Old Cal City Coffee Company
8201 California City Blvd, Ste A-F
California City, CA 93505
760-373-7834

Story, photos and video by Elizabeth Cowan

Video link established by Matt VanEvera

Tucked in the center of the Cal City Business Park, a small shopping plaza known to locals as the Sears Plaza, is a wonderful little café called The Old Cal City Coffee Co.  If you haven't had the opportunity to darken its door, make sure you do soon!

The Old Cal City Coffee Co. first opened its doors to Cal City residents in March of 2007.  Just a "baby" compared to other Cal City businesses, The Old Cal City Coffee Co. is off to a good start, thanks to its owners and operators, Cheryl Gober and Fred Whitney.

Both native Californians, Cheryl and Fred became permanent residents of Cal City this past year, having commuted for ten years between Cal City and San Diego.  Ms. Gober, a licensed realtor, and Mr. Whitney, who holds a Master's Degree in Business, along with Jerry January, are co-owners of the Cal City Business Park.  Realizing the need for such a business as The Old Cal City Coffee Co., they began making plans and developing the café about one year ago.

Cheryl and Fred have strived (and succeeded) to create a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere for the patrons of The Old Cal City Coffee Co. as they sip on their choice of perfectly-brewed lattes, coffeccinos, or teas from the café's menu.  Non-caffeine choices are also available.  Of course, customers may "concoct their own" beverages as well, my personal favorite?  16-ounce quad (four shots!), no-fat, no-foam latte!  The Old Cal City Coffee Co. menu also offers Smoothies, a healthy, nutritious, all-natural, fruit-blended beverage with no added sugars, great for those watching their sugar intake!  Included on the menu are tasty pastries, muffins, scones, cookies, bagels, gourmet coffee cakes, and ice cream, too!

Customers may enjoy their beverages in the air-conditioned comfort of the impeccably clean, tastefully decorated, indoor "dining" area, complete with big-screen television.  Or, for those that prefer the outdoors, the café offers a pleasant breezeway with plenty of tables.  In- or out- doors, the café offers free internet connection (via Wi-Fi) to its technologically-savvy customers.  The Old Cal City Coffee Co. is a great place to schedule meetings, surf the net, check your email, do your online banking, while enjoying your choice of beverage, served by one of the smiling faces of the café's baristas, three of whom are pictured below.

Jeremy Tutorow                                  Sheena Anderson                      Marithza Hernandez

And as if all that weren't enough, The Old Cal City Coffee Co. provides a fast, convenient drive-thru service for customers "on the go".  The drive-thru passage is accessible from California City Blvd. Frontage Road.

The Old Cal City Coffee Co. also sponsors an "open-mic" event every Friday evening in the breezeway, weather-permitting; inside the café in inclement weather!  All performers are invited to share their talents, singing, playing an instrument, reading poetry, and the public is invited to come enjoy the evening's entertainment "on the house"!  Click on the link below to enjoy a sampling of a couple local performers from last Friday night's performance:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=tBUe7of-GMQ

"Open Mic Night" is a fun, safe event for the whole family and a great way to meet people, get to know your California City neighbors, and listen to some great music at the same time!  Plan to be there Friday night!

Another activity recently added to The Old California City Coffee Co.'s "fun things to do list" is the Chess Club.  Whether you're an amateur or "pro", playing for fun or completely serious, come sign up for the Chess Club!  No fees, no dues, just a fun, challenging game or two!

The Old Cal City Coffee Co. is more than just a coffee shop. There's something to do for everyone, or, if you prefer, nothing to do but just relax!  One thing is certain, The Old Cal City Coffee Co. is "where it's at"!