President's Message: Happy New Year! - El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
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Serving the El Sobrante Business Community Since
1957
About Town
The El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter
January 2019
President’s Message: Happy New Year!
2019 promises to be an exciting year for El Sobrante. We have an energetic,
dynamic Board of Directors lined up for the coming year, and we are already making
plans for completing projects and starting new ones that will enhance El Sobrante’s
downtown.
We will kick off the new year with the annual Awards Dinner, honoring our Business
of the Year and Citizen of the Year, and Installation of Officers and members of the
Board on Saturday, January 12, 2019. Details are within the body of this newsletter,
and on the Chamber website at
https://www.elsobrantechamber.com/events/chamber-of-commerce-board-of-
directors-installation-dinner/
We will continue to work on the installation of new ‘Welcome to EL Sobrante’ signs at
the El Portal/San Pablo Dam Rd and Castro Ranch/San Pablo Dam Rd locations. The
Eagle Scout candidate had to drop the project due to his time constraints, so the
Chamber is either looking for a new scout to pick up the project if interested, or we
will move forward on our own.
In March, the History Channel documentary series “American Pickers” will be filming
in Northern California, and they are actively looking now for treasures and stories to
put on the air. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or
accumulation of antiques that the pickers Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, the show’s
stars, can spend the better part of the day looking through, send your name, phone
number, location and description of the collection with photos to
americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-OLD-RUST. Who knows, El Sobrante may
make it back again on a national television broadcast. This past year, a home was
chosen by Jonathan of Property Brothers fame to be on his Brother vs. Brother show,
and the Santa Rita Rd. property in El Sobrante beat out brother Drew’s Pinole home
to win the competition. El Sobrante is the place to be in 2019!
Opportunities are also coming this year with some commercial properties on San
Pablo Dam Rd and also on Appian Way. Local community groups are trying to create
community spaces at the former Adachi Nursery and also the long boarded up Arco
station site on San Pablo Dam Rd. The Chamber stands ready to support local
community groups who can demonstrate a willingness and ability to develop these
projects. We have communicated about these projects in past newsletters, and will
support these projects as possible.
We are also beginning a campaign to bring back a resident Sheriff’s Deputy to the
community. As plans develop we will communicate how you can participate in
having a more consistent law enforcement presence on our streets.
May we all enjoy a healthy and prosperous new year!
Scott Tuffnell
Cloverfield Organic Farm Winter Workshop
Cloverfield Organic Farm is holding their next seasonal organic farm workshop for volunteers to
work on varied winter farm chores. The winter workshop will be on Saturday, January 19, from
11 AM to 2 PM, at Cloverfield Farm in El Sobrante. It would be wonderful if you could join
us. Please email me back at Cloverfield@gmail.com, if you plan to participate. Also if you have
your own gardening gloves, loppers, and/or pruning shears (for grape pruning), please bring
them with you. There will be activities suitable for all ages and abilities.
Warm regards and Happy Holidays!
Susan Abernathy Truscott - Cloverfield Organic Farm
SPAWNERS JANUARY EVENTS
Volunteer Work Party
Sat. January 19, 9:30am-noon
4805 Santa Rita Road, Richmond
Join us at our Wilkie Creek restoration site to learn about native plant gardening and
help us restore this riparian ecosystem! No experience necessary. People with all
levels of experience are welcome. 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: helen@thewatershedproject.org
Phone: 510-665-3538
The El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
Cordially Invites You to Attend our
2019 Installation of the Board of Directors and
Presentation of Awards to:
Business of the Year, Nerd Crossing
and Citizen of the Year, Scott Tuffnell
Saturday, January 12, 2019
El Sobrante Banquet Facility @ Richmond Elks Lodge
3931 San Pablo Dam Rd., El Sobrante
5:30pm – no host cocktails/social hour
6:30pm – dinner and program
$45.00 per person
Kindly place your reservation by January 5, 2019
a Vegan dinner option available, please request at time of reservation
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….................................................
2019 Board of Directors Installation * RSVP by Jan. 5, 2019 * Scan and email this form to
bevwallace1@aol.com or mail to
INSTALLATION COMMITTEE, 3769-B San Pablo Dam Rd, El Sobrante, CA 94803
Name___________________________________ Phone Number_____________________________
Email_______________________ Company Name______________________ No. of Attendees____
Names of additional attendees ________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Amount $______________ [$45.00 x __ ] 0Check enclosed 0Pay at door 0Pay online
Menu options: __ vegan __ regular [if no selection made, all meals will be the regular option]
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 7 February 4 March 4 April 1
May 6 June 3 July 1 August 5
September 9 October 7 November 4 December 2
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
STOP & SHOP IN EL SOBRANTE!
2019 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 Susan McCloskey, Resident
Marie Carayanis, Membership Chair Barbara Pendergrass, Resident
Jim Cowen, Farmers Insurance Sonny Randhawa, All State Insurance Agent
Nicole Donn, US Financial Mortgage Lending Bob Sharp, Independent Real Estate Agent
Lauren Handley, Nerd Crossing Judy Ward, SPAWNERS
Tom Lang, Resident
Martha Booz, Newsletter Editor and Website Manager
LIGHT UP THE TOWN CONTEST WINNERS
CONTEST WINNERS:
1st Place: EL TROMPUDO MEXICAN CAFE/OLIVER’S ACE HARDWARE $50
2nd Place: PHO SAIGON 2 $30
3rd Place: KALIENTE RESTAURANT $20
Our thanks to the following businesses who helped “ Light up our Town” for the
Holidays:
SAN PABLO DAM ROAD
CALIFORNIA THAI RESTAURANT JASMINE GIFTS
CAM HONG RESTAURANT PJ’S RESTAURANT
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICE PRO-WHEELS
CLANCY’S RAY’S CARS
EL SOBRANTE TOWN GARAGE SAM’S DOGHOUSE
FANCY PAWS THE PEDALER BIKE SHOP
FOOD STOP THE POOL DOCTOR
APPIAN WAY
ADRY’S BEAUTY SALON HEADS UP HAIRCUTS
EL SOBRANTE LOCK & KEY LITTLE WISHES SPA & WELLNESS
ELSEWHERE TAVERN MR. FIX IT HANDYMAN/CONSTRUCTION
GODFATHER’S LIMOUSINE
VALLEY VIEW ROAD
LOS CERROS MEXICAN RESTAURANT JIM COWEN INSURANCE/VEGAN’N
CHICKEN
If we have overlooked you, please accept our apologies and let us know at:
mariecofces@yaoo.com
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY
Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds
452 Appian Way, Suite B
El Sobrante, CA 94803
(510) 417-5462
Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to purchase a new car or to go on
a vacation or pay off an old debt but you didn't have the money and didn't want to
borrow any? What about that old jewelry that's sitting in the drawer at home that you
never use? Is that of any value? And what are you going to do with the silver urn you
found at the side of the road? That's probably worth some money! Is there anyone
that can quickly help you turn your valuables into cash that you can use to get what
you want? In El Sobrante, there now is Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds. And owner,
Atoumane Agne, told us that he can help with this process.
Atoumane has been doing business as Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds in their new location at
452 Appian Way, Suite B, in El Sobrante since moving there from Hilltop Mall where he
originally bought the business from his partner over 10 years ago.
Originally from the Republic of Senegal, Atoumane came to the United States at the
age of 11 with the desire to become a nurse and help people. After learning to speak
four languages, including English and French, he is now learning to speak Arabic and
has achieved the title of Certified Nurse Assistant.
Atoumane told me that the Cash 4 Gold business was intended to be a way of making
an income while pursuing his healthcare career. He didn't realize how closely related
to healthcare his business is. Often in dealing with customers Atoumane feels like a
psychologist as he guides them through what can be a difficult time in their lives.
He has found on more than one occasion, a client will present him with an inherited
piece of jewelry the family doesn't want to part with but can think of no other way to
divide the asset between two or more heirs than to sell it. In such a case, one solution
has been to make a copy of the item so each of the heirs can have one. This one
example has grown the business to include jewelry fabrication and repair, and watch
repair.
Atoumane is continuing to take his business in new directions. But his aim has always been customer satisfaction. The Chamber of Commerce congratulates Atoumane for his success and welcomes him to El Sobrante with recognition as Business of the Month for January, 2019.
Notes on recycling & 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 found in the creek or anywhere around town: 1-800-No-Dumping
BENEFITS OF JOINING THE
EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
1. El Sobrante Chamber Members get their own page on our website. This page
displays your logo, photos, and text with keywords for Search Engine Optimization (so
you are found at the top in Google searches, aka SEO), a map to your location, links to
your website and social media, and videos.
2. Members are promoted on our social media accounts. We will post about your sales,
events, services, and anything else you would like us to promote.
3. Members are promoted through our print and digital newsletters that are sent out
once a month.
4. Members have monthly opportunities to meet other community members and
business leaders at our popular mixers.
5. Members receive a generous welcome package with gifts and coupons from other
Chamber Members.
6. The El Sobrante Chamber provides an abundance of resources about our local
community.
7. Members are offered discounted booth spaces at our annual El Sobrante Stroll,
which is attended by approximately 25,000 people per year.
8. The El Sobrante Chamber offers multiple workshops per year, in which experts
discuss topics that are helpful to business owners and their employees. Upcoming
workshops include presentations on SEO, taxes, insurance, social media marketing,
and more.
9. Members often receive special discounts from other Members’ businesses.
Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and their team are excited to return to California. They plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout your area in March 2019. American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of anique “picking” on the History Channel. The hit show follows Mike and Frank as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the stories behind them. Contact American Pickers at americanpickers@cineflix.com, or call 855-old-rust.
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.
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
MIXER DATES
Mixers are held monthly on the 2nd Wednesday 5:30 to 7:00 pm
Mixer Dates for 2019—Dates are firm; Host Venues TBD
January No Mixer – Come to the Installation Dinner January 12
February 13
March 13
April 10
May 8
June 12
July 10
August 14
September No Mixer! STROLL!!! September 15
October 9
November 13
December 11 Mechanics Bank, 3884 San Pablo Dam Road
Photos from December Mixer at Mechanics Bank, by Robert SharpEl 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:
https://www.elsobrantechamber.com/resources/business-directory/Monthly Community Meetings
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting—See Table Above
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 / mariecofces@yahoo.com /
Office: 510-223-0757
El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Mixer—See Table Above
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 helen@thewatershedproject.org
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, and is open every Tuesday for dinner as well.
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.
January Community Meetings
Wed, January 12, Chamber Installation Elks Lodge Banquet
5:30 – 7 pm Dinner Facility
Wed, January 9, 7 Municipal Advisory Elks Lodge, 3931
pm Council San Pablo Dam Rd
Fri, January 18, Richmond Elks Monthly Dinner RSVP 510-223-3441 and
6:30 pm Lodge for information
Sat, January 26, 2 Indivisible Group Hope Lutheran On May Road in El Sobrante
– 4:30 pm ChurchEl Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Members
**Allstate Insurance Richard Smith **Republic Services** Bielle Moore
Company**
**Ameriprise Financial Mark A. Porter Richmond Elks Lodge Jim Cowen
Services**
Beadiful Beads by Bobbie Bobbie Squellati Richmond Moose Lodge Larry Jordan
Battaglia Consultant Services **Rixen Chiropractic** Dr. Daniel Rixen
**Bill’s Underground** Bill & Donna Schupp **Rodica Popovici-DDS** Rodica Popovici
**Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorna Padia Markus **Rotary Club of El Randy Stevenson
Contra Costa** Sobrante**
Burgess-Allard Family K. Schminke **Security Public Melissa & Enrique
Storage** Serrano
Canyon Swim School Fred Brown Shirley & Bob Sharp Independent Realtors
Castle Rock Wealth Mgmt Bob Davis **Signs by Scott** Scott Erwin
**Chapel of the Mission Larry Cyr **SPAWNERS** Helen Fitanides
Bells**
Cloverfield Organic Farm Susan Abernathy St. Paul School Natalie Lenz-Acuma
EBMUD Sharla Sullivan State Farm Insurance Sonny Randhawa
**El Sobrante Town Mark & Katrina The Journey Church William DaVis
Garage** Croda
El Sobrante Wheel & Brake Lyle Miller The Pedaler Bike Shop Jeff Jerge
El Sobrante Methodist Mark Zier The Salvation Army John Hermanson
Church
Fisk Termite Control Robert C. Sibley **US Financial Mortgage** Nicole Donn
Four Fools Winery Mark Grisham **Vegan ‘N Chicken** Shabaz Abbasi
**Godfathers Limousine Tony Raffanelli **Wadsworth Glass* Veronica Jerge
Service**
**J & A Market** Ranjeet B. Prasad West County Wastewater Marla Sena
District
J&M Construction John Mora **Wilson & Kratzer** Kim Welch
**Jim Cowen Farmers Jim Cowen **Windermere Rowland Scott Tuffnell
Insurance** Realty**
Lakeridge Athletic Club Bruce Thomas
Lee’s Acupuncture Dr. Andrew J. Lee
Little Wishes Spa Karla Maurice Abraham Resident
Lucy’s Coin & Jewelry Pawn Adam Gross Dawn Biocca Resident
Lynden & Company Thomas Lynden Arnold E. Bolton Resident
MCE Clean Energy Sandra Zelaya, Martha Booz Resident
Kalicia Pivirotto
Michael Pejza Insurance Michael Pejza Marie & Nick Carayanis Residents
**Mike’s Appliances** Mike Murphy John S. Koepke Resident
**Mechanics Bank** Michael Frith Lorna Padla Marcus Resident
Morgan Properties Aubrey Morgan Susan & Dick McCloskey Residents
Mr. Fixit Handyman Carlyle Garrick Lillian Nardi Resident
Construction
Nerd Crossing Jim Hammack Barbara Pendergrass Resident
Oliver’s Ace Hardware Richard Oliver Beverly Wallace Resident
**Planchon Roofing** Doug Planchon Ruth Williams Rockey Resident
**Plumbing Express** Cathy Brazil Debbie Wold Resident
Premier Designers Jewelry Dawn Biocca Shirley Rosenthal Winston Resident
Rancho Sports Bar Richard Oliver,
Adam Oliver
**Ad Sponsors**El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce
About Town Newsletter
January 2019
THE EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ElSobranteChamber.com
3769 – B San Pablo Dam Road
El Sobrante, CA 94803
Office: 510-223-0757You can also read
