Well the votes are in and they have all been tabulated by our certified staff (We are not really sure what they are certified for though!) and the winners of the Local’s Choice Awards for 2012 are… a drum roll please . . . well, you will just have to read it for yourself. We would also like to thank everyone who voted and helped us to decide this and that so many people voted. If your favorite business, event or person did not win, we hope you will nominate them when the voting opens up for our 2013 winners on September 1st. Please offer hearty congratulations to all of the winners this year.
If the businesses, events and people that you are about to read about on this web site are new to you, please let them know you discovered them in Local Happenings Magazine… cheers!!
Business Services
CCC – Union Bank
Based in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation (the parent company of Union Bank) is one of the world’s largest with over $84 billion in assets. Union Bank serves it clients with 404 offices in California, Oregon, Washington and Texas. With all… Read more…
Napa – Golden 1 Credit Union
Servicing Napa County from its primary branch across from the state hospital (with two additional ATM locations in both Napa and Yountville), Golden 1 Credit Union has a long history of financing the lives and aspirations of locally minded businesses… Read more…
Solano – U.S. Bank
When it comes to handling your money, it’s best to choose the best. U.S. Bank has received the honor of Best Business Services, for obvious reasons. “I would say it’s based on our customer service and attitude that we treat… Read more…
The Jungle is a wonderful indoor family entertainment center for children under the age of 12 and their parents. They have a jungle-themed playground that provides over 20,000 sq. ft. of fun for the kids. They have a massive play… 
Every 30 minutes, Calistoga’s Old Faithful Geyser bursts from the earth with an eruption of steam and water to heights reaching up to 100 feet in the air. Napa parents have, for generations, taken the opportunity to educate their children… 
The Lawrence Hall of Science, the University of California, Berkeley’s public science center and the leading provider of science education outreach programs in Northern California, has a new site in Vallejo.
“Our first and last priority is making sure the customer’s happy,” says Daniel Collier, Store Manager of Diablo Foods in Lafayette. “My grandfather, Ed Stokes, started the business 43 years ago. One of the cornerstones of the business has been… 
Marking its 65th anniversary in 2012, Vallergas Market is still providing the city of Napa with fresh, quality produce, meats, seafood and gourmet accoutrements. Longtime residents have seen the shop grow from a tiny storefront on First Street (where Copia… 
If you’ve ever lived in Solano County, chances are you’ve made a trip, or two dozen, to Jack Anthony’s 7 Flags Car Wash. With numerous locations they all have one thing in common – great customer service. “It’s our people… 
The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is held each year on the third weekend in September. It is the largest event in the Lamorinda area (Lamorinda as in: Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda) and is one of the five largest outdoor… 
A Taste of Yountville is typically a March event that attracts the “foodies” and “gourmets” to the tiny town of Yountville. Famous chefs and winemakers come out to showcase their talents. The town boasts more gourmet restaurants and premium wines… 
The Greater Vallejo Recreation District, working with Kaiser Permanente and First 5 Solano, collaborate to promote children’s health and happiness by providing Vallejo with a day to “Celebrate Youth”. Our most precious resource is our youth and, on this day,… 
Dr. Barbara Persons and her highly skilled team pride themselves on serving the Greater San Francisco Bay Area through superior cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. They communicate with their patients to understand their surgical goals. Whether you are ready for a… 
Family Service of Napa Valley provides professional and affordable mental health services to people of all ages who reside in Napa County. Their counseling services are offered in both English and Spanish to individuals and families, most of which are… 
In times of need, Vallejo Chiropractic has got your back! Dr. Harrington, likely a household name for some readers, and Dr. Kunsman, Vallejo Chiropractic’s newest doctor, are both up for the task.
Every once in a while, a special person comes along to show us what can be done in the world. Budd Mackenzie is one of those rare individuals. He has taken on many roles in his city of Lafayette including… 
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Pat Wells came to Napa in 1984 and established her own, quite successful, construction company. In 1989 she became a foster parent for special needs children and she eventually adopted two of them. When she retired… 
Officer Jim Capoot, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, began his law enforcement career with the California Highway Patrol in 1990, following his father’s footsteps into a career of law enforcement. Prior to that Jim had served a four-year tour… 
Pinkies believes in using only the highest quality products to ensure that your service will last. We know that the highlight of a manicure or pedicure is the massage and, for this reason, we use two superbly formulated private label… 
Poised a few miles from Downtown Napa, the Spa at the Napa Valley Marriott is certainly located in the perfect place to get one’s body and mind prepared for all that wine country has to offer. The Spa has a… 
Nitro Dog is a “fun to functional” dog and cat boutique in Lafayette that carries well-researched, quality items for your dog, cat, home or person. They strive to offer an ever-changing, wide selection of pet products that range from whimsical… 
Dog owners of Napa have been coming to Pet Cuts in order to keep their pets clean and glamorous since 1995.
Wardlaw Dog Park - The Greater Vallejo Recreation District’s 2.2-acre dog park includes two separately fenced areas: a small one for elderly and shy dogs, and a much larger fenced area for active dogs that enjoy romping and socializing. Dog owners… 
Jack’s Restaurant and Bar is owned and created by John, Dave and Chris (three brothers, of whom John and Dave are twins). They have two locations: Pleasant Hill and San Bruno. Having grown up in the restaurant business, the boys… 
In the heart of Napa Valley, tourists and residents have consistently made the Rutherford Grill a must stop destination along Highway 29 and the western avenue of wine country. Although owned by the Hillstone Restaurant Group, which boasts high-profile dining… 
Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, located on the waterfront in Vallejo, is more than a meal with a view. It’s a family tradition. Owner Tony Loforte has had a long relationship with another successful restaurateur – his father; Tony Loforte Sr., who… 
Since 2007 artisan vendors have gathered at the Oxbow Public Market to feature the best local products, satisfying the epicurean fancies of their Napa residents. Many restaurants have become established in this short time Oxbow has been operating, including Gott’s… 
According to many, Mi Pueblo Food Center in Vallejo is the “Best grocery store that Vallejo has!!!!” says one adoring fan. “The groceries are so cheap and fresh!” says another. “I absolutely LOVE this store!” says a third.
