Oakley invokes eminent domain in quest to demolish century-old building - California Homeowners AssociationCalifornia Homeowners Association

May 6, 2016

OAKLEY — In 1912, an Italian immigrant named Venanzio Del Barba earned enough to buy and open a general store on Main Street after five years of working on the railroad and farming. In the 104 years since, the Del Barba family has held onto the structure, weathering the storm through the Great Depression, the Great Recession and two world wars.

“It’s part of the original Oakley,” family member Cindy Del Barba said.