Cvbj march2016 lowres by Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

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MARCH

2016 VOL 11 • NUMBER 7

SERVING SAN JOAQUIN, STANISLAUS

& MERCED COUNTIES

Game changer

Grape Crush Preliminary report shows Lodi remains steady.

Page 4

Open Window Project could redefine future of Stockton’s core By ELIZABETH STEVENS Business Journal editor estevens@cvbizjournal.com

Safe Drain Oakdale company poised to grow.

Page 7

Love Modesto

STOCKTON — Ten years from now, if all goes well, downtown Stockton will be a place where people work, go for entertainment and live among a mix of new and historic buildings, and blight will be a distant memory The ambitious plan to revitalize 15 square blocks of downtown Stockton over the next decade was approved unanimously by the City Council Feb. 23 in a marathon meeting that ran past midnight. The council considered and approved three items for the Open Window Project developed by Ten Space: the Master Development Plan, the Development Agreement and the Purchase Option Agreement for city-owned properties. After hearing details of the plan and comments from a range of community

Volunteers ready to share the love.

Please see OPEN WINDOW Page 6

Page 41

WHAT’S WHAT’S INSIDE INSIDE Publisher’s Notes...........................Page 2 On the Web.....................................Page 5 Real Estate...................................Page 10 Housing........................................Page 12 Education.....................................Page 18 Tourism........................................Page 24 Jobs & Economy..........................Page 28 Briefs....................................Pages 42, 43 Legals...................................Pages 44, 45

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Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

Private sector takes the reins in the Valley This is an exciting time to be covering business in the Central Valley. Major initiatives are launching in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, and it really feels like we’re not just recovering but innovating and moving forward. Our big story this month is the exciting Open Window Project by the real estate deSharon velopment comAlley Calone pany, Ten Space. It’s great to see the private sector taking the lead to develop downtown Stockton and breathe new life into our city’s core. Zac Cort and David Garcia have plans to bring many of those historic buildings back to their former glory, and they’ve told us other developers have expressed interest in their own rehabilitation projects. If you haven’t been in downtown Stockton lately, pay a visit. It’s hopping! The new courthouse has taken its place in our skyline and new businesses are opening. There’s a new craft brewery, Channel Brewing,

Publisher’s Notes

March 16 & 17, 2016 Modesto Centre Plaza Modesto, CA

opening in June. How cool is that? Soon there will be apartments, more retail options and more reasons to spend time in the heart of our city. You can read more about the Open Window Project in our cover story. In Stanislaus County, the Stanislaus Business Alliance is now a private, nonprofit organization. This month, it’s launching Opportunity Stanislaus to drive economic development. CEO David White tells us the project will focus on four areas: business development, workforce readiness, messaging and innovation. This plan was put together with a lot of input from local business owners, so we know this is something we can get behind. We know Stanislaus County is a great place to do business. Now others in the region — and the world — will know it, too! We have details about Opportunity Stanislaus and how you can get involved in our story on page 3. Here at the Business Journal, we love to report the positive things that are happening in our communities. There’s great energy building in the Valley right now. We all need to be better about speaking positively about ourselves. All too often, though, many people here focus on the negative. Sometimes it’s as if we as a community suffer from collective low self-esteem. Yes, we’ve been slow to recover from the recession, and

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yes, we still have challenges. But we also have advantages many other regions don’t: world-class businesses, recreational opportunities and weather that is the envy of much of the rest of the country. Rather than questioning why newcomers would want to come here, we should greet them by saying, “Welcome to the Central Valley. You’re going to love it here!” You may have noticed we’ve made some changes to our newspaper. We’ve tweaked the layout a little in an effort to make it cleaner and easier to read. We’ve created pages that focus on real

estate and the economy where you can read a round-up of the news in those areas. We’re always looking for ways to make the paper more useful to you, and we always welcome your feedback. Lastly, I want to let you know the Book of Lists is out. It’s included with annual subscriptions, so look for it in the mail. It’s also available at our Stockton and Modesto offices, but the supply is limited. Call (209) 477-0100 today to get yours. Happy Easter! God bless America, Sharon Alley Calone

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FACILITY SOLUTIONS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED For more information or to register, visit FacilitiesExpos.com To exhibit, contact Lisa Nagle, 800-827-8009 x4402, Lnagle@Facilitiesexpo.com

March 2016

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Strategy aims to grow Stanislaus County economy By ELIZABETH STEVENS Business Journal editor estevens@cvbizjournal.com

MODESTO — The Stanislaus Business Alliance is launching a new economic development plan aimed at improving the area’s workforce, encouraging innovation, growing commerce and getting out the word that Stanislaus County is open for business. “This is an action plan that’s David White being driven by the private sector,” said Alliance CEO David White. “The plan consists of four main initiatives that we believe when we accomplish the points of the plan, we’ll have a very positive impact on Stanislaus County. The plan is called Opportunity Stanislaus. It was launched March 1, but it began with a yearlong survey of local businesses to find out what they thought of the Alliance and what was needed to spur the county’s economy. Business leaders said they perceived the Alliance as being a government entity without a great track record, and that they wanted to see a

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

Opportunity Stanislaus will make workforce readiness one of its four focuses.

more private-sector led organization. Part of the March 1 launch was to re-introduce the Alliance as a private organization, rather than one attached to Stanislaus County. Providing leadership for the private sector was one of the reasons Beard Land Improvement CEO Ron Jackson decided to get involved as campaign chair. He said when he moved to Modesto from Seattle five years ago he

noticed right away that efforts in the nonprofit sector were outstanding, but the private sector wasn’t as well organized to address issues businesses had in common. “[This is] an opportunity to prioritize on the right things and to get the private sector involved in ways they haven’t been before,” Jackson said. Business leaders also identified four initiatives the Alliance could lead: busi-

ness development, workforce readiness, messaging and innovation. The Alliance’s board hired the consulting firm Funding Solutions to help craft a strategic plan and fundraising campaign. “They know what they’re doing and they’ve done these types of plans all around the country and have been very, very successful,” White said. Each initiative has specific goals and expected outcomes: Business development • Grow local businesses • Develop the supply chain • Attract businesses from other parts of California • Grow and support industry clusters The Alliance expects to add about 13,000 new jobs by the end of 2020 if the plan is successful. One indicator of success will be if the gap between California’s average wage and Stanislaus County’s narrows by 10 percent by 2010. Workforce readiness • Train more workers to be ready for careers in manufacturing and industry • Help create pathways to opportunity to help people who have trouble finding work be ready for a job The Alliance is separating from the county’s Worknet program and will now operate as a private nonprofit entity. “We’re excited about that because Please see OPPORTUNITY STANISLAUS Page 14

Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

Wine grape tonnage, prices down for 2015 Lodi region sees stable year while state’s numbers are down overall

> BY THE NUMBERS California 3.9 million tons produced in 2015 4.1 million tons produced in 2014 Difference: down 6.8 percent Chardonnay – 16.4 percent of state’s tonnage

By KENT HOHLFELD Business Journal writer

Cabernet sauvignon – 11.8 percent of state’s tonnage

khohlfeld@cvbizjournal.com

LODI — California’s 2015 wine grape crop was down from previous years, according to the preliminary grape crush report released in February. The state produced 3.9 million tons of grapes, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Preliminary Grape Crush Report for 2015. That was down 6.8 percent from 4.1 million tons in the 2014 crush. “Overall, we saw more average to slightly below average numbers,” said Lodi Wine Grape Commission Program Manager Stuart Spencer. “For us it was a relatively stable year.” The report serves as barometer for the wine and grape industry. It contains information on tons crushed and prices of wine grapes sold during the 2015 harvest. The report also provides a measure of the inventory for the California wine business and

Lodi

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

Wine grapes are San Joaquin County’s fourth most valuable farm product, worth $480 million.

helps to set markets for the current bulk wine market as well as the upcoming 2016 harvest. The Preliminary Grape Crush Report includes all grape tonnage crushed during the 2015 season. The Final Grape Crush Report will be released March 10 and will include any late reports or corrections to the preliminary report. The numbers are also vital to the local economy as grapes rate as the fourth

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most-valuable farm product for San Joaquin County at more than $480 million. While the state’s numbers overall were down, the Lodi region remained relatively stable. The Lodi region accounted for 670,431 tons of grapes crushed in 2015, down 2 percent from last year. “Zinfandel continues to be one of our signature grapes,” said Spencer. “Pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah are becoming more popular as well.”

670,431 tons produced in 2015 Cabernet sauvignon – 134,252 tons Zinfandel – 119,151 tons Merlot – 73,519 tons Petite sirah – 32,349 tons Pinot noir – 24,557 tons SOURCE: CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture

Tonnage wasn’t the only thing that was down. The average price paid for California grapes to be crushed was $667 a ton. That was 10 percent lower than 2014. Prices for red wine grapes fell by 12 percent from 2014 while white wine grape price averages fell by 10 percent. Please see GRAPES Page 6

March 2016

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STOCKTON — If there’s one industry in the Central Valley that’s struggling to meet the demand for qualified employees, it’s trucking. The trucking industry currently faces a nationwide shortage of about 35,000 drivers, according to the American Trucking Associations. By 2023, the shortfall could be 240,000. Positions for tractor truck drivers topped the list of jobs in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties in June. In the Stockton area, there were 670 positions open. In Modesto, there were 570 and in Merced there were 196. There are a number of reasons for the shortage, some regulatory, some demographic and some personal. “The kind of statistics we’re getting back from various groups are that for every five to seven jobs there are available out there, there’s

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STOCKTON – The Stockton Conference and Visitor’s Bureau is looking at new ways to improve the city’s image and bring new visitors, businesses and residents to the area. That efforts will get a jumpstart by a new contract with Nashville-based North

Amazon to hire 700 more workers.

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MERCED — The Central Valley is mostly known as an agriculture center, so it comes as a surprise to some that Merced County topped the nation with the highest growth rate in manufacturing sector employment last year. Of the fastest growing U.S. manufacturing metro areas in 2014, two-thirds increased their manufacturing job base. MerTruck driver William Perry has worked at Antonini Freight Express last year. WAYNE DENNING/CVBJ ced grew the fastest however, Local businesses promote followed by Danville, Illinois one qualified driver to fill that He opened employee health. a motorcycle shop in and Flint, Michigan. know it’s high demand. I can get need,” said Greg Stanfill, re2008 but had to close within a year Merced County’s increase of a job anytime, anywhere I need cruiting manager for Turlockdue to the recession. After that 2,200 manufacturing jobs from so I won’t be worrying where based Northern Refrigerated experience, the steady work in January 2014 to January 2015 my paycheck’s coming from,” Transportation. trucking became more appealing. was 26.2 percent, far outstripsaid Perry. “I’ll always have food William Perry worked as a Page into 14 “I decided, let me go back ping second-place Danville’s driver for Pepsi from 1996-2000. truck driving again because I 14.9 percent. Please see TRUCKING Page 11 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Merced About 46 percent of 3 and 4-year-olds BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO in California attended preschool in 2013, County had 8,400 manufacaccording to the advocacy group Kids Count. turing jobs in January 2014. Star Destination Strategies By January 2015, those jobs said. It will be paid from money us define what is what is auin which the company will increased to 10,600 in a total Visit Stockton receives from the thentic, ownable and distinct develop a new “brand” for the workforce of 116,000. hotel tax and district assessments. about Stockton.” city of Stockton. “It was a surprise to find The first step includes surDefining that “DNA” is one “What we are looking for is Merced County leading the veying a variety of residents, of the most important parts of what any company wants,” said nation in creating and growbusinesses and assorted officials any rebranding effort whether Wes Rhea, CEO of the Stockton ing manufacturing jobs,” said about the community’s ameniit’s a city or a company, accordConference and Visitor’s BuChris Engle, president of Headinside our region’s By ties andGoculture. ingELIZABETH to Carrie STEVENS Sass, owner of Unified School District, legislareau/Visit Stockton said. “To light Data of Austin, Texas, the Pacific started its Beyond Our historical theaters.leads Business Journal “All that editor research Sass Public Relations to a find out what is the best way to in Stock-tors’ offices and others were on Gates Reading by Third company that did the data analestevens@cvbizjournal.com DNA for the community,” said Initiahand ton. to discuss She said ways to keep that gathering reach them (visitors).” ysis. “The area’s manufacturtive to address the problem. The North Star Destination Strateinformation the most impor-children from falling behind. The project will run four ing economy is comprised of purpose of the summit was to STOCKTON --isThe gies president and CEO Don UniverTesting shows many children months and cost $80,000, Rhea convince business leaders to sup- two-thirds food manufacturing sity of the Pacific hosted a McEachern. “That will help in the region are not performsee STOCKTON IMAGE Page 20 and one-third metal products. Page 20 businessPlease port it and to show them how. education summit in ing at grade level. The Literacy When commodities are packOne proposal was support for mid-June to address what it Report Card Pacific released aged or the original commodpublic spending on preschool. believes is one of the Central last summer found that only ity, say tomatoes, is changed Scan Lenny Mendonca, chairman of to Notes.............Page Valley’s most pressing issues Publisher’svisit 34 percent of third graders 2 into something else – like tothe child advocacy group Chil-- early childhood education. in San Joaquin County were On the Web.......................Page 4 and “Like” mato paste – that’s agricultural dren Now, said every $1 invested us at Representatives from the proficient readers. Research Briefs......................Pages 40, 41 manufacturing.” in early childhood education can advocacy group Children has found that children who Legals.....................Pages 42, 43 According to Engle, Merced save $7 in the long-term through Now, First 5 San Joaquin, are not proficient in reading by County has plenty of manufacreduced costs associated with Downey Brand, Wells Fargo, third grade fall behind and are turing businesses, including San Joaquin A+, Stockton at risk of never catching up.

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OPEN WINDOW

Continued from Page 1 members who support the project, council members competed to see who could Ave. Miner make motions on items to vote on. “I’ve just got a feeling they’re going to pull this off,” said Councilmember Elbert Holman. el St. Councilmember Christina Fugazi, a Chann teacher, drew a parallel between downtown development and potential versus kinetic energy. Holding up a print out of r Ave. Webe the Master Development Plan, she said it held potential energy but if no one Attachment B acts on it, the plan would never realize its potential. She then quickly made a t. Main S motion to vote on it, which was secondAttachment B ed by Councilmember Susan Lofthus. “I really wanted to make the motion,” Lofthus said. The plan was presented by Ten t St. Marke Space’s Community Development Director David Garcia. The Master Development Plan and OWP Controlled: related Development Agreement proAve. r 43 Parcels - 9.464 ac e in M and redevelopvide for revitalization MAP SOURCE: OWP Controlled: ment of 51 properties, including eight City-owned or controlled: Ten Space . city and Parking Authority-owned 43 Parcels - 9.464 ac 8 Parcels - 2.42 ac properties in the downtown area. The or controlled: for up to City-owned 200,000 square feet of retail said. “We’ve been able to work togethgeneral boundaries of the area are Total number of MDP parcels: 51 8 Parcels 2.42 ac of commerspace, 90,000 square feet er with the city to make sure that this Miner Avenue to the north, Aurora t. the cial space and 110,000 square feet ofMDP Land Master Plan is best for el Sto Street to the east, MainhStreet n n Total Area : Development 11.884 ac a C industrial/art studio space. downtown and best for Stockton.” south, and Sutter Street to the west. Total number of MDP parcels:December 51 28, 2015 “But we haven’t exactly decided Amid the overwhelming support for SIt calls for using private sector inl t. nevestment Total MDP LandisArea : 11.884 ac all that going,” Garcia said, the project, questions on two issues were to rehabilitate buildings and where raisedtoduring to create greenways and public spaces. but he added Ten Space was ready Properties Subject Masterthe council meeting. The once the council gave the green light. first had to do with whether there would Garcia and Cort have drawn inspiraDevelopment Plan. r Ave. “Then we can really hit the ground be enough parking, particularly if buildtion from cities such as Oakland Webe and Properties Subject to Master forThis running and start planning what ings were constructed Portland, Oregon, which have successMaster Development Plan (Plan) on existing lots. . that first big project is going to be.” Garcia said Ten are Space would proe Development Plan. fully redeveloped parts of their cities. v applies to 51 parcels most of which er A ebHowever, Ten Space produced the Masterlocated Devel-withinvide parking new construction it Garcia is quick to point out a twelve squarefor block This Master Plan (Plan)and opment PlanDevelopment with the architecture he Miner believes there is plenty that Stockton will retain its own identity. area boundedbuilds, by Sutterand Street, applies to 51 parcels most which areof planning firm Mithun andofSolomon of available parking for the buildings “What we’ve put together is forSt. Avenue, ACE Railroad and Market Main located within The a twelve square has block San Francisco. company gone that are there now. Stockton and is going to be uniquely Street. The parcels subject to the Plan, through the environmental review “The supply is there, we are not usarea bounded by Sutter Street, MinerproStockton and the Central Valley,” include 43 parcels owned ormost controlled . cess as well as infrastructure analysis and ing it in the efficient way possible, t said Garcia in an interview before S Avenue, ACE Railroad and Market Main by OWP; and 8 parcels owned by City put together its Development Agreement. probably,” Garcia said and added that the meeting. “That being said, a lot Street. The parcels subject to the Plan, and proposedpeople to be made available are used to parking include Ten Space has worked with in Stockton of other cities are doing some really 43 parcels owned closely or controlled for purchase by todestinations. an Stockton’s city8 staff toowned make by sure inOWP frontpursuant of their “That’s incredible things that inspire what by OWP; and parcels Citythe Option between OWPa vibrant urban core.” downtown plan is consistent with the Agreement not how you get we’re doing here in Stockton as well.” and proposed to be made available General Plan. Ten Space has had The parcels other issue and City. The various that was homelessness t St. city’s The Purchase Option agreement for purchase by OWP pursuant to an Marke to reduce the number of housingare units displacing is needed so that when Ten Space subject toand the Plan are shownother people who alOption Agreement between from 1,400 to 1,034 to keep itOWP within the and Green ready downtown. is ready to develop the city-owned Orange onlive the Parcel Status . t S and City. The various parcels thatbut other t e k city’s allowable density limits, “I come here with skepticism,” said parcels, Mar it will have the option to Diagram on this page and are referred are that subject the Plan are shown than thetocompany has had totochange teacher Carlos Ocampo. “Revitalizapurchase them. The project does not herein as the Master Development Orange on Garcia the Parcel Status very littleand of Green its plan, said. tion often means gentrification.” require investment from the city. Plan Area. Parcels left uncolored are thisworking page and are referred Diagram “We’ve on been with the city He pointed to Bay Area cities as ex Ten Space has plans to develop not subject to this plan. since we started doing this project and amples of gentrification and asked for to herein as the Master Development 1,034 housing units, both for purchase soPlan it’s Area. beenParcels very transparent,” baseline protections for vulnerable resiand rent. In addition, there are plans left uncolored areGarcia not subject to this plan.

Open Window Project

St.

laus St.

can St.

Sutter

St.

ia St. Californ

Ameri

Stanis

Grant

Aurora

g Parcels

American Street OWP Controlled: 43 Parcels - 9.464 ac

Ten Space’s Master Development City-owned or controlled: 8 Parcels - 2.42 ac plan proposes to transform AmericanTotal Street numberbetween of MDP parcels: Main 51 Street and into TotalMiner MDP Land Avenue Area : 11.884 ac a retail spine. The vision is to turn the street into a pedestrianProperties Subject to Master Development oriented corridorPlan. that would Master retail Development Plan (Plan) serve theThisnew facilities applies to 51 parcels most of which are along its length. located within a twelve square block area bounded by Sutter Street, Miner Avenue, ACE Railroad and Market

Channel Street Street. The parcels subject to the Plan,

include 43 parcels owned or controlled

OWP; and 8 parcels owned by City Taking itsby inspiration from the and proposed to be made available purchase by OWP pursuant to an tree-linedfor streets of Portland, Option Agreement between OWP Oregon, the plan calls and City. The various parcels for that subject to theStreet Plan are shown changingare Channel into a Orange and Green on the Parcel Status greenway lined with rain-gardens Diagram on this page and are referred to herein as the Master Development along its length to capture Plan Area. Parcels left uncolored are not subject to this plan. stormwater runoff and filter pollutants before they ultimately drain into the river. 0’

Interim uses

400’

“We’ve done a lot of groundwork to activate spaces in the interim to show people what could be possible in downtown if they had the right vision,” Garcia said. “So, things like pop up markets, bringing Papa Urbs down here, bringing different restaurants -- that is all part of building the market and showing people what’s possible down here.”

Aurora

St.

St. Grant

ra St.

Examples shown in the Master Development Plan include using shipping containers as temporary retail buildings, food trucks and outdoor eating areas such as beer gardens. dents, such as inclusionary housing. Garcia acknowledged Ocampo’s points and said Ten Space has a partnership with Visionary Homebuilders to provide affordable housing for downtown.

GRAPES

Continued from Page 4

The lower yields this year aren’t likely to push prices higher right away, though. “The lighter crop in 2015 will have a positive effect on prices, but it will take a while to shake out any price change,” said LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyard operations manager Aaron Lange. “We are in very competitive market and that hurts us.” Lange said the the prices wineries pay for their grapes should eventually reflect the Lodi region’s improving reputation for grapes. But overall, supply and demand tends to be the overriding factor in determining prices.

0’

400’

Overall, the foothills and southern “I don’t expect any large jump in pricing this year,” he said. “Winery valley saw a major drop off in weight pricing will hopefully0’ go up, and400’ I while areas in the Central Valley rethink that it will go up. With our atmained relatively stable. 6 tention to detail, the pricing needs to “There are so many different factors,” said Bruce Fry, co-owner of Lobe a reflection of what it costs to farm those grapes.” di’s Mohr-Fry Ranch. “Every grower 6 The reason for the smaller crops is a little different because of where varies by region. Lange said his opera- they grow and the soils they have. It’s tion saw the same number of grapes normal to be a little bit off.” as previous years, but each grape The smaller crop also comes on the heels of two bumper crops. In 2012, 4.4 weighed less. “We attribute it to the spring weathmillion tons were crushed followed by er,” he said. “We didn’t get a good solid 4.7 million in 2013. “It’s a combination of factors like set on our bunches. We had the numbers [of grapes] on the vine, but they weather, some old vineyards have been taken out or putting in a new crop,” said didn’t have the weight we expected.”

Fry. “In wine grapes, there are so many different factors that impact the crop.” One factor that hasn’t had a significant impact on the area is the state’s drought. While water availability is a concern to all agricultural businesses in the state, Lodi’s regional attributes have helped it avoid the worst of the drought’s effects. “There is a lot of ground water in District 11 [Lodi’s region],” said Fry. “You have the Mokelumne River, the Cosumnes River and the Delta running through the area that helps recharge the groundwater. You have water running through your area. We are in a unique spot.”

March 2016

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IT’S WHERE YOU BELONG

PHILIP JOHNSON/CVBJ

John Deming started Safe Drain 26 years ago to filter stormwater and prevent water pollution.

Oakdale drain maker set to expand plant By CRAIG W. ANDERSON Business Journal writer canderson@cvbizjournal.com

OAKDALE — Safe Drain, an Oakdale business that makes drainage systems to control spills and protect stormwater systems, has served the area for a quarter center, but now it’s on the brink of bigger things. “We’ve kept the company small, but the market and the potential are enormous, and it’s time to expand,” said Safe Drain CEO Marissa Lowe. The company serves a range of businesses and organizations from airports, to fire stations to fast food restaurants with its trademarked Safe Drain system. Lowe says the business is going to start marketing to cities and counties and has grown to the point where it needs to consolidate all its manufacturing at its 3,000-square-foot facility in Oakdale. Right now, some of that work is done in Manteca, but it will move to Oakdale over the next year. That will mean a bigger building and more jobs. “Safe Drain is eager to bring more manufacturing and a great many inhouse jobs to Oakdale and then grow from there,” said Lowe. Safe Drain is John Deming’s brainchild, invented 26 years ago to answer the question: how can I filter stormwater to prevent water pollution? “My passion has always been design, development and the environment,” said Deming, who is also Safe Drain’s director and head of research and development. “Safe Drain combined my interests in developing a business and product that both preserves and gives back to the environment.” Safe Drain designs and manufactures stainless steel storm drain spill containment inserts. The inserts provide 100 percent filtration that meets all EPA stormwater pollution preven-

tion regulations. The units are shipped to customers for installation in 47 states and three countries. Safe Drain units are installed on site with no permits required and no construction downtime. The units are custom built to fit any size or shape storm drain from three-inches wide to 15 feet long. The system is scalable so it can filter any pollution capture need: sediment, oils, metals or trash. When a spill occurs, the Safe Drain inlet closes in seconds, which allows pollutants to be trapped quickly. That provides a secondary containment system to protect against hazardous material spills and storm water pollutants. Pollutants are then removed from the unit and the protection continues. Deming said the installations function effectively up to 40 years before needing replacement. Safe Drain reduces a business’s risk of fines, liability and environmental damages as well as the negative publicity that results from a hazardous material discharge. The unit also helps analyze pollution and track its sources. “For example, a truck transmission blew near a Safe Drain and gallons of transmission fluid were trapped by our drain and safely removed,” Deming said. “The cleanup was around $5,000 with no fines or penalties instead of a potential $300,000 cost including federal, state and local fines.” The biggest challenge is convincing people to do something to protect themselves. “Holding off is very dangerous considering the potential consequences,” said Lowe. “Safe Drain is insurance against the disaster of a spill for four decades. We’re continually working to get the word out, overcome resistance Please see SAFE DRAIN Page 14

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March 2016

ELIZABETH STEVENS/CVBJ

Clean water advocate Erin Brockovich fires up a crowd of about 1,200 people at a town hall style meeting to discuss the chloramines the city of Stockton has begun using to treat to some of its drinking water.

Brockovich criticism rouses fear over water By ELIZABETH STEVENS Business Journal editor estevens@cvbizjournal.com

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STOCKTON — This spring the Stockton City Council will revisit the treatment of water on the city’s northside. Depending on your point of view, either the people have struck a blow for democracy or the mayor is ginning up a controversy during an election year. On Feb. 23, Mayor Anthony Silva moved to put the issue on a future city council agenda after a town hall meeting where environmental activist Erin Brockovich spoke to an audience of about 1,200 people. About a dozen people voiced their concerns at the Feb. 23 council meeting. “I’m scared to take a shower with all the things we hear,” said resident Virgina Sanchez, who said she was representing people with disabilities. “Our citizens are not guinea pigs,” said resident Diana Buettner. Heidi Hecht said she has sent questions about chloramines to the city but hasn’t received a response. “I’m here a little frustrated this evening,” she said. In late January, the city’s water treatment plant began adding ammonia to water for northside Stockton residents to solve a problem it was having with byproducts that were forming as water flowed to homes and businesses. The city had violated federal standards for those byproducts, which form when chlorine mixes with organic material in water drawn from the Delta. Chloramines are widely used in the United States, including in the East Bay and San Francisco. The Environmental Protection Agency says the treatment method has been used safely for 100 years.

That decision followed several years of studies, hearings and public notifications, but it wasn’t until posted criticism of the pending chloramines addition on her Facebook page in midJanuary that most people in the Stockton area took notice. Silva and his political adviser, N. Allen Sawyer, organized the town hall meeting and invited Brockovich. Brockovich was greeted by cheers and applause from the audience in the packed Atherton Auditorium on the Delta College campus on Feb. 1. “Tonight is your meeting, and it is about your concerns,” she said. Brockovich spoke for 11 minutes and encouraged the crowd to feel empowered to get information and push for the change they want. “It isn’t until you know the truth that you’re empowered to make different choices for yourself and for your family,” she said. Stockton City Manager Kurt Wilson decided not to attend the meeting and did not send any city representatives, saying it was a political event. Instead, city staff posted a video on YouTube explaining water treatment and posted an information page on the city’s website. Silva denied exploiting the water issue for political gain. “I would have been a very bad mayor if I had ignored Erin Brockovich,” he said at the Feb. 23 council meeting. The town hall meeting did spark fear and frustration among residents. Some followed up at the city council meeting with anecdotes of harm they blamed on the newly treated water. Anna Maria Silva, who lives north of Hammer Lane was nearly in tears as she described the eczema her children have and said she can’t bathe them using city water. “This is proof to me I am living this,” she said. “This is in my house.”

March 2016

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Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

Business Journal Real Estate Manteca center shifts with times CENTRAL VALLEY

> IN THE WORKS

By KENT HOHLFELD Business Journal writer khohlfeld@cvbizjournal.com

Apartment plan for Ripon meets with protest WHAT: Ripon Gardens II apartment complex located at the southwest corner of W. River Road and North Ripon Road, which would serve as a complement to the Ripon Gardens I complex now under construction. WHO: JKB Living DETAILS: The plans call for a 112-unit apartment complex that would include 32 threebedroom units as well as a commercial development. They would be built on 10.13 acres. If approved, the complex would be the only one in Ripon with three-bedroom apartments. It would be accompanied by a commercial development and would go up near a single-family residential neighborhood. The project would be built in two phases with the first phase scheduled to be finished around Christmas 2017. When the plan was presented at the Ripon planning commission meeting, Feb.2, it prompted protests from nearby residents who voiced concerns about increased traffic, loss of privacy and change to Ripon’s small town atmosphere. The planning commission approved the project by a 4-1 vote. It was scheduled to go before the City Council in March.

> NOT QUITE SETTLED TRACY — The city of Tracy is trying to decide what kind of development it wants along I-205. With the rising popularity of e-commerce, demand is increasing to build warehousing and distribution centers in Tracy, and there is new interest in building along the freeway. On Feb. 16, by a vote of

MANTECA — The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley in Manteca may soon get a reboot. Developers hope to attract more businesses that are resistant to Internet competition which has hurt traditional retailers such as Best Buy and Lowe’s. The plan is contingent on the city council following the recommendation of the planning commission regarding changes to the site plan. On Feb. 9, the commission voted to 5-0 to allow the installation of an LED pylon sign along Highway 120. The commission also approved, by a 4-1 vote, various updates to the original site plan including location and use of pad sites along with updates to the development standards package. “The commission heard staff reports and accepted the staff recommendations,” said Erica Durrer, senior planner. “The commission forwarded the positive recommendation to the council and they will vote on it March 1.” The new pylon sign will replace two existing freeway signs and stand approximately 60 feet tall. Changes to the site plan will allow developers Poag & McEwen to revamp the 30,038-square-foot former

> DONE DEAL

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley wants to shift away from big box stores to more ‘experience-centered’ businesses.

Best Buy and lease it as a fitness center. It would also allow the addition of a 125-room hotel pad next to the Hampton Inn. Adding more hotel rooms could become an important aspect of the overall development as overflow from Stockton has spilled into surrounding cities during peak travel periods. “A lot of our sports and summer time travel has increased,” said Visit Stockton CEO Wes

Rhea. “We are pushing more down to Lodi and Manteca.” It would also allow the addition of several potential restaurants, including a 7,000 square foot facility across from Bass Pro Shop. It’s certainly a far cry from the original development planned for the plot at Union Road and the Highway 120 bypass in 2008. Back then, the development was envisioned as an environment that would

give shoppers an old-fashioned downtown feel. The original plan included more than 746,000 square feet of retail space that would have anchors including J.C. Penney, Bass Pro, Best Buy Lowe’s and a 16-screen theater. Developers were confident that retailers would be eager to be in a “lifestyle center” that gave easy access to a bypass that saw thousands of commuters with highpaying Bay Area jobs and large amounts of home equity wealth. A year later the housing crisis hit and those dreams were gone. Lowe’s pulled the plug on its planned 145,000-squarefoot home improvement center. In 2012, Best Buy closed to consolidate its efforts in Tracy, Modesto and Stockton. Despite the economic struggles, Bass Pro draws 1.2 million customers per year. The theater and Red Robin restaurant also managed to survive and thrive in the location. The new focus of the development will be on retailers and services that don’t face the kind of Internet pressure that traditional mall retailers face. A study by the Westfield group, which owns malls from New Jersey to California, found that shopping centers of the future will likely include more service-oriented businesses and could include sharing services for items, similar to ride sharing services that are now popular.

Snack maker leases Buzz Oates warehouse WHAT: Warehouse at 3840 Metro Dr. in Stockton WHO: Valley Snack Foods is the new tenant DETAILS: A warehouse near Arch Road that was built in 2007 but never occupied fi-

nally has a tenant. Commercial real estate developer Buzz Oates has leased the 23,680-square-foot warehouse to Valley Snack Foods, broker JLL announced Feb. 17. The warehouse is located at 3840 Metro Dr., on the east side of Highway 99.

Valley Snack Foods is owned by Modesto area-based Northside Food Corp, which makes bagable snacks from natural ingredients. The five-year lease started Feb. 1. Valley Snack Foods is moving in equipment and modifying the space to fit its needs.

Tracy council lifts moratorium on warehouse development 3-2, the council lifted an emergency 45-day moratorium on industrial zoned land along the freeway. The moratorium was in place along I-205 from Tracy Boulevard to the eastern edge of the city. The council wanted city staff to study the issue and determine whether to continue to allow distribution centers there.

That stretch is one of the most visible entry points into Tracy, and the council wants to highlight retail and office development rather than industrial buildings there. The decision opens the way for DCT Industrial Operating, based in Emeryville, to build a 795,732-square-foot building on its 39.5-acre site. City planners are also

looking at a proposed project by Newport Beach-based Industrial Property Trust, which want to build a 490,000-square-foot facility on a 23-acre parcel on the freeway’s southside. Before the meeting, the council had held a workshop in which a representative of the city’s Development Services Department explained

a range of planning tools that could be used to set new development standards for properties along I-205. While the council did not act on those recommendations, it did tell staff to develop an overlay policy similar to the one in use for Cordes Ranch, which restricts warehouse construction with 500 feet of the freeway.

March 2016

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> FOLLOW UP

Dust Bowl Brewing Company gets OK for vintage-style sign TURLOCK — Turlock will get a new landmark when Dust Bowl Brewing Company finishes its new building late this spring. The company received approval from the city’s planning commission Feb. 4 to erect a neon sign on the roof of its new taproom and restaurant under construction at 3000 Fulkerth Rd. The sign will be made of individual, red neon letters that spell out the company’s name. According to the company’s plans, the letters will be 4 feet 8 inches tall. The sign will be 77 feet wide and will be visible from Highway 99. “We chose the vintage, neon look because it fits the Dust Bowl Brewing brand,” said Dust Bowl co-owner Brett

> UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Turlock shopping center expands WHAT: Monte Vista Crossings shopping center in Turlock has started grading work on its next expansion. WHEN: Site preparation has begun. Construction is expected to be finished in the first half of 2017. DETAILS: Construction on the newest phase of Monte Vista Crossings Shopping Center located in Turlock is underway. New buildings will go up in the area south of Dick’s Sporting Goods and will provide about 59,000 square feet of gross leasable space, according to the center’s owner, Excel Trust. The company isn’t disclosing the names of future tenants yet, but there will be some “very attractive national brands which we think will be additive to the center,” Vice President of Investor Relations Greg Davis said.

> COMING SOON

Office building near St. Joseph’s approved WHAT: Office building and parking lot on the west side of California Street, between Chestnut Street and Maple Street in Stockton WHO: LDA Partners Designers and Architects DETAILS: The neighborhood near St. Joseph’s Medical Center will soon get a 6,925-square-foot new office building and parking lots that would provide 184 new parking spaces. The plan calls for a combination of office and retail, including a Starbucks. Stockton’s planning commission approved the plan Feb. 11 by a vote of 6-0.

Honore in an email. “We believe the sign is a nice accent to our building and ties into the ‘40s neon signs that were especially prevalent among the early breweries.” The company plans to install the sign in June when the new taproom opens.

PHOTO COURTESY DUST BOWL BREWING COMPANY

Central Valley Business Journal

Business Journal Housing

March 2016

CENTRAL VALLEY

> JANUARY HOME SALES

Stockton among hottest markets

Closed Sales

CLOSED SALES

Counties Counties

476

San Joaquin

319

Stanislaus Merced

100

200

300

400

500

Closed Prices Sales Median Metrolist Feb. 2016 MEDIAN PRICES

290,000

Counties Counties

245,000

San Joaquin Stanislaus Merced

209,000

100,000

200,000 Median Prices

300,000

SOURCE: MetroList

STOCKTON — Spring home buyers are getting an early start on the season according to realtor.com. The Stockton-Lodi market was the ninth hottest market in the country in February, according to the web site. Modesto came in 14th. California dominated the list with eight of the top 10 markets followed by cities in Florida, Texas and Colorado. The San Francisco-OaklandHayward market retained its spot as the hottest market in the country. It was followed by San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Denver-Aurora-Lakewood and Vallejo-Fairfield to round out the top five. “It looks like the groundhog was correct – spring is coming early this year, and not just when it comes to the weather,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist of realtor.com. “Early readings on February inventory and activity indicate that the spring home buying season

Metrolist Feb. 2016

WAREHOUSE & WAREHOUSE MANUFACTURING MANUFACTURING SPACE SPACEAVAILABLE AVAILABLE UP/BNSFRAIL RAILSERVED SERVED UP/BNSF CENTRALSACRAMENTO SACRAMENTO CENTRAL LOCATION LOCATION AGGRESSIVELEASE LEASERATES RATES AGGRESSIVE AND TERMS AND TERMS 20% LOWER LOWERELECTRICITY ELECTRICITY RATES RATES 20% WITHSMUD SMUD WITH BUSINESSFRIENDLY FRIENDLY BUSINESS HOMETO TOMORE MORE THAN HOME THAN 100 COMPANIES COMPANIES 100 5 MINUTES MINUTESTO TO I-80 FREEWAY 5 I-80 FREEWAY CENTRALTO TO CENTRAL SACRAMENTOAIRPORT AIRPORT SACRAMENTO STATE CAPITOL CAPITOL STATE

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

has begun. We don’t usually see this type of acceleration until March or April. On a local level, the acceleration is really dramatic with nine of the top ten hottest markets shaving three weeks or more from their median age in January.” Markets made the hottest list by averaging two to five

times the number of views per listing compared to the national average. Markets on the list also saw inventory move 44-78 days more quickly than the rest of the U.S. and also saw days on market drop by a combined average of 32 percent monthover-month or an average of 22 days.

March 2016

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OPPORTUNITY STANISLAUS Continued from Page 3

we hope to be able to win a contract that will help us lead on workforce development” White said. Part of the Alliance’s plan is to create a Careers in Industry program to focus on high-demand jobs such as maintenance mechanics, coders, robotic technicians, health care lab technicians and warehouse workers. Messaging • Selling Stanislaus County locally • Telling county’s story to outside world “One of the big problems that we have in Stanislaus County is that we’ve let other people tell us who we are, and we don’t talk positively about ourselves,” White said. The messaging plan includes holding workshops with representatives who come into contact with people new to Modesto, such as real estate agents or hotel workers. Innovation • Downtown innovation centers • Stanislaus Innovation Challenge • Local food and beverage program The Alliance has plans to open innovation centers similar to the ones in downtown Modesto in Turlock and

Patterson. The goal is to create 40 new companies through clients served in the area’s innovation centers by 2017. “What we’re trying to do is develop a pipeline of innovators and entrepreneurs,” White said. “We’re trying to get them out of the woodwork and out of their homes and into a place where they can interact with others.” Opportunity Stanislaus is also raising money to fund its $1 million annual budget. Half the money for this year has already been raised, but there is a campaign to find investors for the rest. White said annual investment levels range from $1,000 to $25,000. Some companies have come in at the top level, including Memorial Medical Center, Doctors Medical Center, Crystal Creamery, Stanislaus Foods, Beard Land Investment and Fiscalini Cheese. White said he is confident Opportunity Stanislaus will succeed because of the way it was developed. “People tend to support the things they helped create,” he said. “The whole game plan here was to create a plan we all agreed to. This is not my plan. It’s not even our board’s plan. It’s the community’s plan.”

SAFE DRAIN Continued from Page 7

PHILIP JOHNSON/CVBJ

Safe Drain provides a containment system to protect against hazardous material spills and storm water pollutants.

and get people covered and safe from the bad news and big dollars caused by pollutant spills.” Airports, including Stockton’s, Modesto’s and San Francisco’s, have installed Safe Drains in their refilling areas. East coast airports use Safe Drain to protect fueling and deicing locations. Atlantic Aviation at Stockton’s airport has been protected against aviation fuel spills for a decade. “The Safe Drain system is located in our fueling facility and has functioned as advertised for the few spills we’ve had over the years,” said General Manager Angela Moniz. “It’s opened and closed as needed and no spills have escaped the system.” “I’ve always thought that clean water is everybody’s business,” Deming said.

“This has always been a real niche market, and we’ve always gone directly to the end user for sales and we still do.” According to Lowe, the marketplace is vast and should remain full of opportunity, considering the array of regulations from every level of government regarding pollution and the businesses that could benefit from a Safe Drain installation. The company markets its product at trade shows, environmental organizations and word of mouth. “Business is picking up and we’re looking forward to 2016,” Deming said. “Safe Drain pioneered the containment industry, and we’ve streamlined the manufacturing process, fine-tuned the product and have expanded production so we can meet any production needs any customer requires.”

March 2016

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Uber, Lyft drivers get new insurance option By BOB BALGEMANN Business Journal writer bbalgemann@cvbizjournal.com

STOCKTON — Driving for transportation network companies Uber, Lyft and others has been touted as a way to make money while being your own boss and working the hours you want. But some drivers for ride-hailing companies may not realize they’re vulnerable because of a gap in their insurance. Under most plans, there is a gap between drivers’ personal auto insurance and coverage provided by their transportation network companies during the time when their app was on but they were not carrying any passengers. That changed late in January when Mercury Insurance announced it was offering a program to bridge that gap. Simply stated, ride-hailing is divided into three periods: • Drivers turn on their ride-hailing app and wait for a call. • Drivers get a call, accept a customer and are on the way to pick up the individual. • Passengers are transported to the requested location. Mercury’s plan covers drivers should they be involved in an accident while in the first phase. Currently, drivers would have to pay for repairs to their car. The

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

Uber drivers may not be fully covered when their apps are on but they’re not carrying passengers.

company’s liability, according to a Mercury news release, is capped at $50,000 per person, and $100,000 per accident for injury to others. Also, the Mercury plan provides additional coverage above and beyond the ride hailing insurance and also repairs the insured’s vehicle in a covered loss, if those coverages were purchased from Mercury. Mercury officials said they began exploring this line of coverage about a

year ago. Transportation network companies only have been around since 2010, “and the speed of their growth made it clear that the private passenger automobile insurance industry would have to respond,” members of Mercury’s product team said in an e-mail. “The issue with Period 1 (app on and no passenger) wasn’t so much an expectation of an enormous increase in accidents, as it was the likely uncertainty of

the driver regarding exactly what coverage he or she had during their period. “We felt that providing our insureds with an option to extend all of their PPA coverages into Period 1 of the ride-hailing life cycle would provide them with much greater protection.” So far, team members said response “has been extremely positive, probably even more positive and widespread than we anticipated. Large portions of our new applications and our renewal customers have selected this option.” The state of California broke new ground in 2013, when it became the first in the United States to regulate TNCs. A TNC is a company that uses a website or app to connect passengers with drivers. An early definition of a TNC was created by the California Public Utilities Commission in 2013 as a result of the rule making process around the new and previously unregulated form of transportation. Regulations for TNC services were established by the commission at the same time as the definition was agreed upon. Regulations included driver background checks, driver training, drug and alcohol policies, minimum insurance coverage of $1 million and company licensing through the state Public Utilities Commission. Before that, the commission tried to group such companies into the same category as limousines.

Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

In San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. Ranked by Enrollment for 2015. Ties are Listed in Alphabetical Order. Rank

School Name Address

Local Administrator Full-time faculty Web Address Part-time Phone faculty

Total Enrollment

Degrees

Accredited By Type of Institution Tuition

Year Established

A.A. and A.S.

Accrediting Commission for Community & Junior Colleges Public, Non-profit $46 per unit

1921

1963

Modesto Junior College 435 College Avenue Modesto, CA 95350

Jill Stearns mjc.edu (209) 575-6067

San Joaquin Delta College 5151 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95207

Dr. Kathy Hart deltacollege.edu (209) 954-5151

500 total

17,629

A.A. and A.S.

ACCJC Public two year community Non-profit $36 per unit/resident $46 per unit/nonresident

California State University Stanislaus One University Circle Turlock, CA 95382

Joseph F. Sheley csustan.edu (209) 667-3122

549

9,282

Baccalaureate, Master’s, Doctoral, credential and certificate programs

WASC Public, Non-profit $254/unit/semester

1960

University of the Pacific 3601 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95211

Pamela Eibeck pacific.edu (209) 946-2011

327 120

5,115

Bachelor’s, Master’s, First Professional and Doctoral

WASC Private, Non-Profit $1,643 per unit, $21,207 per semester

1851

Teachers College of San Joaquin 2857 Transworld Drive Stockton, CA 95206

Diane Carnahan teacherscollegesj.org (209) 468-9155

20 100

1,200

M.E.D., Teaching credentials, administrative services credential

CCTC/WASC Public, Non-profit $420 per unit $9,000-16,000 per semester (includes books, materials, IPad)

2009

UOP McGeorge School of Law 3200 Fifth Avenue Sacramento, CA 95817

Francis Mootz mcgeorge.edu (916) 739-7191

51 72

1,020

Juris Doctorate, L.L.M., Public policy and internal business

American Bar Association Private, Non-Profit $1,458 per unit $42,972 per year

1924

National University 3520 Brookside Road Stockton, CA 95219

960

A.A., B.A. and M.A., Teaching Credentials

WASC Private, Non-profit $354-406 /quarter unit $1,422/quarter unit course

1972

Humphreys College 6650 Inglewood Avenue Stockton, CA 95207

WASC Private, Non-profit $367 per quarter unit $1,468.00 min/tuition charge

1896

Raninder Dhaliwal nu.edu (209) 475-1400

222 151

19,262

Robert Humphrey Jr. humphreys.edu (209) 478-0800

160

900

Certificates, Paralegal, Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Juris Doctor

Brandman University 5222 Pirrone Court Salida, CA 95368

Richard Carnes brandman.edu (209) 545-1234

9 many adjuncts

600 +

Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate and Credentials

WASC Private, Non-profit $360/ B.A. per unit

1958

Brightwood College 5172 Kiernan Court Salida, CA 95368

brightwood.edu (209) 543-7073

50 total

500

A.A. Allied health, criminal justice, nursing and more

ACICS Private, profit $21,000 per year

2008

UEI College 4994 Claremont Avenue Stockton, CA 95207

Ezra Salas uei.edu (209) 774-5332

430

Business admin., Computer systems tech training, criminal security admin., Dental & medical asst., medical billing, pharmacy tech training

ACCJC Private, profit $16,600 (8 mos)

2011

San Joaquin Valley College 5380 Pirrone Road Salida, CA 95368

Mark Perry sjvc.edu (209) 543-8800

22 19

300

Certificate and Associate of Science Degrees

ACCJC/WASC Private, profit $19,000 per year

1977

MTI Business College 6006 N. El Dorado Street Stockton, CA 95207

Steven Brenner mtistockton.com (209) 957-3030

16 1

110

Office admin.,Clerical, medical and office asst., computer specialist, legal assistant

ACCJC, BPPE Private, profit $7,625-$9,090 (9-10 months)

1968

Carrington College California 1313 W. Robinhood Drive, Ste. B Stockton, CA 95207

David Kaye carrington.edu (209) 676-3341

Certificate and associate degrees

ACCJC Private, profit $377-$679

1967

University of Phoenix 5330 Dirron Road Salida, CA 95368

NA phoenix.edu (800) 266-2107

Associates, Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate

North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission Private $8,000 to $13,000 per year

1976

These lists are provided as a free service by the Central Valley Business Journal for its readers. As such, inclusion is based on editorial consideration and is not guaranteed. If you would like your business to be included in a list, please write to: Research Department, Central Valley Business Journal, 4512 Feather River Drive, Ste. E, Stockton, CA 95219, fax your information to Research Dept. (209) 477-0211 or email research@cvbizjournal.com. Copyright Central Valley Business Journal. Researched by Danette Conley 02/2016

March 2016

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Stanislaus State is fueling the Central Valley workforce with more than 55,000 alumni. Two locations – aisbeautiful 228-acre in Turlock with and the Stockton Center, located Stanislaus State fueling the Centralcampus Valley workforce more than 55,000 alumni. in thelocations city’s historic Magnolia Districtcampus – serve in theTurlock six-county region. Two – a beautiful 228-acre and the Stockton Center, located in the city’s historic Magnolia District – serve the six-county region. csustan.edu

Central Valley Business Journal

Business Journal Education

March 2016

CENTRAL VALLEY

> EDUCATION STUDY

California tops college study California sets the standard when it comes to higher education according to a recent study by SmartAsset. The company rated the state No. 1 overall and gave an “A” rating based on California’s graduation rates, in-state attendance, net pricing for students receiving student aid and return on investment. The Golden State beat out Virginia and Delaware among the top three spots. The state ranked first for the return on investment its students receive, with a 20-year return of roughly $425,562 more than they would have without a four-year degree. The state also ranked in the top 10 for its 63 percent graduation rate, higher than the 59 percent rate nationally. Financially, California students fared better than those in other states paying, on average, $10,220 per year after all non-loan financial aid.

UC Merced makes Carnegie list of research universities MERCED — UC Merced has received the second highest classification for American research universities in a widely cited listing of doctorate-granting universities. The designation is R2, the second-highest classification for American research universities in its first appearance on the highly cited Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Receiving the designation means UC Merced is recognized as a selective institution that awards more than 20 doctoral degrees, primarily in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “Our young campus’s achievement of the R2 classification is a testament to our faculty members’ research productivity,” Chancellor Dorothy Leland said. “We’re well on our way to continuing the University of California’s proud tradition of impactful research

PHOTO COURTESY UC MERCED

UC Merced is the youngest university to receive the key Carnegie designation.

with global implications while also serving the educational and social needs of California’s San Joaquin Valley.” Between 2005 and 2015, UC Merced awarded more than 40 doctoral degrees, made nearly $138 million in research-related expenditures and received more than $185 million in re-

Something New on the Horizon

search grants. Only 107 universities in the United States have earned the R2 classification, which is a way of identifying institutions that are committed to similar levels of research. UC Merced, which opened in 2005, is by far the youngest institution to be classified R2.

MODESTO — On March 1, Doctors Medical Center of Modesto launched a hospitalwide literacy project to inspire a love of reading in young children and families. The project was launched with National Reading Month activities and is part of the Stanislaus READS! (Ready, Engaged, Able, Determined Students) initiative to help children in Stanislaus County read at grade level by the end of third grade. Hospital volunteers collected gently used children’s books to read to pediatric patients to help model active reading skills. The hospital is also developing a “Little Free Library” that will be based in the main lobby and act as an easy way for visitors and employees to give and take books throughout the year. Current estimates indicate 71 percent of Stanislaus County third grade students do not read at grade level. Those students are less likely to graduate from high school.

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10777 Trinity Parkway, Stockton 95219

March 2016

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Stanislaus State to honor Grupes with degree TURLOCK — Stanislaus State University will honor Greenlaw “Fritz” Grupe and his wife, Phyllis Anne Grupe, with honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees on May 27. “Fritz and Phyllis Grupe have been difference-makers in personal and profound ways,” Stan State President Joseph F. Sheley said in a released statement. “Their commitment to transforming lives and improving the San Joaquin Valley is evident in the smile of a child

holding her first book, in the confidence of a new graduate at our Stockton Center, and in the joy of a family getting the keys to their first home. What I find especially heartening is that their abundant success has not changed who they are: caring, grateful and giving people.” Fritz Grupe, a Linden native, graduated from UC Berkeley and founded The Grupe Company, one of the largest privately held real estate companies in the country. The com-

pany has built 12 master-planned communities and 50,000 homes in 35 cities in six states. The degree will be the first for Phyllis Grupe who left UC Davis after two years when the couple were married and has been involved with her family and helping build their business. Grupe Commercial was the master developer of University Park in Stockton and has worked to build and manage the school’s Stockton center.

Fritz and Phyllis Grupe

> COMING SOON

Pacific expands programs in Sacramento SACRAMENTO — The University of the Pacific is introducing new master’s programs in analytics and education as well as a new Bachelor of Science program in organizational behavior. The programs will be offered at the school’s Sacramento campus and will represent the first analytics program of its kind in the Sacramento region, the university said. The program will prepare students for such jobs as data scientist, which earns a median base salary of $116,840. Demand for those professionals in Northern California is expected to grow by 40 percent in coming years. That program will launch next January. The master’s degree program in education will focus on organizational learning and effectiveness. It is designed for professionals interested in organizational development, human resources and training. The Bachelor of Science in organizational behavior program is largely aimed at working adults who need credits to complete their degrees. It is aimed at giving students the critical thinking, leadership, human resources, financial management and decision-making skills required to lead companies in the 21st century. The new programs bring the total number of degrees that will be offered at the school’s Sacramento campus to 12. The University of the Pacific announced last spring that it would expand the campus into an interdisciplinary center focused on educating professionals at the intersection of law, policy, business and health.

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DO YOU HAVE GOOD NEWS TO SHARE? The Central Valley Business Journal wants to help spread positive news about your business, throughout the community. Email press releases about openings, new hires and other news to: editor@cvbizjournal.com.

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March 2016

PRIVATE SCHOOLS K-12

In San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. Ranked by Student Enrollment. Ties are Listed in Alphabetical Order. Grade Span Total Student Enrollment

Address

Top Local Administrator Phone Web Address

Administration

St. Mary’s High School 5648 N. El Dorado Street Stockton, CA 95207

Peter Morelli, President (209) 957-3340 saintmaryshighschool.org

90 faculty 60 teachers 10 admin

Big Valley Christian School 4040 D Tully Road Modesto, CA 95356

Bobby Kirchner, Superintendent (209) 527-3481 bvcs.org

100 faculty/staff/ admin

Preschool - 12

Ripon Christian Schools 435 N. Maple Avenue Ripon, CA 95366

Kerry Manus, Superintendent (209) 559-2155 rcschools.org

Preschool - 12

670 students

Modesto Christian School 5901 Sisk Road Modesto, CA 95356

Lance Lowell, CEO (209) 529-5510 modestoChristian.org

K-12

400 students

Central Catholic High School 200 S. Carpenter Road Modesto, CA 95351

Russ Antrocoli, Principal (209) 524-9611 cchsca.org

27 19 staff 8 admin

9-12 390 students

St. Bernard’s Catholic School 165 W. Eaton Avenue Tracy, CA 95376

Patricia Paredes, Principal (209) 835-8018 st-bernardschool.org

14 staff

K-8

2 admin

350 students

Brookside Christian High School 915 Rosemarie Lane Stockton, CA 95207

Dennis Gibson Principal (209) 954-7651 ucsonline.com

20 staff

7-12

26 admin

320 students

Bella Vista Christian Academy 1635 Chester Drive Tracy, CA 95376

Peggy Haase, Principal (209) 835-7438 bellavistaca.com

20 staff

Presentation School 1635 W. Benjamin Holt Drive Stockton, CA 95207

Maria Amen, Principal (209) 472-2140 presentationschool.org

26 staff

First Baptist Christian Schools/ Blessed Beginnings Preschool 3535 N. El Dorado Street Stockton, CA 95204

Greg Gibson, Principal (209) 466-1577 fbcschools.com

Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School 501 W. Granger Avenue Modesto, CA 95350

Melissa Neiter, Principal (209) 524-7421 olfmodesto.com

24 staff

St. Anne’s 200 S. Pleasant Avenue Lodi, CA 95240

Sarah Gillem, Principal (209) 333-7580 stanneslodi.org

30 staff

St. Luke Catholic Elementary School 4005 N. Sutter Street Stockton, CA 95204

Rappon Zarate (209) 464-0801 stlukestockon.com

Brookside Christian Elementary 915 Rosemarie Lane Stockton, CA 95207

Dennis Gibson, Principal (209) 954-7653 ucsonline.com

St. Peter Lutheran School 2400 Oxford Way Lodi, CA 95242

David Warmbier, Principal (209) 333-2223 stpeterlodi.com

Jim Elliot Christian High School 2695 W. Vine Street Lodi, CA 95242

Tom Spadafore Administrator (209) 368-2800 jechs.com

Stockton Christian School 9021 West Lane Stockton, CA 95210

Tim Miller, Principal (209) 957-3043 clministry.com

30 staff

Merryhill School at Brookside 4811 Riverbrook Drive Stockton, CA 95219

Corinne De Prator, Principal (209) 477-9005 brookside.merryhillschool.com

17 staff

Lodi Academy 1230 S. Central Avenue Lodi, CA 95240

Harley Peterson, Principal (209) 368-2781 lodiacademy.net

14 staff

Vineyard Christian Middle School 2301 W. Lodi Avenue Lodi, CA 95242

Randal Oliver, Principal (209) 333-8300 vcmslodi.com

Rank

School Name

Faculty

9-12 895 students

840 students

Preschool-8 315 students K-8 291 students

28 staff

Infant-K-8

2 admin

245 students K-8 242 students K-8 221 students

11 staff

K-8

3 admin

194 students

12 staff

K-6

2 admin

175 students

14 staff

Preschool - 8 175 students

10 staff

9-12

10 admin

150 students PreK-12 145 students K-8 144 students 9-12 104 students

4 staff

6-8

2 admin

80 students

Programs Offered

Accredited By

Year Est.

A Catholic education with a full college preparatory curriculum, including 18 advanced placement and honors courses

WASC WCEA

1876

Full range of athletic and fine arts opportunities, honors, AP courses, music, PE, technology instruction, biblical integration

WASC/ACSI

1974

Robotics, fine arts, mock trial, debate, industrial arts and drama

WASC

1928

Advanced placement and honors courses, foreign language, visual and performing arts, athletics, music, physical education and a full-day kindergarten

ACSI/WASC

1962

Computers, English, visual and performing arts, foreign language, math, PE, science, theology and social studies

WASC

1966

Offers a complete curriculum with enrichment opportunities in music, technology, art, PE an performing arts

WCEA/ WASC

1957

Athletic clubs’ bands, college prep., excellent athletics, several student clubs and extra curricular activities Bible-based curriculum

WASC

1985

Academics, music and computers

Lutheran WASC Missouri Synod

2000

High quality academic program that integrates religious truths and values

WASC/ WCEA

1965

Summer kindergarten preparation, before & after school day-care, transitional & traditional kindergartens, Spanish and SJCC athletics

ACSI

1994

7 subject core curriculum plus music, PE, library, computer and Spanish

WASC/ WCEA

1957

Religious curriculum, science, math, social studies, Spanish, computers, music, art and physical education

WCEA

1921

Full PE program offered to all grades, Italian school offered after school, math, academic pentathlon participants, chess club and computer lab

WCEA/ WASC

1961

Bible-based curriculum, many extra curricular activities Preschool available at separate location

WASC

1976

English, mathematics, science, social studies, Christian theology and preschool

WASC

1926

College prep, U.C. Approved core curriculum, sports, community college club, drama, art and Bible-based instruction

WASC/ACSI

1997

Academics, CIF sports, computer lab and college preparatory classes

ACSI

1954

K-8 Art, music, technology, Spanish and 21st century learning

WASC

1997

College preparatory curriculum

WASC

1908

Math, English literature, science, physical education, Christian living and electives

ACSI

2004

March 2016

Committed to improving Committed to Committedaccess to Committed to to health care improving access improving access improving access 2015 Health Careers Scholarship Program to care to health health care to health care www.cvbizjournal.com

2015 2015 Health Health Careers Careers Scholarship Scholarship Program Program 2015 Health Careers Scholarship Program

Linda Zaro and Maddison Simmons Health Careers Academy High School Stockton United School Disctrict

Linda Zaro and Maddison Simmons Linda andAcademy Maddison Simmons HealthZaro Careers High School Health Careers Academy High School Stockton United School Disctrict Health Careers Academy High School Stockton United School Disctrict

Stockton United School Disctrict Linda Zaro and Maddison Simmons

Daniela Pantoja and Margarito Meza

Scholarship presented by Dr. Lakshmi Dhanvanthari (left) San Joaquin Medical Society Decision Medicine Program

Daniela Pantoja and Margarito Meza

Daniela Pantoja and Margarito Meza (left) Scholarship presented by Dr. Lakshmi Dhanvanthari Scholarship presented by Dr. Lakshmi Dhanvanthari (left) San Joaquin Medical Society Decision Medicine Daniela Pantoja and Margarito MezaProgram San Joaquin Medical Society Decision Medicine Program Scholarship presented by Dr. Lakshmi Dhanvanthari (left) San Joaquin Medical Society Decision Medicine Program

Corina Huey and Alondra Cruz-Gallegos

Health Careers Academy at Grace M. Davis High School Modesto City Schools

Corina Huey and Alondra Cruz-Gallegos

and Alondra HealthCorina CareersHuey Academy at GraceCruz-Gallegos M. Davis High School Health Careers Academy at Grace M. Davis High School Modesto City Schools Corina Huey and Alondra Cruz-Gallegos Modesto City Schools Health Careers Academy at Grace M. Davis High School Modesto City Schools

Last year Health Plan of San Joaquin awarded 14 students from

our community with funding to help them pursue an education in Last Last year year Health Health Plan Plan of of San San Joaquin Joaquin awarded awarded 14 14 students students from from Last year Health Plan of San Joaquin awarded 14 Program. students from medicine through our Health Careers Scholarship our community with funding to help them pursue an our community with funding to help them pursue an education education in in our community with funding to help them pursue an education in medicine through Careers Scholarship Program. Working with local our highHealth schools and nursing programs, as well as medicine through our Health Careers Scholarship Program. medicine through our Health Careers Scholarship Program. San Joaquin Medical Society’s Decision Medicine Program, our Working with local high schools and nursing programs, as well Working with local high schools and nursing programs, as well as as Working withstudents local high schools and programs, as well as hope is that will pursueDecision theirnursing passion for medicine and San Joaquin Medical Society’s Medicine Program, our San Joaquin Medical Society’s Decision Medicine Program, our San Joaquin Medical Society’s Medicine Program, our become part of the solution forDecision expanding access to health care hope is that students will pursue their passion for medicine and hope is that students will pursue their passion for medicine and hope that students will pursue their passion for medicine and in the iscommunites we serve. become part of the solution become part of the solution for for expanding expanding access access to to health health care care become part of the solution for expanding access to health care in we www.hpsj.com 888.896.PLAN (7526) in the the communites communites we serve. serve. in the communites we serve.

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March 2016

Cottage food workshop opens eyes of artisanal product entrepreneurs By SIM RISSO Business Journal writer srisso@cvbizjournal.com

MODESTO — Artisanal food is all the rage right now, and an agricultural center like the Central Valley seems as if it should be a natural place to parlay homemade delicacies into a cottage food business. Eric Firpo of Stockton has been making jams as part of his cottage food business for several years. He started out picking backyard fruit and selling it. After an article about his enterprise appeared in a local newspaper, a farmer who had land that wasn’t being used contacted Firpo about letting him use it. That is how his business, Stockton Harvest, started. Firpo also runs Puentes, a non-profit farm near the Port of Stockton and has a passion for urban farming. Firpo believes now is a good time to start a cottage food business. “A lot of people are more interested in knowing where their food comes from and [they’re] more interested in having locally sourced foods or

A lot of people are more interested in knowing where their food comes from and they’re more interested in having locally sourced foods. Eric Firpo Stockton Harvest

canned goods,” Firpo said. “So the time is good for it because there’s a demand for that kind of stuff. There’s definitely an opportunity for it.” The interest in cottage food businesses was evident in the workshop presented Feb. 23 by the Stanislaus Business Development Center. Thirty people attended and another 30 were placed on a waiting list. The workshop walked attendees through the rules and regulations related to starting a small food enterprise. Cottage foods are those that can be produced in a home kitchen. Terri

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

Jams are among the foods the state allows under its cottage food rules.

Spezzano, the director for Stanislaus County with University of California Cooperative Extension, described the limited list of cottage foods California has approved for sale. “Under cottage foods there are no pickles, and the jams and jellies are very specific to the amount of sugars that are in them,” Spezzano said. “There’s not a lot of flexibility in it. I think when people learn that, it tends to be a little stunning.” California’s list is limited to foods that do not support the rapid growth of bacteria that would make people

sick when held outside of refrigeration. Those foods include breads, candy, dried fruit and vegetables, dried pasta, baking mixes, fruit pies, herb blends, honey, nut mixes and nut butters, vinegars and mustards, roasted coffee and dried teas, vegetable and potato chips, ground chocolate and seasoning salt. There are also specific rules cottage businesses must follow. For example, cottage food makers must be registered or permitted by a local Please see COTTAGE Page 23

March 2016

www.cvbizjournal.com

Raising a glass

New Modesto Office Open

ELIZABETH STEVENS/CVBJ

Do Good Distillery celebrated a major break for its company Feb. 19. The craft distiller can now sell directly to its customers thanks to a change in California law.

> THEN Jim Harrelson, Dano Brocchini and Ryan Woods started Do Good Distillery in 2013. Because of quirks in liquor laws left over from prohibition times, craft distillers were only allowed to sell spirits through distributors. The law made it nearly impossible to open tasting rooms and build the following necessary for a craft distiller to grow its business. “It’s a giant barrier to entry. Not just the direct sales, but what it takes to get into this scale monetarily,” Woods said when the distillery opened last year.

> NOW With help from Assemblyman Adam Gray, AB 1295 passed last October. It allows distilleries that produce less than 100,000 gallons a year to sell up to three bottles per customer directly. Do Good received its license to sell in February, the second craft distiller in California to do so. Do Good holds tours and now its customers can buy bottles before they leave. “If we could cover our rent, I’d be ecstatic,” Harrelson said. Do Good hosted a reception Feb. 18 to thank the community and Gray for their help in passing the law.

COTTAGE Continued from Page 22

environmental health agency. Operators also need to complete a food-processing course within three months of becoming registered. Once they start producing their cottage foods, there are safety regulations makers need to follow. For example, cottage foods can’t be produced in a home kitchen at the same time as other domestic activities. No infants or pets are allowed in the kitchen during the preparation, packaging or handling of cottage food products. There are also stipulations on where cottage food products can be sold and limits on how much money they can make. There are also considerations that all businesses have to consider such as marketing. “What we hear a lot from people is, ‘I have this recipe for whatever. Everyone

loves it. They say I should sell it. I could make a killing on it,’” said Spezzano. “But no one outside your realm of friends or acquaintances knows about it, so you can only sell so much to those people. Then you have to get out and do the work and make it happen.” Firpo relies on digital tools to market his jams. “You can have a website or word of mouth, social media,” he said. “There’s all kinds of ways to get the word out.” Even with the restrictions and myriad regulations, Firpo said running a cottage food business can be rewarding. “My advice is learn safe canning methods and jump into it,” said Firpo. “If you have any kind of desire to do it, it’s a way to make a little more money. You’re going to have to hustle to find a way to sell it.”

to Better Serve our South San Joaquin and Stanislaus County Clients

• Tax Litigation (and Controversies) • Tax Planning to Avoid Controversies • Estate and Wealth Management Planning • Post Mortem Estate and Trust Administration • Trust and Estate Litigation • Business and Commercial Transactions • Real Estate Law/Exchanges • Bankruptcy Planning and Filing

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March 2016

Business Journal Tourism CENTRAL VALLEY

The Amgen Tour of California bike race will return to Lodi after a successful experience in 2015.

By KENT HOHLFELD Business Journal writer khohlfeld@cvbizjournal.com

Valley destinations Sports, corporate travel drive surge in hotel stays

STOCKTON — It appears people are once again ready to hit the California roads in hopes of finding that perfect vacation. A larger number of those explorers found their way to the Central Valley than since the Great Recession according to reports from local tourism officials. Powered by a boom in corporate travel, lower gas prices and a resurgent economy, Stockton’s average hotel occupancy rate climbed to 64.5 percent. That was first time since the Great Recession that the rate has broken the 60 percent mark. “With the economy improving, business and corporate travel has really improved,” said Visit Stockton CEO Wes Rhea. “Our location lends to us being a great place to stay when businesses do regional calls on customers. They can do the Gold Country, the Valley, Sacramento, the Bay Area and we have that very central location.” The surge in demand also led to rising hotel room rates in Stockton. The average daily rate rose to $75.31 in 2015, up more than $5 from the 2014 rate and the highest since the recession. Rhea said early indications are that 2016 is off to an equally strong start. Hotel stays were up 10 percent against last year. He said that events, including the Super Bowl, which was held in Santa Clara, helped Stockton’s numbers. “In January our year-over-year growth was strong,” said Rhea. “There were 20-something jets that stayed in the airport (for the Super Bowl). We saw a little higher-than average numbers over that weekend. A few were taking the train to the Super Bowl.”

March 2016

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> TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN STOCKTON

Haggin Museum Bob Hope Theatre Stockton Arena Banner Island Ballpark Downtown Marina Children’s Museum of Stockton University of the Pacific Pixie Woods Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple Stockton Indoor Sports Complex ALL BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTOS

Agri-tourism has also brought a growing number of visitors to the area. Wineries in the Lodi area and the growing farm-to-fork movement drew visitors to northern San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. Modesto has seen nearly a 30 percent jump in information requests since 2012. “Our agriculture is a big draw,” said Jennifer Mullen, CEO and executive director of the Modesto Convention and and Visitors Bureau. “People like to know where their food comes from. We can literally feed the world from here.” The UC Small Farm Program at UC Davis, along with Stanislaus Grown, the Valley Land Alliance, Ag Link and others held a series of tourism classes in January and February in Modesto. The classes discussed items such as permits, budgeting, marketing and other topics. Suggestions included letting visitors pick their own products. Merced County promotes its agricultural attractions with audio tours teaching visitors how to identify crops along the highway. “Visitors like to come to Modesto because you can see a variety of items from here,” said Mullen. “We have lot of different things to draw people in.” Another way to bring in visitors and their dollars are events. It was one of the ways Stockton and Lodi managed to fill hotel rooms and bring people to the cities last year. Stockton has hosted baseball tournaments, concerts and high school sports. Lodi will hosted a stage of the Tour of California bike race last May and will do so again this year. “We are typically bringing in something new every year,” said Rhea. “It’s been very positive.” Sometimes those events can cost, however. While Modesto won’t host a leg of the Tour of California race this year, it will host riders who

will stay in the city overnight. Modesto is subsidizing that stay to the tune of $75,000. “The committee is raising the money from sponsors,” said Mullen. “In hosting the riders we get some of the bid perks. We will get two 30-second spots on tour tracker [online feed of the race] and we get recognition. We also get a commercial on the network telecast.” The tour will also bring 350 teams and riders to the city and the Tour will purchase 180 rooms. Tourism officials in Modesto hope the added exposure will lift the city’s reputation as a sports center along with the Modesto Marathon in March. “The Modesto Marathon is a huge event,” said Mullen. “It’s a Boston Marathon qualifier so it draws a big crowd.” The recent tourism success has also aided surrounding communities. Both Stockton and Modesto have had to send visitors to nearby towns when they couldn’t accommodate them. That situation has led to some speculation as to whether it might be time to add more hotel rooms in the area. “We believe that it is getting close to where we need more rooms,” said Rhea. “We haven’t built anything in Stockton in more than a decade.” A recent revision to the site plan of the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley development in Manteca includes a site that could be used for a hotel. One certain benefit from the improved tourism numbers is that Visit Stockton will have more money to promote Stockton’s efforts. Visit Stockton, which is funded by a fee on hotel rooms, expects a $400,000 to $500,00 boost in its budget thanks to the increase in hotel revenues. “We are looking at $1.5 million [budget], and that is the biggest budget that it has ever had,” he said.

> TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MODESTO

Gallo Center for the Arts McHenry Mansion State Theatre John Thurman Field Modesto Arch McHenry Museum Tuolumne River Trail Great Valley Museum Vintage Faire Mall Boomers Modesto SOURCE: TRIP ADVISOR

Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS

In San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. Ranked by Enrollment. Ties are Listed in Alphabetical Order.

Address

Local Contact Phone Web Address

Average Tuition

Average Program Completion Time

Average Enrollment

MTI Business College 6006 N. El Dorado Street Stockton, CA 95204

Stevn J. Brenner, Director (209) 474-9705 mtistockton.com

$11,600

10 months

190

Computer Tutor Business & Technical Institute 4300 Sisk Road Modesto, CA 95356

George Rawe, Director (209) 545-5200 computertutor.com

$3,500 $8,700

18 - 36 weeks

San Joaquin & Calaveras Electrical Training & Educational Committee 1531 El Pinal Drive Stockton, CA 95204

David Brooks, Training Director (209) 462-0751 ibew595.org

Varies

North Adrians Beauty College 124 Floyd Avenue Modesto, CA 95350

Pat Cochran (209) 526-2040 adriansbeautycollegemodesto.com

19,000

Rank

School Name

Dan Guerra, Director (209) 529-3648 communitybusinesscollege.edu

$89 for business

Accreditation

Year Est.

Medical assistant, medical office specialist and medical receptionist Office administration, clerical and microcomputer specialist.

ACCSC

1968

Computer software application classes, career programs and skills workshops

ACCSC

1986

5 years

Electrical training

State of California

1954

13 months 20 weeks

50+

Cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists and cosmetology instructors

CPPVE

1956

6 weeks for business classes; 12/15 weeks for vocational programs

Computer office specialist, solar photovoltaic specialist, property management, HVAC/R technician, medical billing and coding, bookkeeping. Language classes offered on line or on ground. Job placement assistance with vocational programs. 3 semesters a year

CPPVE

1989

NCCER Approved by CPPVE

2010

CPPVE

1979

CBBC

1956

Approval to operate Bureau for Private Post-Secondary Education

1977

Heavy equipment and crane

NCCER

2006

Massage therapist, medical transcriptionist, EMT, phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, paralegal and administrative assistant and more

CPPVE

1990

Accounting, administrative, criminology, culinary arts, HVAC, HR, medical, pharmacy, web and graphic design

ACCSC BVNPT ACCET

1986

ASE, AWS, ESCO, HVAC and REIA cerifications

1996

ACICS

1997

Educational Programs

Community Business College 3800 McHenry Avenue, Ste. M Modesto, CA 95356

DeHart Technical School 311 Bitritto Way Modesto, CA 95356

Rod DeHart (209) 338-1016 deharttechnicalschool.com

$5,335 $9,900

6-11 months

Building maintaince/HVACcourse1 Building maintenance/HVAC course 2 Building maintenance/HVAC course 3

Cal-Trade Welding School 424 Kansas Avenue Modesto, CA 95351

Maria Rodgrigues, Admin. (209) 523-0753 caltradeweldingschoolofmodesto. com

$8,500

18 weeks

Welding training and certification

Stockton Barber College 410 E. Weber Street Stockton, CA 95202

Dennis Jones (209) 465-3218 NA

$1,200 $4,400

400 - 1500 Hours

20- 36 per class

Barber training, cosmo crossover and Barber refresher

Western Pacific Truck School 2111 March Lane, Ste. 2 Stockton, CA 95207

Bob Schauer, President/CEO (209) 472-1500 wptruckschool.com

$4,500

4-7 weeks

10-12 per class 30 staff

Class A CDL program, truck driver training, Class B CDL and forklift training

Northern California College of Construction 2111 March Lane, Ste. A-5 Stockton, CA 95207

Mindy Jackson, President (209) 242-5400 ccc-north.com

$9,890

3 weeks

Abrams College 201 E. Rumble Road, Ste. E Modesto, CA 95350

Daniel Lucky, President (209) 527-7777 abramscollege.com

$775 $2,775

Part-time programs vary in length

WND

Institute of Technology 5737 Stoddard Road Modesto, CA 95356

Lillian Enger, President (209) 545-3100 it-colleges.edu

$18,000 $31,000

40 - 70 weeks

Modesto Technical College 1300 N 9th Street Ste. D Modesto, CA 95350

Janelle Anselmo (209) 524-7037 modestotechcollege.com

Varies

WND

Automotive, welding, maintence technology and industrial refrigeration

ITT Technical Institute 16916 S. Harlan Road Lathrop, CA 95330

Sherry Babauta (209) 858-0077 itt-tech.edu

Varies by program

2-4 years

WND

School of information technology, electronics technology, drafting and design, business and criminal justice

$3,500 for vocational

March 2016

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Central Valley Business Journal

Business Journal Jobs & Economy

March 2016

CENTRAL VALLEY

Online closet Le Tote hiring STOCKTON — E-commerce up-and-comer LeTote has opened a new distribution center on Boeing Way in Stockton and has hired about 100 workers. The online company is a fashion rental service aimed at women between 26 and 45. “The way to think about this is it’s a lot like Netflix,” said LeTote CEO Rakesh Tondon. That means customers fill out a profile and pay a monthly fee of $59, plus $5 if they want insurance against damage. LeTote ships a box containing three items of clothing and two accessories based on the customer’s preferences. The customer keeps and wears the items as long as she wants. When she’s done, she sends the box back and LeTote ships her another selection. “You get unlimited boxes from us and unlimited styles from us,” Tondon said. “You pick and choose for your specific needs.” The company is just three years old, but Tondon said it grew significantly last year

PHOTO COURTESY LE TOTE

Le Tote ships clothing and accessories on a subscription basis.

and needed a distribution center in addition to its facililty in San Leandro. Managers chose Stockton because of its proximity to the Bay Area, where LeTote is based, as well as the help it received from the city. The company was also impressed with the quality of workers in the Valley. “In fact what we’re paying employees in Stockton is a little bit more than what we were paying in our facility in

San Leandro,” Tondon said. “However, we feel that the quality of the workforce in Stockton is significantly higher than in some other areas we were evaluating.” The company will continue to hire throughout the first quarter, Tondon said. Some positions being advertised include software engineers with Ruby on Rails experience, an applications support engineer, and associates to prepare shipments.

Modesto area enjoys lowest gas prices in state MODESTO — The slide in gas prices appears to be slowing but at the end of February prices were still at levels not seen since 2004. Modesto drivers were getting the best deals in California in February. They were paying, on average, $2.00 per gallon, but prices as low as $1.71 could be found throughout the city and in Turlock. Stockton-Lodi drivers paid $2.11 per gallon on average while Merced continued to have the highest prices in Valley at $2.15. That was still well below the state’s average price, however. California has had the second highest average price in the country at $2.31 per gallon, behind only Hawaii at $2.57. The national price for a gallon of gas stood at $1.71 per gallon at the end of February. While that was up a penny over the middle of the month, the price was still down 13

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

cents over January and 58 cents compared to this time last year. Cheap prices continue to be fueled by abundant supply of crude oil, despite recent efforts by OPEC to freeze supplies at current levels. Prices continued to hover near lows due to questions about whether the deal will work and the fact that current supply levels will do little to reduce the glut of oil currently on the market.

March 2016

> COST OF LIVING

Stockton, Tracy least costly California cities STOCKTON — Stockton and Tracy are among the least expensive cities in California, according to the latest study by the Council for Community and Economic Research. The cities fell in the mid-range when compared to other cities nationally. According to the Annual 2015 Cost of Living Index, Stockton’s composite index was 111.9 in 2015. That means the after-tax costs for a professional standard of living in Stockton were 11.9 percent more than the national average. Groceries and transportation costs were the most expensive items in Stockton. Health care costs were slightly below the national average. Tracy’s composite index was 123.5, meaning after-tax costs for a professional standard of living in Tracy were 23.5 percent higher than the national average. Housing was the largest contributor to Tracy’s costs, but those were

still much lower than those of urban areas in the nearby Bay Area. The housing index in Oakland was 227.2 and in San Francisco it was 319.4.1. Stockton is 12 percent more expensive than the average of the 273 cities included in the survey. Tracy is 24 percent more expensive. The COLI is widely used to evaluate the comparative costs of communities, and is the source data that drives most popular online cost-of-living calculators. Since 2013, the Center for Business and Policy Research at the University of the Pacific has collected local cost of living data in Stockton and Tracy so that these cities could be included in a national index. The Pacific study also compared Modesto’s cost of living to cities in San Joaquin County and found Modesto’s is 2 percent less than Stockton’s and 12 percent less than Tracy’s.

> RESTRUCTURING

Memorial cutting 100 jobs MODESTO — Memorial Medical Center is eliminating nearly 100 positions as part of staff and operations restructuring, the hospital said Feb. 24. The 96 layoffs will occur at the end of April and affect mostly support staff, according to a statement from Memorial. The hospital also said it would offer some employees jobs in new positions. Others would learn more about severance packages and employee benefits. Memorial said the job cuts do not “directly impact the ability to grow and provide safe, quality care to patients” and that the hospital was still recruiting RNs and other health care workers. “Memorial Medical Center isn’t any different than any other hospital in

terms of how we handle the changing healthcare landscape,” said Memorial CEO Daryn Kumar in a released statement. “Every hospital seeks to have a structure in place that provides the best care for patients while remaining financially responsible.” Administrators said staff cuts are among “the last options considered, and last used when making operational changes and adjustments.” Before cutting jobs, Memorial reduced operating expenses, restructured operations to create opportunities for more business, and improved contracts with health plans, the hospital said. Memorial Medical Center, a Sutter Health hospital located in northeast Modesto, is a 423-bed facility. It had 77,774 patient days and 94,646 outpatient visits in 2014.

> WOMEN & BUSINESS

Stockton dubbed female friendly STOCKTON — The Stockton-Lodi area ranked as the second most female-friendly environment in California for entrepreneurs, according to a new study by WalletHub. The area ranked 34th nationally for its ability to help women-owned businesses succeed. The nationwide study surveyed the 100 biggest metropolitan areas. Stockton-Lodi had the highest average percentage of growth for womenowned businesses in the nation. The area also ranked highly (59th nationally) for its “Business Climate for Women” and (47th nationally) for the

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number of women-owned businesses. The state was rated 23rd for its overall business friendliness. The survey focused on three key dimensions including overall new-business friendliness, female entrepreneurship and business climate for women. The study also looked at the percentage of women-owned businesses, percentage of employees in women-owned businesses, average revenue and revenue growth among other items. The study also took into account the rate of gender inequality in income and an area’s friendliness to working moms.

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Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

CREDIT UNIONS

In San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. Firms are Ranked by Total Assets as of Dec. 30, 2015. (*) Numbers include Surrounding Counties. Ties are Listed in Alphabetical Order. Rank

Company Name Address

Manager or CEO

2015 Total Assets Total Shares/Deposits

2015 Total Loans

Henry E. Barrett (209) 549-8500 valleyfirstcu.org

$555,484,441 $492,859,257

$294,162,093 $3,001,603

$426,106,157 $327,833,270

$166,293,393 $550,293

Phone Web Address

2015 Number Membership Requirements of Net Income Members

Year Chartered

69,597

Live, work, worship or attend school in Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus or Tuolumne County

1956

31,724

Family member or employment by county and city government, medical professionals in SJC, members of SJC Bar Association or other small employee groups

1954

$85,478,824 $802,241

30,235

Persons who live, work, worship or attend school in or do business in Stanislaus County Visit Web site for information on requirements

1959

$170,010,545 $155,380,613

$97,764,138 $391,955

21,774

Community charter, San Joaquin, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Armador or Stanislaus counties

1936

Russel Hagen (209) 235-1100 premierccu.org

$133,023,293 $118,427,896

$55,857,889 $195,211

11,764

Community charter, live, work or go to school in San Joaquin County, family members and specific employees

1979

California Community 3600 Sisk Road Ste. 4-L Modesto, CA 95356

Elena de Anda (209) 544-3971 caccu.org

$58,831,339 $51,334,194

$22,222,704 $237,571

7,141

Live, work, worship in Stanislaus County. Certain unions, Save Mart stores and employees

1939

Mokelumne Federal Credit Union 10628 Trinity Parkway Ste. A Stockton, CA 95219

Liz Maynard (209) 334-3200 mfculodi.org

$47,892,839 $41,870,933

$16,351,328 $421,810

5,675

Live, worship, work, attend school, businesses and other legal entities located in the San Joaquin County

1959

Rolling F Credit Union 2101 Geer Road, Ste. 401 Turlock, CA 95382

Ed J. Rocha (209) 634-2911 rollingf.com

$47,257,232 $42,246,655

$7,739,953 $138,900

5,966

Foster Farms employees, their families and several small employee groups

1948

Sherry Khamo (209) 521-2020 m1fcu.org

$30,200,579 $25,807,850

$7,654,913 $39,833

2,506

Employees of city of Modesto, Hughson and more Visit Web site for additional requirements

1940

Gail Freer (209) 825-5878 goldenvalleyfcu.org

$26,396,576 $23,702,923

$7,131,336 $77,561

2,956

Lives, work, worships and/or attends school in Manteca and Ripon Unified School District Boundary

1953

Frank C. Michael (209) 235-9119 alliedcu.org

$23,637,928 $20,372,789

$4,916,441 $32,929

2,146

Sara Klein (209) 527-8731 olcu.org

$21,364,564 $19,643,951

$4,214,198 $65,945

3,692

Dan Robertson (209) 340-2100 eaglecreditunion.com

$19,909,912 $18,411,180

$5,744,097 -$211,010

2,384

Cindy Hodson (209) 933-9275

$5,743,716 $5,153,981

$1,688,410 -$25,120

Valley First Credit Union 1005 W. Orangeburg Avenue Modesto, CA 95350

Financial Center Credit Union 18 S. Center Street Stockton, CA 95202

Michael Patrick Duffy (209) 948-6024 fccuburt.org

MOCSE Central Valley Credit Union 3600 Coffee Road Modesto, CA 95355

Tracey Kerr (209) 572-3600 mocse.org

$249,725,313 $227,489,119

Central State Credit Union 919 N. Center Street Stockton, CA 95202

David Silvestri (209) 444-5314 centralstatecu.org

Premier Community Credit Union 3315 W. Benjamin Holt Drive Stockton, CA 95219

Modestoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Federal Credit Union 430 12th Street Modesto, CA 95354 Golden Valley Federal Credit Union 409 W. Center Street Manteca, CA 95336

Live, regularly work, regularly worship or attends school in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Stockton, California Locals and retirees in certain counties of California, immediate family members related by blood, marriage or legal action to the credit union member and union locals Live, work, worship or attends school in San Joaquin or Stanislaus County, employee of one of our selected employer groups or a family member of existing member

1974

662

Live, work, worship or go to school in the Port of Stockton/Boggs Tract Area/ family members of current FCU members

1951

* $5,773,810,264 * $69,998,478

* 757,260

Anyone who lives or works in the 34 represented counties of the 58 CA counties is eligible to join

1933

* $963,570,603 * $766,773,220

* $484,406,0363 * $10,903,998

* 74,038

Members and family members of Operating Engineers Local 3

1964

* $327,178,029 * $293,087,040

* $222,375,704 * $1,806,350

* 22,519

Persons who live, work attends school or worship in Stanislaus or San Joaquin Counties

1957

Allied Trades Credit Union 2131 W. March Lane Stockton, CA 95207

Organized Labor Credit Union 2112 McHenry Avenue Modesto, CA 95350

Eagle Credit Union 1401 Lakeshore Drive Lodi, CA 95242

Stockton Community Federal Credit Union 125 Bridge Place, Fl 1, Ste. B Stockton, CA 95202

Golden 1 850 W. March Lane, Ste. A Stockton, CA 95219

Donna A Bland (877) 465-3361 golden1.com

* $9,676,953,370 * $8,450,211,933

Operating Engineers Local 3 1818 Grand Canal Boulevard, Ste. 1 Stockton, CA 95242

Mike Donohue (209) 943-2455 oefcu.org

Uncle Credit Union 1829 West 11th Street Tracy, CA 95376

Harold Roundtree (925) 447-5001 unclecu.org

1953

1929

March 2016

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Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

Business Journal Startup Spotlight CENTRAL VALLEY

Local filmmaker feeds creative ‘obsession’ By SIM RISSO Business Journal writer srisso@cvbizjournal.com

STOCKTON — Making a career out of documentary filmmaking isn’t the easiest of things, but that hasn’t stopped Sara Washington. From her office at Huddle workspace in downtown Stockton, Washington produces documentaries on everything from pointe ballet shoes to food industries, health care and an all-women’s boxing tournament based out of Pacifica. Filmmaking has its trying moments, but she likes the freedom it provides. “I tend to have an obsessive personality,” said Washington. “So working in documentary film allows me to pick a subject that I get to obsess over for a month, or a year or two years. And then I pick another subject I can obsess over.” Her current project is called “Pointe,” which is a documentary on pointe ballet shoes. Pointe shoes are the hard-tipped ballet shoes that allow performers to dance on their toes. The

project has taken her to London once already, and she plans to return before the film’s completion. “’Pointe’ was a project I started working on because I wondered how pointe shoes were made,” said Washington. “I’m a little obsessed with clothing, or wearable objects, and how it works in people’s lives, the way they retain memory and reflect identity. The pointe shoe was an interesting example because everybody recognizes a pointe shoe.” Washington grew up in Stockton. She attended UC Santa Cruz and majored in community studies with an emphasis on documentary film and pop culture. She then went on to The New School in New York City, where she studied documentary film. Including her time in college, Washington has been making documentary films for seven years. She’s learned a lot of valuable lessons in that time, but she said the most important one is perseverance. “I think the most important thing I’ve learned is to fight for stories, not

WAYNE DENNING/CVBJ

Filmmaker Sara Washington travels the world shooting her films but runs her business from Huddle workspace in downtown Stockton.

taking roadblocks as, ‘Oh, this is the end of the line. I’ve gone as far as I can go with this,’” said Washington. “On the other side of that, when people sit down with me, they’re trusting me with a part of themselves, so I’ve learned to be protective of that just in terms of fighting for the story or pushing it forward when it gets stuck.” Jaynelle St. Jean, owner of the arti-

sanal bakery Pietisserie in Oakland, has worked with Washington on a number of projects. Their first was a piece they did for Design Sponge called “In the Kitchen.” In the film St. Jean walks the audience through the process of making a chestnut cream pie. Prior to starting, she was nervous Please see FILMMAKER Page 33

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Central Valley Facilities Expo focuses on sustainability MODESTO — The annual Central Valley Facilities Expo has become the go-to event to learn about the latest in green building technology. This year, the expo is March 16-17 at Modesto Centre Plaza. It features a trade show and conference where best practices in sustainability and compliance are shared. Among this year’s conference topics are ultrasonic testing for energy saving and monitoring applications, how

to save electricity by auditing lighting, and new roof cooling options. Dignity Health’s St. Joseph’s Medical Center will share the features of the programs that helped it earn the first “green certified” hospital designation awarded by the Green Team of San Joaquin. There is also a big focus on water savings in light of California’s drought. California State University will share how it is reducing water consumption

by changing water use both inside the buildings and outdoors. Two presentations will look at compliance issues. One will focus on safe diesel storage. Another will present OSHA rules and best practices for protecting workers from electrical arc flash hazards. Converting to solar power continues to grow in popularity. Businesses can get questions answered about tax rebates, system design, structural concerns, owning vs. leasing, and mount-

ing placement to determine if solar conversion makes sense for them. There will also be dozens of exhibitors from throughout the Central Valley at the expo’s trade show. The conference is from 8:25 a.m. 2:40 p.m., Wednesday, March 16 and Thursday, March 17. The exhibitor hall is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., March 16 and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 17. For more information, visit www.fecv.facilitiesexpo.com.

FILMMAKER Continued from Page 32

about how it would turn out but said Washington made her feel right at home. “She’s really insightful,” said St. Jean. “I think she understands storytelling. It’s not just somebody who’s going to do a Q and A and take some pictures. She understands, and that really helps with the storytelling.” Since then, St. Jean has done films with other videographers, but the work she did with Washington stood out. “I thought it was stunning what a good job she did and how awesome she made the pie-making process look,” said St. Jean. “She captured everything, and the lighting was amazing.” Washington’s biggest obstacle is getting enough financing to fund the projects. When she started, she didn’t have a portfolio, so he had to do projects for free. To finance her projects, she has to do grant writing sometimes. While she’s waiting for the grants to come through, she has to fund the process through her savings. For example, when she went to London for “Pointe,” she paid her own way. The cost it takes to produce a film varies, depending on its length or how many man-hours are involved. She gets paid upfront on projects she produces for organizations, such as the films she did for California Health Report. “It’s a lot of estimating ahead of time on cost,” said Washington. “But you have to be willing to go with the story. Sometimes what you plan doesn’t fit the story, so you have to change.” Washington said one nice part about being based in Stockton is that the lower cost of living cuts down on her expenses, which has allowed her to put more of her money into her business. But because a lot of her work is in the Bay Area, being in the Central Valley can pose other problems. “There’s a commuter bus at the RTD station that goes directly from Stockton to the BART Dublin station,” said Washington. “So I’ve learned how to use public transportation. Otherwise I’m in traffic for four hours, and I lose time I could spend researching. The more I’ve learned to rely on Amtrak and BART, the less of an obstacle it’s been.” Washington hopes she’ll be able to build her brand and hire more people to help with production. As her financial flexibility increases, she’ll also have more time to focus on the projects that intrigue her.

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Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

NURSERIES AND LANDSCAPE SUPPLY COMPANIES In San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. Ranked by Wholesale to Retail Sales. Ties are Listed in Alphabetical Order. Wholesale Sales Rank Company Name Address

Local Contact Local Phone Web Address

Specialty

Hours

Products

Year Est.

Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 3:30 Sat. 7 a.m. - noon

Fruit, nut and shade trees commercial sales only

Delta Bluegrass Company 111 N. Zuckerman Road Stockton, CA 95206

Ed Zuckerman (209) 469-7979 deltabluegrass.com

Native and water saving varieties

Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 7 a.m. - noon

Duarte Nursery 1555 Baldwin Road Hughson, CA 95326

John and Jeff Duarte (209) 531-0351 duartenursery.com

Commercial agriculture nursery Dry Creek Lab, microprogagation, containerized growing, clonal rootstock and tissue culture

Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Largest Northern California growers of premium peat grown sod wholesale and retail sales Permanent crops, almonds, avocados, cherry, citrus, pistachios, walnuts, grapevines and poinsettias wholesale commercial sales

Green Tree Nursery 23979 Lake Road La Grange, CA 95329

Karlene Hanf 800-350-4414 greentreenursery.com

Seasonal product December - March

Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Walnut, pecan, almond and fruit trees, retail sales available

1966

Hollandia Nursery, Inc. 6012 Woodland Avenue Modesto, CA 95358

Henry Vanklavren (209) 523-1006 hollandianursery.com

Patio trees and espalier trees (trellis style trees)

Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Spring 7:30 - 4:30 Fall

Trees, fruit, vines, shrubs, perennials, ferns wholesale commercial, licensed and public retail sales

1956

Delta Tree Farms, Inc. 12900 N. Lower Sacramento Road Lodi, CA 95242 Four Seasons Farms 1660 California Avenue Modesto, CA 95358 Hollendutch Nursery 11677 N. Davis Road Lodi, CA 95242 M&M Builders Supply & Nursery Sales 8010 E. 11th Street Tracy, CA 95304 Morris Nursery 1837 Patterson Road Riverbank, CA 95367 New Budâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursery 23563 S. Manteca Road Manteca, CA 95337 P&L Concrete Products & Garden Center 1900 Roosevelt Avenue Escalon, CA 95320 Plants & Produce 15789 E. Harney Lane Lodi, CA 95240 Port Stockton Nursery 2910 E. Main Street Stockton, CA 95205 Quail Lakes Nursery/ Hillside Landscaping 3404 Shadowbrook Drive Stockton, CA 95219 The Garden Shoppee 11013 N. Davis Road Lodi, CA 95242 The Greenery Nursery and Garden Shop 742 E. Olive Avenue Turlock, CA 95380 The Home Depot 5010 Feather River Drive Stockton, CA 95219 Westurf Nursery 1612 Claus Road Modesto, CA 95355

Local Contact Local Phone Web Address

Delivery

Retail Sales Rank Company Name Address

Donald Oliver (209) 334-4545 deltatreefarms.com

Ann Endsley (209) 523-8061 None Arthur Duivenvoorve (209) 465-4542 None

Shawn Kelley (209) 835-4172 mandmbuilderssupply.com Ron Hoffmann (209) 527-5553 morrisnursery.com Todd Roddan (209) 824-7403 newbudsnursery.com Arlene Francis, president (209) 838-1448 plconcrete.net Bill Renfro (209) 727-0323 None Jeff Nelson (209) 462-0853 portstocktonnursery.com

Landscape Install

Wholesale for commercial and retail sales proactive helpful website

Landscape Design

Robert Doolley (209) 874-1821 davewilson.com

Statuary/Pottery

Dave Wilson Nursery 19701 Lake Road Hickman, CA 95323

Ground Covering

Decorative Rock

Fruit and nut trees

Patio Furniture

Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sod

Sell only to commercial farmers and garden centers Open Saturdays 7 a.m. - noon, Jan. - Feb.

Shade Trees

Ron Boone (209) 845-8733 burchellnursery.com

Annual/Perennial

Burchell Nursery, Inc. 12000 State Hwy. 120 Oakdale, CA 95361

Fruit Trees

1942

1938

1978

1989

Hours

Specialty Other Products Services

Year Est.

Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Grower of 1 gallon to 36â&#x20AC;? box size shrubs and trees

1977

Mon. - Sun. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Professional landscape installation irrigation, custom paths and patios

1981

Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat. - Sun. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fountains, landscaping services, trees, garden accessories and water plants

1979

Mon. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Fruits, vegetables, shade trees, garden furniture and bedding plants

1946

Landscaping, roses and trees

1996

Mon. - Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Sundays Mon. - Tues. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wed.- Sun. 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Full landscape design and installation and large selection of tropical plants

2007

Full service nursery, over 40 bins of decorative rock, soil and bark. Custom potting is our specialty

1972

Full service nursery

1989

Roses, bulbs, deciduous trees, planting supplies, vines and cactus

1929

Steve Allen (209) 477-4737 None

Mon. - Sun. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Licensed landscape contractor, custom landscape construction, design and installation, gift shop

1978

Tony Fugazi (209) 333-6287 None

Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Landscape design

1998

Jay DeGraff (209) 632-4214 None

Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m - 4 p.m.

Exceptional and knowledgeable staff workshops and classes

1996

Mon. - Sat. 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sun. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Stepping stones, bricks, water supplies and more

1978

Mon. - Fri. 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sun. 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Playground fiber, soil, irrigation supplies, trees and bedding plants

1980

Jeff Eder (209) 474-8285 homedepot.com Elena Welch (209) 576-1111 westurf.net

March 2016

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11013 N. Davis Road, Lodi, CA 95242 | www.thegardenshoppee.com

Desert style garden

Traditional style garden

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the current California water conservation provisions make you think you can only have a desert landscape. We can help you conserve water without compromising your yardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aesthetics.

Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

How to deal with employee absences, leave Imagine this: you open your business for the day, ready to provide products or services to your customers, but your team is one person short – someone has not reported to work. Other team members have to pick up the slack, and you, the business owner, must decide what to do. Business owners in the Central Valley face this situation each Bruce Sarchet and every day. ReAttorney sponding to the Littler Mendelson absent employee Law Firm is a challenge, both from a legal and a practical perspective. This article will provide a basic checklist of the legal protections and considerations that must be evaluated for addressing employee absences – meeting your business needs while fully respecting the legal rights of your workers. However, as always, each such situation is unique, and, therefore, this article does not substitute for the advice of legal counsel. An employer must consider at least

Years ago someone much smarter than I taught me that if you want to understand what is really important to an organization look at how it spends its time and money. Every day I work with people who tell me, “Our people are critical to our success” or “Without our people we would be nothing.” Often there is a disconnect in organizations that say they value their employees and maintaining and developing each employee every year. It seems that while some organizations regularly change the oil on their company’s vehicles and upgrade their computers and software, but they spend very little to develop the most critical resource to their business. Don’t lump all training together. Every two years I sit through two very painful hours online for my sexual harassment training: read a sentence and hit a button. Of course, this is timed so the 20 minutes it should actually take me requires two hours. This training is mandated by law and is supposed to reduce risk in our organizations (although I have my doubts about the effectiveness of this training). That type of training is necessary but probably won’t help your employee reach their full potential. Instead, identify specific gaps in their skills and the appropriate training that would enable them to be successful in their position. If only it were as easy

Human Element

five specific legal issues when dealing with employee absences: Safety first If the absence is due to an on-the-job accident or injury, then an employer should address and correct any hazards in the workplace. Employers must also comply with federal and state OSHA recordkeeping and reporting requirements. In addition, an employer must be careful to not discriminate against workers based on industrial injuries or the filing of a workers’ compensation claim. Employers should work carefully with their insurance carriers to manage the claims (including the absences) of employees with pending workers’ compensation claims.

Family and medical leave If a business has more than 50 employees, workers may be eligible for state or federal family and medical leave. Employers first should evaluate whether the employee is eligible for federal FMLA – an employee must have worked for the employer for at least a year, have worked 1,250 hours in the prior 12 months, among other requirements. If the employee is FMLA-eligible, then the employer must provide the necessary paperwork to the employee and should begin counting the days of absence against the employee’s bank of accrued hours. Days of absence may be “double counted” as both a day of paid sick leave and a day of FMLA leave.

words, employees should not be terminated from employment just because they have exhausted their FMLA leave. They may still be entitled to additional unpaid leave under the ADA.

Paid sick leave As of July 1, 2015, employees in California are eligible for paid sick leave. (See my January 2015 Central Valley Business Journal column on California’s paid sick leave laws). Employers should evaluate whether the absence qualifies for either mandatory sick leave (many will) or for other employer-provided paid sick leave. Employers should comply with the requirements of both their own policies, as well as the new California mandatory sick leave law.

Americans with Disabilities Act An absence from work may be caused by a disability as defined in federal and state employment discrimination laws. If so, an employer may need to provide a “reasonable accommodation” to the employee. Employers must engage in an “interactive process” with disabled employees to discuss possible accommodations. A leave of absence may be a reasonable accommodation to an employee’s disability. It is important to note that a leave of absence required under the ADA may exceed the 12 weeks of leave available under the FMLA. In other

Employee confidentiality In addressing employee absences, it may be necessary for an employer to discuss with employees their personal health issues. Remember employees have a right of privacy and excessive inquiries may violate the requirements of the FMLA. However, discussions regarding medical conditions may be an important part of the interactive process under the ADA. In addition, employers must take care to maintain the confidentiality of any employee medical information and medical records that are provided to the employer by any source. This checklist provides a very simplified overview of the multitude of specific legal issues employers face when an employee is absent from work. Employers must act with care in addressing employee absences, but this five-step checklist can help to identify potential legal issues and assist in compliance with an employer’s legal obligations to its absent employees. – Bruce Sarchet is an attorney with the firm of Littler Mendelson and represents employers in labor and employment law matters. You can contact him at bsarchet@littler.com.

as plugging an employee into a computer and downloading an update. People are much more complicated. If you have an employee who is a poor communicator, the challenge could be much greater than just their communication skills. It could be a challenge with what they are communicating (technical information) or the audience with whom they are communicating (a younger Peter Johnson generation like Pacific - Eberhardt millennials). When working School of Business with people you have to look below the surface and try to understand their deeper issues, not just the things that may show up as symptoms. In the end, it could be that they need improvements to their understanding of financial information or to learn better ways to communicate with people. One of the biggest problems I regularly see is employees who are promoted because of technical skills into a management position that requires a completely different set of skills. Some employees may naturally have an aptitude for management,

but most do not. Each year the American Society of Training and Development does a study of industry and the direction training is going. Here are some highlights of the ASTD 2015 State of the Industry Report: • In 2014, organizations on average spent $1,229 per employee on learning. • The average number of learning hours used per employee is 32.4 hours in 2014. • Over 40 percent of training is delivered through technology. • Mandatory, compliance, process, procedures and business practice trainings accounted for over 20 percent of training. • Managerial and supervisory training represented 13 percent of all training. • As a percent of payroll, direct expenditure on learning increased from 3.2 to 3.6 percent. • Employees in companies rated as “Best Companies to Work For” had substantially higher amounts of training, averaging almost 60 hours per employee. Looking at the ASTD report, it is interesting that companies provide more time for employees to miss work (traditionally around 80 hours of sick time) than they do to train them. Also, companies spend much more money on mandatory and company policy training than leadership and

management training. Every organization needs to ask “what type of organization do we want to build?” By the way, if you don’t know how you compare to this national data you have identified your first problem. I remember talking with a seasoned business owner many years ago. After I suggested that his organization would greatly benefit from some employee training he asked me, “What happens if I spend all this money to train them and they leave?” I responded with, “What happens if you save the money and they stay?” The irony is that managers will put up with poor employees that cost the company tens of thousands of dollars (or more) per year but won’t spend a small percentage of that to help employees reach their full potential. So how do you spend your time and money? Are you striving to be a top notch organization that spends on employee development because you realize it’s an investment that will pay enormous dividends to your business? Or is your strategy more of “we are going to save our way to success”? – Peter Johnson is the Director of the Westgate Center for Leadership Development and the Institute for Family Business in the Eberhardt School of Business at the University of the Pacific. He welcomes your feedback at peterjohnson@pacific.edu.

How much do you value your employees?

Clear Vision

March 2016

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How to stop being buried by internal emails About a year ago, I was sitting at a table getting ready for a lunch meeting. I had a client coming to meet me, and as I was waiting I went through my email on my phone and did my best to get to a zero inbox. I left the meeting and got back to my office about an hour and a half later, only to find that I had about 40 emails from people at my office. At first glance I was thinking, did David something blow Darmstandler up? Is there some CEO of urgent issue? Datapath Well, in this case, it was a critical “reply-all” situation regarding an upcoming company party and potluck. (For the reference, I really dislike potlucks of any type – and I especially dislike emails about potlucks). I would love to think I’m alone in this battle of email, but I know I’m not. When I mention “internal email” to any business leader, they give me a stressed out expression as if they’re looking at their inbox already. This is one of the reasons we had to find a different way to work internally, to find another way to communicate. By 2018, it’s expected that businesses will be sending and receiving 139 billion emails. In 2016, each of us is expected to receive an average of 131 emails a day, with roughly 80 of those emails being legitimate messages that require a response. The interesting part about this research is that it reveals the systemic problem with email. Although we receive 80 emails a day requiring a response, we only actually send about 40 emails a day. Even if some of our emails don’t actually require a response, we’re still going into debt on email every day. Fast forward to today. It’s a Monday,

Tech Top 5

which tends to be a busy email day for me, and I’ve only received seven internal emails. You may be wondering how this is possible. We’ve done this by implementing new tools that become our “email alternative” for internal communication. The tool that has helped the most in email reduction has been Slack, but it didn’t work at first. We first tried to roll out Slack a few months after it came out but had no luck. We got pushback from our team who didn’t want to have to check yet another app, or just no interest. So, to give you some practical advice, here’s how we successfully rolled out an internal email alternative: It has to start from the top: the only way to successfully roll out any tool to replace the way you communicate internally is for all the top leaders to be onboard. You have to remember you’re not just switching technology tools, but you’re asking your team to make a cultural change in many regards. Everyone at the top have to be the biggest advocates for changing the way you operate and communicate. Give it two weeks: At our monthly company meeting we gave a brief demo of the tool, but there was not a whole lot of excitement. I asked our team to give it two solid weeks of use, and if they hated it we would kill it. Within days our team loved the change and never looked back. Give updates: Give updates on how much use your tool is getting. This past week we had 3,937 messages for one week among just fewer than 40 people (which can also be seen as emails successfully dodged). Make it a resource: We’ve made Slack our main internal communication tool, which means announcements, document releases, and even our leadership development all live in Slack. Further, it’s driven up our collaboration substantially. Now anyone that is stuck, or needs some historical knowledge just posts it, and within minutes there’s generally a helpful response. Make it personal and fun: One of

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the things I love most about moving away from email is how much more likely people are to post something personal, or an update on a tough personal situation. We’ve dedicated areas for our team to post things that they want to keep everyone in the know on, and seeing the company wide support is awesome. And, of course, we have an area for funny (appropriate) videos, links and photos.

Let’s keep in mind, email isn’t going anywhere. It’s a staple of our everyday business tools. So, let’s make communication fun and effective. Don’t be afraid of email anymore but discover the value of collaborating outside of the inbox. – David Darmstandler is CEO of Datapath, an IT services company with headquarters in Modesto. You can reach him at david@mydatapath.com.

Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

How to make online advertising work for you Online advertising can be a very effective way for businesses to reach a large audience. The online advertising market is huge, and people look at billions of ads every day. Online advertising has several advantages over other types of marketing. It’s easy set up. You can start your advertising campaigns and begin Dan Natividad running ads in Partner less than an hour. Port City Marketing They also allow you to keep tight control over your costs because you set how much you want to spend per day, and per click on your ads. Online ads also provide a measurable return on investment. You can link your ads and your website analytics together and find out when people are buying your products and services. The ads can also be highly targeted to people based on their interests and what they are searching for. How online advertising works Almost all online advertising uses

Brand Building

one of two models: • Pay per click advertising - You only pay when people see and interact with your ad, normally by clicking on it. • Impressions advertising - You pay whenever people see your ad (a view of an ad is called an impression.) For most businesses, PPC advertising is the easiest and most costeffective way into online marketing. It has three main approaches: search, display and remarketing. Broadly, these approaches are known as campaigns and are used to group your online advertising efforts into common themes. PPC search advertising Search campaigns focus on what people type into search engines when they’re looking for something. They work as follows: • You create an online search advertising campaign. • In your campaign, you create certain keywords and ads related to your business. • You bid to have your ad appear when a user searches for those keywords. • A user sees your ad and clicks on it. • The user visits your website. • You pay the amount that you have bid, hence pay-per-click.

PPC display advertising Display campaigns show your ads on websites related to your business or niche. They work as follows: • You create an online display advertising campaign. • You create keywords for the types of websites you want your ads to appear on. • You bid to have your ad appear on relevant websites. • A user visits the related website, sees your ad and clicks on it. • The user visits your website. • You pay the amount that you have bid. PPC remarketing advertising Remarketing campaigns show your ads to users who have already seen or interacted with them. They work as follows: • A user views or interacts with an ad they have seen while searching or on another website. • The user is tracked when they go to other websites showing ads. • Your ad is shown to the visitor again, even on an unrelated website. • A user clicks on your ad, visits your website, and you pay the amount bid. PPC advertising is dominated by one major network, Google AdWords. Microsoft also provides PPC services through their Bing search engine. Setting up a PPC campaign It’s easy to setup a PPC campaign with Google or Microsoft, although optimizing them does take time. You can start PPC advertising as follows: • Create an account - Signup with

Google AdWords or Bing Ads. • Create a campaign - Set up an advertising campaign for your business. • Create ad groups - These are themed groups to help you focus your advertising. • Add keywords to each ad group - These are words related to your business, products, or services. • Write ads for each ad group - These are the ads your potential customers will see. • Set a daily amount and amount per click - This is how much you want to spend each day, and on each click. • Fund your account - You will need to pay upfront and deposit funds. • Start your advertising campaign - Your ads will start to show to potential customers. • Optimize your campaign - Use measurements and analytics to enhance and improve your campaigns. Hiring an online marketing firm Using PPC effectively does take some skill and experience. If you don’t have the time to learn yourself, you might consider hiring a marketing firm. They will be able to help you set up every aspect of your advertising, and can review and improve your campaigns over time. Online advertising is a highly effective way to reach thousands of customers. Used well, it can give you a good ROI, increase the visibility of your business, and lead to more sales. – Dan Natividad, a Stockton native, is a partner at Port City Marketing Solutions along with Kristen Dyke and Erin Diego. Dan can be reached at dan@portcitymarketing.com.

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March 2016

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Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

Making participation feel safe for everyone You’ve been given the assignment of leading a class filled with 30 college students. How are you doing? Now add, it’s 8:30 Saturday morning and the last thing they want to do is get out of bed and attend your class. Then add, that the class is not an elective. It is required. How are you doing now? That above scenario happens at least once a month in my professional development world. When the schedulers ask, “Is the class mandatory, are the participants resistant to the training, or, is the event right after lunch?” The response often is “Let’s use Parker! He’ll engage them and keep them awake.” Even though I would like the selection process to be more about my great knowledge, insights, and intelligence, I am, and remain, grateful for the work. In fact, over the years, I’ve grown to love watching resistant, negative, disengaged participants come alive and realize that this is the essence of customer service. Following are tools I use to build interest and involvement with easy or difficult classes: Naming I learn and write down every person’s name as I greet them individually at their table. If we have name

tents I print their name for them. I used to have them print it but came to discover that I get to learn how to say their name and spell it when I craft it for them. In the process, we often find something fun to talk about because of the way their name is spelled or pronounced. If I get the spelling or John Parker pronunciation Professional correct, they ofDevelopment ten compliment Adventures me. If I get it wrong then they become my teacher as we laugh at my attempt, and I ask them for help. Engagement builds!

At Your Service

Reframing To engage attendees who don’t want to be in class, I’ll ask everyone, “Raise you hands if you were required to attend this class.” I get some nervous laughter and looks, and some hands go up pensively. It doesn’t matter how many because now I’ve got their attention!

Then I ask, “How many would rather be here than in jail?” That gets a big laugh. Plus, I’ve also just received their vote that they would rather be here with me! They’ve just reframed their thinking. Sure, they didn’t get to sleep in, but at least they are not in jail, and now being at this class may not be so bad. Rewarding Finally, I ask the class if they’ve heard of Woody Allen. I say, “You know, he’s one of our founding fathers, you’ve seen his face up there on Mount Rushmore with the other presidents.” Having established his credibility, I continue, “Woody Allen says, ’80 percent of success is just showing up!’ Then I direct them, “Turn to your neighbor and tell them, “I’m proud of you for showing up! You are a raging success!” With big smiles they turn and tell that to their neighbor! It never fails. Everyone smiles and laughs and is engaged and even beaming. Now the whole class is filled with successful participants, and we are ready to rock and roll! Interacting Our first three steps include interaction. As often as possible, I shorten

the lecture and encourage interaction. The fact is, people like to share their opinions and ideas if they feel safe. Sharing with a classroom full of their peers does not feel very safe for most people. Some say the biggest fear people have is speaking in public. Dying takes a distant third. Instead, I’ll ask class members to share with their neighbor. Next, I’ll ask them to share in groups of three or four. I avoid forming bigger groups than that because the “fear of speaking in public” factor starts kicking in and sharing diminishes. Finally, the reason for using these start-up steps is that I care. For the sake of everyone in the class, including myself, and for the success of our sponsoring organization, I want my customer-participants to be engaged and interested. What do you want for your customers? Fervently seek the answer to that question. Then keep showing up to serve them. Even if you only get it right 80 percent of the time, eventually, you too, will be a raging success! “Say, ‘Hey!’” for excellent customer service! – John Parker is the founder of Professional Development Adventures and an instructor for the UC Davis Center for Human Services. You can reach him at coachingparker@comcast.net.

Steps for collecting the debt you’re owed A major challenge for every business owner is the arduous task of collecting past due account receivables. All too often, bill goes unpaid and a business owner is forced to take action to collect payment. Along with the business choices involved in deciding when to chase down an unpaid debt, there are important legal considerations to keep in mind. When considering the dos and Keith Wood don’ts of debt Calone & Harrel collection, the conversation has Law Group to start before there is even a debt to be collected. The first step is to make sure the party you want to do business with is credit worthy.

Taxing Matters

Put it in writing To increase your odds of success in collecting a debt, you need to set yourself up for an easy case to litigate. A written contract is much easier to collect on than a verbal contract. It also allows you twice as long to bring suit. By ensuring that contracts are documented, you are more likely to obtain a faster resolution if the matter later

goes to trial. Although a fully documented contract (with a provision for an award of attorney’s fees) is always preferred, the reality is that a lengthy contract cannot always be drafted before a transaction. Even so, it is imperative to record each and every handshake deal with some form of writing. Even something as simple as a signed receipt or signed invoice can be considered a written contract and entitle the creditor to the added benefits of a written contract. When in doubt, put the deal in writing. Move fast Once the debt is established, the focus shifts to actions to collect the debt. It’s best not to wait too long. The statute of limitations controls how long a creditor has to bring a lawsuit. For example, with an oral contract a creditor only two years after an agreement is broken while the statute of limitations for a written contract is four years from breach. Negotiate first However, bringing a lawsuit is not the best way to recover a debt. Considering the money and time involved in initiating a lawsuit, it’s best to start with informal negotiations. The first consideration when beginning negotiations as a creditor is

to know whether the debt is a consumer debt or a business debt. The vast majority will be business debts. However, for those few who collect consumer debts, it is important to note the additional restrictions. Consumer debts stem from transactions in which property, services or money is acquired on credit primarily for personal, family or household purposes. Those debt collectors are regulated by the California Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Restrictions on collecting a consumer debt include the forms and nature of communication and what can and cannot be said to the debtor. Beware of pitfalls As a creditor, if you violate the California Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you could wind up paying money to the debtor rather than collecting money from him. Negotiations are a crucial time in collecting any debt. While it is important to recover as much from the debtor as possible, remember a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If the debtor is willing to pay a significant portion of the debt voluntarily, a creditor should weigh that against the costs of initiating a lawsuit: the time and money spent litigating the suit, and the difficulty in enforcing a judgment. Chasing a debtor for years to collect

on a judgment can be costly in and of itself. Further, there is always the risk that a debtor will file for bankruptcy protection and completely eliminate any potential of collecting the debt. When to hire a lawyer If negotiations fail, then it is time to consider filing a lawsuit. A business can proceed in small claims court if the debt is $5,000 or less ($10,000 if the plaintiff is an individual). If the debt is above the limits for a small claims case, it is highly advisable to seek legal counsel, even for an open and shut case. The California Code of Civil Procedures, which governs civil lawsuits, are highly technical and a wrong move could jeopardize the entire case. An attorney can quickly move from filing to judgment and proceed with enforcing the judgment against the debtor. These are just a few of the considerations of collecting a debt for business owners. Most importantly, it is critical to have a knowledgeable attorney from the beginning to assist in all phases. – Keith R. Wood is an associate at Calone & Harrel Law Group, LLP who concentrates his practice in bankruptcy, tax collection, and corporate, partnership and limited liability company law matters. He can be reached at krw@caloneandharrel.com.

March 2016

Sharing the love

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Love Modesto spreads volunteerism throughout San Joaquin Valley By NORA HESTON TARTE Business Journal writer nhestontarte@cvbizjournal.com

MODESTO — On April 23, members of the community will gather to complete more than 100 projects aimed at making Modesto and other valley cities a better place. It is all part of the ongoing efforts of Love Modesto, a nonprofit that was started by members of Big Valley Grace Community Church in Modesto in 2009. Hailed as a one-day volunteer frenzy, communiLove Modesto mascot ty members participate by signing up online for specific projects. Those projects range from making cards for veterans to planting a community garden. Love Your City has since spread to more than 50 other cities including Tracy, Stockton, Lodi, Merced, Manteca, Turlock, Oakdale, Riverbank, Patterson and more. Among the locations, more than 70,500 people have gotten involved. “We were hoping for 100 people and more than 1,200 people showed up to love our city in practical ways,” Executive Director Jeff Pishney said of the first Love Modesto event. This year Pishney estimates more than 5,000 will participate in Modesto alone. As of late February more than 1,500 individuals had already signed up.

Each event focuses on one day when volunteers come out to give back to their community in myriad of ways. Local businesses and families act as both project sponsors and volunteers. Efforts can be financial, hands-on or both. “The day is a catalyst for ongoing continual volunteerism, ongoing pride,” Pishney said. “It’s not just about beautification. There’s something for everyone.” One of the reasons Pishney organized this venture was to address the challenges prevalent in Modesto. He also mentioned the negative press the city often receives. “We can either run from those challenges, or we can do something about it,” he said. “There’s so many good people here there’s no reason good should not be prevailing.” Businesses that fund projects take a tax break, but that isn’t all they get for their efforts. Pishney said volunteering is a good team building opportunity. “They have that bonding experience,” he said. “They have greater moral.” Ian Grimbleby of Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc. in Modesto, got involved early on when Love Modesto transitioned from a church effort to its own nonprofit. He knew Pishney from the church and that Love Modesto needed money. Grimbleby was asked to be on the board. Through his board member role, Grimbleby’s company got involved, as well. “Grimbleby Coleman CPAs is very active in the community,” Grimbleby said. “So it was a no brainer.” In April employees, family members and friends of Grimbleby Coleman will gather to make teddy bears for

Rite of Spring

PHILLIP JOHNSON/CVBJ

The almond blossom marks the beginning of spring in the Central Valley, even if the calendar doesn’t quite agree. Almond trees were in their glory in mid-February as you can see from this orchard near Modesto. Almonds are the most valuable crop in both San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

More than 5,000 volunteers are expected to participate in this year’s Love Modesto event.

kids in crisis “to give them some sense of comfort,” Grimbleby said. It is the same project the company sponsored last year. In addition to funding the entire project volunteers also put the teddy bears together. Between 30 and 40 from Grimbleby showed up last year. This includes cutting, sewing, stuffing and everything else that goes into creating the stuffed animals. While businesses can financially sponsor, Pishney said it’s ideal for them to volunteer, as well. “When you’re doing something positive for those in need it does something to you,” he said. For Pishney, the mission is bigger than the projects involved. He said Love Modesto is working to change the narrative of the city. “The narrative of our city has been hijacked… it’s a false narrative,” he explained. “There’s so many amazing people in the city, so many amazing organizations… there’s so much good here that’s not being told.” To get involved, interested businesses or individuals can visit Loveourcitiesprojects.com/projects/modesto. Approved projects are listed on the website with timeslots for each one. The list is updated with how many remaining spots are available for each project. Indicators mark whether an event is family-friendly or appropriate for small children. “You kind of choose something near

There’s so many good people here, there’s no reason good should not be prevailing.

Jeff Pishney Love Modesto Executive Director

and dear to you,” Pishney said. There is also a spot to suggest a project. Anyone in the community can submit an idea, Pishney said. For businesses, each project is marked with a sponsorship level, ranging from a $500 to $5,000 commitment. Each business is asked to choose its top three project choices. There is no volunteer requirement, although it is encouraged. Sponsorship information is available at Lovemodesto.com/sponsor. Participating businesses range from large corporations such as Home Depot to local businesses such as Valley Air Conditioning. By late February, more than 60 businesses had already signed up to sponsor a project in 2016. “There’s so many ways to love your city, to love those in your city,” Pishney said. “People get motivated by big crowds, by big rallies… so that’s kind of the idea behind this one day.” To learn more, visit Lovemodesto.com.

Central Valley Business Journal

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SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

BRIEFS Farmers & Merchants Bancorp announces record earnings LODI — Farmers & Merchants Bancorp announced that it earned a record net income with $27.4 million for the year-ending Dec. 31, 2015. The total was an increase of 7.8 percent over the prior year. The strong performance resulted in basic earnings per common share of $34.82, return on average assets of 1.12 percent and return on average equity of 11.21 percent. Total assets at year-end were $2.6 billion, up 10.8 percent over the prior year. “Despite continuing pressures on the industry’s net interest margin, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp maintained its position as one of the best performing banks in California,” Farmers & Merchants Bancorp’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Kent Steinwert said.

Big Valley Ford named a top-rated dealer STOCKTON — Edmunds.com honored Big Valley Ford Lincoln with its Five Star Dealer Award. The third annual award was given to 11 Northern California dealerships for customer satisfaction in Edmunds.com’s dealer “Sales Ratings.” Eligible dealers earned an overall sales rating of five stars among car shoppers on Edmunds.com – with a minimum of 20 reviews during the previous two years – as of Dec. 31, 2015. Six dealerships in Roseville, two in Folsom and one in Sacramento, Salinas and Stockton earned the award.

Stockton law firm hires new associate STOCKTON — Blaine Cox has joined the law firm of Herum\Crabtree\Suntag as a new associate, the law firm announced at the end of February. Cox joined the firm as a summer associate in 2014 and became an associate attorney after passing the bar exam last fall. He is involved in the firm’s diverse business law, land use and public agency practices. Cox graduated from Modesto High School and continues to live in Modesto. He earned a Bachelor Cox of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska and received his law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. He has won the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Torts and the B.T. Collins Scholarship for leadership and public service.

PG&E donates to Office of Education SAN FRANCISCO — PG&E is giving $20,000 to the San Joaquin County Office of Education to boost community vitality and economic development programs.

The donation is part of a $200,000 in awards the company is doling out to 10 community organizations. “PG&E supports organizations that are committed to creating local jobs and training workers because they’re making life better for their families, our communities and California as a whole,” said PG&E Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Public Policy Helen Burt. The company received more than 200 applications for the money. The applications were evaluated by a third party that based its recommendations on a combination of factors, including the strength of the plans presented, demonstrable links to job creation and community need.

University of the Pacific appoints new marketing vice president STOCKTON — The University of the Pacific has appointed Margery L. Grey associate vice president for marketing and communications. The longtime chief marketing strategist for the California State University system was chosen following a nationwide search. She will assume the post on March 21. Grey has been the assistant vice chancellor for communications for the 23-campus CSU system, the largest university system in the country, since 1999. She led, integrated and aligned the work of the camGrey puses in marketing, branding, web, digital and social media, video and print publications, outreach and special events to increase stakeholder support through measurable programs. At the University of the Pacific, Grey will serve as a member of President Pamela Eibeck’s leadership team and be a strategic adviser to the university. She is charged with leading and advancing the branding, marketing and communications strategy and programs for the university. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the leadership, faculty, staff and students to build University of the Pacific’s reputation as the premier teaching-focused university in California and beyond,” Grey said. “I am proud to join a university that meets the diverse needs of students with such outstanding teaching and scholarship in such a deeply supportive and engaging environment.”

Walters appointed vice president of HR for University of the Pacific STOCKTON — The University of the Pacific has appointed Greg Walters as the new assistant vice president for human resources. Walters was the executive director of human resources at the University of Idaho. He has also held numerous roles in the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources. He has served on the national board for two years and as treasurer and is certified as a senior professional in human resources through the Human Resources Certification Institute. At Pacific, Walters will work to advance human resources management through enhancWalters ing the workplace environment, strengthening employee development and diversity, developing a robust recruitment plan and other important initiatives. Walters will oversee the university-wide human resource and assessment, training and technology units that will continue to be led by Jane Lewis and Sondra Roeuny.

March 2016

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STANISLAUS COUNTY

BRIEFS Stanislaus State University hires pair for advancement TURLOCK — Stanislaus State University’s Division of Advancement has named Mary Hartsfield as its new director of annual giving. Kevin M. Brunk was named its new director for major gifts. Hartsfield spent six years at Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock, overseeing all operating functions and reporting systems in support of the hospital’s comprehensive fundraising program. Under her direction, Emanuel raised Hartsfield more than $9.5 million. Emanuel used a “team concept” similar to that used by Stan State in its successful One Purpose annual campaign. Brunk is a long-time Oakdale resident who brings nearly 30 years of experience and expertise in fundraising, sales and account management, business development, sponsorship, volunteer development and team leadership. He graduated from Cal Poly with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. For the last 17 years he has worked with the leadership within the American Cancer Brunk Society. He served in roles such as vice president of sales and account management and other revenue generation, mission advancement and account relationship management positions.

E&J Gallo Winery to distribute Italian wine MODESTO — E&J Gallo Winery has been given exclusive rights to distribute Italy’s Renato Ratti wines in the United States. The wine will join Allegrini, Poggio al Tesoro and Pieropan in Gallo’s Luxury Wine Group. Gallo’s LUX wine group’s vision is to represent iconic wine suppliers from the most noteworthy appellations in the world. Renato Ratti has been producing wine since 1965 when he bought his first winery in the village of La Morra, a sub-region of Barolo known for producing red wines. Since 1988, Pietro Ratti has run the winery as a second-generation producer. The Renato Ratti portfolio that LUX Wines will be distributing includes the Barolo Marcenasco, Barolo Conca, Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata, Langhe Nebbiolo and Barbera d’Asti. “We are very excited to represent Renato Ratti wines in our LUX Wines portfolio in the US,” said Roger Nabedian, senior vice president of Gallo’s Premium Wine Division in a press release, “Barolo is one of Italy’s most prestigious red wine regions and Renato Ratti has played a very important role in the region’s history and development.”

March 2016

Sysco specialist honored by Certified Angus Beef

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MODESTO — Brandon Eddington was chosen as the New Performer of the Year by the Certified Angus Beef brand in February. The culinary specialist at Modesto’s Sysco Central California was honored at the company’s annual foodservice seminar. The award honors the top specialist with less than two years experience representing the brand to chefs and restaurant owners. He was selected from among specialists throughout the United States and 52 other countries.

Never Boring announces hires MODESTO — Never Boring Associates, the marketing and design firm based in Modesto, has added two people to its staff, it announced in February. Duane Parsons will become the ad firm’s new chief operating officer, and Michele Laverty will be the new interim marketing manager. Parsons has was recently an administrator at Orangeburg Medical Group. He has also served as controller of Doctors Medical Center and has been an administrator at Valley Heart Associates. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA. Laverty spent 15 years as the director of the National Ag Science Center. She will work with Never Boring Associates for several months to help expand its agricultural base of customers.

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Parsons

Laverty

Doctors Medical Center promotes reading program MODESTO — Doctors Medical Center of Modesto launched a hospital-wide literacy project to inspire a love of reading in young children and families on March 1. The project will be launched in tandem with National Reading Month activities and be part of the Stanislaus READS! (Ready, Engaged, Able, Determined Students) initiative to help children in Stanislaus County read at grade level by the end of third grade. Hospital volunteers have completed a book drive to collect gently used children’s books. The volunteers will read these books to pediatric patients to help role model active reading skills. The hospital is also developing a “Little Free Library” that will be based in the Main Lobby and act as an easy way for visitors and employees to give and take books throughout the year. Current estimates indicate that 71 percent of Stanislaus County third grade students do not read at grade level. Those students are less likely to graduate from high school.

Ag Scholarship Luncheon set for March 17 OAKDALE — Sheriff Adam Christianson will speak at this year’s Ag Scholarship Luncheon in Oakdale on March 17. Christianson will talk about preventing agriculture-related crime. The 43rd Ag Scholarship Luncheon is sponsored by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce. The lunch is from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., March 17 at 110 S. Second Ave. Call (209) 847-0826 to buy tickets.

MERCED COUNTY

BRIEFS UC Merced team advances cancer research MERCED — A team at UC Merced has identified a drug that could be effective in battling melanoma. The discovery comes less than a year after mapping the genetic landscape of the deadly form of skin cancer. “The future of cancer research is here,” said UC Merced Professor Fabian V. Filipp. “In time, it’s possible that doctors will be able to scan a patient’s DNA and quickly identify both the specific type of cancer the person has developed and the best drugs to fight it.” The drug suppresses the EZH2 gene, which can silence other genes that suppress tumor generation. Filipp led a team of researchers on the new project and published their results Feb. 29 in the journal Neoplasia. In its new study, the team identified a genetic mutation that silences not only genes that suppress tumor generation, but also cell surface molecules that help the immune system recognize tumors. Lab work then showed that a drug known to inhibit EZH2 can have impacts that are beneficial to a substantial portion of melanoma patients. The drug, known as GSK126, will now move on to clinical trials to confirm its therapeutic effects, Filipp said. If successful, it will mark a major step toward a better understanding of cancer and how to treat it.

Community College’s State of the College Address set for April MERCED — The 4th annual State of the College Address and Presentation of the President’s Medallion is scheduled for April 22. The event, sponsored by the Merced College Foundation, provides an opportunity for the public to hear updates on Merced College from the superintendent/president. During the event, the college honors a significant philanthropist. This year’s recipients are Jim and Carlene Cunningham. Tickets can be purchased for $50 by calling (209) 381-6470.

IRS warns of scam collection calls MERCED — Merced County officials warned residents about telephone

www.firstchoiceservices.com 209.467.4426

scams in which individuals falsely represent themselves as representatives from the Internal Revenue Service. The callers try to extort money from consumers through a variety of methods, such as claiming someone owes money or is due money. The IRS is aware of such scams and has reminded people that it never calls to demand payment or calls about taxes owed without first having mailed a bill. And it never requires someone to use a specific method to pay taxes, such as a prepaid debit card. If individuals suspect they are receiving a scam call, they can report the call to the Tax Inspector General by calling (800) 366-4484.

UC Merced, Fresno State team to boost economy MERCED — UC Merced’s Small Business Development Centernetwork is partnering with the Office of Community and Economic Development at Fresno State to expand services. The SBDC helps job creation and job retention and assists business owners and entrepreneurs with growthoriented business strategies and technical assistance. The UC Merced SBDC program is nationally accredited and largely funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. “Fresno State’s Office of Community and Economic Development has a nationally recognized and award-winning rural outreach program that aligns with the SBDC mission,” Diane Howerton, regional director of the UC Merced SBDC said in a statement. In the last five years, the Fresno State program has added more than $43 million in new capital, aided in the creation or retention of 714 jobs with 258 new and expanding businesses and served 2,505 clients with 13,205 consulting hours. The group works in Fresno, Madera, Tulare and Kings counties. “This will be an opportunity for us to continue to leverage and expand services throughout Fresno, Kings, Madera and Tulare counties, the four counties served by the Fresno State SBDC.”

Central Valley Business Journal

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RIPON, CA 95366 AVA FIRE PROTECTION INC 394 APRIL WAY MANTECA, CA 95336 WATANABE VINEYARDS ROBERT|WATANABE JACKIE 2100 W HIGHWAY 12 LODI, CA 95242

SJ COUNTY

LEGALS Fictitious Business Names CS LANDSCAPING SANDOVAL CESAR 2130 VALMORA DR STOCKTON, CA 95210 VAN KOOL CUTS TAN EMELIE 100 W TURNER RD C LODI, CA 95240 INTO ZIN VINEYARDS MAGGIO VINEYARDS VAZ BROS INC 960 SOUTH GUILD AVE LODI, CA 95240 MID CAL SECURITY SERVIES YEE TING 4330 LEGACY COURT STOCKTON, CA 95219 WINDSOR HAMPTON CARE CENTER WINDSOR HAMPTON CARE CTR LLC 442 E HAMPTON ST STOCKTON, CA 95204 ZUNIGA TRUCKING ZUNIGA MIGUEL 3776 E MINER AVE STOCKTON, CA 95215 NEXTGEN DATA SECURITY JAKOBSEN HEATHER LYNN 519 W SANTOS AVE RIPON,CA 95366 SECURITY SYSTEM SOLUTIONS CICCARELLI JOSH 771 DE PEDRINI DR

WATANABE R & SON FARMS R WATANABE & SON FARMS WATANABE ROBERT WATANABE JACKIE WATANABE CRAIG 2100 W HIGHWAY 12 LODI, CA 95242 PEEHODYS PLACE PEEHODY’S PLACE HILL SHERRY GAIL 1325 SACRAMENTO ST ESCALON, CA 95320 RONS DRIVING SCHOOL INOCELIAS RONILO D 223 E 10TH ST TRACY, CA 95376 MIRACLE MILE SHOE REPAIR SE YOUNG CHUNG 98 WEST CASTLE ST STOCKTON, CA 95204 BLKKNGS ZERATSION HURUY 1125 HONEYSUCKLE CT TRACY, CA 95376 ENDLESS EVENTS LEMAS KRISTIN|LEMAS JOHN 28721 LEMON AVE ESCALON, CA 95320 MANNYS CUSTOM CAR AUDIO GOMEZ JOHN MANUEL 9698 DEEPWATER LN STOCKTON, CA 95219 ALVINA LITTLE ONES DAYCARE IVY ALVINA LASHA 9344 LANSDOWNE DR STOCKTON, CA 95210 FASHION SUNGLASSES UDDIN JALAL 5308 PACIFIC AVE STOCKTON, CA 95207 CORONA TREE & GARDEN SERVICE RUIZ ISIDRO RUIZ TERESA

2809 S LINCOLN STREET STOCKTON, CA 95206 PONCE E TAX SERV E. PONCE TAX SERVICES PONCE EDGAR U 864 W 5TH STREET STOCKTON, CA 95206 DT DENTAL CONSULTANT TAYLOR DEBRA 554 W CONEJO AVE TRACY, CA 95391 G & A MKT GARZA DANIELE MONICA 41 N AMERICAN ST STOCKTON, CA 95202 INTEGRITY CODING SOLUTIONS HERNANDEZ MARIA VICTORIA M 153 N LAFAYETTE ST MOUNTAIN HOUSE, CA 95391 MELLOW CAB AHMAD ABDULLAH S 1552 BLACK BIRD CT TRACY, CA 95377 RUBY FORM FILLING SERVICES AHMAD RUBINA SHAHEEN | AHMAD ABDULLAH SHAHEEN 1552 BLACK BIRD CT TRACY, CA 95377 FASHION B FIX WILRIGHT BRIANNAH DENEE 2276 SUDBURY CT TRACY, CA 95376 GREENS NUTRITION GREEN EUNICE 1906 PACIFIC AVE STOCKTON, CA 95204 FAMILY KITCHEN & GRILL THE “FAMILY KITCHEN & GRILL” SMITH JAMES SR 2650 MONTE DIABLO AV #4 STOCKTON CA 95203 CARHOP INTERSTATE AUTO GROUP INC 3158 AUTO CENTER CIR STE B STOCKTON, CA 95212 LODI HOMES LEACHMAN BROS TRUST LEACHMAN BROTHERS TRUST LEACHMAN GERTRUDE ANNA VANKUNYNENBURG

March 2016

924 CENTRAL AVE TRACY, CA 95376

2562 DORSET LANE TRACY, CA 95377

GALLERIA GROUP JANSSEN KATHLEEN LAGORIO TR JANSSEN K L TRUST JANSSEN DEAN JANN TR JANSSEN DEAN J TRUST LAGORIO CHRISTOPHER G TR LAGORIO CHRISTOPHER G TRUST JANSSEN & SONS LLC 2771 EAST FRENCH CAMP ROAD MANTECA, CA 95336

CENTRAL VALLEY CUSTOM DESIGN ALLEN RODGER JR APODACA CECELIA 13463 E HIGHWAY 88 LOCKEFORD, CA 95237

UNITY HOME HEALTH SERVICES ALLEN ALICHA 1341 HALEY COURT TRACY, CA 95377 HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE DIABLO HOME CARE INC 1151 W ROBINHOOD DR SUITE B7 STOCKTON, CA 95207 OLIMPIA ESTHETIQUE MILITARY OLIMPIA 18 EAST 9TH STREET TRACY, CA 95376 PROGRESSIVE DESIGNS LOUREIRO MEL INC MEL LOUREIRO INC 243 N MAPLE AVENUE STE B MANTECA, CA 95336

BAGEL EXPRESS BUSINESS CREATIONS 1461 W MARCH LANE STOCKTON, CA 95207 KOREAN PROFESSIONAL BLDG MAINTENANCE MAINT INC 5026 BAYVIEW CIR STOCKTON, CA 95219 ROOMS TO BE REMEMBERED CASSELL SALLY E 1742 DUKE CT TRACY, CA 95377 ROCCA TOWN R.O.C.C.A. T.O.W.N. VIP YESS CYTP V.I.P. Y.E.S.S. - C.Y.T.P. FRAZIER LARONNA 1237 PRINCESS DR STOCKTON, CA 95209 ELPOLLO LOCO NOR CAL CHICKEN INC 678 N WILSON WAY STOCKTON, CA 95205 JOCO MOTORS OLARTE JAMES CAJARO 9631 VARALLO CT STOCKTON, CA 95212

CARMEN & FAMILY BARBEQUE KELLY MARK ANTHONY 2229 NORTH TRACY BLVD TRACY, CA 95376

RAYS BEVERAGE COMPANY RAYMOND DISTRIBUTING INC 4218 CORONADO AVE STOCKTON, CA 95204

LOW FAMILY DENTAL LOW CHRISTIAN JAMES 816 WEST LODI AVE LODI, CA 95240

AMBER LANE BOOKS KANDOLA RAMAN 1112 NORTH MAIN STREET MANTECA, CA 95336

FUSION FILMS TABAR ANDREW 535 W CANCION CT MOUNTAIN HOUSE, CA 95391 KB PHOTOMAX PHOTOMAX BURGAD & BURGAD INC 1209 W LONGVIEW AVE STOCKTON, CA 95207 STEELHOUSE BASKETBALL BROWN DONTAE R

LAS PALMAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT & BAR VARGAS JUAN TORRES ROJAS ARCELIA TORRES ARCELIA ROJAS ARCELIA 5084 N WEST LN STOCKTON, CA 95210 ELITE TRAINING ACADEMYS SPORT PERFORMANCE LAB ELITE TRAINING ACADEMY CAL LLC 25425 S SCHULTE RD TRACY, CA 95377 ELITE TRAINING ACADEMYS FAMILY FITNESS ELITE TRAINING ACADEMY CAL LLC 579 WICKLUND CROSSING MOUNTAIN HOUSE, CA 95391 SIENNA COURT APT APARTMENT RENOVATION GROUP II LLC 1036 S GARFIELD ST LODI, CA 95240 MODERN OPTOMETRIC EYECARE NGUYEN LIEN THI KIM|LIEN THI KIM NGUYEN 400 E KETTLEMAN LANE, STE 18 LODI, CA 95240 WRIGHT PROCESS SYSTEMS PSI GENL CONTR INC 88 COMMERCE STREET LODI, CA 95240 WATER BOY GONG SCOTT 216 W KETTLEMAN LANE LODI, CA 95240 BROOKSIDE WINERY MIRAMONT EST VINEYARDS & WINERY INC 24837 E MILTON RD LINDEN, CA 95236

ECS EXCELLENCE COMMITMENT & SERVICE JD RV RENTALS MAINTENANCE DBA VERTAR TORRES JUAN CARLOS CONSULTANTS 1242LOY THAYER CIR VERTAR DEBORAH STOCKTON, CA VERTAR JACK 95206 1058 MARIGOLD PL WAKE LENDING MANTECA, CA COLEMAN BEULAH 95336 BEVERLY 301 S HAM LANE, STE C STOCKTON, CA 95242

March 2016

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INTEGRATED ELECTRIC SOLUTIONS CRIBBS CHAN, DANNY 3421 BOYCE LANE MODESTO, CA 95355 J & A TRUCK PAINTING CHAMORRO, JOHN T 653 HI TECH PKWY OAKDALE, CA 95361

STANISLAUS COUNTY

LEGALS Fictitious Business Names HOWELLS TREE CARE CASICO, ELIZABETH 5255 MCHENRY AVE MODESTO,CA 95356 HOXIE SPRITZER VARNI BROTHERS CORPORATION 400 HOSMER AVE MODESTO, CA 95351 HUB/ART HUBBARD, CHRIS 5100 SANTA FE STREET OAKDALE, CA 95361 HUDSON’S TRUCKING JOHNSON, AARON 1538 OAKWOOD MODESTO, CA 95350 ILUMINA TU SER RODRIGUEZ, SILVIA 1320 GIAHOS AVE MODESTO, CA 95358 INFINITI & BEYOND CREATIVE KEEPSAKE WILSON, SHENTILE 4017 DALE RD APT A MODESTO, CA 95356 INLAND EMPIRE DISCOUNT REALTY GWALTNEY, CARL G 2601 JENNIFER DR MODESTO, CA 95350 INTEGRATED ANALYTICAL LABS COMPASS FOODS, INC 1321 ENSLEN AVENUE MODESTO, CA 95350

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J & R TRUCKING LOGISTICS RAMIREZ, JUAN JOSE 1528 CULPEPPER AVE MODESTO, CA 95351 J AND T CLEANING SANCHEZ, JIMMY F PO BOX 2714 ARNOLD, CA 95223 J’S ESTREME CARPET CLEANING ANHAR, JANSON 1261 AKRON DRIVE TURLOCK, CA 95382 J. G MOBILE TRAILER REPAIR GARCIA SUAREZ, JUAN L 996 BRIGADOON LN WATERFORD,CA 95386 JEFF CARNIE STUDIOS CARNIE, JEFF 505 HUDSON AVE OAKDALE, CA 95361 JET BLAST, LLC JET BLAST AIRRAFT DETAILING, LLC PO BOX 577052 MODESTO, CA 95357 JIM MILLER CONSTRUCTION MILLER, JIM 931 RENO AVE, STE E MODESTO, CA 95351 JOE CATON TRUCKING INC PO BOX 1209 CERES, CA 95307 JRB ENTERPRISES BROWN, JAMES R 1731 MAIN ST ESCALON, CA 95320 JULIAN’S SALON JET BLAST AIRRAFT DETAILING, LLC PO BOX 577052 MODESTO, CA 95357

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Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016

Realtor appointed to open Stockton City Council seat

BUSINESS JOURNAL PHOTO

Brandvold sworn in MODESTO — Businessman Ted Brandvold won the Feb. 2 runoff election against Garrad Marsh for mayor of Modesto. Brandvold received 15,455 votes or 58 percent to Marsh’s 11,037 or 42 percent. The runoff was necessary because to win outright, a candidate for mayor needed to receive at least 50 percent of the vote. Marsh got 39 percent; Brandvold, 30 percent. Brandvold was sworn in during the Feb. 23 city council meeting. During his campaign, Brandvold, owner of Commercial Architecture, said that residents, businesses and other organizations in the community must work together to move the city

forward. It was the central theme of his campaign. He said he wanted to give those groups a more active role in city government through task forces and committees. “It’s going to take everybody in this city to work in a collaborative effort to change the direction of our city,” he said. He said that was what set him apart from Marsh. “I give people hope for change,” Brandvold said. “I’m walking precincts here daily, and across the board there’s a stagnation in our city while other even adjacent communities seem to be doing better than us. We have not positioned ourselves for the uptick in the economy.”

STOCKTON — Michael Blower was appointed to the Stockton City Council by a 6-0 vote on Feb. 23. Blower was among four candidates interviewed to fill the District 4 seat that was left vacant when Councilmember Moses Zapien was appointed to serve on the San Michael Biower Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. Blower’s term will run through Dec. 31. “When I knew the District 4 seat was going to be available, that was something I thought about, prayed about, talked with my family, talked with my employers and embarked on this journey,” said Blower during his interview before the council. He has been in the real estate industry since 2006 when he owned Blower Realtors and then as a vice president and sales manager at Grupe Real Estate starting in 2014. He has also served as the real estate columnist for the Central Valley Business Journal. Among his community involvement

activities, Blower has been a member of the City of Stockton Community Development Committee, president of the Rotary Club and School Board president of the First Baptist Christian School of Stockton. Among some of the issues that face the city, Blower said that he would be curious to hear the arguments in favor or opposed to the strong mayor proposal. He also said that the city needed to look at the facts regarding the controversial decision to add chloramines to the city’s drinking water. “My feelings are that I think it’s important for people to discuss it,” he said. “As a city we need to be fiscally responsible and not throw money at problems that don’t really exist.” He said the fact that many cities had used that chemical for years without problems leads him to believe that the city would need more evidence before spending more money on alternatives to the chemical. He was less enthusiastic of the proposed water rate hikes. “That is a bitter pill to swallow for people who have done what they were asked and reduced usage,” he said. He also praised the city’s efforts to reduce crime and emphasized the city’s need to retain its police officers.

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Central Valley Business Journal

March 2016