MARIN COUNTY (KRON) — A small North Bay community is coming together to support a popular cook who was brutally attacked in his own driveway.
In August, 48-year-old Jose Hernandez was shot multiple times by armed men just outside his home in San Pablo.
He is expected to survive, but no suspects have been named in the case and the motive remains a mystery.
By all accounts, Hernandez is a dedicated family man. He is a father of five and a grandfather.
He has also worked at the same restaurant here in Fairfax for nearly two decades. His friends and coworkers are stunned by this attack.
According to the San Pablo Police Department, Hernandez was shot multiple times outside his home in the 2800 block of 11th Street in San Pablo. He was flown to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek and underwent extensive surgery to remove the bullets.
At last check, he was listed in stable condition.
For nearly two decades, Hernandez has worked as a cook at Fradelizio’s Italian restaurant in Fairfax.
Owner Paul Fradelizio says they can’t believe anyone would want to hurt Jose.
“The staff, we were all just extremely shocked,” Fradelizio said. “He’s just truly honestly one of the kindest human beings I’ve ever met.”
So far, police have not identified any suspects in the case, nor have they revealed a motive for the attack.
As word of the shooting spread in Fairfax, regular customers at Fradelizio’s started asking how they could help.
“Telephone calls. You know, he’s a well-loved guy in this town,” Fradelizio said.
Paul’s wife Jeannine set up a GoFundMe page to help cover Jose’s medical expenses.
She said the response has been overwhelming. They have already received thousands in donations some from complete strangers.
“People that don’t directly know him, but they know that he has been cooking for them for 19 years,” Jeannine said.
At this point, it’s unclear when or if Hernandez will be able to return work.
Paul is in contact with Jose’s wife, who says the longtime cook is getting better.
“I know he hopes he will be back,” Fradelizio said.
Finally, Fradelizio is paying Jose his full salary while he’s away from work.