Ed Stokes laughs at Business Person of the Year award dinner with wife Betty looking on Photo Andy Scheck

In front of a sold out crowd at the Lafayette Park Hotel, Ed Stokes was named "Business Person of the Year" on the twentieth anniversary of his original win. Called "our honorary mayor," the founder and owner of Diablo Foods, at 87 years young, was charming and humble. The extended Stokes family told stories and sang a tribute to the tune of "Beverly Hillbillies." Stokes has made a career of running the store with pride and giving back to the community. A bevy of officials recognized him: Congressman John Garamendi, State Senator Mark De Saulnier, State Assemblymember Nancy Skinner, Contra Costa County Supervisor Gayle Uilkema, Walnut Creek Mayor Susan Rainey and Mayor of Lafayette Brandt Anderson. C. Tyson