a good club."
The group attending sets the theme for the day's meeting. Kline said the group usually begins by handling club business, like discussing any of the new fundraisers it has been working on, and then moves on to announcements from the club members.
Generally, the announcements range from anything about the anime industry, which can include anime series, films, video, video games and Internet-based information.
The one thing about anime is that it crosses over to any genre of fiction, so there are a variety of topics that can be discussed. They also watch current anime DVDs that club members bring in and share.
"We all get together to learn more about anime and make friends," Kline said.
Next Thursday, the group will be working on Magic the Gathering Tournament to help raise money for the club. Magic the Gathering is a card game featuring an anime theme, and has a large following among teenagers.
The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and is open to anyone who wants to join. There is a registration fee of $3 for players and $2 for spectators. Prizes will include a Magic the Gathering Core Set and various cards.
The club is hoping for a large attendance, and even if people don't play the game, they will come to watch and enjoy some refreshments.
Freedom students are welcome to join the club anytime they like or just sit in on a meeting to see what it is all about, Kline said. She said members of the group are friendly, and always ready to meet more people who share their interests.
Oakley's Mike's Beef 'n' Brew Highlighted
Name of Business: Mike's Beef 'n' Brew
Type of business: Restaurant
Owners: Mike Fagan
Founded: March 2009
Address: 2085 Main Street, Oakley
Phone number: 625-0292
Hours: 7 a.m. to midnight, Sunday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Number of employees: 5
Products and services: American style bar and grill featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant features omelettes, blueberry waffles, burgers, stuffed bacon and Gorgonzola cheeseburger, ball tip sandwich, 17 oz. New York steak, pork chops, prime rib and burger steak. Full service bar with house wine and domestic beer and appetizers.
Mike's Beef 'n' Brew also offers a variety of fish and pasta daily specials.
How did you get into the business: Fagan's has owned several other restaurants in the past including one at this location. "Mike's back," Fagan said. "People have been really happy to hear that."
Best part about the business: "I've really missed the customers here," Fagan said. "Everyone telling me that they are happy to see me back is a nice feeling. Knowing that they want to have me here is important to me."
Worst part about the business: "No worst part. I love being in the restaurant business, especially in a small atmosphere like this," he said.
Key to success: "Quality of the food and service is important. If you don't maintain those elements you don't retain the customer base," Fagan said. "I think it is important to be able to make the food customized to the customers taste. That's the great thing about being in a operation like this is that you have the freedom to cook whatever you want."
Biggest misperception about the business: Mike's Beef 'n' Brew is a little different than his previous restaurant at this location "Fagans" because he is putting more emphasis on the bar and grill flavor. There is no longer a children's menu at the restaurant and they are staying open later offering Karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights and offer TV night Wednesdays where the martinis are $5 each.
Future plans: During the month of April Mike's Beef 'n' Brew along with a couple of other area restaurants are helping the Relay For Life fundraiser by hosting a Karaoke Contest. The contest is open to anyone over 18 who want to participate. Trials for the contest are located at Mike's Beef 'n' Brew on Friday and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to midnight. There is a $10 entry fee to participate. Finals are being held in the parking lot in front of Mike's Beef 'n' Brew on April 25 and 26. For more details call the restaurant.
Type of business: Restaurant
Owners: Mike Fagan
Founded: March 2009
Address: 2085 Main Street, Oakley
Phone number: 625-0292
Hours: 7 a.m. to midnight, Sunday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Number of employees: 5
Products and services: American style bar and grill featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant features omelettes, blueberry waffles, burgers, stuffed bacon and Gorgonzola cheeseburger, ball tip sandwich, 17 oz. New York steak, pork chops, prime rib and burger steak. Full service bar with house wine and domestic beer and appetizers.
Mike's Beef 'n' Brew also offers a variety of fish and pasta daily specials.
How did you get into the business: Fagan's has owned several other restaurants in the past including one at this location. "Mike's back," Fagan said. "People have been really happy to hear that."
Best part about the business: "I've really missed the customers here," Fagan said. "Everyone telling me that they are happy to see me back is a nice feeling. Knowing that they want to have me here is important to me."
Worst part about the business: "No worst part. I love being in the restaurant business, especially in a small atmosphere like this," he said.
Key to success: "Quality of the food and service is important. If you don't maintain those elements you don't retain the customer base," Fagan said. "I think it is important to be able to make the food customized to the customers taste. That's the great thing about being in a operation like this is that you have the freedom to cook whatever you want."
Biggest misperception about the business: Mike's Beef 'n' Brew is a little different than his previous restaurant at this location "Fagans" because he is putting more emphasis on the bar and grill flavor. There is no longer a children's menu at the restaurant and they are staying open later offering Karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights and offer TV night Wednesdays where the martinis are $5 each.
Future plans: During the month of April Mike's Beef 'n' Brew along with a couple of other area restaurants are helping the Relay For Life fundraiser by hosting a Karaoke Contest. The contest is open to anyone over 18 who want to participate. Trials for the contest are located at Mike's Beef 'n' Brew on Friday and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to midnight. There is a $10 entry fee to participate. Finals are being held in the parking lot in front of Mike's Beef 'n' Brew on April 25 and 26. For more details call the restaurant.
Liberty High Alums Honored
Since it's opening in 1901, Liberty High School has seen a lot of graduates pass through its doors. Many of those students have gone on to make a difference in their community. Wanting to find a way to bring attention to those students the district started a program called the "Grads of Distinction". Each year former graduates of the high school are honored with an awards lunch and a tour of the schools within the district. Last week three new grads were honored.
"It is really was something," said Manuel Vilchez a 1949 graduate of Liberty High School. "We really got the royal treatment. I felt very honored to be chosen."
Each of the former graduates were honored for different accomplishments they reached through out their life. Vilchez was recognized for his public service activities to the community.
As a lifelong member of the Brentwood community, Vilchez has seen a lot of changes to the community, but he was amazed to walk through the doors of Liberty High School for the first time in years. "I was taken a back," he said. "The campuses are so large now. When I attended there were 39 in my graduating class. Now there is something like 2,000."
Honored along with Vilchez, were two other graduates. Nancy (Gemetti) DeGuire, PharmD, class of 1982, was recognized in the area of Education and Rick Mello, class of 1976, was recognized in the area of Business. Vilchez and DeGuire both attended the daylong ceremony, but Mello was unable to attend due to a family emergency.
"I am proud and humbled to be honored among so many of our district graduates whose notable credits may not be widely known or recognized, but who distinguish themselves and help their communities in many ways," DeGuire said. "I appreciate being nominated for this honor. Being recognized by those I have the privilege to serve is perhaps the greatest gift I have been given."
DeGuire has worked for the University of the Pacific in Stockton for 18 years. Currently she holds the position of director of the Postgraduate Professional Education at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at the college. After leaving Liberty, DeGuire went on to attend college at the University of the Pacific and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
She remembers her time at Liberty High School fondly saying that the education and mentorship she received from the faculty, students and staff was exceptional. "They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself, and their confidence and support paved the road to my future. I believe we are, as children and young adults, parented by all adults who take the time to be involved in our lives," she said.
Although DeGuire commutes to work in Stockton every day, she is still a resident of East County. Likewise, Vilchez has never left the area.
"I've been very fortunate," Vilchez said. "I lived across the street from my grammar school for eight years, I lived half a block from the high school for four years and then I was able to walk a block away to go to work for 39 years."
Vilchez worked for the Brentwood Post Office for 39 years. After graduating from Liberty he went to college and then served in the Navy and Marines seeing action in Korea. When he came home from the service he went to work for the Post Office as a clerk, mail carrier and then the Post Master. He retired in 1992.
Over his lifetime Vilchez volunteered for the Lion's Club, was a charter member of the Marine Corps League, the American Legion and worked on Brentwood's Planning Commission. Recently he has been working on the American Cancer Society fundraisers.
Mello, who was unavailable for comment, went to Utah State University in 1980 where he received his Bachelor of Science, Journalism. He has spent 27 year working in intercollegiate athletics and is currently serving as the Associate Commissioner, Sports Administration and Championships Sun Belt Conference. Additionally, he is a member of the NCAA Division One Championship Cabinet and president of the Humane Society of Greater Miami. He has worked to provide private funding and implement new sports programs in several colleges and universities.
During the day the honorees were presented with several awards and certificates from different dignitaries and organizations. Their names will also be presented in a place of honor at the High School.
"It is really was something," said Manuel Vilchez a 1949 graduate of Liberty High School. "We really got the royal treatment. I felt very honored to be chosen."
Each of the former graduates were honored for different accomplishments they reached through out their life. Vilchez was recognized for his public service activities to the community.
As a lifelong member of the Brentwood community, Vilchez has seen a lot of changes to the community, but he was amazed to walk through the doors of Liberty High School for the first time in years. "I was taken a back," he said. "The campuses are so large now. When I attended there were 39 in my graduating class. Now there is something like 2,000."
Honored along with Vilchez, were two other graduates. Nancy (Gemetti) DeGuire, PharmD, class of 1982, was recognized in the area of Education and Rick Mello, class of 1976, was recognized in the area of Business. Vilchez and DeGuire both attended the daylong ceremony, but Mello was unable to attend due to a family emergency.
"I am proud and humbled to be honored among so many of our district graduates whose notable credits may not be widely known or recognized, but who distinguish themselves and help their communities in many ways," DeGuire said. "I appreciate being nominated for this honor. Being recognized by those I have the privilege to serve is perhaps the greatest gift I have been given."
DeGuire has worked for the University of the Pacific in Stockton for 18 years. Currently she holds the position of director of the Postgraduate Professional Education at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at the college. After leaving Liberty, DeGuire went on to attend college at the University of the Pacific and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
She remembers her time at Liberty High School fondly saying that the education and mentorship she received from the faculty, students and staff was exceptional. "They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself, and their confidence and support paved the road to my future. I believe we are, as children and young adults, parented by all adults who take the time to be involved in our lives," she said.
Although DeGuire commutes to work in Stockton every day, she is still a resident of East County. Likewise, Vilchez has never left the area.
"I've been very fortunate," Vilchez said. "I lived across the street from my grammar school for eight years, I lived half a block from the high school for four years and then I was able to walk a block away to go to work for 39 years."
Vilchez worked for the Brentwood Post Office for 39 years. After graduating from Liberty he went to college and then served in the Navy and Marines seeing action in Korea. When he came home from the service he went to work for the Post Office as a clerk, mail carrier and then the Post Master. He retired in 1992.
Over his lifetime Vilchez volunteered for the Lion's Club, was a charter member of the Marine Corps League, the American Legion and worked on Brentwood's Planning Commission. Recently he has been working on the American Cancer Society fundraisers.
Mello, who was unavailable for comment, went to Utah State University in 1980 where he received his Bachelor of Science, Journalism. He has spent 27 year working in intercollegiate athletics and is currently serving as the Associate Commissioner, Sports Administration and Championships Sun Belt Conference. Additionally, he is a member of the NCAA Division One Championship Cabinet and president of the Humane Society of Greater Miami. He has worked to provide private funding and implement new sports programs in several colleges and universities.
During the day the honorees were presented with several awards and certificates from different dignitaries and organizations. Their names will also be presented in a place of honor at the High School.
East County restaurants pitch in for Relay for Life event
Oakley participants of the Relay for Life Run are gearing up for this summer's event with a number of fund-raising activities. Several local restaurants are doing their part to help with the cause in the next few weeks by offering a venue for fundraising activities before the big event.
Relay for Life is a national fundraiser that takes place in local communities and the money raised is used the benefit cancer research. In Oakley it will be held at Freedom High School on May 2 and 3.
Mike's Beef 'n' Brew is joining with Brentwood restaurant Tailgaters and Bethel Island restaurant Tugs in offering a karaoke contest. The contest will offer karaoke qualifying dates throughout the month of April. Semi-finals and finals will take place April 25 and 26.
The idea for the karaoke contest came about when Oakley Councilmember Kevin Romick spoke with new Oakley restaurant owner Mike Fagan about offering some kind of fundraiser through his new place, Mike's Beef 'n' Brew.
"Kevin Romick and I have been friends a long time," Fagan said. "He and I worked on the Nunn Wilson fundraiser together and he asked what I could do for the Relay for Life and I offered the karaoke contest idea."
Fagan said that the three restaurants decided to work in conjunction with DBM Entertainment Deejay Danny Meinecke. Each restaurant will host the karaoke qualifying event a different day each week until the end of the month. Tailgators will host Thursday evenings from 9 p.m. to midnight; Mike's Beef 'n' Brew will host Friday and Saturday evenings from 9 p.m. to midnight; and Tugs will host qualifying 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
There is a $10 entry fee. If a participant fails to qualify at one location, he is welcome to try again at another location. There will be an entry fee at each location. Contestants must be at least 18 years or older, as the restaurants involved are all bar and grill style locations, Fagan said.
Meinecke has more than 70,000 songs on his play list and is likely to have all of the songs needed for the contest, Fagan said, but he said that contestants are welcome to bring their own music. On the final weekend, April 25 and 26, the finalist will be asked to perform on a stage ,which will be located by the Mike's Beef 'n' Brew restaurant in Cypress Square shopping center.
The three restaurants have donated cash awards, plus there will be other prizes for the event.
Along with this event, the local Relay for Life groups has also put together other restaurant fundraisers. Through April 30 Antioch restaurant Cocina Medina will be supporting the Relay For Life Luau 4 Life Team. Customers can pre-purchase a $10 dinner coupon. The coupon is good for the entire month of April and includes Taco, Enchilada or Bean and Cheese Burrito meal. Coupons can be purchased by calling Apryl at 925-207-6375 or e-mailing her at ald243@hotmail.com.
For more information on the karaoke contest, contact Mike's Beef 'n' Brew at 625-0292.
Relay for Life is a national fundraiser that takes place in local communities and the money raised is used the benefit cancer research. In Oakley it will be held at Freedom High School on May 2 and 3.
Mike's Beef 'n' Brew is joining with Brentwood restaurant Tailgaters and Bethel Island restaurant Tugs in offering a karaoke contest. The contest will offer karaoke qualifying dates throughout the month of April. Semi-finals and finals will take place April 25 and 26.
The idea for the karaoke contest came about when Oakley Councilmember Kevin Romick spoke with new Oakley restaurant owner Mike Fagan about offering some kind of fundraiser through his new place, Mike's Beef 'n' Brew.
"Kevin Romick and I have been friends a long time," Fagan said. "He and I worked on the Nunn Wilson fundraiser together and he asked what I could do for the Relay for Life and I offered the karaoke contest idea."
Fagan said that the three restaurants decided to work in conjunction with DBM Entertainment Deejay Danny Meinecke. Each restaurant will host the karaoke qualifying event a different day each week until the end of the month. Tailgators will host Thursday evenings from 9 p.m. to midnight; Mike's Beef 'n' Brew will host Friday and Saturday evenings from 9 p.m. to midnight; and Tugs will host qualifying 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
There is a $10 entry fee. If a participant fails to qualify at one location, he is welcome to try again at another location. There will be an entry fee at each location. Contestants must be at least 18 years or older, as the restaurants involved are all bar and grill style locations, Fagan said.
Meinecke has more than 70,000 songs on his play list and is likely to have all of the songs needed for the contest, Fagan said, but he said that contestants are welcome to bring their own music. On the final weekend, April 25 and 26, the finalist will be asked to perform on a stage ,which will be located by the Mike's Beef 'n' Brew restaurant in Cypress Square shopping center.
The three restaurants have donated cash awards, plus there will be other prizes for the event.
Along with this event, the local Relay for Life groups has also put together other restaurant fundraisers. Through April 30 Antioch restaurant Cocina Medina will be supporting the Relay For Life Luau 4 Life Team. Customers can pre-purchase a $10 dinner coupon. The coupon is good for the entire month of April and includes Taco, Enchilada or Bean and Cheese Burrito meal. Coupons can be purchased by calling Apryl at 925-207-6375 or e-mailing her at ald243@hotmail.com.
For more information on the karaoke contest, contact Mike's Beef 'n' Brew at 625-0292.
Sutter nurse wins social services award
When Debbie Spence walked into a terminally ill, co-worker's hospital room last December and overheard the woman talking to her children about not being able to put up a Christmas tree, she pulled her friends on the third floor of Sutter Delta Hospital together and got to work. For this and so many other things that Spence has done, she is being awarded the Sutter Delta Medical Center's Ida M. Cannon Award 2009.
Spence, who has worked for Sutter Delta for 23 years and is currently the charge nurse on the Telemetry 3 or, as most refer to it, the third floor. She spearheaded the Christmas effort, but Spence is quick to share the credit for her good deed.
"I may have started it, but it really was a group project of everyone from the third-floor nurses, to the social services department to even the CEO of Sutter Delta and the board of directors," Spence said.
The Ida M. Cannon Award is given out through the hospital's social services department to an employee at the hospital outside of the Social Service Department, according to Robert Frabricante, medical social worker. He explained that the department works hard
to find the one employee out of 900 who provides a certain set of social services values.
"Debbie exemplifies the social work principle that relationships between and among people are important in the helping process and seeks to strengthen the relationships in her unit and within the multi-disciplinary team," Frabricante said. "She has worked conscientiously during the past year to improve the morale and working relationships on third floor, recognizing that community service projects are a good way to bring people together."
Spence said that her co-worker died in January, but that those who helped her can be very proud of what they did.
"In the 23 years I've worked at Sutter Delta I have never seen anything like it," Spence said. "The third floor and several other people not only helped to put up a tree but provided a Christmas to this little family."
Helping this one family was not all the services that Spence helped provide this year. Over the past few years the third-floor group has worked to help at least one family during the holidays. Starting at Thanksgiving the group did a food drive with all of the employees at the hospital, including, again, the CEO and the Board. She said that they were able to give a "huge" donation to the Antioch Food Closet.
The same group of third-floor nurses helped another patient at the hospital who was terminally ill at Christmas. The patient was a single parent with three small children. The group placed a board up in the staff lounge and asked fellow employees to purchase items for the family, like food, toys and gifts for the children.
"It was just incredible the way everyone gave their support," Spence said.
Another holiday project included outreach to the schools asking for a child that would need extra help. This family was not one that had any relationship to the hospital, but just to the Antioch community.
"We delivered bicycles to the family," she said. "You get back so much. You are not just giving you are getting. Put it all together and you are the one getting the amazing gift."
"Debbie's willingness to assist others is both genuine and sincere. She leads by example and treats others, as she would want to be treated. She is a wonderful person to receive this award. We are proud that she represents Telemetry 3," Linda Lewis, assistant manager of Sutter Delta's second and third floor.
A luncheon was held in Spence's honor last week offering her a chance to be recognized, as well as the other employees that helped as well. Not only was lunch provided, but also according to Frabricante, the group had a chance to relieve some stress as well playing karaoke just for the fun of it.
Spence, who has worked for Sutter Delta for 23 years and is currently the charge nurse on the Telemetry 3 or, as most refer to it, the third floor. She spearheaded the Christmas effort, but Spence is quick to share the credit for her good deed.
"I may have started it, but it really was a group project of everyone from the third-floor nurses, to the social services department to even the CEO of Sutter Delta and the board of directors," Spence said.
The Ida M. Cannon Award is given out through the hospital's social services department to an employee at the hospital outside of the Social Service Department, according to Robert Frabricante, medical social worker. He explained that the department works hard
to find the one employee out of 900 who provides a certain set of social services values.
"Debbie exemplifies the social work principle that relationships between and among people are important in the helping process and seeks to strengthen the relationships in her unit and within the multi-disciplinary team," Frabricante said. "She has worked conscientiously during the past year to improve the morale and working relationships on third floor, recognizing that community service projects are a good way to bring people together."
Spence said that her co-worker died in January, but that those who helped her can be very proud of what they did.
"In the 23 years I've worked at Sutter Delta I have never seen anything like it," Spence said. "The third floor and several other people not only helped to put up a tree but provided a Christmas to this little family."
Helping this one family was not all the services that Spence helped provide this year. Over the past few years the third-floor group has worked to help at least one family during the holidays. Starting at Thanksgiving the group did a food drive with all of the employees at the hospital, including, again, the CEO and the Board. She said that they were able to give a "huge" donation to the Antioch Food Closet.
The same group of third-floor nurses helped another patient at the hospital who was terminally ill at Christmas. The patient was a single parent with three small children. The group placed a board up in the staff lounge and asked fellow employees to purchase items for the family, like food, toys and gifts for the children.
"It was just incredible the way everyone gave their support," Spence said.
Another holiday project included outreach to the schools asking for a child that would need extra help. This family was not one that had any relationship to the hospital, but just to the Antioch community.
"We delivered bicycles to the family," she said. "You get back so much. You are not just giving you are getting. Put it all together and you are the one getting the amazing gift."
"Debbie's willingness to assist others is both genuine and sincere. She leads by example and treats others, as she would want to be treated. She is a wonderful person to receive this award. We are proud that she represents Telemetry 3," Linda Lewis, assistant manager of Sutter Delta's second and third floor.
A luncheon was held in Spence's honor last week offering her a chance to be recognized, as well as the other employees that helped as well. Not only was lunch provided, but also according to Frabricante, the group had a chance to relieve some stress as well playing karaoke just for the fun of it.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Around Oakley: City tries to crack down on graffiti
Boredom seems to have set in for Oakley kids as city officials report an increase in graffiti over the past several days. The uptick appears to have coincided with spring break starting in both the Oakley Elementary School District and the Liberty Union High School District.
"We've seen an increase in the past seven days or so," said Bob Downing, the city's code enforcement officer.
Downing said it is a top priority of the City Council, city managers and himself to control graffiti and general spray painting throughout the city. "We can't always keep up as quickly as we would like, especially when it escalates like it has done, but we do try," Downing said.
The city has a goal of cleaning up graffiti within 24 hours from when it is reported or found. Last week, there were some markings on the corner of Vintage Parkway and Big Break Road, which was cleaned up within that time period.
Downing said that spray painting, tagging and graffiti are usually the work of kids between the ages of 13 and 18. Unfortunately, most of the time the perpetrators are not caught and the activities go on, leaving a mess for someone else to clean up.
The age-old question is why do kids feel the need to destroy others' property? There is no simple answer.
Downing said that sometimes these kids are just gang wannabes who think it's cool to spray paint "X4" after a gang in the San Jose and Oakland areas. Sometime the word "North" will be added to the name. That has been going on in Oakley for nearly two decades. The symbol "SM" — meaning "small mafia" — is relatively new.
The idea that graffiti is an art form plays a role as well, but generally most of the graffiti are a bunch of scribbles left on fences and street signs. Even graffiti for art sake is against the law, and Downing said those caught are arrested and restitution is part of their punishment.
Anyone witnessing someone spray-painting is asked to call the police immediately. Otherwise, graffiti should be reported to Downing's office. If he isn't in the office, he says to leave a message with the location of the graffiti. Contact Downing at 925-625-7031.
The city cannot guarantee that the exact color of paint can be matched when cleaning up a graffiti spot. "Generally, we try to clean it with a pressure cleaner and a special cleaning agent," Downing said.
If they don't work, they repaint the mark.
If the kids are just bored and looking for something to do, the city is offering its spring lineup of activities.
A complete list can be found at www.ci.oakley.ca.us. The recreation guide is listed on the home page, and offers activities for all ages.
Instead of tagging, maybe those skateboarders could practice their tricks. The city is offering a skateboard competition at Creekside Park at 1 p.m. on May 16. Registration is already open. The competition will offer five events, including freestyle, and prizes will be awarded. For details, contact the city at 925-625-7041.
"We've seen an increase in the past seven days or so," said Bob Downing, the city's code enforcement officer.
Downing said it is a top priority of the City Council, city managers and himself to control graffiti and general spray painting throughout the city. "We can't always keep up as quickly as we would like, especially when it escalates like it has done, but we do try," Downing said.
The city has a goal of cleaning up graffiti within 24 hours from when it is reported or found. Last week, there were some markings on the corner of Vintage Parkway and Big Break Road, which was cleaned up within that time period.
Downing said that spray painting, tagging and graffiti are usually the work of kids between the ages of 13 and 18. Unfortunately, most of the time the perpetrators are not caught and the activities go on, leaving a mess for someone else to clean up.
The age-old question is why do kids feel the need to destroy others' property? There is no simple answer.
Downing said that sometimes these kids are just gang wannabes who think it's cool to spray paint "X4" after a gang in the San Jose and Oakland areas. Sometime the word "North" will be added to the name. That has been going on in Oakley for nearly two decades. The symbol "SM" — meaning "small mafia" — is relatively new.
The idea that graffiti is an art form plays a role as well, but generally most of the graffiti are a bunch of scribbles left on fences and street signs. Even graffiti for art sake is against the law, and Downing said those caught are arrested and restitution is part of their punishment.
Anyone witnessing someone spray-painting is asked to call the police immediately. Otherwise, graffiti should be reported to Downing's office. If he isn't in the office, he says to leave a message with the location of the graffiti. Contact Downing at 925-625-7031.
The city cannot guarantee that the exact color of paint can be matched when cleaning up a graffiti spot. "Generally, we try to clean it with a pressure cleaner and a special cleaning agent," Downing said.
If they don't work, they repaint the mark.
If the kids are just bored and looking for something to do, the city is offering its spring lineup of activities.
A complete list can be found at www.ci.oakley.ca.us. The recreation guide is listed on the home page, and offers activities for all ages.
Instead of tagging, maybe those skateboarders could practice their tricks. The city is offering a skateboard competition at Creekside Park at 1 p.m. on May 16. Registration is already open. The competition will offer five events, including freestyle, and prizes will be awarded. For details, contact the city at 925-625-7041.
New doctor helps close gender gap at Sutter Delta
Despite a growing number of women now attending medical school, there is still a relatively low number of female doctors in the nation. The situation becomes even more apparent when looking at Antioch's Sutter Delta Medical Center, where there is a very low ratio of female to male doctors.
That is part of the reason Al Scott, director of the Sutter Regional Medical Foundation, is so excited to have brought Dr. Fatima Memon on staff as an internal medicine physician at the Antioch facility.
"It was wonderful to find not only a woman doctor but one so qualified to come to our area," Scott said.
Memon, who was educated in India, worked her residency program at the prestigious Morristown Memorial Hospital in New Jersey. That facility is well-known as a Level II trauma center and 650-bed tertiary care facility.
Morristown Memorial Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in New Jersey, and is the flagship hospital for Atlantic Health. Memon spent three years working at that facility.
After leaving New Jersey, Memon spent a little time in Santa Clara and fell in love with California. "After living in New Jersey cold winters, California's warmer climate is just what I needed," she said.
After graduating from Al-Ameen Medical College in Bijapur, India with honors, Memon spent five years working at clinics and hospitals in India. She decided she wanted to specialize in internal medicine, and headed to America to complete her residency.
Her professional interests include internal medicine, and diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases. She also does research in women's health and preventive medicine.
"I strive to get to know my patients on a one-to-one level. This gives me a better understanding of them on multiple levels — social, economical and environmental," Memon said. "Knowing the patient on a more personal level enables me to provide better overall care to the patient."
Scott said that although Memon has been seeing quite a few patients since she started her practice in January, she definitely has room to see more.
Memon is practicing at the Sutter Regional Medical Foundation-Sutter Delta Medical Group offices on the corner of Blue Rock and Lone Tree Way. She can be reached through the Sutter-Delta offices at 925-756-3400.
That is part of the reason Al Scott, director of the Sutter Regional Medical Foundation, is so excited to have brought Dr. Fatima Memon on staff as an internal medicine physician at the Antioch facility.
"It was wonderful to find not only a woman doctor but one so qualified to come to our area," Scott said.
Memon, who was educated in India, worked her residency program at the prestigious Morristown Memorial Hospital in New Jersey. That facility is well-known as a Level II trauma center and 650-bed tertiary care facility.
Morristown Memorial Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in New Jersey, and is the flagship hospital for Atlantic Health. Memon spent three years working at that facility.
After leaving New Jersey, Memon spent a little time in Santa Clara and fell in love with California. "After living in New Jersey cold winters, California's warmer climate is just what I needed," she said.
After graduating from Al-Ameen Medical College in Bijapur, India with honors, Memon spent five years working at clinics and hospitals in India. She decided she wanted to specialize in internal medicine, and headed to America to complete her residency.
Her professional interests include internal medicine, and diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases. She also does research in women's health and preventive medicine.
"I strive to get to know my patients on a one-to-one level. This gives me a better understanding of them on multiple levels — social, economical and environmental," Memon said. "Knowing the patient on a more personal level enables me to provide better overall care to the patient."
Scott said that although Memon has been seeing quite a few patients since she started her practice in January, she definitely has room to see more.
Memon is practicing at the Sutter Regional Medical Foundation-Sutter Delta Medical Group offices on the corner of Blue Rock and Lone Tree Way. She can be reached through the Sutter-Delta offices at 925-756-3400.
Voices of Antioch offers spirited gospel music
When Kimya Williams first got involved in the Antioch Church Family she was interested in finding a place where she could find a good influence for her two sons and a place for herself in an established church choir. In the past four years she has found not only what she was looking for in a church, but also an award-winning choir that she has been able to grow with.
"Antioch Church Family was the first church I ever belonged to," Williams said. "I joined the choir because the pastor asked me and because it was something I always wanted to do. When I joined the church, the pastor said to me I need you to join the choir. I didn't know how he knew it was what I wanted to do, but I didn't hesitate."
Williams said that Pastor Mario Howell asked her just to try it out for three months to see if she liked it. She has been with the group ever since.
"The choir is very spirited," Williams said.
The Voices of Antioch Choir is under the musical direction of Rev. Schez Carter and Sister Elena Nixon. Williams said that she isn't sure how long the choir has been in existence, but at least 10 years that she has heard of. Over the past four years, she says, that have been very active. Williams said that the choir has competed in three choir competitions and won each of them.
The first was at the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch three years ago. The competition was with other local choirs and the award was $1,000. Williams said that the Voices of Antioch took home the top honor. The winnings from that competition were donated to the Antioch High School. The next year the group competed in a Bay Area-wide choir competition that took place in Oakland. Again it won first prize.
In October the Voices of Antioch Choir had the chance to enter a competition called "How Sweet The Sound." They won the first place award of $10,000 for this contest.
How Sweet the Sound is a national competition, but the Voices of Antioch were only permitted to go as far as the regional competition because it had fewer than 100 members, Williams said.
They were still given the honor of Best Regional Choir for the Bay Area and Sacramento regions. The contest is taking nominations for the contest starting this month, but Williams said that the Voices decided not to compete this year to let some of the other churches have the chance to win. She said that the group has asked them if they would like to open the show in October. The group is still working out the details.
The Voices recently performed in Antioch at a Martin Luther King celebration. For the most part when they perform, they play both original and cover gospel tunes. The original music is written and produced by Sister Elena Nixon. "She is a master with music," Williams said.
Williams said that when the group sings gospel cover tunes they usually change the beat or the tempo to make the song to fit its style. They currently have a CD of their songs available for sale in hopes of raising some money for the church. Copies can be requested through the church.
Coming up for the group will be a performance at the Oakland Mormon Temple.
"We will be back up singers for some big names in the gospel world," Williams said.
The "Rejoice and Celebrate Jesus" concert will be June 27 and is open to the public.
The Voices of Antioch can be heard on the group's My Space site at www.myspace.com/antiochchurchfamily or for more information, call the church at 778-7454.
"Antioch Church Family was the first church I ever belonged to," Williams said. "I joined the choir because the pastor asked me and because it was something I always wanted to do. When I joined the church, the pastor said to me I need you to join the choir. I didn't know how he knew it was what I wanted to do, but I didn't hesitate."
Williams said that Pastor Mario Howell asked her just to try it out for three months to see if she liked it. She has been with the group ever since.
"The choir is very spirited," Williams said.
The Voices of Antioch Choir is under the musical direction of Rev. Schez Carter and Sister Elena Nixon. Williams said that she isn't sure how long the choir has been in existence, but at least 10 years that she has heard of. Over the past four years, she says, that have been very active. Williams said that the choir has competed in three choir competitions and won each of them.
The first was at the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch three years ago. The competition was with other local choirs and the award was $1,000. Williams said that the Voices of Antioch took home the top honor. The winnings from that competition were donated to the Antioch High School. The next year the group competed in a Bay Area-wide choir competition that took place in Oakland. Again it won first prize.
In October the Voices of Antioch Choir had the chance to enter a competition called "How Sweet The Sound." They won the first place award of $10,000 for this contest.
How Sweet the Sound is a national competition, but the Voices of Antioch were only permitted to go as far as the regional competition because it had fewer than 100 members, Williams said.
They were still given the honor of Best Regional Choir for the Bay Area and Sacramento regions. The contest is taking nominations for the contest starting this month, but Williams said that the Voices decided not to compete this year to let some of the other churches have the chance to win. She said that the group has asked them if they would like to open the show in October. The group is still working out the details.
The Voices recently performed in Antioch at a Martin Luther King celebration. For the most part when they perform, they play both original and cover gospel tunes. The original music is written and produced by Sister Elena Nixon. "She is a master with music," Williams said.
Williams said that when the group sings gospel cover tunes they usually change the beat or the tempo to make the song to fit its style. They currently have a CD of their songs available for sale in hopes of raising some money for the church. Copies can be requested through the church.
Coming up for the group will be a performance at the Oakland Mormon Temple.
"We will be back up singers for some big names in the gospel world," Williams said.
The "Rejoice and Celebrate Jesus" concert will be June 27 and is open to the public.
The Voices of Antioch can be heard on the group's My Space site at www.myspace.com/antiochchurchfamily or for more information, call the church at 778-7454.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Cafe features unusual flavors, yogurt blends
Business Profile
Name of Business: Uphoria Yogurt
Type of business: Restaurant
Owners: Ramiz and Joseph Hinn
Founded: March 2009
Address: 5009 Lone Tree Way, Antioch
Phone number: 757-1001 Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Number of employees: four
Products and services: Frozen yogurt, including flavors in original tart, kiwi tart, cable car chocolate, fancy French vanilla, white chocolate macadamia nut and cookies and cream. They also carry a variety of yogurt blends and custards. They make a different flavor every day. They also have a variety of fresh fruit toppings and dry toppings and a nonfat and low-fat selection.
How did you get into the business?: "We owned a grocery in San Francisco where we offered frozen yogurt and it went over well," Joseph said. "Since we lived here in Antioch we decided to open a yogurt place here."
Best part about the business: "Frozen yogurt is a great alternative to ice cream," he said. "It can fill a craving while being better for you."
Hinn also mentioned that they have a cozy atmosphere that will make customers want to stop by and hang for a while.
Worst part about the business: Hinn said there was nothing he could think of. He likes owning his own business.
Key to success: "Friendly service," he said. "We've been making a lot of friends since we opened."
He said the key is to have good customer
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service and to offer quality yogurt in good size servings for an inexpensive price.
Biggest misperception about the business: Hinn said for the most part people understand what frozen yogurt is all about. They realize that it comes in soft serve and that it comes in a variety of flavors. He also said that people were happy to hear that they served the custards.
Future plans: Hinn said they are always adding new flavors and that they hope to soon offer Karaoke nights and birthday parties.
— Roni Gehlke
Name of Business: Uphoria Yogurt
Type of business: Restaurant
Owners: Ramiz and Joseph Hinn
Founded: March 2009
Address: 5009 Lone Tree Way, Antioch
Phone number: 757-1001 Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Number of employees: four
Products and services: Frozen yogurt, including flavors in original tart, kiwi tart, cable car chocolate, fancy French vanilla, white chocolate macadamia nut and cookies and cream. They also carry a variety of yogurt blends and custards. They make a different flavor every day. They also have a variety of fresh fruit toppings and dry toppings and a nonfat and low-fat selection.
How did you get into the business?: "We owned a grocery in San Francisco where we offered frozen yogurt and it went over well," Joseph said. "Since we lived here in Antioch we decided to open a yogurt place here."
Best part about the business: "Frozen yogurt is a great alternative to ice cream," he said. "It can fill a craving while being better for you."
Hinn also mentioned that they have a cozy atmosphere that will make customers want to stop by and hang for a while.
Worst part about the business: Hinn said there was nothing he could think of. He likes owning his own business.
Key to success: "Friendly service," he said. "We've been making a lot of friends since we opened."
He said the key is to have good customer
Advertisement
service and to offer quality yogurt in good size servings for an inexpensive price.
Biggest misperception about the business: Hinn said for the most part people understand what frozen yogurt is all about. They realize that it comes in soft serve and that it comes in a variety of flavors. He also said that people were happy to hear that they served the custards.
Future plans: Hinn said they are always adding new flavors and that they hope to soon offer Karaoke nights and birthday parties.
— Roni Gehlke
Brentwood Iris Gardens now open
Okay not in Oakley, but close. Saw this place on the front page of the Brentwood News and had to go out and check for myself. There are many beautiful Iris are already in bloom.
The place just opened on March 28th for the year, but they will have a special festival grand opening set for April 18.
Meanwhile, they are open to the public . They are located at 195 Payne Ave. in Brentwood. They have a website for more information at
www.brentwoodirisgardens.com
See more of my shots at my other sites located at:
Recipe For Fun
Deviant Art
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