Downtown Merchant

Forden’s fireplace store in SLO relocates during seismic retrofit project

Shop is now behind the Sinsheimer Building and is expected to return to its old spot in August

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Forden’s, a longtime kitchen and fireplace company in downtown San Luis Obispo, has moved temporarily to a brick structure behind the Sinsheimer Building nearby while its unreinforced masonry building undergoes a seismic retrofit.

The business, which has operated at 857 Monterey St. since 1939, is retrofitting its 4,400-square-foot shop a year ahead of the city’s deadline for the update.

“It seemed like the right time,” co-owner Dean Moore said. “The economy is a little slower, and we didn’t want to wait until the last minute.”

Earthquake retrofitting is intended not necessarily to save buildings but to keep a building standing during an earthquake long enough to allow people to escape safely.

Moore declined to disclose the cost of retrofitting the building, which he owns, but noted it was significant.

Four of his 20 employees will be off the payroll during the transition, Moore added, because the company is limiting its retail stock to fireplace goods at the temporary location. The store is accessible through Rose Alley, a brick-walled walkway along the Sinsheimer Building.

The longtime staffers, who have worked at Forden’s for 10 to 25 years, will be brought back when the store reopens with its full selection in early August.

Forden’s 1,500-square-foot temporary location previously served as a warehouse for Country Classics, a décor store that closed in January because of decreasing sales.

Shoppers visiting Forden’s 849C Monterey St. spot will see an aged yellow and silver Sinsheimer Bros. sign for the city’s former historic general store and its iron-covered storm windows from the 1800s.

Moore owns Forden’s with business partner Gary Smee and Kevin Moore, his son.

—Tonya Strickland

Tolosa has exclusive winemaker for brand

Larry Brooks of Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo is now the brand’s exclusive winemaker.

Brooks started consulting with Tolosa Winery in 2000 and was named senior winemaker consultant in 2006.

He started making wine in Napa Valley at Acacia Winery in 1979.

Tolosa Winery is on 750 acres southwest of San Luis Obispo. Its tasting room is at 4910 Edna Road.

—Tonya Strickland

Bell honored by local business publication

Nanci Bell, director and co-founder of Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes in San Luis Obispo, was recently honored as one of the “Top 50 Women in Business” by Pacific Coast Business Times, a Santa Barbara-based business news publication.

The special issue published March 21 recognized female business leaders in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

Bell, chosen from among 90 nominees, was recognized with her fellow winners at an awards ceremony April 10 at the Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, which researches and develops programs to help those with learning difficulties, has about 150 employees locally and 1,500 employees worldwide.

—Tonya Strickland

Local pet hospitals earn accreditation

Two county pet hospitals recently received accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association.

Los Osos Pet Hospital at 2239 Bayview Heights Drive, Suite A, and Animal Care Clinic of San Luis Obispo at 162 Cross St. earned the accreditation through a quality assessment review of their medical equipment, practice methods and pet health care management.

The American Animal Hospital Association is an international organization of more than 40,000 veterinary care providers that treat companion animals.

Both of the awarded pet hospitals have been accredited practice members of the association since 1993.

—Tonya Strickland