k e e p i n g
BUSINESS JOURNAL
b u s i n e s s e s
VOLUME 7 ■ ISSUE 1
c o n n e c t e d ™
JANUARY 2022
ON THE BOOKS
IN PROFILE
Caribbean flavor fusion on the menu at Manteca’s Mamas and the Tapas.
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NEWS
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau’s video series wins state award.
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With the new year, Proposition 12 requires that egg-laying hens in California must be cage-free.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Hen regulations, to-go cocktails among new laws in 2022 BY ANGELINA MARTIN
A
209 Business Journal
s the world said goodbye — and good riddance — to 2021 and rang in 2022, hundreds of new laws went into effect in California. From to-go cocktails to gender neutral toy aisles, there are plenty of regulations for residents of The Golden State to remember along with their resolutions in the New Year. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 770 new California laws and vetoed 66 in 2021, providing his stamp of approval for 92% of the 836 proposals state lawmakers sent to his desk this year. “In a time when the state and country are more divided than ever, this legislative session reminds us what we can accomplish together. I am thankful for our partners in the state Legislature who furthered our efforts to tackle the state’s most persistent
challenges – together, we took action to address those challenges head-on, implementing historic legislation and the California Comeback Plan to hit fast forward on our state’s recovery,” said Governor Newsom in October after signing the final bills of the 2020-2021 legislative session. “What we’re doing here in California is unprecedented in both nature and scale. We will come back from this pandemic stronger than ever before.” While Newsom vetoed a few bills, like decriminalizing jaywalking and allowing bicyclists to roll through stop signs, there are several new traffic laws which went into effect Jan. 1, 2022. Assembly Bill 3 created a new law which defines a “sideshow” in California as an “event in which two or more persons block or impede traffic on a highway for the purpose of performing motor vehicle stunts, motor vehicle speed
contests, motor vehicle exhibitions of speed or reckless driving for spectators.” There will also be penalties for those who participate in sideshows, with courts able to suspend licenses between 90 days and six months beginning July 1, 2025. Locals who enjoy horseback riding will also soon be subject to new safety regulations. AB 974 requires anyone under 18 years old who rides horses, mules or donkeys on a paved highway to wear a helmet as well as reflective gear or a lamp when riding after dark. Fines for first time violators are $25 per infraction, though those riding in parades or festivals are exempt. Those producing eggs and raising pigs will be impacted by Proposition 12, the latter part of which went into effect in January 2022. Known as the “Bacon” law, Prop 12 was first passed in 2018
and in January 2020 required that egg-laying hens and calves intended to be sold as veal have adequate space of 144 square inches and 43 square feet, respectively. The second part of the law will go into effect with the new year, requiring that egg-laying hens must be cage-free and breeding pigs must be allotted 24 square feet per pig. California accounts for about 15% of the US pork market, the National Pork Producers Council said in a September news release, and the organization is asking the Supreme Court to determine Prop 12’s constitutionality. “We’re asking the Supreme Court to consider the constitutionality of one state imposing regulations that reach far outside its borders and stifle interstate and international commerce,”
SEE LAWS, PAGE 10
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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
JANUARY 2022
WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER. At Kaiser Permanente, we don’t see health as an industry. We see it as a cause. And one that we very much believe in. During this extraordinary time we are especially thankful to the heroism of our frontline workers. And, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of our outstanding care teams and individuals who deliver on the Kaiser Permanente mission each day to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We are here to help you thrive. Learn more at kp.org.
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IN PROFILE
Mother-daughter team Christine Louie and Ashley Hasse turned their food truck into a thriving Manteca restaurant, Mamas and the Tapas. VIRGINIA STILL/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
Caribbean flavor fusion at Mamas and the Tapas Cafe BY VIRGINIA STILL 209 Business Journal
Working their way up from a food truck to their very own restaurant has been a challenge and a dream come true for mother-daughter team Christine Louie and Ashley Hasse at the Mamas and the Tapas Café. With family recipes that have their special flare creating a fusion of flavors from the Caribbean, visiting this unique restaurant is a trip worth taking. Before they opened the restaurant at 1317 Historical Plaza Way in Manteca, Christine and husband Doug owned the Mamas and the Tapas food truck where they gained a following and a number of regulars. They participated in a variety of different events throughout the 209 as well as did home catering from 2012 to 2017. “People would hire us to bring the truck to their house,” said Christine. “That was really fun.” Ashley worked on the food truck for a couple years and then ventured off to pursue other things within the restaurant industry. She also spent some time in culinary school and honed her craft. Christine has spent many years in the restaurant industry beginning when she was a junior in high school, which is where she met her husband Doug. They had the idea to start a food truck and came up with the name that was a spin on the Mamas and the Papas American folk rock group. After five years of serving guests through the food truck, Christine was ready to retire but then she
stumbled onto the location at Historical Plaza Way. Christine and Ashley took a look at the place and Doug crunched the numbers and the Mamas and the Tapas restaurant came to fruition in 2017. COVID changed everything for them as they went from a full-time booming restaurant with live music and events to a crew of five and limited hours. “We are lucky to have made it through this,” expressed Christine. “We were so busy before this thing hit. We were going to the next level. We were doing really well. We had 16 employees and I had to lay every single person off. It was just me and her; then slowly we brought back a couple cooks and a server. No one wants to work anymore. It is sad.” Fortunately their loyal customers and take-out helped keep them alive during the hard times. They perfected their “to go”
business out of necessity, since originally they were primarily dine-in. These days due to a shortage of employees and cooks, their hours are limited and they suggest calling ahead or checking their social media pages like Instagram or Facebook. “We are doing whatever we have to do to survive and stay open and serve our guests. Our priority is to get everyone served and have happy customers,” said Christine. Christine is half Puerto Rican from her mom’s side that was the youngest in a family of 12. With love for the culture and cooking she learned how to make Puerto Rican dishes but they did not want to settle only on that, which is where the Caribbean fusion was created. The cuisine has a melding of flavors from Puerto Rico, Cuba and Jamaica. The mother-daughter duo created the menu and
Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people. they wanted to bring something unique to the 209 with their spin on the Cubano sandwich, tostones, cannon balls, jerk chicken tacos, empanadas, chicken flautas, and ‘Jamaican Me Crazy’ fries to name a few. They have some options for those with food restrictions like the vegan empanada or the jerk chicken tacos without the sauce and only the dry rub to make it gluten free. “We give our own little
VIRGINIA STILL/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
Mamas and the Tapas has a menu with their spin on the Cubano sandwich, tostones, cannon balls, jerk chicken tacos, empanadas, chicken flautas, and ‘Jamaican Me Crazy’ fries.
Mamas and the Tapas Location: 1317 Historical Plaza Way Manteca, CA 95336 Contact information: (209) 239-4867
flare to things,” said Christine. “People really like our food. It is very flavorful food. It is truly a mixture, a fusion.” The Mamas Combo is a customer favorite that has an empanada, chicken flautas served with Puerto Rican rice, beans, and a side salad which gives diners a variety of items and flavors. The Cubano Sandwich is another popular item on the menu that is slow roasted pork shoulder, thinly sliced ham with melted Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and garlic sriracha aioli served on a soft French roll with a side of tostones, sweet plantains, french fries, a side salad, or rice and beans. The Cannon Ball is another top seller that is a Yuca Relleno made from buttery yuca balls stuffed with chorizo, beef, and cheese then rolled in panko and fried that is topped with their signature sriracha garlic aioli. Their Empanadas come in three flavors, beef, pork, and vegan. The Jerk Chicken Tacos are stuffed with Jamaican Jerk Chicken in a soft corn tortilla that is topped with cabbage cilantro lime aioli and mango salsa. They make everything
from scratch and sell their sauces by the jar including cilantro vinaigrette for salads, a cilantro lime aioli and a garlic sriracha. For dessert the ladies make a bread pudding that is a family recipe with their twist that is a guest favorite. Christine explained that she has turned people that do not like bread pudding into a fan of her bread pudding that is served hot with a buttery rum sauce on top. Breakfast is served until 11:30 a.m. where guests can try the breakfast burrito, breakfast sandwich, Puerto Rican hash or a breakfast quesadilla. The café offers Cuban coffee and other options. During the Christmas season Christine usually makes a pastele, which she described as a Puerto Rican tamale that is a huge process and a lot of work but a guest favorite. This holiday season they are offering people their restaurant to rent out for holiday parties. Family is a big deal to them and it can be seen on the walls and felt when you talk to Christine or Ashley. “It has worked out really well,” stated Ashley about the mom and daughter team and business venture. “With our combined experience it has helped us do really well. We make things by hand and everything is homemade from scratch. We are about family. We do get a lot of people that pass through going to Yosemite and really people stop in here from all over. The people that have come in here are so nice and so impressed with the food. That is what makes it worth it.”
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JANUARY 2022
IN PROFILE
Heaven Snow now serving up hot coffees BY JEFF BENZIGER 209 Business Journal
Heaven Snow shaved ice shack began on March 18, 1996. The business served flavored shaved ice, a big hit on warm summer and fall days. In February 2020, the snow-cone kiosk business appealed to the City Council to rethink limiting its operation to 180 days out of the year through the administrative permit process. Owners sought permission to operate yearround. For the first time ever, the city has allowed Heaven Snow to operate year round, meaning they could expand their product line to include coffee, lattes and espressos and hot teas. “We’re giving it a try this winter to see how it goes and how we’re liking it, if this is something we want to do,” said Violet. The couple is using a local roaster in Ceres. “His coffee is really amazing and we’re really happy with it and so are our customers. He gives us our beans with our label on it.” The Saveh’s said they have sampled various suppliers from Los Angeles to San Francisco to find the bean they like and decided to go with the local unnamed roaster. “Our prices are very decent for what we serve,” said Violet. “Actually I think
Heaven Snow Location: Kiosk in the parking lot of La Sequoia Market, 2000 Central Ave., Ceres Hours: Weekdays, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays. Phone: (209) 872-8881.
we’re, if not the same less than Starbucks. Our prices are very reasonable.” Heaven Snow offers a variety of coffee flavors like peppermint mocha, caramel brulee, gingerbread brown sugar, cinnamon, cheesecake, toffee, pumpkin pie, hazelnut, toasted marshmallow and black and white tie (a popular drink made of dark and white chocolate mixed mocha espresso). The business also offers regular hot chocolate and festive hot chocolate with toppings, chocolate pretzels and Abuelita hot chocolate. While Heaven’s Snow does get business from La Sequoia, she said “the majority of our customers are our followers.” The shop has four employees. To help increase sales and added convenience for their customers in new venture, Heaven Snow offer DoorDash service for coffee deliveries.
Violet Saveh is enjoying making the flavored coffees, lattes and espressos at Heaven Snow.
JEFF BENZIGER/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
Babylon Cuts
Barbers rooted in family history BY DALE BUTLER 209 Business Journal
DALE BUTLER/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
Danny Oshana has been cutting hair for 16 years, seven of which have been at Babylon Cuts.
Danny Oshana has been a barber for the past 16 years and doesn’t plan on changing professions any time soon. “I’m doing this until I die,” said Oshana, 36. “It’s something I enjoy doing. It reflects who I am. When people are happy, I’m happy.” Oshana has spent the past seven years working at Babylon Cuts, formerly Magic Cuts, which is located at 2531 E. Whitmore Avenue in Ceres. He rented a station for five years before taking over full ownership on Jan. 1, 2019. “I’ve always wanted to have my own business,” he said. “I can’t see myself working for other people.” “You have to be very talkative,” he added. “You meet all kinds of people. You got to get along with everyone.” Oshana’s brothers Sargon, George and Pierre are also barbers. They followed in their father’s footsteps.
“We are the second generation,” Oshana said. “Dad (Yakhnis) taught us all. It’s a family thing.” “I do fades and beards,” he said. “I use a straight razor when I line up people. That’s my specialty. Not a lot of barbers do that around here.” Peter Isho, 32, of Modesto, has been a loyal customer since 2015. “He takes his time,” Isho said. “He knows his haircut is a reflection of his work.” Oshana charges $30 for full service, which consists of a haircut and shave. Cost for seniors is $20 for full service or $15 for just a haircut. Babylon Cuts has three full-time employees and one part-time worker. Cheryl Weeks is the barber shop’s stylist/colorist. Babylon Cuts is open six days a week. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. To book an appointment, call (209) 531-2887. Walk-ins are also welcome.
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IN PROFILE
ASTRO Adoption Center now open for business BY TERESA HAMMOND 209 Business Journal
It is a moment which has been a long time coming for ASTRO Foundation co-founding Board Members Jaydeen Vicente, Scott Hicks and an army of volunteers, and in early December, the ASTRO Foundation Adoption Center was opened for business. It is a feat made possible due to tireless fundraising, a partnership with a helpful contracting team, as well as a lot of sweat equity, but the 157 N. Fifth Ave., Oakdale location is ready to roll. New to the ASTRO team, and on hand Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is Director of Adoption Services, Megan Schoullar. She joined the team after applying for the position and brings with her an extensive background with the Humane Society, as well as a passion for both dogs and cats. The organization can house cats at the North Fifth location and will bring dogs in only for adoption events. The corner location just a block north of the city’s main F Street thoroughfare was gutted and rebuilt on the inside to better suit the needs of the animals as well as the Foundation. Due largely in part to a fundraising campaign, the non-profit was able to purchase the building earlier this year. “We conducted a capital campaign and raised over $300,000 in pledges,” Vicente shared. “So people could pledge to sponsor like, the dog room or the reception area, or the cat room or cat cage over a five year period.” It was a strategy which proved to be both beneficial as well as equitable, allowing donors to donate, in some cases, larger amounts with a five-year span of time to contribute. “So for example, someone that did a $25,000 pledge could donate $5,000 a year over the next five years. That’s when we raised the money to purchase the building,” Vicente continued.
TERESA HAMMOND/209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
Shown at the newly opened ASTRO Foundation Adoption Center are, from left, Director of Adoption Services Megan Schoullar and founding board members Scott Hicks and Jaydeen Vicente.
As a non-profit the ASTRO Foundation is completely privately funded, so all private donations, either one time donations or recurring donations, as well as revenue from the ASTRO Gift Shop goes directly to maintaining and operating the Foundations services. “When we first incorporated back in 2012, we did a fundraising feasibility study,” Vicente shared. “We hired a consultant and basically what we learned was, you can’t just start a company and then ask for money. You have to build a reputation first; you have to go out and do the work first. So that’s what we did.” And that work has now not only paid off for ASTRO pets, but for the City of Oakdale as well, as the Foundation has partnered with the City to help with finding homes for the animals in the local shelter. “We do want to work in partnership with the City of Oakdale and support them because their shelter is so dated and so small and the
We do want to work in partnership with the City of Oakdale and support them. amount of cats and kittens especially that comes in from the Oakdale/Riverbank area is overwhelming. Some puppies but there’s more cats because there’s so many homeless cats,” Vicente said of helping fill the need. “Part of our goal here is to relieve some of the pressure off the shelter and be able to take their excess pets and help them out and the city has been very supportive to us.” Currently ASTRO Foundation has close to 250 cats and kittens in inventory. Many are with fosters,
however a variety of ages and breeds may also be found at the newly opened location. “We have some amazing fosters,” she continued of those helping care for one or more cats. “So that’s really where we’re starting to pull from and get them homes here. That’s kind of the goal, I think, is this to be the center point where people can come in and get to know the pet that’s right for them.” The founding member also shared they are desperate for more fosters to aid with the large number of cats they try and save.
“We have so many cats and kittens that need, you know, they’re not quite ready for adoption, so they need to be held. And rather than being held in a small space like this, it’d be nice for them to be in a home and socialize,” Schoullar stated. The newly opened location hosts a variety of spaces including: an open adoption area, a vaccination/examination room, a quarantine room, as well as a large room with cats for viewing. Yet one of the most unique and special rooms in the building might just be the “Cat Community Room,” also known as the Cat Café. Equipped with shelves, hammocks and boxes, resident cats are able to roam and rest freely outside of a caged environment. Community members, as well as volunteers are invited to come and “hang out” with the felines to help them with socialization. “One of our volunteer positions is cat socializer,
because it’s so important,” Schoullar shared. “I mean, we have some cats that are a little more on the shy side. Somebody coming and sitting with them is going to make the difference between finding a home or not. It seems simple, but it’s so important.” To date the team shared they have placed over 750 pets into forever homes, 90 of which were dogs. So with 250 cats in current inventory, everything about the adoption center is important to helping place them with loving families. Partnerships with longtime veterinarian Wendi Dudley, as well at Oakdale Veterinary Group, has been helpful in keeping the animals healthy as well as fulfilling all their needs to make them adoptable. No longer driving the famous bus around for adoption events, both Vicente and Hicks shared equal gratitude to the community for its support, as well as the volunteers who have supported them for so long. “I drove that thing to Petco every Sunday for five years. I was so happy to sell it,” Vicente admitted of the signature van. “I think we had some good subcontractors that got to us maybe a little faster than they might have had we not been a nonprofit which that was a blessing,” Hicks said. “Obviously things took a little longer than we had hoped. But you know, it’s still only been about eight months.” Both founding members shared that while the doors are open, there is still opportunity for community members who may want to make a contribution, sponsor a room, or even purchase a paver for the front entry way. Information on all of these opportunities can be found on their website: www.astrofoundation. org. Persons interested in fostering or volunteering may also find this information and applications on the website or may email info@astrofoundation.org for more information or call/text (209)-604-2649.
keeping businesses connected™ 209BUSINESSJOURNAL.COM
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
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JANUARY 2022
NEWS
Stanislaus farm bureau recognized for innovative video series
‘Farm Bureau Foodies’ features local restaurants, ingredients BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal
The Stanislaus County Farm Bureau was recently honored for having the state’s most creative, forward-thinking program — a video series which shows just how vital local agriculture is when it comes to meals made at some of our favorite Central Valley eateries. The recognition for SCFB’s “Farm Bureau Foodies” series came recently as the nonprofit attended the California Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in Southern California. Out of over 50 farm bureaus throughout the state, SCFB was presented with the Innovator Award for the series, which launched with its first video in September. The award was voted on by the statewide farm bureau membership and featured stiff competition from other farm bureaus, including programs which organized vaccination clinics for farm workers and studied agriculturerelated fire relief. SCFB Farm News Editor Anna Genasci, who hosts the Farm Bureau Foodies videos, said it was an honor for the series to be recognized by farm bureau peers. “Our amazing team here came up with this idea of highlighting our local growers and ranchers, but we kind of took a different angle,” Genasci said. “A lot of folks have
A lot of folks have heard of Farm to Fork, so we decided to capture folks who appreciate where their food comes from.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau’s Farm News Editor Anna Genasci (right) and Executive Director Wayne Zipser (center) stand alongside California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson as they accept the Innovator Award at the CFB’s annual meeting. heard of Farm to Fork, so we decided to go the other route and capture folks who may not necessarily be interested in agriculture, but they appreciate where their food comes from and maybe just want to see a great cooking demonstration.” The goal from there is
to draw the previouslyuninterested viewer into the world of ag, sparking an interest in local growers and the farming powerhouse known as Stanislaus County. The effort so far has been a success, with the first video in the Farm Bureau Foodies series generating over
45,000 views. Genasci visits Chef John at Oakdale’s Redwood Cafe to see firsthand how he uses Fiscalini Bandage Wrapped Cheddar in the restaurant’s shrimp and grits recipe, highlighting the county’s dairy industry and the Modestobased cheese company. Next, Genasci and the
filming crew will head to Roberts Ferry Gourmet (previously Roberts Ferry Nut Co.) to see how the Waterford business utilizes the county’s top commodity, almonds, in its milkshakes. The video is set to be released early in the New Year and can be viewed on the series’ Facebook page, www. facebook.com/FarmBureauFoodies. The innovative series has been made possible by generous sponsors, Genasci added, and its recognition will hopefully lead to more communication between SCFB and the community in the future. “This idea came from the very young and progressive executive team on our board who see the value in creating a better line of com-
munication between us as agriculturalists and the consumers,” Genasci said. “I think there’s a lot of misconception about where food comes from, and not only should you feel great about eating a California-grown or Stanislaus-grown product and know it’s a safe food source, but you should also have pride that this is being farmed by families in the very community that you live in.” Local restaurants who would like their dishes with locally-sourced ingredients featured in the Farm Bureau Foodie series can contact the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau at 209-522-7278 or reach Genasci at annag@stanfarmbureau. org.
Grants will help address supply chain challenges STAFF REPORTS 209 Business Journal
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has announced the award of more than $241 million in discretionary grant funding for 25 projects to improve port facilities in 19 states and one territory through the Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). California will receive some funds through the grants unveiled on Dec. 23. These grants are part of the Biden-Harris Port Action Plan, which is designed to strengthen supply chains to meet demand resulting from the rapid economic recovery over
the past year, and help address inflationary pressures. “U.S. maritime ports play a critical role in our supply chains,” said Buttigieg. “These investments in our nation’s ports will help support American jobs, efficient and resilient operations, and faster delivery of goods to the American people.” The state of California was awarded funding for two projects. The projects include Oakland’s Powering the Future Project and Long Beach’s America’s Green Gateway Phase 1: Pier B Early Rail Enhancements Project. Oakland’s project replaces an existing electrical
substation and circuit located within the port facility. Additionally, the project will construct a new on-site fuel cell facility and a solar array with battery storage and establish a direct connection between the port’s substation and the local electric utility’s biomassfuel generator. Long Beach’s project consists of three standalone components, each with independent utility. These components are a new locomotive facility, extension of the east rail yard, and extension of the west rail yard. The project will add a 10,000-foot support track within a critical freight corridor, construct a new support facility for
24 locomotives, add three new yard tracks, and extend five existing tracks to increase operational efficiency for port cargo and enhance safety for rail workers. The PIDP is in its third year and has already awarded $492 million for 32 projects of regional and national economic significance within its first two years. The program supports efforts by ports and industry stakeholders to improve facility and freight infrastructure to ensure the nation’s freight transportation needs, present and future, are met. It provides planning and capital financing and project management assistance to im-
prove ports’ capacity and efficiency. The projects that were awarded grants include coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports, and inland river ports. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 PIDP includes priorities related to job creation, climate change, and environmental justice impacts. “These investments will support the shift to cleaner transportation, which will create more economic activity and good paying jobs,” said the Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “The Port Infrastructure Development Program is an important part of building back better for our ports, our commu-
nities, our economy, and our people.” Going forward, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide $450 million annually in funding for the PIDP program for fiscal years 2022 through 2026, or a total of $2.25 billion. This is roughly the same amount of federal funding provided to ports under DOT-administered grant programs since the DOT began providing funding to ports in 2009. All PIDP grant award recipients must apply, comply with, and implement all provisions of the Buy American Act.
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OPINION
Vol. 7 No. 1 ■ January 2022
A goal is not always meant to be reached; it often serves simply as something to aim at.
PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen
EDITOR Sabra Stafford
NEWSROOM Jeff Benziger Dale Butler Jason Campbell Kristina Hacker Teresa Hammond Angelina Martin Pawan Naidu Virginia Still Dennis Wyatt
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
—Bruce Lee
Harold L. George
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman
SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Karen Olsen Corey Rogers Melody Wann Charles Webber
DIGITAL
Frankie Tovar Rich Matheson
4 rules for becoming a better negotiator 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: sstafford@209magazine.com 209businessjournal.com The Oakdale Leader USPS No 178-680 Is published weekly by 209 Multimedia, 122 S. Third Ave. Oakdale, Ca 95361 ©Copyright 2022. 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.
209MAG A Z I N E.CO M
“I have been running a fairly successful business for some time now, but I know I can do better. The problem is that I don’t like to negotiate — I end up giving up way too much because I find the process so unpleasant. Do you have any tips that will make me a more successful negotiator without becoming an S.O.B.?” Negotiating is one of the three most important business skills (the others are selling and accounting). Show me a good negotiator, and I’ll show you (usually) a successful businessperson. A lot of people don’t like the negotiation process. When was the last time you truly enjoyed haggling with a used car dealer? But that’s because you don’t realize what negotiation really is. Negotiation is not a search for the “perfect deal” because there is no such thing. Negotiation is not an argument or fight. Although, if you hear an intense negotiation underway between two equally passionate businesspeople, you may easily mistake it for one. What negotiation is ... is a game. That’s all. Just like chess, checkers or baseball: Two individuals or teams match up against each other, and the player or team with the better brains, spirit and luck walks away the winner. And not just any game but a very specific one: poker. Show me a good poker player, and
CLIFF ENNICO CREATORS SYNDICATE
I’ll show you a good negotiator. Why? Because, like a negotiation, a poker game takes place on two levels: the actual and the psychological. When the players are dealt cards in a poker game, they are holding “hands,” and some hands are stronger than others. The actual game is about who has the better cards. But poker is also a psychological game. Because the players cannot see the other players’ cards, they try to “bluff” the others into thinking that their hands are stronger or weaker than they actually are. Very often, the victory in a poker game goes not to the player with the strongest hand but to the player who persuaded the others that he had the strongest hand (or that the others had weaker hands), just like a business negotiation. Here are four universal rules that, if followed closely, will make you a better negotiator.
something, they will make sure you pay top dollar for it. In any negotiation, the loser is always the player who needs the deal more than the other player does. Your goal in any negotiation is to persuade the other person that he or she needs the deal more than you do, and that you are prepared to walk away from the table at any time and look for better deals.
are doing the deal in the first place. If the other side asks you to give up something that will make the deal no longer worthwhile to you, tell them so — and offer up a compromise that will give you what you need while addressing the other side’s (legitimate) concern.
Rule No. 2: Never Give Up Something Without Getting Something in Return
Like any game, negotiations don’t go on forever. The longer it takes to get a deal done, the more likely it is that the deal will never happen. At some point, the benefits to be gained by haggling over small points are outweighed by the negatives. When that point has been reached, and you’ve got a good deal you can live with, don’t try to “gild the lily.” Get the deal done and move on. Want to become a better negotiator? Here’s how: — Get the all-time classic book “Getting to Yes” by Roger Fisher and William Ury and memorize every word. — Go to antiques shows and flea markets and look for items you don’t really want. Offer the seller 50% or less of the sticker price. If they don’t accept or sharply reduce their price, walk away. If they accept, buy it and sell it later on eBay. — Go to Las Vegas and learn how to play poker. You might even be able to deduct it as a business trip
Never agree to something, even something you don’t care much about, without getting something from the other side in return. You may be tempted to give up something because you want to appear proactive, friendly or nice. But negotiators are funny people. Whenever you do that, they don’t see it the same way you do. Instead, they think you are weak or that you need the deal more than they do. So they start bargaining harder by asking for even more “freebies” from you. Before someone will negotiate fairly with you, they must respect you — and they won’t respect you if you make it too easy for them.
Rule No. 1: Never Want the Deal Rule No. 3: Never Agree to Too Badly Something That Doesn’t Make You never can get a bargain Sense on something you really, really want. Once the other side sees you are desperate to have
Never get so caught up in the momentum of getting a deal done that you forget why you
Rule No. 4: Know When to Stop Negotiating
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JANUARY 2022
NEWS
Grant will revamp Modesto park Despite removals, almond acreage estimate shows increase BY SABRA STAFFORD 209 Business Journal
The City of Modesto has received a multi-million dollar grant to completely revamp a park that has been previously plagued with violence and vandalism. The City had been awarded a grant for $8.5 million to renovate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park located at 601 S. Martin Luther King Drive. The State of California’s Department of Parks and Recreation awarded the City of Modesto the grant as part of a competitive grant program that focuses on creating new parks and new recreation opportunities in critically underserved communities across California. Funding for the grant program is part of the state’s Proposition 68, also known as the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Costal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018, that passed by voters in
June 2018.
Proposed park renovations include:
• Construction of a new splash pad • Outdoor basketball court • Lighted baseball/ softball field • Game tables • Parking lots • Lighted soccer field • New walking paths (approximately 1,700 linear feet) with five outdoor fitness stations • Event stage area with plaza • Restrooms • Lighting and security cameras throughout the park. Additionally, the park renovations include a new indoor gymnasium that will be added to the existing King-Kennedy Memorial Center as well as renovations and upgrades to landscaping and irrigation throughout the park. “I am so proud of our talented and dedicated
parks planning staff who worked hard to submit a winning grant application,” stated Laurie Smith, Director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods. “With these funds, the City will be able to provide added recreational value to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and deliver firstclass recreational amenities to residents for years to come.” A lot of background work will need to be finalized before residents start to see construction equipment onsite. The City expects to have a grant contract finalized with the state by spring 2022, which means that preliminary design would start in early 2023 followed by an estimated completion date in fall 2024. This is the second grant received through Proposition 68 for this area, now totaling $17M in improements.
BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal
One of Stanislaus and Merced counties’ top-producing crops continued to grow in acreage throughout the state in 2021, though final estimates are slightly lower than they were at the beginning of the year. According to Land IQ’s 2021 Standing Acreage Final Estimate, total standing almond acreage increased to 1,662,633 total acres in 2021, up from 1,552,754 total acres the year prior. Despite the over 100,000 acre increase, the final bearing acreage estimate represents a decrease from the initial estimate released in the spring. Land IQ’s initial estimate for total bearing acreage in April 2021 – which reflects standing acreage that will be productive during the 2021/2022 harvest – was 1,323,722 acres. This estimate takes into account both young orchards coming into production and orchards removed or estimated to be removed. The final estimate for bearing acreage represents a 14,000 acre decrease from that number. The 2021 final acreage estimate is 352,875 non-bearing acres (defined as those orchards planted in 2019, 2020, and 2021), 1,309,759 bearing acres (defined as anything planted in 2018 and earlier) and 1,662,633 total acres (defined as total standing acres during the growing season of 2021). In 2018, the Almond Board of California first commissioned Land IQ, a Sacramento-based agricultural and environmental scientific research and consulting firm, to develop a comprehensive, living map of California almonds. The map is the result of nearly a decade of research, and because Land IQ’s approach does not rely on surveys or extrapolation, it has an accuracy of 98% or greater. Beginning in 2019, ABC started a mapping process with Land IQ in which two acreage estimates will be released annually: the initial estimate of bearing acreage in the spring and the final estimate, with both
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bearing and non-bearing acreage for the same production year, delivered in the fall. In addition to the acreage estimates, Land IQ will annually produce an estimate of removed acreage. 2021 saw growers grapple with not only the continuing pandemic, but also limited water. The report shows that drought impacts may have had a hand in an increase of acreage removed year-over-year. The Land IQ data estimated 56,949 acres of almond trees were removed this year, nearly 10,000 acres more than the initial projection in April, and 18,132 acres more than were estimated as removed in 2020. The report shows that most counties had more removals in the final version versus the initial estimate, with Southern San Joaquin counties showing the biggest increase. There were 44,303 acres removed from Sept. 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 and 12,646 acres removed from April 1, 2021 to Aug. 31, 2021. In Stanislaus County, 6,384 acres were removed in 2021 and 1,868 were abandoned and may have a chance to recover. In Merced County, 6,065 acres were removed and 2,500 abandoned in 2021. Merced County had a total of 144,138 total almond acres in 2019, the latest year’s numbers available and Stanislaus had 179,860 total acres. Almonds were Stanislaus County’s topproducing crop in 2020, having a $1.12 billion value representing 32% of the total commodity value. Almond pollination was the No. 8 crop last year as well, accounting for 3% of total commodity value at nearly $89 million. In Merced County Almonds were the second highest crop, with a gross production value of $470,603,000, which is a 12% increase from 2019. For more information about the Land IQ estimates, visit www.almonds.com.
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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
9
NEWS
Big changes in 209 in final redistricting map BY ANGELINA MARTIN 209 Business Journal
The state’s independent redistricting commission unanimously approved its final maps in December, setting in stone the brand-new districts California voters will use to elect legislators at the state and Congressional level in 2022. Redistricting takes place every 10 years following the census, and the new boundary lines in California have been drawn by an independent, 14-member commission twice now since 2010. Commissioners must create new districts which contain an equal number of people while ensuring no minority votes are silenced in compliance with the Federal Voting Rights Act. This year, slower population growth in California meant the state lost one of its 53 U.S. House seats. The maps approved will go into effect for the June 2022 primary election, creating an environment political consultant Tim Rosales likened to “The Hunger Games” as new battlegrounds are created and politicians must decide where their allegiances lie. “They’ve got to decide right now…You see people coming out right now with statements on what they’re going to do and they’re being pretty definitive about that. And some people are kind of holding their cards close to their chest, which you can
completely understand,” Rosales said. Congressman Josh Harder, who currently represents all of Stanislaus County and part of San Joaquin County, saw District 10 split in half as part of the redistricting process. Turlock is now part of the new Districts 5 and 13. Turlock’s east side and Denair are included in District 5, which stretches from the eastern Sacramento area, through Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties and down into Kings Canyon, jutting west into Stanislaus County to include a portion of Modesto and all of Oakdale, Waterford and Hughson. District 13 includes downtown and the west side of Turlock, as well as some surrounding neighborhoods, and reaches up to Lathrop, down through Patterson and Mendota, and into Coalinga of Fresno County. Harder’s campaign has announced he’ll run for re-election in 2022 for District 13. The new District 5 shares territory with current District 4 Rep. Tim McClintock, while Rep. Jim Costa, who formerly represented parts of Fresno, Merced and the town of Hilmar, told the Sacramento Bee he’ll be running for election in the new Fresno-based District 21. Rosales, who served as campaign manager for former Turlock City Councilman Ted How-
ze’s 2020 Congressional run against Harder, was an advocate for the creation of an independent redistricting commission back in 2008, but said commissioners failed areas they were less familiar with, like Turlock and Modesto.
The incompetence of this commission splitting those communities is mind-blowing. —Tim Rosales “The incompetence of this commission splitting those communities is mind-blowing,” Rosales said. “...For somebody like Mr. Harder, he has to consider a community he’s represented for a while. How do you choose which part of it to represent in these communities that have now been split in half, based on these new maps?” Members of Congress don’t have to live in the districts they’re elected to represent, making the
Manteca, Ripon now in district with Stockton BY DENNIS WYATT 209 Business Journal
Manteca and Ripon are once again part of Congressman Jerry McNerny’s district that includes Stockton. Meanwhile Lathrop, which is currently part of McNerny’s district, is being moved to the redrafted 13th District that stretches along Interstate 5 and goes as far south as Coalinga. The final Congressional redistricting map removed Manteca and Ripon along with Escalon from what was once the 10th District currently represented by Josh Harder. The reshaped 9th District also in-
cludes Tracy, Stockton, Lodi, Mountain House, the eastern Delta, eastern Sam Joaquin County and a slice of Tuolumne County. Lathrop, which was part of the 9th District as rural south Manteca is now part of the 5th District. McNerney was originally elected to represent Manteca and nearby communities as well as part of the Bay Area before redistricting in 2010. The maps take effective with the 2022 election cycle. Until then Harder will still represent the interests of Manteca, Ripon, and Escalon.
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decision for representatives like Harder a bit easier. His current District 10 has been a battleground between Republicans and Democrats like himself for the last decade, and Rosales anticipates the newly-drawn, local districts remaining competitive. “In terms of the overall dynamics and how we think about the Central Valley, I think it will continue to be one of those areas that Republicans and Democrats can continue to tussle over and that will change hands over the next 10 years until the next redistricting,” Rosales said. In the State Assembly, Heath Flora’s District 12 was sliced. The Ripon native now lives in the newly-drawn District 9, encompassing parts of the lower-Sacramento region, Lodi, Manteca and Waterford. District 22 now includes Modesto, Turlock, Patterson, Newman and Gustine, and east into Snelling. Assemblymember Adam Gray will likely stay in the new District 27, which includes Merced and Delhi and stretches down to Coalinga. “The voters gave the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission the job of drawing new maps. We have to accept and respect their decisions. While I am less than thrilled to lose so much of my constituency in Modesto and Turlock, I look forward to building new relationships and
working just as hard in the areas where I have new constituents,” Flora said. “I’ll go as far as saying this: As messy as the redistricting process was, after working in Sacramento for five years, I trust a citizens commission much more than I would the legislature to draw lines for new districts.” The State Senate seat for District 8 will also feature someone new after current District 8 Sen. Andreas Borgeas filed papers earlier this month to run for Congress in District 22, where former Rep. Devin Nunes is resigning to run former President Donald Trump’s new media group. The seat is now part of the new District 4, which stretches from Lake Tahoe, down through the foothills and all the way into Inyo County. Though no further changes are permitted, the maps must now sit for three days for public input. After the commission completes its final report and submits it to the secretary of state, the maps are likely to be challenged in court. “I don’t think anybody is thrilled with these maps or thinks that they are the best representation of work by a redistricting commission,” Rosales said. “And I think that’s disappointing to a number of folks, whether they’re on the ‘D’ side or the ‘R’ side.” To view the final maps, visit www.wedrawthelinesca.org/ map_viewer.
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209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
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JANUARY 2022
NEWS
Tactics to attract top talent to your business Every organization wants to hire employees to drive business success. But nowadays, attracting top talent requires far more than job postings. Companies have to actively target the right candidates, promote positions through various outlets and capitalize on their marketing efforts to stand out among a surplus of great job opportunities. Being successful at recruiting talent also means companies have to rethink their current employee recruitment strategies and find innovative ways to attract talent. The following action steps can help your organization transform its hiring process and win big when attracting talent to your organization.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO PURSUE TALENT
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LAWS
FROM PAGE 1 said NPPC President Jen Sorenson. “In this case, arbitrary animal housing standards that lack any scientific, technical or agricultural basis and that will only inflict harm on U.S. hog farmers.” Several laws allowing the sale of cocktails to-go dur-
ing the pandemic, SB 314, AB 61 and SB 389, are here to stay, with the legislature noting the popular purchases’ positive effect on businesses. There are rules for how beverages must be packaged, however, including secure lids with seals, single-serve containers and a limit of two drinks per meal, for example. Food delivery workers and restaurants who participate in programs like
If your organization is rethinking how to attract top talent, it’s essential to consider reaching both active and passive candidates. Just because a talented individual isn’t knocking at your door doesn’t mean they shouldn’t know more about your organization and why it’s a great place to work. According to a study, approximately half of all hires are recruited or proactively sourced. Find ways to build relationships with passive candidates even before they consider looking for a new position. To do this, listen to their career goals, know what motivates them and then provide a clear picture of how their career could thrive at your organization. Regular communication will ensure you keep them engaged with your company and alert you to any new developments in their career path.
Door Dash will benefit from AB 286, which states that tips on food delivery services and apps must go to the individual worker rather than the delivery service. Additionally, it will now be against the law to charge a customer more than what is listed on the website at the time of the order, and pickup orders will see gratuity go to the restaurant — not the app. Also in 2022, large de-
partment stores will be required to provide a gender neutral toy aisle — something proponents of AB 1084 say will combat higher pricing for girls’ toys. Fines for stores that do not comply range from $250 to $500 for varying offenses and the new law applies to stores with 500 or more employees. New laws in education include SB 224, which requires part of middle and
PAWAN NAIDU 209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
To boost your recruitment efforts, create a robust careers page. Utilize job boards such as LinkedIn and Indeed, and consider implementing employee referral programs to extend your talent reach.
SHOWCASE WHAT SETS YOU PART
You may already know your organization is a great place to work. But that doesn’t necessarily equate to successful recruitment. To differentiate your organization from the competition, showcase what makes your culture special and unique. One of the most authentic ways is to feature the words of who knows your organization best: your employees. Showcasing your employer brand with tools that draw upon strengths from your employee engagement survey can capture the attention of job candidates and provide a glimpse of what it’s like to work for your organization. An intentional, peoplefirst culture is an important quality of a great workplace. But there are other considerations for recruiting talent too. Pay and benefits are critical for some. For others, it might be learning opportunities, a work/life balance or feeling challenged by the work. Knowing and promoting your organization’s key strengths will make it easier to attract top talent.
tive ways to attract talent to your organization, including leveraging social media platforms to grow brand awareness, promote your unique culture and build credibility. Popular sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are visible places to showcase company events, highlight employee testimonials and connect with top talent.
PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY OUTREACH
When considering how to attract top talent to your company, partnering with local community projects or schools is a great way to demonstrate your company’s core values and reach a specific target market. Consider creating a company internship or mentoring program. Specialized opportunities will attract candidates who are willing to learn about your organization, its values and goals.
HOST POTENTIAL CANDIDATE AT A OPEN HOUSE
There are many innova-
Allow applicants to experience your organization up close and personal by hosting an open house or job fair. Depending on your recruiting goals, the event guest list can be as broad as an open social media invitation or as exclusive as a personal email invite to referrals sourced from current employees. Don’t overlook the potential of a virtual event like happy hour or a live tour to give prospective candidates the chance to connect with your team and get to know your organization better. Remote opportunities are especially effective when inperson events aren’t an option due to social distancing or when candidates are geographically dispersed.
high school curriculum to be dedicated to mental health, and AB 101, which will see students in the California State University’s graduating class of 20242025 be required to complete at least one 3-unit ethnic studies course. The governor also signed multiple police reform bills into law, one of which prohibits police from using rubber bullets or tear gas unless other crowd con-
trol measures have been exhausted. SB 2 will stop officers from transferring to different departments after they’ve been found to have committed serious misconduct. To view more laws which will go into effect in 2022, visit www. gov.ca.gov/2021/10/09/ governor-newsom-takesfinal-action-of-2021-legislative-session.
ENHANCE YOUR BRAND USING SOCIAL MEDIA
209 BUSINESS JOURNAL
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ACCOLADES
PROMOTIONS, APPOINTMENTS, HONORS, ETC. New assistant executive officer named for Stanislaus County
Stanislaus County Chief Executive Officer Jody Hayes recently announced the promotion of Deputy Executive Officer, Tina Rocha, to Assistant Executive Officer. Ms. Rocha will serve under CEO Hayes and will oversee the Focus on Prevention initiative, Economic Development, and several County departments. Rocha brings with her 25 years of public agency leadership, with expertise in operations, special taxing districts, and complex development projects. Tina Rocha “It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Ms. Tina Rocha as Stanislaus County’s new Assistant Executive Officer,” said CEO Hayes. “Tina has been an integral part of the County’s senior leadership team for four years and has demonstrated the ability to manage critical and complex systems such as housing needs, homelessness, and community services.” She previously worked in Community and Economic Development for both Stanislaus County and the City of Modesto. Rocha will have an ongoing role working with community partners and system leaders for large scale impact projects, including Stanislaus 2030. Raised in Stanislaus County, she is familiar with the people and issues affecting the community. Rocha is a graduate of the University of California, Davis.
Valley First credit Union earns new designation
Valley First Credit Union has been named a Community Development Financial Institution and with that the credit union expects to help economically disadvantaged residents with financial services. “We’re proud and excited to earn this
designation on behalf of our communities and the people in them,” Valley First Credit Union President/CEO Kathryn Davis told the Credit Union Times. “Our mission has always been focused on ensuring we can serve the most people in our communities, and this designation and focus on the underserved groups will take that to a new level.” The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund plays an important role in generating economic growth and opportunity in some disadvantaged communities. By offering tailored resources and innovative programs that invest federal dollars alongside private sector capital, the CDFI Fund serves missiondriven financial institutions that take a market-based approach to supporting economically disadvantaged communities. These mission-driven organizations are encouraged to apply for CDFI Certification and participate in CDFI Fund programs that inject new sources of capital into neighborhoods that lack access to financing.
New CEO for Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority
The Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority announced that as of January 1, 2022, Adam Barth will be the Chief Executive Officer of the regional transit service, The S. Mr. Barth will replace Interim CEO Philip McGuire, who was hired by the StanRTA Board to provide valuable and needAdam Barth ed leadership when Stanislaus County and the City of Modesto first formed the joint powers agency in January 2021 as they merged their then separate public transit services. The StanRTA Board of Directors overwhelmingly approved Barth’s appointment as the new CEO at its December board meeting. The position plans, orga-
nizes, manages, supervises, and administers the activities, operations, and services of StanRTA in addition to ensuring that the service provided by StanRTA effectively meets the needs of users. Barth will also be responsible for the effective implementation of Board policies and for the development of organizational objectives designed to ensure the success of the agency’s future operation. Barth was the Transit Manager for the City of Modesto’s Modesto Area Express (MAX) before it combined services with Stanislaus Regional Transit to form the Authority last January. He has served as StanRTA’s Director of Operations and Planning since July 2021. His selection was the culmination of a nationwide search to fill the position. “Adam is approachable, effective, and is passionate about the Stanislaus community,” said Jenny Kenoyer, Chair of the StanRTA board. “He has proven to be a proactive leader who takes initiative and is confident in his decision-making, which is exactly what we were looking for.” Barth earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from Brigham Young University. He completed Leadership APTA, the American Public Transportation Association’s professional development program, in October 2015. Additionally, he is anticipated to receive his Master of Science degree in Transportation Management from San Jose State’s Mineta Institute in May 2022. Before becoming the Transit Manager in Modesto in 2016, Barth was the Transportation Manager of Fairbanks North Star Borough in Alaska from June 2010 to April 2016. There he was responsible for the operation of the Metropolitan Area Commuter System (MACS) fixed route and ADA paratransit systems. This included grant oversight and compliance with FTA regulations and reporting. He also implemented a technology system to provide real-time bus tracking information to the public. While in Fairbanks, he increased ridership on the fixed-route system by more than 19 percent.
Doctors Hospital of Manteca appoints new CEO
Doctors Hospital of Manteca has appointed Eleze Armstrong as its new Chief Executive Officer. Effective January 3, 2022, Armstrong assumed responsibility for all hospital operations, executive planning and directing medical services. “Eleze is an accomplished healthcare executive with excellent hospital leadership experience,” said Warren Kirk, CEO of Tenet’s Northern California Group. “She will be an outstanding addition to our team and will help us build upon the great work already taking place at Doctors Hospital of Manteca for our patients and community.” Murali Naidu, MD, FACS, our current CEO of Doctors Hospital of Manteca, has been appointed as the new CEO of Emanuel Medical Center, our sister hospital in TurEleze Armstrong lock. He will serve as CEO of both hospitals until Armstrong’s effective date. Armstrong joins Doctors Hospital of Manteca from Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, our sister hospital in San Luis Obispo, where she has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2018. She previously served as the Chief Strategy Officer at Twin Cities Community Hospital, our sister hospital in Templeton. She started at Twin Cities in 2010 as Director of Imaging and Cardiovascular Services, then moved into the role of Market Director of Neuroscience Services before becoming CSO. Armstrong is a graduate of the Tenet Leadership Academy. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration from the University of Ottawa in Kansas and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Grand Canyon University in Arizona. She is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
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WATER
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WELCOME TO THE PORT OF TOMORROW. We may work on the water, but we know the value of unspoiled earth. Which is why the Port is using sand dredged from our waterways to help Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge restore its lands and save endangered butterry and plant species. It’s also why we’re cleaning up a neighboring former naval property for use that will create jobs and economic opportunity. At the Port, we’ll do what it takes to keep the future’s land as clean as its water, even if we have to dig a little deeper.
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