Jorge Alcazar-Personally Speaking

Jorge Alcazar of La Real Michoacana

GoLocal Member since 2011

What is your fondest memory of living in Sonoma County?

I came to the county 5 years ago from Mexico. I think that the openness of its people is like no other. Having them receive me with open arms is something that doesn't happen too often.

Describe what you experience as the greatest treasure of Sonoma County.

I see Sonoma County as a bubble. In a good way. Sonoma county is different; special. The way we live, the things we have. It's a truly unique experience to live here. People are always friendly; we have great local businesses. From amazing wines, to exceptional culinary options. Sonoma County seems to have a little bit of everything, and people from here embrace them all.

What for you defines 'quality of life'?

To define quality of life I consider a few things...peace and balance between our personal lives and our social lives and how we contribute to improve it with ourselves and others. It's about making choices. Choosing to buy bread from our local bakeries rather than at big chain markets. It's about buying fruits and vegetable at farmers markets. Choosing to support our local peers. Choosing to pick the healthier option at a local deli rather than to buy at a fast food restaurant. Quality of us all improves when we look after ourselves and our local businesses.

What gets you really excited about your business?

Having the opportunity to offer my customers something different and delicious. The fact that people can actually taste the difference of our art. It's also exciting because of all the many options that it gives me in many things. From making new flavors to the many ways that I can use to get my product exposed. Having a vision of where I want to direct this business to in the future is something that just drives me everyday.

Thinking about your business, what keeps you up at night?

Truly, just the many things that I can do to improve our service, product, and business overall. With a business there is always room for improvement, and we want to find all those many ways to do so.

If you could have one wish come true for Sonoma County, what would it be?

Having even more bicycle users around. Better and more efficient public transportation system. I would like to see Sonoma County ban plastic bags. See a little more radical changes towards a greener community.

What is your favorite quote or motto?

The right thing won't always make you happy, but it still is the right thing.

I live by it. Sometimes what is right is often forgotten by what is convenient. By doing the right thing I believe I improve my life and the life of those around me.

What or who do you most admire in Sonoma County?

Its diversity in all fields. From its people, to its weather and landscapes. There is so much culture around. Festivals all year round. Concerts, plays. Everything. Love it.

What brought you to Sonoma County?

Relatives that are native from Sonoma.