By Brandon Roberts, D.C.

On Saturday August, 18 about a dozen other chiropractors and I went to San Quentin State Prison to adjust inmates. It was the 9^th annual San Quentin TRUST Health Fair (TRUST stands for Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training).

The event was sponsored by Centerforce, Bay Area Black Nurses Association, and the Alameda County Public Health Department. There were many other health care workers there including dentists, mental health, as well as cholesterol and blood pressure screens.

I wanted to get involved after hearing about it and talking to some of the chiropractors who went last year. One of the core principles of my chiropractic college (Life West) is Lasting Purpose: Give, Love, and Serve out of abundance. I thought this would be a great way to live that principle.

My thinking was only of maybe helping one person realize some people on the outside do care enough to donate their time and because of that, it might keep my family and community safer when these inmates get released. But after talking to a friend, who is a Sheriff, and hearing her thoughts on it, I had serious doubts if I wanted to be involved in helping these people who have done some very terrible, violent things to innocent people. Was it something cool to check off a list of things I’ve done in my life? Was it just about me?

I spoke with a friend who has participated for a couple of years and he told me he knows some guards who want us there. He said “after you chiropractors come we have a couple of the most peaceful days of the year.” I figured if the guards want us there then I wanted to be there.

We walked through the front gates of the prison and we searched and had out ID’s checked a couple times then had an orientation by some guards and TRUST fellows.

Then we walked out onto The Yard and were out there with the inmates working out, jogging, playing tennis and handball. It was scary and surreal. The inmates had an award ceremony and a keynote speaker. I couldn’t stop moving around I was too afraid to get comfortable listening to the speakers, I wanted to be totally aware of my surroundings at all times.

We then went to the gym and got to work. The inmates were let in about 100 at a time. The line was from one side of the yard to the other. The line to see us was probably the longest except for the dentist (they were giving out toothbrushes). There wasn’t much small talk and I didn’t even get most guys names. Usually a fist bump or maybe a hand shake. I told them “you experience your life through your nerve system, every human action or experience is through your nerve system. If you experience more stress than your body can handle it is like blowing a fuse and your body can’t work properly and you experience less life, if this happens in the spine it is called a subluxation. Chiropractors detect and correct these problems so you are more able to adapt to your environment and can have a better life experience” It doesn’t matter if they had pain or not, all I was doing was finding that stress and removing it.

It was much more calm, orderly and quite than I thought it would be, I kept having to say aloud “We’re inside San Quentin!” to my colleagues to remind myself where I was. The normalcy is what actually bothered me the most I think.

I checked some shoulders and knees from playing football and tennis on the yard. I saw some old bullet wounds that definitely reminded me were I was.

One thing I’ll never forget is a very buffed man probably in his fifties with 3 really long braids in his beard that had no expression, had his ‘Game Face’ on, looked tough as hell and was one of the only men that made me feel uncomfortable get a big grin on his face and giggle after I adjusted him.

I think I saw 45-50 inmates in the few hours we were adjusting.

We got our things together and were leaving walking back across the yard and many of the men were shouting thanks. The last man I talked to I told, I’ll see you next year he said” I hope not.” I smiled and said I hope I never see you ever again then.

There is an inmate newspaper and I adjusted the editor and he said friend me on Facebook. That’s something else I won’t forget.

There was a film crew, the guys were learning filming, editing, directing and they did a couple interviews with us.

The inmates were low to medium security and couldn’t have had any violations for at least a year to be involved in this event.

We are going to try and get chiropractic as a regular part of the inmate’s health care. Some might think, and I heard people say, “Great my tax dollars at work, what next, private chefs?” Chiropractic isn’t a luxury like a massage or a Mani Pedi. It can save the state a lot of money. Many of these inmates were saying they take Motrin, naprosyn or other NSAIDS every day.

These can cause ulcers and are one of the primary reasons for people having kidney failure and being on dialysis. If chiropractic can keep these guys off drugs and prevent these very serious, expensive side effects a lot of money will be saved. I adjusted more than one guy that had shoulder or knee surgery while in prison.

We’re also thinking about doing some kind of event for the guards also.

The Pedersen family – Fred, Jr., Tiffany Deal, Patrick, Sue and Fred – waves good-bye to the customers of their Winners Circle Western Wear, which will be closing soon.

By Allen Payton, Publisher

Due to health, the economy and other issues, the Pedersens are closing Winner’s Circle Western Wear that was opened in Antioch in 1975.

Although owned by Patrick Pedersen, Sue Pedersen has been the backbone of the business. She has been ill this past year, then was injured in an accident, this year.

It was the place in East County to buy a cowboy hat, big, shiny, custom belt buckle, cowboy boots and Wrangler western jeans.

They served the shrinking farming, ranching and equestrian communities, including 4H, as well as bikers who sought them out for their leather vests.

The Pedersens have been big supporters of community activities, like 4H, rodeos and equestrian events.

“People are coming in and thanking us for being here and involved in the community,” Sue Pedersen said. “I’m not going to stop being involved in the community, because it’s my passion. But I’m retiring.”

Originally opened on 18^th and A Streets, they moved to 2nd Street, then finally to West 10^thStreet to a 13,000 square feet building in June, 2009.

“The family members have all worked there and helped out, Pedersen stated.” “It’s been a real family business.”

But with the changes in East County from an agrarian to a more suburban community, plus some competition from other stores and the general downturn in the economy, plus Sue’s health, things changed for Winners Circle.

So, Sue, Fred, Fred, Jr., Patrick and Tiffany are closing the family business in which they’ve worked together. They will be open until everything is sold – including their famous hat bar

People are calling telling them they’ll be missed.

“We appreciate all our loyal customers from throughout the years,” she said. “We will miss them.”

(Please see their ad in the October issue of the Herald)

Antioch resident Izabella Caldas on the day her wish was delivered.

Antioch Girl, Five-Year-Old Izabella Caldas, is Celebrity Server & Wish Child

EVENT: Cold Stone Creamery hosts World’s Largest Ice Cream Social

Thursday, September 27 marks Cold Stone Creamery’s 11^th Annual World’s Largest Ice Cream Social, a nationwide fundraising event to benefit Make-A-Wish^®.

New this year, the Ice Cream Social will take place all day. During the Ice Cream Social, Cold Stone will donate $1 from the sale of any “Love It” or “Gotta Have It” size Ice Cream, Yogurt or Sorbet Creation™ to Make-A-Wish.

WHO: We invite Make-A-Wish^® supporters to join us for this indulgent event to cool off with ice cream and support a great cause.

WHERE: 32 participating Cold Stone Creamery locations in the Bay Area including the Antioch location at 5779 Lone Tree Way, Suite F, in the Slatten Ranch shopping center.

For additional store locations, please visit www.coldstonecreamery.com.

WHEN: Thursday, September 27^th all day

WHAT: Since 2002, Cold Stone Creamery has supported Make-A-Wish in its mission to change the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Raising more than $4 million over the last 10 years, Cold Stone aims to grant more wishes than ever before in 2012 by once again hosting Make-A-Wish^® month in our stores which will culminate in another famous World’s Largest Ice Cream Social. This is the event’s 10^th anniversary, and we hope to do more than ever for seriously ill children in the communities we serve.

Celebrity server and Wish Child Izabella Caldas. a five-year-old Antioch resident, enjoyed her wish to go to Disneyland and will be in the Antioch Cold Stone Creamery store serving as “Wish Ambassador from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

About Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area

Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. During its first year of operation, in 1984, the Greater Bay Area chapter granted 27 wishes. Now one of the largest nationwide, the Greater Bay Area chapter grants over 300 wishes per year and has granted over 6,000 wishes to date. The chapter covers 17 Northern California counties. The goal of Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area is to grant a wish to every eligible child in its territory. Anyone can suggest a child for a wish. For more information, please call 415-982-9474 or visit www.SFWish.org. 

About Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery delivers The Ultimate Ice Cream Experience^® through a community of franchisees who are passionate about ice cream. The secret recipe for smooth and creamy ice cream is handcrafted fresh daily in each store, and then customized by combining a variety of mix-ins on a frozen granite stone. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Cold Stone Creamery is a subsidiary of Kahala, one of the fastest growing franchising companies in the world, with a portfolio of 14 quick-service restaurant brands. Cold Stone Creamery operates more than 1,500 locations in 17 countries.

For more information about Cold Stone Creamery, visit www.coldstonecreamery.com. For more information about Kahala, visit www.kahalacorp.com.

Join the Antioch Chamber for their Brown Bag Lunch – Mastermind Edition on Thursday, September 20, 2012.
This will be our fifth marketing and advertising Mastermind this year so if you missed it last time, this is an opportunity to attend.
This Brown Bag Lunch will feature a marketing and advertising roundtable and mastermind where you can listen to Antioch business owners share successful marketing ideas and you can present your marketing ideas for some helpful feedback.
Bring your lunch, plenty of business cards, network, meet other attendees and get some great ideas on growing your business effectively.
DETAILS
Brown Bag Lunch – Mastermind Edition
Date: Thursday, September 20, 2012
Time:  12:15pm – 1pm
Location: Antioch Chamber Offices
101 H Street, Unit #4, Antioch
See you there!
Antioch Chamber of Commerce
www.antiochchamber.com

At the recent statewide convention of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CAHCC), the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County (H5C) was honored as the 2012 Chamber of the Year.  The H5C was selected from amongst 65 Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and Latino Business Associations throughout the state of California.  The award was presented by President and CEO Julian Canete at the CAHCC’s 33rd Annual State Convention in San Diego.

“Our chamber was honored to have received the Chamber of the Year award, not only for our region but also the Chamber of the Year award for the entire State of California!  The success of this chamber is the result of of the value we provide to our business members through Education, Business Opportunities, and Advocacy”, said Eric Maldonado, President of H5C.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been reaching the community and enhancing economic development in Contra Costa County for the last 25 years through various activities and programs. The Business workshop series has served over 1400 businesses by providing them with the tools and resources required to succeed.  H5C has established a platform to allow small businesses to voice their opinions and concerns with elected officials during legislative events including visits to Sacramento and Washington D.C. Additionally, the mixers and speed networking events continue to be a vital source to help businesses expand their network and allow them to succeed and flourish.  H5C will continue to find ways to better serve the community to create economic growth and opportunity in Contra Costa County.

Douglas Lezameta, Member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce states, “This well-deserved award was rewarded to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County for their excellent performances in providing members with the programs necessary for growth. I would like to congratulate the board of directors for their hard efforts. Special thanks to Eric Maldonado, President and Mayra Bautista, Vice President and chamber staff.”

Mr. Maldonado observed that credit for the extraordinary honor and recognition goes to a large team of hard working chamber volunteers, staff and supporters.  He noted “the efforts required to be recognized as the best Hispanic Chamber in the State cannot be sustained without the proper support and infrastructure.  Special recognition goes to the Board of Directors, chamber’s staffs, and volunteers, past presidents and the support of our corporate advisors.”

The H5C continues to grow and has become one of the most active chambers in Contra Costa County.

The mission of the Hispanic Chamber is to develop, enhance and promote valuable business opportunities for our members while providing a special emphasis on education, cultural awareness and available resources within the Hispanic Community and Contra Costa County overall. H5C is working to promote the economic prosperity of its members within the Hispanic community and the Contra Costa community

Special thanks to the following:

Board of Directors; Eric Maldonado, Travis Credit Union; Mayra Bautista, TeamPersona; Abiud Amaro, San Pablo EDC; Leonard E. Marquez, Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP; Raymundo Villanueva, iServe Residential Lending; Emilio Solares, ESPN Deportes Radio; Stephen Martinez, ABD Direct Inc.; Nancy Aguirre Be-Yam, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Steve Macias, Humana; Johnny Huang, Johnny Huang Insurance Services and Richard Perez-Pacheco, Black Sheep Design.  

Chamber’s Staff: Mayra Rodriguez, Operation Manager; Claudia Samalea, Administrative Assistant; Stacy Flores, Marketing Assistant; Maria Peterson, volunteer, Lydia Celis, volunteer; Martha Morales, volunteer.

Advisory Board:  Ed Basaldua, Enrique Ruiz, Pedro Babiak, Steve Lesher, Shell Martinez Refinery; Ken Dami, Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery; Richard Chacon, Union Bank; Ken Mintz, AT&T; and Ron Wetter, Kaiser.

Local damage restoration Professionals focus on seasonal fire hazards

As owner of SERVPRO^® in Antioch, Michael Borders wants to remind local homeowners to review all of the safety tips from the National Safety Council, including tips on preventing home fires.

“While most homeowners take at least the basic steps to protect against a fire” said Borders, “there are fire sources in homes that are frequently overlooked. We want to shine a spotlight on some of the causes of home fires.”

Clothes Dryers

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), these everyday appliances are responsible for about 15,500 home fires every year, causing an average of 10 deaths each year, and more than $84.4 million in damage. Summer’s warmer weather and outdoor activities can create additional laundry. Help prevent dryer fires by:

1. Controlling lint buildup – on the lint filter, the back of the machine and in the venting system.

2. Replacing plastic or vinyl vent hoses with a rigid or flexible metal venting system.

3. Drying only items that are approved and safe to be put in a dryer (not foam backed rugs or athletic shoes).

Fire Pits

These outdoor fireplaces add a warm touch to the season’s al fresco entertaining, but they need to be handled with respect and caution. In their Seasonal Safety Tips, Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) recommends that homeowners keep the glow confined by:

1. Keeping these fireplaces at least 10 feet from any structure or flammable items.

2. Placing the unit on a solid surface, in an open area, away from overhanging trees or rooflines.

3. Never leaving the fireplace unattended; Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand, avoid using lighter fluid to start or restart the fire and ensure any embers are completely extinguished before going inside.

Gas Grills

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports fire departments in the U.S. respond to an average of 8,200 grilling-related fire calls per year. Five out of six of these fires involved gas grills. As summer grilling season heats up, SERVPRO^® recommends that outdoor chefs keep these tips from UL in mind:

1. Position the grill outside, at a safe distance from the house. Never grill inside a garage or enclosed porch or under a breezeway, awning, carport or overhang that might catch fire.

2. Check the grill’s propane hoses for cracks and brittleness then trickle soapy water over the hoses and fittings. Look for bubbles that would indicate a propane leak, and address the problem before using the grill again.

3. Never light a gas grill with the lid closed. Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy to suppress flare-ups and a fire extinguisher close by for emergencies.

“House fires can happen anytime, in any season, so it’s important to understand all the possible sources for a fire in your home,” said Borders. “Prevention is still the best way to protect your home, your family and your investment. But, if a fire does damage your home, SERVPRO^® is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide immediate response and advice that helps limit secondary damage and potential health risks.”

SERVPRO^® of Antioch specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate fire damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. SERVPRO^® of Antioch also offers wind and water damage mitigation, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning and other home-maintenance and restoration services.

For more information on severe storms or other emergency situations, visit the FEMA website at www.ready.gov. For more information about SERVPRO^® of Antioch, please contact Michael Borders at (925) 706-0106 or m.borders@embys.net or visit www.serveproofantioch.com.

Travis Moorer and his carpet cleaning van

By Allen Payton, Publisher

“You will get the Most Through Carpet, Upholstery and Tile Cleaning on the Planet, Or it’s FREE!” Now that’s a tough slogan to fulfill. Yet, it’s exactly what Travis Moorer and his Capital Carpet Cleaning & Repairs business do.

They want their customers to be “super pleased,” in fact, absolutely delighted with every carpet, upholstery or tile and grout cleaning job they do. 

Moorer offers a different kind of clean, a better kind of clean for his customers. That’s because he’s been tested and earned the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. In addition, he uses high-end equipment, such as the roto-vac which rotates 300 times a minute with two rotating heads and six jets, as opposed to two with most commercial cleaners. Plus, he’s knowledgeable.

“There’s a science behind cleaning carpets,” Moorer stated. “You need to leave the carpets in a natural PH.”

They wash the carpet with cleaning solution, like all other carpet cleaners. But, then the Capital process includes washing out that soap to remove any residue which attracts more dirt.

“If you don’t do that, your carpets will become dirtier, faster,” he added.

Travis Moorer using his high-end roto-vac carpet cleaning machine.

In addition, Moorer understands the impact on people’s health from proper cleaning.

“One controllable culprit in the battle with allergens is the house dust mite, a microscopic insect which is found in our homes,” he points out. “ The bedroom is particularly vulnerable for allergy sufferers as we spend one-third of our life in bed.”

The fact is we shed skin scales – dust mite food – into our beds, collected by the linens, pillows mattresses, carpet and upholstery.  All these are ideal breeding grounds for the house dust mite. In the average home, dust mites can double their numbers in just 10 hours.  You get 100,000 dead bodies and thirty million pieces of feces added to your home every day.

“Most people don’t realize just how soiled their furniture is and how much contaminated dirt, pollen, dust mite feces, pollution and grunge sits in the cushions,” Moorer pointed out. “If it’s more than a year old, the accumulated soil and biological matter is enough to feed an entire dust mite colony!”

But, there’s good news for the willies that information just gave you.

“These allergens can be removed with our deep, most thorough carpet cleaning,” he proudly states.

Moorer started Capital in 2001, just a couple weeks after 9-11. Then in 2004 he bought out his partner. He plans to expand and add technicians to serve a more broader clientele.

The fact that he guarantees his work is the key to his success – satisfied customers. For example, if a spot reappears, it will usually happen in a few days. But, Moore gives customers 30 days to call him back and fix it free of charge.

If a customer is not happy with their work, Capital will reclean the are for free. They’ll even redo their competitor’s work for half-price.

If you had your carpets cleaned by a competitor in the last 30 days and aren’t satisfied, they’ll clean it for half the cost of what you paid their competitor. Now that’s confidence.

To contact Moorer and Capital Carpet Cleaning & Repair, call (925) 238-0025 for a free estimate or visit www.capitalcarpetcleaningpro.com.