Yushi Wiebers—Personally Speaking

JoJo Restaurant and Sushi Bar

GoLocal Member since 2010

What is your fondest memory of living in Sonoma County?

All of my time here in Sonoma County has been wonderful--I've owned several restaurants in Sonoma County, each one an adventure.

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

Friendliness--people are much more friendly here than in Marin County where I lived before.  The weather is wonderful, and overall the atmosphere is exactly the way I want to live my life.

What for you defines 'quality of life'?

Quality of life to me means that you enjoy what you're doing, you have a wonderful family and somebody who listens to you! You enjoy the people around you.  Money's good, but it's not everything.

What gets you really excited about your business?

I'm able to meet a lot of friends by having a restaurant.  I enjoy watching people enjoy their meals, because I know that when people have a good meal, their whole day is better and they're often in a better mood.  It's simple, and I like to help contribute in that way.

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

I sometimes worry whether my employees are going to do a good job or not, because some of them are from overseas and don't speak much English. Not so much about my business, but I worry about public communication/media. Americans push the "green" message.  But I really want to see more environmental principles shown on the TV, internet, movies, so it sends a better message than violence, because life is not really like that. The violence in the media is worse pollution than bad air or garbage--it's pollution that damages the human spirit and mind, especially with young people.  I would like to see "green" messages communicated in media from every area, to give kids a more positive education.

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

I wish to see the economy improve, for the community to be stronger so that people know each other better.  People are very private here in the United States, and it's important for people to feel connected.  In Taiwan, we knew the whole block, the whole village--everybody knew each other!

What is your favorite quote or motto?

Educate, respect each other, be part of your community!

What or who do you most admire in Sonoma County?

I admire all the people who work hard to create healthy strong communities here in Sonoma County, including my church community.

What brought you to Sonoma County?

I married an American and came to the US when I was 28, and Sonoma County has now been my home for 30 years.