A Fremont business owner recently received a wonderful surprise from his customers. On Wednesday, Sept. 17, Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan and several longtime customers walked into Rick Reboca’s Sundale Barber Shop with a certificate of recognition for his 50 years in business. The shop on 4949 Stevenson Blvd., Suite #O, has accomplished a feat not every business owner in Fremont can.
The certificate said Sundale Barber Shop is “A cornerstone of the Sundale neighborhood and a valued part of the Fremont community.” Fremont officials recognized his barbershop “For its enduring commitment to excellence, community service and local tradition.” Reboca responded to the surprise with a smile and much gratitude. He appeared touched and honored as his customers looked at him with admiration.
Reboca has been cutting hair since 1969 and started a business at Sundale Barber Shop in 1975. His shop is filled with eyecatching pictures, paintings and small models of Native American art.
Reboca continued to tell his life story as he cut a customer’s hair. Reboca is Native American and grew up in an Indian reservation in a small town called Covelo in Mendocino County. He said because of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he was able to leave the reservation and go to barber school. He is a Vietnam veteran, serving in the war for about two years.
Roelle Balan
His son Clayton is also a barber at his shop, and has been working there for over 31 years. “Getting to work with my dad is an honor,” he said. “To be able to work with him [is] great, it’s special.”
One customer said after his hair cut that he’s been going to Rick for over 10 years. Dan Clark, another customer and a Fremont Police Department retiree, said he’s been going to Sundale Barber Shop for 35 to 40 years. He said he used to prefer getting his hair cut by Rick, but sometimes he would be in a hurry and let Clayton cut his hair. “I’d go to Clayton and Clayton’s picked up the mantle just fine, now I walk in to whoever’s not busy,” he said.
Clark said he feels comfortable every time he goes to the barbershop. “He knows the haircut I want, he doesn’t have to ask,” he said.
One thing that is undeniable about walking into Sundale Barber Shop is the positivity and good vibes.
“He’s always pleasant no matter what he’s got going on. He’s got all the same issues we have,” said Clark. “He’s here and he’s always pleasant, always upbeat. You know you can come in here and get quality haircuts, and chat with the family, it’s a family business [and] it shows.”
