Café Loma’s new owner, Jodie Tomas, provides a serendipitous haven of culture and community within a traditional mini-strip mall. She focuses on knowing regulars by name and graciously introduces herself to newcomers. Café Loma is a place to make new friends, network, learn about local events or just relax with a book, a cup of espresso and a pastry. People of all ages are welcome, and families often come in for an afternoon treat or just to grab a coffee and say, “Hello.” “It’s easy to make new friends here,” Tomas said, “and there are lots of opportunities for networking.” Tomas, who previously worked at the café, assumed ownership from Atousa Hasheminejad on April 1 and has been gradually “easing in changes.” One of her first items of business was to restore free Wi-Fi. This has encouraged students and other laptop-toting patrons to return. She has also tweaked the menu a bit but continues to maintain reasonable prices for drinks, pastries and other fare. Patrons may also use “plastic” to pay for their purchases, which is an added bonus for many locals who are used to independent cafes being “cash only”. In addition to outdoor seating – smoking is allowed but consideration is encouraged –there are tables and chairs, as well as cushioned living-room-style seating, side tables, plants and other accoutrements of home. The café also encourages reading, and has a well-stocked bookshelf. Patrons may donate, exchange or purchase books for just $1 each. Café Loma is unable to offer restroom access because of legislative changes in the California Health & Safety Code. Tomas, however, said she is in the process of appealing this. Meanwhile, both Souplantation and Daddy-O’s allow Café Loma’s patrons to use their facilities. Another enhancement Tomas made is to offer a gallery-type space for artists. She was inspired to do this after commissioning her sister-in-law, Adrienne Marre, to create a portrait of her daughter. Impressed, Tomas offered Marre an opportunity to display her work at the café, and Marre’s work “Dancers” was the first series to be featured. Tomas then posted a call on Craigslist.org for artists interested in displaying and selling their works. As a result, Marre’s work is currently accompanied by Dwayne Andrejczuk’s vibrant abstracts. Café Loma is also home to an “after hours” scene, where Tomas offers her space at no charge for private events. Currently, there is a book-of-the-month club that meets on the third Monday of each month, as well as a meet-up photography group hosted by Dan Chusid. These and other upcoming events are posted on the chalkboard stands just outside the café. According to barista extraordinaire Liv Calhoun, favorite menu items are the “OB Bagel,” the açai bowls and Mexican mochas. Calhoun, who is originally from Norway, makes traditional Norwegian waffles on Sundays for $4.99. Her motto? “Full tummy, happy heart and the world will be a better place,” Tomas said. Another Sunday draw, according to Calhoun, is the hot-rod vintage car shows hosted by Daddy-O’s. Café Loma is located in the Midway Towne Center, 3960 W. Point Loma Blvd., Suite M. The café is open Mondays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (619) 222-1239, or visit facebook.com/pages/ CafeLoma/113308635369712.
