chamber encourages city Hall to shop Vallejo First chamber Helps

October/November 2008 • Volume 24 • Number 10 (Special Two-Month Edition)
The Chamber proposes local business preference to City of Vallejo
(See story below)
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom brings back Fright Fest
(See story page 8)
T
Chamber Helps Reduce
Health Care Costs for Members
he Vallejo Chamber of
Commerce has partnered
with new member Ben-ELect to offer a plan that will help
Chamber Members save 25-40%
in health care costs. The Ben-ELect Chamber Affinity Program
provides a unique opportunity for
businesses to offer their employees excellent services and
exceptionally competitive pricing
in health insurance.
“The high cost of health insurance is one concern we often hear
from our members, many who
own small businesses,” states Rick
Wells, Vallejo Chamber President
and CEO. “Smaller businesses are
constantly getting hit and need ad-
ditional help. We want to help ease
that high cost of doing business by
introducing a health plan that can
save them a significant amount of
money each year.”
Ben-E-Lect, working exclusively with Chamber Member
Insurance Agents and Brokers
(including Gavin & Shreiner,
Heffernan Insurance Brokers, Rich
Tatro Insurance, Riitta DeAnda
Insurance, and Vallejo Insurance
Associates), will introduce Chamber members to Employer Driven
Benefit Plans.
For more information, contact
any of the agents listed above,
the Chamber at 644-5551, or visit
www.benelect.com. 
T
Chamber Encourages City Hall
to Shop Vallejo First
he Board of the Directors
of the Vallejo Chamber of
Commerce has formally approved the submission of a Local
Business Preference Ordinance
to the Mayor and City Council.
The proposed ordinance, if voted
into effect by the City Council,
would encourage and empower the
city to purchase more goods and
services from local businesses. If
adopted, Vallejo would join Berkeley, Riverside, San Francisco and
other CA cities with similar local
ordinances.
“The City of Vallejo is one of
the largest ‘businesses’ in the city,
spending significant amounts on
purchasing supplies, materials,
2008 Pinnacle Cornerstone Sponsors
and contractual services”, said
Freda Dill, Board Chair of the
Vallejo Chamber. “The dollars
used in making those purchases
are derived, in large part, from
taxes, fees, and utility revenues
paid from local businesses in the
corporate/city limits of the City of
Vallejo. The Chamber has determined that the funds generated in
and from the Vallejo community
should, to the extent possible,
be placed back into the Vallejo
economy. Therefore, the Chamber
has developed an ordinance for the
City to give a preference to local
businesses in the corporate/city
limits of the City of Vallejo.”
(continued on page 9)
Inside:
Report from Board Chair......2
Report from the CEO.............3
Advocacy Corner..................5
From the Cal Chamber.........6
Member News..................7-11
New Members......................10
Upcoming Events...............11
Page 2 • October/November 2008
2008 Vallejo
Chamber of Commerce
Officers
Freda Dill
US Bank
Board Chair
John Feldman
Treasurer
Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings
Past Chairmen
Richard (Dick) Hassel
Touro University - California
Director
Verna Mustico
Mustico Realty
Director
Divisional Vice Chairmen
Wanda Chihak
Individual Member
Political Advocacy
David Jones
Economic Development
Foster Lumber Yard, Inc
Walter Newell
Newell Properties
Membership Services
Barbara Chavez
Mustico Realty
Community Promotion
Directors
Larry Asera
Asera Group, LLC
Director
Tom Atwood
Director
Vallejo Insurance Associates, LLC
Joe Barkett
Solano County Fair
Director
John Bustamante
Enterprise Wireless Solutions
Director
Phil Elfstrom
Skyview Memorial Lawn
Director
Norbert Frost
Law Offices of Norbert Frost
Director
Terry Glubka
Sutter Solano Medical Center
Director
Tony LoForte
Zio Fraedo’s of Vallejo
Director
Paul Nannar
Round Table Pizza
Director
Ron Rhea
Times-Herald
Director
Kenny Ross
Team Superstores
Director
Jerry Wilkerson
Umpqua Bank
Director
Peter Wilson
Benicia Vallejo Humane Society
Director
Chamber Management
& Staff
T.F. “Rick” Wells
President and CEO
Rich Geist
Sponsorship and Public Relations
Jenny Klimisch
Graphic Design
Constance Howard
Community Promotion
Josette Lacey
Admin. Assistant
Bobbie Dill
Finance
Jason Dunn Accounting
Finance
Vallejo Chamber of Commerce
427 York Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
(707)644-5551
www.vallejochamber.com
Report from 2008 Board Chair FREDA Dill
The DOs and DON’Ts of Political Communications
C
hamber
President and
CEO Rick
Wells and I recently
attended the Cal
Chamber conference, Taking Your
Chamber’s PAC to the Next Level.
The one-day conference gave a
detailed overview of legal issues
and requirements associated with
a PAC and fundraising strategies,
as well as a panel discussion on
PAC experiences, successes and
challenges.
The conference was a tremendous learning experience for us;
in addition to the conference, we
spent some time with the leadership of the event’s host Chamber,
the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, comparing notes on the
difficult economic and political
environments of our cities.
What I found most valuable,
and what I believe will be most
valuable for our members, is
summarized in the Guidelines
for Political Communications to
Employees, a publication that we
were given by the Cal Chamber.
This is essentially a “dos and
don’ts” for your company or organization to follow:
YOU CAN:
Communicate with your
employees, stockholders and their
families about the company’s
support of or opposition to state
legislation, regulations or ballot
measures.
Encourage your employees,
stockholders and their families to
support or oppose state legislation,
regulations or ballot measures.
Communicate your political
messages to your own
employees (and their families)
through such means as:
• internal mail systems
(separate from payroll
distribution);
• e-mail systems;
• regular mail;
• bulletin boards;
• phone bank messages; or
• employee meetings.
Inform employees,
stockholders and their
families about the effect of
state legislation, regulations
and ballot measures on the
company, its employees and
stockholders.
YOU CANNOT:
Control or direct the political activities of your employees
“through or by means of threat of
discharge or loss of employment.”
Coerce your employees to support or oppose a ballot measure.
Reward or punish employees
for their political activities or
beliefs (or threaten to do so).
Put any political messages in
or on employees’ payroll envelopes.
Congratulations Tennessee
Street Merchants!
On Friday evening, September
26th, I had the pleasure of joining
many of my fellow citizens and
Tennessee Street merchant neighbors on the first Tennessee Street
Stroll, a wonderful event coordinated by Cynthia Sproule of Zoey
June Gifts & Garden.
I had a great time shopping at
Zoey June, buying fresh food at El
2 De Oros Produce Market, tasting
the sampler platter at City Lights
Catering (at the old Georgina’s
Café) and visiting with my fellow
businesses on Tennessee Street. It
was delightful to see the hot rods
and hear the 50s music that was
playing along the street as well.
As Cindy Sproule said to me,
“With the economic state of affairs for our country, city and my
business, I thought what can we
do to work together – to pitch in
and give back to our City. I am so
lucky to be in my Tennessee Street
location where you can stroll the
streets, have your neighborhood
support and feel safe.”
This is what a positive thought
can do when turned into action!
As she was talking I thought of the
great multiplier effect this would
have on Vallejo if every neighborhood supported their local
business with events and monetary
purchases... how much more successful we will be as a community
and a city. 
By the numbers
California Economic and Budget Issues
Findings from the most recent survey done by the Public Policy Institute of California:
A record-high percentage of adults (42%) and likely voters (39%) name jobs and the
economy as the most important issue facing the state.
68% think the California Economy is headed in the wrong direction; only 23% think it is
headed in the right direction.
71% of adults see bad times ahead; only 21% see good times. Nearly eight in 10 think we
are in a recession; a third consider it a severe recession.
Other top concerns expressed by residents include the state budget situation (14%),
education (7%), immigration (7%), and gas prices (5%).
Page 3 • October/November 2008
www.vallejochamber.com
Report from the president and CEO
The Chamber’s Role During Challenging Times
A
s many of
you may
know,
our national and
regional economy
is facing significant
challenges, and
Vallejo in particular has its own
unique challenges. However, as in
any significant endeavor, challenging times afford opportunities to
those willing to make an investment and a commitment. Our
organization is doing both in a
significant way.
Whether we are working
to expand existing industries,
attract new businesses or providing small businesses with
assistance, the Vallejo Chamber
works daily to ensure that there
is a strong and healthy economic
environment for our members
and the business community.
The Chamber’s primary role
in the city’s economic development is to help strengthen the
local economy by assisting
our membership and the existing business community. We are
accomplishing this by spearheading a business retention program,
increasing opportunities for businesses to conduct business with
each other, and by referring our
member businesses to potential
business and consumer clients.
Additionally, we are working on the following programs to
stimulate long-term growth in our
community:
1) City Partnership – We have
offered our volunteer resources to
work with the City in developing a
sound and sustainable Long-Term
Economic Development Plan that
will help to retain our existing
business base, attract new businesses, and new investment.
2) Support of Major Developments – We continue to work with
the major development partners to
reduce barriers and create opportunities. This includes the ongoing
development of our Waterfront,
Downtown, the Fairgrounds and
Mare Island.
The Chamber’s
primary role in the
city’s economic
development is to help
strengthen the local
economy by assisting
our membership and
the existing business
community.
3) Promoting Tourism – Along
with the Convention & Visitors
Bureau, we recognize that regional, national, and international
tourism should be a growth area
– we have a great central location
in the Bay Area, beautiful yearround weather, a rich history, and
the presence of one of the most
unique Theme Parks in the world,
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
4) All Business Starts with A
Strong Local Economy – Most
importantly, our immediate goal
is to ignite growth in our sales tax
revenue, so we are launching
ShopVallejoFIRST.
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This program will promote the
purchase of goods and services
from Vallejo-based businesses
which create and retain jobs and
businesses in Vallejo and increase
tax revenues for the General Fund.
The main objectives of
ShopVallejoFIRST will be:
1) Communicate the Benefits of
Buying Goods and Services from
Vallejo Businesses for Vallejo
Businesses, Organizations, Employees and Residents.
2) Increase Opportunities for
Vallejo Businesses to Increase
Revenues in Vallejo
3) Accelerate In-Town Spending
to Attract More Diverse Retail
Additionally, we will continue
to work on a regular basis with
the Vallejo Convention & Visitors Bureau, Vallejo Main Street,
CCRC, Solano EDC, the Small
Business Development Center,
SCORE and other organizations
to develop, attract, promote and
retain business in Vallejo.
We have an ambitious program
of work and significant goals for
our organization, the city and the
community, and we are confident
in our abilities to bring real economic growth back to Vallejo. 
Did you know?
VallejoChamber.com
had 2,492
unique visitors in the
month of September.
2008 Cornerstone
Sponsors
Premier
US Bank
Lennar Mare Island
Vallejo Garbage Service
Skyview Memorial Lawn
MV Transportation
Brooks Street
Elite
Mustico Realty
Tri-Eagle Beverage
Petersen Janitorial Services
Callahan DeSilva Vallejo
Weston Solutions Inc.
Minuteman Press
M Technologies
Courtyard by Marriott
Kaiser Permanente
Select
ARC Inc. Architects
Cooper Crane & Rigging
Jeffco/ABC Painting
Klimisch’s Inc.
Umpqua Bank
Sutter Health
(SRMF/SSMC)
Foster Lumber Yard, Inc.
Mare Island Golf Club
Solano County Fair
Photos by Shawn Miller
M2 Mail
Comcast
PLUS
Twin Chapels Mortuary
Wells Fargo
Golden Gate Staffing
- Family Owned for over 60 Years -
• Efficient, reliable, professional service
• Insurance company recommended
• All makes & models
• Car rental arrangements
Open 8:00 - 5:00
Monday - Friday
CALL FOR AN ESTIMATE APPOINTMENT
285 Couch St. & 1833 Solano Ave. Vallejo, CA
www.klimisch.com
Page 4 • October/November 2008
www.vallejochamber.com
Human Resources
Down Economy: Layoffs Can Lead to Unlawful Termination Claims
B
What Businesses Need to Know to Protect Against These Lawsuits
y any measure, it’s a pretty
rough economy out there
and inevitably, there have
been and will continue to be
layoffs – a process that’s an emotional and complicated procedure,
and no less so than during tough
economic times.
So what do employers need to
know to protect themselves from
wrongful termination lawsuits
before they are forced to lay off
members of their workforce?
The truth is that no one
procedure guarantees businesses
freedom from exposure to wrongful discharge liability or, even in
the absence of liability, prevention
of the filing of a wrongful termination action by an employee. But
there are a number of things that
can be done to mitigate potential
issues:
• Businesses should have all new
employees sign agreements at the
very beginning of employment
that protects their status as an
at-will employee.
• Standardize termination procedures in a way that maximizes
company protection from wrongful termination suits, and ensures
that the procedures are consistently applied.
• Train supervisors thoroughly in
the area of protecting the at-will
nature of employment and to
follow all company policies
especially related to terminations
and layoffs.
• If your company is considering a
layoff, be sure to establish objective, nondiscriminatory criteria
for selecting the employees.
• If termination of an employee
becomes necessary: do not make
the employee’s situation so miserable that he or she resigns just
to get away.
If an employee feels singled
out during a layoff or was unaware
of performance issues before
being terminated, they may also
file a suit for wrongful discharge
in violation of an express state or
federal government public policy.
Be careful and consult with
legal counsel before laying off employees with actual or perceived
disabilities, those who have just
returned from a protective leave
of absence, and even those who
have reported inappropriate activity such as harassment or safety
violations. These employees may
believe they have more rights than
other employees. And angry employees or ones who feel wronged
are more likely to sue.
positive.
empowered.
productive.
Let Kaiser On-the-Job’s Vallejo occupational
health center bring out the best in your business
®
Empowering your employees to stay healthy can help
your business succeed. With our occupational health services,
you’ll get injury care that’s proven to keep disability costs 25
percent lower and care by physicians and staff who understand
return-to-work strategies.* And you’ll get even greater value
with our occupational health and safety services, including
health screenings and medical evaluations. Kaiser On-the-Job
is available to all of your employees. They don’t need to be
enrolled in a Kaiser Permanente health plan. Tap into the
power of Kaiser On-the-Job by using our Vallejo occupational
health center at 975 Sereno Drive. For more information or a
tour, call 1-888-KOJ-WORK (1-888-565-9675).
*http://www.scif.com/news/061107-KaiserAlliance.html
kp.org/kaiseronthejob
In addition, the federal Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act and comparable state law require businesses to
provide written notice to employees before laying off a significant
portion of their workforce.
Unfortunately, there are literally layers of laws that deal with
layoffs and terminations, which
can make navigating this area of
employment law a potential minefield. But if employers act in good
faith, make their policies clear and
offer ample notification of pending
action, the likelihood of a wrongful termination lawsuit succeeding
is minimal. 
Jessica Hawthorne is an employment attorney with the California
Chamber of Commerce. More information on terminating employment
and many other workplace issues can
be found at www.HRCalifornia.com.
Page 5 • October/November 2008
www.vallejochamber.com
business promotion opportunity
Last Chance to Advertise in the
2009 Business Directory
W
e are very pleased to be
offering an exciting benefit
for chamber members.
We’ve contracted with Chamber
Publishing to create the 2009
Business Directory & City Guide.
This is going to be a publication
held and used by
people all over the
Vallejo Area.
Don’t miss your
chance to be called
out in this important
piece. Surveys on
chamber directories show that
they are retained
and referred to
frequently by
newcomers, visitors, established
residents and
companies. Being a member of
the chamber shows that you are a
credible business that gives back
to the community. Make sure
those doing business and shopping
in Vallejo know that about your
business.
In addition to the printed directory, there will also be an online
version of the guide available to
everyone with an internet connection. The print directory will still
be an important resource, but the
online version will significantly
increase the reach of our publication. Both printed
and online
directories will
be distributed for
one year. Visit
www.truebluelocal.com/Vallejo for
more information.
If you’d like
information about
increasing your
visibility through
advertising in the
directory, contact the
publisher, Chamber
Publishing as soon as possible
– the deadline for advertising is
October 31st. Email Linda at
Linda@chamberpublishing.com;
or call Linda at (650) 728-7504 or
fax a request to (925) 600-9173.

business advocacy corner
Chamber Political Advocacy
Your Business Advocate
The Chamber Board of Directors has also taken the
following advocacy positions recently:
1. Supported the Adoption of a Business Preference Policy
for City of Vallejo Contracts and Purchases – see related
story page 1 of this issue.
City Action: No Action Taken Yet by City Council
Recently Completed Issues:
1. Recommended that the City of Vallejo move forward with
the planned two-lane reconfiguration and re-striping of the
Mare Island/Wichels Causeway. (Chamber Advocacy March
25th - Completed in September 2008)
Pending Issues:
1. Supported the Proposed Update to the Solano County
General Plan.
County Action: The Solano County Board of Supervisors
Approved the Update to the Solano County General Plan,
and it has been placed on the ballot for the November 4th
Election. (July 2008)
2. Supported the approval of the Third Amendment to the
Disposition and Development Agreement between Triad
Communities and the City of Vallejo for development in
downtown Vallejo. (January 2008)
City Action: No Action Taken Yet by City Council and
Redevelopment Agency
“AIM AT NOTHING ...AND
YOU’RE SURE TO HIT IT”
Business Effectiveness
Success Measurement
Accounting & Auditing
Tax Minimization
Wealth Building
“One good idea. . . .
. . . . . every time we talk!”
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Logos, Brochures, Flyers, Ads, Illustration & more
WEBSITE DESIGN
Design, Updating & Help Getting Star ted
(707)558-0353
20+ Years 730 Tennessee St Suite 200 Vallejo CA 94590
Experience artdirector@nolldesign.com www.nolldesign.com
CAVANAGH CONNOR & COMPANY
Certified Public Accountants, APC
Business Development Consultants
1350 Tennessee Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
(707) 642-4427
724 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 429-1550
Page 6 • October/November 2008
www.vallejochamber.com
from the cal Chamber
D
Cal Chamber Advocates for Business on Ballot Measures
uring its quarterly meeting on September 5th, the
California Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors
considered seven ballot measures
that will appear on the November
4th General Election ballot.
“There are many competing demands for resources in
our state and we must carefully
set our funding priorities,” said
California Chamber of Commerce
President and CEO Allan Zaremberg. “Although a comprehensive
water bond will not appear on the
November 2008 ballot, we must
reserve future debt capacity to
address one of the state’s most
critical needs. The positions taken
by our Board on November ballot
measures reflect that priority.”
Zaremberg announced that the
Board voted to take the following
positions:
Proposition 1A: High Speed Passenger Train Bond Act — Oppose
“California will need to invest
at least $50 billion to complete a
statewide high speed rail system.
There are other projects that mitigate congestion that should be a
higher priority,” said Zaremberg.
Proposition 2: The Standards
for Confining Farm Animals Act
— Oppose
“California imposes more restric-
tions on agriculture and agricultural practices than any other state.
These restrictions increase costs
to consumers and reduce competitiveness of California’s farmers
and ranchers. This measure would
severely damage commercial egg
production in California, result
in the loss of thousands of jobs,
hurt school lunch programs and
businesses like grocery stores and
restaurants, and compromise food
safety,” said Zaremberg.
Proposition 5: Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act — Oppose
“This measure would reduce
penalties for crimes against business and would limit the ability
of judges to hold parole violators accountable. Property and
white collar crimes are costly for
businesses and consumers,” said
Zaremberg.
Proposition 12: Veteran’s Bond
Act — Support
“California’s business community supports our brave men and
women in uniform. This initiative would make today’s wartime
veterans eligible for the Cal-Vet
loan program, enabling more of
them to purchase homes at low
interest rates,” said Zaremberg.
“The program is self-liquidating
and does not impact overall bond
indebtedness for the state.”
In May, the CalChamber Board of
Directors took positions on these
initiatives:
Proposition 3: Children’s Hospital Bond Act — Support
Proposition 6: Safe Neighborhoods Act — No Position
“Expanding and improving
children’s hospitals are an important health care priority. Without
continued investments in medical
equipment and facilities, California’s health care system will not
be prepared to meet the needs of
our expanding population. The
children served by these hospitals
are in need of specialized services
and the hospitals that treat them
do so without regard to a family’s
ability to pay. This measure will
expand capacity and bring hope
to critically ill children and their
families,” said Zaremberg.
Proposition 10: Renewable Energy & Clean Alternative Fuel Act
— Oppose
“The reduction of greenhouse
gases is a priority for our state,
however this measure is not
the most cost effective way to
achieve reductions. Proposition
10 does not allow all technologies
to compete for taxpayer dollars.
CalChamber has long advocated
for sound, cost effective energy
policies that are market driven and
technology or fuel neutral. Unfortunately, this measure does not
meet that test,” said Zaremberg.
Proposition 7: Solar and Clean
Energy Act of 2008 — Oppose
“The CalChamber Board of Directors voted to oppose this measure
due to its potential to substantially drive up energy prices in the
state,” said Zaremberg.
Proposition 11: The California
Voters First Initiative — Support
“CalChamber has long believed
that fair redistricting is key to
meaningful political reform,” said
Zaremberg. “The California Voters First Initiative will allow the
citizens of California -- rather than
the Legislature -- to create legislative districts that will require
elected officials be accountable to
the voters.” 
connecting the community
Owners Jim & Pam Conner of Ultimate Living Space (center)
celebrate the Grand Opening of their building on Sonoma Boulevard
with the help of Kathy Hoffman of Congressman Miller’s office and
Chamber Ambassadors (L-R) Joy Paulson, Ike Redman, Andrew
Birnbryer, Cassundra James, Jennifer Dellafosse, and Bobbie Dill.
Page 7 • October/November 2008
www.vallejochamber.com
member news
Baylink Ferry Reduces Fares,
Adds Ferry Bus Connections
a
Where Did Your Profits Go?
By Charles Eason, Solano College SBDC Director
L
ast week, I returned from
Chicago where I attended
the annual Association of
Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) conference. This
conference is attended by over
1,000 Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Directors
and SBDC Business Advisors
across the nation.
The conference is an opportunity for SBDC Directors and Business Advisors to share some best
practices. One of the highlights
of the conference each year is an
expo featuring the latest resources
for small business. Each year, we
bring back some of the best new
tools and resources. I thought I
would take this opportunity to
share one of the tools that we
are working on making available through the Solano College
SBDC.
One of the best presenters I
have come across at our conferences is a gentleman named
Steven LeFever with Business
Resource Services, who offers a
financial education training program called Profit Mastery®. He
has one of the best presentations
I have seen explaining how cash
flows through a business and how
the income statement (profit and
loss statement) and balance sheet
are linked together. Business
owners are probably most familiar
with the profit and loss statement,
but have very little understanding
of the balance sheet. On the other
hand, bankers probably put more
focus on the balance sheet. This
creates as Steve LeFever states in
his training, “a disconnect or lack
of communication.”
Profit Mastery is built around
the core premise that to improve
financial performance, it must be
measured. Specifically, a business
must benchmark performance in
four areas; productivity, profitability, cash flow, and financial
position.
As I mentioned above, very
few business owners understand
how the income statement and balance sheet relate to each other. If
you look at a businesses financial
operating cycle, there are only
three uses of profits generated by
a business. One use would be to
pay for new assets thus increasing
assets on the balance sheet.
Another use would be to pay
off liabilities, thus decreasing
liabilities on the balance sheet.
And the last use would be to pay
out profits to the owners reducing
net worth on the balance sheet or
keep the profits in the company
increasing retained earnings on the
balance sheet.
The Profit Mastery® training
provides business owners with
an understanding of the financial
cycle, cash flow, how to calculate
and use financial ratios, understanding the relationship between
price, volume and costs, and how
to effectively manage growth.
For the last several years, we
have sought out Steve LeFever
to do a training, but it is quite
expensive. This year at our
ASBDC conference, Steve LeFever introduced a Profit Mastery®
DVD series that can be used to
conduct workshops facilitated by a
local financial trainer. The Solano
SBDC plans to introduce a series
of financial education workshops
using the Profit Mastery® DVD
series. To learn more about the
Profit Mastery® financial education workshops, you can contact
the SBDC at (707) 864-3382 or
visit www.solanosbdc.org. 
new plan to reduce fares
on the popular Baylink
Ferry has been developed to
coincide with the startup of a new
Solano Express/Baylink Route 78
and Local Route 5. The City of
Vallejo has developed the plan in
partnership with the Water Emergency Transportation Authority
(WETA), the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the
Solano Transportation Authority
(STA), and
Solano
County.
Operated
by Vallejo
Transit, this
new and
expanded
service will provide improved
access to Vallejo’s Baylink Ferry
Terminal. The City expects that
the partial fare rollback, effective
November 1st, coupled with the
new express service, will help recapture the estimated 10% to 15%
loss in ridership following a recent
fare increase.
“I am pleased to be part of
this plan to roll back the fares for
the riders of the Baylink Ferry
between Vallejo and San Francisco,” commented Vallejo Mayor
Osby Davis. “With the difficult
economic times facing the City of
Vallejo and the State of California
and the recent fluctuations in the
price of gas, it is critical that we
work together to continue to provide and maintain the affordability
of the Baylink Ferry Service for
our riders and our residents.”
Up
to $2.2
million is
needed to
cover the
operating
costs of the
service for
the balance
of Fiscal Year 2008/09 and enable
the City of Vallejo to reduce the
Ferry fares. The largest share
of these funds (up to $1.9 million) would be allocated from the
voter-approved toll bridge funds
which are administered by MTC,
with WETA concurrence, with the
balance provided by the STA and
Solano County. 
Are you receiving our
bi-monthly
e-newsletter?
If you are not, please
contact the Chamber at
644-5551 to add your e-mail
address to our listing.
Page 8 • October/November 2008
www.vallejochamber.com
member news
Policy for Political Solicitation
at Chamber Events
The Vallejo Chamber Board of Directors approved
the following new policy at its July Board Meeting:
Purpose
• It is the policy of the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce to allow
within the parameters set forth herein, reasonable access to its
events for demonstration as allowed by the First Amendment
of the United States Constitution and Article I of the California
Constitution. Individuals or groups may organize to solicit
opinions/signatures at Vallejo Chamber of Commerce events by
following the guidelines listed in this policy.
Guidelines
• The Vallejo Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to ask any
person or group to leave the premises if their actions become
disruptive
• No person or group shall limit, delay, block or hinder the free
passage to or from the venue for any event attendee
• Solicitors must set up any tables and chairs outside the venue a
minimum of 25 feet away from entrance/exit doors
• Solicitors are limited to a maximum of two individuals at a time
• No signs or banners may be used which exceed two feet by four
feet (in order to protect the safety of attendees and those engaged
in political solicitation)
• No person or group shall place signs, notices advertisements or
other writing in or upon any structure, building or automobile at
the Chamber event
• Attendees declining to listen, converse, provide donation or
signature or accept any item offered may not be pursued once the
individual has clearly indicated he or she wishes to be left alone
• Solicitors must provide their own table (maximum one table not
to exceed 4 feet in length) and chairs (maximum 2)
• Solicitors must register with the Chamber by completing the
Solicitation Request Form and delivering it the Chamber office
for approval a minimum of 7 business days prior to the event.
Registration will be scheduled on a first-come first-served basis.
• It is not appropriate for solicitors to promote a commercial
endeavor or to sell merchandise
• No group or individual will employ the use of any sound
amplification device
• Groups or individuals engaged in political solicitation herein
agree to comply with all applicable chamber and host venue
rules and regulations, as well as all local, state and federal laws
and regulations. In addition, applicants must receive written
permission from the host venue to be present on the property and
attach said permission to their application.
• All trash must be removed from the solicitation area before the
group or individual leaves the grounds. If trash is not removed, it
may result in the group or individual not being allowed to return
to a Vallejo Chamber event in the future.
• Nothing in these guidelines regarding
violation of these guidelines shall require the
Vallejo Chamber of Commerce to exhaust
any remedies, to give any oral warning or to
compromise or limit in any way, any remedies
provided by the law.
10th Annual Fright Fest Spooktacular at Discovery Kingdom
I
t’s thrills by day and chills
by night at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s Fright Fest
Presented by Snickers. It’s thrills
by day and chills by night at Six
Flags Discovery Kingdom’s Fright
Fest Presented by Snickers.
For 12 gruesome days and
nights kicking off October 4th,
Six Flags Discovery
Kingdom
transforms
itself from
‘theme park’
to ‘scream
park’ for the
10th annual
Fright Fest,
one of Northern California’s
premier Halloween events.
From haunted
mazes, themed scare zones and
spooktacular live shows for fright
seekers to costume parades, family-friendly shows and a trickor-treat trail for the youngsters,
Fright Fest offers something for
guests of all ages to enjoy.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
morphs into a shadow land of
ghosts and ghouls. Roller coasters
become monstrosities in motion
and scares await you at every
turn. See the park eerily transformed from coaster to coaster and
venture through haunted mazes
and themed scare zones or trickor-treat with Bugs Bunny and
Friends!
Thrills by Day: Twick or
Tweet Trail featuring Bugs Bunny
and Friends! Shouka Halloween
Show Dolphin Halloween Show
Super Spooky Sea Lion Show
Dracula Magic Show for Kids
Daily costume parades
Chills by Night:
Two spine-tingling haunted
mazes: Kamp
Khaos and
Tinseltown Terror
(additional
fee) Harley
Newman’s
Scandalous Side
Show - you’ll
be amazed! Themed scare-zones
filled with demonic clowns,
ghouls and other freaks of nature
Twilight Funeral Procession parade Halloween-themed live stage
shows
Fright Fest comes “alive” October 4th and runs every Saturday
and Sunday through November
2nd with special openings on
Fridays open on October 24th and
31st.
For more information, visit
www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom or call 643-6722. 
Page 9 • October/November 2008
www.vallejochamber.com
Member In the News
T
he Empress Theatre hosts
A Rocking Halloween, a
festively spooky dance party
featuring music by Alvon and The
Nightmares. Dress as your favorite
Monster, Movie Star or Musician
for ghoulish gifts. Baci Ristorante
will be catering devilishly delightful small plate fare (for a modest
fee) and the Empress cash bars
will be serving all manner of
luxurious libations. Food, Drink &
Mixer starts at 6:30 p.m. The Band
takes the stage at 8:00 p.m. for a
three-hour monster mash marathon. For more information, call
552-4200 or visit www.empresstheatre.org
T
he Make a Difference
Committee of the Solano
Association of Realtors
will be hosting the Annual Make
A Difference Breakfast on October
22nd beginning at 8:00 a.m. at
the Vallejo Elks Lodge, 2850
Redwood Parkway. Tickets are
$20 and proceeds go to benefit
Christmas Gifts for Children, Senior Citizens, Coats for Kids and
other worthy programs. For more
information, call 644-5525.
Y
ou can help Touro University strengthen the Vallejo
community and support
two great causes. The 3rd Annual
Mare Island Run is a 5K Fun Run/
Walk on November 23rd aimed
at promoting health and wellness
among Vallejo, while raising funds
to support Fighting Back Partnership and GVRD. Your support is
appreciated in many ways including sponsorship, advertisement, or
simply bringing your friends and
family to run. For more information, please visit www.onyour-
markevents.com and search for
Mare Island Run.
1
st Pacific Credit Union has
relocated its Napa branch office to 3183 Jefferson Street.
The new location features easy
access, ample parking, and new
technology in a comfortable setting. It will be staffed by the same
friendly people who have been
serving the community for many
years, The move will benefit existing members of the credit union,
along with others as membership
is open to all retired persons,
anyone related to a current member, and anyone living, working,
worshiping, or attending school in
Napa, Solano, or Sonoma Counties. With the recent mortgage-crisis and big-bank failures making
headlines, many people are finding
credit unions are a viable resource
for their financial needs.
M
iddletown Rancheria,
owners of Twin Pine
Casino, has provided
funding to the South Lake County
Volunteer Firefighters Association
for the purchase of state-of-theart lifesaving equipment. The
purchased unit is known as an
automated external defibrillator
(AED), and it can literally see
when the operator is doing CPR
and provide audio and video
feedback and instructions while
being used on a patient during
cardiac arrest. “We are proud to
be in a position to help our excellent emergency response services become even better. It’s an
important part of our unwavering
commitment to this community,”
said Tribal Chairman Jose Simon
III. www.twinpine.com. 
Shop Vallejo First (from pg. 1)
The proposed ordinance
calls for the following: in bidding for, or letting contracts for
procurement of, supplies, materials, equipment and services, as
described in the purchasing policies of the City, the City Council,
or other authorized purchasing
authority, may give a preference
to local businesses in making
purchases or awarding contracts
in an amount not to exceed 5% of
the local business’ total bid price
if the cost differential does not
exceed $10,000.00 for procurement activities in amounts over
$30,000.00; or 3% if the cost differential does not exceed $900.00
for procurement activities in
amounts more than $3,000.00, but
less than $30,000.00. 
Statement of Ownership, Management
and Circulation
Publication Title: Vallejo Business; Publication No.001-616; Filing Date: Sept.
21, 2007; Issue Frequency: Monthly; No. of Issues Published Annually: 11; Annual Subscription Price: $12.
Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 427 York St., Vallejo,
CA 94590; Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 427 York St., Vallejo, CA 94590.
Publisher: Vallejo Chamber, 427 York St., Vallejo, CA 94590; Editor/Managing
Editor: Rick Wells, 427 York St., Vallejo, CA 94590; Owner: Vallejo Chamber of
Commerce, 427 York St., Vallejo, CA 94590.
Know Bondholders, Mortgagees and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding
1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities:
None.
The purpose, function and non-profit status of this organization and the exempt
status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during the preceding 12
months.
Number of Copies Printed: Average Per Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 800;
Actual Number of Issue Nearest To Filing Date: 800.
Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions: During Preceding 12
Months: 73; Actual Number of Issue Nearest to Filing Date: 73.
Paid In-County Subscriptions: During Preceding 12 Months: 533; Actual Number
of Issue Nearest to Filing Date: 533.
Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other
Non-USPS Paid Distribution: During Preceding 12 Months: None; Issue Nearest
To Filing Date: None.
Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: During Preceding 12 Months: 606; Issue
Nearest To Filing Date: 606.
Free Distribution by Mail: Outside-County During Preceding 12 Months: None;
Issue Nearest to Filing Date: None.
Free Distribution by Mail: In-County During Preceding 12 Months: None; Issue
Nearest to Filing Date: None.
Free Distribution Outside the Mail: Preceding 12 Months: 0; Issue Nearest to
Filing Date: 0.
Total Free Distribution: Preceding 12 Months: 0; Issue Nearest to Filing Date: 0.
Total Distribution: Preceding 12 Months: 606; Issue Nearest to Filing Date: 606.
Copies Not Distributed: Preceding 12 Months: 348; Issue Nearest to Filing Date:
194.
Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: Preceding 12 Months: 100%; Issue
Nearest to Filing Date: 100%.
er
Page 10 • October/November 2008
www.vallejochamber.com
Board Member Spotlight
John A. Bustamante
Enterprise Wireless Solutions – Sprint/Nextel
Board Member Since: 2008
Description of Business: Enterprise
Wireless Solutions (EWS) is an exclusive
partner of Sprint Nextel focused on Corporate, Government, Education, Public
Sector, Small, Medium and Retail Business. EWS is focused on using technology
to reduce a company’s overall business
expense and evaluating rate plans as well
as contracts regularly for their clients to
assure they are getting the most out of
every dollar invested in company communications.
Description of Job/Duties: Manage a staff of seven (7) including a
retail store and service center as well as an outside sales division supporting corporate, government and small business accounts. Responsible
for all day-to-day leadership functions including business financials,
business operations and oversight on contracts and negotiation.
Community Involvement: Member, Vallejo Rotary Club; Member,
Catholic School Advisory Committee; Past President, Vallejo Raiders
Youth Football; Past Board Member, Vallejo PAL; Head Football Coach,
Benicia Youth Football; Past Member, Native Sons of California; Past
Coach, East Vallejo Little League; Past USAA Umpire, Pal Gal Softball.
Personal Information: John moved to Vallejo in 1988 with his wife
Christine who he met in High School while living in the Central Valley.
John and Christine have 3 sons: Michael (18, Alumni SPSV 2007),
Christian (13) and Nicholas (8). John
has 10 brothers and sisters who all
3.7”
live in the area and they get together on a regular basis. 
THE LESSLER GROUP
PROUDLY
REPRESENTING
THE FOLLOWING
BUSINESSES:
Serving Solano County Since 2001
Welcome New Members
Physicians
Bay Area Orthopedic
Surgery and Sports
Medicine
Sheile Cook
100 Hospital Drive, Suite 303
Vallejo, CA 94589
Phone: (707)645-7210
www.baosurgery.com
administrator@baosurgery.com
Community Organizations
Big Brothers Big Sisters
of the North Bay
Steve Carlton
1618 Second Street
Sab Rafael, CA 94501
Phone: (415)453-3800
www.bbbsnorthbay.org
scarlton@bbbsnorthbay.org
Dentists
Brisbain R. Pucan
Professional Dental
Corporation
Brisbain Pucan
2143 Springs Road, #51
Vallejo, CA 94591
Phone: (707)552-3952
dr.brisbainpucan@yahoo.com
Wineries
Castello Di Amorosa
Georg Salner
4045 North St. Helena Highway
St. Helena, CA 94515
Phone: (707)942-8200
www.castellodiamorosa.com
georg@castellodiamorosa.com
Retail-General Merchandise
Cost Plus World Market
Angela Davis
105 Plaza Drive # 121
Vallejo, CA 94591
Phone: (707)553-9381
www.worldmarket.com
store160@cpwm.com
Restaurants
• Carl Recknagel General Contractors
• Chipman Relocations
• The Christopher Group
• Cirkadia Software Development
• Cole Professional Cleaning Supplies
• Credit Bureau Associates
• C+D Consulting Engineers
• Discovery Land Care, Inc.
• Express Employment Professional
• Law Offices of Favaro, Lavezzo,
Gill, Caretti & Heppell
• Garson Design Services
• Gateway Realty
• Golden West Electric
• Holiday Inn Express - Cordelia
• Indoor Environmental Services
• King Security Services, Inc.
• M2 Mail
• Minuteman Press
• Newcal Industries
• NorthBay Healthcare
• Paragon Commercial Building
Maintenance
• PRJ Insurance Marketing
• Security-Shred
• S. L. Pemberton, Inc.
• Solano Signs
• State Farm Ins. - Tara Dacus
• TechPro Source
• TLCD Architecture
• Umpqua Bank
For more information call 707.688.5713 • Visit us online at www.lesslergroup.com
Danny’s Kitchen
Daniel Kang
38 Admiral Callaghan Lane
Vallejo, CA 94591
Phone: (707)643-2244
4”
Transportation Services
FedEx Ground
David Louie
601 Stone Road
Benicia, CA 94510
Phone: (510)418-6764
www.fedex.com
david.louie@fedex.com
Attorneys
Law Offices of Randal M.
Barnum
Randal Barnum
279 East H Street
Benicia, CA 94510
Phone: (707)745-3747
www.rmblaw.com
rmblaw@pacbell.net
Distributors
Lippincott Supply Co.
John Kent
105 Lincoln Road West
Vallejo, CA 94590
Phone: (707)552-8633
www.lippincottsupply.com
Catering
Mustico Morgan Contawe
Catering
Debbie Mustico Morgan
624 La Cadena
Vallejo, CA 94590
Phone: (707)644-5612
musticomorgancontawe.
catering@gmail.com
Cleaners & Laundries
Redwood Cleaners
Jun Haemi
784 Admiral Callaghan Lane
Vallejo, CA 94591
Phone: (707)552-8885
haemijun@yahoo.com
Auto Dealers
Sonoma Auto Sales
Greg See
3300 Sonoma Boulevard
Vallejo, CA 94590
Phone: (707)647-7701
www.sonomaautocenter.com
sonomaauto30@yahoo.com
Insurance
State Farm Insurance
- Walt Wadenius
1041 Redwood Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
Phone: (707)643-1731
www.statefarm.com
walt.wadenius.b9h@statefarm.
com
Tanning Salons
Totally Tan Tanning and
Beauty Salon
Carla Seto
480 Redwood Street, Suite #30
Vallejo, CA 94590
Phone: (707)648-2102
seto97@aol.com
Copy Services
FedEx Office
Jade Stiles
720 Admiral Callahan Lane
Vallejo, CA 94590
Phone: (707)644-4990
www.fedexkinkos.com
jade.stiles@fedexkinkos.com
*New Members from 8/14/2008-9/25/2008
Page 11 • October/November 2008
www.vallejochamber.com
K
Member News
Krystle
Property
Management
Krystle Property Management
Twenty Years in Business
O
n September 1, 1988, Abdul
Karimian and Julie (Karimian) Jackson purchased
Tipp Property Management from
Malcolm Tipp and Pat Valine. The
business was soon relocated to the
current location at 2101 Tennessee
Street and the name was changed
to Krystle Property Management.
Their children, Krystle and Derrick, started working in the family
business at 12 years old during
school vacations and weekends.
On October 1st, 2008, Julie
Jackson retired from Krystle Property Management and, along with
Abdul, officially “handed over the
reins” to their children, Krystle
Karimian-Murphy and Derrick
Karimian. Abdul and Julie will remain on as Consultants for Krystle
Property Management. Krystle
Property Management has been
a proud member of the Vallejo
Chamber of Commerce since 1990
and the Chamber congratulates
the entire KPM family on twenty
years in business. 
upcoming events
MEETINGS
Board of Directors
October 21st - noon
Ambassadors
November 4th - 5:30 p.m.
Political Advocacy
November 5th - 9:00 a.m.
Vallejo Business Alliance
Education Roundtable
November 11th - 9:00 a.m.
November 12th - 10:00 a.m.
Economic Development
November 12th - noon
Board of Directors
November 18th - noon
ValNet
Every Wednesday - 1:30 p.m.
AROUND THE CORNER
Vallejo Chamber Business Mixer
1st Pacific Credit Union
@ Baci Ristorante Lounge & Caffe
324 Virginia Street
Thursday, October 23rd
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Vallejo Chamber Business Mixer
Courtyard By Marriott Vallejo-Napa Valley
1000 Fairgrounds Drive
Thursday, November 20th
5:30-7:30 p.m.
City Councilman Michael Wilson is flanked by both generations
of Krystle Property Management, Julie Jackson, Derek
Karimian,Krystle Karimian-Murphy and Abdul Karimian at their
20th Anniversary celebration.
GREG
COMPAGNO
VALLEJO
NISSAN, INC.
3287 Sonoma Blvd
Vallejo, Califonia
(707)643-8291
NAPA
NISSAN, INC.
510 Soscol Avenue
Napa, California
(707)253-1551
For an updated listing of all Chamber and Community
events please check out www.vallejochamber.com
“Your Comfort System Specialist”
License #719381 Insured and Bonded
“Let Our Family Keep
Your Family Comfortable”
2007
(707) 645-0734
1768 Broadway Street • Vallejo, CA 94590
www.a-1guaranteed.com
Best of Solano
2004-2007
Did You Know...
Facts About the Month of October
October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian
Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with a
length of 31 days. The eighth month in the old Roman
calendar, October retained its name (from the Greek
“octo” meaning “eight”) when January and February
were added.
Flower: Calendula or Cosmos • Birthstone: Opal
Astrological Signs:
Libra - Sept. 24 - Oct. 23 • Scorpio - Oct. 24 - Nov. 22
Facts About the Month of November
November is the eleventh month of the year in the
Gregorian Calendar and one of four Gregorian months
with the length of 30 days. November retained its name
(from the Latin novem meaning “nine”) when January
and February were added to the Roman calendar.
Flower: Chrysanthemum
Birthstone: Topaz, Citrine, or Aquamarine
Astrological Signs:
Libra - Sept. 24 - Oct. 23 • Scorpio - Oct. 24 - Nov. 22
560 1st Street, Ste. B108
Benicia, CA 94510
707.745.3939
mlobdell@1stallied.com
Mark Lobdell
President
Financial planning is a lifelong process, designed to address your longterm needs and to accumulate, preserve and transfer your wealth.
Mark Lobdell has been providing Financial Planning Services since
1978 and, with his wealth of experience, will guide you and help you
achieve your goals. As your Financial Advisor, Mark’s goal is to help you
pursue your nancial objectives and live your dreams.
Wealth Accumulation • Wealth Preservation
Retirement Planning • Wealth Transfer
Securities offered through First Allied Securities, Inc.,
A Registered Broker Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC
Did You Know...
Your trusted source for Black & White and
Full Color Digital Printing & Copying
is also your source for...
Wide Format
Color Posters
(up to 36” wide)
Call Us - (707) 647-1000
812 Tennessee Street • Vallejo, CA 94590
web: www.vallejo.minutemanpress.com
Vallejo Business
Rick Wells............
Rich Geist............
Jenny Klimisch.....
Shawn Miller........
Editor
Writer
Graphics/Layout
Photographer
VALLEJO BUSINESS (USPS 001-616) is published monthly by the
Vallejo Chamber of Commerce, 427 York Street, Vallejo, CA 94590.
Periodical postage paid at Vallejo, CA. Subscription rate $12 annually.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Vallejo Business, 427 York
Street, Vallejo, CA 94590.