August 2025

EDUCATION AND CAREER TRAINING

From Prisons to Professions

North Bay nonprofit

unlocks career pathways for the formerly incarcerated

Inside: With chronic homelessness on the rise and families in crisis, Redwood Gospel Missions strives to meet the moment

Education and Career Training Issue 2025

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Recovery Starts Here

Dr. Sushma D. Taylor Recovery Center (SDTRC)

Guided by Science, Strengthened by Partnership, Grounded in Caring T he Dr. Sushma D. Taylor Recovery Center (SDTRC) is Sonoma County’s newest adult male-only residential treatment facility, designed to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed services for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), including those with co-occurring mild to moderate mental health conditions. Under the leadership of CP-DAAC, a major facility remodel—funded through the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP)—was completed last year, with program services initiated on December 1. SDTRC now offers 50 licensed treatment beds and is preparing to launch a 10-bed intensive withdrawal management unit on August 4, 2025. This new unit will feature 24/7 licensed nursing staff, medical oversight by an addiction-certified physician, and full integration of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)—ensuring safe, supported detoxification for clients in the earliest stages of recovery. Under the leadership of CP-DAAC, a major facility remodel funded through the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) was completed last year with program services initiated on December 1st. SDTRC now offers 50 licensed treatment beds and is preparing to launch a 10-bed intensive withdrawal management unit on August 4, 2025. This new unit will feature 24/7 licensed nursing staff, medical oversight from an addiction-certified physician, and full Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) integration—ensuring safe, supported detoxification for clients at the earliest stages of recovery. In addition to ASAM Levels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.5 residential care, SDTRC is licensed to provide Incidental Medical Services (IMS) and dual-diagnosis support for individuals managing both SUD and mental health conditions. Treatment includes individual and group counseling, psychiatric and medication support, peer recovery services, and personalized discharge planning to ensure continuity of care. The program serves predominantly Medi-Cal recipients and accepts referrals from a wide range of partner agencies and systems, including Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC), the AB 109 Post-Release

Community Supervision (PRCS) program, Drug Court, Buckelew Programs’ Orenda Detox Center, and self-referred individuals seeking structured residential support. “At the Dr. Sushma D. Taylor Recovery Center, we believe healing begins with welcome and respect. Our adult male residential and upcoming detox program are anchored in the best of science and compassionate care—integrating evidence-based

Christopher Geiger, Regional Vice President (A) CP-DAAC

treatments, dual-diagnosis support, and incidental medical services. We work handinhand with local agencies— Sonoma County Department of Health Services – Behavioral Health Division, TASC, AB 109/PRCS, Drug Court, Orenda Center, and more—to ensure smooth entry and exit pathways. Our staff are continuously growing through training, trauma-informed care, and a shared culture of caring, so that every man who walks through our doors finds both expert care and genuine support.” — Christopher Geiger, Regional Vice President (A) CP-DAAC

Operated by: CP-DAAC | www.daacinfo.org Detox Unit Opening: August 4, 2025 Licensed Capacity: 50 beds (10 detox) Client Population: Adult men, Medi-Cal eligible, justice-and community-referred

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August 2025 • Volume 50 • Number 9 CONTENTS

50 YEARS OF BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

LEAD STORY 22 Born to Sue

FEATURE STORIES 20 Get to Know Your Local AED Jason Walsh Marin holds a defibrillator-awareness ‘scavenger hunt’ 28 From Prisons to Professions Judith M. Wilson Marin nonprofit unlocks career pathways for the formerly incarcerated 34 Sonoma’s Favorite Pastime Will Bucquoy Images from another successful season for the Healdsburg Prune Packers 41 Missions of Mercy Jason Walsh Redwood Gospel Missions expands at a time of increasing need for homeless families 45 A Taxing Question Jason Walsh Industry groups float concept of a revenue-generating ‘wine improvement district’

Jean Saylor Doppenberg How state labor code legislation grew into a monster called PAGA

WORK/LIFE 15 Office 16 Management

August 2025

NorthBaybiz 5

DEPARTMENTS 12 The 707

COLUMNS 11

Editor's Note Jason Walsh When labor code meets the modern workplace

The latest news from Sonoma and Napa counties

The 415 The latest news from Marin County

Econ 101 Robert Eyler A look at the cost of oil and its effect on the price at North Bay pumps

The Month In Numbers A look at the key figures shaping life in the North Bay

Only In Marin Bill Meagher Magical Marin Joe’s memories

Great Tastes Alexandra Russell Auteur Wines in Sonoma and Healdsburg Dine Wise Jason Walsh Campanella, a ‘red-sauce joint’ in Sebastopol

Napa Insider Christina Julian Nimbash, Carabao and Auction Napa Valley

Tech Talk Michael E. Duffy Even techies can’t solve every random keyboard glitch! Vine Wise Adam Lee Questions to consider about the proposed WID

What’s Happening Upcoming North Bay events

Biz Scene Photos from the Marin County Fair and Country Summer Beyond the Boardroom Rosie Padilla Amie Carter, superintendent of schools at Sonoma County Office of Education

In the Kitchen John Ash Buratta, the queen of cheeses

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NorthBay biz (ISSN No. 1542-3549: USPS 097-770) is owned and published monthly (plus three bonus issues annually) by North Bay Media Group, LLC. Editorial offices are at 3392 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95403 USA: (707) 528-4434. Sub- scription price is $35 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid at Santa Rosa, CA 95402 and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 2022, NorthBay biz. Reproduction of this issue in whole or in part is strictly forbidden without written permission by the publisher. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NorthBay biz, 3392 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95403 USA.

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August 2025

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Editor's Note

You deserve a break today

By Jason Walsh

A s a rookie reporter many years ago in one of my first gigs in journalism, the community newspaper where I worked had a notably laissez-faire attitude

is no shortage of law firms looking to partner with chagrined employees in these often-lucrative claims—some are filing multiple PAGA suits on a daily basis. Jean’s story highlights efforts to reform

toward meal and rest breaks. It was basically: Take ‘em when you can, as long as your story is in on deadline.

PAGA and what small businesses in the North Bay can do to protect themselves from exposure to labor violations. (Hint: Be informed of labor law and adhere to it.) Also, as part of this month’s focus on workplace training and education, Judith Wilson’s From Prisons to Professions dives into the work of the Center for Employment Opportunities, whose Marin branch is preparing formerly incarcerated members of the community to readjust their lives and find career opportunities. These folks have paid their debts to society—and the center, aka CEO, wants to enable them to pay their bills now that they’re out. And lastly don’t miss our sponsored section highlighting the works of the Redwood Gospel Missions, which is expanding its reach in homeless and recovery services (thanks to its new Family Campus in the former Finley Dream Center) and continuing its outreach and training for the plethora of volunteers it needs to meet the needs of the community. That’s all for now—it’s mid afternoon and I’m due for a 10-minute break. g

Don’t forget to take those breaks, North Bay!

I’m sure there was an employee handbook on hand somewhere beneath the mounds of page proofs, reporters notebooks and AP style guides littering the newsroom that told a different story, but the overall message from management regarding meals and breaks was clear—policy, shmolicy, don’t be gone too long or too often. No one blinked twice about such nonchalance back then, but these days with state labor law stressing strict compliance and a broader demand for workplace structures and equity among employees, the old ways simply no longer fly. And they could be costly. In Jean Doppenberg’s feature, Born to Sue , we take a close look at an obscure state law known by its acronym PAGA, or the Private Attorneys General Act—which essentially self-deputizes workers on behalf of the state labor agency to blow the whistle on a business’s alleged labor code violations. A PAGA claim could potentially cost a business tens of thousands of dollars in settlement, or exponentially more if the matter goes to litigation. And there

August 2025

NorthBaybiz 11

The 707

Sonoma County real estate up 5.44% over last year The total value of assessed real estate in Sonoma County has reached an all-time high of $127 billion, according to the county Clerk-Recorder-Assessor’s Office. It marks a 5.44% increase compared to last year’s assessed value. The county’s net-assessment roll reflects the value of all real and business property in Sonoma County as of Jan. 1. The county’s real-estate assessments are how property taxes are determined. Tax revenue generated by the assessment roll provides funds for public K-12 schools, community colleges, and municipal operations by counties and cities. About half of the revenue goes toward public education, county officials said. The 2025-26 assessed value notices are posted on the assessor’s website at sonomacounty.ca.gov/assessor. Property owners who feel their assessed value is higher than the market value as of Jan. 1 can file an Application of Change Assessment with the Clerk of the Board by Nov. 30. The assessor’s office can be reached at 707-565-1888.— JW

Copperfield’s Petaluma to close used-books floor Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma is downsizing—the popular bookstore is scaling back its floorspace and shuttering its downstairs used-books department, staff announced through social media channels Monday. “We received a notice [on June 26] from the company’s legal counsel that they intend to reduce the Petaluma store location size by half and close the used books section entirely,” staff posted on the Copperfield’s Books Union Facebook page. The Petaluma outlet is the only Copperfield’s location where staff is unionized. The target date for the changes is Sept. 30, the post said. As a Copperfield’s spokesperson explained it to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat , increased financial losses from the used-books section spurred its board of directors to make the “agonizing decision.”— JW

Sonoma Supes appoint elections czar Sonoma County has its first-ever standalone registrar of voters. Evelyn Mendez, a longtime veteran of running state- and county-level elections, was named Sonoma County Registrar of Voters this week by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. The new position was created in January to better align Sonoma County with other similar-sized jurisdictions. The registrar had formerly been a combined responsibility with what had been the elected position of Clerk-Recorder- Assessor-Registrar of Voters office. “The board was intentional in creating a standalone Registrar of Voters Department to eliminate the inherent conflict of interest in having an elected official overseeing elections,” Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors, said. Deva Proto will continue in the elected position of Clerk-Recorder-Assessor. Mendez comes to Sonoma County from the County of Santa Clara, where she served six years as a division manager in the Registrar of Voters Department. She previously worked in the California Secretary of State Elections Division, eventually serving as

program manager. She has worked more than 110 elections at the state and county level, county officials said in an announcement of her appointment. Mendez will oversee the next scheduled election on Nov. 4, when seven small districts hold elections. The 2026 election cycle includes a June primary and a November General Election. Her starting salary will be $195,041.— JW

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August 2025

The 415

Marin ag adds $257M to local economy, report says Marin County agriculture brought $257.2 million into the local economy and supported 1,081 jobs in 2023, the county agricultural commission office announced this week. The report, “Economic Contributions of Marin County Agriculture,” is the county’s first full analysis of its local ag industry and was conducted by Agricultural Impact Associates, a consulting firm specializing in agricultural economics. County Agricultural Commissioner Joe Deviney said the results demonstrate Marin’s ag industry is “a vibrant and resilient local economy.” “Instead of stopping at raw farm-gate commodity production values, this study also quantifies local food processing, employment and economic ripple effects,” Deviney said in an announcement. All told, Marin County agriculture added over $700,000 per day into the county economy, or $29,360 per hour, Deviney’s office said.

Additionally, the report showed that of the total economic contribution, $191.3 million came directly from production and processing. An additional $65.9 million came from economic activity generated by purchase of agricultural supplies and spending by employees. Of the 1,081 total jobs agriculture supported, 750 were employees directly involved in production and processing. The remaining 331 jobs were made possible through expenditures by agriculture companies, their suppliers and employees, the report said. The full economic impact report is on the website for the Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measures.— JW

Marin joins suit against Trump Administration Marin County has joined the growing coalition of local governments suing the Trump Administration over efforts to force jurisdictions to cooperate with federal ICE raids. The lawsuit, City and County of San Francisco, et al., v. Donald J. Trump, et al., which was originally filed by San Francisco and Santa Clara counties in February, now includes nearly 50 jurisdictions challenging the administration’s threats to withhold or condition federal funding unless local governments enforce federal civil immigration laws. Marin County joins this case to safeguard its legal autonomy and secure essential funding for local services, the county said in an announcement.

“This is about protecting the values and priorities of Marin County residents,” said County Counsel Brian Washington in the statement. “The federal government cannot coerce local jurisdictions into doing its job through illegal threats to critical funding.” The case challenges a trio of federal actions that attempt to force local agencies to act as immigration enforcers by withholding critical funds to jurisdictions which “abet so-called ‘sanctuary’ policies.” Such attempts, the plaintiffs argue, violate the Constitution’s 10th Amendment, the Spending Clause, the separation of powers, and the 5th Amendment’s due process protections. Marin County says its sanctuary status is a result of adherence to state law, particularly the California Values Act, or SB 54, which limits the use of local resources for federal immigration enforcement.— JW

STOP: Marin eyes scaling back crossing guard program

Look both ways before crossing the road, kids—especially if Marin County defunds your local crossing guard. Due to rising costs, the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) is considering scaling back its crossing guard program. The program currently funds 96 guards at a total cost of $2.4 million. A TAM executive committee this summer urged the agency to approve video monitoring of crossing-guard sites to assess traffic and safety metrics in order to prioritize which intersections to assign a guard. The monitoring will take place this coming fall and winter at about 100 locations, at a price of $98,000. The plan is expected to scale back the program to fund 68 crossing guards.— NBb

August 2025

NorthBaybiz 13

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Work Life Office

Cracks in the armor

Frequent workplace disengagement could be a sign of ‘quiet cracking’

By Jason Walsh

R ecall the phenomenon of boiling frog syndrome: If a problem increases gradually enough, a person can remain unaware of the impending harm (aka a frog in cold water with the temperature slowly rising). That’s the idea behind a new workplace trend dubbed “quiet cracking”—a form of employee disengagement when people slowly lose workplace satisfaction and motivation, often without being aware of it. TalentLMS, an employee training platform, describes the phenomenon as a “hidden crisis silently reshaping work.” This new form of disengagement may sound similar to “quiet quitting”—the post-pandemic act of fulfilling the bare minimum of job requirements as a way of achieving a better work-life balance—but HR watchdogs are describing “cracking” as far more troubling. Where quiet quitting was a form of self-empowerment, quiet cracking is a result of career unhappiness

and anxiety.

As career coach Emily Button-Lynham told Stylist magazine, “In an uncertain economy, we’re seeing businesses pause internal role movement or opportunities for progression, which is causing individuals to feel like they’re stagnating or under- appreciated.” She also said toxic workplace cultures can lead to feeling “a lack of trust and psychological safety.” The use of the word “cracking” is an allusion to an egg—once cracked, it’s hard to repair the damage. In a survey of employees conducted by TalentLMS, about half said they

in symptoms such as trouble sleeping, headaches and muscle aches.

occasionally feel disengaged at work; 20% reported constant dissatisfaction. Experts warn such feelings could manifest

5 signs you might be ‘quiet cracking’ • You’re constantly busy, but don’t get much done • You constantly ignore work messages and emails • Handing in work at the last minute • You’ve stopped collaborating with your coworkers • You’re constantly putting off work by doing small, “busy work” tasks Source: Huffingtonpost.com

August 2025

NorthBaybiz 15

Work Life Management

Bad manager rising

So-called ‘accidental managers’ are driving purposeful employees bonkers

By Jason Walsh

E ver wonder how someone

The goal of the survey was to study the effect bad management can have on businesses, public services and wider economies. Results were based on conversations with more than 4,500 workers and managers. Poor

with inadequate management training and experience

Here are 4 key findings from the CMI management study

got promoted to being your supervisor? Turns out they might be wondering the exact same thing. A recent study by the UK- based Chartered Management Institute

management can result in

a variety of ill effects on a company— from heightened stress and decreased morale

• 18% of managers say they aren’t confident in their own leadership abilities • Male managers (22%) are more likely than women (15%) to say they have learned enough to be effective managers • Female managers are more likely to be in a post with no management qualifications (55%) than male managers (48%) • Managers with formal management training are more likely to feel confident in their management abilities (83%) than those who have none (71%)

(CMI) notes a proliferation of untrained managers are promoted into their positions despite lacking the qualifications to assume such leadership roles. According to CMI, the majority of these promotions are made because the person is good at their current job, is popular, or happens to be available to take charge. Nearly 82% of these new managers have not had any proper management or leadership training, or prior experience in such roles, the survey reported. The study found these “accidental managers” are often promoted for immaterial reasons, “with nearly half of managers surveyed (46%) believing colleagues won promotions based on internal relationship and profile, rather than their ability and performance.”

of staff to the creation of a toxic workplace. One survey

respondent, a middle manager in the public sector, said, “These untrained managers are damaging organizational culture, productivity, staff wellbeing and, as a result, the national economy.” Among the key findings in the study is that the impact of a bad manager can lead to staff resignations—half of workers who rated their manager as “ineffective” said they plan to leave their organization in the next 12 months.

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August 2025

The Month In Numbers A look at the key figures shaping life in the North Bay

Sonoma County

1.3% Increase in percentage of Sonoma County residents 65 and over since 2020, according to new figures by the U.S. Census Bureau. Older, wiser

1.3% Decrease in percentage of Sonoma County residents aged 18 and younger since 2020, according to new figures by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Napa County

Golden ticket

30 Jersey number of Golden State Warrior guard Steph Curry, whose planned July 25 private dinner at Cole’s Chop House in downtown Napa benefited the NBA star’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, which supports childhood nutrition, education and safe spaces.

$4,500 Price to attend the benefit, which included A5 Miyazaki Wagyu beef, pours of Curry’s premium bourbon Gentlemen’s Cut, live music and curated auction items.

Marin County

$1.4 million California Association of Realtors .

$1.9 million County assessor’s office. Unaffordable housing

The median price for a house in the Bay Area, a decrease of 3.8% over 2024, according to the

Median price of a house in Marin County, an increase of 3.7% over 2024, according to the Marin

2% Decrease in gross value of Marin County agriculture production since 2023. Bought the farm

25% Decrease in gross value of Marin ag production since 2015. Source: Marin County Agricultural Commission

August 2025

NorthBaybiz 17

By Robert Eyler ECON 101 What’s that got to do with the price of gas? T he oil shocks of the 1970s altered the way economists perceive the economic significance of oil. I recall being in my mom’s car, waiting in line at the gas station. The United States had become a net importer of oil (a phenomenon that recently reversed, though whether that is permanent How global movements affect what we pay at the pump

The history since 1990 has seen peaks and valleys based on a range of issues; we can likely expect to see this again, particularly concerning unemployment. We should expect a short-term impact if peace between Israel and Iran (and now the U.S.) remains elusive. In the medium term, markets may incorporate a risk premium into pricing that offsets the cost

remains to be seen). This net importer status created risk exposure for the American economy, and oil became a political weapon. A contraction of oil supply in 1979 created what, at the time, was known as worldwide “stagflation”; unemployment and inflation rose simultaneously, with the 1979 oil shock being one contributing factor (not the only reason). Volumes have been written on this subject. Gas prices are a persistent concern for households, whether perceived or real. For many local businesses, budget-conscious households and logistics and transportation companies, any sudden increase in gas prices is a shock. There was some hope that the Middle East conflict around Gaza would not expand,

of future volatility, thereby generating more revenue in the present. Changing oil prices are a key force in changing gas-pump prices (see the final graphic), not the only variable. However, barrel prices are logically a place where volatility begins a process of rising concern and possible change in many aspects of our economic lives. California, based on its efforts to improve air quality through regulation, taxation and incentives, has seen a reduction in refining within its borders and has become more reliant on fuel from outside the state. Consumers in California and the North Bay face relatively higher gas prices compared to other U.S. regions. This is a regressive

linked or not to the tragedy of Oct. 7, 2023, in Israel. In June 2025, the United States added to a recent escalation in the Middle East that suddenly broke out between Israel and Iran. Concerns over the movement of approximately one-quarter (probably more) of the global oil supply emerged quickly. From an economic viewpoint, inflation and its regressive effects on the cost of living may be exacerbated. One risk of escalation is a change in global petroleum markets and their potential impact on the worldwide economy. Change begins with barrel prices globally. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices are “barrel” (think 42-gallon drums) prices on the wholesale market.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Barrel Prices.

Gasoline Prices, Index, 1984

18 NorthBaybiz

August 2025

Dr. Robert Eyler is professor of economics at Sonoma State University and president of Economic Forensics and Analytics in Sonoma County. point, especially if the Middle East conflagration escalates and a genuine 21st-century shock occurs. If gas prices change as summer moves on and stay at higher levels, that hurts our more vulnerable socioeconomic groups and businesses first . g predictable, change consumer behavior? Recent history suggests that we are not alone, but we may be at an inflection Sonoma County unemployment (an indicator of where we are now versus forecasting macroeconomic change, correlated with both the other North Bay counties and California statewide). Notice that there are no obvious connections: does a combination of slower spending, slower tourism flows and general uncertainty tip a creaky economy toward recession? Furthermore, do rising gas prices, if steady and

Comparison of Sonoma County Unemployment Rate (%) to WTI Crude and West Region Average Gasoline Prices

of California’s size, demand versus regional refining, and politics. Notice the national correlation among these regions; regardless of California policy and taxes, movements are similar. For the North Bay, our final graphic shows the long history as related to

tax, where lower-income and smaller businesses feel a larger burden unless they can reduce their dependence on gasoline. The graph here shows the difference in pump prices since 2020 when the United States is divided into four regions. This structural difference in the “West” region is a function

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NorthBaybiz 19

Marin hosts summer scavenger hunt for wall-mounted AEDs I spy with my little eye… a defibrillator! By Jason Walsh R emember those fun summer days when you and your little friends scoured the neighborhood in search of defibrillators? organize a fun, interactive way for residents to become familiar with AEDs and map them for the community.” Here's how the scavenger hunt works:

No? Well, nonetheless, this season the Emergency Medical Services division of the Marin County Health and Human Services Department (HHS) is organizing a public scavenger hunt to help community members locate Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in their neighborhood. It's part of a countywide push to raise awareness about the life- saving devices, which can help resuscitate individuals whose heart has suddenly stopped working, county officials said in an announcement of the scavenger hunt. The activity is a lead up to HHS's free annual Sidewalk CPR training event in August. “When used within the first few minutes of a cardiac emergency, an AED can dramatically increase survival rates,” HHS explained. Unfortunately, many people don’t know where defibrillators can be found in their community—the hunt is meant as a fun way to register AED locations and help community members easily locate the devices quickly. “Knowing where your nearest AED is can make the difference between life and death,” said Chris Le Baudour, County of Marin EMS administrator, in the announcement. “That's why we've partnered with local emergency services, community partners and Pulse Point [the company which helps build the AED registry] to

While out on everyday activities in public locations residents should look for AED devices. • When found, snap a photo and complete the “AED Scavenger Hunt” submission form. • Submissions are accepted through Aug. 16. • There is no limit to the number of entries one can submit. • EMS staff will review the submissions and unregistered devices will be added to the network. • Prizes are awarded to the top five individuals to find the most

Why AED-awareness Matters • Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Marin. • Immediate CPR and AED use can triple survival rates. • Aims to encourage more businesses and public venues to install clearly marked AEDs. • Mapping the devices brings Marin County closer to the 4-Minute Community model, a community-based approach to improving survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.

unregistered AED devices. Le Baudour believes the

awareness raised by the hunt will help “empower” residents. “The more people who know how to find and use an AED, the safer our community becomes,” said Le Baudour. Residents can learn how to operate the AED devices they locate during the annual Sidewalk CPR event held throughout Marin on Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, PulsePoint materials and AED safety tips, visit marinhhs.org . g

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August 2025

Only In Marin

Broken Hearted Taste Buds: An ode to Marin Joe’s By Bill Meagher

T hese days I find myself feeling a little nostalgic. I look backward for the country I recognize, for baseball that makes sense, and for an eatery that never disappointed. Before I go full old-man-on-the- porch shouting at the kids to get off his lawn, let me explain. It’s about the sale of Marin Joe’s. I came to Marin after the divorce-

of new eateries in the U.S. shutter within a year of opening and 80% close within five years of opening. So how do you explain Marin Joe’s success? I mean the place debuted when God was a boy, or 1954, you pick. The quality of the food obviously is important. Location is definitely in the mix. And the style of food is a factor as well. So, the level of deliciousness with Marin Joe’s was never in doubt. The location, a frontage road with car dealers and the odd hotel didn’t scream ease of navigation, you had to know where you were going. And while the hearty red sauce Italian fare might have been a cardiologist’s dream, people didn’t go to Joe’s for health food. I’m not going to compare Joe’s and the fictional Cheers , where everybody knew your name. But

from-hell, knowing a handful of people, and having to learn all the things a newcomer must discover. Where to eat breakfast? What were the local politics like? What does organic mean?

One day while driving on 101, I glanced over and saw Marin Joe’s in Corte Madera. I was familiar with the Joe’s concept since my dad had taken me to Original Joe’s in San Francisco’s Tenderloin—while Pops ordered Joe’s Special, I was partial to the burger. They were happy to bring it medium-rare; this was long before restaurants got a case of the jitters if that temp was brought up. The place was always jammed even though the neighborhood was sketchy. I popped into Marin Joe’s one day and sat at the counter, it was like déjà vu all over again. The red banquet seating, the pasta and grilled meat living side by side, the heavy-handed cocktails. The old-school piano bar where patrons might join in on the chorus, some of them perhaps over- served. Light was the enemy at Joe’s; it was a place where vampires could have dined in comfort. Later, when I met my wife-to-be Cindy, I took her to Marin Joe’s for our third date. Everyone was eating sushi, talking sushi and being trendy as hell. I told her we were going for politically incorrect red meat, though if I remember, I couldn’t resist the chicken scallopini. The table side Caesar salad was insane. Talking to the servers they all seemed to have been standing on the property when the place was built. Cindy said they were well-seasoned. And there was almost always a wait for a table. But folks took that in stride, ordering a cocktail and talking to the others hoping to score a booth. And now it has closed, as the Della Santina family, the owners of the iconic eatery, decided it was time to move on. They sold the joint to the same folks who own the Barrel House Tavern in Sausalito, who plan on dragging the restaurant from the 1950s into the current century, remodeling it and bringing the place up to code before reopening as a Joe’s-style restaurant. The hospitality business is a tricky one. According to industry data, 60%

I do think that the old-fashioned menu struck a chord with Marin diners. The plates turned out by the open-style kitchen were decidedly not haute cuisine. But for many Joe’s was comfort food. Because sometimes comfort tastes like prime rib. While many restaurants rely on their bar to juice the margins or to cover the sins of their kitchen, the bar at Joe’s was a gathering place. The black- and-white photos contributed to an ambiance not found in watering holes. It wasn’t a beer-and-a-shot joint, nor was it wine heavy, though there wasn’t any kind of grape shortage going on. No, it was more the kind of establishment where the cocktail shakers needed to be replaced with some frequency. Folks ordered drinks that didn’t skimp on the booze and the noise from the rattle of the shakers was only rivaled by those shaking dice cups for the round. Perhaps the new Joe’s will provide more delicious food that feeds the soul and beverages that quench more than a thirst. The much larger question is whether the new place will help hungry patrons build memories. It is my utmost hope the newly remodeled and polished restaurant will still serve some of that old magic. g

Meagher is a contributing editor at this fine periodical and pens this column each month along with other stories. He is also a senior reporter with The Deal, a Manhattan-based financial digital news outlet. He covers Wall Street, alternative investment, SPACs and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

August 2025

NorthBaybiz 21

Born to Sue Created to protect employee rights, has

PAGA grown into a litigation monster?

By Jean Saylor Doppenberg

22 NorthBaybiz

August 2025

I magine that a winery tasting room employee—let’s call him Tim—missed a few lunch breaks because he was the only server on duty during busy times of day. His employer didn’t seem to notice he was working through breaks, so Tim spoke up, asking his boss to remedy the situation. But the complaints were brushed aside, and the problem was not resolved—so Tim reached out to an attorney. The attorney offered to assist Tim in filing a notice with the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), going on record that his employer was violating the state labor code regarding breaks. The notice gave the state labor agency the go-ahead to investigate the alleged violations, likely leading to the winery facing a costly settlement agreement. Since its passage by the state legislature in 2004, the (PAGA) has seen labor code violation claims and resulting settlements (or litigation) grow exponentially—a potential boon for plaintiffs’ labor attorneys looking for easy settlement dollars and a potential nightmare for businesses unaware of the minefield of labor violations they need to navigate. “(PAGA) causes an enormous amount of angst for employers, because sometimes they have no idea they are in violation of the labor code,” explains Bill Vick. Designed for employees to sue Vick’s career background is in financial services, but he is also a member of North Bay Trusted Business Advice (NBTBA), a group made up of attorneys—including the two attorneys interviewed for this article—accountants, insurance professionals and others. Vick is also a chairperson in Sonoma County for Vistage, a worldwide CEO peer group led by former business leaders to grow revenue, profitability and promote professional and personal development. The professionals in the North Bay Trusted Business Advice group meet regularly to help simplify various challenges local CEOs face when managing their businesses. PAGA is one of those challenges many CEOs face head-on to keep their businesses compliant and to avoid litigation. The group even created a questionnaire for employers to see if they are in compliance with the California Labor Code [see sidebar]. PAGA was signed into law more than 20 years ago and underwent reforms, for better or worse, last year. It was first created, according to attorney Kari Brown, to help the California Attorney General’s office in the prosecution of labor code claims. “The AG’s office has the responsibility of enforcing these violations, but it was unable to handle the volume of claims,” says Brown, who specializes in employment law for Spaulding McCullough & Tansil in Santa Rosa. “So the legislature created the law to essentially deputize employees to stand in the shoes of the AG and sue.” Deterring unlawful conduct The California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) was doing the investigations of labor code

complaints, but it was underfunded. “That’s why PAGA was created,” says attorney Samantha Pungprakeati, who focuses on employment law for North Bay-based Carle Mackie Power & Ross. “LWDA is still free to do their

own audits and collect penalties,

but law firms filing on their behalf send the LWDA 75% of whatever judgment is adjudicated.”

Bill Vick

“Deep down in the labor code were civil penalties that were also available if the state came to the employer to investigate and audit to see if they were following the law, but those penalties were not being collected. Through PAGA an employee can get 25% of the settlement as a finder’s fee [from a PAGA lawsuit] and have to turn the remaining 75% over to the state.” According to the state labor agency, civil penalties assessed and collected under PAGA “help deter unlawful conduct and encourage compliance with labor protections.” The labor agency gives the Labor Commissioner’s Office responsibility over the investigation of PAGA notices alleging wage and hour violations, and Cal/OSHA investigates PAGA notices that raise health and safety violations.” (While government employers are not subject to PAGA lawsuits for violations of the labor code, private employers are.) In October 2024, the Labor & Workforce Development Agency created a separate PAGA Unit to administer the pre-litigation early resolution “cure” procedures enacted by the PAGA reforms—a chance for the company to remedy or

Samantha Pungprakearti

August 2025

NorthBaybiz 23

The California Labor & Workforce Development Agency investigates labor complaints, many made possible by the PAGA legislation.

correct any violations prior to litigation. “The unit reviews procedures and conducts conferences for small-employer cure proceedings, and it reviews cure notices by employers of any size that involve alleged wage statement violations,” says the agency. Plenty of employees sue their employer when they feel they are not being treated fairly. Hence, PAGA lawsuits have grown significantly, and the most common PAGA complaints are about meal and rest breaks, says Pungprakeati. “Unpaid time is another very common complaint, and there are several others that rank right up there,” adds Brown. ‘ A new version of ambulance chasers’ The PAGA process can be quite lucrative for certain law firms, says Pungprakeati. “The state now has a website that tracks all the PAGA filings [ cabia.org/research-data/ paga-summary/ ], and a pro-business alliance uses this information to organize the top 10 law firms that have filed more than 1,000 PAGA lawsuits. The only people benefiting from these lawsuits are the plaintiffs’ attorneys, the 10 top firms that are filing 10 suits a day, every day.” (Those top 10 firms currently listed on the Cabia website are all located in Southern California.) The average cost for one of these lawsuits runs about $1.118 million, says Vick. “So this is an incentive for attorneys that creates a new version of ambulance chasers.” In 2021, an attempt was made to repeal PAGA with a ballot initiative called the California Fair Play and Employer Accountability Act. Ultimately the initiative was withdrawn from the ballot after Gov. Gavin Newsom made a deal with business and labor groups to reform PAGA. Last year’s reform was an effort by the legislature to show that PAGA

What is PAGA ? The Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) became law in California in 2004. According to the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), the legislation “allows employees to assist the state in enforcing labor laws by suing their employers to recover civil penalties for Labor Code violations on behalf of the state.” The labor agency also states that PAGA was reformed in June 2024 to allow any current or former employee who has experienced each of the alleged Labor Code violations to file a PAGA lawsuit. Previous to that, a PAGA lawsuit could be filed by a current or former employee who experienced at least one of the alleged Labor Code violations. Filing a complaint against an employer through PAGA is a multi-layered process overseen by the Labor & Workforce Development Agency and subject to filing time limits and statutes of limitation. As many as 9,464 PAGA notices were filed in 2024, up 22% from 2023, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations. A PAGA lawsuit settlement can average more than $1 million, with lesser settlement amounts in cases resolved by the LWDA, which average nearly $790,000. Attorney fees often account for a large portion of the total settlement .— JSD

24 NorthBaybiz

August 2025

actions have gotten out of hand, and it was designed to try to get a handle on the scope of damages that could be pursued, according to Pungprakeati. “We were excited about these reforms being passed last year in an effort to reduce PAGA lawsuits that are being filed. Reform was meant to curtail it.” Being in compliance with the labor code should be immensely important to employers. “If they make sure their practices are in compliance, they can stop the bleeding,” says Brown. “We can get in there and efficiently diagnose the issues and save them from major exposure.” Costs of litigation could bankrupt companies California is the most protected state in the nation for employees, says Pungprakeati, and the legislature adds more and more laws every year. “A smart employer will have counsel on hand who they can go to for those difficult questions, along with smart human resources professionals.” There is a large value to settle instead of trying to defend oneself in litigation, she adds. “It’s going to cost employers to not only pay damages but also pay their attorney fees, along with the plaintiff’s attorney fees if they go through trial and are found liable. If an employer pushes this kind of litigation into trial, they can be facing potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorney fees. We have to explain all this to our clients, and they are gobsmacked by the realities of the cost of litigation.”

Brown says one of her clients made one technical mistake— not out of any malicious intent— that triggered a PAGA action. “And the settlement figure demanded by the plaintiff in that case was a nonfeasible amount for the client. What’s ironic is the employee who is trying to pursue

these employee rights may make hundreds of their fellow employees lose their jobs if a company goes under because of the cost of litigation.” For employers, says Pungprakeati, the tactical use of an attorney can avoid huge defense fees and liability down the road. “Things like meals and rest breaks—that’s a good one for employers to immediately focus on to get right.” g Kari Brown

Relax. Let us handle every aspect of your company or private holiday party. Call today for more information.

Contact: events@windsorgolf.com or call 707-837-0019 • 1320 19th Hole Dr., Windsor, CA

August 2025

NorthBaybiz 25

Is Your Business in Compliance ? The following checklist for employers is a starting point to find out if your business is legally in compliance to help avoid a lawsuit or a complaint through the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). A group of local businesspeople who founded North Bay Trusted Business Advice have developed a helpful 25-question compliance survey; the questions below are taken from the survey. “The questionnaire is a great way to make an employer start thinking about what they are doing and should do,” says attorney Samantha Pungprakearti. • Do you review and update your paystub format annually to meet California Labor Code requirements? • Are you tracking break violations and paying the required premium when a break is missed, late or short? • Are you reimbursing work-related cell phone, internet and home office expenses? • If you use time rounding, is the policy neutral and legally defensible? • Do you automatically include all accrued unused vacation pay in final wages? • Do you have a designated person or system to open and escalate certified legal or PAGA-related notices immediately? • Are your benefits regularly reviewed to match your company’s culture, growth goals and recruitment needs? Source: North Bay Trusted Business Advice [nbtba.org]

Please email comments to jwalsh@NorthBaybiz.com

Make Every Day a Little Sweeter

Fun, Flavorful Cookoff & Business Expo

Saturday, September 13, 2025 12pm to 4pm Rohnert Park Community Center Complex Held outside at 5401 Snyder Lane Come and judge Rib and Chili cooks showcasing their culinary skills; tastes are 6 for $10. Take a stroll through the Vendor & Expo Booths to learn more about great local businesses! Food trucks on site with food for purchase too! Scan the QR Code for Booth, Sponsor & Cookoff Info

Questions? (707) 584-1415 or info@rohnertparkchamber.org

Santa Rosa 266 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa NothingBundtCakes.com

26 NorthBaybiz

August 2025

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