Business Profile: Charles Gravett Law Office
When one thinks of lawyers they often think of men and women wearing suits and ties, using sophisticated language, catching our attention and demonstrating the acquisition of knowledge that can only come from years of studying the laws that allow our society to flourish and maintain order in light of the chaos of current events.
When you are encountered with unfortunate circumstances in your life that can lead to civil or criminal accusations, knowing that, as a U.S. citizen, you are entitled to have a lawyer represent you, even if you are not financially able to do so, you can put to rest a portion of anxiety you have about the situation.
A public defender is the term given to lawyers assigned to those not at liberty to hire a lawyer of their choosing. Although well-trained, a public defender is assigned to defendants of different crimes and there exists a possibility that, despite efforts to establish a positive connection with a public defender, there can be apprehensions about getting things done if that connection is never established.
A lawyer is someone who fights for your freedom, fights for you to be proven innocent and has the power to impact the remainder of your life in a positive or negative way. Of course, the degree to which this happens depends on what you are accused of. Are you a suspect in a murder case or did you commit mail fraud? Or is it somewhere in between? Is the case a civil matter or highly criminal? Where you fall on the spectrum of accusation determines your sentencing, which can greatly impact your life.
Even a year in a federal or state prison can have adverse effects on the psychological state of an individual. Prisons in the United States are overcrowded and violent in nature. According to an essay by social psychologist Craig Haney, entitled “The Psychological Impact of Incarceration,” the U.S. rate of imprisonment dramatically increased between 1975 and 1995, primarily because of changes in policy and “not the result of increases in crime rates or the population in general.”
Haney continued to state that the number of incarcerations in the U.S. remained stable for the 50-year period between 1925 and 1975 where the amount was “just around 125 persons incarcerated in prisons and jails per 100,000 persons in the population.” After this time the number of incarcerated individuals soared to “an unprecedented 600 per 100,000.”
This increase, based mainly in policy changes over time, is a U.S. phenomenon. International statistics of the same nature have not had as drastic of an increase. Haney wrote that “by the early 1990s, the United States incarcerated more persons per capita than any other nation in the modern world, and it has retained that dubious distinction nearly every year since.”
With these staggering numbers, seeking out and finding a lawyer with whom you get along with, with whom you feel is competent in the ever-changing realm of law, and with whom you trust is vital because, even the most law-abiding citizen can find him or herself in a legal bind at some point in life.
Individuals struggling with cases of a civil nature can find refuge in the form of Charles L. Gravett, III. His law office, located in Napa, specializes in complex civil cases and commercial litigation. The areas of dispute which fall into this category are numerous and, although the negative outcomes are nowhere near as severe as those of criminal cases, it is still in one’s best interest to protect themselves against legal disputes of all calibers.
Gravett, who refers to himself as a general civil practitioner, handles a wide array of civil disputes for individuals and companies alike.
Gravett has been practicing law for about 35 years, after graduating from law school in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1975. Since 1987 he has lived and worked in the Napa area, first on his own in a solo practice for four years and then joining the late Alan Balcher to form the firm of Gravett & Balcher. In 2006 he formed a partnership with attorney Elisabeth Frater, who recently moved her practice to Los Angeles, resulting in Gravett starting work at his current practice as the principle lawyer.
One of the many areas of focus for his firm is bankruptcy. “I spend a lot of time on bankruptcies, helping people file bankruptcies,” Gravett said. “Bankruptcy is there for people to get a fresh financial start so I help people do that.”
According to a data from uscourts.gov, in a 12-month period (ending on March 31, 2011) a total of 38,926 businesses and non-businesses filed for bankruptcy in northern California alone. Of this number, a total of 37,416 were individuals filing for bankruptcy.
There are different chapters of bankruptcy that you can file. Chapter 7 refers to individual liquidation, Chapter 9 is for municipality, Chapter 11 is for reorganization, mainly large corporations, Chapter 12 is for family farmers and Chapter 13 is for individual reorganization. These designations are put in place according to the chapters in the bankruptcy code where the type is found. With this variety of bankruptcy types, having a lawyer like Gravett assist you in filing the right one can yield the best outcome and create that “fresh financial start” that he spoke of.
Another thing Gravett helps clients with is the drafting and formation of wills and trusts. “I help people plan their estates for wills and trusts and powers of attorney and help them draft those so that if something happens, their family and friends can do what is necessary to be done with as little trouble and effort as possible,” Gravett said.
Gravett feels that having a Power of Attorney is particularly important. A Power of Attorney is someone who you give authorization to represent you, to make legal decisions for you if you are not able to do so. Gravett said, “it is so important to have somebody be able to make those decisions when you can’t make them for yourself and unless you plan for that, it just doesn’t happen.”
Among the other areas that Gravett helps clients with is business start-up by composing contracts and helping with employee problems. Similarly, Gravett has a lot of experience helping corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies (LLCs) in these matters.
Gravett has been practicing business law for a long time and most of what he does comes as second nature to him. However, what people may not realize is that law is constantly changing. The California Code of law takes up about thirty shelves in most libraries, each book containing current policy that Gravett must keep up with and refer to in his work.
Law is complex and it is difficult for most people to comprehend the training that goes into learning how to practice it. Gravett is still learning despite his 35 years in the business, and is constantly trying to incorporate ways to improve and expand his practice.
One of the ways he has chosen to do this is to add mediation to his practice. Gravett describes mediation in this way: “the mediator is neutral, he helps the people resolve the problem by coming up with their own solution to the problem, and if the people don’t come up with the solution it may not be solved.” Gravett has been taking classes on mediation and has been working on putting what he is learning into action for his clients.
With the increasing number of legal issues and incarcerations that can arise, it is more important than ever to take precautions no matter how law-abiding you feel you are.
In civil matters such as those discussed in this article, it is nice to know there are people like Gravett out there to help you.
“I think the thing that sets our office apart is that we have people, time and time again, [who] say this is the warmest most caring most concerned law office that they have ever experienced,” Gravett said. “And that’s something that we all try to do here.”
To learn more about Gravett and his law office visit gravettlaw.com.
Sarah Dowling is a Journalism student and a recent graduate from Solano Community College. Growing up in Vallejo, she sets her sights on her Communications B.A. by moving to Rohnert Park to attend Sonoma State University.
Opening day of the 20th season of the Benicia Certified Farmers Market starts Thursday, April 26th from 4-8p.m. and runs through October. Located on First Street between B and D Streets, the market features farm fresh produce and fresh cut flowers along with arts and crafts vendors, specialty foods, baked goods, and numerous gourmet food vendors. Children can enjoy activities like face painting and the inflatable bounce house on the First Street Green.
Averaging 3,000 people at the market, many “Farmers’ Market Faithfuls” come weekly to socialize with neighbors, enjoy great music from local talent, and experience the bounty of California-grown fruits and vegetables. In fact, faithful goers can take advantage of two exciting shopping card programs:
• Frequent First Street Shopper Card: People who shop or dine at First Street businesses after 3 p.m. on Thursdays during the Farmers’ Market season can bring their receipt(s) to the Benicia Main Street Booth to receive one hole punch for each receipt. After ten hole punches, shoppers receive a helping of the “Produce of the Week” donated from one of the farmers.
For more information on Benicia Certified Farmers’ Market, contact Benicia Main Street at 707-745-9791 or info@beniciamainstreeet.org.
Saturday, April 21st the Benicia Yacht Club will be hosting their Annual Opening Day on the Strait all day. They will have arts & crafts, food, music and games for kids. From 6 to 8 p.mm they will also have a dinner to be followed by dancing from 8 to 11 p.m.
2 p.m. is the time set aside for the Blessing of the Fleet and the decorated boat parade as well as a Ducky Race.
This is always a great event and is sure to be a crowd pleaser! Go to www.beniciayachtclub.com for more information.
Ben is patiently waiting outside Miguelena’s since they have been getting so much new merchandise we have to stay on top of it! Yvonne and Jaqueline just hosted their four year anniversary this past month and want to thank all of their customers and friends for stopping by and saying hello. Be sure to check in with them for their in store events coming up and be sure to buy something on Mother’s Day weekend when a portion of their proceeds will benefit breast cancer. Great job ladies!
The Rellik Tavern is also gearing up for a couple of big months since once again they will be hosting “ONE” on April 27th and 28th. The entire month is slated to be big, but you do not want to miss these two nights – get there early!
Cheri Graf, owner of Bombshell Hair and Ink, also wants to invite all her friends and customers in to make sure you have met the entire team that she has assembled. Bombshell Hair and Ink also just celebrated their four year anniversary and is excited to share their fun ideas and thoughts for the next year.
Piccolo and Shirocos are also planning spring with style. Be sure to head on in and check out all of their new arrivals! New colors, styles for the contemporary woman and Benicia home/gourmet/style all under one roof. If you have never been to these two shops you are missing out!
Arts Benicia also has big plans for this month. Art for Everyone… The Ah-Ha Moment
Saturday, April 21, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Arts Benicia and the American Association of Univeristy Women are sponsoring a series of lectures by Pam Dizon, Ronna Leon, Connie Millholland, Christine Mani and Ann Nourot. Each of the speakers and Lee Wilder Snider are donating work to be raffled in conjunction with the program. Proceeds benefit Arts Benicia and AAUW’s Tech Trek program, which provides a unique math and science summer experience for 7th grade girls.
Family Art Day, Sunday, April 22, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Join Arts Benicia for an afternoon of fun, free art activities that will engage the entire family!
Benicia Artists Open Studios
Saturday & Sunday, May 5-6, 10:00-5:00 p.m.
Visit Arts Benicia for a unique, weekend long arts experience. During Open Studios visitors have the opportunity to access over 60 artists studios, many of which are within walking distance of one another, in the Historic Arsenal Distric and downtown Benicia. This event is free and open to the public. Start your visit at the Arts Benicia gallery by picking up a map and planning your weekend of studio visits!
The Pathway Home
Insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, emotional numbness, isolation and frightening thoughts—many military leaders and physicians once believed these symptoms of battle to simply be effects of personal weakness. The military and medical communities now know better. They know that 31 percent of men and 27 percent of women who served in Vietnam suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”) at some point after their return home. They know that while less than 10 percent of the general population develops post-traumatic stress disorder, one in six soldiers returning from Iraq are sufferers. They know that enlisted men are twice as likely than military officers to report PTSD, and that American women serving in Iraq tend to suffer from more severe and debilitating forms of PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying, often life-threatening, event and is exhibited through severe anxiety. Most closely associated with war veterans, PTSD was not officially recognized as a clinical condition until 1980 when the American Psychiatric Association officially added it to its Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders. Up until that time, stress-induced aftereffects of war were simply referred to as “battle fatigue” or “shell shock”, diminishing the symptomatic realities of the sufferers.
Modern knowledge of PTSD is the foundation of The Pathway Home, a residential recovery program specifically created and dedicated to the service men and women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pathway Home, located on the grounds of Yountville’s Veteran’s Home, serves to provide the respect, guidance and support that veterans require in order to rebound from the stressors of war, combat or other challenging military experiences. Through a comprehensive program of treatment and support, members can renew and extend the strengths developed during their military training. They can strengthen coping skills, strengthen relationships with self, others and family members, and work toward meeting the challenges of transitions to post-deployment, re-deployment, or to civilian life.
A participant’s average length of stay is four months, during which time the standard course of treatment includes: a thorough assessment and development of an individual treatment plan; education about traumatic stress and its many effects; relaxation training; practical instruction in skills for coping with anger and stress; detailed discussions and explorations of feelings of anger or guilt; medication to reduce anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and other symptoms associated with traumatic stress responses; group support from other traumatic stress survivors; couples, parenting, or family therapy as indicated and a variety of physical activities such as yoga, swimming, biking, hiking, golf, fitness center, and musical/theatrical events.
The Pathway Home is privately funded, requiring nearly $1.2 million per year in order to effectively treat all who seek services. The Napa and Yountville communities have been selfless in their ongoing support; a list of regular donors includes critically acclaimed restaurants, a luxury hotel and notable civic groups, such as the Rotary Club of Napa, which annually sponsors “Cycle for Sight; a Rotary Ride for Veterans”, one of the Bay Area’s biggest bike ride events, and one of Napa’s largest philanthropic events, second only to the annual marathon.
Created by lifelong Napa resident Gary Rose, Cycle for Sight is celebrating its fifth year. The event, scheduled this year for Saturday, April 21, attracts 1900 cyclists and 500 festival-goers, and entails the work of 200 volunteers. It raises hundreds of thousands to fund The Pathway Home programs such as outreach and auxiliary programs, transportation vans, Monday bowling outings, the entertainment center, bicycles, and parties—Super Bowl, Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Cycle for Sight offers three scenic courses (50, 25 and 15 miles) that wind along the hills and vineyards of Napa. Starting and finishing at Justin Siena High School, the ride winds down with a wine and music festival featuring wine, beer and food tastings from some of Napa’s best wineries, microbreweries and restaurants. Two bands, including one of San Francisco’s favorite pop/soul bands, Pride and Joy, will provide the dance music. One need not ride in order to attend the post-ride party.
Rose, a Realtor at Heritage Sotheby’s International Realty in Napa, comes from a family of philanthropists. “My mom and dad set great examples for me,” says Rose, who believes in the team spirit of Napa residents. “It’s sort of a part of life here in Napa, to give back to the community and to help those less fortunate. We get great support from local wineries that not only provide product, but also provide matching grants. The entire Napa community has shown overwhelming support for this event.”
Cycle for Sight originated in 1989 as a benefit for Enchanted Hills Camp For The Blind & Visually Impaired, the only camp of its kind in the western United States. Providing a once-a-year opportunity for children, adults and veterans to experience the wonders of nature that most are fortunate to experience every day, Cycle For Sight was expanded to include recipient The Pathway Home.
“Our goal this year is to raise $100,000,” says Rose, who notes that this year’s grand marshal is KRON’s Jan Wahl. “There are so many ways to participate. You can ride, attend the post-ride festival, donate an auction item, become a pledge partner or make signs for our Memorial Mile—a line-up of signs posted under the Veteran’s Home trees in memory or in honor of friends and loved ones who have served. It’s one of the more moving tributes participants will ever experience.
“Ride participants can ride alone, or put together a team of cyclists, raise pledges and compete in The Annual Rotary Club Cycling Challenge,” adds Rose. “Teams can consist of Rotarians, family and friends. Each member can ride any of the three routes: 50, 25, or 15 miles. The challenge is to compete in raising pledges. The team that raises the most money in pledges will be recognized at the post-ride festival, presented with a perpetual award and given a case of champagne to enjoy at the event. A minimum of 5 riders, each of whom have raised $100 or more in pledges, is required to enter as a team.”
For more event information, or to register, visit www.cycle4sight.com, where you can find bike route descriptions. Same day registration will be available onsite Saturday morning, April 21 beginning at 7:00 a.m. and closing at 10:00 a.m. Festival tickets can be purchased at registration tables and at festival entry opening at 11:00 a.m.
“We hope you’ll join us,” says Rose. “It’s a great event and a great way to honor those who serve our country. You’ll be helping to save lives—one soldier at a time.”
Fran is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Lafayette, Alamo and Danville Today newspapers. She lives in Lafayette with her husband, Dan and two teenaged boys, Aaron and Ben.
[weaver_extra_menu menu=’foodMenu’ style=’menu-horizontal’ width=’100%’ css=’menu-horizontal’]
Tales of the Kitchen
A very common phrase that I use quite a lot is “the greatest thing since sliced bread,” meaning something of superlative quality. The phrase is more than true. Bread is a popular food in the Western world and most other societies. There are many variations of bread recipes – pizza, chapatis, tortillas, baguettes, brioche, pitas, lavash, biscuits, pretzels, naan, bagels and quick breads. There are also different names for bread. In Spain bread is called “pan”, in France bread is “pain de mie”, in Southern France “fouace”, in Italy “focaccia”, in South Asia “roti or chapati” (which are flat breads). The Jewish bake a traditional bread named “challah”, in Scotland bread is called “plain bread”, and in Northern China “mantou”.
How could something so good come from 5 basic ingredients – flour, yeast, sugar, water and salt? Now there are many more ingredients that can better your bread, but you can get a favorable product with just these 5 products. Let’s face it: bread is a bio-chemical technology for turning wheat flour into something very tasty.
In approximately 2600 BC the Egyptians were lucky enough to have a sufficient amount of wild yeasts in the air from the beer brewing to accidentally discover its uses in leavening bread. Then Greek sailors and merchants brought the flour back to Greece, where baking bread flourished. Rome then took over after the conquest of Greece and, in 150 BC, formed the first Bakers Guilds. This was not only done to have a respectful profession, but to protect the public. The guilds held the profession to standards which they had to follow or be punished.
In early colonial America lack of wheat was an issue, so they turned to corn. Even when wheat became common, the Southern colonies had trouble making bread rise due to the high heat and humidity that killed off the wild yeasts. So biscuits and cornbread remained popular. By the 1800’s flourmills introduced highly processed flour and then, in 1825, a German baker was able to create cakes of yeast and package them for sale. From then on baking bread became easier for all, but even today bakers prefer to bake without commercially processed yeasts. They would rather work with a starter mixture developed out of the wild yeasts in the air.
We are very lucky living here in the Bay Area with all the wild yeasts around us allowing us to make our own sourdough starter. All it takes is time and care in developing a starter. It needs to be fed and watched that it does not get too cold or too hot. I remember in culinary school that was the last thing we would do every night – feed and put the starter to bed. It seems like a lot to do, but even if you used compressed yeast, you will still have to perform 12 steps:
Again, in culinary school these were drilled into us and tested, so I try not to forget these important steps.
1. Scaling and mise en placeing your ingredients, which mean weighing out and measuring all your ingredients properly.
2. Mixing, which has 3 purposes: distributing the ingredients, developing the gluten and initiating fermentation.
3. Primary fermentation, which is when you manipulate temperature to control the outcome. This is the most important stage in the creation of a great bread. Sugar is the one necessary ingredient for fermentation, converting into alcohol and carbon dioxide with the yeast.
4. Punching down: there are 4 reasons for this step: 1) it expels some of the carbon dioxide trapped in the dough which could choke off the yeast; 2) it allows the gluten to relax; 3) the temperature of the dough is different from the inside to the outside and it helps to equalize the temperature; and 4) it helps redistribute nutrients and trigger a new feeding cycle.
5. Scaling/dividing: it should be done by cutting dough evenly so it does not rip. Each time the dough is cut it creates a week spot.
6. Rounding: helps to stretch the glutens and form surface tension around the skin of the dough.
7. Benching: depending on the type of bread being made will determine how long to bench the dough.
8. Shaping and panning: there are many shapes and sizes.
9. Proofing: which is the ending of the secondary fermentation. Once you bring your dough to the size desired for baking, a wash would be applied and then you would slash the dough to release any trapped gases.
10. Baking: done by following your recipe based on what you are producing, hard crusty bread or soft bread.
11. Cooling and patience: need to be practiced, if you slice your bread too soon after it comes out of the oven the center will be dough or under baked. The starches are full of moisture and are still in the process of setting.
12. Storing: don’t store bread in the refrigerator, don’t store crusty breads in plastic bags, don’t store soft breads in paper bags, and don’t store warm bread in plastic.
This may seem like a lot to remember, I even forget a step or two, but if I just work thru the steps in my mind, they do come to me. Also a phrase, written by Frances Bacon (1561-1626) to use, “Acorns were good enough until bread was found.”
Chef K. Marie Paulk
[weaver_extra_menu menu=’featuresMenu’ style=’menu-horizontal’ width=’100%’ css=’menu-horizontal’]
Greening Up Your Lifestyle – Sustainability Celebration in Danville
Diverse community groups are uniting to host a Spring Fling celebration of Earth Day art, sustainable businesses, and greener living. This will be the second annual earth day event for the Danville community which will be held on Friday, April 20th from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. It’s called the Spring Fling and this unites the City of Danville, Sustainable Danville and Discover Danville and the best part of all is there’s no admission fee!
The Spring Fling, while celebrating Earth Day, will also promote local businesses that are practicing sustainability and greener living. Visit the heart of Danville’s historic downtown at the corner of Hartz and Prospect Avenue to pick up a FREE strolling map, a reusable shopping tote, a restaurant guide, and a list of the Sustainable Danville Area Businesses.
Sustainable Danville Area (“SDA”) has promoted the benefits of shopping locally, recycling, reducing, and re-purposing since its inception on Earth Day in 2010. SDA came about from three like-minded individuals who wanted to make a difference in their community. “It was actually three women, myself included, that just really care about our community and care about keeping it thriving in good condition for our children and our children’s children,” says Darlene Gayler of Gayler Construction. “We just want to make it so that everybody has a healthy quality of life, that there’s a strong local economy, and we keep the environment as pristine as it is now.”
Before co-founding SDA, Gayler didn’t have a whole lot of sustainability experience. “I don’t know why all of a sudden this just resonated with me,” she says. Her day job is in the construction industry with her husband as Vice President for Gayler Construction. “We are sustainable, green builders and have been for probably close to 10 years now.” Since the business is already green, what she’s learned with SDA has had an impact on how she operates her home and office.
SDA really came about because of the efforts of a neighboring town. “Lafayette had got this going and I just really liked what they were doing for their community,” Gayler says. “I wished we had one for the Danville/Alamo area. It just so happened that I connected with two other women who were thinking along the same lines and we started this organization.”
In just two years of operation, the Sustainable Danville Area has already made a significant impact on the community. “We have accomplished so much, it’s just been amazing,” says Gayler. “Through SDA we’ve done school programs and biking programs, landscaping programs, right now we’re working with the town to implement downtown bike parking to really increase the numbers, getting people out of the cars and onto bikes.”
About a year ago San Ramon Valley High School mentioned they wanted to do a Bike To School Day, but had no means of being able to cater to a high volume of bike parking on the school grounds. “We approached the East Bay Bike Coalition and asked if there was a way we could get their portable bike racks,” Gayler says. “We worked it out, we drove to Berkeley, picked them up and assembled them the night before. With two days notice I think there were almost 200 bicyclists that came to school that day. It was just amazing.”
As SDA benefits the community, the community gives back to them as well. Gayler mentions one particular individual, Jonathan Adams, who recently helped SDA in finishing a build of portable bike racks for the downtown high school and big downtown events, like the 4th of July parade and arts and crafts fairs. Adams did this as part of an Eagle Scout project. Gayler hopes to award him for his efforts at the Spring Fling/Green Home Expo.
“We’re doing a lot of different things,” Gayler says. “We partnered with a high school student for a Just Say Water program to get some of the local restaurants to only serve water when water was requested. We’re working with a bunch of different schools, helping to organize programs and events to get their schools greener and into recycling.” One of the biggest impacts SDA has had was when they started the Danville Area Sustainable Business program. “We’re trying to help local businesses who practice sustainable efforts,” says Gayler. “We promote them to the community so that those people, where sustainability matters, know what companies to support.” From the get go this program was a grand success. “Our first year alone we had 40 businesses sign up. We were pretty jazzed by that.”
In addition to implementing programs and events for the community, SDA has also been putting on public forums every month. “We have a really great, varied attendance,” says Gayler. “We offer education and resources, and make people aware through our forums.” People often leave these forums saying, “Wow! I never knew that.” Gayler is very proud they’ve been going so well. “The forums really give food for thought.”
From water management to colony collapse disorder in bee populations, even to actual food (not just for thought), the forums cover the whole range of sustainability-themed topics. “We’re doing a thing next month called Green Drinks,” says Gayler. “We’re getting together the local establishments, and like-minded people, to share ideas: what they’re doing, what resources they use. We’ve also partnered with different restaurants to do locavore dinners where they get to talk about how and what they do to offer local, organic, sustainable food,” she says. “People come and pay a price to hear more about that, and also to taste the different things the restaurant has to offer.”
Several forums they’ve had have been about the home itself, and Gayler explains that it doesn’t take a huge change to make a difference. “You don’t have to go out and buy tankless water heaters, and even necessarily do solar, if you just do small fixes,” she says. For example, “You can make your existing heating system more efficient by plugging all the gaps and drafts in your walls and around your fence.” They have a lot of interest in the sustainability of the home, and the Spring Fling is a representation of that. They’ve been having such a local impact that the city and other organizations have gotten involved as well.
“We actually partner with two other local organizations in Danville: Danville Chamber of Commerce and Discover Danville Association,” Gayler says. The organizations were talking together when the idea of the Spring Fling came up. “Since people are so interested in that aspect of becoming greener and more energy efficient, this is an event that would really appeal to a lot of the community.”
Make sure you find the Green Concierge Booth during your visit on Friday April 20. You will be rewarded with small bites provided by a few of those SDA certified Sustainable businesses such as Danville Chocolates, La Boulange, Sideboard and Jules Thin Crust. Local handmade soaps, upcycled jewelry, recycled birdhouses and re-purposed dreamscapes will be on display. Cottage Jewel and Danville’s 8 consignment stores have assembled a special shopping map to guide you to great deals on recycling around town.
The Village Theatre & Gallery on Front Street will host on-going art demos, a movie screening at 1:30pm, an art exhibit of K-12 students Earth Day posters, and a reception at 4 pm.
To learn more about street festivals and local events, explore www.DiscoverDanvilleCA.com and monthly sustainability programs at www.sustainabledanville.com.
Danville Wine & Chocolate Stroll
Danville will be the site for the annual Wine & Chocolate Stroll on Tuesday night May 10. Over a dozen merchants will be featuring local vintners’ wine tastings, small bites, and Danville Chocolates. The $25 ticket includes a souvenir glass, strolling map, and live music guaranteed to please one and all from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are available at the Green Concierge in April or on-line at www.DiscoverDanvilleCA.com.
Stroll throughout downtown Danville and enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the evening. Singer/songwriter and local artist, Deborah Kuhl, will be performing at the corner of Hartz & Prospect and Steve Fox of Bay Area Broadcast DJ’s will play hits to bring music to your ears at Danville Chocolates.
Danville’s Doggie Night
Discover more of Danville’s Thursday night festivities on May 24th for Doggie Night when the sidewalks are full of hundreds of happy pets, pet parents, pet sitters, photographers, trainers, veterinarians, and more. You and your pet will enjoy live music, free pet treats, and raffle prizes. Doggie Night will begin at 5 p.m. at Molly’s Pup-purr-ee located at 425 Hartz Ave. The event ends at 8 p.m.
To learn more about street festivals and local events, explore www.DiscoverDanvilleCA.com and monthly sustainability programs at www.sustainabledanville.com.
Matt Larson is a writer/actor/comedian who shamelessly promotes his Vallejo Comedy shows in his byline. He encourages you to visit www.vallejocomedy.com. Woot!
(Thanks to Marcia Harmon for her contributions and to Gary Truelsen for his hard work.)
Robledo Winery
I am a definite believer in destiny; I believe things happen for a reason. A few months ago I was not really happy with the pick I had made for our next wine story. I felt the winery was too big – not who we normally connect with. I had made the calls and was waiting for confirmation for interview times when I went to an industry event. I was tired that day as I remember and almost did not go since the event was in Napa and I had been at appointments in Lafayette. Something made me go and, as I made the obligatory rounds, I was really thinking of heading to the bar to get a drink. An hour later, I finally arrived at my true destination – a very comfortable lounge chair. Within a few minutes a group walked in and sat next to me and, as we started the introductions, I met a young gentleman named Luis Robledo. Over the next hour I was able to get to know Luis and learn about his family winery, Robledo Winery. Things happen for a reason!
The next day, since the interview dates still could not get confirmed, I told the other winery I had to move on. Oh well! I truly felt I was meant to meet Luis so I could have a chance to tell this true, rags-to-riches story. This is a story about life, family, love and a passion for the vines.
Having read their story before, I was very familiar with the fact that the Robledo patriarch, Reynaldo Robledo, Sr., had come to this country as a poor immigrant and had worked hard in the field, saving every penny he could to buy land on which to grow his own vines one day.
This story starts in 1968 when Reynaldo first came to the states at age 16 to find work to support his family. He started working in Calistoga pruning grapes, prunes and pears. He went on to work at several wineries and learned the trade but, more than that, came to love the gnarly vines and sweet fruit that came with them.
“I started working for $1.10 an hour in the valley and from the very first moment I loved it.” Reynaldo stated. “Once I learned how to prune a vine, it was love, and I spent the next three decades pruning and learning the business and eventually managing hundreds of acres.”
“I wanted to know everything about grapes,” he recalls. Within eight months, the teenager was in charge of 36 workers, including his own father. “I worked long, long hours learning everything.” He spent many evening hours teaching himself to drive unfamiliar farm machinery. He learned about pruning and grafting, about the April bugs and the May fungus, about cutting costs by doing everything at the right time. He took courses at University of California, Davis but says being in the vineyards was the best education.
“Working in the field is the way you learn. I know from the leaves what fertilizers and chemicals they need. I need to look at the soil. I don’t need a computer on every plant.”
“I evaluate each plant before I prune. The plant has its own energy, and you have to leave enough canes to use that energy. Some people don’t understand that if a plant is fifteen years old, it has a lot of strength, and they cut back too much.” Reynaldo explains.
When Reynaldo and his wife Maria came to the states they had no idea what was in store for them – nor did they know at that time they would eventually be the parents of nine children! They had produced their own management company without knowing it. Through the years Reynaldo and Maria saved every penny and were able to buy 14 vineyards totaling over 300 acres in Napa, Sonoma and Lake County. Most of their fruit is sold to other wineries but today they produce their own estate wines. Each of his parcels is named for his family – Rancho Maria for his wife, Rancho La Familia for all of his children, Rancho Emiliano for his youngest son. “For me, the important thing is that I can train my family and that they want to stay in the business.”
Today, seven of his nine children hold the reins of the winery’s future. Rey Jr. produces Robledo’s award-winning olive oil. Everado is winemaker and handles daily winery operations. Jenaro is vineyard manager. Francisco handles quality control, which includes monitoring the cellar to ensure smooth operations. Luis, Francisco’s twin brother, is Robledo’s sales representative, working directly with restaurants and distributors. (When not meeting magazine publishers in bars!) Lazaro manages both tasting rooms and handles winery events. The youngest, Emiliano, works at the winery while finishing his schooling.
Since 2002 the Robledo family has been honoring each other and their hard work by designating one vintage of their Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon to a Robledo family member – a living tribute that shows love, pride and respect for each other.
Robledo Winery offers quite a palate of red and white wines and released a sparkling wine this year. Their Sonoma tasting room is covered in ribbons and medals that their wines have been awarded.
The Sonoma Tasting Room also doubles as an event center. They have a huge outdoor space that is warm and welcoming with tile floors and vines surrounding the patio which gives color all year. This is where they hold all of their wine club events and summer barbecues, of which there are many. Weddings are picturesque here with the spectacular views of the Sonoma-Carneros Mountains and vineyards.
As with most small family wineries, you must make an appointment for tastings. The Sonoma Tasting room, located at 21901 Bonness Road, and the Lake County tasting room, located at 2040 Soda Bay Road in Lakeport, are open Friday-Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm. You may also visit their website at www.robledofamilywinery.com. Be sure to tell them that you heard they were a “Local Happening”!
The Wines:
2008 ChardonnaWiney, Los Carneros Gold Medal Winner!!! $38.00
Gold Medal Winner – 2011 Ensenada Tierra del Vino International Wine Competition.
Tasting notes: A rich golden topaz color. Aromas of orange blossom, jasmine and vanilla bean. A rich, smooth mouth feel with lush fruitiness. Finishes with a crisp acidity.
2009 “Seven Brothers” Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County Gold Medal Winner!!! $22.00
Gold Medal Winner – 2011 Pacific Coast Oyster and Wine Competition.
Tasting notes: Grapefruit and herbal notes turn to melon and ripe passion fruit on the mid-palate. Aromas of honeysuckle and mango. Concentrated with green tea and citrus. Rich and complex with a tang of lemongrass.
2010 Pinot Blanc, Lake County $22.00
Appearance: A beautiful pale golden yellow. Aroma and bouquet: infused with aromas of ripe melon and sweet honey. Approach: lush melon flavors with a hints of honey and vanilla. Finish: soft, well-balanced finish
2010 Pinot Grigio, Lake County $25.00
Appearance: Pale yellow straw color. Aroma and bouquet: aromas of apple and ripe pear. Approach: spice with a hint of vanilla and honey. Finish: structured with hints of citrus and a touch of mineral.
2008 Cuvée Brut, Los Carneros Gold Medal Winner!!! $40.00
Gold Medal and Best of Class – 2011 LA International Wine Competition Gold Medal – 2011 West Coast Wine Competition Gold Medal – 2011 California State Fair Gold Medal – 2011 Ensenada Tierra del Vino International Wine Competition.
The Robledo family has been growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in the Sonoma and Napa Carneros Appellation since 1984. They are very excited to introduce their first sparkling wine! The 2008 “Los Carneros Cuvée” is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay grapes. It is a lively wine with aromas and flavors of fresh apple and ripe pear. Each bottle is a celebration and they hope you enjoy it with friends and family! Salud!!
2008 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros $40.00
Double Gold – 2011 American Fine Wine Competition Appearance: a rich red ruby color. Aroma and bouquet: cherry and rose petals, anise and white pepper. Approach: medium-bodied with delicate plum and blackberry flavors with a hint of smokiness. Finish: lingering finish with bright acidity and a touch of toasted walnuts and oak.
2008 Petite Sirah, Lake County New Release! $28.00
Appearance: A beautiful, deep, rich burgundy color. Aroma and bouquet: rich characters of black cherry and mocha. Approach: full bodied, but not overpowering. Finish: lingering finish of big fruit.
2008 Barbera, Lake County $30.00
Tasting notes: This 2008 vintage is soft, ripe and fruit forward. Hints of ripe cherry, blackberry and spice. An overall elegant wine with a long finish.
2009 Tempranillo, Lake County New Release! $26.00
Tasting notes: A deep, rich, ruby color with aromas of spicy cherry and layers of blackberry, cracked pepper and a hint of toasty vanilla. A defined richness and acidity gives it a nicely balanced mouth feel.
2008 Zinfandel, Lake County $30.00
Tasting notes: Super ripe plum with spice and cedar. Jammy with layers of toasty. Vanilla and sweet oak flavors balance between ripe fruit and fleshy tannins. Finishes big but not hot. A very likeable Zin!
2006 “Los Braceros” Red Blend, Sonoma Valley Gold Medal Winner! $30.00
Gold Medal and Best of Class – 2010 West Coast Wine Competition Fair
Appearance: clear, bright red garnet color. Aroma and bouquet: aromas of black currant, ripe plum with a hint of tobacco. Approach: rich flavors of ripe black fruit and cedar. Finish: a medium-bodied wine with a spicy pepper finish. Blend of: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah (33.3% of each).
2006 “El Rey” Cabernet Sauvignon Double Gold Medal Winner!!! $38.00
Double Gold – 2011 American Fine Wine Competition. Gold – 2010 California State Fair Gold – 2010 Ensenada Tierra Del Vino International. Appearance: clear bright red garnet color. Aroma and bouquet: aromas of black currant, ripe plum with a hint of tobacco. Approach: rich flavors of ripe black fruit and cedar. Finish: a medium-bodied wine with a spicy pepper finish.
2009 Merlot, Los Carneros New Release! $38.00
Appearance: a deep, rich cranberry. Aroma and bouquet: aromas of ripe blueberries, anise, clove and sweet oak. Approach: rich flavors of blackberry, strawberry and plum. Finish: a full-bodied wine with smooth, well balanced tannins and hints of clove, leather and tobacco.
2005 Syrah, Napa Valley Limited Release! $60.00
Appearance: clear, bright red garnet color. Aroma and bouquet: Aromas of black currant, ripe plum. Approach: rich flavors of ripe black fruit and cedar. Finish: a medium-bodied wine with a spicy pepper finish.
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley-2nd Collector’s Edition $150.00
Appearance: a beautiful, deep pomegranate color. Aroma and bouquet: black cherry, chocolate mint, tobacco. Approach: dried plums, figs with black cherry. Finish: full bodied wine with spice, toasted vanilla and cedar.
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley -3rd Collector’s Edition $125.00
Tasting notes: This robust red wine is seductively luxuriant with a velvety, silky full and even mouth feel. Lush aromas of blackberry, cassis and cranberry are framed by layers of spicy oak, cinnamon, coffee and tobacco. On the palate the round, elegant tannins cradle lingering nuances of a perfectly ripe raspberry, candied plum, sweet maple sugar, dark mocha and toasted vanilla.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley-4th Collector’s Edition $100.00
Tasting Notes: This robust, red wine is mouth coating and full bodied, elegant and lush. Deep aromas of ripe blackberry, cherry and cassis are framed by layers of sweet and spicy oak, exotic spices, smoky vanilla and cocoa. On the palate, the firm but round tannins balance the ripe fruit notes, espresso and sweet oak flavors. Finishes with big, broad, fine-grained tannins and impressive length.
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – 5th Collector’s Edition $80.00
Tasting Notes: Bold and opulent with riveting aromas of ripe black cherries, plums and generous hints of exotic spices. Aromas are complex, offering notes of vanilla, mocha, cassis and cedar in this perfectly structured wine. Full bodied and deftly balanced. The finish is silky smooth in this complex and age-worthy Cabernet.
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley-6th Collector’s Edition $80.00
Tasting Notes: The nose begins with rich, dark fruit and subtle hints of chocolate and toasted oak. On the palate, an elegant yet full-bodied explosion of dark, luscious cherry and velvety black currant integrated with soft tannins that give way to a concentrated, complex and rewarding finish.
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley-7th Collector’s Edition New Release! $80.00
Tasting Notes: An intense, deeply colored wine of concentrated aromas and flavors. Bright black cherries lead the charge, followed by dusty cocoa and roasting coffee beans. Dense texture and a fine sense of balance enhance the pleasing aromatics of blackberry, currants, vanilla bean and dark chocolate.
As you speak to each of the sons you feel the pride and love for their family’s heritage. With so much history, what does the future hold for Robledo Winery? 19 grandchildren – just imagine!
Deanna Baillie loves good wine and great conversation – but her family and Ben, her Australian Shepherd, always come first. Here she shares a glass of wine with Regina and Robert.
[weaver_extra_menu menu=’featuresMenu’ style=’menu-horizontal’ width=’100%’ css=’menu-horizontal’]
It’s a Party!
Jubilee: a special anniversary; also: a celebration at the time of such an anniversary
(Merriam Webster Dictionary)
The 2012 Solano County Wine and Food Jubilee is celebrating its 25th anniversary in a huge, 40,000 square foot tent at the Nut Tree Complex in Vacaville, CA. The event, which typically draws over 2,000 people, is scheduled for April 27, 2012 and is sure to be a night to remember. Why hell, if it were a forgettable event, it probably would not still be going strong after a quarter of a century. Billed as the area’s premiere wine and food event, Jubilee attendees are treated to food selections from top restaurants and wine pairings courtesy of too many fine California wine producers to list here. Food and wine PLUS there is music from the ever popular nine piece R&B and rock band Time Bandits. And like they say on those late night infomercials: “There’s more!” – A Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra motorcycle ($23,999 msrp) in Vivid Black (think The Matrix movie) is being raffled off PLUS 26 cash prizes totaling $11,000 and a silent auction including not your run-of-the-mill items such as signed movie posters, a selection of wine to start your own cellar, sports tickets, jewelry, artwork, travel opportunities and wine tasting packages.
In fact, the Jubilee is the largest fundraiser of any kind in Solano County.
Intrigued? It gets even better. The whole shebang is a charity benefiting NorthBay Hospice and Bereavement. Ok. I snuck the serious bit in. But the fact that the proceeds go to a good cause certainly can help one justify a night of Bacchanalian excess. And, no. Nobody likes to contemplate their own, or anybody else’s final days. But the fact that the folks at NorthBay provide those in need with dignity and comfort in their final days is critical.
The Northbay Hospice and Bereavement service is based out of the two non-profit community hospitals run by NorthBay Healthcare in Fairfield and Vacaville, however, all of the hospice services provided are at home. This allows a person to be around family while receiving professional care.
A Little History
The idea of hospice has its roots in religious orders of the Middle Ages with the Knight’s Hospitaller who were devotees of the Blessed Gerard in the 11th century. The Hospitallers provided assistance to pilgrims in the holy land as well as care for the sick and injured. In the 14th century, the Knight’s Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem started the first true “hospice” to care for the dying. But modern concepts of hospice care were largely originated by British nurse, Cicely Saunders, who worked in England during World War II and at St. Luke’s Home for the Dying Poor in the late 50’s, later founding St. Christopher’s Hospice in London. Under Saunders, St. Christopher’s developed the approach associated with modern hospice care today. She pioneered the ideas of addressing the palliative needs of terminal patients while also considering the patient’s emotional needs. The idea is to address a person’s “total pain”, which includes emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual aspects to suffering and make a person’s final time as pleasant as possible, but also to allow a dignified exit from life.
When Cicely Saunders gave a lecture about her work and ideas at Yale University in the late sixties, it inspired the then Dean of Nursing, Florence Wald. Wald left her position at Yale in 1968 and traveled to London to study the work and methods of Cicely Saunders. In 1974 Florence Wald founded the first hospice in the United States in Branford, Connecticut.
Another notable supporter of the modern concept of hospice was the Swiss American psychologist Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross who published the international best selling book On Death and Dying in 1969. Ross addresses and publicizes many of the ideas behind compassionate care for the dying in her book and later speaks in front of congress in favor of federal support for hospice programs. In her testimony before congress, Kubler-Ross made a series of very insightful and poignant statements as worthy of consideration today as they were then:
We live in a very particular death-denying society. We isolate both the dying and the old, and it serves a purpose. They are reminders of our own mortality. We should not institutionalize people. We can give families more help with home care and visiting nurses, giving the families and the patients the spiritual, emotional and financial help in order to facilitate the final care at home.
It is remarkable when one considers that just a few people were able to bring about such a remarkable change in end of life care for so many in a relatively short period of time. Today hospice, as envisioned by Cicely Saunders and Florence Wald, is practiced in most countries around the world with countries such as Russia establishing its first hospice as late as 1997.
Today, most people considered for hospice have less than six months to live. Modern hospice includes support for the patient as well as their family and loved ones. Patients are able to spend their final time at home rather than in a hospital or care facility.
Some years ago I had what I consider the privilege of spending time with a close friend who was in his final years. John (originally Johann) had cancer. Liver cancer. Not the curable kind. His days were numbered, but he had lived a full life, reaching 85 years.
Leaving Germany in 1939 as a young man and refugee he finally reached Australia after many months aboard a British refugee ship afloat on the high seas. Country after country turned a ship of German Jewish refugees away until Australia finally placed him and his countrymen in an internment camp in the shadow of Ayer’s Rock in the desert. Temperatures soared above 130 degrees. As he described it to me … one day a man with a funny hat … brim pinned up on one side marched in front of those assembled and offered any fit volunteers a chance to fight honorably for the Australian Army and achieve citizenship.
John fought the Japanese in the jungles and survived, becoming an Australian citizen. He later discovered that his mother, from whom he had been separated during the war was alive and well and living in New York. He came to America, was re-united and ended up staying because he met the woman who became his wife. John raised a family, had a business and lived life as so many do.
As a friend, I saw him spend his last months with dignity thanks to hospice care. We sat together and I mostly listened to his war stories and other adventures. Some of his stories were exceptional, others mundane, but I feel honored that he and I were able to share time together thanks to hospice. In a sense, the final years or months of a life well lived are a jubilee, an anniversary of having spent time and gained wisdom on this earth.
Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities
The 25th Annual Wine and Food Jubilee is an event that will help ordinary people in Solano County who need hospice services. The Jubilee is an all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink event. Dress is “black tie optional” and tickets are $75 in advance or $100 at the door if available and include all wine and food. Raffle tickets are $50 each or three tickets for $100.
Also offered are a limited number of “VIP Table for Eight” packages that include many of the benefits afforded VIP ticket holders – early admittance, special treats on arrival and access to the “VIP Lounge” – for $1,000.
This reserved package must be purchased before March 23, 2012.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, and for a minimum of $1,000 a sponsor can enjoy early entrance to the Jubilee, an invitation to a private reception at the event, hotel accommodations and limousine service, as well as an invitation to the exclusive Open That Bottle Night event on February 25, 2012.
To purchase tickets call (707) 646-3133 or online at www.wineandfoodjubilee.org
Even with widespread support and international recognition, programs like Northbay Hospice and Bereavement need your support. We hope to see you under the tent on April 27th!
Marc Garman – Marc Garman is a videographer, writer and tinkerer who lives in Vallejo, CA and can’t get enough outdoor fun.
[weaver_extra_menu menu=’featuresMenu’ style=’menu-horizontal’ width=’100%’ css=’menu-horizontal’]
Spring is here, spring is here! With the cooler summer and the warmer winter that we have – it seems like spring never left. We shouldn’t complain though since we are not buried under snow like Alaska and Europe was this year. Still, it is nice to have the days getting longer and being able to enjoy our little slice of the world. Spring, of course, is a time of rebirth and reawakening. The trees are in bloom, vegetables are in the ground and the sound of baseball is once again being heard in the Bay Area. Hopefully the Giants’ bats awaken a little more than they did last year—what a heartbreak. (But now Buster Posey and Freddie Sanchez are back!) Sports fans will be able to rejoice once again as they check out the Giants, A’s and Rivercats. The area’s football fans will be able to take in this year’s draft. The NBA playoffs are getting ready to start at the end of April as will the NHL playoffs. So, there is plenty for the sports fans to take in. Robert’s son, Ramon, is participating in his 2nd season of little league, which is certainly keeping things busy in his home.
Those of you who like to get out and enjoy all the Bay Area has to offer have plenty of things to look forward to. Opening Day on the Bay is fast approaching for all the boaters to enjoy. Bicyclists and hikers can take advantage of the warmer weather as well as the longer days. Gardeners should be getting out and putting their plants into the ground if they have not already. The festival season is of course picking up steam as the days grow longer too. There is always something great to do in the Bay Area, but from now until October there is much more going on every week. Please make sure to check out our calendar online as well as in these pages so that you can start planning now!!!
Now is also time to get your spring cleaning done. While you are working around the house and contemplating your next home improvement job, you may want to stop in to the Vacaville Total Home and Garden Show that will be taking place from April 20th -22nd so you can get some ideas or find some great people to help you with that project. The warmer weather also means more wine events. The Wine & Food Jubilee will be taking place in Vacaville and you can read about that as well as the home show in these pages.
Spring break and Memorial Day also fall within these next two months, so many of you will have some vacation time to enjoy. Robert is a former Army Officer and NCO so he would like to take the time to remind us all that Memorial Day is not just another day off from school or work, but a day to remember those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and the freedoms we all enjoy. We also have an excellent article in this issue about the Pathway Home, an organization in Yountville that is working to meet the needs of those service people suffering from that scourge of the battlefield, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Please take some time to learn about the work these people are doing and about their fundraising event, which will be coming up shortly. It will give us all the opportunity to say “thank you” to those who continue to suffer.
There are also plenty of birthdays coming up. Deanna is turning … well, you will have to ask her about that! Robert’s son, Ramon Briseño turns 6, Robert and Deanna’s nephew, Jackson, turns 2 and their father (also a Ramon) turns 80 – yeah!!!! Rory and Veronica Briseño will also be celebrating their baptism in April. Whew, I am tired for sure!
Happy Birthday wishes to Stacy Jones, Dave Jones, George Nelson, Leanne Lantrip, Debbie Kaiser, Cathy Anthony, John Howland, LeeAnne Cawley, Tom Healy, Eric Truelsen, Wanda Chihak, Leslie Musante and Michael Truelsen.
Happy Graduation Danielle Briseño – we are so proud of you!
So we will both be very busy in April. Get out there and enjoy all there is, . . .Cheers!
Deanna Baillie and
Robert Briseño
