The Gull's Call - Jan/Feb/Mar 2026

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Simon and his son Paul recall some highlights over the years: • Selling the winning lottery ticket for $93 million dollars in 2007. “It was the second biggest CA lottery win at that time, and to think out of all of California, this tiny island was the winner,” recalls Paul Kim, Simon’s son.

Simon also hopes to travel more with his wife and family, including a long overdue visit to the motherland, South Korea. Paul remembers his dad always working, so family vacations were always short. The last family trip to South Korea was 30 years ago. Paul chokes up saying, “My father would like to thank all the community for the unwavering support and loyalty throughout the years. Through the business, my dad taught me to maintain honesty, trust, and transparency in all your relationships. He will miss all the friendly interactions and loyalty throughout the years. Without the community’s support, he says he would never have been able to last this long.” Retirement can be bittersweet. Years of working hard earns you a well-deserved break, time to enjoy life without the rigors of a daily 9 to 5. But, when you’ve spent your entire work life in one place, in one industry, at one company, with a multitude of steady, loyal customers, it’s like a break-up or your best friend moving away. The separation the Harbor Bay Community feels with Simon’s retirement and the loss of our service station will be felt for quite a while. The Community wishes Simon Kim well and sends him off into retirement with much gratitude and love for his years of dedication to our community. “It’s been a long journey for my father, and he’s worked hard for his retirement. He definitely deserves some rest and relaxation,” says Paul. “Thank you to the Harbor Bay Community,” says Simon. “I was happy to devote half my life serving the community of Harbor Bay and will miss you.” Thank you, Simon Kim, and Happy Retirement. On to your next chapter in life…Carpe diem!

2007: Simon happily displays his prize for selling a $93 million winning Super Lotto ticket.

• Becoming the first smog station within Alameda. • Serving on the dealer advisory council for Mobil, BP, 76, helping assist new site owners navigating the process of ownership. • “Working with my brother, Danny, throughout all these years has been wonderful,” says Simon. • Creating lasting memories and friendships with the community. “I cherish all my customers and now, friends,” says Simon, with a smile. Simon’s team provided service with smiles and conversation over the years. In the Snack Shop, we had the chance to get to know Danny, Simon’s brother, Lydia, Lito, Ron, and Mabel. Simon’s team in the garage were Sean, Duc, and Myung. Paul, Simon’s son, did double duty in the Snack Shop and in the garage, while launching a career in real estate sales with his mom. When asked what his dad’s plans would be beginning December 1st, Paul replied, “My father plans to enjoy his retirement with his family- my mother, my sister, his granddaughter, and me. He hopes to tee it up more in retirement,” adds Paul. “My father loves to play golf but was only able to play on the weekends. Now, I’m sure he will be on the golf course during the week and enjoy playing with his friends.”

December 2025: Caution tape blocks the now shuttered 76 Station.

January | February | March 2026 17

The Gull’s Call