Movie star-Suying Cantrelle – That would have been a nice title to have next to her name if she had signed those contracts presented to her by Hollywood producers several years back. Her name and status was brought to the attention of not just Hollywood, but also Sacramento’s residents who lived on the stretch of Stockton Boulevard.
Suying choses not to reflect too much of those troubled days and turmoil period that took placed in our community. As she put it, “I’m happy to see the area is getting safer and now more than ever, it’s easier to run a business in the area” “I have more time now to take care of my customers, to enjoy a quality of life that’s so easy to take for granted.”
Not too long ago, Suying was honored on the Assembly floor by Assemblyman Phil Isenberg and County District Attorney Steve White for her efforts and contribution to curve crimes and bring about positive changes to the Stockton Boulevard area.
Suying shared with us how proud she is of the younger generation, those who took the initiative to take on the challenges and make an impact in the community, which in turn, brought positive attention to the area and made a better life for all to enjoy.
Many of us have one time or another shopped at Vinh Phat Supermarket, it’s known for its fresh produce and meat as well as the personalities you often meet either at the cashier or at the meat counter. Vinh Phat stands out not only because it was the first and the most visible, it’s also known for the generous financial support for numerous community events and functions.
Since it first opened on April 21, 1984 Vinh Phat Supermarket served as more than just your local grocery store. it’s a place where you congregate, meet and reunite with family and friends, sharing recipes and exchanging ideas about community functions and events. Customers are often greeted by the cheerful and delightful cashier, one in particular, Suying Cantrelle. To many she’s a friend and supporter, to others she’s known as a tough, no nonsense lady who single handedly helped curve the Boulevard of the negative elements that were pervasive in the late 1980s. Imagine Stockton 5 years ago or even further, 10 years ago, just wonder, how did it transform so much? Not just in the physical landscape but also in the psyche and pulse of the area. Doing business on Stockton Boulevard was not easy, in addition to dealing with debilitating infrastructure and construction, crimes and social problems were prevalent and problematic. As much as we contribute the change to our law enforcement, we must not forget those individuals who stood up and refuse to accept fear and apathy to seep through our way of life.
Not uncommon were her family story of escaping Vietnam in the perilous sea, a family of 15 encountered Thai pirates, their possessions robbed and their dignity taken away. Incidents of rape and violence perpetrated by these Thai Pirates were common occurrence. The family managed to reach the shore of America after 9 months of living in Refugee camp. Suying vividly recalled, “ When we arrived, we spoke no English, had no job skills, didn’t know anything” But what motivated us and what gave us hope was the fact that we have great family support, a cohesive unit that was determined to make something out of our lives despite our hardship and difficulties. “I wanted to do something that will create jobs for every family member, where they all can feel like they can contribute and be valued.” That’s how Vinh Phat Supermarket was created on April 21, 1984.
The Boulevard didn’t just one day became safer to work, live, and run a business in, it takes leaders and visionaries to open doors for next generation, to serve as a voice for those with limited ability and resources. 300 plus page novel is not enough to tell the stories of Suying Luong Cantrelle…because more and more pages are being added each day. As she stated, “As much as I want to retire, I feel I can do so much more for our community.”
“Got to finish it, roads of life is never straight and easy”