They call the City Manager position essentially the “CEO” of Union City.  “The City Manager serves as the chief executive officer of the City and is responsible for managing and coordinating all day-to-day operations and administration. “ ~From Union City’s website

During my interview with Tony Acosta he mentions being called by a few other names.

“Boy Scout”

When I asked Tony when and how he first felt called to work in public service.  He began with a story of growing up in Inglewood, CA.  Tony wanted to become a boy scout, nurturing his love of being outdoors.  As we spoke it was clear to me that Tony’s track record proves he chooses to live by that most basic Boy Scout Credo “Try and leave this world a little better than you found it.”

“College Boy”

After graduating from U.C. Berkeley Tony took a job with Oakland’s Parks and Rec department.  There they called him “College Boy” at the beginning when he was perhaps a bit over educated for the entry level job.  Yet, in his 23 year career with Oakland, he eventually worked his way up to become the Director of Parks and Recreation.  His supervisor, who he credits as a mentor, wanted Tony for the job because he was an unbiased new employee.  Tony learned from him the importance of choosing and hiring staff based on their character traits, like loyalty, qualities that are often more important than what is in ones resume.

After a short stint as a consultant Tony Acosta took a position here in Union City serving as Deputy City Manager since 2001, and now as of 2015, our City Manager.  Mr. Acosta discusses the challenges of his leadership position, overcoming budget concerns, and making the tough recommendations of where and how our budget is best spent.  During his years working for Union City he has helped to lead the creation of programs like the New Haven Unified School District’s Kid Zone program and the Youth Violence Prevention  and Intervention Program.  Tony does not, however, take much credit for his accomplishments.  Instead he gives credit to the incredible city employees on staff with him.  

In our interview Tony takes the time to highlight the diverse and well qualified members that serve in our City Council.  He also calls attention to Union City’s Police Department.  Specifically the work our Police Chief and entire department have done to “lead the way on how police-community trust should be built” – From Police Chief McAllister’s letter to Union City Residents

We covered many topics in our talk.  One thing was repeatedly made clear, the pride Tony Acosta has in our diverse city.  

“We are proud that we had the first Japanese American Mayor in American history, just 15 years after he was interred in a  Japanese concentrations camp, Mayor Tom Kityama.  We have always stood for inclusion.  We have always stood for respecting everyone.  I can assure everyone listening…Our community is very diverse…..We have not changed the way that we roll in Union City.  Everyone is welcome.”

 

Show Notes/Links

Reach Tony Acosta:

City Hall

34009 Alvarado-Niles Road

Union City, California 94587

Phone (510) 675-5351

Fax (510) 441-2943

City of Union City Website

City Manager

Union City on Facebook

 

 

Three Pieces of Advice on Health with Dr. Derrell Blackburn

In our interview we discuss so much more than advice on health, don’t miss our conversation, it is full of golden nuggets of advice from beginning to end.

As a life long athlete and student of health, Dr. Derrell Blackburn believes in the human bodies natural ability to heal itself, without unnecessary drugs or surgery.

 

“The power that made your body has the potential to heal you, as long as that system is functioning properly.”

Part of the function of chiropractic care is a clear connected nervous system which allows your brain and body to communicate freely, making it easier for your body to heal and address it’s own needs.  In our interview I ask Derrell for his top three pieces of advice on proactive health.

As Dr. Derrell puts it,

“I want to get the best out of everybody.  I have a passion to maximize everyone’s potential.  I want to play a part in everybody doing their best. “

Derrell grew up as an athlete.  His love of basketball started young, in his parents driveway.  Then in 2005 his basketball team won the Texas State Championship. He went on to Texas A&M Kingsville, on an academic and athletic scholarship, earning a bachelors in Exercise Science.  Today Derrell helps coach a Union City AU basketball team, working with 3rd through 7th grades, out of the Mark Green Sports Center.  Derrell also mentors through Hayward’s College Bound program.

One of Union City’s Brightest Minds, Derrell is a true entrepreneur, he just doesn’t stop.  Four years ago he founded the Connection Cafe: Chiropractic Center in Union City.  For most people, running one thriving business would be enough.  But Derrell also co-founded the Pure Juice and Smoothie Lounge with a goal in mind of making healthy choices easier.  Pure Juice makes juices, smoothies and healthy snacks that are convenient and affordable.  They are kid friendly and fun, with games, art, and music.  

Derrell also serves as President of the Alvarado Historical District Merchants Association, which looks bring more attention to all the great small businesses in Alvarado.   He has brought his passion for helping others to this community in a big way, not only helping patients in his practice, Derrell also teaches at the Life Chiropractic College in Hayward.  It’s another one of his ways of giving back.  Talking with Derrell in our interview, he is full of what else he can do, full of big ideas.  So far all of what he does benefits our Union City community in a big way.

“I want to get people to believe and understand, in 9 months we were created.  There is an intelligence, there is a wisdom, in our bodies, that if communicating properly, has the potential to ignite us.  That is what I love about Chiropractic.  You have an opportunity to let people know everyday that there is something within them that has the potential to be great.” ~ Dr. Derrell Blackburn

Show Links/Notes

Contact Dr. Derrell Blackburn

On Instagram

Connection Cafe Chiropractic

Connection Cafe On Facebook

Pure Juice & Smoothie Lounge

Pure Juice on Facebook

Alvarado Historic District Merchants Association

One of Dr. Derrell’s favorite books!

The Power of Intention, by Wayne Dyer

Stories of Union City History You May Not Know

with Union City Historical Museum Founder Myrla Raymundo

The more you know about the past, the more prepared you are for the future. ~Theodore Roosevelt

Why is the preservation of history important?  How best can we get our kids engaged in local history?  These are some of the questions I asked in our interview.

Listening to Myrla’s story, not just the museum, but her life story, makes it very clear that life is what you make it.  She has lived with purpose and a very clear intention to help others and be in service.

The museum is located in an old fire house in Alvarado.  It was founded through the hard work and perseverance of Myrla Raymundo.

As she describes in our interview,

 “I pleaded and pleaded with the City Council for a building.”

Myrla Raymundo, MBA, Founder and CEO of the museum, is a life long public servant and is the receipt of over 200 awards from various organizations.  She served for several years as Alameda County Commissioner and Union City Commissioner.  President of the Friends of the Union City Library; President of the Filipino-American Assn of Alameda County; and Site Coordinator of the Community Ambassador Program for seniors at St. Anne’s Catholic Parish.  She is also an Author of two books on Union City’s History, “Union City Through the Years” and “Union City Oral History”  and is currently working on a third book.

In our interview Myrla shares stories of the first farm and earliest farmer of Union City, in the 1700’s.  It was located where the Crowne Plaza hotel is today.  The farmer ordered a mail order bride from China and had 18 children whose descendants still live in Union City today.

We also hear of the 1951 plane crash on Decoto Hill that killed 51 people, including the pilot.  Remains of the crash are on display at the museum.

Myrla’s advice for listeners “When you get into a thing… go for it.  Don’t Stop. Go until you reach the top.”  Without Myrla’s hardwork the city would not have a museum.  Her request, come by, share your stories, photo’s and aritfacts so the museum continues for the generations that follow.

Show Links:

Vist the museum at:

3841 Smith St, Union City, CA 94587

Thursday through Saturday 10am to 4pm

Union City Historical Museum

On Facebook

 

 

Collision Done Right

Have you ever been burned by an auto body collision shop?  Chances are you are silently nodding your head right now.

In my conversation with Kathy Mello, and Jason Cocco, owners of  family run T.G.I.F. (To Got It Fixed) Body Shop in Fremont we discuss the most important things for customers to know when they take their car in.  Also explore in depth what sets TGIF apart from the negative reputation many auto body companies have.  

This place is one of the (most) outstanding businesses in Fremont and maybe the Bay Area.   They are professional, honest and friendly.   It is unusual to find businesses like this any longer.  ~Online Review

It’s true, there are not as many family run, successful businesses left these days, however TGIF is one of them.  In business for over 36 years, family run, and with a great reputation, they repair over 1200 cars a year.  

In this interview I speak first with Kathy Mello.  Kathy’s husband Richard Mello started this business in 1980 with his two hands and a tool box.  It’s now run by Kathy and Jason.  They have extremely high standards of care for both the vehicle and the vehicle’s owner.  Priding themselves on owner advocacy when working the insurance companies.  

Kathy Mello focuses outward.  Meeting her in person her sincerity is very obvious to me.  She shared with me that as a company they have decided only to participate in advertising that has some sort of benefit to our community. Like sponsoring local sports teams, and participating in fundraisers.

She is the face of the company in the auto body industry, keeping up to date on the latest tech innovations in an industry that is constantly changing.  

Back in 2006 Kathy attended the first ever Women’s conference for the collision industry.  Now, 11 years later, that conference has grown in to WIN, Women’s Industry Network.  A non profit organization that supports women by providing training and networking and scholarships for women in the collision industry.  

When asked what advice she would give to consumers Kathy says consumers should remember that they call the shots.  And to always ask lot’s of questions.

TGIF’s record of success is no accident, pun intended.  I ask Kathy what she attributes to their success.  

“You have to have the right people and the right culture.  Our employees really care.”  I asked her how do you (as owners) cultivate that?  “We care about them. We see to their needs, provide important benefits. Cross train so that no one feels they can’t take time off.”  

About 35 minutes into the interview I snag Jason Cocco.  Jason shares his story, starting when he would work at TGIF when he was just 16.  Today he had taken over the running of the business.  Customers talk a lot about the personal service they get when the come to TGIF and much of that is due to Jason’s leadership.  We talked about the challenges of a family business. And making the transition from employee to boss, now managing the team he once worked alongside.  

His advice, “Make sure your employees want to follow you.  You have to show them what you want to bring to the table and have everyone be able to be on board with you.  If you have people that aren’t on board… eventually those people are going to fade away, as long as you keep in the right direction as a leader.”

Show Notes & Links

TGIF Body Shop

(510) 490-1342

4595 Enterprise St.

Fremont, Ca 94538

TGIFAUTO.com

On Facebook

On Yelp

Marine. Mentor. Musician. Giver.

I truly enjoyed sitting down with Gilbert in person for our interview.  I often conduct interviews using Skype, it saves time, which is crucial for my busy show guests.  So it was a special treat having Gilbert come to meet with me.

I met Gilbert through Mike. Mike has known him since he was 14 years old.  Gilbert was an early mentor in his life and is still a big brother to Mike. Mike has shared with me many times how the influence from Gilbert has benefited him, showing him what it means to have a strong work ethic, be a provider, and a leader.

I was curious and excited to talk with Gilbert.  A common theme in our conversation – Gilbert takes no credit.  He is Humble with a capital H.  It isn’t about him.

When I asked him for advice on how young people can gain the most from a relationship with a mentor, he says

“They just have to listen,  They already have everything they need to succeed.”  He adds “They need to be a little crazy and go for it.”  

When we spoke about his apprentices at the Auto Body shops he’s owned he says,

“They already had the talent.”  

Gilbert Robledo is a man who see’s the best that is inside the people around him.  And, he cares enough to bring the best out.

Gilbert Robledo is a man of many talents.  As a mentor and friend to many, Union City native, Gilbert shares his story with us.  We are lucky to have him as a part of our community.  A leader, yet he is soft spoken and humble, and in our interview we discuss his achievements.  A lifetime musician, currently a Drummer with Mas Mojo a soul and funk band.

Gilbert is an honored veteran, a US Marine.  As an expert in his field of Auto Body he is renowned for his skills in restoration, custom, and collision work. Former owner of Gilbert’s Body and Paint he passed his tradition and reputation down to the new owner.  

Gilbert shares what mentorship has meant in his life and the mentorship he passes on to others.  He shares about the times he feels he has made the biggest difference in the lives of people around him.

Together with the Bay Bombs Car Club, which Gilbert has been a member of for the past 8 years, Gilbert’s 15th Annual Toy Drive will take place this Saturday, December 3rd, 2016, from 10am to 4pm.  Bring an unwrapped toy or a $10 donation for admission and come enjoy the food and music and community coming together to give back.  The auction, MC’d by JJ Amaya of the Lowriding with JJ show, raises money selling crafts made by our local community.  The money raised is for gifts to teens who are often left out with holiday toy drives.  It’s a special cause.

Listen to our conversation to hear Gilbert’s story of how the Toy Drive came about and how it’s grown to what it is today.   

For more Info Check Out these SHOW LINKS:

Gilbert Robledo on Facebook

For Info on the Annual Toy Drive

Mas Mojo

Bay Bombs Car Club

Gilberts Body and Paint

Baked from scratch, made with the highest quality ingredients. Seasonal, local, and an ever changing menu.  What more is there to ask for  in a local bakery?  How about savory pies, quiches and turkey pies?  Soups, salads and sandwiches?

Or how about classes on baking and cooking?  How to make puff pastries and pies working side by side with the bakers and going home with your own pie?

Carolyn doesn’t stop there.  They also host dinners, a fun casual night of food sometimes with live jazz, always BYOB.

Niles Pie Company Owner Carolyn Berke has been baking for a long time.  She is a 20 year resident of

Niles, raising her son here.  She started Niles Pie company selling pies out of Mr. Mickey’s and expanded from there.  She used Kickstarter to help establish her retail location here in Union City.  They are at the Farmer’s Markets listed at the bottom of this page too. They have a Pie Club, and recently added a new reusable Pie Box with a a grant from StopWaste helping you earn free Pie while reducing waste.

“Really Enjoy doing the grunt work.”  

I think it’s a great indicator of whether or not you’ve chosen the right profession.  It’s also important as a leader, to be willing and able to do the work you expect each and every person working for you to do.  

There were other indicators of what a great boss Carolyn is.  Her staff and their giant smiles.  The Laotian BBQ night they hosted for dinner is another.  

The biggest one however is the fact that Carolyn is getting ready to turn Co-op.  Meaning she is giving pieces of her company to her staff so they can all be invested owners.  

It takes a very special leader to work and toil to build up a successful business with a huge community following and then to decide to share a part of that success with the staff that helped you get there.  

 

 

 

Show Links:

Niles Pie Company

Niles Pie on Facebook

Niles Pie on Instagram

At these Farmers’ Markets, weekly, year-round:

Fridays 8-2: Old Oakland Farmers’ Market

Saturdays 8-2: Niles Farmers’ Market

Sundays 9-1: Montclair Village Farmers’ Market

Thursdays,4-8 p.m: May-September: Livermore Farmers’ Market

Three Amazing Organizations Making an Impact in our Local Community.

 

 

 

 

Each of these causes are important.  As we conducted these interviews I noticed the women featured have something in common.  Dr. Vera Packard Executive Director of Hers Foundation, Helen Kennedy Executive Director of New Haven Schools Foundation, and Patty Breslin, Social Enterprise director for Saint Vincent de Paul. Each of these women enjoyed successful careers in their fields and each chose to make a cha nge.  The common thread in each story, is a moment when the chose to use their amazing skills and professional expertise to make a difference in our community.  We are grateful for their leadership.

HERS Breast Cancer Foundation Executive Director Dr. Vera Packard is passionate about helping breast cancer survivors.  Originally from Brazil, Vera specializes in breast disease and breast cancer.

The mission of the HERS Breast Cancer Foundation is to support all women healing from breast cancer by providing post-surgical products and services regardless of financial status.  They fill a gap if there is no insurance or if coverage is not enough. They provide quality products and emotional support.

Recently, on September 24th the HERS Foundation held the 17th Annual Walk/Run Community Expo with over a 1,000 people in attendance.  The even was a success yet they were only $900 short of the goal to raise $15,000 in order to recieve a matching grant from the East Bay Foundation.  Vera and everyone that was a part of the event is hoping they can raise the remaining funds to meet their goal, please click the link below to contribute.

 

New Haven Schools Foundation Executive Director Helen Kennedy is a committed giver.  Growing up here in Union City she is a product of our local schools.  Her corporate career  in marketing and consulting makes her especially well suited to lead the NHSF, expanding it’s reach and ability in our community.

NHSF helps our schools, students, and staff in so many ways.  They provide scholarships, tutoring, grants, and fund extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.  Where ever the the help is needed.

The New Haven Schools Foundation is gearing up for the Denim and Diamonds Gala Event.  The event hosts Casino night, an Auction, and Line Dancing.  It will be held November 18th, 2016, link below.

 

Saint Vincent de Paul’s Social Enterprise Director Patty Breslin comes to us from the tech sector

and has taken on, among other things, the operations at the local SVDP Thrift store on Decoto Rd in Fremont.  Patty is bringing high tech to Thrift in a much needed way.

Saint Vincent de Paul is an organization many are already familiar with.  They have a long history of charitable works.  When you don ate your unneeded items to SVDP the proceeds from the sales fund a wide array of programs and assistance for those in need.   Anything ranging from replacing worn furniture, to feeding the hungry, to job training, and sheltering the homeless.  This holiday season in the Fremont store there will be a special display of a collection of over 250 Nativity scene displays collected from a former board president.  The nativity sets will go on sale in December.

All three of these inspiring ladies have stated that any amount helps.  We choose to give and volunteer locally, to make an impact here at home.  We ask, whatever it is you have to give, whether it’s donating your belongings, your money, or your time, give what you can.

SHOW NOTES/LINKS:

HERS Breast Cancer Foundation

HERS Donate with PayPal

HERS on Facebook

 

 

 

 

The Hidden Gem of Union City

Where can you find a great spot to eat and have a drink, a hidden gem, right here in Union City?  Chaplin’s Sports Bistro is giving us all a needed break from chain restaurants.  A place to watch the game, and have a local craft beer, with some great food.  A place any woman can enjoy even if she’s not a sports fan, with a crafted cocktail made with freshly pressed juices.  Servers and staff who love where they work and make you feel at home when you walk in the door.  

In my conversation with Alfred Anderson, the owner of Chaplin’s we break down what makes Chaplin’s a success. It is no accident.  Alfred is an East Bay native, who worked for years in the hospitality industry.  Bartending in a local major chain restaurant, Alfred grew frustrated.  He wasn’t able to make the changes he wanted to make since it wasn’t his place.

So Alfred made the jump, investing in a business of his own.  He put all of his knowledge, his high standards, and big ideas into creating the restaurant and bar he envisioned, and Chaplin’s is the result.

We dive into his journey from College to traveling the world, and the lessons learned that he eventually brought back home.  Hear his story of a simple yet perfectly crafted, Jack and Coke Alfred had in Japan, that was part of his inspiration to bring something different to the East Bay.

Chaplin’s has become a go-to spot for many to catch the Warriors games and UFC fights with tables filling up an hour before game time.  The last few years have been great for Sports in the Bay Area.  From the Giants winning the World Series, to our Championship Warriors.  It’s also a Beer Lover’s destination with 4 rotating taps from mostly local breweries, and a large curated selection of bottled craft beers.  There is a beer revolution going on around us.  A culture has formed around beer, much like wine enthusiasts, with Beer Apps that allow people to find or discover new favorite micro breweries.   

Alfred shares his story of where the name Chaplin’s came from.  We also talk about his challenges in running his business and his advice on how best to handle them.

“Problems are going to happen you won’t always have the answers right away and you can’t take care of everything all at once, that’s just going to stress you out. Things take time and you can’t control everything.”

I asked Alfred for his advice, as an entrepreneur, on being able to make it work.

“If I know I gave it my all and do everything I can to make them have a good experience it makes it easier for me to sleep at night

Keeping a smile on my face is going to go a long way towards people having a good time when they come to my establishment.” – Alfred Anderson

 

Show Links:

Chaplin’s Website

Facebook

Yelp

Getting to Know the Mayor of Union City

As a resident and community member of any Bay Area town, do you feel your voice is heard?  Do you have thoughts on how our communities could be improved?  

Are you someone that speaks up and voices your thoughts?  Do you believe that when the community’s opinions are heard it makes a difference for all of us?

Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci’s career as a city leader and elected official began by speaking up about her thoughts and opinions.  She listened to her fellow students during her time at James Logan High School when she was student body vice president.  She listens to our citizens now, sharing their thoughts on improving our city.  In our interview we reminisce on her upbringing in Decoto, before the town of Union City was even incorporated.  I asked her what Union City was like in those days and how our city has changed.  

Mayor Carol has lived here her whole life.  She stayed in Union City while attending college at Chabot and Cal State East Bay (Formerly Cal State Hayward) earning her BA in Psychology and Master’s degree in Taxation.   She has run her tax practice here in Alvarado for over 30 years.

Her list of Civic Service is extensive and impressive.  Just of few of her former titles, Alameda County Housing Commissioner for 13 years, past President of the New Haven Schools Foundation, past President of the Washington Hospital Health Foundation, and past President of the Union City Lions Club.  She served 13 years on the Union City Council, with 3 of those as Vice Mayor.  She has currently served as the Mayor of Union City for the last 4 years.  This year she is up for Re-Election.

Mayor Carol is pretty passionate when it comes to why it is important for everyone to get involved in our city government and programs.  

    “Take a council meeting for example, if there is an issue that people are really passionate about … those that care show up.  But you also have the majority of the people who stay home. As an elected official you can’t just play to the audience… you have to make a decision based on the community wide, and what you think the community wants.  Not just because of the 50 people standing in front of you yelling.  And that’s why the community involvement is so important.  To pick up the phone or the computer and send an email to your elected officials and let them know what you are thinking about because otherwise, if they don’t have a gage of how the community feels, then the 50 people that are screaming in the front may have things done their way, to the detriment of the greater amount of the people.” ~Carol Dutra-Vernaci

The Mayor shares what makes her proudest about Union City.  The CAREavan program for homeless families.  Our upcoming Citizens Academy.  

Also, what she feels are the most important needs here now, like the Dumbarton Rail Project to ease traffic.  The housing shortage, and in-affordability, that the entire Bay Area is facing, which led her and three other City Council members to form the Rent and Tenant Task Force.  

Some people are natural leaders, Mayor Carol is one of them.  When I asked where her deep-seated drive for leadership comes from she says,

     “Being involved and knowing how good it feels when you are able to help somebody.  People come to you and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got problem.’ So you start helping and it just grows from there.”  ~Mayor Carol

I appreciated her opening up about her greatest challenges, some of which we can all relate too. Like trying to find the best work-life balance.  Some problems only the toughest people are capable of taking on.  It’s a part of the consequences and the triumphs of leadership.  Our show is called Union City Advice Givers for a reason and Mayor Dutra-Vernaci delivers with some great advice.

Links:

CarolForMayor.com

 

What is the most common misconception about chiropractic care?  Would you like to effectively treat allergies?  How about infertility, and top notch prenatal care?  Childhood neurological disorders like autism?  Or prevent injuries?

 

All of the above can be treated without the need for prescription medications.  As with any medical treatment results are never guaranteed but Chiropractic care is NOT limited to treating neck and back pain.  

As Dr. Morgan explains in simple terms “Going to the Chiropractor only for neck or back pain is like going to Starbucks for only a cup of Black Coffee”  

Listen to our conversation, as we dive deep into a simple understanding of why Chiropractic health strengthens our entire body and immune system.  I found this discussion absolutely fascinating and I know it will bring hope to a lot of people who are currently suffering.

“I put the trust in the body, I do what I need to do, and the outcome will be perfect given what your body needs.”  ~Dr. Morgan Oberstein

Connection Cafe: Chiropractic Center is an innovative practice on many levels.  The membership style pricing and whole family care plans make chiropractic care within reach of most of our community financially.  Dr. Morgan Oberstein and Dr. Derrell Blackburn opted for open ‘drop-in’ hours instead of appointments making life easier for everyone.  

I asked Dr. Morgan, who earned her degree at UCLA and was a collegiate athlete, where she learned to differentiate h er practice from the norm in such a successful way.  She blames her parents. Both Chiropractors themselves.  Dr. Morgan shares how growing up in her home, reinforced her belief in the need for great chiropractic care for whole families from prenatal to babies, to growing children, parents and grandparents. Now she sometimes gets to treat 3 generations at once.  

She also includes her lifetime love of Lacrosse, serving as team captain during her years at UCLA and continuing to coach at Newark Memorial High School’s new lacrosse program to this day, for teaching her leadership. And for creating the habit of striving to do everything in excellence.

Dr. Morgan serves as president of Hands for Life Union City.  She shares her inspiring story of helping thousands of patients in India with a group of 30-40 Chiropractors.  About 25 minutes into our interview she tells a very touching story about her role in helping a mother achieve her dream delivery.  It moved me deeply.  We are lucky to have such caring practitioners here in Union City.  

Connection Cafe on Facebook

http://www.connectioncafechiropractic.com/

Dr. Morgan  on Instagram

Hands for Life Union City