SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE | Award of Distinction
Best Of Castro Valley | SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE Award of Distinction
Castro Valley Vibe’s — Spirit of the People — Award of Distinction celebrates the very best of Castro Valley. This honor recognizes extraordinary individuals, businesses, and community leaders whose excellence, dedication, and uplifting spirit embody the essence of Castro Valley’s good vibes while creating a lasting positive impact on our community. — Stacy Poulos, Castro Valley Vibe / Vibe City Life
The Best Of Castro Valley | SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE AWARDS
2024 Castro Valley Vibe Spirit of the People Awards
2024
- Person of the Year: Donna Layburn - Castro Valley Natural Grocery
- In an age where food labels can be deceiving, finding trustworthy sources for what you eat is vital. At Castro Valley Natural Grocery, you can breathe easy knowing everything is truly organic and free from GMOs. It's not just about buying groceries; it's about investing in your health and well-being. Donna, the passionate force behind the store, deeply values providing high-quality, healthy food. She has poured her heart into the Marketplace, creating a sanctuary for conscious consumers and dedicated vendors. Despite facing numerous challenges, Donna’s unwavering commitment ensures that Castro Valley has access to genuinely wholesome food. We are truly lucky to have her. Here, you don't have to worry about hidden ingredients—just real, nourishing food that you can trust.
2024 Castro Valley Vibe Spirit of the People Awards
2024
- Person of the Year – Donna Layburn – Castro Valley Natural Grocery
- Best Performance I Love Your CVVibe – Jim Woodbury – Dracula
- Most Informative Speech – Jay Roadamel – Central County Marketing Group
- Most Loved on Instagram – Mason James – Unincorporated Clothes
- Most Popular – Ryland Swanson – East Bay Regional Parks Lifeguard
- Best Whimsical Place – Christmas Wonderland & Ice Skating – Three Crosses Church
- Best Window Display – Halloween Window Display – Wiggle Rumps Retail
- Most Extraordinary Story – Lorraine Chittock Boda Babes Ride – Women Motorcycle Ride Uganda Africa
- Best Bartender – Sandy Self – Castro Valley Moose Lodge
- Best Wine – Cabernet Sauvignon – Twining Vine Winery
- Best Charitable Cause – Senior Lunches – Kenneth Aitken Senior Center
- Most Famous Pet – Bear – Chris Herron
- Best Female Karaoke Singer – Fannessia Williams – At Last Tennessee Whiskey
- Best Male Karaoke Singer – George Newkirk – What You Wont Do for Love
- Most Improved Person – Dina Munday – Castro Valley Moose
- Most Eco Friendly Service – Nixxit Junk Removal –
- Environmental Excellence Award – Forestr – Community In Action
- Best Event – Cow Girl Picnic – Rowell Ranch Rodeo
- Best Pastry – Kouign Amanda – Seven Hills Baking Co
- Best Specialty Contractor – Kevin Nugent – Nugent Plastering and Stucco
- Outstanding Castro Valley Citizen – Tighe Boyle – Optimist Club
- Best Community Space Indoors – Pampas Cafe –
- Best Sandwich – Knudsens Ice Creamery – Real Crab Sandwich
- Essential Home Improvement Service – Nixxit Junk Removal –
- Most Resilient Spirit – Mary Florence –
- Best Event – Run to the Lake – Lake Chabot East Bay Regional Parks
- Best Ongoing Event – Castro Valley Cornhole Association – The Moose Lodge
- Best Group Event – Mary Dechicco Boyd – Witch Walk
- Most Dedicated Veteran – Kasey Warner – VFW 9601
- Favorite Volunteer – Michael Halloran –
- Best Community Charitable Cause – Bonnie Nasworthy Jones – Edens Heroes Fighting Breast Cancer
- Best Behind The Scenes – Eagle8 Air Support Team – East Bay Regional Parks Police
- Most Loved And Viewed Instagram – East Bay Slot Car Club – Demonstration 289,484 Views 4,543 Loves
- Best Pastries – Ones Cafe – French Pastries
- Most Entertaining Social Media – The Prize Booth
- Most Business Integrity - Troy DeHerrea - K&C Environmental
- Bright Light Award – Lynette Stack - Elevate Home Decor
- Most Resilient Business - Bodis Java
- Most Iconic Landmarks - Old Castro Valley Library -Wahamaki & Corey
- Best Gov Customer Service - Joanna Campbell - Castro Valley Post Office
- Best Customer Service - Shanya Adis - CV The UPS Store
SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE
2022 Castro Valley Vibe Spirit of the People Awards - Person of the Year: Michael Halloran [Video]
Castro Valley Vibe couldn't have made it without the little angels behind the scenes. One standout is Michael Halloran, who tirelessly assisted with tasks, including setting up TVs and other projects, and most importantly, being a positive influence along the way. For his unwavering support and dedication, Michael Halloran is recognized as the Person of the Year.
[Video]
2022 Castro Valley Vibe Spirit of the People Awards
What You Wont Do for Love 2022
- Person of the Year – Michael Halloran – Enthusiastic Supportive Ally & Volunteer
- Castro Valley’s Kindest Person – Arlita Shelby – WOTM Castro Valley Moose
- Most Inspiring Speaker – Marlon Gomez – Body Mechanix
- Most Extraordinary Story – Sam Nabhan – Dells Cafe
- Best Karaoke Event – Karaoke Roz Whitley – Valley Inn
- Best Female Karaoke Singer – Destiny Montenegro – Joss Stones Dirty Man
- Best Bartender – Christine Petsas – Moose Lodge
- Best Wine – California Champagne – Chouinard Winery
- Best Sandwich – Chicken Pesto – Meadows Bistro Redwood Canyon Golf Course
- Best Mexican Food Dish – Don Joses – Fajitas
- Best Party Venue – Castro Valley Moose Lodge –
- Best Community Event – Brianna Noble – Urban Cowgirl
- Best Pastry – Creative Macarons Natalie Wong – Always Yours Bakery Cafe
- Awesome New Business – Jeff Candelario – Lillys Garage Modle Tires
- Best Garden – Eugene Shabelyanau & Danny Galindo – Gardening Geeks
- Best Adult Education – Monica Higgins Paint & Sip – Artist Center Art & Soul
- Most Outstanding Kid – Cam Carraway – 11 Year Old Race Car Driver
- Best Dish – SoCo Kitchen – Shrimp & Grits
- Most Whimsical Place – Fantasy Land – Golden Tee Golfland
- Best Soup – Knudsens Ice Creamery – Ham & Corn Bisque
- Best Breakfast – JPs Restaurant – Vegetarian Omelet
- Best Behind The Scenes – Inside Tour Village Bowl – Castro Village Bowl
- Best Atmosphere – Cordial Cellar + Lounge –
- Best Western Gear – Rowells Saddlery & Western Wear – Custom Leather Works
- Best Spokesperson – Steve West – VFW 9601
- Best Art Exhibit – Photography Display Airstream – Postcard Travelers
- Best Creative Design – Sumsaara Designs – Leather Designs
- Most Resilient Spirit – Kelly Vigil –
- Most Resilient Business – Josh and Andrea Hunter – Crush Comics
- Most Inspiring Reverend – Deacon Justin – Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
- Best Couple – John & Dawn Delrose –
- Most Legendary Local – Michael Davich News Helicopter Camera Man – ABC SKY7 KTVU, KGO, KRON, KPIX, KDTV
- Most Famous Pet – Lilly Cat That Survived a Fire – Emily & Steven
- Bright Light Award – Maria Diaz – Portales Taqueria
- Most Dedicated Veteran – Pat Flanagan – VFW 9601
- Best Artist – Brooke Burns –
- Best Live Music – Cordial Cellar + Lounge –
- Most Eccentric Business – Sequoians Club –
- Best Community Space Outdoors – Golden Tee Golfland –
- Best Community Space Indoors – The Chabot –
- Most Spirited Social Club – Castro Valley Parents Nursery –
- Most Iconic Landmarks - The Chabot Theater
- Martha Stewart Hospitality Award - Val Jones
2021 Castro Valley Vibe Spirit of the People Award: Person of the Year: Monesa Qasemi - Unsung Hero - Castro Valley Sportsmen's Center
2021
- Person of the Year: Monesa Qasemi - Unsung Hero -Castro Valley Sportsmen's Center
- COVID-19 brought out both the worst and the best in people. Often, the unsung heroes in our community go unnoticed. Monesa Qasemi from the Castro Valley Sportsmen's Center is one such hero. Every week, she arranges for different businesses to provide food for those in need. This includes day-old salads from Trader Joe’s and other fruits and vegetables, mostly benefiting those living in the nearby trailer parks. For her dedication and selfless efforts, Monesa Qasemi is recognized as the Spirit of the People; Person of the Year by the Castro Valley Sportsmen's Center.
2021 Castro Valley Vibe Spirit of the People Awards
2021
- Person of the Year – Monesa Qasemi Unsung Hero – Castro Valley Sportsmens Center
- Best Candy – Knudsons Ice Creamery – English Toffee
- Healthiest Products – Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Amphora Nueva
- Best Flower Arrangement – Gigis Florist – Valentine Flower Arrangement
- Best Event – Castro Valley Flea Market – Hosts Castro Valley Vibe & Moose Lodge
- Best Charitable Cause – Dig Deep Farms Food Hub –
- Best Karaoke Event – Julles Connor – Legacy Karaoke At The Moose
- Best Female Karaoke Singer – Tiffany Callier – Bob Segars Down On Mainstreet
- Best Pastries – Jenns Cupcakes – Carrot Cake
- Most Legendary Local – Spencer Christian – ABCs Good Morning America
- Best Mechanic Shop – Castro Valley TirePros –
- Best Taco Tuesday – JPs Restaurant –
- Bright Light Award – Tarzannas Treasures
- Most Whimsical Place – Castro Valley Rocks – Hidden Rocks Around Castro Valley
- Most Dedicated Veteran – Jim Smith – VFW 9601
- Best Castro Valley Event – Glen Krumb – Castro Valley Cornhole Association
- Best Concert – Redwood Canyon Summer Concert Series –
- Best Ongoing Event – Small Town Society –
- Best Hamburger – Cannery Kitchen & Tap – Bacon Cheese Burger
- Best Sandwich – Cannery Kitchen & Tap – Diestel Turkey Sandwich
- Best Bacon – Cannery Kitchen & Tap – Million Dollar Bacon
- Best Charitable Cause – Castro Valley Moose – Senior Cards
- Most Generous Sponsor of a Good Cause – Jeff Candelario – Senior Card Moose Lodge
- Best Musician – Dave Badilla – Music
- Best Mexican Food Dish – Portales Taqueria – Chorizo Quesadilla
- Best Community Space Outdoors – Lake Chabot Regional Park – East Bay Regional Park District
- Most Responsibly Informed Castro Valley – Robert Souza – Castro Valley News
- Best Recreational Event – Lake Chabot Marina & Cafe – Boat Rentals
- Best Taco – Chili Verde Tacos – Chef Michaell Hermanos Verdes
- Best Artist Mural – Scott Sawyer Castro Valley Chalk – Castro Valley Marketplace
- Most Eccentric Creative – John Coulpe – Poetry
- Best Community Service – Kelly Moore Paints – Free Paint Disposal
- Most Resilient Spirit – Nina Martinez –
- Favorite Couple – Sue & C T – Castro Valley
- Best Community Space Indoors – The Chabot Theater –
- Most Inspiring Community Leader – Pastor Jake Medcalf – First Presbyterian Church
- Best Soup – Coconut Soup with Shrimp – Thai Cuisine
- Best Charitable Cause – Proctor School PTA – Tuesday Food Distribution
- Most Entertaining Social Media – Jrs Beer Tasting Vlog – Junior Jr Discount Liquors
- Most Spirited Social Club – Cathys Kindness Rocks – Castro Valley Rocks
- Joseph Eichler Mid-century Modern Homes
2020 CASTRO VALLEY VIBE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE AWARDS - Person of the Year: Robert Pace Sponsor & Host CVVibe
I'm not sure Robert Pace knew what he was getting into when I asked him to support CVVibe, but he did it enthusiastically and provided financial backing to get it off the ground. It was fun turning an amateur into a co-host for CVVibe. He helped keep the community informed, going the extra mile to boost the videos we created. Since he wasn't a professional, his willingness to have fun with it made people feel more relaxed and open. I'm forever grateful for his relentless support. Person of the Year: Robert Pace Sponsor & Host Castro Valley Vibe
2020 CASTRO VALLEY VIBE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE AWARDS
2020
- Person of the Year – Robert Pace Sponsor and Volunteer Host – Castro Valley Vibe
- Outstanding Kid – Chase DeHerrea – Champion Motocross Kid
- Funniest Video – October Tire Event – Castro Valley TirePros
- Funniest Actor – Junior October Tire Event – Jr Juniors Discount Liquors
- Most Informative How To Video – Pro Painters Tips – Petes ACE Hardware
- Most Informative Video – Choosing A Perfect Sofa – Connollys Furniture & Mattress
- Best Musician – Safiyah Hernandez – Safiyah Hernandez Music
- Most Generous Sponsor of a Good Cause – Robert Pace –
- Most Iconic Landmarks – Charley The Horse – Rowells Saddlery & Western Wear
- Best Mechanic Shop / Best Auto Service – Kevin L. Hinkley – Auto Tech
- Best Ongoing Event – Julie Conner Legacy Karaoke – Castro Valley Moose Lodge
- Best Male Karaoke Singer – Gary Smith –
- Best Atmosphere – Castro Valley Public Market –
- Coolest Castro Valley Place – R & J Quick Clean –
- Best Community Event – Castro Valley Light Parade –
- Best Business Person – James Thomas – Cellular City
- Healthiest Products – Health Unlimited –
- Best Chinese Food – Silver Spoon Gourmet Cuisine –
- Best Host – Simon Wong – Silver Spoon Gourmet Cuisine
- Most Loved Facebook Video – Cue Amin – Cafe Rumi
- Most Loved Instagram Video – Maria Diaz – Portales Taqueria
- Essential Home Improvement Service – Petes ACE Hardware –
- Best Soup – Top Thai Cuisine – Shrimp Tom Kha (Coconut Soup)
- Most Notable Teacher – Lisa Holms – Engineering & Design CV High School
- Best Sushi Food – Genghix Asian Fusion –
- Best Sandwich – Lucas Deli – Boars Head Pastrami Sandwich
- Best Margaritas – Los Molcajetes –
- Best Grocery Store – El Rancho Supermarket –
- Bright Light Award – James Thomas – Cellular City
- Best Mechanic Shop – Kevin L. Hinkley – Auto Tech
- Best School Program for Kids – Castro Valley High School – Engineering Program
- Most Progressive Educator – Blaine Torpey – Principal
- Best Charitable Cause – First Presbyterian Church – Tiny Homes Project
- Best Community Charitable Event – ZombieCon Pub Crawl – Hayward Animal Shelter
- Most Legendary Local – Rachel Maddow – The Rachel Maddow Show – MSNBC
- Best Vietnamese Food – Philip Long – Wends Cafe
- Best Pet Services – Robin Keim & Marilyn (Kay) Texter – Pawitive Karma
- Best Art Mural – Rita Soyfertis Mosaic Mural – Castro Valley Marketplace
- Most Viewed Video – Fernando Morales – Iron Man
- Best Peaceful Gathering – Black Lives Matter – Castro Valley High School
- Bright Light Award – Percella & Sugie – COVID Tailgate Party
- Best Hamburger – Boulevard Burger – Bronco Burger
- Best Coffee – Valley Java –
- Best Hair Stylist – Stacy Monroe – Stacy Monroes
- Best Service People – COVID Frontline Workers – Eden Hospital
- Best Artwork – Margarita Soyfertis – Mosaic Artwork
- Most Spirited Person – Dancing Employee – Trader Joes
- Most Popular Instagram Post – Peaceful March For Black Lives Matter – Castro Valley High School
- Best Bar – Doolittle –
- Most Whimsical Place – Classic Pumpkin Patch – Classic Amusement
- Best Family Business – Connollys Furniture and Mattress –
- Best Service Business – Worleys Home Design Center –
- Best Ice Cream – Black & Tan – Knudsens Ice Creamery
- Best Small Business Leader – Martha – Drift Plants
- Most Dedicated Volunteers – Women of The Moose – WOTM Fridays Dessert Table
- Best Community Space Outdoors – Adobe Park –
- Healthiest Products – Daily Dose – Plant Based Health
- Most Responsibly Informed Castro Valley – Robert Pace –
- Best Community Leader – Paul Keim – Small Town Society
- Best Castro Valley Project – Castro Valley Market Place –
- Best Steaks Dinner – Eric Opperman –
- Best Event Food – Street Eats & Food Truck Mafia –
- Best Bartender – Jen McColley– Valley Inn
- Best Breakfast – Bodis Java – Ham & Cheese Omelets
- Best Taco – Fish Taco – The Burrito Shop
- Most Eccentric Business – Don Scialpi – One Bad Apple Records
- Best Barber Shop – Brooklyn Barber –
- Best After School Program – Gloria Blackstone – Glorious Beads
- Most Entertaining Social Media – Martha – Drift Plants
- Most Spirited Social Club – Soroptimist International of the East Bay –
- Favorite Couple – Bill & Deb Kristy –
- Nicest Sales Rep – Gene Orick– Castro Valley Tire Pros
2019 CASTRO VALLEY VIBE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE AWARDS Person of the Year: Karen Jonke - Krayon’s Galleria
2019 Awards
- Person of the Year: Karen Jonke - Krayon’s Galleria
Karen Jonke of Krayon’s Galleria has orchestrated numerous fundraisers, including those for cancer, solidifying her role as the heart of Castro Valley. She created and maintained a safe space for women, transforming her business into a welcoming living room where everyone knows your name. If Castro Valley had a Mayor, Karen would undoubtedly be the one. There has never been anything quite like Krayon's Galleria in Castro Valley. Karen Jonke's extraordinary contributions and unwavering spirit truly earn her the title of Person of the Decade.
Person of the Year: Karen Jonke - Krayon’s Galleria
2019 CASTRO VALLEY VIBE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE AWARDS
Best Male Karaoke Singer – Best Male Karaoke Singer – 2019 Awards
- Person of the Year – Karen Jonke – Krayons Galleria
- Most Loved Instagram Video – Jason, Jeremy, and Brett Brill- SoCo Kitchen Brothers
- Best Bar – Karen Jonke – Krayons Galleria
- Most Whimsical Place – James Arney – Arneys Crow Canyon Saddlery
- Favorite Politician – Frank Mellon – Director EBMUD
- Best All Around Food – Southern Comfort Kitchen –
- Best Ongoing Event – Castro Valley Farmers Market – Urban Village Farmers Markets
- Most Generous Sponsor of a Good Cause – Robert Pace –
- Best After School Program – Superhero Drawing Intro Class – Adobe Art Center, Jason Engelund
- Favorite Spokesperson – Katie Ward Crummey – Miss Rowell Ranch Rodeo
- Best Educational Public Display – Gaetano Capizzi Mobile Visitor Center & Disply – East Bay Regional Parks
- Most Inspiring Community Leader – Dennis Waespi – East Bay Regional Parks
- Most Legendary Local – Cliff Burton – Bassist Metallica
- Healthiest Products – Trader Joes –
- Best Hamburger – Eric Opperman – Friday Lunches Krayon’s Galleria
- Best Steak – Eric Opperman – Monday Night Football Krayons Galleria
- Most Responsibly Informed – Fred Zehnder - Castro Valley Forum
- Best Community Leader – Ashley Strasburg – Castro Valley Chamber
- Best Castro Valley Project – Castro Valley Veterans Memorial – Veterans of Foreign War & American Legion
- Bright Light Award – BJ Bikramjeet Singh – Center Street Pizza Express
- Best Themed Event – Classic Pumpkin Patch – Classic Pumpkin Patch
- Favorite Couple – Lisa & Randy Bickerdike –
- Best Pet Service – Hayward SantaCon – Benefiting East County Animal Shelter Services
- Best Bartender – JoJo Huett – Krayons Galleria
- Best Male Karaoke Singer - Kelly Vigil – Brooks and Dunns Boot Scootin' Boogie
- Best Community Event - Castro Valley Chili Cook-Off - Castro Valley Rotary Club
- Most Iconic Landmarks - Three Crosses
- Best Gov Customer Service - Kelly - US Post Office
- Most Resilient - Vicki Nardolillo Miranda
About Castro Valley Vibe | Events Entertainment
TBA -2025 CASTRO VALLEY VIBE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE AWARDS
2025 Awards
Castro Valley 'vibe' is about good vibes of the people. You will rarely see a major corporation on here due to the fact corporations rarely allow there employees speak for them. Hardly ever!
You are welcome to bring to our attention members of the community you believe should be recognized. We will investigate. We have a year to find our next honorees.
As a business we also look into yelp and the BBB to ensure we are not recognizing people who don't take care of their people.
TBA -2025 CASTRO VALLEY VIBE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE AWARDS
2025 Awards
Castro Valley 'vibe' is about good vibes of the people. You will rarely see a major corporation on here due to the fact corporations rarely allow their employees speak for them. Hardly ever!
You are welcome to bring to our attention members of the community you believe should be recognized. We will investigate. We have a year to find our next honorees.
As a business we also look into yelp and the BBB to ensure we are not recognizing people who don't take care of their people.