______Serving the El Sobrante Business Community Since 1957
About Town The El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter July 2018
Library officials say the renovated facility is expected to reopen Spring 2019, following the devastating fire on February 27. Though the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District believes the fire was intentionally started, George Laing, fire prevention captain and investigator, said law enforcement have not identified or found a suspect. “Based on what happened, we know it was an intentional act,” Laing said.
Residents of El Sobrante are distraught over the news. The people in the community need the library, and miss their summer programs, especially the summer lunch program.
The renovation process is extensive, because electrical systems, ceilings, and walls need to be replaced, and engineers cannot assess wall interiors for damage until the restoration company is done removing asbestos from the ceilings. It is an exacting process due to the age of the facility and changes in building materials and codes since the last library project in 1974. The building is still in an early stage of the restoration process, and the county is working with its insurance company to determine the damage cost, which is not yet known.
It is expected that the County will have a “comprehensive building plan” completed by mid-July, and a “completely renovated and beautiful library open to the public” by next spring. El Sobrante residents wishing to use a public library are encouraged to visit the Pinole and San Pablo libraries.
EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BOARD MEETINGS—Visitors Welcome Board meetings are held every month at 5:15 pm on the dates below at the Chamber Office, 3769-B San Pablo Dam Road. Park in Kaliente’s lot.
January 8 February 5 March 5 April 2 May 7 June 11 July 9 August 6 September 10 October 1 November 5 December 3
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES STOP & SHOP IN EL SOBRANTE!
2018 Chamber of Commerce Officers & Directors
President: Scott Tuffnell: Realtor, Windermere Rowland Realty 1st Vice-President: Mark Croda, El Sobrante Town Garage Treasurer: Bob Davis, Investment Advisor, Castle Rock Wealth Management Secretary: Beverly Wallace, Resident
Directors: Maurice Abraham, Resident Barbara Pendergrass, Resident Marie Carayanis, Membership Chair Sonny Randhawa, All State Insurance Agent Jim Cowen, Farmers Insurance Bob Sharp, Independent Real Estate Nicole Donn, US Financial Mortgage Lending Agent Major John Hermannson, Salvation Army Bobbie Squelatti, Beadiful Beads by Bobbie Susan McCloskey, Resident Judy Ward, SPAWNERS
Martha Booz, Newsletter Editor and Website Publisher, [email protected]
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH JULY 2018
ELSEWHERE TAVERN 4156 Appian Way El Sobrante (510.243.5610) Hours: Every Day 8 am - Midnight
Every town needs a tavern, because it's where all the locals, including business owners, friends, and family can come meet and hang out together. The Elsewhere Tavern is the new version of that! Now with two brand new pool tables, dart boards, a shuffle board, a great juke box and a nice long bar with the coldest beer in town (8 beers on tap!), the Elsewhere Tavern is the newest and best "hang out" spot in town. This is Mike Diebel’s second tavern in El Sobrante, after the Somewhere Else Bar and Grill. Every part of the interior and exterior is a full makeover with more to come. Patio seating in the back will be added, as well as the Fast Track Coffee Shop with sandwiches and pastries. In the meantime, check out the food truck on Thursdays through Saturdays after 5pm for some great eats to go with your beer or beverage. Play a friendly game of pool with your friends and watch for a future league night, too. You are sure to see a friendly face and someone you know or meet someone new. All that's missing is YOU! See you soon.
The Elsewhere Tavern was formerly the Capri Club. The El Sobrante Historical Society published the following article on the Capri Club in their Fall 2017 issue of their newsletter, The Leftovers.
The Capri Club
The owner of the Capri Club, Don Peterson, was born in San Francisco, finished his military commitment in Korea, and came back to the bay area looking for work. Don stayed with his sister for a while. He would hang out at the Capri Club in El Sobrante, have a beer and visit friends. Don continued his patronage at the Capri nearly every night for about 15 years when he found out it was for sale. It was 1989 Don and his wife of 10 years, Marylou, purchased the bar & later acquired the property that 3 separate businesses occupied.
At one time, the building (built in the late ‘30s-early ‘40s) was the home of the El Sobrante Fountain, known popularly as John’s Soda Fountain. There is a walk-in cooler with a huge sliding door that was probably installed for the Ice Cream originally. Now it keeps the beer perfectly chilled. One of our history team, Maurice, recalls going there in the early ‘50s for an Ice cream cone with his pals.
The fountain was also the site of a botched burglary in 1947, according to this clipping from the Oakland Tribune (submitted by member Roxy Miravalle). John Marchetta, the original owner, lived in the old California Spanish style home to the right of the bar. In the late 1950s, the building housed a restaurant called “The Broken Lyre,” owned by Florence Marchetta (possibly John’s daughter-she is referred to as “Miss Florence” in an article re the grand opening in the ES Herald). The continental offering may have been a stretch for the locals, as the restaurant lasted less than two years. The Capri Club opened in 1959.
There was a time when our town was labeled by some as a “biker” town. We had two Harley shops and the (many) local watering holes would feature rows of gleaming two-wheelers parked in front and the leather clad riders perched on stools inside. The Capri Club drew its share of hell- raisers even in its early days. Don says he remembers hearing about town folks riding their horses INTO the bar and asking for a drink. Then went on to tell me how a couple of motorcycles have ridden though the bar. One evening, a guy came riding a dirt bike through the open back door, went around the pool table and raced out the front door into the side of a car parked at the curb. It was the bike rider’s own car!
The Capri Club has hosted several charity fundraisers for local clubs, individuals who needed help with medical expenses and one person who lost her home to fire. Classic cars and bike shows have filled the large tree covered parking area numerous times while as many as 200 “friends” gathered to enjoy BB-Q and listen to music.
The clientele here are more than just customers, Many are like family and many ARE family. I have seen Father & Son, Mother & Son, Mother & Daughter, Brothers & Sisters socializing over a pint of suds or watching their favorite sports team on one of the T.V.s. The Capri “Gals” are like Sisters, most of them would come running anytime, anywhere to help their own. They show up after work, meet inside, order their usual cocktail and if the weather is nice, leave their handbag and phone on the bar and sit outside under the canopy and visit.
The Capri Club was locally famous for its pool players. They had some real good ones including the proprietor, who hosted tournaments for about 20 years. They still have 2 coin-op tables that are well-kept and stay busy.
Don and Marylou are in the process of selling the Capri and the new owners have big plans for renovations including a name change. We wish everyone involved success!
Written by Lyle Miller Photos courtesy of Don Peterson
Attend the 2018 Chamber Networking Breakfast
You are invited to the Chamber’s first networking breakfast for this year. It will be held at the Elks Lodge, 3139 San Pablo Dam Road in El Sobrante, on Wednesday, July 18th at 7:30 am, with a Buffet Breakfast catered by Top Notch Catering. The program will be presented from 8:00 to 9:00 am.
Representatives from the Contra Costa County Community Warning System and Evacuation Services, Emergency Preparedness, i.e., Earthquake and Fire disasters will present about emergency preparedness for their particular disaster. The American Red Cross will also be on our program. We feel these topics are of concern and need. Did you know that the Hayward fault parallels the San Pablo Dam Road and sits just over the San Pablo Ridge in Wildcat Canyon? This is a very important event and we urge you to attend and invite other business people you know.
Reservations are requested. Call the Chamber Office at 510-223-0757 or email: [email protected]. Breakfast cost: $10:00 per person.
Ribbon Cutting at Valley Nail & Spa
The Valley Nail and Spa was recently bought by May Vo, and a ribbon cutting to celebrate her new ownership of the shop was held June 27 a5 4 pm. The Chamber Board members who attended were Scott Tuffnell, and Sonny Randhawa. Martha Booz attended to celebrate and take pictures. There were about 10 customers there, including an 8-year old girl. She was getting a pedicure with green and gold and sparkles. May served strawberries and some Vietnamese foods.
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting Wednesday, July 18, 2018 @ 7:30 am ELK’S LODGE 3931 San Pablo Dam Rd., El Sobrante, CA 94803 $10.00 for catered full breakfast buffet
Network with your neighbors while having a great catered breakfast and learn valuable community news, including information about up-coming Chamber events.
Hosted by the El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
3769 San Pablo Dam Rd.
El Sobrante, CA 94803
PLEASE R.S.V.P. @ (510)-223-0757
SPAWNERS JULY EVENTS
July Nature Walk: Briones Crest Trail with Bob Flasher Tuesday July 10, 5:30-7:30pm
Join us as Bob Flasher leads us on Briones Crest Trail, which rises over 500 feet in elevation and circumnavigates three or four peaks, affording breathtaking views. There will be some relatively steep climbs on this hike.
Directions: Meet at the Bear Creek Staging Area in Briones Regional Park, at the end of Briones Valley Rd. From San Pablo Dam Road, take Bear Creek Road east for 4 miles; the turnoff for Briones Valley Road will be on the right, 1/4 mile past Happy Valley Road. Meet in the first parking lot.
July Community Workshop: Creek Critters Saturday July 21, 9:30am-noon 4805 Santa Rita Road, Richmond
Join us at our Wilkie Creek restoration site to learn about creek bugs and how they relate to the health of the creek! We'll get in the creek, collect some samples, and identify what we find. We'll finish up with some maintenance of our habitat restoration site beside the creek. Please wear sturdy shoes, comfortable work clothes, and bring a water bottle. SPAWNERS will provide tools, gloves, and snacks.
Helen Fitanides, Program Manager, The Watershed Project and SPAWNERS Email: [email protected] Phone: 510-665-3538
Notes on recycling and waste pick up programs: California has a mattress recycling program; click here for more details. Also, Republic Services provides one free pickup per year for bulky items or e-waste, and two additional pickups for items in trash bags. Call to schedule or for additional info: 510-262-7100 or visit their website for more information.
Helpful numbers:
Broken hydrant or flooding in the street: 1-866-40-EBMUD Debris dumped in the creek: 1-800-No-Dumping
Note: Everyone reading this Newsletter is invited to the Chamber of Commerce Mixers! Free! You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend. Get to know your El Sobrante Neighbors!
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce MIXER DATES
Monthly Mixers are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
You ARE INVITED! Please COME! Our next Mixer is July 11 at Jim Cowen’s Farmers Insurance.
July 11 Jim Cowen’s Insurance, 5341 Valley View Road August 8 Nerd Crossing, 400 Appian Way September No Mixer -- STROLL!! October 9 Windermere Rowland Realty, 930 A San Pablo Avenue, Pinole November 14 Elks Lodge, 3931 San Pablo Dam Road December 12 Mechanics Bank, 3884 San Pablo Dam Road
Jim Cowen always puts on a great buffet with no host wine and beer. Please join us on Wednesday, July 11!
C4AGES July Events
C4AGES will have their regular monthly meeting at 7 PM Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at 4185 Garden Lane, ES.
Please see the report of the C4AGES Kayak Clean of San Pablo Reservoir elsewhere in the newsletter.
WHY JOIN AND SUPPORT YOUR CHAMBER?
Networking & Visibility - It’s not just who you know, it’s also who others know. Networking is powerful. Attend and enjoy our monthly mixers, free of charge. Meet your fellow business associates and residents. We always have a good time, and you may win a raffle prize.
Advertising & Exposure - Discounts on your ads in our monthly About Town Newsletter and free listing in our El Sobrante Guide to Shopping, Dining and Services publication, over 4,000 copies distributed. Spring and Fall issues published annually, and posted on the Chamber website. www.elsobrantecachamber.com.
Have a Voice - Help plan future projects and events for our El Sobrante Valley Community. Your Chamber membership funds website expenses, scholarships, new Welcome Signs and much more.
Join now – Membership offers you new opportunities! Application in this issue. Marie Carayanis, Membership Committee [email protected]
Clean-up of San Pablo Reservoir by C4AGES
TheC4AGES third annual “Kayak Clean- up” event at the San Pablo Reservoir Twenty-three kayakers took part in the took place on June 23, 2018. clean-up, and one volunteer piloted a canoe which served to collect the trash removed from the water. A new feature this year was use of a motorboat in addition to the kayaks, that enabled five non-kayakers (including one child) to participate by picking up trash on the opposite shore. C4AGEs provided beverages for the picnic lunch that followed the clean-up work. (Photos: Marina Chainey)
Motorboat provided by East Bay Municipal Utility District enabled non-kayaking volunteers to participate in clean-up by wildlife, including multiple herons Event Highlights: The day was a warm and egrets. The tributary held many one, and people enjoyed being out on decomposing shrubs and trees impacted the water. When volunteers entered the by the high water levels that heavy serene, more shaded tributary to the rains two winters ago brought to the San Pablo Reservoir, they found it was area. Several volunteers spotted a bald thickly laden with algae, and inhabited eagle!
Litter Removed from the Reservoir
-A large BRUTE container -Three post fences attached with barbed wire -Tennis balls, estimated at about 200 balls (large trash BRUTE container, shown) -Plastic and glass bottles, and other recyclables (large container) -Plastic pots (large trash bag) -Styrofoam (large trash bag) -Aerosol containers (small trash bag) -Miscellaneous trash (large trash bag)
C4AGES Coordinator Sharon Korotkin & event leader Ken Chainey pose with the trash collected at Third Annual Kayak Clean-up (6/23/18)
EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 25th ANNUAL EL SOBRANTE STROLL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 PARADE 11:00 AM – STROLL TO 4:00 PM
Your Name: ______Business Name: ______Type of Business: ______Address: ______Phone: ______Fax: ______E-Mail: ______Participating in Parade: Yes_____ No _____
Booth Specifications: MAXIMUM SPACE SIZE IS 12’ X 12’ Product or service you will be offering: ______Using: Tent/Canopy _____ Table Only _____ Other ______(Please specify) FEES (Include Booth Space and One T-Shirt) Non-Profit Organization (schools, churches, etc.) ______$ 85.00 Crafter______100.00 Business ______135.00 Dam Road Business – (See Page 2)______100.00 Food Booth ______135.00 Food Booth Applications must be returned by AUGUST 1ST. (See Page 2). Bands, Demonstrations & Entertainment must have prior approval. No Fee. One Free T-Shirt (included with booth fee): Men’s Sizes: MED ___ L ___ XL ___ XXL ___ XXXL ___ Ladies Sizes: MED ___ L ____ Additional T-Shirts available @ $7.00 ea. Men’s Sizes: MED ____ L ___ XL ___ XXL ___ XXXL ___ Ladies Sizes: MED ____ L ___ Total additional T-Shirts: Quantity ____ @ $7.00 each = $ ______Silver Anniversary Mugs available: Quantity ____ @ $5.00 each = $ ______Total amount enclosed: $ ______Make check payable to El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce. Mail to: Marie Carayanis, 4460 Fieldcrest Drive, El Sobrante, 94803 This event proceeds rain or shine ---NO REFUNDS. For information call: Marie @ 510 387-0581 or e-mail: [email protected] Chamber Office (510) 223-0757 or Dina (510) 223-7950.
BOOTH CATEGORIES
Non-Profit Organizations – Any organization which can provide proof of non-profit status with this application. If selling food or beverages see Food Booth description below.
Crafters – Home made products only – nonfood. Original hand-crafted work in any media by the artist who is present.
Business – licensed business, resale manufactured products.
Dam Road Businesses – REMINDER – If you do not send in an application and fee, the Stroll Committee will place another booth in front of your store on the street. All sidewalks must remain clear per Contra Costa County requirements. A SPECIAL RATE OF $100.00 FOR BUSINESSES ON THE DAM ROAD.
Food Booth – Commercial or non-profit groups selling or sampling foods/beverages prepared on or off-site for immediate or later consumption. Must comply with County Health Department requirements and pay licensing fee of $118.00 additional. Make check payable to the El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
PARADE NOTES Line up – Parade begins at 11:00 am. Line up starts at 10:00 am at the Walgreens parking Lot, but location may be subject to change. The parade line begins at the drive thru pharmacy and goes behind the building.
Parking - The Walgreens parking lot is NOT for parade participant parking. Walgreens is still open for business, and any parking should be SHORT TERM. We appreciate Walgreens for letting us use their lot, usually public parking is available at the Masonic Lodge lot and a Stroll Shuttle will be available.
2018 Stroll Application Page 2
Monthly Community Meetings
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting Meets 1st Monday of the Month @ 5:15 pm Chamber Office, 3769-B San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante http://www.elsobrantecachamber.com Marie: 510-387-0581 / [email protected] / Office: 510-223-0757
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Mixer Meets 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 5:30 – 7:00 pm At various locations. See Community Meetings Listing below
El Sobrante Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) Meets 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 7:00 pm this month, at the Elks Lodge, 3931 San Pablo Dam Road. http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/1640/El-Sobrante-Municipal-Advisory-Council
El Sobrante Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Meets 2nd Thursday of the Month @ 6:00 pm. No location available at this time.
SPAWNERS (San Pablo Watershed Neighbors Education & Restoration Society) Volunteer Workday 3rd Saturday of the Month @ El Sobrante Library or De Anza outdoor classroom at Wilkie Creek site, De Anza Dr. and Santa Rita Rd. Water Bug Team meets 4th Sat of the Month. See website for more info: spawners.org For information contact [email protected]
C4AGES (Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante) Meets 3rd Wednesday of the Month @ 7:00 pm Location announced in the newsletter. See http://www.greenelsobrante.org
Richmond Elks Lodge has a dinner the 3rd Friday of every month, at 3931 San Pablo Dam Road, 6 pm – 9 pm.
Indivisible Group, formed to resist hatred and promote peace and understanding, meets the fourth Saturday of the month, @ 2 pm, Hope Lutheran Church on May Rd.
July Community Meetings
Tues. July 10 SPAWNERS Trail with Bob See SPAWNERS event 5:30 – 7:30 pm Nature Walk Flasher listing, page Briones Crest Wed, July 11, Municipal Elks Lodge, 3931 Barbara Pendergrass 7 pm Advisory Council San Pablo Dam Rd Fri, July 20, Richmond Elks Monthly Dinner RSVP 510-223-3441 and 6:30 pm Lodge for information Sat, July 21, SPAWNERS Work Wilkie Creek Site Behind De Anza High 9:30 am – 12 pm Party – near 4805 Santa Rita Restoration work Road Wed, July 18, 7 C4AGES Meeting 4185 Garden Lane, El pm Sobrante Sat, July 28, Indivisible Group Hope Lutheran On May Road in El 2 – 4:30 pm Church Sobrante
El Sobrante Guide to Shopping, Dining & Services: Sponsors
The following firms and people supported our Guide to Shopping, Dining and Service in El Sobrante:
Dr. Dan Rixen, D.C., D.A.A.P.M. Rixen Chiropractic Jim Cowen, Farmers Insurance Mark Anthony Porter, CRPC, Ameriprise Financial Bob Davis, Castle Rock Wealth Management Scott Tuffnell, Windermere Real Estate Nicole Donn, US Financial Mortgage Lending
The Guide is available on our web site as well as at the Library, the Chamber office and at many businesses. Check it out! The website is: http://www.elsobrantecachamber.com/BOM.html
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Members
**Allstate Insurance Richard Smith **Planchon Roofing** Doug Planchon Company** **Ameriprise Financial Mark A. Porter **Plumbing Express** Cathy Brazil Services** Beadiful Beads by Bobbie Bobbie Squellati Premier Designers Dawn Biocca Jewelry Battaglia Consultant Rancho Sports Bar Richard Oliver, Adam Services Oliver **Bill’s Underground** Bill & Donna Schupp **Republic Services** Bielle Moore **Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorna Padia Markus **Rixen Chiropractic** Dr. Daniel Rixen Contra Costa** Burgess-Allard Family K. Schminke **Rotary Club of El Randy Stevenson Sobrante** Canyon Swim School Fred Brown **Security Public Melissa & Enrique Storage** Serrano Castle Rock Wealth Mgmt Bob Davis Shirley & Bob Sharp Independent Realtors **Chapel of the Mission Larry Cyr **Signs by Scott** Scott Erwin Bells** Cloverfield Organic Farm Susan Abernathy **SPAWNERS** Helen Fitanides EBMUD Sharla Sullivan St. Paul School Natalie Lenz-Acuma **El Sobrante Town Mark & Katrina Croda State Farm Insurance Sonny Randhawa Garage** El Sobrante Wheel & Brake Lyle Miller **US Financial Nicole Donn Mortgage** Farmers Insurance Jim Cowen Fisk Termite Control Robert C. Sibley **Vegan ‘N Chicken** Shabaz Abbasi Four Fools Winery Mark Grisham **Wadsworth Glass* Veronica Jerge **Godfathers Limousine Tony Raffanelli West County Marla Sena Service** Wastewater District **J & A Market** Ranjeet B. Prasad **Wilson & Kratzer** Kim Welch **Jim Cowen Insurance** Jim Cowen **Windermere Rowland Scott Tuffnell Realty** Lakeridge Athletic Club Bruce Thomas Maurice Abraham Resident Little Wishes Spa Dawn Biocca Resident Lucy’s Coin & Jewelry Adam Gross Arnold E. Bolton Resident Pawn Lynden & Company Thomas Lynden Martha Booz Resident MCE Clean Energy Sandra Zelaya, Marie & Nick Carayanis Residents Kalicia Pivirotto Michael Pejza Insurance Michael Pejza John S. Koepke Resident **Mike’s Appliances** Mike Murphy Lorna Padla Marcus Resident **Mechanics Bank** Michael Frith Susan & Dick McCloskey Residents Morgan Properties Aubrey Morgan Lillian Nardi Resident Mr. Fixit Handyman Carlyle Garrick Barbara Pendergrass Resident Construction Nerd Crossing Jim Hammack Beverly Wallace Resident On-site Health Care Leesa Latimerr Ruth Williams Rockey Resident Services Oliver’s Ace Hardware Richard Oliver Debbie Wold Resident **Ad Sponsors** El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce About Town Newsletter July 2018
THE EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.ElSobranteCaChamber.com 3769 – B San Pablo Dam Road El Sobrante, CA 94803 Office: 510-223-0757