Block by Block: Volume 7
I've come up with a plan, to visit every business in the shore and share my experiences. To put my plan in action I needed company and a writer, so I called my good friend Lisa Ramelow and said ... Let's Meet on 2nd Street!! Join Lisa and I as we explore Belmont Shore Block by Block!
- Heather Kern, Executive Director BSBA
Block By Block: Volume 7 - Nieto to Corona - south
Written by Lisa Ramelow
Intro by Heather:
Summer has come to an end, and it's the perfect moment to catch up on everything we've been putting off. As we settle back into our routine, we're excited to bring back our block-by-block series, and we invite you to join us on this journey! Explore with us as we dive back into everything Belmont Shore has to offer, one block at a time.
Well, we finally got a little bit stuck in the Block by Block series.
After 6 blocks of restaurants, shops, and services, we landed at the block with only one business there .. Chase Bank.
Not that Chase Bank, or any of the banks in the Shore are not important – they are vital to the community. And Chase plays a pivotal role because of its location directly in the center of the Shore, and because the building itself is “set back” from the side walk, providing ample room to set up tables and kiosks for various Belmont Shore events.
But how do I “discuss” Chase Bank?
I wasn’t sure, but don’t worry, I have lots to share!
I always start by doing research on the building itself – I like to find out what year it was built and what was there before. It is obvious from its architecture that it was not an original Shore building created in the late 1920s, early 1930s. It has a completely different appearance than the other Spanish-Mediterranean structures built in those years throughout the Shore.
Thanks to my friends in the Facebook group, “I Grew Up in Belmont Shore,” I learned that originally there was a Texaco station in that block. It seems it was owned by Rex Finney, and many chimed in they had worked pumping gas there during their Wilson High School Years.
There is some discrepancy in the year (I heard 1958 or 1965), but the first bank was built in one of those years - it was called “World Savings.” It morphed over the years to Great Western, Washington Mutual, and then to Chase Bank.
I remember through the years seeing various musicians playing there, high school bakes sales set up in front, and a few other things. But there were a lot of rules and it was not always encouraged. The bank seemed hesitant to participate in some events, and they did not want anyone setting things up on Sundays when they were closed. I think they were understandably worried about liability issues.
But in the last few years, I had noticed quite a change in this bank; there were more events and musicians, and it seemed so much more welcoming. It all made sense after I met branch manager, Vanessa, who began her job as bank manager about six years ago. She came into management with a strong belief in building community partnerships. She wanted to get to know all the local business owners, and she clearly celebrates all her customers, both businesses and individuals.
“Musicians and performers have been a fixture on the 5200 block for decades, becoming a key part of the fabric of Belmont Shore. ”
Vanessa made it clear to me she did NOT want to talk about herself, and she would not even let me take her picture. But I learned so much from her!
She began by simply saying, “Our clients at Chase are just amazing!” It was obvious it was not just a talking point; her love and appreciation for the people coming to bank at Chase was so very apparent.
“You would not believe how many Christmas cards we receive every year from our clients! The employees get invited to weddings and baby showers. We watch families grow up, and then we take care of the generation following.”
Vanessa explained that every child who comes in knows exactly where the lollipops are, and every dog that comes in knows exactly where the dog treats are kept. All are welcome at Chase.
She mentioned sometimes elementary school students come in as part of a summer camp, or if a teacher requests to bring their students in to learn about a bank.
She told me the first thing all the kids say is, “I want to see all the money!”
She laughed and explained that the bank does not keep much money on the premises, but the kids are thrilled just to go see the opening to the vault with its big door, and to see all the safe deposit boxes inside. They also teach them how to fill out a deposit slip, and give them a small piggy bank to take home.
I learned they hire mostly local students from CSULB who desire a career in finance. And some students take an entry level job as a teller, thinking they will just stay a few years and then move on. But then they slowly become part of the Chase family. Instead of leaving, they move into positions such as Junior Banker, and then further on up. Almost no one leaves.
She noted that for most people, their point person within a bank is the teller. And she spoke glowingly about tellers, Gerardo and Breanna, who she said are truly loved in the community.
But she explained the bank is an entire community of people with many positions. There is even a Community Manager, Dennis, who does outreach to the businesses and meets with the mayor. Upstairs in the building is JP Morgan, and commercial lending services.
And now, I would love to highlight all of the many local Belmont Shore events that have taken place in front of Chase Bank, just to illustrate how important they are to us.
Probably the most well-known event is the Stroll and Savor festivals that happen on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, typically in the 3rd week of each of the three summer months.
Stroll and Savor is Belmont Shore’s signature event, and as the name implies, one can stroll from one end of the 0.6-mile business district to the other, and savor specialties from participating restaurants.
Because I owned a restaurant for 27 years, we participated in every single one of these events. It was a great way to get your product into the consumer’s hands (and mouths!)
We became famous for our Bianca pizza - it had a creamy Alfredo sauce topped with spinach and lots of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It was a Stroll and Savor hit!
Chase bank is always the hub of all this activity - tables are set up right in front to sell tickets, and there are other tables and tents set up to provide information about other upcoming city events.
Chase is also the starting point for the once-a-year Chocolate Festival, held on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day. It’s a similar concept to the summer events where tickets are purchased to exchange for all the many chocolate offerings on the street.
Last but not least, the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is held every year on the first Saturday of December.
Chase Bank becomes the star of this event - special grandstand seats are set up right in front for the parade judges, and for any attending VIP officials from around the city.
As the parade entrants are walking past Chase Bank, they pause and are interviewed right there in front of the bank.
The last two years I was asked to be the parade announcer, and I was so very honored!
I got to talk about each entry as they walked by, and many of them sponsored by local businesses that I love.
Chase Bank has proven to be truly valuable in the Belmont Shore community. Not only do they take care of individuals, families, and businesses by offering them great service for all their banking needs, they are also a true community partner in every single way.
The BSBA can not thank Vanessa, and Chase Bank enough for all of the years of support. Allowing us to use their space and for being one of our parade sponsors. - Heather Kern
Chase Branch Manager Vanessa Valencia, and Person Banker Jackie Sainz with Congressman Robert Garcia at the 25th Anniversary Celebration for Open Sesame.
As usual, I learned so much!
I walked out of Chase that morning feeling like I had made a new best friend. I think they’ve succeeded in their outreach!
PS - Who remembers when they put in the blue lighting around the upper perimeter of the building? I think it’s just beautiful, but I do remember there was a public uproar that it was too bright and too garish. I can’t remember the year it happened, and of course, we all soon grew used to it and love it now.