Giving back, plus ice cream

Back in February, when we put out the annual Business Issue of the CN&R, I interviewed Brian Von Tress, owner of Collision Pros, which lost its Paradise shop to the Camp Fire. I’d been touched by the radio ads I’d heard, in which he related his employees’ losses and reached out to survivors to offer relief by way of auto repairs.

Von Tress and his company, which includes stores in Chico, Red Bluff and Woodland, started a GoFundMe account for employees affected by the fire—and raised over $50,000. That in itself is impressive.

Now, in celebration of the reopening of the Paradise Collision Pros shop, the team is going a step further. It’s partnered with CSAA Insurance, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Maita Cars to donate a 2015 Subaru Forester to a Camp Fire survivor. Northern Valley Catholic Social Service helped cull the many worthy recipients, and the Collision Pros Paradise-based staff settled on a single mother who suffered burns over half her body. She received her new wheels on Tuesday (Sept. 13).

Another farewell After 42 years in business, Zucchini & Vine announced last week that it’s closing its doors. I swung by on Monday (Sept. 9) to check on the sale and was shocked to see the inventory already seriously depleted. (My favorite cheese somehow was still in stock and I purchased the last 2 pounds.)

Owner Nancy Lindahl has said she’s retiring, so I wish her well. The family is keeping Magna Carta, next door, open—so check in with them there. And go pick through what’s left of the cookbooks, dishware and décor at Z&V by the end of the month (30 percent off). This, sadly, will leave every corner at Second and Main streets vacant (save for Bill’s Towne Lounge, which occupies half of one spot). I hope someone snatches it up quick.

Turnover There’s some good news in the downtown business world: The space vacated by Cold Stone Creamery a few weeks ago already has been claimed. A sign went up recently advertising Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab. A little internet sleuthing tells me there are just three other Doc’s, all in California—in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria—but the brand plans to explode across the state in the next several years, with up to 100 new shops in the works.

The Yelp reviews are promising, and the photos show a vibrant, if not a little hokey, atmosphere. I’m curious to try some of Doc’s more eclectic flavors, like Jack & Coke and Motor Oil (dark chocolate and Kahlua with fudge swirls). Sign says opening this month, so we won’t have to wait long!

Movin’ Mark Cooper Landscaping & Storage in Oroville is now offering U-Haul trucks, trailers and moving supplies. The store, at 1245 Oro Dam Blvd. E., Ste. 11, is a 24/7 location, meaning you can reserve your vehicle online and pick it up whenever it’s most convenient for you. Good stuff.

Shakin’ Midnite Munchies has opened its doors in the Nord Avenue Safeway parking lot. You can still order delivery, of course, but if you’d prefer to stop by, you’ll find an expanded menu—the caramel brownie milkshake looks delicious!