Rio Vista honors its top residents

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times


RIO VISTA — Restaurateur Howard Lamothe is used to receiving awards for his place of business, Foster's Bighorn, but just in case he didn't feel appreciated in his hometown, the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce showed him in a big way. Lamothe was awarded one of the chamber's highest honors at its recent annual awards banquet.


Lamothe has received many awards in the past, including "Best of the Bay" KRON San Francisco, "Eye on the Bay" (KPIX San Francisco), "Best Bar in the Delta" and "Best Bartender in the Delta" (Delta Explorer) and "Best Bar in the Bay Area" (San Francisco Magazine). All these awards, though, were about the accomplishments of the restaurant itself; the chamber's Business of the Year Star Award was given to Lamothe for his personal accomplishments as well.


The chamber's president, Matt Rubier, reminded those at the dinner of the days when Lamothe announced Rio Vista High football games, emphasizing that he has always given back to the youth in this community, said chamber director Mary Peinado.


"Foster's Bighorn is a magnet that draws people to visit Rio Vista," she said.


Peinado said when he accepted his award, Lamothe did it with his "signature style" by reading from notes he'd written on his palm.


Another business awarded at the banquet was Lira's Supermarket. The chamber awarded Jim Lira the Business of the Year Crown Award for his dedication by hiring "numerous" Rio Vista youth over the years. Lira recognized his family at the dinner stating that the business is a family affair. His son Mike is the chief executive officer, his daughter Christine Farrell is the human resources manager and his son-in-law Correy Farrell is the chief financial officer.


The surprise award of the evening was the chamber's Spirit Award. Peinado said that the Spirit Award is similar to the Antioch Citizen of the Year award, given to a local resident for their dedication to the community. The chamber does not announce the winner of the award to the public before it is given out.


This year Rio Vista's award was given to Hale and Sue Conklin. Peinado said that among their accomplishments, the Conklins established a Web site featuring news and activities throughout Rio Vista. The site address is www.riovistaadvocates.com. The couple also opened a bookstore called Books RV this past year.


When receiving the award, Hale said that he and his wife were touched that so many of his friends and neighbors attended the dinner to support them.