26-04-2025
Sentinel recognizes the Best of Lodi honorees
Apr. 26—Dozens of local businesses ended their work week taking home plaques recognizing how important they were to the Lodi community.
The Lodi News-Sentinel hosted its annual Best of Lodi awards program at El Paczifico Thursday, where more than 125 businesses won top honors in a variety of categories including beauty and wellness, community services, health services, food and drink and real estate, among others.
"What a fantastic afternoon," News-Sentinel director of sales and marketing Dora Sieber said. "It was such a joy to celebrate our amazing local businesses — there's nothing better than coming together to support the people who make our community so special."
With 25 years in business, Rachel Sauseda's Farmer's Insurance branch at 112 S. Church St. won the award for Best Insurance Agency. Sauseda prides herself on helping her clients identify the coverage that best fits their needs, whether it's automobile, homeowners, renters or business insurance.
"I feel very honored," Sauseda said. "This is coming from the people, and I'm very humbled to serve the people of this community. I was extremely surprised when Monica (LoBue, News-Sentinel advertising representative) came to the office and let me know."
California Al's has been in business for 12 years and owner Al Gamaz said he's been nominated before, but this was his first time winning a Best of Lodi award.
The restaurant, located at 601 W. Lockeford St., won for Best Breakfast Spot. Gamaz serves mostly organic, non-GMO dishes, and shops locally for all his ingredients.
"I appreciate being nominated and accepted, and then getting this recognition, being where we've been for as long as we have," he said. "Lodi is a very tight-knit community, it's warm and welcoming, and just feels good to know people love us."
Revel Lodi was one of the younger businesses to be honored Thursday, winning the top spot in the Best Independent Living category.
Located at 2923 Reynolds Ranch Parkway, Revel opened in 2020. The retirement community features 142 rooms for active seniors 55 and older, and offers resort-style services including a 24-hour concierge, housekeeping, maintenance and complimentary transportation.
"I was honored when Jon (Rooff, News-Sentinel advertising representative) came in and said we were the winners," sales director Mary Gilbert said. "Being open for five years, and Revel being the number one independent living community was amazing and just a shock. Thanks to everyone who voted for us. We really appreciate it and let's move forward and try to make our community number one in the future."
