Over the last ten years since Dr. Laurie took over Animal Clinic of Benicia and she and her staff have been working hard to make sure the animals in their care get the best treatment around. Everyone knows how much people LOVE their pets and the staff at Animal Clinic want you to be able to love them for a long time. They offer not only excellent medical care but pet products that help to keep them healthy as well. Their excellent care and service is probably a big reason they were selected by our readers as this year’s winners in our Local Choice Awards and we know that they are working hard to maintain that trust that so many of their loyal customers have bestowed upon them. They look forward to meeting you and your favorite animal so that they can help to keep them health and in your family for years to come.
402 Military East Benicia, CA 94510
707-745-5993
demandforce.com/b/acob
The mission of Wildlife Rescue Center of Napa County is “To support the presence of wildlife through rehabilitation and to promote public awareness and appreciation through community outreach.”
WRCNC was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit corporation and is permitted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is the only organization of its kind in Napa County, and cares for hundreds of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife annually. In 2013, WRCNC cared for 908 animals, including Songbirds, Raptors, and Mammals. The organization is operated by a dedicated board of directors, over 100 volunteers, and two part-time wildlife administrators. WRCNC’s future goal is to build a permanent facility in Napa County, something the organization is currently lacking. Having a permanent center will be beneficial for the community and wildlife alike. For more information about donating and volunteering, check out their website: www.napawildliferescue.org. If the public finds a wild animal in distress, they should contact the organizations wildlife hotline (707) 224-4295.
PO Box 2571 Napa, CA 94558
707-685-5411
napawildliferescue.org
Children and adults will enjoy this unique natural history and environmental education center where more than 50 species of native California animals are just inches away from visitors. Lindsay Wildlife Museum includes the first wildlife rehabilitation hospital established in the U.S. and provides treatment for more than 6,500 injured or orphaned native wild animals each year. The museum provides a unique opportunity for the community to participate in their care via volunteer programs at the museum all while offering educational experiences to literally tens of thousand of children in Contra Costa County and beyond. Come experience this wonderful museum with your children and learn about nature, just as its founder Alexander Lindsay envisioned in 1955 when it was first formed.
1931 1st Ave Walnut Creek, CA 94597
925-627-2919
wildlife-museum.org
Where do we begin to tell the story of Ken Ross and all of his philanthropic endeavors? We must begin at the beginning. Ken Ross started in the Auto Industry after his mother told him there was an opening at a local Car Dealer and since he wanted to make more money than mom and dad were paying him at the family furniture store he decided he had nothing to lose. That was in 1978 fresh out of high school and attending Junior College and he hasn’t looked back except to laugh and tell the many colorful stories of his adventures in this profession.
“The car business is fun, no two days are alike and I am never bored!” Ross explains after being asked why he decided to stay in such a volatile profession after all these years. “Plus, I just love it, the people, the deals, all of it!” he continued.
His success in the car industry led to him buying out a local Vallejo car dealer and opening up TEAM Superstores in 1994. Since then he has immersed himself in the community and just about every fundraiser, non-profit organization, school, and anybody else that has asked he has stepped up and written the all-important check that has made the difference. One such story is the year that Vallejo was not going to be able to have a 4th of July Parade since the organizer backed out at the last minute. When local business owners stepped in to help, Ross’s first reply was, “ What do we need to make sure the parade happens?” The answer was of course money so he wrote the check without another thought.
It’s this and many, many other similar stories that explains why Ken Ross was voted Humanitarian of the Year for Solano County. He is to be applauded not just for the stories of generosity that we hear about but for all of the ones that are done anonymously as well! He hears an enormous thank you from the community with this “Local’s Choice” Award!
301 Auto Mall Prkwy Vallejo, CA 94591
707-643-9000
teamsuperstores.com
Since 1978 the staff at Solano Family & Children’s Services have focused on helping meet the needs of children and families in Solano County by matching families with quality child care in the county. They are then work to provide assistance with the cost of that care for those families in need as well . The staff work directly with child care providers and provide training and development to them in order to improve the quality of care in the county. They also provide and oversee a child care food program so that providers can be reimbursed for offering nutritious meals to the children they watch. These services and training helps reduce the overall cost while improving the quality of care countywide – something every parent can appreciate.
421 Executive Court N, Ste A Fairfield, CA 94534
707-864-4600
solanofamily.org
Community Action of Napa Valley is the county-wide Food Bank, Napa Counties only Homeless Shelters, Meals on Wheels and Senior Nutrition, Rental Assistance, Child Development, Culinary Training for low-income and homeless people and Tobacco Education and Stop Smoking Programs. Since 1965 Community Action of Napa Valley has been increasing self-determination and self-sufficiency with low-income families, disadvantaged people and senior citizens throughout the Napa Valley. From Calistoga to American Canyon, Lake Berryessa to Carneros and everywhere in between Community Action of Napa Valley develops and supports programs and services that reach out to local people, giving them the emergency assistance they need today along with the tools and skills to help themselves for the long run. For more information please go to www.canv.org or call 707-253-6100.
2310 Laurel St Napa, CA 94559
707-253-6100 ext 102
canv.org
Founded in 1971 by Dr. Mary Bowerman & Arthur Bonwell Save Mt Diablo is focused on preserving the open space and natural beauty of the Mountain and surrounding lands for the enjoyment of current and future generations. Since their inception the amount of preserved open space has grown from less than 7,000 to now more than 110,000 acres. Their dedicated staff and volunteers work to not only preserve the open space but share it with the community with hikes, races, art and other activities throughout the year. Come join them in their efforts to preserve this iconic landmark of Contra Costa County and learn more about the plants and animals that call it home.
1901 Olympic Blvd, Ste 320 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-947-3535
savemountdiablo.org
Recognize this name and face? You should. Ken Casper of Edward Jones in Benicia won the Local’s Choice Award last year for best “Business Service” and he’s back again this year as the recipient of not only Best in Business Services but Customer Service as well!
Ken Casper and his Branch Office Administrator, Lisa Schelble specialize in being the best at what they do, helping you with your financial future. Since becoming a Financial Advisor with Edwards Jones in 2001, he and Lisa have been working diligently to help individuals and businesses navigate the rough financial ocean we have been experiencing. Ken’s hard work and the efforts of this firm have paid off, having been recognized locally as a frequent “Best of” in Financial Services by the local newspaper. Edward Jones has been recognized nationally as well, so stop in and congratulate Ken for another outstanding year!
555 First St., Ste 104 Benicia, CA 94510
707-745-8133
edwardjones.com/en_US/fa/index.html&CIRN=202203
