Pleasanton Weekly: April 21, 2020
Three life science companies headquartered in Pleasanton have their products on the front line of the battle against COVID-19.
10x Genomics and Unchained Labs both make the equipment utilized by big research institutions and corporations in researching the virus. And Title 21 Healthcare customers (blood banks, major research hospitals) use its software throughout their research, development and FDA approval process. Before 10x Genomics moved to its new headquarters next to Stoneridge Shopping Center last year, all three had their headquarters on Koll Center Parkway in the Bernal Corporate Park.
Unchained Labs’ CEO Tim Harkness wrote in an email “our Lunatic system is used to determine DNA concentration in COVID-19 testing workflows. Additionally, Uncle is used to help researchers understand the characteristics and stability of vaccines. We are happy that our tools are part of the solution to these problems.”
10x CEO Serge Saxanov wrote in a press release, ““Our two most critical priorities right now are to ensure the health and safety of our employees and to provide our customers with the solutions they need to fight COVID-19. While none of us have seen a pandemic like this in our lifetimes, we have also never seen so much of the global scientific community focused with so much intensity on a single goal. Our products are an important part of the arsenal to combat COVID-19, and we will do all we can to help our customers until the pandemic is under control.”
Title 21 has supported their customers as many of them shifted to remote work, CEO Lynn Fischer told me. That required more software licenses so the Pleasanton company doubled the number of licenses for companies that needed more and did so at no cost.
All three are operating as essential, not so for the bars and restaurants that have been limited to delivery and takeout. In that sector, you’ve got to appreciate the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that we’re seen during the shelter-in-place order.
Ray Bartolomucci, owner of Rigatoni’s and Strizzi’s, already offered takeout and delivery from his locations, but now is offering individual portions pre-packaged and ready for the freezer. Casa Orozco in Dublin and Livermore has put together family packs.
A few blocks down Main Street in Pleasanton, Pasta’s has been offering steaks and fish from its suppliers for customers to take home.
Joe Rodrigues, owner of Valley Catering, has seen his business shuttered completely. He started in 1993 so he’s nearing his 30th anniversary. So, he’s pivoted to offering frozen steaks, pork, chicken that is pre-packaged. He’s got a complete list on his website along with locally produced eggs and milk. It’s simple—call-in the order; they call when it’s ready and then they place it on your car when you come to pick-up.
It also offers a way for vendors to keep moving their product at a time most of the restaurant business is dramatically off. That supply chain is getting jammed with limited restaurant business.
Matt Greco at Salt Craft has put together both a special menu with family packs as well as grocery service using his vendors and his own products. You can also get his house-made meats such as the lamb pastrami to take home as well as their renown sauces.
Cattlemens in Livermore is offering both raw steaks, lobster tails and weeknight steak specials for curbside pickup
I’ve utilized the online ordering and parking lot pick-up service that worked well at Total Wine—we haven’t tried similar services at Raley’s.
