209 Business Journal 09

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

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OCTOBER 2017

VOLUME 2 ■ ISSUE 9

PROFILE

INSPIRING WOMEN

Gillman’s Classic Drive-in, an iconic eatery in Oakdale, may have been under new leadership for the last two years, but the same great taste and service keeps going. PAGE 4

NEWS

The City of Modesto has selected Alan Ernst to serve as their Fire Department Chief, after having him fill the position on an interim basis since May. PAGE 8

Check out Studio209’s coverage of the Women’s Round Table at studio209.tv

Government trailblazers motivate at Women’s Leadership Round Table

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

Women make up just a small percentage of leaders in government, but the five panelists at the 2nd annual Women’s Leadership Round Table on Sept.

27 in Turlock reminded the audience why that statistic needs to change, challenging those in attendance to make a difference in their local communities.

Panelists Ann Veneman, former director of UNICEF and the only woman to serve as United States Agriculture Secretary, current California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, State Water Resources Control Board member Dorene D’Adamo and county supervisors Kristin Olsen (Stanislaus) and Leticia Perez (Kern) each chose a life of public service and the unique challenges it brings, and at the event, they shared with moderator and Journal editor Kristina Hacker exactly what made them select

a career in government. “…I would say I have public service in my DNA,” said Veneman. “It’s been a great honor for me to have so many different opportunities in my life, but I think that public service has always been some of the most rewarding work that I’ve done.”

Veneman has been the first woman to serve in six different positions which she’s held, she said, and has had to deal with doubt and hesitancy from her peers. Colleagues assumed she was the department secretary since she was a woman, and she almost lost out on her title as public defender because no one believed she would be able to go into the jails to do her job.

“My whole law firm got to join the SOS Club, but I couldn’t because I was a woman,” she said.

The other panelists also shared things that they have SEE WOMEN, PAGE 10

ANGELINA MARTIN/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Dorene D’Adamo speaks about using her Valley-centric view while making decisions on the State Water Resource Control Board.

209 209BUSINESS BUSINESS JOURNAL JOURNAL

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OCTOBER 2017

OPINION

Vol. 2 No. 9 ■ October 2017

Your premium brand had better be delivering something special, or it’s not going to get the business.

PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen

GENERAL MANAGER Drew Savage

MANAGING EDITOR Sabra Stafford

NEWSROOM Jeff Benziger Dennis D. Cruz Kristina Hacker Teresa Hammond Marg Jackson Glenn Khal Angelina Martin Candy Padilla Hime Romero Paul Roupe Virginia Still Dennis Wyatt

­—Warren Buffett

ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George

ADVERTISING DIRECTORS Chuck Higgs

SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Dawn Hamilton Corey Rogers Cathy Tuxson Melody Wann Charles Webber Jennifer Webber

Should you be a guinea pig for a new franchise?

To advertise in 209 Business Journal, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141 209 Business Journal is published monthly 122 S. Third Ave • Oakdale, CA 95361 Information: dsavage@209businessjournal.com 209businessjournal.com The Oakdale Leader USPS No 178-680 Is published weekly by Morris Newspaper Corporation, 122 S. Third Ave. Oakdale, Ca 95361 ©Copyright 2017. 209 Business Journal All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of 209 Business Journal is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in 209 Business Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of 209 Business Journal management or owner.

209 Business Journal assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

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“I was downsized from a corporate job about a year ago. I have never run my own business before, but I am realizing now there is no future for me in corporate America (I am over 50 years of age), so I am looking at entrepreneurial options.

My outplacement firm recommended that I consider buying a franchise. The problem with franchises, though, is that the only really good ones are too expensive.

I was approached recently by a franchise that’s just getting off the ground. It’s a restaurant concept founded by an awardwinning chef.

The problem is that the franchise has no franchisees yet. I would be the first.

How do you evaluate the risks in a franchise when you can’t talk to other franchisees?”

It used to be that franchise developers would open and run at least 20 or 30 outlets before selling their concept to franchisees.

Not anymore. These days, anyone with a franchise concept and the money necessary to register with the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, is launching a franchise. As with any new venture, the buyer must beware.

Here are some things to think about before you commit your time and money: Is the franchise properly registered? About a dozen states require franchises to register with a state government agency (usually the attorney general’s

CLIFF ENNICO CREATORS SYNDICATE

office) before they legally can offer franchises to in-state residents. If you are living in one of these states, you should ask the franchise owners whether they are registered and get ahold of their registration documents (these are often more detailed than the franchise disclosure document on file with the FTC).

If you are in a registration state and the franchise is not yet registered there, do not do anything until it is.

Do the people running the business know what they are doing? Just because someone is a brilliant chef does not mean he knows how to run a successful restaurant. Spend lots of time speaking to the franchise management team members, and ask some tough questions, such as: —Do they have in-depth knowledge of the restaurant business?

—Do they understand how franchises work?

—Have they worked with similar types of restaurants before? (If this is an upscale restaurant concept and the management team has only worked with fast-food franchises, head for the hills).

Pay especially close attention

to the franchise’s real estate team — the people who will help you select the location for your first restaurant. Successful restaurants are all about location, location, location, and many restaurants with poor locations fail even though the food’s terrific.

Is this a trendy restaurant concept? Beware of restaurant fads. Five years ago, everyone was opening soup kitchens.

Two years ago, it was cupcakes.

If the restaurant’s claim to fame is based solely on a limited number of menu items, it will probably have trouble adapting once the fad passes.

Will the concept fly in your part of the country? Certain restaurant concepts work only in certain parts of the country.

People in northern states do not consume fruit smoothies the way they do in the Sunbelt, especially during the winter months.

If the franchise menu items are inexpensive, it will probably not do well in high-rent parts of the country (like the Northeast), where it will have to sell thousands of items each week just to cover monthly expenses.

And forget about selling highconcept, spicy ethnic cuisine in “meat and potatoes” parts of the country (you know what they are).

Will the franchise bend its rules? Since the franchise management team knows as little about the business as you do, team members should not en-

force franchise restrictions too narrowly. You should be given the opportunity to bend, if not break, the rules if you think it’s necessary for the franchise to succeed in your territory.

Can you sign up for a huge territory? You correctly point out that you will need to be a gambler to buy this franchise.

If you’re going to gamble, go for the highest stakes possible.

Do not accept a small, limited territory defined by a handful of ZIP codes. Buy the masterfranchise or area-development rights for your entire state or region. By doing so, you accomplish two important goals: —Minimizing the risk of failure, as chances are there are at least one or two places in your state where the franchise concept will actually work.

—Becoming immensely wealthy if the franchise concept takes off and becomes hugely popular.

Just remember that you will be selling franchises to others in your state and will share responsibility with the franchise if the concept flops.

Know Yourself. To succeed with this franchise, you must be fiercely independent, highly entrepreneurial, persistent and aggressive. If you need lots of support and hand-holding from a franchise or fear taking risks of any kind, look for an established franchise with a proven concept.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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IN PROFILE

Getting technical with Computer Tutor Cactus nursey big hit with Bay Area folks

BY PAUL ROUPE 209 Business Journal

When R. George Rawe started Computer Tutor in 1986, his goal was to help children with their reading, comprehension, and math skills. Though currently the school’s minimum age is 17, the core idea has remained the same; to provide students with the tools they need to become successful.

On the surface it seems like any other technical institute — classes encompassing the administrative, medical, accounting, and office clerk fields — but dig a little deeper and it SEE TUTOR, PAGE 10

BY GLENN KAHL 209 Business Journal

PAUL ROUPE/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

An instructor helps a student during one of the classes at Computer Tutor Business and Technical Institute.

Cactus is catching on in the Northern San Joaquin Valley.

Roelyn Poot — who owns Poot’s House of Cactus on East Highway 120 near Murphy Road — told Ripon Rotarians at their recent meeting at Spring Creek Country Club that Valley tastes are changing.

She said Bay Area residents long represented 90 percent of their clientele as they stopped by on their way to and from Yosemite National

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Park and the Sierra. Now they are about 75 percent with Valley residents representing 25 percent of their business. There are also tourists from as far away as Sweden and Russia that drop by their specialty nursery.

Poot and husband Bill opened their business years ago and have been introducing cactus into the Ripon community and to travelers passing by their nursery.

Poot along with her husband and their son SEE CACTUS, PAGE 10

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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OCTOBER 2017

IN PROFILE

Gillman’s celebrates second year under new ownership

BY TERESA HAMMOND 209 Business Journal

ANGELINA MARTIN/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

The Tsymbal family revamped this East Main Street home in Turlock, built in 1919, to house their new restaurant, Loza Wine & Crepes.

Wine, crepes and more at new downtown Turlock eatery

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

The lot next to a post office mat not seem like an ideal location for most restauranteurs, but the location has worked quite nicely for Yelena Tsymbal, owner of Loza Wine & Crepes – Turlock’s newest destination for honey wine, savory crepes and unique Ukrainian cuisine.

“The building used to be a house, and was built in 1919 so it’s almost 100 years old,” said Tsymbal, who added that plenty of work went into the former home in order to make it restaurant-ready.

Before it became Loza Wine & Crepes, the building was first a home, then used as a thrift shop by Emanuel Medical Center before becoming a real estate office, said Tsymbal.

One architectural facelift later – which included installing a full commercial kitchen – and the location now serves a menu of delectable crepes, like the sweet Smothered Nutella or savory Sautéed Spinach Pesto, panini sandwiches, salads and Ukrainian items such as Chicken Pelmeni and Golubsti.

All of these menu items are made fresh, added Tsymbal, courtesy of handpicked farmers market produce which she selects weekly. The inspiration to run a restaurant fueled entirely from farmers mar-

ket products and scratchmade recipes came from Tsymbal’s background working at farmers markets for her family, who produce honey and wine here in town.

In fact, the restaurant’s entirety has been a labor of love between the whole family, she said.

“The family has been the only ones who have done any construction on the restaurant, and we’ve hand-crafted everything here, from our tables, to the sign, to the food and to the wine,” said Tsymbal.

“We pride ourselves on all of the projects we’ve done here by hand.”

The courtyard setting at Loza Wine & Crepes provides a quiet setting for patrons to enjoy their honey wine – a Tsymbal specialty described as similar to Port wine, but with a fruity hint.

Other favorite white and red wines can be found at Loza as well, and can be enjoyed with one of the restaurant’s cheese plates.

In addition to food from the farmers market, Tsymbal also sells artisan goods from the market at Loza, and is always looking for vendors to sell their products in the restaurant.

“We just thought this would be something different for Turlock, and wanted to give the community something out of the ordinary,” said Tsymbal.

Loza Wine & Crepes Type of business: Crepe restaurant Location: 601 E. Main Street Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Friday Contact information: 209-652-5839 Specialty: Honey-inspired recipes and products

It’s hard to imagine the corner of West F Street and Bryan Avenue in Oakdale without the presence of Gillman’s Classic Drive-In. Fortunately for the community, as well as some faithful followers, that’s not a reality to be seen anytime soon. Two short years ago the iconic eatery was purchased by Don and Jennifer DeGraff and they’ve been burning the grill ever since.

Prior to purchasing the local business, Jennifer had spent seven years running the Snack Shack for Oakdale Stampede — a job which then lead to a family food trailer catering business and then they came upon Gillman’s.

According to Jennifer, the ‘For Sale’ sign was texted to her by a friend just a bit over two years ago. She and her husband quickly contacted Virginia Gillman, who had made the decision to retire and sell the business.

“Within a week it was a done deal,” Jennifer said of purchasing the business. “I felt like I was really

TERESA HAMMOND/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Sister duo, Jennifer DeGraff and Crystal Ray, are ready and waiting each and every day for hungry customers at Gillman’s Drive-In. The iconic eatery at 763 West F in Oakdale continues to please generations of clientele with its all-American menu.

familiar with this type of business. I just felt drawn to it.”

As circumstance would have it, prior to taking over the business, Virginia reached out to the couple needing a bit of help behind the counter. Jennifer quickly stepped in and learned firsthand from Virginia herself.

To aid with maintaining the demands of the business, Jennifer’s sister Crystal Ray relocated to

Oakdale from Tennessee to serve as her sister’s right hand. The sister duo spends a large portion of their days there, six days a week.

Current hours of the 763 W. F St., Oakdale eatery are from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays (during Mustang football) and from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Aside from a few adjust-

ments to the seating, some additions to the menu and a few cosmetic improvements, little has changed at the classic drive-in.

“We didn’t add too much,” Jennifer said. “It’s been 57 years so we didn’t feel a need to change the menu.”

One thing which did change however, was a partnership with the owner of El Toro Market, just SEE GILLMAN, PAGE 9

Because money doesn't grow on trees ...

BoxLunch opens storefront at Vintage Faire Mall

NEED A

BY NINA FRISBY

LOAN?

209 Business Journal

BoxLunch, a pop culture gift store with a cause, opened its newest location in Modesto at Vintage Faire Mall.

BoxLunch offers a thoughtfully curated selection of the world’s most popular licensed shirts, accessories, collectibles, beauty, home goods and gift and novelty merchandise for everyone from the most dedicated fan to the more casual pop culture enthusiast.

To fulfill its civic mission of “Get Some. Give Back” the new BoxLunch store will donate one meal to Feeding America for every $10 spent in-store or online.

BoxLunch supports national hunger-relief efforts as well as local efforts through Feeding America’s nationwide network of food banks, including the Second Harvest Food Bank of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties, which will directly receive a SEE LUNCH, PAGE 9

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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

5

AGRICULTURE

Stanislaus’ top crops

Crop values drop for second straight year

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

The Stanislaus County Agricultural Report released in September revealed that the value of agricultural commodities in the region continued to drop in 2016, with impacts from the drought and other factors contributing to a decrease of $618 million in crop value for county growers.

The substantial drop in value of crops produced in 2016 comes after a 2015 growing year which suffered a $518 million decrease, just one year after county growers saw record-breaking numbers in 2014. From 2014 to 2015, the total commodity value dropped 12 percent, and from 2015 to 2016, value fell 16 percent. Total commodity value in 2016 was shown in the report to be $3.3 billion, compared to $4.4 billion in 2014 – an alltime high.

The decrease in the total commodity value for crops grown in Stanislaus County was most likely caused by a number of issues, said Agricultural Commissioner Milton O’Haire, including the drought and a drop in the values of multiple crops, like almond meats,

cattle and calves, silage, milk and walnuts. The lack of water throughout the county and low-priced crops resulted in a reduction of yields for many commodities, he said.

“I’d like to emphasize that these are gross values, this is what the growers are paid. This doesn’t account for any production costs or profits,” said O’Haire. “Despite an uptick in harvested acres, residual impacts from the five-year drought affected yields of some of the commodities.”

Despite holding the number one spot as the county’s top crop, almonds posted the largest value decrease, dropping $366 million from 2015 to 2016.

Almonds were ranked as the top crop in 2015 as well, but with a total value of $1.3 billion. This year, the crop dropped below the $1 billion mark with $931 million in total value.

Agricultural Inspector Richard Homer, who helped compile statistical data for the report, said that despite a record-breaking number of almond acres in Stanislaus County in 2016, reduced prices for almond meats (a drop of $2,460 per ton), hulls (dropped from $130 to $60 per ton) and

shells (dropped from $25 to $5 per ton) resulted in a drop in value for the crop.

“Some companies were giving away their shells to clear their inventory,” said Homer.

Cattle and calves came in behind almonds as the commodity with the second-greatest drop in value, falling $104 million and going from the number three

crop in 2015 to number four in 2016. The drop in cattle and calves’ value was the result of dramatically reduced prices for cattle from 2015 to 2016, said Homer.

For the third straight year, walnuts fell down the list of the county’s top crops, going from fifth to sixth and dropping in value by $37 million. This year, walnuts were surpassed by nursery fruit trees, nut trees and vines on the list. In 2015, chickens went ahead of walnuts on the list and in 2014, they were exceeded

by cattle and calves.

“The total amount of walnut acres increased, along with yield, but prices dropped by $695 a ton,” said Homer.

Other agricultural commodities that experienced a drop in value in 2016 were silage at $46 million due to decreased prices, chickens at $9 million due to a drop in production by nearly a million birds and a slight decrease in price per bird and milk at $36 million due to a small drop in production and decreased prices in all milk categories.

Four of the top 10 crops saw an increase in value, including almond pollinations, which increased by $2 million thanks to an increase in almond acres and slight increase in hive cost, peaches at $11 million, turkeys at $8 million, with the total amount of birds sold increasing by over 200,000 birds, and nursery fruit trees, nut trees and vines, which increased by $36 million.

“The number of units sold increased by over three million trees and SEE CROP, PAGE 9

California receives $500,000 to boost small business exports STAFF REPORTS 209 Business Journal

California has received $500,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration to increase export activities among small businesses. The funding, part of the State Trade Export Promotion program, will boost trade in foreign markets, including China, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Mexico, and encourage exports of information technologies, food and agricultural products, consumer goods and medical equipment.

“Small businesses can use these funds to identify international customers, market products globally, and make new business connections,” said Panorea Avdis, Director of the GovWE’VE GOT THE 209 COVERED 209MAGAZINE.COM

ernor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “These resources, when added to the GO-Biz support businesses already receive, empower companies to scale-up operations, create new jobs and grow their local economies.”

California is the one of the largest exporting states in the nation. The state exports more than $163 billion in products, about 11 percent of all U.S. exports. This international trade supports more than 706,000 California jobs.

Top markets for California’s exports include Mexico, Canada and China.

“On average, more than 25 percent of California’s agricultural production is exported,” said California

Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. “This federal funding is a victory for farmers and ranchers, food manufacturers, and the rural communities where they operate.”

California’s State Trade Export Promotion program is a partnership between GO-Biz, CDFA, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Centers for International Trade Development. The program brings together state, federal, private and non-profit trade promotion organizations to promote export activities among targeted industries.

California STEP is funded in part by a U.S. Small Business Administration grant.

SAVE THE DATE!

NOVEMBER 1, 2017 The Modesto Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with C.S.U. Stanislaus, will be hosting the Disney Institute® 1-day training course and workshop, Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence on November 1st at Stan State. This course will emphasize the 5 powerful pillars of a successful business developed by the Disney® organization in its never-ending pursuit of excellence. These pillars are leadership, culture, service, brand, and innovation, and they are applicable to small start-ups and large corporations, non-profits and charities, government agencies, and educational organizations. There will be a limited number of seats, so save the date and look for future emails with details on how to purchase tickets.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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OCTOBER 2017

GOVERNMENT Virginia Madueño shared her own healthcare struggles during the first debate for Democratic Congressional District 10 candidates.

During the debate, candidate TJ Cox was able to shift many viewers’ support from “unlikely” to “likely.”

A

ANGELINA MARTIN/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Congressional candidates talk healthcare, economy at debate

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

Democratic candidates vying for a shot to represent California’s 10th Congressional District had their first chance to make an impression on voters in September night at the Assyrian American Civic Club in Turlock, where they gathered on stage for their first debate ahead of the June primary election.

Six of the eight Democratic challengers looking to unseat Congressman Jeff Denham next fall discussed their plans for the country’s healthcare and the economy during a series of question rounds, where two candidates were called up at a time to answer questions, as well as give a rebuttal to their opponent’s response. Participating in the debate were Tracy nurse and former Riverbank City Council member Dotty Nygard, Turlock native and investor Josh Harder, Modesto engineer and small-businessman TJ Cox, lawyer and U.S. Navy veteran Mike Barkley, former Riverbank Mayor Virginia Madueño and California State University East Bay alumnus and former Ninth Congressional District staffer Mateo Morelos Bedolla.

Rather than a debate meant to encourage discourse between the six candidates, organizer Jessica Self reminded the audience and debate participants before the first question that the event was meant to unify the local Democratic Party toward their common goal: flipping District 10 from red to blue in the November 2018 election.

With the U.S. Senate pre-

paring to vote on another Obamacare repeal in the coming days, healthcare was the topic on everyone’s minds as each candidate stepped up to the podium, and all six agreed: the country needs a universal, single-payer healthcare plan to ensure care for all. Many, including Cox, pointed to Denham’s vote for the last Obamacare repeal as an act of betrayal toward his constituents, of which over 110,000 are projected to lose healthcare coverage in the event of a full repeal.

“It’s not only healthcare Denham wants to take away from us,” said Cox, whose nonprofit organization has built healthcare clinics throughout the Valley. “It’s our dignity.”

Nygard expressed the pain of seeing families in her emergency rooms that can’t afford care when explaining her passion behind a universal healthcare plan, and added that a single-payer system could also help lower the cost of prescription drugs by putting bargaining power back into the hands of Medicare.

Madueño shared with the crowd her plight as a citizen with a preexisting condition. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, she was able to get covered.

“For four years I was treated like a second-class citizen because I didn’t not have health insurance,” said Madueño. “I’m going to fight for you like I would fight for me…healthcare should not be a privilege, but a necessity.”

When it came to questions about the state and regional economy, the candidates were in agreeance once again: economy

is stimulated with the creation of living wage jobs.

Harder, a vice president in Bessemer Venture Partners’ San Francisco office, spoke of the importance of job creation here in the Valley.

“I will knock on every door and let people know they should be building their businesses here in the Central Valley,” he said.

National companies, like the home-cooking meal service Blue Apron, should be getting products like nuts from the number one producer of nuts in the world, he added.

According to pre- and post-debate audience polls conducted by Our Revolution Turlock, shift in support from “unlikely” to “likely” was greatest for Cox and Madueño, and Nygard was the only candidate who was able to turn a substantial number of “unlikely” supporters into “very likely” supporters.

The debate, hosted by the CD10 Democratic Candidates Debate Team, was one of three debates to be held before the California Democratic Party votes to endorse a candidate in January.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is looking to unseat over 60 Republicans next year – seven of whom are Californians, including Denham. After Denham defeated Democratic challenger Michael Eggman last year, despite an excess of funding from the DCCC, the committee has refocused their efforts on California’s 10th District, naming it as one of the seven Republican-held areas in the state that they plan to target.

Oakdale Council makes choice: prefers alternative 1b for North County Corridor

BY MARG JACKSON 209 Business Journal

Oakdale’s City Council voted 4-0 in favor of their preferred alternative for the North County Corridor Project.

“The preferred alternative was 1B; that’s the one that runs closest to the city,” said City Manager Bryan Whitemyer. “It is the one that impacts the least number of homes, the least number of businesses.”

Whether or not it is the route ultimately selected remains to be seen.

“It is a big decision, although the City Council is not the lead agency, we do have our preferred alternative,” Whitemyer added.

He noted that 1B is also about $11 million less costly than Alternative 2B. Caltrans is the lead

agency on the North County Corridor Project and recent public hearings, including one hosted earlier this month at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, have gathered input and provided plenty of information for residents on the potential impacts of the different alternatives.

Whitemyer said the council also wants to make sure the city goes on record with questions and concerns about the Environmental Impact Report.

The comment period on the EIR for the North County Corridor project is currently open, and Whitemyer said city staff has reviewed the EIR. “We want to look at a variety of things,” he said of putting together the letter for submission on the environmental report. “The

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S E A R C H M A K O . C O M

city desires to provide comment to Caltrans.”

The vote on the preferred alternative was 4-0 at the Sept. 18 session; councilman Tom Dunlop had to recuse himself from the vote. He is a partner in a business that could be impacted by one of the alternatives and so did not cast a vote on the issue.

Whitemyer said he anticipates it could take “up to a year” for an agency review of all the comments submitted on the EIR and a formal selection of the route is also still a long way off.

But with the council giving the nod to their preferred alternative, he said that does send a message to lead agency Caltrans.

“It is a big deal,” he said.

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

7

EVENTS

Mixer to draw attention to the Ceres Community Foundation Law enforcement appreciation day STAFF REPORTS

BY JEFF BENZIGER

209 Business Journal

209 Business Journal

A community mixer will be held next week designed to draw greater awareness of the Ceres Community Foundation.

Recently the Foundation’s board of directors agreed that the community is largely unaware of the Foundation and the work it does, said Dovie Wilson, who became its president in July.

The Ceres Community Foundation is not to be confused with the Ceres Unified School District Foundation. The non-profit organization’s 501 (c) (3) status allows the public to make tax-deductible contributions to projects which enhance cultural, educational, artistic, and historic elements of the Ceres community as well as parks and recreational facilities or opportunities.

Currently all of the funds add up to about $120,000.

Such community projects as: • Maintaining the Presidential Tree Grove in Smyrna Park; • Ceres River Bluff Regional Park; • Rotary Grove in Smyrna Park; • Establishing the Howard Stevenson Memorial at River Bluff Regional Park and $13,000 for maintenance; • Recreation program scholarships; • National Night Out. Recently, the Foundation board agreed to accept funds for the upcoming City of Ceres Centennial Celebration in 2018; and on behalf of the restoration of the Ceres Water Tower.

Led by Brandy Meyer, a group of citizens is setting out to raise funds for the tower project since the city does not have the funds for the restoration. One bid from Cornerstone Company obtained by the city in 2010 pegged the project cost at $450,000. The cost includes cost analysis, testing plans, developing specs, structural repairs, repainting, project management and inspection.

Those costs could be as

Community Hospice is inviting area residents to join them in showing appreciation for all the members of law enforcement that make the communities safer.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Shelter Cove Church at 4242 Cof-

fee Road in Modesto.

The day of appreciation will include fellowship, community vendors, food, games and activities, pumpkin patch, hay ride, and entertainment.

Various law enforcement departments will have booths, vehicles, dogs, bounce houses, and more.

The festivities are free to the public.

Booths available for Fall Job Fair STAFF REPORTS 209 Business Journal

high as $530,000 today.

Past President Steve Beaver said the Foundation was started in 1994 when Homer Jorgenson organized an effort to raise money in the community in an attempt to purchase the historic Clinton Whitmore Home for the Ceres Historical Society. Those efforts failed but later the city purchased the home for $325,000.

“Homer was actually the one who initially came up with the idea and created this Foundation,” said Beaver. “That was the first big project that this Foundation supported. The concept was if somebody from the public wanted to help with that project and donate money into the Foundation, then we would appropriate that money back to the Historical Society so they could spend it.”

Beaver joined the Foundation board in 2003 and remembers things being low-key with the expectation that the public would know about it and continue donating.

“A couple of years ago after the economy recovered, we decided we need to be a little more proactive and let people know who we are. There were a number of years there where nobody was really donating any money for any reasons when we went through those tough times.”

209MAGAZINE.COM

The Foundation commissioned the creation of a logo through Ceres High School art teacher Kristin Swanky. Now the Foundation is finalizing plans for a brochure and a website.

After the mixer, Beaver said the group will likely make the rounds to speak to service clubs in Ceres to get out the word.

Vice President Don Cool said the board meets every other month to discuss finances and mull over requests for funding. He gave the example of how Traci Farris, the city of Ceres Recreation Manager, requested approximately $4,000 for playground equipment at Whitmore Park. The request was approved.

“Anybody can make a donation to us and when they make a donation they’ll put it in a category, like this is a donation for the Howard Stevenson Memorial, or a donation for one of the tree groves or rec fields.”

The Foundation even pays for the “chalking” of the soccer fields, which is “really expensive paint,” Cool said.

The mixer, set for 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth Street, Ceres.

Besides Wilson, the current board directors are Vice President Don Cool, Secretary Dale Singh, Treasurer Suzanne Dean,

WE’VE GOT THE 209 COVERED

Directors Lou Toste and Ron Richter, Past President Steve Beaver and City Parks & Recreation Liaison Traci Farris. Steve Beaver is the Past President.

Persons wanting to make a donation to the Ceres Community Foundation may send them in care of the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth Street, Ceres CA 95307.

Opportunity Stanislaus is hosting a Fall Job Fair in Ceres and is looking for companies to join in.

The Job Fair will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 24 at the Ceres Community Center located at 2701 4th Street in Ceres.

The registration must be complete along with payment to ensure reserved space. The registration fee is non-refundable. This fee helps defray the expenses associated with the Job Fair. Employers must be registered no later than Oct. 17 to ensure inclusion in ma-

terials and day of event signage.

Reservations will be taken on a “firstcome, first-serve” basis; over-capacity/late registrations will be placed in adjacent space to the main area.

To ensure job seekers have the highest possible outcome of success we require your company have at least one hourly or salaried job opening.

No Commission-Based only jobs will be permitted. We request you have two representatives present during the entire duration of the event and have access to employSEE BOOTHS, PAGE 9

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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

8

OCTOBER 2017

NEWS

Supervisors vote to allow commercial cannabis

BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal

The number of marijuana dispensaries operating in the unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County currently sits at 14, but that number will soon be cut in half following the Board of Supervisors’ approval recently of a conservative strategy to allow the retail sale and cultivation of cannabis within county-governed areas.

“Honestly, I would never have imagined sitting at the staff table discussing cannabis as a legal industry in my lifetime, but… this is the reality and the legal landscape that we now must maneuver,” said Assistant Executive Officer Keith Boggs. “We’re here to propose a conservative allowance strategy; one that, if implemented, we believe will generate the revenue that is necessary to manage and administer a capped program while providing the necessary resources for law enforcement to thwart non-permitted activities.”

Entrepreneurs, doctors and lawyers packed into the basement chambers of Tenth Street Place for the board meeting, urging the supervisors to approve the strategy which would allow up to 61 cannabis activities permits in the unincorporated areas – seven dispensaries and 54 cultivation, nursery, manufacturer, testing, distribution or transporter permits.

Alexis Andrew Lopez, a combat veteran of the U.S. Army, told the Board that cannabis is a clean, healthy medicine which has helped the suicide epidemic that plagues soldiers returning home from war.

“Those are my brothers and sisters that I lose every day to mental illness… things that can’t be helped through regular medicine,” said Lopez.

Another U.S. Army veteran of 23 years addressed the Board, explaining how medicinal marijuana helped ease his post-trau-

I think it’s the right thing for our community, I think it’s the right thing for public safety, I think it’s right for the users and the opponents as well. I think everybody will win by having a strong, robust, common sense ordinance in place. ­—Stanislaus County Supervisor Kristin Olsen matic stress disorder after serving overseas. After a year of use, the veteran went from taking 20 prescription medications per day to now taking none, he said.

Mark Gray, who owned a medical cannabis recommendation clinic in Modesto, employed nine doctors at his practice over the course of four years, helping ease the symptoms of cancer patients going through chemotherapy, patients suffering from epilepsy and other illnesses, he said. A cancer survivor himself, he added that cannabis kickstarted his appetite after he shrunk down to 135 pounds.

“The reason that all these people are here today is because everybody has been living in the shadows,” said Gray. “The shadows need to be taken aside…to say it’s not a medicine is ludicrous.”

Despite the fact that cannabis activities are currently prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County, there are at least 14 active marijuana dispensary storefronts and hundreds of grow sites throughout those areas, said Boggs.

Under the new strategy, businesses operating il-

legally in the unincorporated areas will have a 15day window, Oct. 2-20, to submit an application for a permit along with a nonrefundable $4,359 deposit.

Seven dispensaries will be selected by the County, while the other seven will have to shut down shop.

“There are apparently 14 storefronts in this county, but you’re going to give out seven licenses, which means you’re not going to give licenses to seven other dispensaries,” said Dr. Stephen Endsley of Modesto, who addressed the Board during the public comment. “What you’re saying is, ‘Your business is closed.

You’re done.’ All of these people have families and children. It’s emotional.”

In order to choose the seven dispensaries permitted, the County will conduct interviews with each candidate and score them based on background investigations, plans for safety, security and parking.

Supervisor Dick Monteith argued that if dispensaries were operating illegally before the implementation of the new ordinance, why would they discontinue operation if their permit is not selected?

“It’s easy to pass a law, it’s easy to pass a policy, but it’s

very difficult to implement it and put it into practice, and I think that’s one of the major concerns we have on this issue,” said Monteith.

“Those who do not receive the permit, or the blessing, to be a distributor or to be a grower – you honestly believe they’re going to stop growing?”

Money generated from the new strategy – thanks to the application fee and a community benefit fee – is expected to fund enforcement to ensure the strategy is followed, said Boggs, with law enforcement expecting to answer complaints regarding outdoor cultivation and illegal grows. The community benefit fees are eight percent of gross sales for dispensaries, $5 to $10 per square foot for indoor cultivation and 2.5 percent of gross sales for testing facilities.

Monteith and Supervisors Terry Winthrow and Jim DeMartini all expressed their dismay at the fact that a cannabis cultivation strategy was even on the morning’s agenda, but in the end, it was only Monteith who voted “nay” on the item.

Under the approval, the strategy applies only in county-governed territory, while Turlock and the other eight cities in Stanislaus County will create their own cannabis policies.

“I am willing to support this today,” said Supervisor Kristin Olsen. “I think it’s the right thing for our community, I think it’s the right thing for public safety, I think it’s right for the users and the opponents as well.

I think everybody will win by having a strong, robust, common sense ordinance in place.”

Following the strategy’s approval, a regulatory ordinance, zoning ordinance amendment, application process and fee schedule will be brought back to the Board of Supervisors for consideration and approval in December.

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Modesto Fire Chief appointed STAFF REPORTS 209 Business Journal

The City of Modesto has selected Alan Ernst to serve as the new Modesto Fire Department chief, a position he had been filling on an interim basis since May. Chief Ernst is a 26-year veteran of the fire service with well-rounded and results-driven experience. He began his career in Modesto as a firefighter in 1997, and has successfully held every rank in the fire department which includes extensive experience in training and emergency operations.

He was the department training officer as a Battalion Chief, a shift Battalion Chief, the Support Division Chief and the Operations Division Chief.

Ernst is a certified and qualified strike team leader and has led numerous deployments to large wildfires throughout the state. In addition to the strike team leader, he is certified and qualified as a Type 3 Incident Commander. During the floods of 2017, Ernst was the Incident Commander of the management team put in place to safely lead and manage the event for the City of Modesto, City of Ceres, and population served by the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protec-

tion District.

His education background includes an Associates of Arts degree in Fire Science from American River College and numerous fire service certifications and qualifications. Chief Ernst is a state certified instructor for the state Fire Marshal’s Office and teaches command and control throughout the state and has a proven track record as a strong and passionate leader in the California Fire Service. Chief Ernst currently is the 2nd Vice President for California Fire Chiefs Training Officers Northern Division and has served as an area director for numerous years.

“Having had the opportunity to ‘grow up’ in this fire department, I am truly humbled and honored to lead the men and women who proudly serve our community,” said Chief Ernst. “I understand the challenges facing the fire service and our community and I will work hard to ensure our city and firefighters are well represented and cared for. The Modesto Fire Department has a rich history of providing excellent service and I’m excited to lead such a great organization.”

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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

9

NEWS

Fourth Street makeover possibly done by Thanksgiving

BY JEFF BENZIGER 209 Business Journal

The $3.19 million renovation of Fourth Street will be completed by Thanksgiving, pledged City Engineer Daryl Jordan at a recent City Council meeting.

“We’re pushing our contractor to go a little bit faster - he’ll be working about 10 hours a day, six days a week,” said Jordan. “We want to beat the date we set.”

The city started construction in June.

The city project will give Fourth Street a new look, complete with new entry way features, landscaping, trees and street furniture.

Roundabouts on Fourth Street have also been removed. City officials have ordered the renovation to make downtown more attractive to businesses while retrofitting the storm drainage infrastructure to handle mixed uses such as apartments above groundfloor businesses.

The city awarded the $3.19 million makeover

contract to George Reed Inc. Work includes installing infrastructure such as water, sewer and storm drainage and streetscape changes. Two existing Fourth Street roundabouts will be removed, trees will be planted in spaces now occupied by parking stalls and artistically designed arches will define the two main entrances into the downtown Ceres district.

The city is hopeful that the new look will entice private investment into Ceres’ oldest shopping district.

The city is investing $2 million to $2.5 million on the renovation from proceeds of the bonds sold by the now defunct Ceres Redevelopment Agency in addition to other pots of money set aside for infrastructure.

Mayor Chris Vierra said if the city expects downtown to become more robust, the city project is necessary to create excitement. Vierra said that he has been in talks with business people who are considering open-

LUNCH

FROM PAGE 4 percentage of the donations raised at the Vintage Faire Mall BoxLunch store.

Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States.

“We are thrilled to bring BoxLunch to the Modesto community. Our mission is simple, sell the best product and use our business to inspire and implement solutions to help fight the hunger crisis on both a local and national level,” said Robert Thomsen, vice president and general manager of Merchandising and Marketing for BoxLunch.

“BoxLunch retail storefronts across the country provide a way for the general public to be exposed to hunger relief and offer a means for their customers to eas-

GILLMAN

FROM PAGE 4

a stone’s throw from the F Street location. A partnership Jennifer shared was prompted by a visit from Arturo, owner of the local market.

“Actually, Arturo came over when we bought the building,” she said, noting that they cook 30 to 50 pounds of meat on the grill daily. “We chose what we thought was the best product at the best price and most convenient because the price transfers over to our customers.”

With Oakdale High School just steps away and a daily phone-in business, loyalty and quality to their customers is undoubtedly

ing businesses in Ceres who are “very excited to know we are looking to invest in the downtown area.”

Wells said the city wants to create a “very unique and special environment that’s different” for downtown, adding that palm trees are unique from any other downtown in the area. The idea of moving trees out into the street would enable 10-foot-wide sidewalks to be utilized for outdoor café dining or latte drinking. He said trees possibly palm trees - would be planted nine feet out from the existing curb. He said Silva Cells have been installed underneath the permeable asphalt to allow the trees to receive enough water to sustain them.

The ultimate transformation of downtown is expected to take a decade or longer, said City Manager Toby Wells, based on his experiences in helping to renovate new downtowns for Livermore and Turlock.

“It doesn’t happen overnight, but we’re really set-

ily give back through their purchases. This support has already translated into more than eight million meals donated to provide hope to families facing hunger in the United States and we are honored to have been selected as their charity of choice,” said Nancy Curby, senior vice president of Corporate Partnerships and Operations for Feeding America.

BoxLunch features unique gifts for everyone including licensed apparel for men and women and kids, accessories, collectibles, beauty, home goods, gadgets and gift and novelty products. The store features a bright, organic design that encourages the customer to journey through its collection of licensed pop culture product offerings by providing a tactile and exploratory shopping experience BoxLunch is headquartered in California and currently operates over 60 stores throughout the US.

the main goal. Jennifer maintains the grill, as sister Crystal works the fryer and has mastered the milk shakes. According to the sister duo, it takes a team of five daily to efficiently service the lunch crowd.

An average of 75 high school students make Gillman’s a part of their daily lunch stop. So much so, that phone order customers are told orders will not be filled until after 12:15 p.m.

“The kids are on a tight time schedule,” Jennifer said. “People are so wonderful about it and being understanding.”

As for the student clientele the two women shared they could not be more pleased.

“The kids are ultimately respectful and patient,”

she said. “I was pleasantly surprised by the community support. People really do rally around their own. That’s just been wonderful.”

As an out of towner, Crystal has been impressed by the community, by way of student support.

“What the community puts in and gives back to the children, I think it’s fascinating,” Crystal said. “It’s really beautiful.”

As for the benefits of the family business, both sisters note the same thing – family and working with family every day they report to the drive-in.

“It brings a complete meaning to family is everything,” Crystal said. “I think that’s fantastic for the children to see.”

Workers were busy pouring and sculpting the new concrete planter curbs on Fourth Street as part of the renovation of downtown Ceres. Below warm temperatures helped the curbs to cure faster.

JEFF BENZIGER/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

ting a foundation of infrastructure for that growth and that potential,” said Wells.

The concept calls for Fourth Street to be striped so that bikes and cars share the same thoroughfare, similar to what one sees in beach communities, Wells said. Expect Fourth Street to become

narrower to slow traffic.

Wells said downtown will never change unless private parties invest in downtown for new buildings or renovation of old ones and bringing new businesses and new life. Wells said several properties in downtown changed hands with new eyes on downtown.

CROP

FROM PAGE A5 vines,” said Homer. “This shows that farmers are continuing to plan crops for agriculture’s future.”

According to Homer, the top 10 crops in Stan-

islaus County alone represent 83 percent of the county’s total crop values. When the top crops are added to the other 210 crops that are grown throughout the county, Stanislaus County ranks higher than 18 states, beating places like New

BOOTHS

FROM PAGE 7

ment applications, job descriptions, promotional items, or other materials you need to assist in your recruitment process.

Please contact Opportunity Stanislaus at (209) 558-HIRE(4473) for questions or to reserve a booth.

Mexico and Louisiana in agricultural value.

“Just our top 10 crops’ value, $2.7 billion, would beat 16 other states,” said Homer.

To view the 2016 Stanislaus County Agricultural Report, visit www.stanag. org.

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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

10

OCTOBER 2017

ANGELINA MARTIN/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Ann Venemen and Karen Ross laugh after Ross cracks a joke during the Women’s Leadership Round Table discussion.

WOMEN

FROM PAGE 1

overcome as female leaders in government, like when Olsen had to endure being called “kiddo,” by a male counterpart while serving on the Modesto City Council, or when Ross had trouble being taken seriously as a woman working in the agricultural field.

Working hard helped Ross to overcome genderrelated obstacles, she said.

“What I learned very, very quickly is that I always studied hardest and went

into the room knowing more about whatever subject matter that was going to happen than anybody else, and then there was never a gender thing,” said Ross.

Perez had to overcome not only the challenges that come with being a woman in government to land her role as Kern County Supervisor, but as a Latina, she also faced additional struggles. Today, Perez is the only Latina woman elected to a county supervising board in all nine San Joaquin Valley counties.

The best advice she ever

CACTUS

received, she said, was to always fight for the underdog.

“I asked ‘What can I do to be part of the policy process that intervenes and makes those possibilities a little more diverse for people?’” said Perez.

Perez, a Democrat, and Olsen, a Republican, formed a friendship in the days leading up to the round table event, they said, highlighting the need for civil discourse between different political parties, especially in these turbulent times. The solution to the political divisiveness currently plaguing the

TUTOR

FROM PAGE 3

FROM PAGE 3

Poot’s House of Cactus gardens along Highway 120 east of Murphy Road in rural Ripon, are filled with living displays of plants.

becomes clear that here it’s all about the advancement of the individual and not about making money.

As the now retired Rawe was fond of saying, they are not motivated by profit, but potential.

You won’t see any ads on latenight TV or bus benches plastered with model’s faces. There is effectively no marketing at all other than their website, and the bulk of their students have come in from word of mouth.

Vic Lal, the Director of Admissions, is proud of this fact, and is quick to point out that “We’re the only mom and pop school left.”

Lal is, essentially, the face of Computer Tutor Business and Technical Institute. Prospective students will sit down with him to discuss what they are looking for. Do you have a plan?

What is it you hope to accomplish? There is no pressure to join, no quota to fill chairs.

When Stellar Career College became the new owners of the school in August, the philosophy of putting students and their welfare first didn’t change with it.

President Zulfiqar A. Satti, who took over for Rawe, says that there are a few reasons why the nationally accredited college has held its position as a top training institute.

First, the commitment to students means success. Not only is the graduation rate consis-

GLENN KAHL/ 209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

Brian keep the nursery open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Sunday when she changes hats and serves as the organist at the First Christian Reformed Church in Ripon.

She said that many new customers will stop in on their way to and from funerals at the nearby St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and St. John’s Cemetery.

The couple started the nursery with a single plant when they were living in Pleasanton growing tomatoes and cucumbers. They moved to the rural Ripon area and opened the nursery in 1986.

The nursery’s Facebook page is filled with video of cacti flowers opening in slow motion during the spring months. Also, customers have left positive recollections of their impressions of the gardens on Highway 120 and the excitement of their visits.

“Awesome!” one wrote. “If you love cactus and succulents, this is the place to go.”

Poot is happy to share some of the knowledge she has gathered over the years when it comes to growing and caring for cacti and succulents. The importance of growing the many varieties involves location, soil and knowing how much to water.

ANGELINA MARTIN/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

County board supervisors Kristin Olsen and Leticia Perez formed a new friendship thanks to the event, they said.

country, said Olsen, begins in local governments.

“I call on all of you,” she told the audience, “be leaders of civility. Model civil discourse in your communities, and that will eventually expand. I think the San Joaquin Valley can lead by example.”

As part of the SWRCB, D’Adamo has found that modeling civil discourse with her colleagues who may have different viewpoints has led to several key successes for the Valley, including the development of a plan to ensure clean drinking water for the region. She also point-

tently hitting the 70 percent mark, but the rate of job placement is 78 percent for all programs. This could be because of the small class sizes — there are four full-time instructors to handle the 55 currently enrolled — as well as the time taken to make sure nobody falls behind.

Unlike a traditional college, if a student misses a lecture here the teachers will deliver it again at a convenient time. If someone needs additional tutoring, that can also be provided.

Another bonus is the low tuition fees. There are financial aid programs, such as Pell Grants and other government assistance, which can knock off either much of the cost or the entire $8,700 (the price for all programs is the same). Graduating without owing money is a huge boost in a time when student debt is crippling many college grads before they can even get their first paycheck.

Satti says that the fees are “40 percent less than our competitors” and there is an interestfree payment plan that helps, as long as the balance is paid off by the time of graduation.

For full-time students, that means 18 weeks, or 36 weeks for part-timers.

There are even six-hour training courses for people who want to learn Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Quick Books, PowerPoint, Windows 10, Google Docs, Adobe Acrobat or Photoshop.

But even though Satti is happy with where the school is at

ed out that the plan was put together by mostly female leaders.

“I cannot overstate the value of sitting down and hearing what your opponent has to say and what it is that your opponent needs, and that’s something that women do all the time,” she said.

Olsen encouraged the younger female audience members to take risks and embrace every opportunity that comes their way in the future, regardless of what their goals may be. She also pointed out that, including herself, every female Assembly member in Califor-

now, he still has a vision for the future. The first night classes are set to begin on Oct. 9, which is extremely beneficial to those who have other obligations during the day.

In the first week of 2018 the college will launch a new health care program, which will train and prepare a new generation of students for the burgeoning medical field. They will network with local health care facilities, connect with local employers, and customize their training in accordance with the needs of the industry.

“Most externships lead to jobs if the students perform well,” Satti says.

In the next few years, Satti hopes to offer AA degrees.

“We won’t grow overnight,” he says of the plan. “But our programs will be unique, our fees will be less, and we will continue to maintain a manageable student body while exceeding the benchmarks set.”

He doesn’t think the school should grow too much, though.

After doubling the instructors and students, he sees the growth hitting a ceiling where it can still provide small class sizes and have the ratio hover around 15:1.

It’s one thing for the staff to espouse the positive aspects of the school, but the students seem to enjoy both the instruction and the atmosphere.

There’s a breakroom with a kitchen and a student lounge with a full-time advisor to help with job assistance, resumes, and interview skills.

nia was replaced by a male during the last election.

In order to get more women into leadership positions, women must advocate for each other, she said.

“I love the men that replaced us and are serving – I think they’re doing a fantastic job – but at some point we have to be the ones to go out and start recruiting other women for local, state and federal office,” said Olsen. “We have to be the ones supporting those women in those candidacies, because if we don’t do it, who’s going to?”

Bob Abujen, a 66-year-old Navy Veteran compiling his resume in the student lounge, came to Computer Tutor to become a medical administrative clerk because, as he says facetiously, “being retired is killing me.”

He was surprised how competitive and difficult it is to break into the job market after earning his B.A. in health care management in the Navy and working as a supervisor for VA health care, but he is confident that the skills he has learned at the institute will help him find work. He’s had several interviews so far, saying the “instructors are awesome” and kept him motivated.

“Everybody was willing to help in any way they could,” he says.

Sitting next to him — and also filling out her resume — is fellow recent graduate and administrative medical clerk Marianna Mendoza, who received student of the month honors for September. She loved the small class sizes and the personal attention she received.

On the other end of the lounge, Yolanda Newell, the employee who assists with job placement, calls to Mendoza and asks her if she can share her new student of the month status on Facebook. She smiles and coyly agrees.

Mendoza has a folder full of places to apply to, and is grateful that the staff goes extra mile.

She likes the fact that “Even after you graduate, you can come back and work with them.”

209 BUSINESS JOURNAL

11

ACCOLADES

PROMOTIONS, APPOINTMENTS, HONORS, ETC. 2017 Dale Butler Award recipients

Each year the Stanislaus County Equal Rights Commission recognizes one or more Stanislaus County employees for their outstanding commitment or achievement in furthering the County’s Equal Rights Program. This will be the 29th year of recognition.

The Commission met on August 16, 2017 to consider nominees for the 2017 Dale Butler Equal Rights Award and voted to accept the nominations of Kathryn Harwell, Director of the Community Services Agency, and Merry Mayhew, Assistant Director of the Department of Environmental Resources and Parks & Recreation The Stanislaus County Equal Rights Commission will recognize Harwell and Mayhew for their outstanding achievements in promoting equal rights for the residents of Stanislaus County.

The County’s Equal Rights Commission is a community-based body that is appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The commission serves as a resource to the Board of Supervisors and County staff for equal rights improvements in County service. The Commission holds public meetings the third Wednesday of every other month at 3:30 p.m.

New chief investigator for Merced DA office PIC

Bill Olson has been promoted to the Chief Investigator position with the Merced County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations, announced District Attorney Larry D. Morse II. Olson replaces Pat Lunney, who recently retired after serving as chief investigator for nearly 10 years.

Olson, 52, a naBill Olson tive of Merced County, joined the Merced District Attorney’s office in 2016 as an investigator, and has been responsible for the implementation and oversight of our new VIPER (Violence Interruption Prevention Emergency Response) program since the beginning of this year. This program is one of the first county intelligence units in California.

“Under Bill’s leadership VIPER has been instrumental in providing information analysis to local law enforcement, including important work on Operation Scrapbook, and key intelligence data that has helped clear several high-profile cases in Merced County,” Morse said.

Olson began his career in law enforcement in 1987 with the Merced Police Department. He was hired by then Police Chief Pat Lunney, and spent seven years with the MPD, until he joined the Department of Justice as a special agent for the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement in 1994.

In 2001 he was promoted to Task Force Commander for the Yuba/Sutter Counties Narcotic Enforcement Team. In 2008 he was promoted to Commander of the Yolo County Narcotic Enforcement Team and in 2010 he was promoted to Task Force Commander-Placer County Special Investigations Unit, where he served until he retired from the DOJ in 2016.

He has also served as a Narcotics Instructor for the California Narcotics Officer Association and the Department of Justice, and was a Firearms/Tactical In-

structor for the Department of Justice.

“I grew up here, attended elementary schools and graduated from Atwater High School, and although much has remained the same we live in a very different era of time. I look forward to working with all law enforcement agencies and representing the District Attorney’s Office, to make this community as safe as I remember it growing up,” Olson said.

Merced student awarded scholarship for rising stars in the grocery industry PIC

The National Grocers Association, the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, awarded Chad Villanueva with the Thomas K. Zaucha Asparagus Club ($2,500 for up to four semesters) and Mondelez International Scholarship ($2,000 annual) through the NGA Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3.

Chad Villanueva The Thomas K. Zaucha Asparagus Club Scholarship is given each year to an outstanding applicant who is pursuing a career in the grocery industry with a focus on the independent retailer and wholesaler sector.

The Mondelez International Scholarship is awarded to a student with a history of leadership, a track record of academic excellence, and an interest in the supermarket industry.

“The supermarket industry is challenging for even the best operators, which is why we’re investing in the best and brightest today for the challenges of tomorrow,” said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO of NGA. “It’s clear that Chad will bring as much dedication to the grocery business as he does his schoolwork.”

“One of the most important missions we have is preparing today’s students for the challenges of tomorrow,” said Elizabeth Crocker, vice president and executive director of the NGA Foundation. “There’s no doubt that each of these students will bring as much talent, drive, and passion to the industry as they do to their schoolwork.”

“Winning this scholarship is one of the biggest blessings that my family and I have ever received. Obtaining a college education is something so precious, yet the high cost can be a financial burden,” said Villanueva. “Thanks to the [NGA] I will be fortunate enough to graduate with minimal student debt. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity that has been bestowed upon me, and support the independent supermarket industry.”

Villanueva has worked at The Save Mart Companies (FoodMaxx #487) for nearly 10 years and currently serves as the supermarket’s meat manager. He is pursuing a degree in business management at Fresno Pacific University.

Community Hospice appoints two new Associate Medical Directors

Community Hospice, the oldest and largest nonprofit hospice agency serving the Central Valley, announced the appointment of two new Associate Medical Directors, Dr. Ann Marie Truscello and Dr. Richard O. Camacho.

“Community Hospice is pleased that Dr.

Ann Marie Truscello and Dr. Richard O. Camacho have accepted the position of Associate Medical Director,” said C. DeSha McLeod, President/CEO of Community Hospice. “Our Board Members, management and staff are thrilled to welcome Dr. Truscello and Dr. Camacho to our organization. Their experience and leadership will be a great asset in helping us provide the best quality care to our patients and their families.”

Dr. Truscello is a Pediatrician at Modesto Pediatrics and will be supporting Community Hospice’s Pediatric Palliative Care Program. Dr. Truscello received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from The University of California, San Diego, CA in 1982. She attended Pennsylvania State University, School of Medicine, graduating with her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1986. She completed an OB/GYN Internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, AZ in 1987 and her Pediatric Residency at the same hospital in 1990. Dr. Truscello is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics.

Dr. Richard O. Camacho is an Internal Medicine hospitalist with AllCare Hospitalist Medical Group. Dr. Camacho received his Bachelor’s Degree from Biola University in La Mirada, CA in 1994. He attended De La Salle University College of Medicine, located in Dasmarinas, Cavite, Philippines, graduating with his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1999. He completed his Internship and his Internal Medicine

Residency at Maryland General Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland in 2004. Dr. Camacho is licensed by the State of California and Board Certified in Internal Medicine.

Seasoned financial expert joins Momentum Co. Realtors PIC

For many Americans, buying a home is the single largest investment in their life.

David Van Winkle’s goal is to ensure his home buyers and sellers are “elated” at the conclusion of the real estate investment process.

Momentum Co. Realtors is proud to announce the affiliation of David Van Winkle, a seasoned financial advisor, who now specializes Chad Villanueva in residential real estate.

“David brings more than two decades of investment experience to Momentum’s buyers and sellers,” said Bill Holtzclaw, Momentum’s founder and broker. “His impressive investment expertise, trustworthiness and proven reputation for providing extraordinary customer service is a perfect fit for our company.”

“I grew up in Turlock and know the town like the back of my hand,” said Van Winkle.

“If someone tells me they are looking for SEE ACCOLADES, PAGE 12

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OCTOBER 2017

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PG&E wants to boost electric vehicle use in underserved regions STAFF REPORT 209 Business Journal

Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced a new pilot program in partnership with Valley Clean Air Now and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 684 and 100 to provide free electrical panel upgrades to encourage electric vehicle ownership in lowincome, underserved communities.

The PG&E Corporation Foundation will provide $75,000 in shareholder funds to cover the cost of upgrading home service panels — a commonly cited obstacle to EV adoption.

IBEW Local 684 and 100 members will perform the site surveys, planning and panel installation for customers who qualify for the

program.

Valley CAN, a nonprofit organization committed to improving air quality in California’s San Joaquin Valley, already provides up to $9,500 for local lowincome homeowners to trade in their older vehicles for a used plug-in EV. Doing so is part of their ongoing participation in the California Air Resources Board’s Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program Plus-Up program, an initiative funded with revenue from California’s Capand-Trade program.

“Electric vehicles — and the home electrical panel upgrades that may be needed to charge them— are often beyond the reach of individuals and families living in disadvantaged communities. PG&E is

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a certain style of house, or certain aged house, I can see it in my head. At the same time, I am constantly analyzing investments. In the process of finding the perfect home, or determining if the time is right to sell, I can offer my clients well-founded answers about interest rates, the economic cycle and housing market trends.”

Van Winkle is licensed by the Califor-

partnering to overcome these financial barriers so that all of our customers can afford clean energy options. This pilot with Valley CAN and the IBEW Local 684 and 100 will help us better understand how we can assist Central Valley residents,” said Melissa Lavinson, PG&E’s chief sustainability officer and vice president of federal affairs and policy.

“PG&E is reducing barriers to zero-emission transportation in disadvantaged communities by giving low-income customers free home infrastructure improvements they need to install electric vehicle chargers. PG&E is making a real difference with this pilot,” said Tom Knox, executive director, Valley CAN.

nia Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Real Estate and is a member of the Central Valley Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors. Before the transition to residential real estate, Van Winkle owned FSC Securities Corporation, a registered investment advisory firm, where he guided clients’ financial matters for over 20 years. He started his investment career with American Express.

Van Winkle has been a member of the Turlock Noon Rotary Club for 27 years and is a past board member. He has been actively

To support job creation and capacity building, the IBEW will encourage participating local contractors to complete certification in the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program to increase the pool of trained and qualified EV equipment installers in the San Joaquin Valley, and IBEW members will then complete the panel upgrades for program participants.

“This is an innovative approach to creating cleanenergy options for disadvantaged communities, while also using organized labor to provide training, quality control and good paying jobs,” said Bobby Stutzman, Business Manager for the IBEW Local 684.

Additionally, all car own-

ers in the pilot program will immediately be eligible for PG&E’s Clean Fuel Rebate, which provides customers with a $500 one-time rebate for their use of electricity as a clean transportation fuel.

PG&E’s announcement is part of the company’s commitment as a founding member of EV100, a new initiative launched by The Climate Group at Climate Week NYC to encourage business commitments to electric transportation across the globe. Joining EV100 reinforces PG&E’s ongoing work to make EV ownership both easy and affordable for our customers, further electrify our own vehicle fleet as options become available and expand access to EV charging for both employees and

involved in the community and has served on the boards of the Turlock Little League and the Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers.

He is former member of the Arrowhead Club.

Trademark Women of Distinction

Ellen St. Clair has been selected for inclusion in the forthcoming Trademark Women of Distinction Honors Edition for demonstrating dedication, leadership, and professional excellence.

customers.

For example, through the EV Charge Network program, PG&E will build up to 7,500 EV charging stations at multi-unit dwellings and workplaces across Northern and Central California, with a minimum of 15 percent of the chargers located in disadvantaged communities. Additionally, PG&E has installed about 500 charging units for employees at our facilities to date.

PG&E also offers resources to help customers driving EVs learn more and determine which rate makes sense for them. On PG&E’s residential EV rate plans, customers pay the equivalent of $1.20 per gallon to charge their vehicle overnight.

St. Clair is the president of Carpet Man Pro Flooring, Inc. in Turlock.

During the vetting process for the award, St. Clair was found to have an exceptional reputation and positive peer rating. In selecting St. Clair, the Trademark organization stated, “She is the kind of professional admired by colleagues and peers alike. Her kindness and willingness to always help others and find solutions to most questions is both exemplary and honorable.”

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