_______________________________________________________________ Serving the El Sobrante Business Community Since 1957

About Town

The El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter April 2018

LIBRARY FIRE!

Fireman pulls hose to put out fire. Blackened ribs of the enclosure indicate the location of the ignition site.

The El Sobrante Library caught fire on February 27 at about 8 pm. This fire has greatly disrupted the lives of our residents, as the library is now closed and will remain closed until the damage is repaired. The two alarm blaze was reported by one of the Friends of the El Sobrante Library at about 8:15 pm, and was extinguished by about 8:40 pm. The Friend was in the Book House behind the library, getting ready for the upcoming March book sale, which was not held. She heard what she thought was rain, but it was the crackling of the fire. She immediately called 911. The library siding caught fire, and burned through into the staff area hallway. The fire also burned through at the roof. The damage is at the rear of the library in the parking lot. A new roof was being installed, and the roofers had put a porta-potty in the enclosure next to the dumpster in the parking lot. The Fire Marshall has deemed the fire ‘suspicious’. Smoke filled the library, except for the front lobby. All the books are being replaced, as that is slightly cheaper than treating them for smoke residue. Some unique books and other items will be treated to remove the smoke residue. The damage is being repaired. There is no time frame as yet for re-opening the library. If you want to be notified when the library opens again, please let me know your email, and I’ll include you on our email list for this major event. Contact me at mlbooz@calnatives.com, or 510-222-4698. The Friends of the Library are raising money to help with the restoration of our library at https://www.gofundme.com/help-raise-money-after-library-fire

Damaged side of library Damaged roof and eave of library

President’s Message

My daughter Laura got married on the last weekend of March. This intelligent, caring young woman married a young man of equal attributes. Her mother and I were touched by her and her new husband’s friends, some of whom had traveled thousands of miles just to witness the day, who to a person spoke highly of their compassion to others, and how they, the newlywed couple, had befriended and inspired their friends. Laura was raised in part within the Chamber. At a very young age she worked in the deli with me after school, cleaning tables, etc., and we would attend Chamber functions together. Many of you got to watch her grow up, too. Spenser joined her once they met in high school at many functions as well. Laura now has a job in city government in Merced where they live. When we talk, one of the things she mentions regularly is what the local Chamber is doing, and how she wished that Chamber had as many events and volunteers as El Sobrante does. She plans to join the Merced Chamber of Commerce and no doubt will make things happen. I mention all this to say two things. First, thank you to all the volunteers, residents and merchants who throughout the past years interacted with Laura and Spenser in such a way that they were inspired, inspired to live in a small community and participate within. Together we as a community raised two very talented adults who will do great things in their community. The second point is to recognize that we should all realize that we have an impact on EVERYONE we meet. No matter their age or participation level, what we say and how we say it; what we do and how we do it makes a difference not only to us but to everyone around us. More importantly, the effects of our actions are long-lasting and spread wide, like the ripples in a pond when a pebble is dropped. I have witnessed firsthand through my family what treating someone with welcoming respect and loving support can do. I have also seen what rigid contempt and stubbornness can do. I’m happy I live and work in a welcoming community, and I thank you for your participation in that. Look within the pages of this month’s newsletter for opportunities to participate in your community. If there is something you would like to see us do in the future, let us know. We are all here to serve each other. Scott

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES STOP & SHOP IN EL SOBRANTE!

2018 Chamber of Commerce Officers & Directors President: Scott Tuffnell, Realtor, Windermere Rowland Realty Vice-President: Mark Croda, Owner, El Sobrante Town Garage Treasurer: Bob Davis, Investment Advisor, Castle Rock Wealth Management Secretary: Beverly Wallace, Resident Directors: Maurice Abraham, Resident Marie Carayanis, Membership Chair Jim Cowen, Farmers Insurance Nicole Donn, US Financial Mortgage Lending Barbara Pendergrass, Chairwoman, Municipal Advisory Council

Major John Hermannson, Salvation Army Susan McCloskey, Resident Sonny Randhawa, State Farm Agent Bob Sharp, Independent Real Estate Agent Bobbie Squelatti, Baskets by Bobbie Judy Ward, SPAWNERS

Martha Booz, Newsletter Editor and Website Publisher, mlbooz@calnatives.com

EL SOBRANTE BUSINESS OF THE MONTH APRIL 2018

Elsewhere Tavern 4156 Appian Way, El Sobrante

(510) 243-5610 Hours: 8 AM to Midnight Every Day http://www.elsewheretavern.com

Initially opening its doors for business in November of last year, the Elsewhere Tavern has moved into the old Capri Club location, across from the library. Mike Diebel, the new owner, has put a lot of effort into giving the property a complete face lift. The original thought was to "transform the old watering hole into a back woods, old school tavern." The new bar feels like a local, neighborhood place where everyone will feel welcome. The Elsewhere Tavern has two brand new pool tables, electronic darts, a shuffleboard, karaoke nightly, and poker twice a week. Along with live music on Friday nights, there's good entertainment for everyone. But you're going to have to wait a little longer to enjoy the Elsewhere Tavern. Half way through March, Mike decided to close the Elsewhere Tavern for further repairs and remodeling. Now they have plans to add a game room and, partnering with Fastrack Coffee, are expanding into the remainder of the building. Mike is also the owner of the Somewhere Else Sports Bar and Grill. He suggests stopping by there while the Elsewhere Tavern is under construction. Mike says his family grew up in a small town and they are here to help revive a small town, one location at a time. Mike wouldn't call his family "bar owners." He says they are a "business family" who take pride in what they do. Mike says "stay local, spend local" and "come on down to Elsewhere Tavern or Somewhere Else and have a burger or a beer. This is the only way to make a small town work". They are on the right track! Keep in touch with the Elsewhere Tavern on Facebook for updates on the renovation. https://www.facebook.com/elsewheretavern/

2018 Calendar of Mixers El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Mixers are held monthly,

except if there is another Chamber event that month.

April 11 Somewhere Else Sports Bar, 5216 Sobrante Ave May 9 State Farm Insurance, 454 Appian Way, Suite F

June 13 El Sobrante Town Garage, 4012 San Pablo Dam Road 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

Photos from the March Mixer at Cricket Wireless.

WHY JOIN AND SUPPORT YOUR CHAMBER? Thanks to all who have renewed their 2018 membership. The 2018 date plates for your membership plaques have been mailed. Special date plates are being made for those who are celebrating an anniversary date for joining, e.g. 10 years a member of the Chamber. Reminder notices have been mailed, in case you haven’t yet renewed your membership. Renew now so that your name will be included in the paid membership listing in each issue of our newsletter and on our website. Next month’s issue will reflect all paid members, and non-renewing members will be dropped from the list. YOUR SUPPORT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. Marie Carayanis, Membership Committee, mariecofces@yahoo.com

EVENTS OF INTEREST SPAWNERS: Bird Nesting Talk by Jonathan Price Tuesday April 3, 7-9pm New Location: San Pablo Library Wildcat Creek Meeting Room 13751 San Pablo Ave in San Pablo Learn all about nesting birds from Jonathan Price, Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist with the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Jonathan presented on the fascinating topic of animal tracking back in October, and we're excited to have him back! This talk will be held in the Wildcat Creek Meeting Room at the new San Pablo Library, on the west side of the building.

SPAWNERS Earth Day Celebration Saturday April 21, 9:30am-noon New Location: Elks Lodge 3931 San Pablo Dam Road in El Sobrante Join us to celebrate Earth Day and clean up our town! We'll have info booths, children's crafts and activities, and provide light breakfast and lunch for volunteers. Registration starts at 9 am at the Elks Lodge, 3931 San Pablo Dam Road in El Sobrante. Volunteers under 18 must have waivers signed by a parent or guardian (please see our website for waivers). A big thank you to our partners and sponsors: Richmond Elks Lodge El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Mark Porter, Ameriprise Auto and Home Insurance C4AGES NATIVE PLANT SALE

. 3:00pm -, 11:00 : NATIVE PLANT SALEAPRIL 7 Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante (C4AGES) will hold its annual spring plant sale, featuring California natives, other drought-tolerant ornamentals, succulents, and unusual edibles. Bargain prices - most plants $5 or less. 4025 Archery Way in El Sobrante (Near Olinda and Castro Ranch Roads) www.greenerelsobrante.org.

EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

25th EL SOBRANTE STROLL SUNDAY, SEPT 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): Mens Sizes: MED ___ L ___ XL ___ XXL ___ XXXL ___ Ladies Sizes: MED ___ L ____ Additional T-Shirts available @ $7.00 ea. Mens 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: mariecofces@yahoo.com 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 – non food. 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

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 8 March 5 April 2 May 7 June 11 July 2 August 6

September 10 October 1 November 5 December 3

BUSINESS GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE The 5th edition of the Guide to El Sobrante Shopping, Dining and Services is now available! A big thank you to the sponsors of the 5th Edition of the Guide: Dr. Dan Rixen, Rixen Chiropractic; Jim Cowen, Farmers Insurance; Mark Anthony Porter, Ameriprise Financial; Bob Davis, Castle Rock Wealth Management; Scott Tuffnell, Windermere Real Estate, and US Financial Mortgage Lending, Nicole Donn. The 5th Edition celebrates the distribution of 5,000 copies. In order to distinguish each edition from the previous one, we select a different color. The 2018 brochure features a light green color. If you would like copies, please email Marie at: mariecofces@yahoo.com, or call the chamber office at 510-223-0757.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF CONTRA COSTA BURGLARY The Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa was stripped of all of its computer laboratory equipment last week in an overnight burglary operation. On Tuesday, March 20th, BGCCC staff discovered that an on-site storage unit had been nearly wiped out by criminals who stole dozens of items, including computers, monitors, keyboards, and other valuable equipment. Additionally, there were several boxes of programming materials stolen which contained educational content for youth programs which had been prepared for summer camps to be facilitated by Boys and Girls Clubs of Contra Costa. The total loss from this incident is valued at over $20,000. While the BGCCC campus was insured for property loss, it is unclear what the financial effects of the of the loss will mean to the program this year. “It is really heartbreaking that anyone would literally steal these learning opportunities from underserved children in our community. This equipment and materials were investments for our youth for computer lessons and summer camp programming. We will move on, but this is certainly a tough hurdle for us,” said Dana Fraticelli, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa. The organization plans to rebuild its programming materials as quickly as possible as the organization nears the summer programming set to begin on June 18th. The BGCCC program serves up to 75 children each summer, ages six through 12. The crime is currently under investigation by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and any tips or information related to this crime should be directed to the Sheriff’s office at 925-335-1500. Cash donations for support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa can be made online at BGCContraCosta.org or via mail at P.O. Box 20090, El Sobrante, CA, 94520. For more information, contact: Dinah McFarlane, Resource Development and Marketing Manager P: 510-223-5253 E: dmcfarlane@bgccontracosta.org

Monthly Community Meetings El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting Meets 1st Monday of the Month @ 5:15 pm Sheriff's Annex / Chamber Office ---- 3769-B San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante http://www.elsobrantecachamber.com Marie: 510-387-0581 / mariecofces@yahoo.com / Office: 510-223-0757 El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Mixer Meets 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 5:30 – 7:00 pm, at a different location each month See Community Meetings Listing below Supervisor John Gioia Code Enforcement Meeting Meets 1st Wednesday of every OTHER Month @ 2:00 pm Office of Supervisor Gioia / 11780 San Pablo Ave, Suite D, El Cerrito http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/5216/District-I-Supervisor-John-M-Gioia El Sobrante Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) Meets 2nd Wednesday of the Month, 7 pm, at Library Meeting Room, 4191 Appian Way,

in back of the library 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. Meeting room, El Sobrante Library 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 helen@thewatershedproject.org Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante (C4AGES) Meets 3rd Wednesday of the Month @ 7:00 pm Library Meeting Room. 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 4th Saturday of the month, @ 2 pm, Hope Lutheran Church on May Rd.

April 2018 Community Meetings

Mon, April 2 5:15 pm

Chamber of Commerce Board meeting

At the Chamber Board office

3769-B San Pablo Dam Rd.

Sat. April 3, 7-9 pm

SPAWNERS Bird Nesting Talk

San Pablo Library Wildcat Creek Meeting Room

13751 San Pablo Ave in San Pablo

Wed, April 11 5:30 – 7 pm

Chamber Mixer Somewhere Else Bar and Grill

5216 Sobrante Ave, El Sobrante

Sat, Apr 7, 11am – 3 pm

C4AGES Spring Plant Sale

Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante

4025 Archery Way

Wed, Apr 13, 7 pm

Municipal Advisory Council

Elks Lodge 3931 San Pablo Dam Rd.

Thur, April 14, 6 – 8 pm

Planning-Zoning Advisory Council

Elks Lodge? Please call to confirm location 510-223-3441

Fri, Apr 20, 6:30 pm

Richmond Elks Lodge

Monthly 3rd Friday Dinner All Welcome

RSVP 510-223-3441 and for information

Sat, April 21 9:30 am – 12 pm

SPAWNERS Earth Day Celebration

Elks Lodge 3931 San Pablo Dam Rd.

Sat, April 28 2 – 4:30 pm

Indivisible Group Hope Lutheran Church

On May Road in El Sobrante

El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Members **Allstate Insurance Company** Richard Smith Rodica Popovici, D.D.S. Rodica Popovici **Ameriprise Financial Services** Mark A. Porter Rancho Sports Bar Richard and Adam Oliver A P N Smoke Shop Wahid Ahmadi **Real Estate Services” Anne Skeffington Appian Express Mart & Gasoline Ashok Attri **Republic Services** Bielle Moore Battaglia Consultant Services Len Battaglia Richmond Elks Lodge Linda Pitts Bay Alarm Andrew Nosanchuk Richmond Moose Lodge Larry Jordan Beadiful Beads by Bobbie Bobbie Squellati **Rixen Chiropractic** Dr. Daniel Rixen Big Minds Unschool Dr. Melanie Hayes **Rotary Club of El Sobrante** Randy Stevenson **Bill’s Underground** Bill & Donna Schupp Round Table Pizza Greg Merritt **Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa

Dana Fraticelli **Security Public Storage** Melissa & Enrique Serrano

Burgess-Allard Family K. Schminke Sewer Connection Cathy Brazil Canyon Swim School Fred Brown **Signs by Scott** Scott Erwin Castle Rock Wealth Mgmt Bob Davis **Space and Time Organized** Janet Flint **Chapel of the Mission Bells** Larry Cyr **SPAWNERS** Helen Fitanides Cloverfield Organic Farm Susan Abernathy **Spunaugle & Tuffnell** Jenny Tuffnell EBMUD Sharla Sullivan St. Joseph Cemetery Jerry Burkeen **El Sobrante Town Garage** Mark & Katrina Croda St. Paul School Natalie Lenz-Acuma **El Sobrante United Methodist Church**

Mark Zier State Farm Insurance Sonny Randhawa

El Sobrante Lock & Key Kyle Hager The Noodle House Miguel Gallegos El Sobrante Wheel & Brake Lyle Miller The Peddler Jeff Jerge Envios Na Ya Natilie Esperanza **US Financial Mortgage

Lending** Nicole Donn

Epicycle Media Charles Anderson **Vegan ‘N Chicken** Shabaz Abbasi, Zafar Khan

Fisk Termite Control Robert C. Sibley **Wadsworth Glass* Veronica Jerge Four Fools Winery Marc Grisham West County Wastewater

District Marla Sena

Godfathers Limousine Service Tony Raffanelli West County Reads Robin Wilson Guardian Adult Day Health Ctr Peter Behr **Wilson & Kratzer** Kim Welch **J & A Market** Ranjeet B. Prasad **Windermere Rowland Realty** Mike & Renee Rowland Jay Vee Liquors Fathi Elias **Windermere Rowland Realty** Scott Tuffnell JBM Construction John Mora Z Realty Investments Mike Zeelen Jeha Properties Dave Jeha **Jim Cowen Insurance** Jim Cowen Kool Cuts Branda Medrano Maurice Abraham Resident Lakeridge Athletic Club Bruce Thomas Arnold E. Bolton Resident **Little Wishes Spa** Karla Amador-Daza Martha Booz Resident Los Cerros Mexican Restaurant Eduardo Guzman Eletha Cannon Resident Lucy’s Coin & Jewelry Pawn Adam Gross Marie & Nick Carayanis Residents Lynden & Company Thomas Lynden Mary Beth Ferguson Resident MCECleanEnergy.org Kalicia Pivirotto Dina & Bob Fowler Residents Michael Pejza Insurance Michael Pejza John S. Koepke Resident **Mike’s Appliances** Mike Murphy Lorna Padia Markus Resident **Mechanics Bank** Michael Frith Susan & Dick McCloskey Residents Morgan Properties Aubrey Morgan Lillian Nardi Resident Mr. Fixit Handyman Carlyle Garrick Barbara Pendergrass Resident Nerd Crossing Jim Hammack Shirley Rosenthal Winston Resident On-site Health Care Services Leesa Latimerr Beverly Wallace Resident Oliver’s Ace Hardware Richard Oliver Bob and Shirley Sharp Residents Paul Morris Management Paul Morris Sheila Ann Webb Resident **Planchon Roofing** Doug Planchon Ruth Williams Rockey Resident **The Pool Doctor** Kelly Heath Anna Zazueta Resident

**Ad Sponsors**

El Sobrante Guide to Shopping, Dining & Services:

Sponsors We are grateful to the following firms and people for supporting our Guide to Shopping, Dining and Services in El Sobrante:

Dr. Dan Rixen, Rixen Chiropractic Jim Cowen, Farmers Insurance

Mark Anthony Porter, 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 link to the Guide is: http://www.elsobrantecachamber.com/BOM.html

Green Team Update The Green Team, who clean up the downtown area of trash frequently, are still hard at work. Anyone interested in joining the GREEN TEAM efforts keeping downtown El Sobrante cleaned up is encouraged to contact Maurice Abraham at 510 243-6652 or via email at mpabraham@aol.com. Maurice is always glad to have more volunteers!

Friends of the Library Update

The front page story is about the fire at our Library, with photos. The Friends of the Library will not have any book sales until the library and the parking lot are open again. If you have any questions, please contact me with them. Martha Booz, Chamber Newsletter Editor, and President of the Friends of the El Sobrante Library, mlbooz@calnatives.com

El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce

About Town Newsletter April 2018

THE EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.ElSobranteCaChamber.com 3769 – B San Pablo Dam Road El Sobrante, CA 94803 Office: 510-223-0757