On January 31, 2025, the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SHCC) hosted our annual Board Appreciation Event, an opportunity to celebrate and thank our outgoing 2024 board members and welcome the incoming 2025 team. This tradition fosters collaboration, community engagement, and deeper bonds among board members outside of regular meetings and events.

A Journey Through Solano County

The event kicked off at the Marina parking lot near La Cabana in Suisun City, where we boarded a party bus limousine—courtesy of Alfredo's Party Bus services—and began our tour of member businesses across Solano County.

Our first stop was Café Warao in Suisun City, a Venezuelan café owned by chamber member Jose. Here, we enjoyed an assortment of authentic Venezuelan bites, including pastelitos (filled with chicken or beef), empanadas, tequeños (cheese sticks wrapped in bread dough), and arepas stuffed with chicken salad, avocado, and cheese. We also sampled their specialty Venezuelan coffee.

The journey continued through Vacaville, Vallejo, and Suisun City, where we visited various businesses:

1. After Hours 2 (Vacaville) – A popular local bar, where board members enjoyed cocktails and socialized with the owner.
2. Las Palmitas (Vallejo) – A family-owned Mexican restaurant and bar. We had the opportunity to connect with the owners and enjoy their signature drinks.
3. Bambinos Italian Restaurant (Vallejo) – Owner Ishmael, affectionately known as "Ish," warmly welcomed us with delicious Chipotle chicken wings and a variety of cocktails. He even joined us on the party bus and for dinner.
4. La Cabana (Suisun City) – Our final stop, where we gathered for a full dinner featuring the restaurant’s popular Mexican cuisine.

Throughout the event, business owners expressed their gratitude for our visit, especially during the challenging months of January and February, which are typically slow for the restaurant industry. This show of support demonstrated the chamber’s commitment to uplifting our local businesses and creating stronger ties between the board and the community.

Board Member Attendance and Contributions

The event would not have been possible without the coordination efforts of our incredible admin, Ethel, and board member Francisco Marin. Key board members in attendance included:

• Juan Vallejos, SHCC President
• Leo Callejas, Board Member
• Yajaira Rubio Machado , VP for the Vallejo-Benicia area
• Jerry Gonzalez, VP for Fairfield-Suisun-Rio Vista
• Francisco Marin, Board Member
• Kim Casaneda, SHCC Treasurer
• Ravi (past board member)
• Ricky Gerson (returning board member), VP Vacaville-Dixon area

We were also joined by past board members Kim Kirsten and Dinora, Yahaira’s sister.

Memorable Moments and Highlights

• The Party Bus Experience: The lively atmosphere on the bus included music, dancing, and plenty of laughter, helping everyone relax and enjoy the day.
• Ismael’s Participation: Ish from Bambinos added to the fun by joining us for the remainder of the event, exemplifying the sense of camaraderie within our network.

Reflecting on the Event

The event’s success lies in the strengthened relationships among board members and our reaffirmed support for chamber-affiliated businesses. These efforts contribute to the long-term economic growth and resilience of our local community.

We look forward to another year of collaboration and prosperity in 2025