Restaurants — Contra Costa

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

If you want a steak dinner done right, head on over to Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Our readers recommend it. To those who voted for them: “Thank you for being a part of our family,” said General Manager Scott Andrews. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without our guests, and our genuine passion for hospitality.” It all started in 1965 New Orleans when single-mom Ruth Fertel saw a steakhouse for sale in the classifieds. She took a chance, learned the trade, and now they have over 105 locations worldwide. “We attribute our success to the highest standards of quality set by our founder, Ruth,” Scott said. “As a collection of upscale steakhouses, we strive to create unique experiences at each of our locations—tailored to, and centered around, the communities in which we’re located.” Enjoy their wine and food pairings at their TasteMaker Dinner series this year, and watch out for their Seasonal Classics Menu, as well as featured items throughout the year. As said by their founder, “If you’ve ever had a filet this good, welcome back.”

1553 Olympic Boulevard, Bldg. E, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596

(925) 977-3477

https://www.ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/walnut-creek

Animal/Pet — Contra Costa

Alamo Pet Care Hospital

Having cared for animals of all shapes and sizes here in the Greater Bay Area since 1989, Alamo Pet Care Hospital’s Head Veterinarian and Surgeon, Deborah Knibb, D.V.M., is appreciative for this honor. “Thank you for all the referrals, as the goal for me is to heal your pet and to inform you how to give them good longevity.” Alamo Pet Care Hospital & Surgery provides care to not only cats and dogs but also to chickens, alpacas, horses, goats, sheep, tortoises—you name it. “I have trained with the best of the best orthopedic surgeons, ophthalmologists, internal medicine and dermatologists.” She is also a certified Feline Friendly Veterinarian, and a canine, feline, and equine trainer. At Alamo Pet Care, they can do it all, from soft tissue surgery to dental extractions, with state-of-the-art digital x-rays, infrared therapy, and a complete in-house emergency lab facility used to diagnose kidney disease, infections, cardiac disease, and bleeding disorders. “Our motto is: ‘What’s best for the patient!’,” she said. “As animals have sensitivities, feelings, and emotions too.”

3217 Danville Blvd., Alamo, CA, 94507

(925) 998-8368

https://alamopetcareclinic.com

Humanitarian — Solano

Touro University California

Touro University California was established in San Francisco 1997, moving to Vallejo’s Mare Island two years later. The non-profit University founded under Jewish auspices confers degrees in graduate studies, including education, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, nursing, and public health. In addition, the students and staff contribute greatly to the health and well-being in the community.

Through an array of programs, such as the Student-Run Free Clinic, the Diabetes Education and Empowerment Program, and the Berkeley Suitcase Clinic, the students give back to the community and volunteer countless hours towards the betterment of those in need.

All of these programs help to build a relationship between the people in the community and Touro University. The students benefit from the development of their clinical skills and experience through their direct contact with the public. The University hosts an annual Teen Life Conference, for example, to educate local high school students on pathways for entering a wide range of healthcare careers.  Additionally, students gain insight into their own health via information booths, lectures, health screenings, and other activities. These programs, along with others throughout the years, have directly impacted thousands of lives in the area and have given valuable experience to the students at Touro to help make them transformative health care providers, educators, and public health practitioners.

1310 Club Dr. (Mare Island), Vallejo, CA, 94592

(707) 638-5272

http://tu.edu/

Humanitarian — Napa

Napa Valley Community Foundation

Founded in 1994, the Napa Valley Community Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The foundation has one of those creative histories because they were started by a group of volunteers who noticed that Sonoma County had a foundation, but Napa did not.

If you go to its website, you can find out about more about this enterprising foundation:

We mobilize resources, inspire giving, build knowledge and provide leadership on vital community issues to improve the quality of life for all in Napa County.  We are a public charity; a grant-making foundation; a philanthropic advisor; and a staging ground for people, resources and ideas. Every day, we link donors to projects that do good in our community.

The Foundation prides itself by tackling the most pressing challenges in their community. The various partners that it gets involved with are literally anyone and everyone who wants to get involved. They are always looking for more volunteers and support.

Two ongoing projects that they are very proud of are their disaster relief work and their campaign to help local people become US citizens. They are not afraid of hard work and tackling large and small projects alike.

We congratulate them on their 25th year and their 2019 Local’s Choice Award!

3299 Claremont Way, #2, Napa, CA, 94558

(707) 254-9565

https://www.napavalleycf.org/

Customer Service — Napa

Celadon

Located in the historic Napa Mill in downtown Napa, Celadon has been a fixture for more than 20 years, with award-winning service. Loyal patrons love its intimate dining room and courtyard just as much as they look forward to its lunch and dinner entrées. With a full bar to rival any mixologist’s concoction, Celadon has a regular following at its bar stools nightly.

Their team of expert chefs is led by Chef de Cuisine Federico Guillen, Sous Chef Rafael Aranda Martine, and is rounded out by their exceptional staff.

Owners and managers Joel and Tana Tavizon have kept up the exceptional reputation that Celadon has always been known for and Napa residents and tourists alike obviously agree since they are a Local’s Choice!

500 Main St., Ste G, Napa, CA, 94559

(707) 254-9690

www.celadonnapa.com

 

Customer Service — Solano

Edward Jones

Everyone needs a little advice from time to time, and that is what Ken Casper CFP® Financial Advisor specializes in. Since 2001, Ken has been working diligently to help individuals and businesses navigate their finances. Ken, his Senior Branch Office Administrator Lisa Schelble, and Branch Office Administrator Chris Simonson, provide their clients with great customer service.

Edward Jones has also been recognized nationally by J.D. Power and Associates in April 2015 as “Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full-Service Brokerage Firms,” and won the prestigious President’s Award in 2016 for its commitment to excellence in customer service. In J.D. Power’s 40-year history, only 11 companies have received the award. In 2015, Forbes recognized Edward Jones as the highest ranking financial services firm in their first-ever rank of best employers. Also, 2018 Fortune Magazine, for the 19th year, named Edward Jones as one of the best companies to work for.

Sit down with Ken and learn why they have developed such a loyal group of clients.

555 First St., Benicia, CA, 94510

(707) 745-8133

https://www.edwardjones.com/ken-casper

Customer Service — Contra Costa

Cottage Jewel

Looking for a treasure trove of antique, vintage and artisan embellishments with great customer service to boot? Head over to Cottage Jewel for a personally customized adventure. “I genuinely care about everybody who visits my boutique, and hope to give them a memorable experience,” said Proprietor Marcia Harmon. Her mission, from the moment you walk in the door, is to help you identify your own personal style and/or find the perfect gift! Cottage Jewel coordinates with Danville’s “Relics on Railroad” antique and art faire, and a makers market; they also host monthly artisan trunk shows. February’s trunk show theme is “Romancing the Stone,” and look for “Lucky Charms” in March. Follow them on Instagram @CottageJewelAntiques and make sure to get on their email list at info@CottageJewel.com for special invites, new finds and insider events. “Thank you, everyone, for your vote of confidence!” Marcia added. “I value your patronage.”

100 Prospect Ave., Danville, CA, 94526

(925) 837-2664

cottagejewel.com/cms

Realtor — Solano

Mustico Realty

Since 1978, Verna Mustico, broker and owner of Mustico Realty, and her team have been working hard for their clients to help them with one of the largest purchases that they will make in their lives. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors the agents at Mustico Realty know their markets and they help their clients get the best prices and services in the community. Their team covers Solano, Napa, Marin, Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties, and they will help you find the home that meets your needs.

They can also help with mortgage loan brokerage services, loan program analysis, pre-qualification information and the follow-up and completion for a refinance or new loan. Their belief of “excellence in service, for business and the community”, has created thousands of loyal customers since 1978––as such, our readers selected them as a Local’s Choice winner!

3469 Tennessee St., Vallejo, CA, 94591

(707) 552-5660

http://www.musticorealty.com