A Fire that Changed Everything
In late February, downtown Vallejo was rocked by a two-alarm fire that destroyed the Buy, Sell and Trade store on Marin Street. Although firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control, a broken pipe and lingering smoke devastated nearby businesses – among them, Momo’s Café. The tragedy? Momo’s was not hit by the fire, but remains closed due to smoke damage. A Fire That Changed Everything: Cesar Quesada Lends His Paintbrush to Bay Area Families.
Six Latino Businesses Closed
The repercussions have been severe: six Latino-owned businesses – including Momo’s Café, Factory 953 barbershop, Gallo De Oro jewelry store and La Taqueria Don Ramon – are closed. Their employees? Still waiting for unemployment due to insurance delays and city investigations. They’re not just businesses; they’re community centers. Watch a Univision news segment with more on these six Latino businesses, here.
Quesada Remembers Momo’s as More than a Coffee Shop
Bay Area artist, Cesar Quesada, has fond memories of Momo’s. He remembers the laughter, kindness and generosity shared within its walls. They donated food, helped the homeless and welcomed everyone as family. For Quesada, it wasn’t just a café – it was a home for the community.
A Mother’s Legacy Inspires Action
Cesar’s mother, Martha, had a hot dog cart in Stockton. She gave away extras to large families, donated commodities to the homeless and taught Cesar the value of giving. That same heart lives on in Cesar’s mission today.
Art Donated to Help
Now, Cesar is turning his passion into action. He is donating his painting of Frank Sinatra valued at $25,000 to benefit families affected by the closures. He is currently working on a tribute painting to Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez and Mexican Lucha Libre legend“El Santo” to further support the cause in a creative way.
Waiting Continues, But Hope Increases
Although the reopening process could take six months or more, Quesada’s artistic activism reminds us that the community comes first. Vallejo families are still waiting – but they are not waiting alone.
Stay tuned for updates on Julio Cesar Chavez’s painting and how you can help.
