One of the best kept secrets in the Diablo Valley is the CCAR Scholarship Foundation. Formed in 1967 by the Contra Costa Association of Realtors, the Scholarship Foundation has awarded nearly a million dollars in college scholarship grants to eligible students attending colleges all over the world. In the last six years alone over $350,000 …

My customers are my inspiration. For instance, in mid-March an ebullient dad came into my Alamo shop to pick up a small cake. When I asked if he wanted a message on the cake, he grinned broadly and said, “How about: ‘Great report card!’” His enthusiasm was very endearing, and I was again reminded that …