The Best Of Castro Valley Vibe | SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE
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 Castro Valley Vibe’: 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 Dawn - 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
- Best Male Karaoke Singer: George Newkirk
- Most Improved Person: Dina Munday - Castro Valley Moose
- Most Eco Friendly Service - Nixxit Junk
- Environmental Excellence Award; Forestr.org
- 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: Real Crab Sandwich - Knudsen's Ice Creamery
- Essential Home Improvement Service - Nixxit Junk
- 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: Witch Walk
- Most Dedicated Veteran: Kasey Warner VFW
- Favorite Volunteer: Michael Halloran
- Best Community Charitable Cause: Bonnie Nasworthy Jones - Edens Heroes Fighting Breast Cancer
- Best Behind The Scenes: Air Support Eagle8 • East Bay Regional Parks Police Department
- Most Informative Video: Cutting A Cowboy Steak • David Samiljan • Baron’s Quality Meats & Seafood
- Most Legendary Local: Tony Gemignani - World Champion Pizza Maker
- Best Hors d'Oeuvres: Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks - Pizza Express Center Street
- Most Dedicated Volunteers: Teri Castro
- Awesome New Business: Breakfast Club
- Most Responsibly Informed Castro Valley: Castro Valley Ask Share Discuss - Facebook Group
- Best Soup - Taco Soup - Portales Taqueria
- Best Taco: Birria Quesadillas • Portales Taqueria
- Best Homemade Recipe: Birria • Portales Taqueria
- Best Refried Beans - Tacos Patron
- Best Salad - House Side Salad Ranch Dressing - JP’s Restraunt
- Most Informative Video Behind The Scenes: East Bay Regional Parks Police
- Most Popular Video: Free Slot Cars Races • Castro Valley Moose Car Show IG 4,605 Loves 289,000 Views
- Favorite Couple: Sam Jessica Henselmann
- Most Patient Service Professional: Shanya Adis UPS
- Bright Light Award: Joanna Campbell - Santa Maria United States Postal Service
- Most Entertaining Social Media: The Prize Booth
- Spirited Social Club: Buon Tempo Italian American Club
- Best After school Program: Castro Valley Girls Softball League
- Genuine Customer Care: Tina - CVS
About Castro Valley Vibe | SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE
2023 Castro Valley Vibe Spirit of the People - Person of the Year: Krystie Gome Advocate - Childhood Cancer Osteosarcoma
2023
- Person of the Year: Krystie Gome Advocate - Childhood Cancer Osteosarcoma
- When 11-year-old Krystie Gomes was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, she began immediate treatment at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Despite facing numerous challenges, including isolation due to COVID-19, Krystie’s positive spirit and competitive nature shone through. Her mother, along with many Castro Valley High School students and friends, organizes one of the largest fundraisers in her honor every year. Krystie became the youngest recipient of the Castro Valley Vibes' Spirit of the People Award: Person of the Year, recognized for her strength and inspiration to others. Her resilience and spirit uplift the community, and Krystie’s story exemplifies these values.
- [Read here story]
2023 Castro Valley Vibe Spirit of the People Awards
2023
- Person of the Year: Krystie Gome Advocate - Childhood Cancer Osteosarcoma
- Best Fundraiser: Castro Valley High School - Childhood Cancer Osteosarcoma
- Most Involved Community Leader: Misty Short
- Best Community Event: Redwood Chapel Summer Nights
- Best Pet Event: Dogs And Deputies
- Most Whimsical Place: Connies Pond And Koi
- Best Bartender: Dustin Doucet - Doucet’s Saloon
- Best Female Karaoke Singer: Casey Walis
- Best Male Karaoke Singer: Brian Tilly
- Most Eco-Friendly: Foresters.org
- Best Food Truck:Dish Pastor Tacos - Taco Patron
- Most Eco Friendly Service - Forseter
- Environmental Excellence Award: Earth Clean Up Day CVSANS Castro Valley Sanitary District & ForestR
- Awesome New Business: David Crossroads Specialty Foods
- Favorite Chef: Pablo
- Best Hamburger: Bacon Cheese Burger - The Breakfast Club
- Most Famous Pet: Angeline and Raquelie Classy Canines Wiggle Rumps
- Most Notable Teacher: Claire Heppner Special Education - Castro Valley High School
- Best Wedding Venue: Redwood Canyon by Wedgewood Weddings
- Most Improved Person: Maria Silva
- Best Public Service: Free Document Shredding • David Wilhite • Intero Real Estate Services
- Best Tires: Lilly’s Garage Modle Tires - TirePros
- Best Sandwich: Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich - SoCo Kitchen
- Best Salad: Tossed Balsamic House Salad - Pizza My Bay
- Best Band: Bob Enos Legacy Big Band and Soundwave
- Best Appetizer: Bacon Wrapped Chicken - Bay Catering
- Best Event: TwiningVine Roaring 20’s Murder Mystery Dinner - Plethos Productions
- Best Display: Waterfall & Pond - Hank Jr - Connie's Pond and Koi
- Best Art Exhibit: Camera Man - CV Marketplace
- Nicest Sales Rep: Alicia Delgado - Worley's Home Design Center
- Most Resilient Business: Shea Knudsen • Knudsen Ice Creamery
- Most Resilient Spirit:: Emily Moose Lodge
- Best Soup: Tortilla Soup - Portales Taqueria
- Healthiest Products: Veggie Choozer - Blendzers
- Most Dedicated Veteran: Steve West
- Most Eccentric Creative: Wicked Garden Studio
- Best Pet Services: Mobil Dog Grooming - Classy Canines Wiggle Rumps
- Favorite Family Business: Teddy & Keith Seibert - Twining Vine Winery
- Best After school Program: Aran's art studio Art Camp
- Favorite Couple: Denise & Rick Ramirez
- Bright Light Award: Gina Marquez
- Most Entertaining Social Media: Bay Area Bombshell Studio
- Most Spirited Social Club: Castro Valley VFW Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9601
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
2022
- Person of the Year: Michael Halloran
- Castro Valley's Kindest Person: Arlita Shelby - WOTM Castro Valley Moose
- Most Inspiring Speaker: Marlon Gomez - Body Mechanix
- Most Extraordinary Story:: Sam Nabhan - Dell’s Cafe
- Best Karaoke: Roz
- Best Female Karaoke Singer: Destiny Montenegro
- 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: Fajitas - Don Jose's
- 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: Lilly’s Garage Modle Tires
- Best Garden: Gardening Geeks
- Best Adult Education: Paint & Sip • Artist Center Art & Soul
- Most Outstanding Kid: Cam Carraway - 11 year Old Race Car Driver
- Best Dish: Shrimp & Grits SoCo Kitchen
- Most Whimsical Place: Fantasy Land • Golden Tee Golfland
- Best Soup: Ham & Corn Bisque - Ice Creamery
- Best Breakfast: Vegetarian Omelet JP’s Restraunt
- Best Behind The Scenes: Inside Castro Village Bowl
- Best Atmosphere: Cordial Cellar + Lounge
- Best Western Gear: Rowell's Saddlery & Western Wear
- Best Spokesperson: Steve West
- Best Art Exhibit: Airstream Photography Display - Postcard Travelers Mobile
- Best Creative Design: Belts
- Most Resilient Spirit:: Kelly Vigil
- Most Resilient Business: Crush Comics
- Most Inspiring Reverend: Deacon Justin
- Best Couple: John & Dawn Delrose
- Most Most Legendary Local: Michael Davich - ABC SKY7 KTVU, KGO, KRON, KPIX, KDTV News Helicopter Camera Man
- Most Famous Pet: Lilly Cat That Survive A Fire - Elily & Stevens
- Bright Light Award: Maria Portales Taqueria
- Most Dedicated Veteran: Pat Flanagan - VFW
- 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
- Best Rib Cook Off: TBA
- Cornhole Association
- Most Entertaining Social Media: Alameda County Fire
- Most Spirited Social Club: Castro Valley Parents Nursery
2021 Castro Valley Vibe Spirit of the People Award: Person of the Year: Monesa Qasemi - Castro Valley Sportsmen's Center
2021
- Person of the Year: Monesa Qasemi - 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 - Castro Valley Sportsmen's Center
- Best Candy: English Toffee • Knudson's Ice Creamery
- Healthiest Products: Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Amphora Nueva
- Best Flower Arrangement: Valentine Flower Arrangement - Gigi's Florist
- Best Event: Castro Valley Vibe Flea Market
- Best Charitable Cause: Dig Deep Farms Food Hub
- Best Bartender: JoJo Huett - Krayons
- Best Karaoke: Julles Legacy Karaoke At The Moose
- Best Female Karaoke Singer: Tiffany Callier
- Best Pastries: Carrot Cake
- Most Legendary Local: Spencer Christian Weatherman ABC's Good Morning America
- Best Mechanic Shop: Castro Valley TirePros
- Best Taco Tuesday: Taco Tuesday - JP's Restaurant
- Bright Light Award: Tarzanna
- Most Whimsical Place: Hidden Rocks Around Castro Valley - Castro Valley Rocks
- Most Dedicated Veteran: Pat Flanagan - VFW
- 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
- Best Sandwich: Diestel Turkey Sandwich - Cannery Kitchen & Tap
- Best Charitable Cause: Senior Cards - Castro Valley Moose
- Most Generous Sponsor Of A Good: Cause Jeff Candelario Senior Card Moose Lodge
- Best Musician: Dave Badilla Music
- Best Mexican Food Dish: Chorizo Quesadilla
- Best Community Space Outdoors: Lake Chabot - East Bay Regional Parks
- Most Responsibly Informed Castro Valley: Robert Souza - Castro Valley News Radio
- Best Recreational Event: Boat Rental - Lake Chabot Marina & Café
- Best Taco: Chili Verde Tacos - Chef Michaell Hermanos Verdes
- Best Artist Mural: Castro Valley California Chalk - Scott Sawyer - CV Marketplace
- Most Eccentric Creative: John Coulpe - Poetry
- Best Community Service: Free Paint Disposal • Kelly-More Paints
- Most Resilient Spirit:: Nina Martinez
- Favorite Couple: Sue & CT Castro Valley
- Best Community Space Indoors: Chabot Theater
- Most Inspiring Community Leader: Pastor Jake Medcalf
- Best Soup: Coconut Soup with Shrimp - Thai Cuisine
- Best Space for Kids: CV Playground
- Best Charitable Cause: Proctor School PTA - Tuesday Food Distribution
- Most Entertaining Social Media: Junior Jr Discount Liquors
- Most Spirited Social Club: Cathy - Castro Valley Rocks
2020 CASTRO VALLEY VIBE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE AWARDS - Person of the Year: Robert Pace Host CVVibe / Intero Real Estate
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 Host CVVibe / Intero Real Estate
2020 CASTRO VALLEY VIBE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE AWARDS
2020
- Person of the Year: Robert Pace Host CVVibe / Intero Real Estate
- Outstanding Kid: Chase DeHerrea - Motocross Champion
- Funniest Video: October Tire Event • Castro Valley TirePros
- Funniest Actor: October Tire Event • Jr Juniors Discount Liquors
- Most Informative How-To Video: Pro Painters Tips - Pete's ACE Hardware
- Most Informative Video: Choosing A Perfect Sofa • Connolly’s Furniture & Mattress
- Best Musician: Safiyah Hernandez
- Most Generous Sponsor Of A Good: Cause Robert Pace
- Iconic Landmarks: The Horse • Rowell's Saddlery & Western Wear
- Best Mechanic Shop - Best Auto Service - Kevin L Hinkley Auto Tech
- Best Ongoing Event: Legacy Karaoke At The Moose
- 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
- Healthiest Products: Health Unlimited
- Best Chinese Food: Silver Spoon Gourmet Food
- Best Host: Simon • Silver Spoon Gourmet Cuisine
- Most Loved Instagram Video: Cafe Rumi - Cue
- Most Loved Instagram Video: Portales Taqueria - Maria
- Essential Home Improvement Service - Pete's Ace Hardware
- Best Soup: Shrimp Tom Kha (Coconut Soup)
- Most Notable Teacher: Lisa Holms - Engineering & Design Castro Valley High School
- Best Sushi Food: Genghix Asian Fusion
- Best Sandwich: Boars Head Pastrami Sandwich - Lucas Deli
- Best Margaritas: Los Molcajetes
- Best Grocery Store: El Rancho Supermarket
- Bright Light Award James 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: Tiny Homes First Pres Hayward / CV
- Best Community Charitable Event: ZombieCon Pub Crawl - Hayward Animal Shelter
- Most Legendary Local: Rachel Maddow Host The Rachel Maddow Show - MSNBC
- Best Vietnamese Food: Wendy's Cafe Philip
- Best Pet Services: Pawitive Karma
- Best Hamburger: Boulevard Burger - Bronco Burger
- Best Coffee: Valley Java
- Best Hair Stylist: Stacy Monroe
- Best Service People: COVID Frontline Workers
- Best Artwork: Margarita Soyfertis - Mosaic Artwork
- Funnest Group: Soroptimist International of the East Bay
- Most Spirited Person: Dancing Employee at Trader Joe's
- Best Event: Castro Valley High School - Black Lives Matter
- Most Popular Instagram Post: Castro Valley High School - Black Lives Matter
- Best Bar: Doolittle
- Most Whimsical Place: Classic Pumpkin Patch
- Best Family Business: Connolly's Furniture and Mattress
- Best Service Business: Worley's Home Design Center
- Most Dedicated Marathon Runner: Fernando Morales
- Most Dedicated Veteran: Jim Smith
- Best Ice Cream: Black & Tan • Knudsen's Ice Creamery
- Best Small Business Leader: Drift Plants
- Most Dedicated Volunteers: WOTM - Women of The Moose 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: Castro Valley Street Eats and Food Truck Mafia
- Best Bartender: Jen - Valley Inn
- Best Breakfast: Bodi's Java Omelet
- Best Concert Event: Drive-Through Concert
- Best Taco: Fish Taco - Britto Shop
- Most Eccentric Business: Don Scialpi • Eccentric One Bad Apple Records
- Best Barber Shop: Brooklyn Barber
- Best After School Program: Glorious Beads
- Most Entertaining Social Media: Martha - Drift Plants
- Most Spirited Social Club: The Soroptimist International of the East Bay
- Favorite Couple: Bill and Deb Kristy
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
2019 Awards
- Person of the Year: Karen Jonke - Krayon’s Galleria
- Most Loved Instagram Video: SoCo Kitchen
- Best Bar: Krayons Galleria
- Most Whimsical Place: Arney's Crow Canyon Saddlery
- Favorite Politician: Frank Mellon - EBMUD Director
- Best All-Around Food: Southern Comfort Kitchen (Video).
- Best Ongoing Event: Castro Valley Farmers' Market
- Best Live Music: Lake Chabot Public Market
- 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
- Nicest Sales Rep: Gene - Castro Valley Tire Pros
- Best Educational Public Display: East Bay Regional Parks Animal Display - Gaetano
- Most Inspiring Community Leader: Dennis Waespi - East Bay Regional Parks
- Most Legendary Local: Beloved Cliff Burton Bassist Player - Metallica
- Healthiest Products: Trader Joe's NO GMO’s
- Best Hamburger: Cheese Burger - Krayon’s Galleria
- Best Steak: Monday Nigh Stake Sandwich - Krayons Galleria
- Most Responsibly Informed Castro Valley: Castro Valley Forum
- Best Community Leader: Ashley Strasburg - Castro Valley Chamber
- Best Castro Valley Project: Veterans of Foreign War Memorial
- Bright Light Award: BJ Pizza Express
- Best Themed Event: Classic Pumpkin Patch (Video)
- Favorite Couple: Lisa & Randy Bickerdike
- Benefiting East County Animal Shelter Services
- Best Community Charitable Cause: CHP Toy Drive - CHP Castro Valley & Castro Valley TirePros
- Most Entertaining Social Media: Mandy Langon -Secretly Sunless
- Most Spirited Social Club: Lisa Wilhite - Kiwanis Club of Hayward-Castro Valley
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 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.