Health & Fitness
Castro Valley: Small Town Shops Sell Big Time Charm
In Castro Valley Small Town Shops Sell Big Time Charm-- A Photo-Essay
(Editor's note: Local photographer Jenny Hom wanted a project that would help her learn and grow creatively. She reckoned that the construction on Castro Valley Boulevard had hit shopkeepers hard and thought they could use some publicity. This is the result.)
I knew I lived in a small town. In fact, I'd just assume the average person had no clue about Castro Valley. When asked where I lived by someone who did not live in California, I'd simply reply, "close to San Francisco". Or if asked by someone from California, I'd reply, "close to Oakland". Or even if asked by someone from the Bay Area, I'd clarify by saying, "Do you know where Hayward is? Close to there."
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Castro Valley isn't exactly the hotbed of culture, or a gourmet ghetto. There are a few events that draw visitors from out of town--and those I can name on one hand. But what Castro Valley lacks in sophistication, it makes up in charm. It has a neighborhood feel, the kind where you go to the grocery store and can't help but bump into a few people that you know.
It is that small town feel that makes this place unique. It is this quality that carries over into its community and businesses. Unfortunately, the past year has been challenging for local shop owners due to the poor economy, as well as, the road construction along Castro Valley Boulevard and Redwood Road.
Find out what's happening in Castro Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
As a freelance photographer, I wanted to pursue a project close to my heart. I found it heart breaking to see many of the long established store fronts close forever. I wanted to visually feature a few shops and give some positive publicity back to our community. With the road construction coming to an end, hopefully old business will return and new business will come.
I was overwhelmed with the wonderful people I met on this journey. Shop owners welcomed me into their stores, took the time out of their busy schedules to talk with me and pose for a picture. They showed me the true meaning of generosity. I watched them give that same hospitality to their customers. For most shop owners, Castro Valley is not only where they work, but also where they live. They have much invested in this community.
For them, it is a business of heart and soul.
Businesses featured:
Rowell’s Saddelry
3473 Castro Valley Blvd.
Castro Valley , CA 94546
510-581-2577
Swiss Delices fine bakery & pastry
20669 Santa Maria Ave.
Castro Valley, CA 94546
510-881-8669
Eden Bicycles
3318 Village Dr.
Castro Valley, CA 94546
510-881-5002
510-889-1109
Bolt’s End Fabrics, Inc.
2743 Castro Valley Blvd.
Castro Valley, CA 94546
510-537-1684
Village Barber Shop
3372 Village Dr.
Castro Valley, CA 94546
510-881-9555
What do you think? Leave a comment about Jenny's efforts and, of course, about the shops.
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