Delta Living Magazine Summer 2019 by Delta Living Magazine

delta living SUMMER EDITION 2019

magazine

SOMERSVILLE TOWNE CENTER NO LONGER A GHOST TOWN RAMAR FOODS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com 1

A BEACON OF LIGHT GUIDED TO GRANTING AN ELDERLY WISH

A RIVER LESS TRAVELED FOR THE PERFECT SUMMER VACATION

stores matter

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

in this issue… 10

delta BEAUT Y: When to break up with your hair

delta HEALTH: Unhappy, In Debt, or Over weight?

delta COMMUNIT Y: Meals on Wheels

delta COMMUNIT Y: East Bay Dress

delta TRAVELS: A River Less Traveled

delta WEALTH: Retire with Dignity

cover STORY: Sommersville Towne Center

delta SPIRITUALIT Y: Can I Have Your Number?

delta HAUNTINGS: Apar tment #666

delta BUSINESS: A RAMARkable Family Business

delta GREENS: Be Your Plants Guiding Light

delta SILVER LINGINGS: A Beacon of Light

delta DINING: The Sweet Tast of Sugar on the Delta

ADVERTORIAL: …As a Matter of Fact

30 4

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

A real estate company with a purpose. Helping families find their place in the world.

Chris Strange Lic#01937125 Cell #408-910-4712 Chris.strange@compass.com chrisstrange.realscout.com

Photo courtesy of Torry Gorry deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

from the publisher… TEXT US DIRECTLY

925.322.1936 DeltaLivingMag.com Glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com

After purchasing the publication in 2017 I just couldn’t find my place within the area in which I wanted to focus on. Trying to just “put” out the magazine was a challenge because I felt like it wasn’t mine in its’ entirety.Then after taking a business class and getting a business coach I learned that the publication I purchased was someone else’s dream not mine. I had to make it “mine”. So after hiatus for the winter, I researched and interviewed people of the East Bay Delta region as to what they were looking for in a publication. Going out to events and fundraisers I learned there were a lot of stories to tell. People wanted to be involved with the publication to help them “connect” to others throughout the area of the Delta. Amazing some did not even know about some of the businesses and services that we had to offer here. Was the struggle real? You bet! I kept carrying on amongst the naysayers, haters and the obvious. So to the people who have been true to me through this process I am truly grateful for the support. As to those of you that believe in putting one down just to make you rise above…well I wish you the best of luck.

PUBLISHER Glenda Kugler - Glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Conrad Borba - borbacreative@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Randy Cook • Mary Cardenas • Wendy Turner Michelle McClintok • Emily Wesolek • Cha-Cha-Cha Michelle Paxton • Chuck Dybdal Deb Gatt • Tammy Larsen PHOTOGRAPHERS East Bay Photography • Mike & Mike Media Shaun Samuels Photography COPY EDITORS Wendy Turner • Marchelle Johnson • Randy Cook

t pets purrFec WINTE

great and

all creatu

res…

small

8 R 201

m ag az in

ial Oils Essent Pet 18 & Your Turner Wendy

SALES & MARKETING

the Gr ieving pet a loss of dlison Maura

RoniSue Morris r S. Go Jennife

WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA Randy Cook - thesirrara@yahoo.com

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

ppm .com

magazine

TR U S Tldsmith 21

Glenda (White) Kugler | Publisher Glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com

delta li ving Pick up your copy today at one of our high traffic Celebrat

ing Delta

FEBR UARY

Living

– APRI L 2018

Lifestyles

m ag az ine

Tork

deltaliving

We In Pets

So as you turn each page of this newly inspired Delta Living Magazine while reading the stories from our wonderful contributors that now have their own section, please be motivated to patronize the businesses that have been a big wall of support while this process of rebranding, re-launching was in effect. Delta Living Magazine is now bi-monthly, meaning every two months. We will continue to offer free magazines at over 150 high traffic locations throughout the East Bay Delta region. If you cannot wait to get your “new” magazine, subscribe and have it directly mailed to your home. Stay tuned for the “new” Delta Living Pets. Formally “Purrfect Pets magazine”. Which comes out opposite of Delta and is bi-monthly as well. Until the next issue, enjoy, pass along and be inspired to connect with the lifestyles of the California Delta region.

pets purrfect magazine

locations, go to www.deltalivingmag.com for more information

A LL IE

February

SE AL EY

GO OD BY E AN TIO HE LLO NA SH VIL CH LE

– April 2018

EDDIE

HART

from tra gedy to triump Rockin' h n Rollin' Dir Girl Sty ty le Cha Cha

dlm delta livin

g magazin ag.com e

deltalivingm

Delta Living Magazine is published quarterly on recycled paper. Copyright© 2012. Single copy price $6 in U.S.A. on 100% recycled paper. $25 for annual subscription. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in the U.S.A. E-zine version available. Contact glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com, 925.206.4248 or visit deltalivingmag.com.

All rights reserved. No part of any issue of Delta Living Magazine, be it editorial content, photographs or advertising design, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means; electronic, mechanical, photocopy, or any other format, without the prior permission of the publisher. All facts, opinions and statements appearing within this publication are those of the writers and editors themselves and are in no way to be construed as statements, positions, views or endorsements by the publisher of Delta Living Magazine. Accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. Due to uncertain nature of U.S. Postal Service and third party freight services, Delta Living Magazine does not guarantee delivery of said publication by any specific date.

NATIONALLY, 1 IN 6 SENIORS FACES HUNGER.

ide s n i e d si lle teid n a c d o i e L t v s r e l e l i LocaSoem rsv Cee ter n r m o S ownC eie n et d s e T n wdni o e t T a c lle i Lo v s r Some Center e Town

08/01/2018 DLM

good at this location only

YOU CAN HELP CHANGE STATISTICS ON A LOCAL LEVEL

Volunteering for 1-2 hrs per week can bring positive change to the lives of seniors in your community who struggle with hunger and isolation.

08/01/2018 DLM

good at this location only

good at this location on

08/01/2018 DLM

good at this location only

2550 Somersville Rd, Antioch, CA 94509 2550 Somersville Rd, Antioch, CA 9450 2550 Somersville Rd, Antioch, CA 94509 2550 Somersville Rd, Antioch, CA 94509 06/31/2019 DLM DLM 08/01/2018

good at this location only

06/31/2019DLM DLM 08/01/2018

good at this location only

To learn more about volunteer opportunities please visit

www.mowdiabloregion.org

2550 Somersville Rd, Antioch, CA 94509

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

Glenda Kugler OWNER/PUBLISHER Glenda has been in the East Bay since 2014, moving here from Nebraska. She has been in sales and marketing for over 18 years. Prior to sales she was a medical/lab assistant for over 20 years. Always having a passion for writing she ended up purchasing Delta Living Magazine in 2017. When she isn’t raising her special needs nephew, she is busy being a rescue agent in which she has been since 1996. Glenda resides in Antioch with her fiancé Shane and her rescue buddies. She can be reached at Glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com

Casey Quist PHOTOGRAPHER Casey Quist is the owner and operator of East Bay Photography. Casey is a well known, highly reviewed, and highly trusted east bay area photographer. Casey has a reputation for helping the clients she photographs look and feel comfortable and have fun during her photo-shoots. Her work has been featured in publications nationally and recently, she was asked to be a guest on the TV show DivaTalk with Kelda Williams on channel 20 KOFY to talk about empowering women with boudoir photography.

Randy Cook WEB DESIGNER

Randy Cook is a web, graphic designer and small film maker by trade. He also enjoys writing. Randy has studied ghosts, demons, and more which make his “Stories of the Macabre” fun to read. Growing up in Nebraska he has entertained a life of the arts. He traveled around the United States; acting troupe, appeared in cable shows, wrote for the school papers, and filming videos for local rescues for their events & other social media as well as fun horror videos. When not doing the life he was meant to do, Randy enjoys his two rescue dogs, Roxy and Dusty. Randy can be reached at thesirrara@yahoo.com

Shaun Samuels

contributors

Wendy Lou Turner

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

COPY EDITOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Conrad is a graphic and web designer, who spent much time in his youth drawing and creating, with his earliest memories of working on a computer as a kindergartner. He studied graphic and web design in college. With over 10 years experience in graphic design and eight years as a freelancer, Borba stays abreast industry standards in order to provide his clients with fresh and new ideas. Reach him at conradborba@gmail.com or call/text (209) 481-5004.

Michael Pohl PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Pohl is an award winning portrait photographer in the Historic Rivertown District of Antioch, California. He loves creating unique artwork that his clients will enjoy for generations to come. Michael is a member of the Antioch Rotary Club, The Antioch Chamber Of Commerce, and is the second chair of the Antioch High School Linked Learning Advisory Board. Michael is part owner of Mike and Mike Media with Mike Burkholder. He can be reached at 925-783-0181.

Emily Wesolek WRITER Emily, who has a passion for making those around her feel great, is a licensed Cosmetologist since 2009 and works as a hair stylist in Brentwood. She’s also a Certified Cosmetology Instructor and taught at Paris Beauty College in Concord. Writing is another talent of hers since she was young. Always willing and eager to learn new beauty techniques, Emily loves her career. Got hair questions? Reach her at emilyw1722@gmail.com.

Mary Cardenas

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaun Samuels of Shaun Samuels Photography is a local resident of Brentwood, CA. When he’s not taking photo’s, he works full time at helping people with career development as a business services manager with Opportunity Junction, which is a local nonprofit in Antioch, CA. His goal is to be the photographer that his clients can have fun, feel confident, and figure out what to do with their hands when taking a photo! Follow him on Instagram and Facebook. Shaun can be reached at shaunsamuelsphotography@gmail.com

Conrad Borba

WRITER Mary Cardenas has been a psychic and conjurer since birth. Her gift has been passed down through many generations. Mary enjoys helping people in dealing with blocks in their life whether it is emotional, physical, personal, or professional. She also is conjure of Hoodoo (good juju) and designs specific items for her clients. A native of Omaha, NE. Mary enjoys her fur babies when she isn’t helping others. She can be reached at dreamingorchids@gmail.com

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

Wendy Turner, CINHC, AADP is the owner of Turner Insurance Services and Glow Wellness and Herbs; she has been helping people find their GLOW since 2011. She recently added “living benefits insurance” to that list. Wendy is striving to help people get healthy and check their policies for a stress free living. She is currently licensed in four states. Wendy enjoys writing and editing for Delta Living Magazine and Delta Living Pets. Living in Oakley for over ten years with her husband she enjoys camping, and spending time with her rescue dogs. Wendy can be reached at turnerinsuranceservice@gmail.com

Marchelle Johnson PROOFREADER Marchelle is administrative assistant at Somersville Towne Center. She enjoys volunteering for local nonprofits and editing and writing articles. She lives in Antioch with her husband.

Michelle McClintock WRITER Michelle McClintock is a highly effective Transformational Coach & Energy Healer who specializes in working with people to help them shift their energy to live a more harmonious and vibrant life. She draws on her years of experience to create real and lasting healing in her clients. She lives in Concord with her family, 3 cats and 2 dogs. Find out more at www.tunedinwellness.com or 408-891-0090.

Tammy Larson WRITER Tammy Larsen is the owner of Almost There Travel in Antioch. She has been a travel consultant for over twelve years. She enjoys traveling with family and friends all over the world. While she keeps up with all the changing styles of the travel industry she always makes sure that her clients are number one. Her passion for travel has now come to writing about these places in Delta Living Magazine. Tammy resides in Brentwood CA. with her husband. Almost There Travel is located in the Rivertown district of Antioch at 506 West 2nd Street. She can be reached at paradice95@comcast.com

Cha-Cha Cha WRITER | EDITOR Cha has been part of the East Bay Delta scene for many years. Retired from teaching at the local schools and from the Bethel Island Chamber of Commerce she enjoys writing for Delta Living Magazine and oversees her Bethel Island “Rocker” page. Living on the “island” is fun and relaxing for Cha, when she is not enjoying her retirement or traveling, you may find her in the garden or painting rocks. She can be reached at deltachacha@outlook.com

RoniSue Morris SALES & MARKETING RoniSue Morris has been a resident of the Bay area most of her life. She has been in advertising and marketing for over fifteen years. Making relationships that last a life time, Sue currently lives in Bethel Island taking part in the Island’s activities and assisting her fiancé in his limousine service “Reliable Rides”. When she isn’t working Sue enjoys time on the Delta and with friends and family. Sue can be reached at ads.deltalivingmag@gmail.com

Chuck Dybdal WRITER Chuck Dybdal has covered sports for six decades for the Madera Daily Tribune, Los Angeles Herald Examiner, Contra Costa Times and Daily Racing Form. He has also been actively involved with nonprofit arts and hunger programs since returning home to Pittsburg.

Debbie Gatt PLANTSCAPE DESIGNER & WRITER Debbie is owner and design consultant of Indoor Eden, an interior plantscape design business. Debbie belongs to the Discovery Bay Yacht Club and Corvette Club; she’s on a bowling league, does Zumba and boating and enjoys traveling the world. Her favorite pastime is being with family and friends. Reach her at debbie@indooreden.com.

ON COVER: Photo provided by East Bay Photography featuring the "A-Team" from Somersville Towne Centre.

Beauty Professionals

ton•ic: verb; “to give the feeling of invigorating well-being.”

Our contemporary urban environment welcomes you with skilled beauty professionals to carry out your every hair and nail vision. Mention this ad and receive 10% off of any retail purchase.

Stations for rent part & full time

Hours Tuesday - Friday: 9 am - 7 pm Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm Sunday - Monday: Closed

We strive for a reputation for creating distinctive looks, delivering impeccable service and selecting products to support your style.

Hair

Nails

Retail

• Professional Cuts • Expert Color Applications: Bayalage, Baby Lights, Color Melting, Color Corrections • Special Occasion Styling • Keratin Treatments • Hair Extentions

• Hard Gel • Acrylic Enhancements • Chrome/Halo Chrome • Gel Polish • Swarovski Crystals

• Alfa Parf Milano • IGK • J Beverly Hills • Amika • Keratin Complex • Trissola

Located in the Shops at Country Club 390 W. Country Club Dr. Suite E Brentwood, CA 94513 Call Ton.ic at 925-679-7996 or message us on Facebook for appointments deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

delta BEAUTY

When to break free from your hair By Emily Wesolek

emstylist17@gmail.com

any of us women do a lot to our hair. We color, highlight, perm, blow-dry, flatiron, and curl our hair, among other things. And we tend to do these harsh things to our hair on a daily basis. So, when do we ever really give our hair a break? Or do we? As a professionally (and licensed) hair stylist, I always educate my clients about their hair. I don’t preach just to preach about hair; I preach so my clients hair stays healthy, shiny, strong, and well-maintained so they can essentially go a little longer between hair appointments. We’ve all fallen victim of not having enough time in the morning to get ready for the day as well as wash and blow-dry our hair. I know many of us try to go a day or two between washing our hair. But when that morning comes where we need to wash and blow-dry our hair, we tend to turn 10

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

the blow-dryer on the highest and hottest setting, thinking our hair will “dry faster” because there’s a hotter heat coming out of the blow-dryer. Unfortunately, what this is really doing is overheating your hair, meaning your hair is being tortured by excessive heat. Another thing we fall victim to is turning our curling iron and flat iron on the highest heat setting. A lot of these hot tools can reach up to 450 degrees (sometimes higher). In my many years of being behind the chair, I’d say most client’s hair do not need their tools this high. Like the blow-dryer, it will burn your hair. Don’t believe me? There are lots of videos of people who claim they know what they’re doing and that they’re using the “right” product to protect their hair, only for their hair to literally melt off, which leaves them with a short chunk of hair. So, here’s what you can do to give your hair a break. First of all – put the blow-dryer down. And back away. Let your hair air dry instead.Try washing your hair at night and then all you have to do is flat-

iron or curl your hair in the morning. It’ll save you time and it’s one less hot tool on your hair. Secondly, make sure to use professional hair products on your hair. And by professional, I mean products you buy from an actual salon – not Safeway, Walmart, CVS, etc. I always use a leave-in conditioner and an oil or serum on every one of my clients (even on some of my male clients). Lastly, when you do opt to use your blow-dryer, flatiron, and/or curling iron, turn down the heat! (I usually say to not go above 350 degrees.) Another way to give your hair a break is to try to go a little longer between your hair coloring appointments.You can also try talking with your hairstylist to see what color services would be good for your hair while trying to upkeep the health and integrity of your hair. These are just a few easy ways to give your hair a break so it can recoup and become stronger, longer, and healthier. Try these tips and I’m sure your hair will feel even more amazing! dlm

Learn How to Retire with DIGNITY! FREE RETIREMENT SEMINAR

Are you AFRAID you are going to OUTLIVE your savings? Do you LOSE money in your plan when the market falls? Would you like to learn how to legally have TAX-FREE* income? (*Based on IRS tax code 7702) Learn how to save for retirement in a way that you are guaranteed to NEVER LOSE any of your hard earned money, AND you can have GUARANTEED RETIREMENT INCOME FOR LIFE, TAX-FREE*! Sound too good to be true? I promise it’s not! This seminar is FREE of charge and can make a huge difference in your retirement and your life!

You’re never too young to start saving for your future and it’s NOT TOO LATE! Seminar is held multiple times each month in Concord and Fairfield.

Go to Eventbrite.com and search Retire with Dignity for available FREE tickets.

Text, call or email me with any questions. Wendy Turner - 925-428-0187 CA Ins. License: #0M06742 turnerinsuranceservice@gmail.com wendyturner.freedomequitygroup.com

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

delta HEALTH

Unhappy, In Debt, Or Overweight? By Michelle McClintock and Jolen Philbrook

re you struggling with your weight or finances? If you are like most people I’m sure there has been a time in your life where either one, or both, were a problem. The same was true for one of our clients. Here’s her story. Anna looked at her weight journal and thought about what could have caused her ongoing weight and money issues. She always fluctuated those same 20 pounds, always on another diet, and always struggling to make ends meet. She’d put on 20 pounds when she lost her house and had to move back in with family. Then she was diagnosed with breast cancer and gained another 20 pounds. She tried everything to lose the weight and get financially ahead. She felt so stressed out and often used food to soothe her emotions. She noticed as her weight went up, her income went down. She felt insecure and out of control. She just wanted to give up her business and stop obsessing about her weight, it all seemed too hard. This story is all too familiar for thousands of female entrepreneurs who have big dreams of having their 12

own business. They see themselves with loads of clients and making tons of money. But when it doesn’t happen that way, they feel defeated. They beat themselves up, want to go into hiding and wonder what they’re doing wrong. This can lead to overwhelm, overeating and overspending. You might not realize how much your past can get in the way of having a successful business. Most of us have

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

unconscious beliefs about money and weight that we’re not even aware of. If you believe that rich people are greedy, you may be sabotaging your own efforts to make money! Or you might think “I have to lose weight to be successful” and if you fear success it’s safer to stay overweight. But the truth is, your business will be successful when you decide to show up authentically, the way you are in this moment.

Here are 5 tips to experience the abundance you deserve: • Explore your beliefs about weight and money. What did you learn growing up? Ask yourself if these beliefs are true. • Forgive yourself and move forward. Now that you know the connection between weight and money you can begin to form a new relationship with both. • Become comfortable with the thought of being successful in both your business and your health. Visualize this daily by seeing yourself healthy and making the income you desire. What are you doing, wearing? How are you feeling? Notice how you’re walking taller and feeling confident. • Use daily affirmations such as “I am experiencing success in all areas of my life!” • Jump in! Take the first step to showing up for yourself today. Try doing a Facebook live, going to a networking event, or seeking out support. Believe you deserve to have the life of your dreams. It is within your reach, it is for you, it is okay to ask for more. For more information on getting support, visit our website at www. brokeandoverweight.com and join our next program, you deserve it! dlm

• • • •

Intuitive Coaching Pranic Healing Women’s Circles Workshops

I OFFER: To help women uncover and heal from emotional blocks that hold them back from living a full and vibrant life. One-onone, group coaching and healing sessions available in person or via Skype. I HELP WITH: anxiety • stress • overwhelm • life transitions self esteem • food freedom • mindset

Schedule your FREE 30-min consultation today! 925.768.3662 michelle@tunedinwellness.com

www.tunedinwellness.com deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

delta COMMUNITY

Meals on Wheels "local area residents joined in for the annual March for Meals in downtown Brentwood in March"

Photos courtesy of Meals on Wheels and Mike & Mike Media

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

East Bay Dress day was held at Somersville Towne Center in February sponsored by Delta Living Magazine. Girls highschool age get to come and pick out everything to go to the prom. It is all free thanks to the generous donations of local businesses and the community.

Photos courtesy of Shaun Samuels photography

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

Delta TRAVELS

A River Less Traveled Pictures courtesy of Almost There Travel

iver Cruising has never been more desirable than now. The river cruise market is exploding. New ships every year are being built and the demand is high. The Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Seine, Mekong, Mississippi and Snake are all very desirable rivers with many small cities/villages to see along the way. Each morning you draw back your curtains in your cabin to see a new work of art, a castle perched on a hillside, a vineyard, or a quaint chapel with spires looming above its roof tops.You'll look out your balcony and understand that this is more about the journey than the destination. So many reasons why people are talking more and more about river cruising. My experience was this. 1. Most everything was included. Cruise (lodging), Day Tours (excellent choices), transportation, wine/beer at meals and delicious prepared meals. 16

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

2. Small number of people on the ship. Most vessels are less than 200 passengers, making it easy to navigate while on the ship and making friends is memorable. 3. See small quaint towns that are considered land locked by the large cruise lines. You can easily step off and begin exploring. We got off the ship after dinner and walked into town to discover a carnival in a town square. 4. River Cruising does not discriminate. Disney has even gotten into the river cruising market. No longer mature passengers idly sitting around. With the culture, history and activities incorporated into the exploration of new destinations, its no wonder the appeal has grown. 5. with almost all included, the cost once on board is minimal. Cruise lines are offering some inexpensive air pricing opportunities as well as free pre and post nights. Next comes choosing your cruise line. Viking, AmaWaterways, American Queen Steamboat, Sce-

nic or Uniglobe are just a few.Visit your local travel advisor and pick up some brochures to take home to peruse the many river cruise options. What's nice about working with your travel advisor is you can sit down and discuss what your ideal river cruise entails. Travel Advisors have experienced river cruising or work very close with reps from each cruise line who are also very experienced river cruisers. So start planning now, because your adventure awaits you. dlm

Tammy Larsen-Owner 506 W. 2nd St. Antioch, Ca. 94509 (925) 238-0001 www.almosttheretravelagency.com

YOU'RE ALMOST THERE, WHEN YOU BEGIN WITH US

TAMMY LARSEN Owner 506 W. 2ND STREET ANTIOCH, CA 94509

ART EX

(925) 238-0001 paradice95@comcast.net www.almosttheretravelagency.com

SUPPORT Pittsburg Entertainment & Arts Hall of Fame Pittsburg

Entertainment & Arts

Hall of Fame www.PittsburgEntertainmentAndArts.org deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

ADVERTORIAL

Getting to know Michelle Paxton-Guild Mortgage Loan Officer By Glenda Kugler

Glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com

uild Mortgage located in Antioch has one of the best loan officers in the business working for them. Michelle Paxton is warm, compassionate person who uses these traits in her position as a loan officer and also providing consultant services if a client would like to refinance, cash out, pay off debt or property purchases. Michelle has been in the business for eighteen years and truly loves what she does and it shows in the work she provides for her clients. Going that extra mile, keeping abreast of the market condition and rates is what Michelle does best. She listens to her clients wants, needs and finds a loan that will fit them. Working for Guild Mortgage means they are a direct lender and they service all of their loans. Michelle is with her clients from application to closing. Michelle says, “Helping people save money, obtain their goals or getting them on the right path to home ownership or expanding their portfolio is so rewarding.” This type of service is what sets Guild Mortgage apart from other mortgage companies. Michelle grew up in the South Bay area and earned a degree

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

in accounting and finance. After a friend told her she would be great at this kind of business, Michelle launched her career as a loan officer and has never looked back. She currently services the Brentwood and Antioch area. “I want everyone to know the process up front and I might ask for a lot of paperwork but I’d rather get it all done up front and make a smooth and efficient process. Sometimes I can be the bearer of bad or good news, but I always keep the line of communication open. I want my customers to feel comfortable and confident.” stated Michelle. Guild Mortgage has a lot of programs to offer, so if you are interested in purchasing a home or just would like to ask questions with no hassle answers. Call Michelle Paxton at 925-237-9279. Her office is located at 5829 Lone Tree Way, Suite D Antioch, CA 94531

Buy a HOME for you and Fido! Get pre-approved today! I am available 24 hours, 7 days a week*. Call me today to find out more about how you can purchase your own home!

Michelle Paxton NMLS #831343

C: 408-891-0090

Guildmortgage.net/MichellePaxton

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For every loan closed with me I will donate $250 to our local SPCA.â&#x20AC;?**

Guild Mortgage Company. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #3274. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. All loans subject to underwriter approval. Terms and conditions may apply. Subject to change without notice. nmlsconsumeraccess.org. *Guild is not open to the public on weekends to carry out any substantial business Valid only for Loans Closed with Michelle Paxton at Guild Mortgage from 2-20-19 through 8-31-19.

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

delta WEALTH

Retire with Dignity By Wendy Turner

turnerinsuranceservice@gmail.com

hirty years ago, people were afraid of dying too soon. Now due to healthcare advances and people taking care of their bodies, people are living into their 80’s, 90’s and even 100’s! This has caused people’s fears to switch from dying too soon to outliving their retirement savings. I’m on a crusade to help people protect their income whether they live a long healthy life, get sick along the way or die too soon. A large majority of people place saving for their future on the back burner stating they can’t afford to save. If you have saved, your money is probably in a 401K, 403B, or an IRA plan. There are a few issues with these plans that I’d like to point out. Saving in a one of these plans opens you up to market volatility where you can lose your hardearned money and is also subjected to many fees 20

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

that can rob you of up to half of your retirement savings. These plans seem great because you get to defer paying taxes until you retire.The United States is $23 trillion in debt and growing. The tax rates now are some of the lowest in the history of the United States. No one has a crystal ball, but as the US government keeps spending money they don’t have, the tax rate is sure to rise to help pay off the debt. Wouldn’t it be better to pay taxes on the money NOW when you know what the tax rate is versus waiting until you retire in the future and you are not making any additional income? What if the tax rate doubles by the time you retire? In the 1940 - 1950’s, the top tax rate was over 90%. What if you saved $1,000,000 over thirty years and when you retire the government takes $900,000 to pay your taxes? Crazy, right? Now let me tell you how I can help you retire with dignity! I’m on a crusade to educate everyone

on a better way to protect yourself and your family. There is a little-known product called Indexed Universal Life with living benefits. This policy contains a death benefit to protect your family if you die too soon. It also has LIVING BENEFITS that you can access while you are still alive if you are diagnosed with a qualifying illness like cancer, heart attack or stroke.There is also a retirement plan inside the policy. You put after-tax money into your policy and can have access to it as you need. Your retirement savings, principal and earnings, are accessed TAXFREE based on IRS tax code 7702. Your money reaps gains from the market and is protected from losses. That means you are guaranteed to NEVER LOSE A PENNY and it has ¼ of the fees of a 401K plan.You can also have guaranteed income for life! Please contact me for more information and a FREE consultation. Wendy Turner, CA License 0M06742, phone 925-428-0187 or email turnerinsuranceservice@gmail.com dlm

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

Serving Contra Costa County and the surrounding area

Mention Delta Living Magazine and claim your FREE 30 minute consultation. Offer valid for new clients - limited time only*

Established in 2012

The Law Offices of Jennifer S. Goldsmith

Let us show you how our expert services can help you plan for the future, protect your family, and ensure that your assets are managed faithfully just the way you want them to be handled.

Our law office focuses on the following areas Wills and Trusts

Probate

Conservatorships

Estate Planning

Business Formation

Guardianships

Compassionate and knowledgeable legal assistance. Convenient appointments to fit your schedule. Reasonable fees. Office Hours: (by appointment): Monday - Thurday, 9 am to 4 pm. Evenings, Friday and Saturday (as needed). Closed on Sunday

3240 Lone Tree Way Suite 101, Antioch Email: admin@jsgoldsmithlaw.com * Phone: 925-775-8030 * Call our office or visit our website www.jsgoldsmithlaw.com

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

Es t i m at e s a r e a lway s

FREE!

Sunrise Grading & Paving Family-owned, third generation who are committed to quality service and customer satisfaction.

www.sunrisegnp.com Brentwood, CA 94513

925.513.7373 sunrisegnp@att.net License & Insured • License #899856

Commercial, Residential & Industrial: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Driveways Parking lots Private roads Apartments Resurfacing Grind outs Patch Paving Overlays Seal coating, Striping Curbs & berms Grading Excavating Hauling deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

cover STORY

Somersville Towne Center D No Longer a “Ghost Town”

By Glenda Kugler

Glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com

riving south down Somersville Road towards the beautiful foothills, most would be driving to the original “ghost town” of Somersville to go hiking or learn about history, but instead some people stop by Somersville Towne Center. The Center was built in the middle of easy access but had fallen on hard times during the recession. Fast forward to 2019, there are now over 50 stores and restaurants and more on the agenda to open up this year. Julie Neward, who had been General Manager

RAY WATERS, who is general manager, has been with the Somersville Towne Center for 5 years. A local resident and Antioch high school graduate he takes pride in his job and in his community. He resides in Antioch with his wife and children. When he was growing up he remembers shopping at Somersville when it was an outdoor mall. This is one of the reasons why he works really hard to try and assist to get more retail business contracts within the center and a mall tenant’s neighbor watch. He insists safety is his top priority for his patrons. Ray enjoys the team he works with. He also would like Antioch residents and visitors of East County to know Somerville Towne Center is a great place to shop & dine.

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

for the past 3 years at Somersville Towne Center in Antioch, California, announced a change in staffing had occurred as of last December before her departure to Southern California. Due to unexpected vacancies and a shift in the budget, Urban Retail Properties, LLC, owners of Somersville Towne Center had reorganized the departments and positions due to the fantastic job the team on board already had completed for the year ending in 2018. Even the Antioch Chamber of Commerce awarded them “2017 Large Business of the Year.” Employing over 350 people makes them one of the largest employers in the area.

SHANNON SKINNER has been with Somerville Towne Center for over 2 years and has recently been promoted to Specialty Leasing-Marketing Manager. Shannon, who has a degree in business, is responsible for not only all the marketing, events, rescue pet events, and mall advertising, she will now be assisting in soliciting clients into the new stores and kiosks plus other duties. To date so many new stores have opened up. The Towne Center is almost full. They have remodeled the inside. A work center is in the talks. Huckelberry Kitchen is set to open up in the spring and will be staffed only by disabled or special needs adults supervised by adult men and women. Pet Partners United an animal rescue store will be launching in May. New food places are set to open. The list goes on and on. Shannon is amazing at her job. She wants people to come see what they have to offer. Check out Facebook or their website for all the upcoming events.

Marchelle Johnson is the new office administrative assistant since October. Lynda Mathias retired after 25 years leaving a vacancy. Marchelle comes to Somersville with a retail background as well as working with nonprofits that work with special needs children and adults. Since taking her position Marchelle has fit right in working side by side on events. She said that the staff has been very warm and welcoming to her. Marchelle’s goal is to assist the team and bring awareness to the Somersville area of all the new businesses coming into the towne center and the area getting revitalized. Marchelle is married and lives in Antioch. Dave A. Skultety, who is head of security. Originally from Florida, Dave comes to Somersville Towne Center after retiring from Homeland Security. His career included working with the FBI as an interviewer for suspects, working on cold cases and with the border patrol. Now residing in Citrus Heights, CA with his fiancé he enjoys his new team that he works with. Dave states “that his security crew is much attuned to what is going on at all times indoors and outdoors.” “Our cameras are connected with the Antioch Police Department so they can see what we are looking at as well.” Things have changed tremendously, and everyone should come check the Towne Center out. I don’t think people realize all the changes the Somerville area has made”. Safety is our number one priority.

Julie Neward has been working diligently since taking her position as general manager three years ago. She had worked closely with the city of Antioch, the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development in bringing redevelopment to the Somerville area and taking on the towne center at a time when others had given up hope.

Mike Smith is the head of maintenance and has been with the company for 2 years. He resides in Antioch with his wife and children. He brings a lot of fun to the team and is very hard working and dedicated.

So take that drive south on Somersville Road and instead of continuing down into the foothills, stop at Somersville Towne Center located at 2550 Somersville Road., Antioch, CA. to shop, dine or to attend an event. What a difference this team has made in turning a place that people once considered a “ghost town” of the past into a fun spirited place for the present and future. Visit the website for a full listing of all the upcoming events at www.somersvilletownecenter.com. deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

Our readers can increase your sales revenue by seeing your ad in our magazine and online that has meaningful, research-back content to help them in their purchasing decisions. Serving

Antioch, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Oakley, Brentwood, Discovery Bay Bethal Island, Byron, and Knightsen

Your products or services are unique. So are we. We inspire, motivate and educate our surrounding communities. Call 925-322-1936 or email ads.deltalivingmag@gmail.com for ad rates.

Subscribe for home or business delivery email deltalivingpurrfectpets@gmail.com or call today to sign up! 6 issues $25 per year Be sure to get every issue of Delta Living Magazine. deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

delta SPIRITUALITY

Can I Have Your “Number”? By Mary Cardenas

dreamingorchids@gmail.com

For example: If your birthday is June 25, 1969 you simply add the numbers up until you reach one single number. 0+6+2+5+1+9+6+9+=38, then add again 3+8=11, again 1+1=2. Your numerology number is 2.

umerology may sound intimidating for those of us not so number savvy but it’s a fun tool to learn about ourselves and those we interact with. Our birthdate tells us more than our astrological sign, when the digits are added Now that you know your number, together they can give us insight to ourselves. I promise this is simple for let’s take a look at the traits common among the numbers. even the most number challenged. Tends toward a strong sense of individuality, ambition and with assertively breathe life into ideas. You won’t hesitate to make a decision and stand by it in the end.Your ideas can be revolutionary make sure you have assistants around to help bring them to fruition. Wonderful best friends. They are with you through thick and thin. Caring, peacekeepers to the point where any disharmony greatly upsets you. People can’t help but to want to open up to you. You are wise to adapt your actions from other’s mistakes. The life of the party that can win anyone over. Prefers the tangible things with their feet firmly planted on the ground.You love to know a little bit about everything but seldom feel the urge to delve too deeply into one subject matter. Think the foundation builders. The ones with the cool head during the most hec28

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

tic of moments. Enduring strength to see things through to the end. You feel most comfortable with a sense of permanence. Justice and equality are paramount. You can enjoy virtually anything but nothing more so than your freedom. Live every moment and relationship to its fullest. You naturally carry wit and enthusiasm but let’s lighten up on the sarcasm.Your words can be weapons. Keen thinkers who love to be in love. Sixpeople are adaptable and enjoy a hearty debate. Great mediators with your ability to look at both sides with patience and diplomacy and never hesitates to take a situation head on. The deep thinking, introspective types fall under 7. “Why”? The question they must have answered. Life can give you lemons but you can make the best lemonade around.Your philosophical approach lets you take your obstacles in stride.

Everything has its place. Organizational experts who use that gift to bring themselves prosperity. Understands human nature and is always rooting for the underdog.You tend to do well in large groups and organizations. Our sweet sensitives. Interested in everything and always have their heart on their sleeves. Remember you need to be taken care of as well. So now that you know the basics, look at your numbers and those of people closest to you as well as those in difficult relationships to gain some understanding. In the future we will look at how the numbers can help you interact with those around you. dlm For more information or to book a consult please go to our Facebook page Divine Ophelia. The Divine Ophelia Psychic * Conjure

THE If you got sick and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work, who would pay your bills? Join me to discover life insurance with living benefits and tax-free retirement plans with no risk of losing your money!

Protect your family, home, and savings with access to your benefits before you die if diagnosed with a qualifying illness like cancer, heart attack or stroke!

You upgrade your phone every couple of years â&#x20AC;Ś NOW is the time to upgrade your life insurance!

Turner Insurance Service Wendy Turner, Life Agent

CA License #0M06742 925-428-0187 Mobile familylivingbenefits@gmail.com wendyturner.freedomequitygroup.com

Learn More About Living Benefits

DIVINE OPHELIA PSYCHIC | CONJURE For more information or reading go to my facebook page

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

delta HAUNTINGS

Apartment

#666 Short stories of the macabre By Randall E. Cook

rew entered his new apartment and dropped a box of things on the floor next to the fireplace. He walks into the bedroom and goes to the closet and puts a box up on the shelf. All of a sudden, a board drops from the shelf onto the floor. Drew picks up the spirit board and throws it onto a desk and doesn’t think anything of it. Later that night, after he eats dinner, he grabs the board and sets it on the coffee table in front of the fireplace. He places the planchette on top of the board and begins to move it around. The flame from the fireplace is the only thing lighting the room while he plays with the board. He ends up contacting someone or something. He assumes that it’s his mother who recently passed but he wasn’t sure. The spirit and Drew went back and forth for almost five minutes until it couldn’t answer a simple question that his mother would know and it made him upset. He went to say goodbye but a loud “NO” was grumbled from the darkness of the living room and the planchette flew across the room. Goosebumps began to form down his body and he 30

decides to stop playing with spirit board and lays it under the couch. He tries to ignore that loud ‘no’ he heard earlier and tries to go to bed. Meanwhile, across the hallway next door, Drew’s neighbor, an older woman is just getting ready to go to bed when all of a sudden she hears scratching noises coming from the hallway door. She gets up and slowly walks through dark apartment and approaches the front door to the hallway. She leans her head up against the door to listen and the scratches get louder. She looks through

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

the peephole and doesn’t see anything out there but she still decides to open the door just to check to see what could be making those noises. She opens the creaky door slowly and steps out into the hallway where there is nothing to be seen or heard at that time. A cold brush of air runs by her and the apartment door slams shut. She tries to get back into the apartment but it seems as the door is locked. A growl can be heard loud enough to send shivers down her spine. Upon turning around something pushes her out the window next to her

apartment, falling to her death two stories below. Back in Drew’s apartment at the exact same time, he wakes up to find himself paralyzed with fear and that he cannot move at all. He is experiencing sleep paralysis and as he lies in his bed with his eyes open unable to move, there is dark shadowy figure crawling on the ceiling coming towards him. Drew begins to panic as this dark figure gets closer towards him and inside he begins screaming, but no one and nothing can hear him. To be continued…… dlm

Get your copy today! www.napaghosts.com

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

delta BUSINESS

A RAMARkable Family Business is a 'foodie.' All three like to eat so quality is important. But they are also health conscious ced30@aol.com and have worked hard at making their products aria Quesada was a visionary and an enhealthier such as: trepreneur par excellence. She and her • reducing MSG husband, Dr. Ramon Quesada, moved from the • using locally available ingredients Philippine Islands to the United States in 1969 • reducing use of artificial processing aids fleeing that country's oppressive government with As foodies, they recognize the cultural signifiall 11 of their children, settling in the Bay Area cance of their products and the roles various foods where she began a business called Ramar Internaplay such as lumpia, a traditional offering primartional Corp. The business quickly expanded from ily at large gathering. selling Filipino handicrafts and jewelry to selling A pioneer in the packaging of quality Filipino frozen and dry goods imported from the Philipfoods, Ramar is a constant target for imitators. But pines and ultimately manufacturing Filipino foods L-R is PJ Quesada, Susie Quesada, Ronald Quesada. Photo courtesy of its insistence on quality keeps it atop the market. Ramar Foods and Diary Foods Magazine. as well as creating Magnolia brand ice cream. Food manufacturing is a physical activity, and Ramar Foods brands can be found in Asian superTheir son, Primo, took over operations of the Ramar constantly works at doing things better. company in 1978, renaming it Ramar Foods in the Fili- markets such as Island Pacific in Pittsburg as well as New machinery and automation can help in manupino tradition of combining the names of parents and mom-and-pop stores. But its brands are also available facturing, but people are still important, and Ramar at Costco, Wal-Mart, Safeway, and even Whole Foods. chose Pittsburg for the base of operations. uses automation not to eliminate jobs but to put peo“Part of our 'secret sauce' is our culture,” said PJ. ple in places where they can play more vital roles in When Maria died in 1986, Ramar Foods had 20 emOur heritage as a company is our strongest influence the process. ployees. Today it has 330 and is the largest manufacturer of of where we are today and where we want to be Equally as important is analyzing data about contomorrow.” Filipino foods in the United States with a variety of sumers. It is not so much about changing products but The core values of Ramar Foods define how in recognizing how to communicate with a newer genbrands, including Orientex, Pampanga's Best, Manila Gold, Bestaste, Turo-Turo Gourmet, Frescano, Bagu- things should be done. eration of consumers. Data analysis can provide insights The company strives to 'be RAMARkable,' tak- that might be invisible without in-depth study. io, Primo-Sorbetero and its best-selling Magnolia ice cream. In addition, it has expanded to Europe, Australia ing pride in excellence and quality; 'make it the best' The three siblings are different enough in age - “mistressing constant improvement; and 'treat everyone cro generations” is PJ's description - that they bring and the Middle East. Now run by Primo's three children, Susie, Gabe like family' because employees and customers alike slightly different outlooks to the business. and PJ (Primo Jr.), the self-described "newest gener- constitute a family. But even when there are initial disagreements, the Quality is most important because it reflects the trio has enough trust in each other not to worry about ation of leadership," Ramar Foods relies on the core values established by Maria while using innovative values of the company's Filipino heritage. A part of healthy debates. tools she would likely not recognize but would un- that quality is creating products that have the taste of “Healthy debates lead to better outcomes,” says PJ. home to them. doubtedly approve of to continue to grow the famiEspecially when the outcome is ultimately based on the It probably doesn't hurt that each of the Quesadas core values that drive Ramar Foods. dlm ly-owned business.

By Chuck Dybdal

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

THE ONLY

“ISLAND CHAMBER IN CONTRA COSTA”

A PLACE FOR ALL SEASONS AND PEOPLE, JOIN TODAY! 925.684.3220 P.O. Box 263 Bethel Island, CA 94511

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

Now Taking Reservations

Is it Time to Help Your Loved One withMemory Care? Now Open Reserve Today!

Day By Day…

Here For You

(925) 706-7944

825 E 18th Street • Antioch, CA 94509 • HillcrestMemoryCare.com License #079200389

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

delta GREENS

Be Your Plants Guiding Light By: Debbie Gatt

debbie@indooreden.com

ou have gone shopping for some plants for your house. Do you know where to place them? You most likely have an idea of what plant you wanted in a particular area of your house. Without knowing where to place your plant, according to the light your plant requires, you may actually have your plant die in a very short time.All plants have a certain amount of heat and cold they can withstand. More importantly is the correct lighting. There are way too many plants to list all of them. The following list is the most common houseplants. If you choose to purchase a croton, weeping fig, fiddleleaf fig, most palms, or succulents, they require high light. “High light” is the most light a plant can get. A guideline is within three feet of a sunny window. If it’s too far away from the correct light, the soil will stay too moist for too long, or any variegated coloring will disappear. If you purchase an anthurium, dieffenbachia, sago palm, schefflera, spider plant, or dracaena marginata, they require medium light. Medium light is a moderately lit area. Moderately lit means within eight feet of a sunny window. If they are too close to a sunny window, these plants will have burnt tips and dry out too quickly. Drying out too quickly may cause you to over water your plant. Over watering causes root rot and/or bugs. Eventually root rot leads to the plant dying. There are more choices than you may think for a 36

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

Li gh t

M ed ium

low-lit area in your house. Purchasing a cast iron plant, zz plant, pothos, philodendron, Chinese evergreen, peace Lily, or corn plant are great for a low light area of the house. Low light areas are poorly lit. They are bright enough to allow reading during the day. A tip before going to purchase your houseplants is to notice what type of lighting is in the area you want a plant. Notice which direction the window is facing, north, south, east, or west. Also notice how close to a window the plant will be sitting.West and northwest will be your brightest light. Due north and northeast will be more subdued lighting. Having a plant south or southwest can have as much light as west if it’s

H igh

close to the window. If the plant is further away, or blocked by a piece of furniture, facing that direction will be more of a medium light. A plant facing east would be considered a medium light. Eastern facing windows have the cooler morning sun. The rest of the day is well shaded with slight brightness. Areas of the house that are not lit very well will of course be your low light areas. Another easier way to know if you have the correct light your plant requires is to read the tag stuck in the soil of the plant before purchasing. Hope this has helped in guiding your houseplant design. Happy plant shopping! dlm

Wrapcessory How will YOU use it?

Change your Flip Flops as often as you change your clothes with Wrapcessory removable accessories!

Visit wrapcessory.com NOW to start your collection!

“Plants will welcome your clients and customers with a sense of class and sophistication.”

• Interior Plantscape Design • Plant Maintenance Service • Commercial & Residential • Vertical Plant Walls, & Live or Silk Plant Arrangements

Plant walls can be ordered with vinyl wrapped frames with any logo or picture desired! • Residential • Plant Walls • Silk Arrangements • Gift Baskets

www.indooreden.com 925.997.2378 debbie@indooreden.com

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

delta SILVER LININGS

A beacon of light guided to granting a wish By Glenda Kugler

Glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com Photos courtesy of Klaus Naujok

hen Klaus Naujok was growing up, his Grandmother that raised him instilled for him to have respect and understanding. So when Klaus hurt his back getting out of his car at UCSF (University of California at San Francisco) while visiting his sick daughter in 2017 he believed that he just strained or tightened his back muscles.What was really happening was something out of a television medical drama. After several doctors had treated him for several different conditions, what was lying beneath it all was unbelievable. Klaus had advance stage of Multiple Myeloma. With four hundred and eighty nine days of different treatments, including a stem cell transplant, he was told he would never be in remission, just maintenance. In other words for his cancer, there is 38

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

no cure. So with his beautiful wife by his side and his characteristics that his Grandmother instilled in him he continued on. Having his health, independence and his freedom taken from him so abruptly, Klaus, who once dreamed of owning and living in a lighthouse could now stop trying to fulfill that dream. One day when Diane Naujok, Klaus’s wife, was listening in on a conversation; the gentlemen was saying how he got so tired when relatives visited they always went to San Francisco, Napa, and Yosemite so the next time he was taking them to a Lighthouse. That lighthouse was East Brother Lighthouse, a restored Victorian Bed and Breakfast Inn perched atop an island that separates the San Francisco and San Pablo bays. After learning about An Elderly Wish Foundation in Antioch, CA, Diane sent a letter to the nonprofit organization to see if Klaus’ wish could be granted which was a weekends’ stay at this lighthouse. A place where he dreamed of now could

become a reality even if it was only for a weekend. Mary Chapman, the organizations foundation director, and her team got to working on this wish. An Elderly Wish Foundation is a nonprofit that helps grant terminally ill seniors a wish. Rebecca Crowder founded the organization 16 years ago after she inherited money from her Grandmother, thus granting two wishes the same year. The organization has been going strong ever since. When Mary called and told Diane that her wish was granted she was beside herself. Klaus got doctors approval, and the last weekend of September 2018, Klaus and Diane headed for their weekend where meals are served beside the sea, with beautiful views. Diane later stated, “They even let us stay at the inn by ourselves while the managers went to the mainland.” Wishes do come true if you dream a little dream. For more information on An Elderly Wish Foundation, email them at info@elderlywish.org or call the office at 925-978-1883 dlm

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

Photos by Steve's Photography of Antioch

Summer 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

delta DINING

The sweet taste of sugar on the Delta By Cha Cha

deltacha@outlook.com Encore story originally printed in 2017

f you haven’t taken a trip out to Bethel Island in awhile, now might be a good time to visit, beginning with the Sugar Barge Bar & Grill at the Sugar Barge RV Resort and Marina. Travel by boat or car, it is without a doubt, an oasis right here on the island with such a long-standing history. The Sugar Barge is named after a legendary cargo vessel, which moored on the very spot for many years. It was originally built in 1925 in Alameda and christened South Shore #1. In 1945, it was renamed M.V. Mokulii, and for many years, she carried freight and sugar from San Francisco, Richmond and Oakland, thus becoming known as the Sugar Barge. She was permanently moored in 1969, where she was purchased by Paul Keeney, Lenny Gomes and Harry Norager. After given a facelift, she became

known as the Sugar Barge Restaurant and Lounge. Unfortunately, she sank twice, putting Lenny and Paul out of business. She now rests at the bottom of the slough filled with many memories. Today’s Sugar Barge is creating its own memories with the owners, The Riggs Family, who purchased the RV park in 1996 and then built and opened the restaurant in 1997. These 50 acres are a delight to all who come to eat or stay in the RV Park. The Sugar Barge Bar & Grill has two levels, which makes this location great for any time of the year. The restaurant is open Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner, all year long. It’s wonderful in warm weather to eat outside on the top deck, watch the boats cruise by, or watch the sea life as sea lions entertain. Tranquil and inviting even if you prefer to sit inside, the large quaint eating area with the beautiful handcrafted bar in view, all while the friendly staff takes great care of you. I personally dined on the scrumptious BLTA salad, fried green beans, and the fish-n-chips. All menu pric-

es were reasonable for an outing starting at $4 and up. And the food, well, let’s just say I will be back for more. Every Saturday they provide live entertainment; one weekend a band, the other a DJ. Plus they offer special nights like “Paint Night,” which seems to be a huge hit here on the island with locals and guests. Sugar Barge also has special themed ticketed, “Club Sugar Barge” events that are a sell out each time - St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Halloween, Comedy Dinner nights and more! The RV Park has 114 RV spaces for rent and camping, which includes a swimming pool. There are RV and boat rentals, a boat launch ramp, boat and RV storage and they have 50 slips that can allow those who travel through the Delta via boat, to slip and dock and enjoy the dining and meet up with friends or to make new ones. Come on out to the Sugar Barge for a beautiful breath-taking sunset overlooking the Delta waters. Visit them at www.sugarbarge.com or call 925.684.9075. Tell them Cha Cha sent you! dlm Photos by Frank MacCallister with East County Live

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

COMING SOON to Somersville Town Center June 2019 www.petpartnersunited.org

Are you an entrepreneur that has a fabulous story to tell from the start up to where you are now? Email us at editor.deltalivingmag@gmail.com for more information to tell your story. 42

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

What you have been missing?

GRAPHIC DESIGN WEB DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY BRANDING MARKETING ADVERTISEMENTS

MUCH MORE!

graphic design services BORBACreative graphic design

& photography

CALL/TEXT NOW

209.481.5004 borbacreative@gmail.com www.behance.net/borbacreative

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

Photo information used with permission

ADVERTORIAL

.........As a Matter of Fact By Glenda Kugler

glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com

once knew this lady who was middle aged and it had seemed like she had everything going for her. We had a lot in common so we ended up becoming best friends.We did everything together. She would often tell me how she was going to one day run her own company. She would never have to put herself last. As time went by Julie (as I will call her) ended up finding the man of her dreams.They went everywhere together. He bought her gifts. Finally, she even sold her house to move in with him 50 miles away. Life was what she had always hoped for. Needless to say I was a little green eyed monster at times. I had been a single parent for so long, my dogs became my partners per se. I worked two jobs trying to make ends meet. But I always found time for my friends. On the other hand Julie had pushed all her friends a side and was living the American dream. She had a beautiful house; loving fiancé; big promotion at work. Wow her stars were really aligned. Years passed and I ran into Julie at the grocery store. She didn’t look the same, she had gained some weight (no she was not pregnant) life lines on her face looked like a road map of a continued highway to nowhere. I told her how much I missed seeing her; we exchanged updated information and went on our way. On my birthday that same year I reached out to her and her (now) husband to see if they wanted to go on our Vegas getaway. Julie said “I have been working overtime, and then when I get off I go to my part time job.The weekends are full with Michael’s list of things to do. I really don’t get out much anymore.We have too many bills to pay. Not enough time.” We both ended the conversa44

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

tion with a pleasant “goodbye” and a “maybe next year.” Over the years I heard through the grapevine that Julie and Michael had two children, moved to a farm with privacy and taught the kids at home. What the “grapevine” forgot to acknowledge the living hell Julie had been going through all those years. She would often be seen with black eyes, bruises, broken bones. Folks say she always told them living on farm with animals can get kind of dangerous.Time went by and for several weeks no one heard from Julie. When asked where she was Michael said she had to have time alone and took a trip back east. Before we knew it Michael and the children (so we were told) were moved out of the farm and to somewhere only God knew. The house went to the bank. No one in the small town she had dedicated her adult life to ever follow up on her. Julie as I recall stated she had a sister but hardly spoke and her parents were both deceased. Michael was an only child. Nobody came, not even a friend, not even myself. When the bank auctioned off their property, the new owners decided to renovate it by adding on to the whole house. This would mean excavation of the area so that the house could be bigger. Wow….Under several feet of dirt adjacent to the cellar door laid Julie’s remains. Across the driveway in two shallow graves contained the two children. They were all victims of domestic abuse. Michael was eventually captured and hung himself before trial. He had a rap sheet as long as ones arm. Never had a job really he was good at stealing others identity. Why would a woman such as Julie give up everything to be with this man? Looks, money, charm? No, I believe she really was insecure about herself. Never really being loved and then a man appeared and

swept her off her feet. He promised her a great life of love “till death do us part.” I failed my friend. I knew something was never right. I should have caught on. Now all I can do is tell her story. This is “In loving memory of “Julie.” Domestic violence is any physical, emotional, verbal, mental, sexual, financial, bullying, and abuse to animals. One in three women in the United States has experienced some form of abuse. 72% of all victims suffer from Post-Traumatic stress disorder. 7 million children watch as one of their parents commits domestic violence. Help stop the vicious cycle.

For more information go to “thehotline.org” CONTACT THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE 1-800-799-7233

Due to unseen circumstances of our recent fire we will be reopening soon!

deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

Antioch Downtown Antioch Downtown Merchants Merchants

• •

SHOP, DINE & ENJOY ANTIOCH RIVERTOWN!

SHOP, DINE & ENJOY ANTIOCH RIVERTOWN! 925-778-5575 Be Bold, Be Beautiful,

Now located inside Shearz on 3rd

Be Younique!

925-778-5575

Before

Now located inside Shearz on 3rd After

Hairstylist www.LovelyLooksCo.com Vicky Galloway

Rhonda 415 West 3rd Antioch CA White RhondaWhite@LovelyLooksCo.com

Photo by Subbotina Anna

Find me on Facebook 925.998.9694 925-354-7465 cell @LovelyLooks

Hairstylist DELTA BIZ CARD 415 West 3rd Antioch CA

Vicky Galloway

make their biz 925-354-7465 cell your biz! Now Located at 505 W 2nd St Ste.E

Advertise with Us!

925.322.1936

ads.deltalivingmag@gmail.com

In the next issue: We will be focusing on Special Needs and Bullying in our communities. 46

SUMMER 2019 || deltalivingmag.com

Now Located at 505 W 2nd St Ste.E

! E L SMI , s t i a r t r o P Product, and event y h p a r g o t o ph @shaunsamuelsphotography

For inquiries and bookings email at shaunsamuelsphotography@gmail.com deltalivingmag.com || SUMMER 2019

Exp. 6/30/19.