SACRAMENTO - Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-Anaheim) honored his Assembly District's Business Person of the Year at the "Salute to Small Business" luncheon held in conjunction with Small Business Day at the Capitol. Accompanied by his family, Robert Escalante, owner/operator of Custom Auto Service, traveled to Sacramento to receive his award.

"Like the vintage Packard cars that Robert restores and maintains, he is a classic," says Solorio. "His shop at 3rd and French in Santa Ana retains the historic look of a by-gone era, but Robert's business savvy is all 21st century."

During Escalante's 43 years of operating his business in Santa Ana, he has been associated with many community accomplishments. He spent nine years on the Discovery Museum Board and six on the Civic Center Commission. But it is his behind-the-scenes input that he considers his greatest contribution. "I believe in protecting your community and sphere of influence," Escalante says. "I help you, you help someone else."

Assemblyman Solorio welcomes Robert Escalante to the Capitol. Escalante, owner/operator of Custom Auto Service, received the 69th District's Business Person of the Year Award at "Small Business Day." Publications: click image to enlarge.

Business owners and elected officials in the area credit Escalante for helping create a public/private mutual trust that - with a handshake - led to the development of the Fiesta Marketplace Mall in Santa Ana.

"Robert understands that business and local elected leaders can be a cohesive force for economic opportunity. And he recognizes that government wants to help, not mandate," Solorio added. "He is a unifying voice in our community."

Custom Auto Service is known nationally and internationally as a major restorer and service facility for Vintage Packard cars. Escalante's niche enterprise and exceptional customer service attracts the rich and famous, but he says many of his customers live in Orange County.

"Robert tells his show-car customers not to try to keep up with traffic, but to drive slow and steady, and let all that other energy pass them by," Solorio said at the event. "That's advice we legislators can apply to find long-term solutions in Sacramento."

Assemblyman Solorio represents the 69th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, and Santa Ana. He is chair of the California Assembly's Public Safety Committee and also serves on the Assembly's Education, Transportation, and Appropriations committees. For more information about Assemblyman Solorio, visit www.assembly.ca.gov/solorio.