By Roni Gehlke
Contra Costa Times
ANTIOCH — A year and a half ago, County Square Market opened its doors here amid fanfare usually reserved for a Chinese New Year celebration. Costumed dragon dancers and taiko drummers entertained hundreds inside the new market that featured a variety of Asian foods, a hot deli, bakery and fresh fish market.
On Wednesday, the store will close its doors despite the welcome reception it has received in East County.
The building that houses the market on Hillcrest Avenue has gone into foreclosure, according to one of County Square's owners. As a result, the store can no longer operate there.
"The simple fact is that banks are not landlords," said one of the grocery's owners, Elaine Chan.
Over the past few months, the market has tried to negotiate with the building's owner and the bank to find a solution, but to no avail, Chan said.
"One of our customers works in real estate and said we should just stay as long as we can, but we are realistic and know there is nothing to be done," she said.
County Square Market is a family-owned business with another location in Pleasant Hill. Chan said she doesn't want customers to feel sad for it. "We are just scaling down for now. It is better to be smaller and stronger now, and hold out until the economy improves," she said.
The owners are encouraging customers to visit their store in Pleasant Hill.
"The worst part for me is that we have to let go of some of the employees when we close down this store," Chan said.
She hopes to transfer as many employees as possible to the Pleasant Hill store when the Hillcrest location closes next week. "That is not only bad for the employees, but also the city of Antioch," Chan said.
Several local businesses have shut down in the past year, and people in Antioch need jobs, she said.
Milly Chin of Oakley enjoyed shopping locally instead of traveling to Pleasant Hill once a month to buy her favorite items. "I like trying new recipes," she said. "Sometimes I would come in and share the finished product with the people here."
A large number of non-Asian customers also shop at the store and enjoy trying out new recipes, Chan said. That was the case for Tim Burke and his family.
"We heard about this place through friends and decided to check it out when it first opened," he said. "We've come several times since and really enjoyed it."
Burke said he doesn't know whether he will travel to Pleasant Hill to shop. "I want to say I will, but I don't think I'll find the time. We need more places like this here. Especially the fresh fish market."
Although the Antioch store has been successful, Chan said there are no plans to reopen it at another East County location. The most successful features of the market have been the hot deli, bakery and fish market, but they are the most expensive to set up and too costly an investment for the business right now.
The Pleasant Hill location has been open for nine years, and Chan doesn't see that location closing anytime soon. One reason the family opened the Antioch store, she said, was because so many customers were driving from East County to Pleasant Hill.
She hopes those loyal customers will come back. Meanwhile, the Antioch store will offer discounts on all its products during the final week to thank customers.
"We'll really miss the customers; they've been amazing," Chan said.
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, June 25, 2010
Artistic talents on display at Contra Costa Fair
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
The talent of Oakley residents never ceases to amaze me.
For such a small community, Oakley has its fair share of talented artists, whether they do their work as a profession or as a hobby.
At the recent Contra Costa County Fair, several Oakley residents entered their work, and if you had a chance to check it out, you know what I mean when I say what an excellent job these people did on their entries.
Generally, when you think of the fair, you think of the youth exhibits, and while there were a lot of creative pieces that the youths of our communities put together, the fine art selection this year also held some true treasures from the adult population. The art included everything from paintings and photography to quilts and ironwork.
The fair's "Director's Award" went to Oakley's Donna Baker for a quilt that she made with a scene that easily could have been a photo of the Antioch-Oakley Regional Shoreline. Another piece included an intricate drawing of a woman on a checkered balcony that won an honorable mention from Oakley's Deela Hubburt.
"I really enjoyed entering my work in the show," Hubburt said.
Hubburt's work usually includes paintings of annual flowers, pictures of roses, oils and pastels. One of the pictures she entered was of her grandmother's front yard.
She began taking her art seriously about 10 years ago, and now is an art teacher at the school at Cornerstone Church in Antioch. She teaches using pencil, oil and pastels.
One of the first-place winners was a painting by Oakley's Betty Espindola. The picture included a young boy sitting on hay surrounded by pumpkins.
Several other Oakley artists of note were Rose Sexton, Joe Garcia, William Geltz, Nobuko Shiles and Norma Halley. There may have been dozens of others that I missed because there were quite a few entries this year.
It was nice to see some old friends' paintings there as well, including one by Oakley artist Nancy Roberts. She entered a small carnival painting in the Plein Air division, and came home with a third prize. Roberts also is a local art instructor.
As Oakley grows, it may be time to start thinking about forming the city's own art association and building a little gallery in town. Over the years, several members of the community have offered spots to exhibit local talent, but nothing has been sported in a few years.
Obviously, the talent is out there; now there just needs to be a location.
Looking for something to do this weekend? The Friends of Oakley are holding an event Saturday to help the Oakley Police Department.
"Fun in the Sun" will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at O'Hara Park on the corner of O'Hara Avenue and Cypress Road. The event will feature a car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., lunch from noon to 1 p.m., and games and prizes from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults, or two for $25; and $8 for children, or two for $15. They are available at Mike's Beef and Brew in the Raley's shopping center, downtown's Kit and Caboodle Hobby Shop or by calling 925-625-5745.
All funds are tax-deductible and will go to building an auxiliary vehicle coverage structure with an animal detention area for the police department. For more details, check out http://friendsofoakley.webs.com/.
Contact Oakley resident Roni Gehlke at festfan@comcast.net.
For the Contra Costa Times
The talent of Oakley residents never ceases to amaze me.
For such a small community, Oakley has its fair share of talented artists, whether they do their work as a profession or as a hobby.
At the recent Contra Costa County Fair, several Oakley residents entered their work, and if you had a chance to check it out, you know what I mean when I say what an excellent job these people did on their entries.
Generally, when you think of the fair, you think of the youth exhibits, and while there were a lot of creative pieces that the youths of our communities put together, the fine art selection this year also held some true treasures from the adult population. The art included everything from paintings and photography to quilts and ironwork.
The fair's "Director's Award" went to Oakley's Donna Baker for a quilt that she made with a scene that easily could have been a photo of the Antioch-Oakley Regional Shoreline. Another piece included an intricate drawing of a woman on a checkered balcony that won an honorable mention from Oakley's Deela Hubburt.
"I really enjoyed entering my work in the show," Hubburt said.
Hubburt's work usually includes paintings of annual flowers, pictures of roses, oils and pastels. One of the pictures she entered was of her grandmother's front yard.
She began taking her art seriously about 10 years ago, and now is an art teacher at the school at Cornerstone Church in Antioch. She teaches using pencil, oil and pastels.
One of the first-place winners was a painting by Oakley's Betty Espindola. The picture included a young boy sitting on hay surrounded by pumpkins.
Several other Oakley artists of note were Rose Sexton, Joe Garcia, William Geltz, Nobuko Shiles and Norma Halley. There may have been dozens of others that I missed because there were quite a few entries this year.
It was nice to see some old friends' paintings there as well, including one by Oakley artist Nancy Roberts. She entered a small carnival painting in the Plein Air division, and came home with a third prize. Roberts also is a local art instructor.
As Oakley grows, it may be time to start thinking about forming the city's own art association and building a little gallery in town. Over the years, several members of the community have offered spots to exhibit local talent, but nothing has been sported in a few years.
Obviously, the talent is out there; now there just needs to be a location.
Looking for something to do this weekend? The Friends of Oakley are holding an event Saturday to help the Oakley Police Department.
"Fun in the Sun" will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at O'Hara Park on the corner of O'Hara Avenue and Cypress Road. The event will feature a car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., lunch from noon to 1 p.m., and games and prizes from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults, or two for $25; and $8 for children, or two for $15. They are available at Mike's Beef and Brew in the Raley's shopping center, downtown's Kit and Caboodle Hobby Shop or by calling 925-625-5745.
All funds are tax-deductible and will go to building an auxiliary vehicle coverage structure with an animal detention area for the police department. For more details, check out http://friendsofoakley.webs.com/.
Contact Oakley resident Roni Gehlke at festfan@comcast.net.
Business Spotlight: Brentwood's HomeLife provides in-home senior care
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: HomeLife Senior Care
Type of business: In-home senior care
Owners: Angela and Vinny DiNicola
Founded: April 2010
Address: In-home business; P.O. Box 1069, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-521-8665
Hours: Phones are answered 24 hours a day every day.
Number of employees: 10
Products and services: HomeLife Senior Care provides personal care and companion care services to help seniors stay in their homes as long as possible. The services are available for as few as three hours on an as-needed basis, or up to 24 hours/day, seven days per week. They offer a free service to their clients called "SafeSenior," an automated medication reminder and well-being telephone call service.
If seniors do not respond to a representative's calls, emergency services are dispatched and family members are notified immediately.
All of HomeLife's caregivers are trained as Certified Companion Aides in a nationally recognized certification program offered through "The Senior's Choice." The Senior's Choice a national membership organization that, according to the DiNicolas, they joined voluntarily because they uphold high standards.
How did you get into the business?: Angela and Vinny DiNicola became caregivers to an aging parent for 10 months last year and saw the need for a service, which would provide seniors with the dignity and compassion they deserve.
Considering the needs of our own aging parents, our immediate desire was to use what we learned to build a premier, affordable, in-home care service built on a foundation of compassion and dependability to offer families peace of mind by providing mom or dad, or grandma and grandpa, with the best trained caregivers in the industry," Vinny DiNicola said.
Best part about the business?: The best part of the business, according to DiNicola, is helping seniors to stay in their homes longer and not experience the loss of their familiar surroundings and independence.
"We also assist by helping family members to have peace of mind that mom and dad are well-cared for by our caregivers who are well-trained, certified, bonded, insured and who are the cream of the crop," DiNicola said.
He also said it is rewarding to witness the relief in the families of seniors who are very concerned about a parent and really don't know where to turn for help.
"We make it possible for them to enjoy their aging parents when visiting instead of caregiving. That's very rewarding," he said.
Worst part about the business?: All the paperwork that has to be done is the worst part of the business. The DiNicolas would rather be out marketing and talking to seniors and their families.
Key to success: "We are a family business owned and operated by a husband and wife team; we are not a franchise," DiNicola said. "HomeLife Senior Care is different because of the passion that we personally bring as owners to be the best."
They consider seniors in their care as their own family and their success is a result of HomeLife's caregivers.
"The training we provide our caregivers, their compassion for seniors and their commitment to excellence," DiNicola said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "There's a void in our community because many families do not know these services exist," DiNicola said. "It's our pleasure to be able to share this information with them and to let them know we are available to help."
Future plans: They are expanding to new offices in Brentwood in the near future. They want to get the word out more that families in East County, Rio Vista and Tracy can call and ask for a no-obligation, free assessment to find out if their services will fit their needs.
"Our future plan is to be the very best, most compassionate and most dependable senior care provider in the area," DiNicola said. "We don't judge our success on whether or not we are the biggest senior care provider in East County. Our only criteria are to be the best."
— Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: HomeLife Senior Care
Type of business: In-home senior care
Owners: Angela and Vinny DiNicola
Founded: April 2010
Address: In-home business; P.O. Box 1069, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-521-8665
Hours: Phones are answered 24 hours a day every day.
Number of employees: 10
Products and services: HomeLife Senior Care provides personal care and companion care services to help seniors stay in their homes as long as possible. The services are available for as few as three hours on an as-needed basis, or up to 24 hours/day, seven days per week. They offer a free service to their clients called "SafeSenior," an automated medication reminder and well-being telephone call service.
If seniors do not respond to a representative's calls, emergency services are dispatched and family members are notified immediately.
All of HomeLife's caregivers are trained as Certified Companion Aides in a nationally recognized certification program offered through "The Senior's Choice." The Senior's Choice a national membership organization that, according to the DiNicolas, they joined voluntarily because they uphold high standards.
How did you get into the business?: Angela and Vinny DiNicola became caregivers to an aging parent for 10 months last year and saw the need for a service, which would provide seniors with the dignity and compassion they deserve.
Considering the needs of our own aging parents, our immediate desire was to use what we learned to build a premier, affordable, in-home care service built on a foundation of compassion and dependability to offer families peace of mind by providing mom or dad, or grandma and grandpa, with the best trained caregivers in the industry," Vinny DiNicola said.
Best part about the business?: The best part of the business, according to DiNicola, is helping seniors to stay in their homes longer and not experience the loss of their familiar surroundings and independence.
"We also assist by helping family members to have peace of mind that mom and dad are well-cared for by our caregivers who are well-trained, certified, bonded, insured and who are the cream of the crop," DiNicola said.
He also said it is rewarding to witness the relief in the families of seniors who are very concerned about a parent and really don't know where to turn for help.
"We make it possible for them to enjoy their aging parents when visiting instead of caregiving. That's very rewarding," he said.
Worst part about the business?: All the paperwork that has to be done is the worst part of the business. The DiNicolas would rather be out marketing and talking to seniors and their families.
Key to success: "We are a family business owned and operated by a husband and wife team; we are not a franchise," DiNicola said. "HomeLife Senior Care is different because of the passion that we personally bring as owners to be the best."
They consider seniors in their care as their own family and their success is a result of HomeLife's caregivers.
"The training we provide our caregivers, their compassion for seniors and their commitment to excellence," DiNicola said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "There's a void in our community because many families do not know these services exist," DiNicola said. "It's our pleasure to be able to share this information with them and to let them know we are available to help."
Future plans: They are expanding to new offices in Brentwood in the near future. They want to get the word out more that families in East County, Rio Vista and Tracy can call and ask for a no-obligation, free assessment to find out if their services will fit their needs.
"Our future plan is to be the very best, most compassionate and most dependable senior care provider in the area," DiNicola said. "We don't judge our success on whether or not we are the biggest senior care provider in East County. Our only criteria are to be the best."
— Roni Gehlke
Oakley food program helps those in need
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
When 14-year-old Victoria Barce of Brentwood heard that her tennis coach, Thurston Brice, spent his free time running the local Loaves and Fishes meal program in Oakley, she decided that it would be fun to spend some of her summer helping, too.
Barce talked her friends Bianca and Tristian Morales, also members of Brice's team, into helping as well. The brother and sister in turn roped their mom, Mercedes, into helping out.
"It is a very good idea what they are doing here," Barce said after three days of volunteering. "I'm glad I'm having a chance to help."
Oakley's Loaves and Fishes program is affiliated with Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, and offers free daily lunch to anyone who needs it. The program currently serves more than 9,000 free meals to Contra Costa County residents per month.
A few weeks ago, Oakley's program moved from St. Anthony Catholic Church, its location of more than five years, to the Red Man Pocahontas Hall. After building a new parking lot, the church found that health codes required that it build new water facilities to allow outside organizations to use its building for food services.
After putting so much money into the new parking lot, the church just couldn't afford the added cost at this time, Brice said.
"It is really a shame," he said, "since we were in the heart of town at the church."
The program was lucky to find a new location quickly, Brice said. The Red Man Pocahontas Hall, near Live Oak Road on Main Street, offers a full kitchen and room for seating all who come in.
Loaves and Fishes serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. No names, documents or papers are necessary to get a free meal, Brice said.
"Any human can come in and get a meal. We don't care if you make a million dollars or are homeless," Brice said.
Brice said the Oakley lunch program served 61 people, a few more than usual, on a recent Monday. The organization has seen a significant increase in demand over the past six months.
"People really need to know, though, that they aren't taking food away from the poor when they come in," Brice said.
He said that even those who need the services the most worry that they are taking away from others.
Some people may not consider themselves needy, just down on their luck. They may be too proud to come in and accept help and might go hungry instead.
"We make the food no matter what, and it needs to be eaten, so they should come in if they're hungry," Brice said.
The group relies heavily on monetary donations. The food is catered through a kitchen in Pittsburg. Some of it is purchased through the Contra Costa Food Bank at cheaper prices than found through normal channels.
Each meal includes a main course, vegetables, salad, bread and dessert.
"The food is much better than people think," Brice said.
Brice said the new location has resulted in a slight drop in the number of people who come daily. He was disappointed when he realized that the local bus service didn't offer a bus stop closer to the hall.
He's hoping that Tri Delta Transit might consider stopping closer during lunchtime.
"We get a lot of seniors and young children that come in," he said.
Brice is proud of his students for giving up some of their summer to volunteer for the cause. When not serving as dining room manager, Brice coaches a Pittsburg tennis team for the East County Tennis Association. During the school year, he is the tennis coach at Pittsburg High School.
For the Contra Costa Times
When 14-year-old Victoria Barce of Brentwood heard that her tennis coach, Thurston Brice, spent his free time running the local Loaves and Fishes meal program in Oakley, she decided that it would be fun to spend some of her summer helping, too.
Barce talked her friends Bianca and Tristian Morales, also members of Brice's team, into helping as well. The brother and sister in turn roped their mom, Mercedes, into helping out.
"It is a very good idea what they are doing here," Barce said after three days of volunteering. "I'm glad I'm having a chance to help."
Oakley's Loaves and Fishes program is affiliated with Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, and offers free daily lunch to anyone who needs it. The program currently serves more than 9,000 free meals to Contra Costa County residents per month.
A few weeks ago, Oakley's program moved from St. Anthony Catholic Church, its location of more than five years, to the Red Man Pocahontas Hall. After building a new parking lot, the church found that health codes required that it build new water facilities to allow outside organizations to use its building for food services.
After putting so much money into the new parking lot, the church just couldn't afford the added cost at this time, Brice said.
"It is really a shame," he said, "since we were in the heart of town at the church."
The program was lucky to find a new location quickly, Brice said. The Red Man Pocahontas Hall, near Live Oak Road on Main Street, offers a full kitchen and room for seating all who come in.
Loaves and Fishes serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. No names, documents or papers are necessary to get a free meal, Brice said.
"Any human can come in and get a meal. We don't care if you make a million dollars or are homeless," Brice said.
Brice said the Oakley lunch program served 61 people, a few more than usual, on a recent Monday. The organization has seen a significant increase in demand over the past six months.
"People really need to know, though, that they aren't taking food away from the poor when they come in," Brice said.
He said that even those who need the services the most worry that they are taking away from others.
Some people may not consider themselves needy, just down on their luck. They may be too proud to come in and accept help and might go hungry instead.
"We make the food no matter what, and it needs to be eaten, so they should come in if they're hungry," Brice said.
The group relies heavily on monetary donations. The food is catered through a kitchen in Pittsburg. Some of it is purchased through the Contra Costa Food Bank at cheaper prices than found through normal channels.
Each meal includes a main course, vegetables, salad, bread and dessert.
"The food is much better than people think," Brice said.
Brice said the new location has resulted in a slight drop in the number of people who come daily. He was disappointed when he realized that the local bus service didn't offer a bus stop closer to the hall.
He's hoping that Tri Delta Transit might consider stopping closer during lunchtime.
"We get a lot of seniors and young children that come in," he said.
Brice is proud of his students for giving up some of their summer to volunteer for the cause. When not serving as dining room manager, Brice coaches a Pittsburg tennis team for the East County Tennis Association. During the school year, he is the tennis coach at Pittsburg High School.
Business spotlight: Boutique aims to offer secondhand clothing that is first rate
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of Business: Cowboys and Angels Children's Boutique
Type of business: Retail, photography
Owner: Leah Raveglia
Founded: 2010
Address: 240 Oak St., Brentwood
Phone number: 925-626-3856
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Number of Employees: One
Products and services: Cowboys and Angels Children's Boutique offers two services. One is a full-service children's clothing consignment store featuring pre-owned quality clothing. Clothing is for boys and girls with an emphasis on girls wear. The store sells all types with sizes newborn to eight.
Each Wednesday, owner Leah Raveglia takes in new consignment orders.
Raveglia also offers a line of handmade clothing. The clothing is produced under her own name, Leah Raveglia. Currently, she is making a lot of girls clothing — everything from dresses, shirts, pants, skirts and custom-made tutus and dresses.
She also makes a line of boys clothing, blankets, headbands and more. The sizes run from newborn to eight. Raveglia also is working on increasing the line to fit preteens up to size 14.
Also featured at Cowboys and Angels is a full portrait studio. Portraits start at $25 per child, and consists of one sitting with all the pictures on disk. Other packages are available.
Raveglia said she encourages the children to dress up and have fun. She has various backdrops and props available to make the experience fun. She offers photography services for all ages, and is available for one child or a whole family.
How did you get into the business?: Raveglia said that when her daughter was younger, she loved to shop in quality secondhand stores. As her family moved around, she found fewer and fewer stores with secondhand clothes.
She saw a need for both sides of the businesses in the Brentwood area and decided to open her own place.
Best part about the business?: "I just love everything about the business," she said. Raveglia said that she especially likes spending time with her customers and getting to know them and their children.
She also likes having the chance to sew all day. She set up a sewing machine in front of the store, and sews whenever she gets the chance.
Worst part about the business?: "I can't really think of anything that I don't like," she said. "I am just so happy that I get to be in this business."
Key to success: "I don't really know yet," she said. "But I really think that it takes making the mom and children happy, and you'll be a crowd pleaser."
Biggest misperception about the business: "People think when they hear secondhand store that they are going to a thrift shop," Raveglia said. "Coming here is like coming to a boutique. All of the clothes are high quality, and the prices are reasonable."
Future plans: Raveglia plans to keep making her clothing line and add more styles and designs. She also is going to continue to add sizes to her preteen line.
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of Business: Cowboys and Angels Children's Boutique
Type of business: Retail, photography
Owner: Leah Raveglia
Founded: 2010
Address: 240 Oak St., Brentwood
Phone number: 925-626-3856
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Number of Employees: One
Products and services: Cowboys and Angels Children's Boutique offers two services. One is a full-service children's clothing consignment store featuring pre-owned quality clothing. Clothing is for boys and girls with an emphasis on girls wear. The store sells all types with sizes newborn to eight.
Each Wednesday, owner Leah Raveglia takes in new consignment orders.
Raveglia also offers a line of handmade clothing. The clothing is produced under her own name, Leah Raveglia. Currently, she is making a lot of girls clothing — everything from dresses, shirts, pants, skirts and custom-made tutus and dresses.
She also makes a line of boys clothing, blankets, headbands and more. The sizes run from newborn to eight. Raveglia also is working on increasing the line to fit preteens up to size 14.
Also featured at Cowboys and Angels is a full portrait studio. Portraits start at $25 per child, and consists of one sitting with all the pictures on disk. Other packages are available.
Raveglia said she encourages the children to dress up and have fun. She has various backdrops and props available to make the experience fun. She offers photography services for all ages, and is available for one child or a whole family.
How did you get into the business?: Raveglia said that when her daughter was younger, she loved to shop in quality secondhand stores. As her family moved around, she found fewer and fewer stores with secondhand clothes.
She saw a need for both sides of the businesses in the Brentwood area and decided to open her own place.
Best part about the business?: "I just love everything about the business," she said. Raveglia said that she especially likes spending time with her customers and getting to know them and their children.
She also likes having the chance to sew all day. She set up a sewing machine in front of the store, and sews whenever she gets the chance.
Worst part about the business?: "I can't really think of anything that I don't like," she said. "I am just so happy that I get to be in this business."
Key to success: "I don't really know yet," she said. "But I really think that it takes making the mom and children happy, and you'll be a crowd pleaser."
Biggest misperception about the business: "People think when they hear secondhand store that they are going to a thrift shop," Raveglia said. "Coming here is like coming to a boutique. All of the clothes are high quality, and the prices are reasonable."
Future plans: Raveglia plans to keep making her clothing line and add more styles and designs. She also is going to continue to add sizes to her preteen line.
Roy Ghiggeri retires after 36 years as educator
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
When lifelong Brentwood resident Roy Ghiggeri came home from attending the University of the Pacific on a basketball scholarship, he told his father, Emilio, that he wasn't sure the family farming business was for him. That was a big step considering his family owned Ghiggeri Farms, which was the first farm to grow corn in Brentwood.
"Dad said you have to follow your calling," Roy Ghiggeri recalled.
On Thursday Ghiggeri retired from the career choice he made 36 year ago as an educator with the Liberty Union High School District.
As a graduate of Liberty High School and a basketball star, Ghiggeri was familiar with the school's athletic department. When he returned from University of the Pacific he was approached by the high school's then-principal and the athletic director and asked to come work as a teacher and a coach.
He later became athletic director, then student activities director and assistant principal of Liberty High School. When the school added an alternative education department 10 years ago, Ghiggeri was asked to direct that department. He then moved to the district office to begin work as the assistant superintendent of administration.
Ghiggeri said that over the years he was worked to help make several improvements throughout the high school and the district. He said he's most proud of starting the high school's leadership program.
Ghiggeri was also instrumental in bringing the "walk-thru program" where new students tour the school and learn about where to find their classes and programs.
"I'm proud of the consistency that the school board members and the principals have shown to make the students No. 1," Ghiggeri said. "It is nice to work for that kind of top-flight group."
As a partner in his family farm, now known as G&S Farms, Ghiggeri said he'll be changing his shoes and be more of a farmer in the next stage of his life. He is sure that he and his wife, who love to travel, will also continue to explore the world.
A lot of students have passed through his doors, Ghiggeri said, noting that when he started teaching, Brentwood had only 5,000 residents. He said he'll miss having the chance to have his past students stop in and see him."It was a great sign of respect for me when they came to visit," he said.
For the Contra Costa Times
When lifelong Brentwood resident Roy Ghiggeri came home from attending the University of the Pacific on a basketball scholarship, he told his father, Emilio, that he wasn't sure the family farming business was for him. That was a big step considering his family owned Ghiggeri Farms, which was the first farm to grow corn in Brentwood.
"Dad said you have to follow your calling," Roy Ghiggeri recalled.
On Thursday Ghiggeri retired from the career choice he made 36 year ago as an educator with the Liberty Union High School District.
As a graduate of Liberty High School and a basketball star, Ghiggeri was familiar with the school's athletic department. When he returned from University of the Pacific he was approached by the high school's then-principal and the athletic director and asked to come work as a teacher and a coach.
He later became athletic director, then student activities director and assistant principal of Liberty High School. When the school added an alternative education department 10 years ago, Ghiggeri was asked to direct that department. He then moved to the district office to begin work as the assistant superintendent of administration.
Ghiggeri said that over the years he was worked to help make several improvements throughout the high school and the district. He said he's most proud of starting the high school's leadership program.
Ghiggeri was also instrumental in bringing the "walk-thru program" where new students tour the school and learn about where to find their classes and programs.
"I'm proud of the consistency that the school board members and the principals have shown to make the students No. 1," Ghiggeri said. "It is nice to work for that kind of top-flight group."
As a partner in his family farm, now known as G&S Farms, Ghiggeri said he'll be changing his shoes and be more of a farmer in the next stage of his life. He is sure that he and his wife, who love to travel, will also continue to explore the world.
A lot of students have passed through his doors, Ghiggeri said, noting that when he started teaching, Brentwood had only 5,000 residents. He said he'll miss having the chance to have his past students stop in and see him."It was a great sign of respect for me when they came to visit," he said.
Dedication to school, having fun are key to top students' success
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
What does it take to be the smartest of the smartest in your class and go home with the prize of valedictorian? According to Antioch High School's five valedictorians, it takes a lot of dedication, picking the right classes and most of all having fun.
"Remember to manage your time well," Julia Surges, one of the five 2010 valedictorians said. "Don't let procrastination be your best friend or it will kick you in the butt in the end and always have fun."
Surges and the other valedictorians will have a chance to speak to their classmates this evening at
Antioch High School's graduation ceremonies. Besides Surges, the five students chosen this year for valedictorian include Jana Cicerello, Amanda Dwyer and twins Kaitlin and Meghan Simarro. Chosen as the school's salutatorian was Kelsey Littell.
Each of the girls has attended Antioch High School for her entire high school term. They all attended Belshaw Elementary School and Park Middle School.
"It is important to challenge yourself and know that there is not a goal you can't reach," Meghan Simarro said. "Work hard. It worked for me in getting into the school I wanted to go to."
The next step for these girls is to take the skills they've learned and move on to college, according to Dwyer, 18, who plans on studying wildlife sciences at UC Davis in the fall.
While at Antioch High School Dwyer was on the cross country and track teams. She was also a member of the California Scholarship Federation club. While she also played tennis and soccer she was very dedicated to her classes, filling her schedule with as many science classes as she could fit in.
She isn't quite sure where her degree in wildlife sciences will take her, but she is hoping it will give her a chance to travel and study animals locally and throughout the world.
Dwyer credits her Uncle Doug as her inspiration to study science. "He's a biology teacher and really interested me in science," she said.
Surges will also be studying the sciences, but will be attending UC Berkeley in the fall to study biochemistry. She is hoping to move into a medical field of some kind in the future.
Surges spent a lot of her time at Antioch High School working on the student government and school site council. She was a member of CSF for two years. She also played volleyball and soccer. For 15 years outside of school, she participated in dance classes taking tap and jazz at a local school. She performed in many recitals over the years.
Last summer Surges was selected as a representative to the California Girls State, which is an organization that allows 500 girls from California to participate in a mock government group to see how the government runs and learn more about the system.
"I can't put my finger on one specific teacher who helped me in high school," she said. "All my teachers were great. In fifth grade, however, Mrs. Buckley pushed me harder to get better grades."
Twins Kaitlin and Meghan Simarro have pretty much followed the same path through their school years, but it wasn't the competition between the two girls that made Kaitlin be the best student she could be, it was following in her brothers' footsteps.
"You don't usually hear about twin girls and twin boys in one family, but we have them in mine,"
Kaitlin said about her twin brothers Ryan and Nathan. "My brothers grew up playing sports and also having good grades. I knew that if they could do it then I could do it too."
Kaitlin said that she really was good in sports and she didn't want to give it up, so she just had to work on her grades and make them good too.
Not only is Kaitlin one of the school's valedictorians, but she was also the school's Female Athlete of the Year. She played school soccer, softball, tennis and basketball. Outside of sports she has also taken several of the advanced placement classes, worked on the school newspaper and student government.
She has been accepted to UCLA, but has yet to pick a course of study. She is considering biological life sciences, but she wants to take a few classes and then make up her mind.
Her sister Meghan will also attend UCLA in the fall. She also has yet to pick a major, but she is hoping for something in the medical field.
While Meghan enjoys sports and has been involved with soccer, softball, tennis and basketball like her sister, she has also been a consistently exceptional student. In middle school she held a 4.0 GPA every year. When she moved to high school, she continued the trend, as well as played sports, worked in student government and for the past three years has written and worked for the school newspaper.
"My favorite story that I've written for the paper would have to be the one I wrote for the last issue on graduating high school and leaving it behind, remembering our roots and moving forward. This was a pro story and another student wrote a con story," Meghan said.
In eighth grade Meghan took a Spanish course to get prepared early her required language courses in high school. She found that she liked the classes so much she continued to take the classes until the AP course in her senior year.
Jana Cicerello plans to make her future in civil engineering. She has already been accepted at the University of the Pacific. While at Antioch High School she was a member of CSF and served as president. She was also a member of the Key Club and played varsity tennis.
The school's one salutatorian, Kelsey Littell, will also be going to college in the fall to study Civil Engineering. Littell has been accepted to Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Littell said she would be taking after her father, Bart, who works as a civil engineer.
While at Antioch High School, Littell was involved in the Forensic Performance club, which did a lot speaking and debating activities. She also participated in the mock trial part of the group.
She received the Robert C. Byrd Honor Scholarship, which is a state scholarship for academic achievement. She also received a gold medal in the Academic Decathlon for receiving a perfect 1,000 score.
"I'd have to say my favorite teacher in high school is Mrs. Shawn Gilbert, my AP history teacher," Littell said. "She helped me do so well on the academic decathlon."
For the Contra Costa Times
What does it take to be the smartest of the smartest in your class and go home with the prize of valedictorian? According to Antioch High School's five valedictorians, it takes a lot of dedication, picking the right classes and most of all having fun.
"Remember to manage your time well," Julia Surges, one of the five 2010 valedictorians said. "Don't let procrastination be your best friend or it will kick you in the butt in the end and always have fun."
Surges and the other valedictorians will have a chance to speak to their classmates this evening at
Antioch High School's graduation ceremonies. Besides Surges, the five students chosen this year for valedictorian include Jana Cicerello, Amanda Dwyer and twins Kaitlin and Meghan Simarro. Chosen as the school's salutatorian was Kelsey Littell.
Each of the girls has attended Antioch High School for her entire high school term. They all attended Belshaw Elementary School and Park Middle School.
"It is important to challenge yourself and know that there is not a goal you can't reach," Meghan Simarro said. "Work hard. It worked for me in getting into the school I wanted to go to."
The next step for these girls is to take the skills they've learned and move on to college, according to Dwyer, 18, who plans on studying wildlife sciences at UC Davis in the fall.
While at Antioch High School Dwyer was on the cross country and track teams. She was also a member of the California Scholarship Federation club. While she also played tennis and soccer she was very dedicated to her classes, filling her schedule with as many science classes as she could fit in.
She isn't quite sure where her degree in wildlife sciences will take her, but she is hoping it will give her a chance to travel and study animals locally and throughout the world.
Dwyer credits her Uncle Doug as her inspiration to study science. "He's a biology teacher and really interested me in science," she said.
Surges will also be studying the sciences, but will be attending UC Berkeley in the fall to study biochemistry. She is hoping to move into a medical field of some kind in the future.
Surges spent a lot of her time at Antioch High School working on the student government and school site council. She was a member of CSF for two years. She also played volleyball and soccer. For 15 years outside of school, she participated in dance classes taking tap and jazz at a local school. She performed in many recitals over the years.
Last summer Surges was selected as a representative to the California Girls State, which is an organization that allows 500 girls from California to participate in a mock government group to see how the government runs and learn more about the system.
"I can't put my finger on one specific teacher who helped me in high school," she said. "All my teachers were great. In fifth grade, however, Mrs. Buckley pushed me harder to get better grades."
Twins Kaitlin and Meghan Simarro have pretty much followed the same path through their school years, but it wasn't the competition between the two girls that made Kaitlin be the best student she could be, it was following in her brothers' footsteps.
"You don't usually hear about twin girls and twin boys in one family, but we have them in mine,"
Kaitlin said about her twin brothers Ryan and Nathan. "My brothers grew up playing sports and also having good grades. I knew that if they could do it then I could do it too."
Kaitlin said that she really was good in sports and she didn't want to give it up, so she just had to work on her grades and make them good too.
Not only is Kaitlin one of the school's valedictorians, but she was also the school's Female Athlete of the Year. She played school soccer, softball, tennis and basketball. Outside of sports she has also taken several of the advanced placement classes, worked on the school newspaper and student government.
She has been accepted to UCLA, but has yet to pick a course of study. She is considering biological life sciences, but she wants to take a few classes and then make up her mind.
Her sister Meghan will also attend UCLA in the fall. She also has yet to pick a major, but she is hoping for something in the medical field.
While Meghan enjoys sports and has been involved with soccer, softball, tennis and basketball like her sister, she has also been a consistently exceptional student. In middle school she held a 4.0 GPA every year. When she moved to high school, she continued the trend, as well as played sports, worked in student government and for the past three years has written and worked for the school newspaper.
"My favorite story that I've written for the paper would have to be the one I wrote for the last issue on graduating high school and leaving it behind, remembering our roots and moving forward. This was a pro story and another student wrote a con story," Meghan said.
In eighth grade Meghan took a Spanish course to get prepared early her required language courses in high school. She found that she liked the classes so much she continued to take the classes until the AP course in her senior year.
Jana Cicerello plans to make her future in civil engineering. She has already been accepted at the University of the Pacific. While at Antioch High School she was a member of CSF and served as president. She was also a member of the Key Club and played varsity tennis.
The school's one salutatorian, Kelsey Littell, will also be going to college in the fall to study Civil Engineering. Littell has been accepted to Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Littell said she would be taking after her father, Bart, who works as a civil engineer.
While at Antioch High School, Littell was involved in the Forensic Performance club, which did a lot speaking and debating activities. She also participated in the mock trial part of the group.
She received the Robert C. Byrd Honor Scholarship, which is a state scholarship for academic achievement. She also received a gold medal in the Academic Decathlon for receiving a perfect 1,000 score.
"I'd have to say my favorite teacher in high school is Mrs. Shawn Gilbert, my AP history teacher," Littell said. "She helped me do so well on the academic decathlon."
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Oakley offers On-Demand program to fix potholes, graffiti
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
One of my new favorite television commercials is for the Geico emergency road service where the pothole talks about calling a wrecker when a driver gets a flat tire. You know that guy in the car is just dying to call the city and have them fix that pothole. The city of Oakley is now making it easier for residents and those who are just driving through town to let them know when they have a similar problem.
Earlier this year the city introduced a new service that is connected to their Oakley-On-Demand program. Next time you see a pothole that needs filling or graffiti making a mess of your neighborhood, you can simply take a picture of the problem and with the help of a special application, contact the city for service.
The new service is called GORequest and it is primarily for the iPhone. The service is as easy as opening the free application on your phone, selecting your issue and taking a picture using the phone.
Thanks to the application's GPS scanning capabilities the application sends to the location to the nearest city that can fix the problem.
This service isn't open to every city. Currently, only Oakley and Pittsburg offers the service in East County, but the idea behind the program is a good one. For years people have complained they have no idea whom to contact with problems such as potholes, graffiti or even a busted streetlight, but the Internet has opened so many doors for people that this type of service is just going to be the tip of the iceberg in the future.
Keep in mind, though, that just because you request for a repair to be made doesn't mean it will happen the same day, but according to Reggie Decker, who helped coordinate the new system for Oakley, the program has a tracking system so those who make the complaints can go online and see the progress of the repair.
"This is really a big help for the city as well as the residents," Decker said. "It will save the city money, make the turnaround time for repairs less and have fewer jobs slip between the cracks."
The iPhone application can allow residents to make several different reports to the city, according to Decker — including letting the city know about other ordinance issues such as loud barking dogs, lawns with too tall weeds, street sweepers and several more options.
"It's a pretty cool program," Decker said.
For those who don't have an iPhone, early last summer the city started Oakley-On-Demand, a website offering local residents a chance to find answers to questions like whom to call, what kind of forms to fill out and what are the regulations that pertain to them on neighborhood and community issues.
There is a database filled with questions and answers on everything you can possibly think of including regulations on what is needed to install a pool and spa in your backyard and what are the regulations about parking an RV in your driveway.
The site is available 24/7 so you don't have to worry about remembering the city's office hours or which day is furlough Friday. It can be found at www.oakleyinfo.com.
Decker said that the city is overhauling their regular website and hopes to have the new and improved site up at the end of this month. It never hurts to take a tour and see everything the city has to offer.
Their site is located at http://ci.oakley.ca.us/.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
For the Contra Costa Times
One of my new favorite television commercials is for the Geico emergency road service where the pothole talks about calling a wrecker when a driver gets a flat tire. You know that guy in the car is just dying to call the city and have them fix that pothole. The city of Oakley is now making it easier for residents and those who are just driving through town to let them know when they have a similar problem.
Earlier this year the city introduced a new service that is connected to their Oakley-On-Demand program. Next time you see a pothole that needs filling or graffiti making a mess of your neighborhood, you can simply take a picture of the problem and with the help of a special application, contact the city for service.
The new service is called GORequest and it is primarily for the iPhone. The service is as easy as opening the free application on your phone, selecting your issue and taking a picture using the phone.
Thanks to the application's GPS scanning capabilities the application sends to the location to the nearest city that can fix the problem.
This service isn't open to every city. Currently, only Oakley and Pittsburg offers the service in East County, but the idea behind the program is a good one. For years people have complained they have no idea whom to contact with problems such as potholes, graffiti or even a busted streetlight, but the Internet has opened so many doors for people that this type of service is just going to be the tip of the iceberg in the future.
Keep in mind, though, that just because you request for a repair to be made doesn't mean it will happen the same day, but according to Reggie Decker, who helped coordinate the new system for Oakley, the program has a tracking system so those who make the complaints can go online and see the progress of the repair.
"This is really a big help for the city as well as the residents," Decker said. "It will save the city money, make the turnaround time for repairs less and have fewer jobs slip between the cracks."
The iPhone application can allow residents to make several different reports to the city, according to Decker — including letting the city know about other ordinance issues such as loud barking dogs, lawns with too tall weeds, street sweepers and several more options.
"It's a pretty cool program," Decker said.
For those who don't have an iPhone, early last summer the city started Oakley-On-Demand, a website offering local residents a chance to find answers to questions like whom to call, what kind of forms to fill out and what are the regulations that pertain to them on neighborhood and community issues.
There is a database filled with questions and answers on everything you can possibly think of including regulations on what is needed to install a pool and spa in your backyard and what are the regulations about parking an RV in your driveway.
The site is available 24/7 so you don't have to worry about remembering the city's office hours or which day is furlough Friday. It can be found at www.oakleyinfo.com.
Decker said that the city is overhauling their regular website and hopes to have the new and improved site up at the end of this month. It never hurts to take a tour and see everything the city has to offer.
Their site is located at http://ci.oakley.ca.us/.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
Business Spotlight: Riverview Lodge still going strong after 62 years in Antioch
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of Business: Riverview Lodge
Type of business: Restaurant
Owners: Carole Chadwick and Deanna Daly
Founded: 1948
Address: 1 Wharf Drive, Antioch
Phone number: 757-2272
Hours: Bar 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday; Dining 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Number of employees: 20
Products and services: Riverview Lodge offers dining with full windows offering a view of the Delta. "People really enjoy watching the ships turn around the Delta while they eat," Chadwick said.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its specialty is seafood, featuring shrimp, chowders, clams and crab. They offer Creole, Newburg, curry, au gratin and Thermidor prepared seafood. The also have a crab, shrimp and seafood souffle on the menu. Along with their seafood dishes, Riverview Lodge also prepares a variety of steak and chicken dishes.
They offer eat-in and takeout service and banquet services.
How did you get into the business?: Chadwick's grandfather, Frank Battaglin, built the restaurant more than 60 years ago. It has stayed in the family ever since. "My father Larry (Battaglin) took over the business in 1954," Chadwick said. "Then I took over for him. Now my daughter Deanna is working with me."
In 1961 the restaurant burned down in a fire that took out the whole pier. The repairs cost more than $750,000, but as quickly as possible the family rebuilt the restaurant in the same location. Now the restaurant is one of the longest-running businesses in the community.
Best part about the business?: "I would really have to say the customers," Chadwick said. "I really enjoy the restaurant business and getting to serve people and seeing to their tastes."
Worst part about the business?: "Like everyone else the economy has me worried," she said. "As well as the fact that over the last several years it has been hard to get people to come downtown."
Chadwick said that many people in Antioch don't really know what the downtown has to offer, and the Riverview Lodge isn't visible from the street so people can't really see it driving by unless they are in a boat.
Key to success: "That has to be consistency and fair prices," Chadwick said.
Biggest misperception about the business: Chadwick said that there really isn't a misperception about her business. There is a lot of history to the Riverview Lodge and a lot of people who have been in the area for a long time remember coming to the restaurant on special occasions or with family. She just hopes that they remember the restaurant is still open for business.
Future plans: Chadwick says she plans to keep everything the same in the coming months. She is disappointed that the downtown is losing the Fourth of July fireworks and parade this summer and hopes the economy will turn around soon so that those events, which bring people downtown, will be back in the future.
— Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of Business: Riverview Lodge
Type of business: Restaurant
Owners: Carole Chadwick and Deanna Daly
Founded: 1948
Address: 1 Wharf Drive, Antioch
Phone number: 757-2272
Hours: Bar 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday; Dining 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Number of employees: 20
Products and services: Riverview Lodge offers dining with full windows offering a view of the Delta. "People really enjoy watching the ships turn around the Delta while they eat," Chadwick said.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its specialty is seafood, featuring shrimp, chowders, clams and crab. They offer Creole, Newburg, curry, au gratin and Thermidor prepared seafood. The also have a crab, shrimp and seafood souffle on the menu. Along with their seafood dishes, Riverview Lodge also prepares a variety of steak and chicken dishes.
They offer eat-in and takeout service and banquet services.
How did you get into the business?: Chadwick's grandfather, Frank Battaglin, built the restaurant more than 60 years ago. It has stayed in the family ever since. "My father Larry (Battaglin) took over the business in 1954," Chadwick said. "Then I took over for him. Now my daughter Deanna is working with me."
In 1961 the restaurant burned down in a fire that took out the whole pier. The repairs cost more than $750,000, but as quickly as possible the family rebuilt the restaurant in the same location. Now the restaurant is one of the longest-running businesses in the community.
Best part about the business?: "I would really have to say the customers," Chadwick said. "I really enjoy the restaurant business and getting to serve people and seeing to their tastes."
Worst part about the business?: "Like everyone else the economy has me worried," she said. "As well as the fact that over the last several years it has been hard to get people to come downtown."
Chadwick said that many people in Antioch don't really know what the downtown has to offer, and the Riverview Lodge isn't visible from the street so people can't really see it driving by unless they are in a boat.
Key to success: "That has to be consistency and fair prices," Chadwick said.
Biggest misperception about the business: Chadwick said that there really isn't a misperception about her business. There is a lot of history to the Riverview Lodge and a lot of people who have been in the area for a long time remember coming to the restaurant on special occasions or with family. She just hopes that they remember the restaurant is still open for business.
Future plans: Chadwick says she plans to keep everything the same in the coming months. She is disappointed that the downtown is losing the Fourth of July fireworks and parade this summer and hopes the economy will turn around soon so that those events, which bring people downtown, will be back in the future.
— Roni Gehlke
Business spotlight: Brentwood Spice and Olive Oil keeps expanding
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: Brentwood Spice and Olive Oil
Type of business: Retail spice, oils, gift baskets and gourmet cook's tools
Owners: Dawn Fischer and David Navarrette
Founded: 1998
Address: 70 Eagle Rock Way, Suite A, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-240-OILS (6457)
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
Number of employees: two
Products and services: Brentwood Spice and Olive Oil sports a variety of spices, oils, vinegars, gift baskets, gourmet cook's toys and tools. The spices are a relatively new addition to the olive oils that this business has been known for throughout the county, Fischer said. She added that the spices are grown from around the world and are all organic and fresh.
"We can't grow some of these spices here because we just don't have the right weather and soils," Fischer said. She added that many people are interested in keeping their diets salt-free and that these spices help make food tastier without adding the salt.
How did you get into the business: In 1998, Navarrette was the first in the county to plant olive trees for the production of olive oil, Fischer said. They originally started with an extra virgin olive oil and have since added five flavored oils, two local wine vinegars and four balsamic vinegars, including the newest creation, vanilla fig balsamic.
"I was familiar with purchasing my spices in bulk, and when I moved here, I ordered from the same Midwest shop," Fischer said. "David could not figure it out, but we started to talk and in 2009 we added 193 spices and three custom blends to the mix."
Now they have more than 200 spices with 33 custom blends. They sell in bulk from the smallest amount she can measure to whatever a customer desires.
Best part about the business: Providing the customer with what they are looking for, whether it's recipes spices or oils, Fischer said. She also said she works on supplying people with what they want, whether it is education, assistance, variety or grades of olive oil.
"Having them leave with more than what they came in for, including more knowledge, ideas, recipes and courage to try something new," she said.
Worst part about the business: "Not being able to share the recipe at home to see what they have done with the spices," Fischer said.
Key to success: "As the saying goes pioneers have no road map. The key to our success, has been vision, the ability to overcome great challenges, not exclusive to the market, persistence and perseverance," she said. "It doesn't hurt to be stubborn either and love. The love of what we are doing and the love for good food."
Biggest misperception about the business: Fischer said the biggest misperception is that Brentwood Olive Oil is no longer or that the business only sells olive oil.
Some people haven't heard about the spice part of the business. Brentwood Olive Oil, as the business was called before Fischer became a partner, changed its name and moved from Empire Avenue to its new location last fall. There is also some confusion with the name change. Fischer wants everyone to understand that Brentwood Spice and Olive Oil is the same business as Brentwood Olive Oil, with the same great olive oil and the new expansion of products adding the spices.
Future plans: "Our liquor license will eventually catch up to us, and we will then have wine and tasting from a unique gourmet food club, including wine, oil, spices and recipes," Fischer said.
They also hope to expand to include gourmet foods such as cheeses, meats, and the like, and a greater selection of cook's tools to make the job of cooking easier and more enjoyable.
— Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: Brentwood Spice and Olive Oil
Type of business: Retail spice, oils, gift baskets and gourmet cook's tools
Owners: Dawn Fischer and David Navarrette
Founded: 1998
Address: 70 Eagle Rock Way, Suite A, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-240-OILS (6457)
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
Number of employees: two
Products and services: Brentwood Spice and Olive Oil sports a variety of spices, oils, vinegars, gift baskets, gourmet cook's toys and tools. The spices are a relatively new addition to the olive oils that this business has been known for throughout the county, Fischer said. She added that the spices are grown from around the world and are all organic and fresh.
"We can't grow some of these spices here because we just don't have the right weather and soils," Fischer said. She added that many people are interested in keeping their diets salt-free and that these spices help make food tastier without adding the salt.
How did you get into the business: In 1998, Navarrette was the first in the county to plant olive trees for the production of olive oil, Fischer said. They originally started with an extra virgin olive oil and have since added five flavored oils, two local wine vinegars and four balsamic vinegars, including the newest creation, vanilla fig balsamic.
"I was familiar with purchasing my spices in bulk, and when I moved here, I ordered from the same Midwest shop," Fischer said. "David could not figure it out, but we started to talk and in 2009 we added 193 spices and three custom blends to the mix."
Now they have more than 200 spices with 33 custom blends. They sell in bulk from the smallest amount she can measure to whatever a customer desires.
Best part about the business: Providing the customer with what they are looking for, whether it's recipes spices or oils, Fischer said. She also said she works on supplying people with what they want, whether it is education, assistance, variety or grades of olive oil.
"Having them leave with more than what they came in for, including more knowledge, ideas, recipes and courage to try something new," she said.
Worst part about the business: "Not being able to share the recipe at home to see what they have done with the spices," Fischer said.
Key to success: "As the saying goes pioneers have no road map. The key to our success, has been vision, the ability to overcome great challenges, not exclusive to the market, persistence and perseverance," she said. "It doesn't hurt to be stubborn either and love. The love of what we are doing and the love for good food."
Biggest misperception about the business: Fischer said the biggest misperception is that Brentwood Olive Oil is no longer or that the business only sells olive oil.
Some people haven't heard about the spice part of the business. Brentwood Olive Oil, as the business was called before Fischer became a partner, changed its name and moved from Empire Avenue to its new location last fall. There is also some confusion with the name change. Fischer wants everyone to understand that Brentwood Spice and Olive Oil is the same business as Brentwood Olive Oil, with the same great olive oil and the new expansion of products adding the spices.
Future plans: "Our liquor license will eventually catch up to us, and we will then have wine and tasting from a unique gourmet food club, including wine, oil, spices and recipes," Fischer said.
They also hope to expand to include gourmet foods such as cheeses, meats, and the like, and a greater selection of cook's tools to make the job of cooking easier and more enjoyable.
— Roni Gehlke
Around Oakley: Community Awareness Day set for Saturday
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
If you haven't already heard the news, local Pocahontas members are again hosting a Community Awareness Day. This event, set for Saturday, is a chance for residents to see what kinds of groups, organizations and other things the city of Oakley has to offer.
The idea for the event started a few years back when the Pocahontas Club ladies decided they wanted to get the word out about programs and assistance that is available to seniors, those with ill parents or family members and those who have to deal with all the details after a loved one dies. Since the beginning of the event a lot has changed in what kind of information will be available for people to see at the event.
The Pocahontas will still be offering information on medical care for seniors and the ailing, as well as help in filling out forms and information from public and county agencies, but the group also has invited area nonprofits, museums, the city staff, real estate offices, notaries, veterans and military organizations as well as other organizations.
The Oakley Chamber of Commerce will also be on hand to let people know what kind of businesses are available. There are a lot more businesses out there than just those that you see on Main Street.
Many home businesses that offer everything from plumbing to cabinet making to sales of makeup products also will be represented at the event. It is really important to shop in your own hometown because the tax dollars are then put back into your community.
The East County Senior Coalition also will be on hand to help seniors by offering some health fair information. including screening for high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and more. The East County Senior Coalition was formed to create one voice to identify senior needs and to advocate their solution.
The group is East County-based, but one of its volunteers is from Oakley. Harriett Zych makes sure that the Oakley seniors are well represented in the group and has worked hard to bring this type of health fair to Oakley over the past several years. It is wonderful that she and her group have been to work together with the Pocahontas and host this health fair at the same time as the Community Awareness Day as it gives a chance for seniors to get to see what else Oakley has to offer.
The East County Senior Coalition Health Fair will only take place until 2 p.m. so get to the event early if you want to see this attraction.
While the seniors in the community are checking out the health fair, the youth in the community might want to check out what kind of youth programs are available in Oakley. The Pocahontas has invited several youth groups, a volunteer organization, sporting organization and service clubs. There will also be a table on hand with information about the city-sponsored activities.
Hours for Saturday's event are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be located in the parking lot at the City Hall offices at 3231 Main St. The group has worked had to make sure there is something for everyone. It is a free and everyone is welcome to attend.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
For the Contra Costa Times
If you haven't already heard the news, local Pocahontas members are again hosting a Community Awareness Day. This event, set for Saturday, is a chance for residents to see what kinds of groups, organizations and other things the city of Oakley has to offer.
The idea for the event started a few years back when the Pocahontas Club ladies decided they wanted to get the word out about programs and assistance that is available to seniors, those with ill parents or family members and those who have to deal with all the details after a loved one dies. Since the beginning of the event a lot has changed in what kind of information will be available for people to see at the event.
The Pocahontas will still be offering information on medical care for seniors and the ailing, as well as help in filling out forms and information from public and county agencies, but the group also has invited area nonprofits, museums, the city staff, real estate offices, notaries, veterans and military organizations as well as other organizations.
The Oakley Chamber of Commerce will also be on hand to let people know what kind of businesses are available. There are a lot more businesses out there than just those that you see on Main Street.
Many home businesses that offer everything from plumbing to cabinet making to sales of makeup products also will be represented at the event. It is really important to shop in your own hometown because the tax dollars are then put back into your community.
The East County Senior Coalition also will be on hand to help seniors by offering some health fair information. including screening for high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and more. The East County Senior Coalition was formed to create one voice to identify senior needs and to advocate their solution.
The group is East County-based, but one of its volunteers is from Oakley. Harriett Zych makes sure that the Oakley seniors are well represented in the group and has worked hard to bring this type of health fair to Oakley over the past several years. It is wonderful that she and her group have been to work together with the Pocahontas and host this health fair at the same time as the Community Awareness Day as it gives a chance for seniors to get to see what else Oakley has to offer.
The East County Senior Coalition Health Fair will only take place until 2 p.m. so get to the event early if you want to see this attraction.
While the seniors in the community are checking out the health fair, the youth in the community might want to check out what kind of youth programs are available in Oakley. The Pocahontas has invited several youth groups, a volunteer organization, sporting organization and service clubs. There will also be a table on hand with information about the city-sponsored activities.
Hours for Saturday's event are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be located in the parking lot at the City Hall offices at 3231 Main St. The group has worked had to make sure there is something for everyone. It is a free and everyone is welcome to attend.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
Discovery Bay couple shoots for the stars with state-of-the-art photography
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: Discovery Bay Studios Photography
Type of business: Wedding and portrait photography
Owners: Kelly and Stacey Chance
Address: Based in Discovery Bay. On-site shoot locations.
Founded: 2007
Contacts: 925-216-4454; www.discoverybaystudios.com
Hours: By appointment
Number of employees: two
Products and services: Wedding, engagement, senior portrait, bridal boudoir, "trash the wedding dress" photography and video. Albums, photo books, photo-video fusion montages are also available.
How did you get into the business: The Chances started out shooting for a local paper, also did sports photography, aviation photography and video.
"We realized as a husband and wife team we could offer unique perspectives covering weddings," Chance said. "Kelly has a modeling and acting background and relates well with people, especially nervous brides. She has an artistic eye and the ability to make people look their best in photographs."
Stacey also said Kelly is a talented designer of wedding albums.
Chance added that he is an "early adopter" of the new technologies and enjoys deploying the latest gear to best cover events.
For example, over the last year he has incorporated stunning high-definition video clips into the custom-made slide show montages.
"Clients enjoy the fusion of photos and videos in these montages, comparable to what you might see on MTV," Chance said.
Best part about the business?: "Without a doubt, seeing the faces of clients when we present their materials," Chance said. "Often tears will flow when watching their new montage or viewing their albums. If we haven't made a client feel something, we haven't done our job."
Worst part about the business?: Telling a perspective client that they are already booked for another wedding on her wedding date. "Once we have a date booked that's it. Once we had a young couple actually change their wedding date so that we could be their photographers," he said.
Key to success: "Customer relations and delivering more than is expected. It's more than just photographs; it's developing relationships," Chance said.
He said they made many new friends who are newlyweds. Being around young love reinforces their own marriage, he said.
Biggest misperception about the business: How exhausting a day of shooting can be. Often times they feel like they've been hit by a truck after a big wedding.
"We play tennis on our days off and it's not nearly as physically demanding. That was a surprise," he said.
Future plans: "Keep doing what we're doing but at the same time keep raising the bar," Chance said.
They plan to stay on the leading edge of new ways to deliver the best product.
— Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: Discovery Bay Studios Photography
Type of business: Wedding and portrait photography
Owners: Kelly and Stacey Chance
Address: Based in Discovery Bay. On-site shoot locations.
Founded: 2007
Contacts: 925-216-4454; www.discoverybaystudios.com
Hours: By appointment
Number of employees: two
Products and services: Wedding, engagement, senior portrait, bridal boudoir, "trash the wedding dress" photography and video. Albums, photo books, photo-video fusion montages are also available.
How did you get into the business: The Chances started out shooting for a local paper, also did sports photography, aviation photography and video.
"We realized as a husband and wife team we could offer unique perspectives covering weddings," Chance said. "Kelly has a modeling and acting background and relates well with people, especially nervous brides. She has an artistic eye and the ability to make people look their best in photographs."
Stacey also said Kelly is a talented designer of wedding albums.
Chance added that he is an "early adopter" of the new technologies and enjoys deploying the latest gear to best cover events.
For example, over the last year he has incorporated stunning high-definition video clips into the custom-made slide show montages.
"Clients enjoy the fusion of photos and videos in these montages, comparable to what you might see on MTV," Chance said.
Best part about the business?: "Without a doubt, seeing the faces of clients when we present their materials," Chance said. "Often tears will flow when watching their new montage or viewing their albums. If we haven't made a client feel something, we haven't done our job."
Worst part about the business?: Telling a perspective client that they are already booked for another wedding on her wedding date. "Once we have a date booked that's it. Once we had a young couple actually change their wedding date so that we could be their photographers," he said.
Key to success: "Customer relations and delivering more than is expected. It's more than just photographs; it's developing relationships," Chance said.
He said they made many new friends who are newlyweds. Being around young love reinforces their own marriage, he said.
Biggest misperception about the business: How exhausting a day of shooting can be. Often times they feel like they've been hit by a truck after a big wedding.
"We play tennis on our days off and it's not nearly as physically demanding. That was a surprise," he said.
Future plans: "Keep doing what we're doing but at the same time keep raising the bar," Chance said.
They plan to stay on the leading edge of new ways to deliver the best product.
— Roni Gehlke
Neighbor: Uncle's death inspires Cathleen Knight to head Oakley's Relay for Life
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name: Cathleen Knight
Occupation: Real Estate agent for Intero Realty in Brentwood
Marital status/family: Knight lives in Oakley with her husband, Jeff, and 11-year-old son Dominic who is a fifth-grader at Vintage Park School.
Proudest civic achievement: Knight is currently the chair of the Oakley Relay For Life organization. Relay For Life is a nationwide effort that helps to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Knight was the co-chair for the Oakley group last year. She became involved with Relay For Life in 2004 after the death of her uncle.
"My uncle's death was the first time our family had ever faced cancer," Knight said.
The year her uncle died suddenly from complications related to skin cancer, Knight's family had been planning a special family cruise to celebrate her uncle and aunt's anniversary. The cruise was to take place in May of 2004. In December of 2003 her uncle became ill. He was gone by March 2004.
"It was very heartbreaking for our family," she said. "He went so quickly. It was obvious that he had had the cancer for a long time but didn't know it."
At the time of his death her uncle was working for a plumbing company in Vallejo and they had set up a team to participate in the Vallejo area Relay For Life and asked her and her family if they wanted to be part of the team. Knight jumped at the chance to get involved. Since then she has been involved in other teams and helped raise money for the worthy cause each year.
Knight's uncle had lived in Oakley at the time of his death, so when members of the Oakley community had started talking about setting up their own Relay For Life, Knight decided she wanted to be involved and volunteered to help take charge.
Future achievement: This weekend the second annual Oakley Relay For Life will take place. Last year the group learned a lot about running such an event and Knight took that knowledge and is working on making the 2010 Relay even better.
"One thing we learned is that it gets tough for people to stick it out after midnight," Knight explained.
The event takes place in a 24-hour period and teams walk around the Freedom High School track all day and all night long.
Knight has been working on getting more entertainment for the late hours of the Relay and making it more enjoyable for everyone. This year the Relay is bigger than last year, according to Knight. There are nearly 400 participants and a great many cancer survivors who are being honored.
"Facebook has really been a big help on getting people involved," Knight said.
Knight is extremely proud of all the teams participating in the event. One team that is participating in honoring Lucy Moyer, a Vintage Parkway Elementary School teacher who died last year of breast cancer. Moyer passed away in December, but before she died, she helped to organize a group of teachers and parents to form a team for the event. Knight said that the team has been doing so well it may turn out to be the biggest money earner.
Groups and organizations involved in: Through her work as a real estate agent, Knight is an active member of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.
Hobbies: Knight enjoys setting up events and activities. Over the years she has made a hobby out of putting together parties. "Anything really, from special occasions, weddings and birthday parties," she said.
She has gotten so involved that she decided to take a course to become a certified event planner. The skills learned have come in handy in setting up activities and decorating at the Relay For Life in Oakley.
What was the last book you read: Generally Knight said she enjoys self-motivational books. She also has read a lot of books and articles on real estate and event planning.
Favorite movie: Knight loves comedies and can't say which is her favorite. She says that she has watched "Dirty Dancing," starring the late actor Patrick Swayze and actress Jennifer Grey, several times and loves the ending of the movie.
— Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name: Cathleen Knight
Occupation: Real Estate agent for Intero Realty in Brentwood
Marital status/family: Knight lives in Oakley with her husband, Jeff, and 11-year-old son Dominic who is a fifth-grader at Vintage Park School.
Proudest civic achievement: Knight is currently the chair of the Oakley Relay For Life organization. Relay For Life is a nationwide effort that helps to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Knight was the co-chair for the Oakley group last year. She became involved with Relay For Life in 2004 after the death of her uncle.
"My uncle's death was the first time our family had ever faced cancer," Knight said.
The year her uncle died suddenly from complications related to skin cancer, Knight's family had been planning a special family cruise to celebrate her uncle and aunt's anniversary. The cruise was to take place in May of 2004. In December of 2003 her uncle became ill. He was gone by March 2004.
"It was very heartbreaking for our family," she said. "He went so quickly. It was obvious that he had had the cancer for a long time but didn't know it."
At the time of his death her uncle was working for a plumbing company in Vallejo and they had set up a team to participate in the Vallejo area Relay For Life and asked her and her family if they wanted to be part of the team. Knight jumped at the chance to get involved. Since then she has been involved in other teams and helped raise money for the worthy cause each year.
Knight's uncle had lived in Oakley at the time of his death, so when members of the Oakley community had started talking about setting up their own Relay For Life, Knight decided she wanted to be involved and volunteered to help take charge.
Future achievement: This weekend the second annual Oakley Relay For Life will take place. Last year the group learned a lot about running such an event and Knight took that knowledge and is working on making the 2010 Relay even better.
"One thing we learned is that it gets tough for people to stick it out after midnight," Knight explained.
The event takes place in a 24-hour period and teams walk around the Freedom High School track all day and all night long.
Knight has been working on getting more entertainment for the late hours of the Relay and making it more enjoyable for everyone. This year the Relay is bigger than last year, according to Knight. There are nearly 400 participants and a great many cancer survivors who are being honored.
"Facebook has really been a big help on getting people involved," Knight said.
Knight is extremely proud of all the teams participating in the event. One team that is participating in honoring Lucy Moyer, a Vintage Parkway Elementary School teacher who died last year of breast cancer. Moyer passed away in December, but before she died, she helped to organize a group of teachers and parents to form a team for the event. Knight said that the team has been doing so well it may turn out to be the biggest money earner.
Groups and organizations involved in: Through her work as a real estate agent, Knight is an active member of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.
Hobbies: Knight enjoys setting up events and activities. Over the years she has made a hobby out of putting together parties. "Anything really, from special occasions, weddings and birthday parties," she said.
She has gotten so involved that she decided to take a course to become a certified event planner. The skills learned have come in handy in setting up activities and decorating at the Relay For Life in Oakley.
What was the last book you read: Generally Knight said she enjoys self-motivational books. She also has read a lot of books and articles on real estate and event planning.
Favorite movie: Knight loves comedies and can't say which is her favorite. She says that she has watched "Dirty Dancing," starring the late actor Patrick Swayze and actress Jennifer Grey, several times and loves the ending of the movie.
— Roni Gehlke
Creativity, ingenuity helps Oakley girl score in Bubble Wrap® contest
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Young Megan Pato of Oakley never really thought of herself as an inventor, but she just might make it to the inventor record books if her Bubble Wrap invention is picked as No. 1 next month. Megan was one of 15 semifinalists in the fourth annual Bubble Wrap Competition for Young Inventors.
Pato, 13, is an eighth-grader at Park Middle School. Earlier this year she was approached by one of her teachers about the national contest and Bio-Bubble Covers was invented.
Pato is quick to give a lot of the credit for the invention to her teacher, Greg Morris, saying that he was the one who sponsored her for the invention contest and also helped her to enter.
The general premise behind the invention is simple. Bio-Bubble Covers use Bubble Wrap to cover emergency gurneys.
"The Bubble Wrap is more comfortable than just the material of the gurneys and they are more sanitary," Pato said.
She went on to explain that when gurneys are used by emergency medical technicians they get dirty quickly.
"A lot of times there is a lot of blood and dirt left on the gurney," she said.
Placing the Bubble Wrap over the gurney makes for easier cleanup. After the emergency is over the plastic is just thrown away, she explained.
Bubble Wrap is a product of the Sealed Air Corp., which is celebrating its 50th year of producing the protective padding. There were 2,500 young inventors who entered the competition.
The 15 semifinalists will vie for more than $20,000 in prizes and savings bonds in a competition that encourages creativity and ingenuity.
If Pato is chosen as the grand prize winner her school will also receive a $5,000 grant.
She is up against some pretty big competition, though. She'll have to beat out inventions like the Guitar Chord-inator, a device that helps dyslexic children or anyone with a visual processing/tracking problem learn how to play chords on a guitar.
Other ideas included a Bubblebeat, a lightweight, portable speaker system that requires no batteries; the Smart Toilet, a device that attaches to a toilet for conservation of energy and water; and Petri Bubbles, a scientific tool designed as an inexpensive alternative to Petri dishes.
Getting the chance to design this invention has given Pato some ideas on her future. Pato, who carries a 4.0 GPA at Park, has already applied to the Academy of Design and Engineering of Antioch High School, which she will attend next year. Right now she is interested in interior design, but the future seems to be wide open.
When not studying, Pato likes to play soccer and hang out with her friends. She hopes that she gets to win this competition so that her school can get the $5,000 grant.
"I'm also excited about the chance to maybe go to New York if I win," she said.
For the Contra Costa Times
Young Megan Pato of Oakley never really thought of herself as an inventor, but she just might make it to the inventor record books if her Bubble Wrap invention is picked as No. 1 next month. Megan was one of 15 semifinalists in the fourth annual Bubble Wrap Competition for Young Inventors.
Pato, 13, is an eighth-grader at Park Middle School. Earlier this year she was approached by one of her teachers about the national contest and Bio-Bubble Covers was invented.
Pato is quick to give a lot of the credit for the invention to her teacher, Greg Morris, saying that he was the one who sponsored her for the invention contest and also helped her to enter.
The general premise behind the invention is simple. Bio-Bubble Covers use Bubble Wrap to cover emergency gurneys.
"The Bubble Wrap is more comfortable than just the material of the gurneys and they are more sanitary," Pato said.
She went on to explain that when gurneys are used by emergency medical technicians they get dirty quickly.
"A lot of times there is a lot of blood and dirt left on the gurney," she said.
Placing the Bubble Wrap over the gurney makes for easier cleanup. After the emergency is over the plastic is just thrown away, she explained.
Bubble Wrap is a product of the Sealed Air Corp., which is celebrating its 50th year of producing the protective padding. There were 2,500 young inventors who entered the competition.
The 15 semifinalists will vie for more than $20,000 in prizes and savings bonds in a competition that encourages creativity and ingenuity.
If Pato is chosen as the grand prize winner her school will also receive a $5,000 grant.
She is up against some pretty big competition, though. She'll have to beat out inventions like the Guitar Chord-inator, a device that helps dyslexic children or anyone with a visual processing/tracking problem learn how to play chords on a guitar.
Other ideas included a Bubblebeat, a lightweight, portable speaker system that requires no batteries; the Smart Toilet, a device that attaches to a toilet for conservation of energy and water; and Petri Bubbles, a scientific tool designed as an inexpensive alternative to Petri dishes.
Getting the chance to design this invention has given Pato some ideas on her future. Pato, who carries a 4.0 GPA at Park, has already applied to the Academy of Design and Engineering of Antioch High School, which she will attend next year. Right now she is interested in interior design, but the future seems to be wide open.
When not studying, Pato likes to play soccer and hang out with her friends. She hopes that she gets to win this competition so that her school can get the $5,000 grant.
"I'm also excited about the chance to maybe go to New York if I win," she said.
Business Spotlight: New premium yogurt shop opens in downtown Brentwood
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: Scrumdillyumptious
Type of business: Premium frozen yogurt and sorbet
Owners: Robin and Dan Jolivette
Founded: 2009
Address: 647 First St., Brentwood
Phone number: 925-684-4556
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; open 8 a.m. Saturdays during Farmers Market season
Number of employees: five
Products and services: Frozen yogurt, sorbet, coffee, espresso, cappuccino, lattes and mochas.
How did you get into the business: "We thought for many years that it would be nice if downtown Brentwood had a frozen yogurt shop," Robin Jolivette said. "When just the right place came available, we decided to be the family to open one."
Jolivette said they chose to open a yogurt shop because yogurt is not only delicious and fun, but a healthier choice as well. Scrumdillyumptious offers a variety of toppings as well, including fresh fruit and candies.
Best part about the business?: "Our customers by far," she said.
Jolivette explained that they met so many wonderful people at the shop. She also enjoys watching children light up when they get their treats. "It makes our day," she said.
Worst part about the business?: "We are enjoying ourselves so much that we can't really think of anything bad about it," Jolivette said.
Key to success: "Consistency," Jolivette said. She also believes it is important to delight the customers each and every time with value, variety and a smile.
Biggest misperception about the business: "That all frozen yogurt is created equal," she said.
There are many factors to consider to achieve a premium product. Jolivette said that they have worked hard to find the best brands on the market.
Future plans: In the future Jolivette said they hope to add many fun foods and drinks.
"We are always looking and listening to our customers for what they are looking for," she said.
— Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: Scrumdillyumptious
Type of business: Premium frozen yogurt and sorbet
Owners: Robin and Dan Jolivette
Founded: 2009
Address: 647 First St., Brentwood
Phone number: 925-684-4556
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; open 8 a.m. Saturdays during Farmers Market season
Number of employees: five
Products and services: Frozen yogurt, sorbet, coffee, espresso, cappuccino, lattes and mochas.
How did you get into the business: "We thought for many years that it would be nice if downtown Brentwood had a frozen yogurt shop," Robin Jolivette said. "When just the right place came available, we decided to be the family to open one."
Jolivette said they chose to open a yogurt shop because yogurt is not only delicious and fun, but a healthier choice as well. Scrumdillyumptious offers a variety of toppings as well, including fresh fruit and candies.
Best part about the business?: "Our customers by far," she said.
Jolivette explained that they met so many wonderful people at the shop. She also enjoys watching children light up when they get their treats. "It makes our day," she said.
Worst part about the business?: "We are enjoying ourselves so much that we can't really think of anything bad about it," Jolivette said.
Key to success: "Consistency," Jolivette said. She also believes it is important to delight the customers each and every time with value, variety and a smile.
Biggest misperception about the business: "That all frozen yogurt is created equal," she said.
There are many factors to consider to achieve a premium product. Jolivette said that they have worked hard to find the best brands on the market.
Future plans: In the future Jolivette said they hope to add many fun foods and drinks.
"We are always looking and listening to our customers for what they are looking for," she said.
— Roni Gehlke
Brentwood's Liberty High valedictorians plan similar paths
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Both of Liberty High School's valedictorians will be heading to prestigious business colleges in the fall. They believe there will be a lot of changes in the future and the business market is where the jobs will be after they graduate.
Darya "Dasha" Zmachynskaya of Brentwood has been accepted to the Ivy League's Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She had first had her heart set on attending Yale in the fall, but after taking what she calls her "college tour" trip, she became impressed with Wharton.
"When I visited the business school I had a chance to sit in on some classes and the instruction was so relevant to today's issues," Zmachynskaya said. "The professors were discussing everyday people and everyday lives."
Before considering the business field, Zmachynskaya had considered going into engineering, the profession both her parents work in, but changed her mind. "I don't want to miss out on any more time," she said, explaining that in the some engineering fields it could take longer to complete her degree.
Instead, she decided to work on a business degree and then work on synthesizing her degree to include classes like biology and alternative energy, hoping in the end she can use those skills to go to work for a major corporation or someday open her own business.
"Over the last couple of decade the Internet was a really big deal," she said. "In the future I see alternate energy and biology being the two waves of the future, changing the fabric of the way we live our own lives."
Jacqueline Schindler of Discovery Bay, who is sharing the valedictorian status this year with Zmachynskaya, feels much the same way. She will be attending Duke University to study business.
"I'm not quite sure yet what exactly I want to do with my degree, but I think business will be important in the future," Schindler said.
Another thing that both girls have in common is that they both share an Eastern European heritage. Schindler's parents immigrated from Russia in 1991, right before she was born.
"I really received my work ethic from my parents, Sergey and Olga," Schindler said.
She also said that her older sister, Maria, has given her a lot of inspiration.
Zmachynskaya and her parents immigrated from a small country called Belarus, which is also in the Eastern Europe. When she first moved to the United States when she was 6 years old, she didn't know how to speak English. She learned while attending elementary school in San Leandro and Livermore.
Zmachynskaya's family moved to Brentwood while she was in eighth grade where she attended Edna Hill School before attending Liberty.
During her time at Liberty, Zmachynskaya has been active in drama and arts, participating in many plays and musical productions with the Playmakers club. Since she has been at Liberty her favorite production has been "Beauty and the Beast," which she performed in her freshman year. Although she didn't get the chance to perform, she helped with costumes and set design for the production.
Zmachynskaya also performed in the school choir. She was a captain and co-captain in the academic decathlon, plus several other clubs.
She also worked with the California Scholarship Federation and the National Honor Society alongside Schindler. Zmachynskaya has been the vice president for the past two years. Schindler was the secretary in her junior year.
Schindler has also worked with several school clubs, including the Fashion Club and Red Wave Spirit Club and has been involved in school sports.
Zmachynskaya has taken many of the school's AP courses, but her favorite has been an independent study AP Spanish Literature class from this year. "My teacher Jesse Ortega has really been an inspiration to me," she said.
Liberty High School graduation will take place next weekend. After graduation the girls plan to spend time with family and work on relaxing before the next wave of their future begins. Zmachynskaya also will be going back to her home country for a month to visit with family.
For the Contra Costa Times
Both of Liberty High School's valedictorians will be heading to prestigious business colleges in the fall. They believe there will be a lot of changes in the future and the business market is where the jobs will be after they graduate.
Darya "Dasha" Zmachynskaya of Brentwood has been accepted to the Ivy League's Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She had first had her heart set on attending Yale in the fall, but after taking what she calls her "college tour" trip, she became impressed with Wharton.
"When I visited the business school I had a chance to sit in on some classes and the instruction was so relevant to today's issues," Zmachynskaya said. "The professors were discussing everyday people and everyday lives."
Before considering the business field, Zmachynskaya had considered going into engineering, the profession both her parents work in, but changed her mind. "I don't want to miss out on any more time," she said, explaining that in the some engineering fields it could take longer to complete her degree.
Instead, she decided to work on a business degree and then work on synthesizing her degree to include classes like biology and alternative energy, hoping in the end she can use those skills to go to work for a major corporation or someday open her own business.
"Over the last couple of decade the Internet was a really big deal," she said. "In the future I see alternate energy and biology being the two waves of the future, changing the fabric of the way we live our own lives."
Jacqueline Schindler of Discovery Bay, who is sharing the valedictorian status this year with Zmachynskaya, feels much the same way. She will be attending Duke University to study business.
"I'm not quite sure yet what exactly I want to do with my degree, but I think business will be important in the future," Schindler said.
Another thing that both girls have in common is that they both share an Eastern European heritage. Schindler's parents immigrated from Russia in 1991, right before she was born.
"I really received my work ethic from my parents, Sergey and Olga," Schindler said.
She also said that her older sister, Maria, has given her a lot of inspiration.
Zmachynskaya and her parents immigrated from a small country called Belarus, which is also in the Eastern Europe. When she first moved to the United States when she was 6 years old, she didn't know how to speak English. She learned while attending elementary school in San Leandro and Livermore.
Zmachynskaya's family moved to Brentwood while she was in eighth grade where she attended Edna Hill School before attending Liberty.
During her time at Liberty, Zmachynskaya has been active in drama and arts, participating in many plays and musical productions with the Playmakers club. Since she has been at Liberty her favorite production has been "Beauty and the Beast," which she performed in her freshman year. Although she didn't get the chance to perform, she helped with costumes and set design for the production.
Zmachynskaya also performed in the school choir. She was a captain and co-captain in the academic decathlon, plus several other clubs.
She also worked with the California Scholarship Federation and the National Honor Society alongside Schindler. Zmachynskaya has been the vice president for the past two years. Schindler was the secretary in her junior year.
Schindler has also worked with several school clubs, including the Fashion Club and Red Wave Spirit Club and has been involved in school sports.
Zmachynskaya has taken many of the school's AP courses, but her favorite has been an independent study AP Spanish Literature class from this year. "My teacher Jesse Ortega has really been an inspiration to me," she said.
Liberty High School graduation will take place next weekend. After graduation the girls plan to spend time with family and work on relaxing before the next wave of their future begins. Zmachynskaya also will be going back to her home country for a month to visit with family.
Neighbor: LMC counselor, mentor wins Chavez Educator of the Year Award
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Since attending LMC, Godinez completed an associate of arts degree in liberal arts and moved on to attend Cal State East Bay (Hayward) and receive his degree in sociology. He later attended John F. Kennedy University to earn his master's degree in counseling psychology.
"I've come full circle, starting my education at LMC and now working with students here," said Godinez, who is an Antioch High School graduate.
In 2001 a former instructor of Godinez's started a special program when he noted that the Latino students weren't moving up to higher education classes. The professor contacted Godinez about the program and invited him to come work at the school. The Puente Program offers a chance for "underrepresented" students to learn more about the options open to them. The program introduces two major components. One being rigorous English instruction and the other personal academic counseling.
"After the program was instituted, the organizers saw that the rate was moving up," he said. "It is a very important program to these students."
Godinez's work with the Puente Program is just one of the reasons why he was chosen as the Cesar Chavez Educator of the Year Award recipient for this year. The award, which is given out through LMC, is an East County award presented to individuals who exemplify the values that Cesar Chavez held. The nominee must show service to his or her community, sacrifice, helping the most needy, determination, nonviolence, tolerance, respect for life, celebrating community, knowledge and innovation. For this award the recipient must also be an educator in East County.
Godinez fit the profile of the award not only with his work at LMC but also his volunteer efforts in the community. He works for organizations such as the Lynn Center for Special Needs Children and STAND for Domestic Violence. He also provides therapy for foster children in Contra Costa County.
If that doesn't keep him busy, Godinez also works with the Brother-to-Sister program at LMC, which is a student club that works with at-risk high school students throughout East County in a mentor program to get the youths out of gangs and away from drugs and trouble.
The Brother-to-Sister program is also part of the One Day at a Time program out of LMC, which Godinez is also involved in. One Day at a Time also mentors at-risk high school students.
He is also involved in the United Latino Voice, which is a county coalition that advocates Latino issues.
"Winning the Cesar Chavez Educator of the Year Award was a great honor for me and couldn't have come at a more important time in my life," Godinez said. "Right before I won the award my father passed away. Getting the award showed me how important the values that my mother and father taught me are and how important it is to give back."
For the Contra Costa Times
Since attending LMC, Godinez completed an associate of arts degree in liberal arts and moved on to attend Cal State East Bay (Hayward) and receive his degree in sociology. He later attended John F. Kennedy University to earn his master's degree in counseling psychology.
"I've come full circle, starting my education at LMC and now working with students here," said Godinez, who is an Antioch High School graduate.
In 2001 a former instructor of Godinez's started a special program when he noted that the Latino students weren't moving up to higher education classes. The professor contacted Godinez about the program and invited him to come work at the school. The Puente Program offers a chance for "underrepresented" students to learn more about the options open to them. The program introduces two major components. One being rigorous English instruction and the other personal academic counseling.
"After the program was instituted, the organizers saw that the rate was moving up," he said. "It is a very important program to these students."
Godinez's work with the Puente Program is just one of the reasons why he was chosen as the Cesar Chavez Educator of the Year Award recipient for this year. The award, which is given out through LMC, is an East County award presented to individuals who exemplify the values that Cesar Chavez held. The nominee must show service to his or her community, sacrifice, helping the most needy, determination, nonviolence, tolerance, respect for life, celebrating community, knowledge and innovation. For this award the recipient must also be an educator in East County.
Godinez fit the profile of the award not only with his work at LMC but also his volunteer efforts in the community. He works for organizations such as the Lynn Center for Special Needs Children and STAND for Domestic Violence. He also provides therapy for foster children in Contra Costa County.
If that doesn't keep him busy, Godinez also works with the Brother-to-Sister program at LMC, which is a student club that works with at-risk high school students throughout East County in a mentor program to get the youths out of gangs and away from drugs and trouble.
The Brother-to-Sister program is also part of the One Day at a Time program out of LMC, which Godinez is also involved in. One Day at a Time also mentors at-risk high school students.
He is also involved in the United Latino Voice, which is a county coalition that advocates Latino issues.
"Winning the Cesar Chavez Educator of the Year Award was a great honor for me and couldn't have come at a more important time in my life," Godinez said. "Right before I won the award my father passed away. Getting the award showed me how important the values that my mother and father taught me are and how important it is to give back."
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