Camp Fire fallout continues

Last November’s Camp Fire took a toll on the local labor market, and we’re continuing to see the fallout. Earlier this fall, Sustainable Seed Co. announced it’s making some changes due to the fact that owner John Fendley (aka “Farmer John”) and several key employees had lost their homes in the blaze.

The company understandably suffered as a consequence. But, do not fear—loyal customers will still be able to purchase Farmer John’s non-GMO, organic and heirloom seeds. In September, Sustainable Seed Co. merged with True Leaf Market Seed Co., previously a competitor, to maintain the line. The latter is moving to town to take over management.

“It may seem unusual for competitors to work together but there are not many independent seed companies left and we have to stick together,” True Leaf partner Robb Baumann says on the company blog. Find Sustainable Seed Co.’s retail shop at 355 E. 20th St. Word as of now is it’ll remain open.

New boss Earlier this month, Amanda Leveroni, chef and owner at Bacio Catering, Carryout and Biz Box, announced it’s time to retire. She’s handing over the reins to former supervisor Erika Montanez, who is returning after a 10-year hiatus. “It’s time for me to spend time with my family, watch my grandchildren grow and go exploring with my husband,” Leveroni says in a statement.

Closout time Gabrielle Ferrar Diamonds & Exceptional Jewelry, a staple at Second and Main streets for the past three decades, is liquidating this weekend (sale runs today, Nov. 14, through Sunday). An announcement sent to customers cites the passing of daughter Lisa as their reasoning. Lisa Nolta and her mom, Madeleine, opened the shop in 1989.

And Kona’s Sandwiches just a block up Main Street is calling it quits. Well, it’s up for sale at the moment. After 26 years. Anyone want a sammich shop?

Changes also are afoot over at Roots Catering. Last week, owners David and Kelly Gomez announced they’ll be shuttering their restaurant and concentrating wholly on the catering side of their business. The last day is Friday (Nov. 15).

Change of plans I reported recently that Chico’s Kmart appeared to have dodged the bullet of a wave of closures, only to be proven wrong a week later. Last Thursday (Nov. 7), Kmart’s parent company, Transform Holdco, announced it will be closing 96 more Sears and Kmart stores, including the one on Pillsbury Road in Chico. Expect liquidation sales to start Dec. 2.