Progress Magazine | October 2018

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

VOL. 39 | ISSUE 10 | OCTOBER 2018

CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY CANDIDATES FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS CANDIDATES FOR COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

MISSION STATEMENT

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area, regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity and business education.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman

Steven Rank, Rank Investigations and Protection, Inc.

Chairman-Elect

Thomas Reeves, City of Modesto

Past Chairman

Eric Tobias, F&M Bank

Vice Chairman, External Operations Stephen Madison, STANCO

Vice Chairman, Internal Operations

Patricia Gillum, Patricia A. Gillum,CPA

DIRECTORS

Annie Amies, Vintage Faire Mall Elliot Begoun, The Intertwine Group Brad Blakeley, Edward Jones Investments Paul Holshouser, Flowers Baking Co. of Modesto Michael Howell, Blom & Associates Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Loren Kuntz, Atherton & Associates Naomi Layland, Huff Construction Co, Inc. Craig Lewis, Lewis Capital Advisors DeSha McLeod, Community Hospice Inc. M ichael Moradian, Peace of Mind Pest Control & Home Inspections K athy Monday, Damrell, Nelson, Shrimp, Pallios, Pacher & Silva and Squeeze In Tom Nielsen, Individual Member Peggy O’Donnell, Mid-Valley Promotion Dillon Olvera, Beard Land & Investment Co. Kristin Reza, Bank of Stockton Lucy Virgen, Bank of the West Pete Zahos, Sysco Central California, Inc.

ADVISORS

OCTOBER 2018 | CONTENTS ELECTION EDITION

VOTE 2018

COUNTY OF STANISLAUS 2018 Statewide General Election Tuesday, Nov. 6 / Register to votewww.stanvote.com

Candidates For District Attorney

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Keith Boggs, Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office George Boodrookas, Modesto Junior College Tim Harms, Leadership Modesto Joe Lopez, City of Modesto David White, Opportunity Stanislaus Melissa Williams, Modesto Irrigation District Cecil Russell, President/CEO Modesto Chamber of Commerce CRussell@ModChamber.org

Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce 209.577.5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org Graphic Design: 209 Magazine 209.634.9141 • www.209magazine.com Cover Photo: Modesto Centre Plaza, Photo contributed

Printer: 209 Magazine

Candidates For Superintendent of Schools

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Message from the CEO

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Chamber Calendar

CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY

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Birgit Fladager / John R. Mayne

CANDIDATES FOR SUPERINTENDENT

OF SCHOOLS

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Shannon Sanford / Scott Kuykendall

CANDIDATES FOR COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

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Tony Madrigal / Terrance Withrow District 3

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Tom Berryhill / Frank Damrell District 4

209.634.9141 • hvanderveen@209magazine.com

Distribution: 209 Magazine

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in

209.634.9141

this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

Advertising Sales:

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PROGRESS MAGAZINE

© Copyright 2018 Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

Some parts of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted, however, we require that permission be obtained in writing.

209.577.5757, Progress@ModChamber.org

Staff: Staff Accountant, Rebecca “Becky” Taber-Smith Events Coordinator, Trish Christensen Communications & Marketing, Jennifer Konradi

1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354 209. 577.5757 • Fax 209. 577.2673 www.ModChamber.org • Progress@ModChamber.org

Candidates For County Board of Supervisors

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

By Cecil Russell, Chamber President and CEO We continue to support the effort to thwart the water grab by the state of our water. As we and others have said before, this is not a fight just for our farmers and the agriculture business, but it affects every one of us in this geographical area. We must continue to join MID/TID, the Stanislaus Farm Bureau, the City of Modesto, Stanislaus County and others in this fight to save our water. Remember our motto WATER WEALTH CONTENTMENT HEALTH, there is a reason our founders had water first in our motto, because we cannot survive or thrive as a community without our water. Be a voice in this extremely important issue and help us fight!

Thanks to all of you for attending our 57th annual Harvest Lunch.

We had a great turnout, thanks to our great committee. Our featured speaker, Stanislaus County Supervisor Terry Withrow, spoke on the issue of fighting for our water and how we can get more involved in this fight to protect our Water Rights. Hopefully by now, everyone knows the impact this water grab will have on our jobs and our overall economy. This event continues to raise funds for MJC Agriculture students and we appreciate all our sponsors and for all of you that attended.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO / CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

In September we held our annual Business and Education event, which was also very well attended. We had a great panel discussion with the leaders from our educational institutions; California State University Stanislaus, Modesto Junior College, Stanislaus Office of Education, and Modesto City Schools. This panel was moderated

by Marian Kaanon from Stanislaus Community Foundation. Many thanks to all who participated, and our Education committee headed by Mary Ann Sanders.

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This October issue of Progress is a special edition, particularly to present the important political races that you, as responsible voters, will decide who will represent us on two seats of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors, our future Superintendent of County Schools, and Our District Attorney for Stanislaus County. Please read the questions and responses from the candidates presented in this special edition. We present this information to help with your final decisions.

There is still time to register for the Disney Institute full day training on November 1st at MJC. This is a world class training program that we at The Modesto Chamber, with the help of our sponsors, are proud to bring to Modesto. Do yourself and/or your business a favor and register for this incredible opportunity within our community.

We did not include information on the two Assembly races in our area for incumbents Adam Gray and Heath Flora, we believe that voters in our area are satisfied with current representation.

We also did not add information on the ballot measure to repeal SB1. On this issue please read the ballot information both for and against before you VOTE.

With our expanded pages in Progress, we continue to feature more business articles. We plan to feature one or two restaurants in each edition to bring recognition as well as appreciation to the amazing dining options Modesto has to offer. We hope this influences you all to visit these restaurants. Please feel free to give us feedback on these businesses, we appreciate all responses!

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PRESENTATION

by City Manager Joe Lopez and City Directors Will and Bill Sandhu

with Cal Trans and County Transportation

ATTENDED CITY SAFETY & COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE MEETING

ATTENDED COMPREHENSIVE FEES TASK FORCE

ATTENDED THE CITY FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

Meeting with Steve Madison

ATTENDED

Meeting with Kristen Olsen

ON OVERREACH

BY STATE GOVERNMENT/ ATTORNEYS ON SMALL BUSINESS

ATTENDED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING

ATTENDED MEETING OF CORE PARTICIPANTS ON VISIONING IDEAS FOR REUSE OF CURRENT COURTHOUSE

ATTENDED 57th ANNUAL HARVEST LUNCH

ATTENDED LEADERSHIP MODESTO STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

ATTENDED STATE OF BUSINESS AND EDUCATION EVENT MEETING

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

Those that get elected with your votes will guide us for the next numbers of years and will set policies that will affect our everyday lives. VOTE VOTE VOTE.

STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM

Presentations by Van De Pol and Dibs

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE CLASSROOM! Host a Stanislaus County teacher to intern in your businesses for forty hours next summer. Stanislaus Partners In Education (SPIE) pays the teacher and Worker’s Comp is covered by the instructor’s district. This is an opportunity for you to have a direct impact on what your teacher/intern teaches in the classroom to students, who, ultimately, could be your future employee.

This summer 15 Stanislaus County teachers interned in businesses/industry.

The SPIE Board sincerely thanks this year’s intern hosts (two accepted more than one intern): Bartelink Dairy

San Joaquin Air Board

CSUS Athletic Training

Stanislaus County Office of Ed IT Department

Center for Human Services

Stanislaus County Workforce Development

Community Hospice E & J Gallo Winery Final Cut Media Foster Farms Modesto Nuts Never Boring Design Opportunity Stanislaus

Contact SPIE at: spie@thevision.net www.stanislauspartners.com

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CHAMBER CALENDAR OCTOBER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 3 COMMITTEE MEETING

CHAMBER CALENDAR

Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 7:30 AM

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GOOD EGG BREAKFAST Centre Plaza 7:00 A.M.

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NOVEMBER DISNEY INSTITUTE 1 Modesto Junior College, West Campus, MSR Center 8:00 AM

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OKTOBERFEST John Thurman Field 5:30 PM

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 7:30 AM

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RIBBON CUTTING ADF Protection 11:30 AM

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS Carolyn Huff Photography Studio and Gallery 7:30 A.M. – 8:30 A.M.

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STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 9:00 AM

RIBBON CUTTING McHenry Museum 11:00 AM

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VETERANS DAY Office Closed

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 12:00 PM

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STANISLAUS GREEN TEAM Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 9:00 AM

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Fiscalini Cheese Company 5:30 P.M.

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNCIL Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 12:00 PM

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS/RIBBON CUTTING Direct Appliance 5:00 P.M.

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**The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is located at 1114 J St., Modesto

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Modesto Chamber of Commerce** 7:30 AM

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Fiscalini Cheese Company 5:30 PM

MISSION STATEMENT: The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area, regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, To execute our adopted mission we have connectivity developedand anbusiness acronym that helps keep us focused. economic development, education.

That acronym is “CARES: Community, Advocacy, Relationships, Education and Service.”

To execute our adopted mission we have developed an acronym that helps keep us focused.

That acronym is “CARES: Community, Advocacy, Relationships, Education and Service.”

COMMUNITY At its heart the Modesto Chamber is a community of likeminded business owners who share the vision for enjoying a thriving economy and creating and maintaining our community as a vibrant place to live, work and play. The Modesto Chamber is the go-to resource and facilitator of ideas and communication for nonprofits, governmental agencies, and community leaders. More than just a business club, the Modesto Chamber strives to affect its environment for positive transformation by supporting change agents in the community.

EDUCATION The Chamber serves the education community by hosting the annual State of Business and Education event, by fund-raising for local students at the Ag Aware and Harvest Luncheon annual series, and partnering with local schools and colleges to train and educate young men and women, all in keeping with our pledge to help provide a ready workforce to serve local employers. Additionally, the Chamber educates its members on practical solutions and best practices through its Progress Magazine articles, monthly Chamber University and Seeds of Success speaker series, workshops and seminars, monthly committee meetings, and SCORE counseling.

ADVOCACY Chamber Staff, Board of Directors and many of our topical committees, such as Economic Development and Government Relations, are engaged and proactively representing our members by addressing business initiatives, addressing issues in our community and working to relieve the regulatory burdens businesses endure due to local and state governments. The Modesto Chamber gets results, as shown by recent victories in forming more rational ADA legislation, defeating a no-growth measure, electing business friendly candidates, working alongside others to pass Measure L, a local self-help transportation measure, and championing for more water for our agribusiness, industry and citizens. By working together, our members are stronger together than they could ever be on their own.

RELATIONSHIPS

The Modesto Chamber specializes in building relationships among business and serving as the nexus to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies. We host monthly networking events, annual special events, an annual trade show, and our long-running Gala. Members also may serve on committees or go through the Leadership Modesto program where they will build longterm relationships with key leaders in the business world and local community.

SERVICE The Chamber believes in service to the community and to its members. The Chamber Board and staff are active on many nonprofit and government committees, donating their business expertise, time and resources. The Chamber also serves its individual members by hosting ribbon cuttings which introduce a new business to the community, valuable and cost effective (free) marketing opportunities, exposure to social media, workshops and training for our business partners and their associates, and other free and discounted resources.

C - Community A - Advocacy R - Relationships E - Education S - Service

OCTOBER 2018

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CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY The opinions and statements listed in this article are those of the respondents/candidates and do not necessarily reflect the views, specific policy, or position of the Modesto Chamber. All statements and information given in this article are for informational purposes only. All responses and information provided are reprinted from the candidates’ responses. It is the readers’ responsibility to verify the facts and information.

BIRGIT FLADAGER

became the first female district attorney of Stanislaus County when she took office in July 2006 and is seeking her 4th term.

1: WHAT QUALIFICATIONS PROPELLED YOU TO RUN FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY? Prior to first being elected as District Attorney in 2006, I served as a major case trial attorney for nearly 20 years, with over six years as a supervising Chief Deputy and member of the management team.

Additionally, my service in the U.S. Navy was as a prosecutor within the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Office. These roles allowed me to expand my leadership experience and strengthen my ability to deal with high stress public situations. As I near the end of my third term, I fully appreciate how much I have learned and grown in this position.

2: DESCRIBE THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY. HOW WOULD YOU SUGGEST THE RESIDENTS OF STANISLAUS COUNTY GAUGE THE DA’S JOB PERFORMANCE? A District Attorney’s role is to protect their community through the vigorous, fair and ethical pursuit of justice while also protecting the rights of crime victims.

The public should look at many different aspects of the District Attorney’s Office to gauge job performance, to include partnerships with criminal justice agencies and other entities which have been implemented to create or enhance collaboration and efficiency.

Most specifically, however, is how well the office adapts to the State of California tilting the scales of justice in favor of criminals. The current climate of California’s criminal justice system is deteriorating, and the need for someone who will continue to stand fast in the face of changing political winds is paramount.

3: DESCRIBE THE WAYS IN WHICH YOU, AS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, WOULD ENCOURAGE A COLLABORATIVE AND COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER UNITS OF LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT. My office has and continued to work collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies. We accomplish this through local and regional task forces, giving and receiving training, and by regular meetings, both at the executive and line level. Communication is key to ensuring good partnerships – and I am a big advocate of process improvement, so if there is a more efficient or better way to do things, we listen and make necessary changes.

4: HOW COULD THE OFFICE YOU SEEK TO LEAD BE MORE TRANSPARENT, YET MORE EFFECTIVE? All levels of government could benefit from a big dose of 21st century transparency. My office has invested in the infrastructure needed to digitize records and work electronically, giving Deputy District Attorneys and those we serve greater accessibility to needed documents and files. Modern transparency also means proactively reaching out to the public in their chosen medium, including social media where we have become much more active. We must, however, ensure that any information provided is vetted and does not jeopardize a pending case or violate the special ethical rules that apply to prosecutors.

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

5: DESCRIBE THE TOP 3 CHALLENGES FACING OUR COUNTY’S COURT AND LEGAL SYSTEM, AND YOUR IDEAS ON HOW TO HELP OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES. i. Like private employers – recruiting and retaining quality employees is difficult. Younger attorneys with school debt are constantly scouting for higher paying opportunities, while many seasoned prosecutors are becoming overwhelmed by challenges in a changing criminal justice environment. Higher compensation and increased staffing are the obvious answer—although difficult to achieve in the government sector. ii. Break the court case logjam. Obviously, a shortage of judges plays a role, but it all goes back to efficiency, utilizing technology, and a desire to work hard from everyone in the court system. iii. Strengthening observance and respect for crime victims’ rights initiatives. Burglaries, car theft and other property crimes are traumatic and infuriating. Victims of violent crime and their families deserve speedy trials just as much as the criminals do. We must do a better job restoring the public’s trust in the criminal justice system by treating victims with compassion and respect and moving their cases expeditiously to conclusion.

6: WHAT BUDGET CHALLENGES IS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FACING, AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR APPROACH TO SOLVING THEM? The number one budget issue – like any private employer -- is how to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain quality employees, especially in light of the challenges and restrictions of the labor negotiations process and the budgetary constraints of the county. I have been lobbying for additional staffing and more competitive wages given the improved fiscal health of the county.

The current Board of Supervisors has approved funding for three additional prosecutors, but more are definitely needed. As District Attorney, I have been a strong steward of taxpayer dollars and will continue to fight only for funding necessary to operate an efficient and effective prosecutor’s office.

7: WHAT ROLE DOES THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE PLAY IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY, AND ARE THERE WAYS THE DA’S OFFICE AND THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ITS MEMBERS CAN WORK MORE CLOSELY TOGETHER? The District Attorney plays a large role in our local economy. Crime and homelessness lower our quality of life both materially and psychologically. If we can reduce these problems, it would help create the conditions to maintain and grow all areas of our economy.

The DA and the Chamber should be able to coordinate in many ways to deal with Modesto’s crime and homelessness. It would be helpful to have an attorney from the DA’s office as a liaison to the Chamber for law enforcement and crime prevention initiatives.

CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY The opinions and statements listed in this article are those of the respondents/candidates and do not necessarily reflect the views, specific policy, or position of the Modesto Chamber. All statements and information given in this article are for informational purposes only. All responses and information provided are reprinted from the candidates’ responses. It is the readers’ responsibility to verify the facts and information.

JOHN R. MAYNE

has been a prosecutor for the past 17 years under Birgit Fladager and now seeks a change.

1: WHAT QUALIFICATIONS PROPELLED YOU TO RUN FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY? I have been a prosecutor for 17 years, handling every kind of case from murder to sex crimes to gang crimes. When my friends and colleagues asked me to run, I wanted to make sure that it would not split the office – in fact, I now have the public endorsement of 18 current and former line prosecutors – no other candidate has any. I also have the endorsement of law enforcement associations and many members of the community.

My most famous case was that of now-convicted murderer Doug Porter, a pastor who staged a fatal car crash.

2: DESCRIBE THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY. HOW WOULD YOU SUGGEST THE RESIDENTS OF STANISLAUS COUNTY GAUGE THE DA’S JOB PERFORMANCE? The role of the District Attorney is to administer the laws with a focus on justice and public safety. Gauging the performance from an outsider’s view is necessarily difficult, but the following items are useful: i. Employee turnover. Turnover is an important indicator of the health of the organization.

the things that have happened would be unpalatable to the public.

5: DESCRIBE THE TOP 3 CHALLENGES FACING OUR COUNTY’S COURT AND LEGAL SYSTEM, AND YOUR IDEAS ON HOW TO HELP OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES. PROBLEMS: i. Turnover. The office has had increasing turnover, especially in the last four years. Many of those who left took pay cuts and stayed local. ii. Homicide rate. Homicides hit a 10-year high last year. iii. Case delays. We may have the slowest case resolutions in California.

Solutions: i. Focus on violent crime. Form a major crimes unit. ii. Improve evidence handling. Hand over evidence early.

Respect all employees. In response to my internal support, the incumbent ran an ad: “Some people in the criminal justice system don’t like her [tough] approach because it makes them work harder.” This was unhelpful.

ii. Homicide rate. If homicides are going up, something is going wrong. iii. Case closure. Are cases being handled both effectively and efficiently? iv. Appellate court reversals and findings of misconduct. v. Nepotism and other preferential treatment in hiring, promotions, and case handling.

3: DESCRIBE WAYS IN WHICH YOU, AS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, WOULD ENCOURAGE A COLLABORATIVE AND COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER UNITS OF LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT. The 1st step is to ensure that people are kept safe. Currently, we routinely reject or undercharge cases which involve jailers. Violence against jail staff must be charged appropriately.

2nd, I would ensure that there is direct communication with agencies that are less directly associated with prosecution, but are still related, like Child Protective Services.

3rd, I would make sure that people knew how to find me and would go out of my way to be available to local agencies and the public.

4th, I would have an annual all-staff meeting, of which part would be open to the public.

4: HOW COULD THE OFFICE YOU SEEK TO LEAD BE MORE TRANSPARENT, YET MORE EFFECTIVE? I would suggest a better phrasing would be, “more effective through greater transparency.” Transparency is simply not at odds with efficacy; the current administration is resistant to transparency because some of

6: WHAT BUDGET CHALLENGES IS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FACING, AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR APPROACH TO SOLVING THEM? The budget challenges are almost entirely of the office’s own making.

The office spent almost $500,000 last May on unneeded scanners, televisions that went to tiny rooms, large monitors that replaced existing identical monitors, and unused furniture. This was money that could have gone to people or a 21st-Century evidence-handling system.

Instead, it was wasted.

The excuse that government agencies must use up money to retain budgets does not justify burning taxpayer money. It also doesn’t justify using the money on unneeded supplies.

We have also simply passed on applying for some grants, like the Office of Traffic Safety grant.

7: WHAT ROLE DOES THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE PLAY IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY, AND ARE THERE WAYS THE DA’S OFFICE AND THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ITS MEMBERS CAN WORK MORE CLOSELY TOGETHER? Economy and crime are always intertwined. In general, improved economy leads to less crime. Capitalism cannot be allowed to be derailed by thieves, vandals, arsonists, and violent criminals.

Protection of businesses from quality-of-life crimes is important to their continued functioning. This includes everything from ways to reduce recidivism, whether through improving accountability or employment opportunities, and by constantly listening to the Chamber’s needs and ideas for improvement. Our business community is creative, innovative, and strong, and I look forward to partnering with you as we make our county safer, together.

OCTOBER 2018

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CANDIDATES FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS The opinions and statements listed in this article are those of the respondents/candidates and do not necessarily reflect the views, specific policy, or position of the Modesto Chamber. All statements and information given in this article are for informational purposes only. All responses and information provided are reprinted from the candidates’ responses. It is the readers’ responsibility to verify the facts and information.

SHANNON SANFORD

spent 16 years as a teacher in the classroom and the past 12 years as the longest serving School Superintendent in Stanislaus County.

1: WHAT QUALIFICATIONS PROPELLED YOU TO RUN FOR COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS? I have a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and have been in education for 28 years. I have been a teacher for 16 years and the Superintendent at Gratton School District for 12 years. I am the longest serving Superintendent in Stanislaus County. As a district Superintendent, I am a customer of Stanislaus County Office of Education. Being a customer gives me a unique perspective to draw from to know what improvements need to be made with service from the County Office of Education.

2: DESCRIBE THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. HOW WOULD YOU SUGGEST THE RESIDENTS OF STANISLAUS COUNTY GAUGE THE SUPERINTENDENT’S JOB PERFORMANCE? The role of the County Superintendent of Schools is a facilitator and SERVANT of leaders among its 24 districts in this county and their students while being accountable to taxpayers. The County Superintendent must take an ACTIVE, facilitative role with the district Superintendents of this county. Priorities must be articulated and agreed upon among all Superintendents in the areas of curriculum, budget, human resources, student services, and special education. Currently, Stanislaus County students rank 40th in Language Arts and 47th in Math achievement out of 58 counties in California. It is the role and the responsibility of the County Superintendent to increase student achievement.

3: DESCRIBE WAYS IN WHICH YOU, AS A COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, WOULD ENCOURAGE A COLLABORATIVE AND COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER UNITS OF LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT. Collaboration among all stakeholders is key to student success. Seeking regular input and coordination from all units of local and state government is a must. We cannot work in silos and expect efficiency for students and tax payers. Regarding legislators, the County Superintendent of Schools should serve as an advocate to relay a coordinated message from the 24 district Superintendents.

Encouragement of coordination and agreement between local county initiatives and school districts is imperative.

4: WHAT ROLE DO COUNTY SCHOOLS HAVE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? HOW CAN THE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION BEST SUPPORT THE GROWTH AND RETENTION OF JOBS? Student achievement is the base and backbone of our economic stability and development. Strong students who exhibit academic achievement and superior vocational skills with drive and grit will provide a successful workforce for our community. With over a quarter of a billion-dollar budget, and over 1,000 employees, it is the job of the County Office of Education to provide intense, and exemplary support for districts to produce those students.

5: HOW COULD THE OFFICE YOU SEEK TO LEAD BE MORE TRANSPARENT, YET MORE EFFECTIVE? Transparency is the first step in effectiveness, especially with the 24 districts in this county. Decision making should be shared because the Office of Education works for districts their students and taxpayers.

S T U D I O 2 0 9 . T V

6: DESCRIBE THE TOP 3 CHALLENGES FACING OUR STUDENTS, AND YOUR IDEAS ON HOW TO HELP THEM OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES. Improve Student Achievement- We must create a strong, successful elementary 10 year base to send to high school using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) integration and application.

Increase and Expand Vocational Education Opportunities for students while also increasing communication among K-12 and vocational or college systems for seamless transition for students- bring all entities together on a regular basis for articulation and decision making.

Increase coordination, quality and effectiveness of service from Stanislaus County Office of Education to its 24 districts and their students- transparency and shared decision making with district Superintendents.

7: WHAT BUDGET CHALLENGES IS THE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION FACING, AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR APPROACH TO SOLVING THEM? The biggest budget challenge is transparency with taxpayers and its 24 districts. Allocations and decision making should be shared with input given from districts. The fee for service model needs to be reevaluated and comparisons made to other County Offices of Education in California.

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

CANDIDATES FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS The opinions and statements listed in this article are those of the respondents/candidates and do not necessarily reflect the views, specific policy, or position of the Modesto Chamber. All statements and information given in this article are for informational purposes only. All responses and information provided are reprinted from the candidates’ responses. It is the readers’ responsibility to verify the facts and information.

SCOTT KUYKENDALL

has worked in a variety of positions over the past 23 years in the field of education.

He has been serving as a School Superintendent for the past 7 years.

1: WHAT QUALIFICATIONS PROPELLED YOU TO RUN FOR COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS? For the past seven years, I’ve worked at the Stanislaus County Office of Education as assistant county superintendent. During my 23 years in education, I’ve held a variety of jobs and titles.

I’ve worked at a small high school, a large alternative education high school and served as principal at Johansen High School in Modesto. While at Modesto City Schools, I was the director of secondary education — responsible for all 15,000 junior high and high school students. I began my career working as a Spanish and English teacher after studying Spanish in Spain and as a Fulbright Scholar in Venezuela.

2: DESCRIBE THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. HOW WOULD YOU SUGGEST THE RESIDENTS OF STANISLAUS COUNTY GAUGE THE SUPERINTENDENT’S JOB PERFORMANCE? The County Superintendent of Schools oversees all aspects of the County Office of Education including its nearly 1100 employees and $250 million budget. Specific responsibilities are the support of local school districts via direct services to students, fiscal oversight of district budgets, teacher and administrator trainings, and student programs such as Foothill Horizons and YES! Co. The County Superintendent also serves as legislative advocate for local districts to ensure that their voices are heard in Sacramento. SCOE is often sought for its expertise and has an outstanding reputation for educational excellence in Stanislaus County and throughout the State of California.

3: DESCRIBE WAYS IN WHICH YOU, AS A COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, WOULD ENCOURAGE A COLLABORATIVE AND COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER UNITS OF LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT. School safety is a hot topic of discussion. Under my direction, the Sheriff’s Department and SCOE worked together on a comprehensive active shooter training for local emergency response agencies and school staff. The Focusing on Children Under Stress (FOCUS) program -- recognized as a model in California -- is another great example of interagency teamwork in which SCOE has taken a lead. First responders inform local school districts when students experience a traumatic event in the home, giving schools the opportunity to better meet student needs the next day. Stanislaus County was the first to implement this program in CA. 4: WHAT ROLE DO COUNTY SCHOOLS HAVE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? HOW CAN THE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION BEST SUPPORT THE GROWTH AND RETENTION OF JOBS? It is important to train individuals in areas that provide a competitive wage and break the cycle of poverty and unemploy-

ment in Stanislaus County. Currently, many good-paying jobs go unfilled, especially in the areas of health care and advanced manufacturing. The Stanislaus County Office of Education recently purchased the former Modesto Bee building to create a training center to meet the needs of local adult students by teaching critical skills identified by local businesses. SCOE currently offers three training programs: construction trades, medical professional care assistant, and advanced manufacturing via The VOLT Institute in partnership with Opportunity Stanislaus.

5: HOW COULD THE OFFICE YOU SEEK TO LEAD BE MORE TRANSPARENT, YET MORE EFFECTIVE? The Stanislaus County Office of Education is committed to transparency and effectively communicating with the residents of Stanislaus County. Each September the Annual Report is published and circulated throughout the county. News releases are frequently sent to local media outlets. In addition, SCOE uses various social media platforms to keep the public aware of trainings, events and recognition ceremonies. SCOE’s communication team regularly submits articles to local magazine publishers. Board meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month and are open to the public. Currently, board meetings are not televised. This is an area I would like to explore.

6: DESCRIBE THE TOP 3 CHALLENGES FACING OUR STUDENTS, AND YOUR IDEAS ON HOW TO HELP THEM OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES The ability to read well by the end of third grade is one of the biggest indicators of future success. Kindergarten readiness is crucial. More needs to be done to educate parents on the importance of children’s health, the value of books in the home, and school attendance. Each year, 800-900 students drop out of our high schools. We need robust mentoring programs for our youth. Our Come Back Kids charter school provides a high school diploma program for adults. CBK has more than 700 enrolled and has graduated over 700 men and women. For more on the issues: www.kuykendall2018.com.

7: WHAT BUDGET CHALLENGES IS THE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION FACING, AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR APPROACH TO SOLVING THEM? SCOE has been diligent in spending its own funds as required by state and federal laws to support local districts in a variety of ways. SCOE currently provides special education services to districts throughout the county. As the costs of special education continue to climb, SCOE will be challenged to keep district fees down at manageable rates. Additionally, the governor recently mandated that districts dedicate a higher percentage of school dollars towards employee pensions each year. SCOE will need to work proactively with districts to begin making the necessary changes to avoid wholesale program cuts and/or layoffs.

OCTOBER 2018

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STANISLAUS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATES The opinions and statements listed in this article are those of the respondents/candidates and do not necessarily reflect the views, specific policy, or position of the Modesto Chamber. All statements and information given in this article are for informational purposes only. All responses and information provided are reprinted from the candidates’ responses. It is the readers’ responsibility to verify the facts and information.

TONY MADRIGAL

(Responses, with permission, may have been shortened to fit format/space constraints.)

1. WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU BELIEVE YOU POSSESS THAT GIVES YOU THE QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE THAT YOU ARE SEEKING? Now more than ever, Stanislaus County needs the governing experience and pro-economic development voice that I bring to the table.

dated by the State. Leadership and vision is needed in District 3 to continue building our county’s economy in a way that doesn’t keep leaving people behind. District 3 needs a supervisor that will work every day to identify unmet community needs and help deliver solutions.

I’m a family man, a business development manager, an educator, a Neighborhood Watch coordinator, a King Kennedy Center Board Member, and your Modesto City Councilmember for District 2. I’ve worked hard to keep my promise about Jobs, Safety, Community, and local economy.

6. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS TO MAKE THE ORGANIZATION MORE SUSTAINABLE? Stimulate economic development through greater collaboration with our local government agencies to grow our economy and increase our tax base to deliver vital services. Reduce unnecessary spending and establish additional citizen oversight as needed to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.

2. DESCRIBE WAYS IN WHICH YOU AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL WOULD ENCOURAGE A COLLABORATIVE AND COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER UNITS OF GOVERNMENT. Share information, develop positive relationships with our local (schools, cities, special district), state, and federal government leaders and communicate regularly so that protecting local government and providing public services are always a priority for them.

3. MODESTO NEEDS JOBS. AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, HOW WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVING THE AVAILABILITY OF LOCAL JOBS? In my current role as a member of the Modesto City Council, I recognize that we have a primary role in creating a local environment that is safe so economic development can have the freedom to thrive anywhere in Modesto and our County. I will bring that same attitude to the County of Stanislaus Board of Supervisors.

If elected Supervisor, I will work with our County Sheriff and our city councils to find ways to best support growth and retention of jobs by making sure our law enforcement and fire departments are well staffed to ensure the people who live and work in Stanislaus County feel safe. If a business doesn’t feel safe it can’t focus on serving its customers, much less on growing.

In addition, the Board of Supervisors must make sure we have enough shovel ready land for economic investment in Stanislaus County, preferably along high traffic corridors. In addition, we must be innovative in our economic development efforts such as pursuing New Market Tax Credits funding for local job-creating projects.

4. IF YOU ARE ELECTED OR REELECTED TO OFFICE, WHAT WILL BE YOUR TOP ISSUE? DESCRIBE THE MEASURES YOU WILL TAKE TO ADDRESS THIS NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. Public Safety to create a secure environment for businesses of all sizes to have the freedom to focus on job creation. Please see my response to Question #3 for further details. But some specific proposals are: • Invest in our local law enforcement and firefighters to make sure we keep improving public safety response times when you call 911.

• Fight to fully staff our sheriff substations in our unincorporated communities.

• Work to help re-open all our closed fire stations in Salida.

5. IN YOUR OWN WORDS, DESCRIBE THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OFFICE YOU SEEK. County supervisors provide leadership and oversee a budget of over $1.25 billion dollars to provide public services, many of which are funded and man-

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

7. HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE IMPACT TO BUSINESS WHEN MAKING VOTING DECISIONS? I always try to make sure we are creating an environment where businesses can start, grow, and thrive. A guiding principle for me is protecting the public’s safety which is why I’ve supported Modesto’s efforts to hire more police officers and keep our fire stations open. In the past, I have reached out to the Modesto Chamber of Commerce to seek input before I make a policy decision to make sure my decision will have a positive impact on businesses.

For example, prior to my vote on last year’s digital billboard city ordinance, I spoke to the Chamber’s CEO and had a helpful conversation on how that policy could best impact businesses in Modesto in a positive way. I will bring a similar approach to decisions I make as a member of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors.

8. WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER LOCALLY ELECTED OFFICIALS? WHEN DID YOU LAST MEET WITH OR CORRESPOND WITH ONE OF OUR LOCALLY ELECTED STATE OR FEDERAL OFFICIALS? I am fortunate to have great relationships with many of our state, federal, and local elected officials from Stanislaus County and surrounding areas. For example, I worked as a Field Representative for Assemblymember Luis Alejo and formed many relationships with other elected officials and their staffers.

Closer to home, I have a good relationship with Congressman Jerry McNerney, Assemblymember Adam Gray, and many members of city councils across Stanislaus County. I’m very proud to say that one of the things I’m known for is my willingness to talk with any official from any other jurisdiction about our shared issues and work to seek common solutions. I have a positive working relationship with my colleagues on the Modesto City Council and with several members of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. I look forward to building further relationships as a member of that body.

9. DO YOU HAVE ANY POTENTIAL PERSONAL OR BUSINESS ISSUES THAT MAY CONFLICT WITH THE OFFICE YOU SEEK? IF SO, HOW DO YOU INTEND TO CONTEND WITH THESE ISSUES? I do not have any conflicts of interest between my current profession and the issues which will come before me as a member of the Board of Supervisors.

If a former client of mine were to have an issue before the Board, I would of course consider any conflict and recuse myself from voting if there was any potential for bias on my part. My responsibility as a representative of the people of Stanislaus County and specifically of District 3 should always remain free from bias or conflict of interest.

STANISLAUS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATES The opinions and statements listed in this article are those of the respondents/candidates and do not necessarily reflect the views, specific policy, or position of the Modesto Chamber. All statements and information given in this article are for informational purposes only. All responses and information provided are reprinted from the candidates’ responses. It is the readers’ responsibility to verify the facts and information.

TERRANCE WITHROW

Terry Withrow has served two terms, this would be his third term. He has been serving as for the past 8 years and was instrumental on FOCUS ON PREVENTION. 1: WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU BELIEVE YOU POSSESS THAT GIVES YOU THE QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE\ OFFICE THAT YOU ARE SEEKING? I am a certified public accountant, owning my own firm for the last 28 years. In addition, I have farmed grapes and almonds. I am well versed in not only reading financial statements but preparing them along with all aspects of budgeting. I manage personnel in both my firm and our farming operation. Over the last 8 years as Supervisor representing District 3 in Stanislaus County, I have gained much knowledge of the operations of our County Government and just as I do for my over 1000 clients, I feel very qualified to help guide and direct the operation of this County.

2. DESCRIBE WAYS IN WHICH YOU AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL WOULD ENCOURAGE A COLLABORATIVE AND COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER UNITS OF GOVERNMENT. My accounting firm specializes in working with family businesses. The success of these businesses depends on collaboration and cooperation amongst family members. The same holds true in government. Over the last 8 years I have led the Board in working to build partnerships with all agencies within our County. From starting County/City Liaison monthly meetings to bringing all our water districts together to authoring the first ever groundwater ordinance in our County. The key to our County’s successes have been building relationships with fellow elected officials which then supports our abilities to get through tough issues and find common middle ground upon which we can reach a resolution.

3: MODESTO NEEDS JOBS. AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, HOW WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVING THE AVAILABILITY OF LOCAL JOBS? It’s my belief that government does not create jobs but what it can do is make sure it does not get in the way, through over regulating and taxing, of businesses attempting to either expand or startup in this County. As a County Supervisor over the last 8 years I have worked tirelessly to reduce the burden of government on our existing businesses to allow growth and new opportunities. In addition, I have led the charge in new infrastructure projects to not only attract new business but to aid the expansion of existing ones.

4: IF YOU ARE ELECTED OR RE-ELECTED TO OFFICE, WHAT WILL BE YOUR TOP ISSUE? DESCRIBE THE MEASURES YOU WILL TAKE TO ADDRESS THIS NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. The top and most critical issue facing this County right now is the attempt by state water officials to require an increase in flows on the Stanislaus, Tuolumne and Merced rivers, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands acre feet of water to this County. Such action would be devastating to our County in not only the fallowing of thousands of acres of farmland which translates to hundreds of millions of dollars to our local economy but also the loss of clean drinking water especially in our many disadvantaged communities in our County. I will continue, as I have for the last 5 years, to work toward a fair settlement that allows both sides of this issue to reach a spot that is palatable for us all to live with.

5: IN YOUR OWN WORDS, DESCRIBE THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OFFICE YOU SEEK. The role of a County Supervisor is to listen and represent the citizens of this County. With this comes the responsibility of working hard to gain the knowledge of all sides of issues and then lead by making the right decisions that will benefit the majority of our citizens. Leading is the key word here, it is not easy, and often comes with making decisions that may be difficult. At the end of the day though, you must make sure you’ve done what’s best for others and not for yourself.

6: WHAT ARE YOU PLANS TO MAKE THE ORGANIZATION MORE SUSTAINABLE? I will continue to make sure our County is operating efficiently providing the best services to our taxpayers. Our County has come out of the Great Recession during the last 8 years of my term stronger than we have ever been. We are debt free, not many Counties in the state of California can say that. I will continue to maintain our fiscally conservative values to allow us to weather the next economic storm.

7: HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE IMPACT TO BUSINESS WHEN MAKING VOTING DECISIONS? Any decision I make is carefully analyzed as to its impacts on all our community. The business side is always one of the most important factors. It is critical that we don’t hamper the sustainability of existing businesses nor discourage new business from starting here.

8: WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER LOCALLY ELECTED OFFICIALS? WHEN DID YOU LAST MEET WITH OR CORRESPOND WITH ONE OF OUR LOCALLY ELECTED STATE OR FEDERAL OFFICIALS? I meet almost daily with other elected officials. My relationship with these officials is critical to my success as a County Supervisor. I am one vote of many and I must be able to work with and gain the trust of my fellow elected. I feel I have developed a great working relationship with almost all of our local, state and federal elected representatives.

9: DO YOU HAVE ANY POTENTIAL PERSONAL OR BUSINESS ISSUES THAT MAY CONFLICT WITH THE OFFICE YOU SEEK? IF SO, HOW DO YOU INTEND TO CONTEND WITH THESE ISSUES? Over the last 8 years I’ve been in office, if any conflict has occurred, or even the appearance of a conflict has occurred, I have always recused myself from voting on that issue.

This job is about being self-giving not self-serving. I have dedicated the last 8 years of my life to making this County a better place to work and live. I feel I have accomplished much towards this goal but have more work to do. I am honored to serve our community and would love the opportunity to continue what I’ve started for the sake of all Stanislaus County.

OCTOBER 2018

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STANISLAUS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATES The opinions and statements listed in this article are those of the respondents/candidates and do not necessarily reflect the views, specific policy, or position of the Modesto Chamber. All statements and information given in this article are for informational purposes only. All responses and information provided are reprinted from the candidates’ responses. It is the readers’ responsibility to verify the facts and information.

TOM BERRYHILL 1: WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU BELIEVE YOU POSSESS THAT GIVES YOU THE QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE THAT YOU ARE SEEKING? I have served as an Assembly member for 4 years and a State Senator for the last 8 years representing Stanislaus County and our specific issues in Sacramento.

2: DESCRIBE WAYS IN WHICH YOU AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL WOULD ENCOURAGE A COLLABORATIVE AND COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER UNITS OF GOVERNMENT. I have a proven track record of working with County, City, Police, Firefighters and local elected officials to find the best results for our constituents. My door is always open to finding ways to improve our community.

3: MODESTO NEEDS JOBS. AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, HOW WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVING THE AVAILABILITY OF LOCAL JOBS? Provide tax incentives so new businesses locate in our county. Fund traffic relief projects for faster transport of goods and services. Streamline building permit process to construct more affordable housing. Strengthen public/private partnerships to improve worker skills.

4: IF YOU ARE ELECTED OR REELECTED TO OFFICE, WHAT WILL BE YOUR TOP ISSUE? DESCRIBE THE MEASURES YOU WILL TAKE TO ADDRESS THIS NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. In the previous question we have already discussed the need to protect existing jobs and to bring high paying jobs to our community.

Public safety is the number one responsibility of government.

5: IN YOUR OWN WORDS, DESCRIBE THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OFFICE YOU SEEK. To serve the citizens of Stanislaus County. I have been a public servant for 12 years. Being accessible to my constituents is an essential function of the job.

6: WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS TO MAKE THE ORGANIZATION MORE SUSTAINABLE? To work with the other Supervisors to keep Stanislaus County fiscally sound while still providing all essential services including fulfilling our commitment to our seniors and veterans.

7: HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE IMPACT TO BUSINESS WHEN MAKING VOTING DECISIONS? We must evaluate and stimulate investment in our community by providing the opportunity for businesses to relocate in Modesto and Stanislaus County.

There must be mutual benefit for all parties involved.

8: WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER LOCALLY ELECTED OFFICIALS? WHEN DID YOU LAST MEET WITH OR CORRESPOND WITH ONE OF OUR LOCALLY ELECTED STATE OR FEDERAL OFFICIALS? I have good relationships with elected officials from City, State and Federal offices. I have conversations daily with state officials. I last met with elected state and federal officials the week of September 2nd.

9: DO YOU HAVE ANY POTENTIAL PERSONAL OR BUSINESS ISSUES THAT MAY CONFLICT WITH THE OFFICE YOU SEEK? IF SO, HOW DO YOU INTEND TO CONTEND WITH THESE ISSUES? I have no personal conflicts.

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- Dean Brewer, DDS, and Amanda Brewer, DDS, Brewer Family Dentistry 14

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

STANISLAUS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATES The opinions and statements listed in this article are those of the respondents/candidates and do not necessarily reflect the views, specific policy, or position of the Modesto Chamber. All statements and information given in this article are for informational purposes only. All responses and information provided are reprinted from the candidates’ responses. It is the readers’ responsibility to verify the facts and information.

FRANK DAMRELL 1: WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU BELIEVE YOU POSSESS THAT GIVES YOU THE QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE THAT YOU ARE SEEKING? Over the past 50 years, I have lived, worked and raised a family in Modesto.

As a former stock broker and commercial real estate agent, a district representative for Senator Cathleen Galgiani, and someone whose family has made tremendous investment in this community, I have a real understanding of the problems, challenges and promise of our community, and I am deeply committed to making it better. I am actively working daily with families, business owners, government agencies and local leaders who are trying to address the many needs of our community, like advocating for Laura’s Law and more robust mental health services, protecting our water from devastating water board demands, expanding vocational training and transportation infrastructure to support our economy, and informing local employers against predatory law suits. This experience, along with raising a family and volunteering for several non-profits in our county, and everything I have learned over five decades listening and fostering relationships in the community, make eminently qualified to represent District 4 on the Board.

2: DESCRIBE WAYS IN WHICH YOU AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL WOULD ENCOURAGE A COLLABORATIVE AND COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER UNITS OF GOVERNMENT. All levels of government have an interest in working together to solve our problems. Many of our greatest local successes have been the result of collaborative, nonpartisan efforts, like reversing the negative bailout and securing funds for the ACE train. Much like I currently work with other legislative and local government staffs, I intend to continue working with all regional elected officials and working together to get things done for Stanislaus County and Modesto.

3: MODESTO NEEDS JOBS. AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, HOW WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVING THE AVAILABILITY OF LOCAL JOBS? I think there are several elements to meet the need for more, better paying jobs: We must support the expansion of our local businesses and attract new employers looking to relocate or expand to the region.

To achieve this, we need to provide these employers with educated, qualified workers. I will support the County Office of Education and local school districts to improve graduation rates, encourage apprenticeships and promote vocational education programs (like VOLT Institute) that will meet the needs of employers and help workers have rewarding futures. In addition, we can look to expand healthcare training and code writing to meet the needs of our future economy.

We have to make sure our community has the water, electricity and transportation infrastructure needed to attract major employers and keep the ones we have.

We need to encourage entrepreneurship and creativity. We must consider the opportunities in innovation of agricultural products, byproducts and renewable energy. Our valley should be to agriculture what Silicon Valley technology.

4: IF YOU ARE ELECTED OR REELECTED TO OFFICE, WHAT WILL BE YOUR TOP ISSUE? DESCRIBE THE MEASURES YOU WILL TAKE TO ADDRESS THIS NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. My top issues will be:

Work with the Focus on Prevention to stop the flood of homeless and mentally ill into the parks, neighborhoods and downtown of Modesto, with decentralized and improved delivery of effective services throughout the county, so we have better outcomes for the individuals, safer neighborhoods and revitalized economic activity.

Support job training programs to ensure we have a pool of qualified workers and a solid infrastructure to support local employers and attract more, better paying jobs.

Fully staff county law enforcement, expand services to treat addiction and address mental illness, which would provide greater public safety and community wellbeing.

Protect and improve our water resources.

5: IN YOUR OWN WORDS, DESCRIBE THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OFFICE YOU SEEK. I like to say the county is where the rubber meets the road in State governance.

Aside from a local DMV office, the state government is largely confined to Sacramento. The county is where services are implemented and local control, to the extent permitted, is applied. The Board of Supervisors listens to the people and determines the priorities within the discretionary budget. The board also provides oversight and leadership toward long term, regional goals.

In this capacity, the supervisors are instrumental to providing many aspects affecting the quality of life and public safety in our community.

6: WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS TO MAKE THE ORGANIZATION MORE SUSTAINABLE? The Board of Supervisors will benefit from cooperation, civil discussion and thoughtful decision making, and that is how I intend to work with fellow supervisors and other local governments.

7: HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE IMPACT TO BUSINESS WHEN MAKING VOTING DECISIONS? Job growth is critical to the economic well-being of our community, and the impact of decisions on existing businesses and the ability of the county to attract new ones will be absolutely critical to any decision I make on the board.

8: WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER LOCALLY ELECTED OFFICIALS? WHEN DID YOU LAST MEET WITH OR CORRESPOND WITH ONE OF OUR LOCALLY ELECTED STATE OR FEDERAL OFFICIALS? As a representative of Senator Galgiani, I communicate constantly and closely with many elected officials in our community and county. I have good and trusting relationship with many on the current board and numerous city councilmembers, as well as the sheriff, district attorney, school boards and others.

Most recently, we rode the train and rallied on the steps of the Capitol for our water, and we have frequently discussed the proposed low barrier shelter and other contemporaneous efforts to address the homeless crisis. These conversations happen daily, with both local and state elected officials.

9: DO YOU HAVE ANY POTENTIAL PERSONAL OR BUSINESS ISSUES THAT MAY CONFLICT WITH THE OFFICE YOU SEEK? IF SO, HOW DO YOU INTEND TO CONTEND WITH THESE ISSUES? While my extended family is involved in agriculture throughout the county, and in the ownership of the Gallo Winery, I do not have any personal interests in any of those that would pose a conflict and prohibit on my voting on key issues that come before me.

OCTOBER 2018

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OPTIMIST IN T E R N A T I O N A LBREAKFAST OF MODESTO PANCAKE 43rdS O RANNUAL AND CRAFT FAIR Soroptimist International of Modesto Sunday, October 21,BREAKFAST 2018 43rd ANNUAL PANCAKE 7:30AM – 12:30PM AND CRAFT FAIR

Masonic Center Sunday, October 21, 2018 800 Rose Avenue, Modesto 7:30AM – 12:30PM Tickets are $8.00Masonic and areCenter available at the door!

Modesto Visit800 ourRose CraftAvenue, Boutique and Pantry Including “Fall Decorated Pumpkins” Tickets are $8.00 and are available at the door!

Bring a can foodBoutique or two to help needy, Visit ourofCraft and the Pantry and enter our drawing for a special prize!!

Including “Fall Decorated Pumpkins” Bring a can of food or two to help the needy, *Proceeds helpour fund our Scholarship Programs* and enter drawing for a special prize!!

Soroptimist, a coined Latin phrase meaning "Best for Women" is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. For information on membership or for those wanting to help women and girls, visit us on Facebook at "Soroptimist International of Modesto” or email us at simodesto@soroptimist.net.

Soroptimist, a coined Latin phrase meaning "Best for Women" is a global volunteer organization Visit LiveYourDream.org, online volunteer a self-motivated people wish to working to improve theour lives of women andnetwork, girls through programscommunity leading to of social andwho economic support women girls in their to lead better lives, while gainingtoinspiration in their lives. empowerment.

Forand information onquest membership or for those wanting help women andown girls, visit us on Facebook at "Soroptimist International of Modesto” or email us at simodesto@soroptimist.net.

*Proceeds help fund our Scholarship Programs*

Visit LiveYourDream.org, our online volunteer network, a self-motivated community of people who wish to support women and girls in their quest to lead better lives, while gaining inspiration in their own lives.

Our Mission: Improving the lives of women and girls, through programs leading to social and economic empowerment 16

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

MODESTO CHAMBER AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHT JOHNNY GARCIA

VANCE KELLEY

Hello fellow Chamber members!

Account Executive, C. A. Reding Company

I am a blessed husband of an incredible woman and father of 2 wonderful kids. I have over 13 years of experience in the insurance industry. I have worked for other brokerages and preferred markets. I decided to take what I have learned with the other companies and open up my own Insurance brokerage.

It has been a year this month.

We offer a wide range of insurances and services here in my office at 1133 N. Carpenter Road in Modesto. Some of the products include but not limited to are, Business, Work Comp, Bonds, Life, Health, Covered CA, Home, Auto, Motorcycles, one day event and more. We also offer pre-paid legal and Identity Protection plans. In the next few months we will also be offering DMV services, such as tags and registrations. Our customers are our extended family. We don’t want to write all the business, just yours! Isaiah 41:10 Education and Credentials B.A. degree from California State University, Fresno California Property and Casualty Insurance License California Life and Health Insurance License

From paper documents to cloud services, as part of the C. A. Reding team I help businesses streamline their business processes.

As a 35-year-old company, C. A. Reding is a leading provider for Ricoh/Lanier Digital Print Systems. We have offices in Stockton, Modesto, Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield.

My previous 20 plus years serving as a Senior Pastor to four different churches, provides not only great experience for working with my clientele but also helps me stay attuned to the growing demands of today’s business world. I am committed to maintaining the same award-winning level of customer service and satisfaction that C. A. Reding has established.

Education & Credentials AA in Theology Interests: Actively involved with teaching 4-6 graders at Crossroads Church in Turlock, CA. Member of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce as well as Kiwanis of Greater Turlock.

I am a long time fan of the Sacramento Kings and the San Francisco 49ers.

Community and Interest: Youth Small Group Leader at Big Valley Grace Community Church for the past 6 years Board member for the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Welcome team and Ambassador for the Modesto Chamber of Commerce Member of the CVAR Coach for The Stanislaus Miracle Baseball League and more Love spending quality time with my family Office (209) 887-8000, Cell (209) 312-4970

BECOME A MEMBER visit us at modchamber.org or call the Chamber office

209.577.5757

OCTOBER 2018

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The Irvine New Leadership Network: Stanislaus Announces Final Cohort of Local Leaders The Irvine New Leadership Network: Stanislaus, in partnership with Stanislaus Community Foundation, is proud to announce its fourth cohort of participants.

The Irvine New Leadership Network (NLN) is an investment in emerging civic leaders in Stanislaus County funded by the James Irvine Foundation. Comprised of some of the area’s brightest leaders, the Network connects these local innovators across sectors and issues and equips them with cutting-edge civic innovation tools to help transform the region.

Hilary Zwahlen, a local entrepreneur and a recent participant in the New Leadership Network, said about her experience, “Being part of the New Leadership Network was an enlightening experience. We learned how our individual and collective action can really make a difference in a community like ours. I connected with leaders I may not have otherwise met, and because of this experience, I’m tremendously hopeful about the future of our community.”

Damian Martinez, Senior Management Consultant, Stanislaus County CEO Office Scott Siegel, Superintendent, Ceres Unified School District Jim Stokes, Site Manager, The International Rescue Committee (Turlock/Modesto) Participants in the Irvine New Leadership Network meet for three-day sessions, three times over the course of six months.

Stanislaus Community Foundation is the lead local partner for the Irvine New Leadership Network, providing backbone support and a local lens. The Irvine New Leadership Network represents a $1.2 million investment in Stanislaus county on the part of the James Irvine Foundation.

To learn more about the Irvine New Leadership Network, please visit IrvineNewLeadershipNetwork.org.

About the Stanislaus Community Foundation

The New Leadership Network will now grow to 59 participants with the addition of these new participants beginning as a fourth cohort this month: Angelica Anguiano, Attorney, Law Offices of Mark S. Nelson Jim Applegate, Lead Pastor, Vision & Preaching, Redeemer Erin Black, Executive Assistant at Therapeutic Pathways, Inc./ The Kendall Centers

Jowanda M. Collins, Chief Workforce Development Officer, Opportunity Stanislaus

Stanislaus Community Foundation (SCF) is a place-based funder that has served the residents of Stanislaus County since 2002.

SCF believes that Stanislaus County is a community of choice where people can live, work, and thrive. To support this vision, SCF nurtures partnerships and grows charitable resources to advance the common good in Stanislaus County. To learn more visit StanislausCF.org.

Adrienne Daniels, Marketing Director, E. & J. Gallo Winery

About the James Irvine Foundation

Victoria Carrera, Supportive Services Manager, Haven Women's Center Violeta Castro, Attorney

Jorge Fernandez, Director of Behavioral Health, Golden Valley Health Centers Brian Fiscalini, CEO, Fiscalini Farms and Cheese Company Leilani Garcia, Coordinator of Early Childhood Programs, Stanislaus County Office of Education Kimberly Greer, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, California State University, Stanislaus Patty Guerra, Local News Editor, The Modesto Bee Mike Hamasaki, Chief Probation Officer, Stanislaus County Probation Department Dr. Amelia Herrera-Evans, Teacher/ Treasurer, Language Institute: Modesto City Schools, United Black Student Unions of California

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

The James Irvine Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation dedicated to expanding opportunity for the people of California. The Foundation’s grantmaking focuses on expanding economic and political opportunity for families and young adults who are working but struggling with poverty. Since 1937 the Foundation has provided over $1.5 billion in grants to more than 3,600 nonprofit organizations throughout California. With about $2 billion in assets, the Foundation made grants of $74 million in 2015 for the people of California. For more information about the Irvine Foundation, please visit our website: www.irvine.org

Community Hospice Announces New Board Member Community Hospice, the oldest and largest nonprofit hospice provider serving the Central Valley since 1979, is pleased to announce a new Board member.

Joining the Community Hospice Board of Directors is Mr. Kurt Robert Wetzel of Oakdale, California.

“I am pleased to welcome Kurt to Community Hospice and our Board,” said C. DeSha McLeod, Community Hospice President and CEO. “Kurt brings to Community Hospice a wealth of strategic development and financial management experience; we look forward to working together to proactively provide compassionate and quality care, education and support to our community.”

The Community Hospice Board of Directors is comprised of community volunteers who provide strategic oversight and governance to the organization’s mission to provide compassionate care, education and support to terminally ill patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay.

Community Hospice is the largest and oldest nonprofit hospice agency in the Central Valley. Serving the community since 1979, Community Hospice has cared for thousands of friends and neighbors offering compassionate and quality care, education and support to terminally ill patients and families, regardless of ability to pay. Care extends to over 2000 patients each year in private homes, skilled nursing facilities, retirement communities and at the 16-bed inpatient Community Hospice Alexander Cohen Hospice House. Community Hospice also provides bereavement and grief support to anyone in the community. For more information, please call (209) 578-6300 or visit hospiceheart.org.

MJC Student Appointed To The CCC Board Of Governors Modesto Junior College student Alexis Zaragoza was recently appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors by Governor Jerry Brown. She currently serves as Vice President for the Associated Students of Modesto Junior College (ASMJC).

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Zaragoza to the Board of Governors,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Oakley. “She is one of the two student representatives on the board tasked with voicing the perspectives and challenges of our

more than 2.1 million students, and we look forward to working with her in this important role.”

Zaragoza, 20, of Patterson, has been a student at MJC since 2016, where she has held several positions for the ASMJC, including director of political development, director of student relations, and senator of community relations.

Zaragoza is an MJC Honors Program student and completed honors studies in Political Science with Professor Kerri Stephens.

She represented MJC at the Honors Symposium at U.C. Berkeley in May of 2018 with her presentation: “Democracy for Which It Stands: Linking the Flaws within Democratic Systems That Facilitate Destabilization and Terrorism within the Global South.”

Zaragoza is also a member of the MJC Freedom Forum and the Patterson Progressive Alliance. She served as a field organizer for Josh Harder’s congressional campaign in 2018.

209careers.com FOR JOB SEEKERS & EMPLOYERS

OCTOBER 2018

19

Ribbon C uttings

Finance of America Mortgage 605 Standiford Ave, Suite K, Modesto, CA 95350

Modesto Smiles Dentistry 3601 Pelandale Ave Ste-D1 Modesto 95356 20

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

FOCUS ON GOING GREEN Article Written With Contributions From The Chamber Staff The “Stanislaus Green Team”, a program of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, is a collaborative effort between private businesses, municipal, county solid waste divisions, economic development professionals, and the community of Stanislaus County.

The purpose of the Stanislaus Green Team is to create a nexus between commerce and environment and to enhance the delivery of the Modesto Chamber services that address economic, environmental, and quality of life issues in Modesto and Stanislaus County.

In November 2012, the Chamber embarked with this program by collaboratively searching for regional solutions to challenges facing Stanislaus County and their businesses with regards to assembly bill A32.

Simply put, by assisting businesses in “Going Green” will not only reduce their costs of doing business, but it will also help the environment and move the Stanislaus County economy forward.

The speakers for the next scheduled meeting are listed below.

MEETING: Thursday, October 18, 9:00am SPEAKERS:

Strategic Materials is the largest glass recycler in North America, processing nearly 3 million tons of glass every year in U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With nearly 50 locations, Strategic Materials recycled glass products are primarily used in glass container manufacturing and fiberglass insulation, with secondary markets in highway bead and fillers. The use of recycled materials in manufacturing allows for a lower melting temperature, resulting in energy savings and lowered CO2 emissions, and longer furnace life. Strategic Materials has been recycling glass since 1896 and continues to lead the industry today.

LAURA HENNEMANN VP, Marketing & Communications | Strategic Materials

Zoe Heller, Assistant Director for Policy Development Zoe Heller was appointed Assistant Director for Policy Development at the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery in May 2017. Before joining CalRecycle she worked at the U.S. EPA’s Pacific Southwest Office for more than 10 years. She was manager for the Zero Waste section from 2014 to 2017, special assistant to the Regional Administrator from 2012 to 2013, and an environmental protection specialist in the Environmental Justice program from 2006 to 2012. From 2004 to 2006, Zoe was a research and policy analyst at the Center for Neighborhood Technology in Chicago, Illinois. Zoe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Policy from Eckerd College and a Master of Public Administration from Roosevelt University.

OCTOBER 2018

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A TASTE OF ITALY IN MODESTO AT CHEFS OF NEW YORK

By Virginia Still Twelve years ago, Vincent Altadonna took a chance investing in what was once his favorite pizza place called Chefs of New York. As he was perusing through the newspaper he noticed the restaurant was for sale and although the previous owner wanted a monumental amount of money for it, Altadonna purchased it.

“I had no experience at all in the restaurant industry,” said Altadonna.

“As soon as I jumped into this I had to learn the front of the house and the back of the house and all the business that goes with it was astronomical.”

After working in the airline industry for 35 years and traveling all over the world he decided to ‘retire’ and open the restaurant on Oakdale Road. He kept the name the same and also retained some recipes from the original owner, which were customer favorites.

“The only thing I had going for me was that my mom was a chef and she was incredible,” added Altadonna. “She taught me everything about the cuisine. She is an angel when it comes to cooking.”

His mother, Emilia Galati Altadonna lived in a villa in Palermo, Italy and in her early 20s learned how to cook and from then on always did the cooking at family events. Recalling at a young age the aroma, the sounds, and the delicious four course meals that would come from the kitchen that his mother created are some memories Altadonna will never forget. These recipes continue with Altadonna’s daughter Kim serving up these specialties to patrons, however, some of the recipes remain a family secret.

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

Some of those delightful p a l a t e pleasers are from Nona’s Corner. These old world dishes with traditional Sicilian ingredients include Bruschetta Caponata, Stuffed Red Bell Peppers, and Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta.

“The Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta was my mom’s recipe and it is very good,” Altadonna expressed with a smile. “It is very interesting and something you have to taste. You can try all three of the dishes with the Sicilian Trio.”

They also offer an antipasto platter, grilled salmon salad, gnocchi, chicken parmigiana, top sirloin and pasta, Sicilian baked ziti, halibut, a variety of pastas, sandwiches, calzones, and pizza.

There are family pictures throughout the restaurant that all have very interesting stories of their very close family – family that had farms and dairies in Escalon many years ago as well as a few bakeries in Modesto.

They were looking to expand but they were unable to go left or right at their current location on Oakdale Road. So one day after wrapping up an event at the Gallo driving downtown they noticed a building for sale on 14th and J Streets. They pulled over to look at it and found out the landlord was two doors down whom was a customer of Chefs.

On July 4, 2016 they opened their second restaurant on 14th and J that has more of a city feel to it with modern design and a beautiful black and white mural of pictures that were taken by Altadonna’s son in New York. What used to be a record store is now a corner Italian restaurant serving some of the same favorites as the original location and some new items like the Paninis.

There is a lot of character at the new location that has subway sign over a door on one side of the restaurant and above the other door on the other side it has CONY, which is an acronym for Chefs of New York.

At both restaurants they serve up Italian and some American cuisine and New York-style deli foods in a comfortable and fun environment. The restaurants are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. They do catering for a variety of events, they offer take ‘n bake and delivery from www. foodjets.com and www.grubhub.com.

“I jumped into the abyss and then we created a beautiful, comfortable place where people can get quality food,” stated Altadonna. “We continue to make people happy. I love people and I love to generate a happy atmosphere. It has been successful the way it is, why change it.”

For more information visit www.chefsofnewyork.com.

“I think we just made the grade here by bringing the attitude, the determination, to make this corner happen and I don’t know why but it has,” said Altadonna. “We turned a leaf. We turned it over.”

Vince and his daughter Kim work seven days a week and prep the food every morning for the day. They continue to create specialty dishes, quality food, a welcoming environment, and newly added specials.

EDUCATION

“I enjoy cooking,” said Kim about the business. “I like working with the public and having regulars.”

OCTOBER 2018

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3

al

Annu h 5t 8 201

PRESENTED BY RANK

INVESTIGATION PROTECTION INC.

Stanislaus Distributing DBI Beverage Inc.

OCTOBER 12 5:30 -10:00 John Thurman Field PM |

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

35 $ 40

$

IN ADVANCE IN ADVANCE

AT THE GATE

Tickets available online at: www.ModChamber.org or www.ModestoNuts.com Also available at the F&M Bank locations: Modesto (Dale Rd, McHenry Ave, Carpenter Rd) Riverbank and Turlock (Center St and Geer St)

TICKETS INCLUDE:

  

Admission • Beer & Wine Tasting • A Bratwurst Meal

MUSIC LIVE FROM:

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS & DONORS:

BRONCO WINE COMPANY W I N E S F O R T H E A M E R I C A N TA B L E ® EST D. 1973

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

ALL ATTENDEES MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE TO ATTEND

MODESTO GOSPEL MISSION: Decades Of Making A Difference

Celebrating 70 years in the community, the Modesto Gospel Mission is an incredible organization that helps many individuals and families in Stanislaus County from all walks of life. The Mission provides food, safety, warm shelter, medical services, and educational services; it supports programs that assist with life-changing events and employment; and hosts a youth program to help young people with homework, tutoring, and in building valuable friendships.

The Modesto Gospel Mission started in downtown Modesto in 1948 with leftover funds from one of the first crusades by legendary preacher Billy Graham, and celebrated its 70th anniversary this year. Starting from a small location on 8th Street, the Mission has grown to a campus comprised of nine buildings and nine apartments/homes for program graduates. It has an annual budget of $2.5 million, and thrives on donations solely from local individuals, businesses, churches, and corporate grants.

A group of local businessmen saw the need to feed the hungry and homeless, and the Mission opened its doors in downtown Modesto in 1948. This original location did not have room for shelter, so a move was made a few years later to 918 H Street where the ministry was located for many years.

As Stanislaus County grew it became necessary to expand the services the Mission had available, and to begin to include women and children.

Facilities for men were moved to Yosemite Boulevard in the airport district in 1984, one of the County’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods.

A shelter for women and children opened in 1985. The Mission’s community distribution center opened in 1991 to distribute free clothing and small household items to the working MODESTO poor in the community, GOSPEL and a father and MISSION children’s shelter opened in 2000 – along with a medical clinic in 2001.

M O D E S T O G O S P E L M I S S I O N . O R G

If You Want To Help: Donate Thanksgiving Banquet Items Turkeys Stuffing Mix/Celery Salad Bags, Salad Dressing Green Beans/Onions Potatoes/Gravy Mix Rolls/Butter Pumpkin Pies/Whipped Cream

Daily the Mission provides over 500 meals per day in five settings, showers, clean clothing, and beds to those in need. In 2017 alone, the Modesto Gospel Mission provided a total of 127,715 beds and meals to homeless individuals in Stanislaus County.

The Mission was also recognized this year by the Modesto Chamber of Commerce as “Non-Profit of the Year 2017,” a great honor given the number of non-profits in the area.

The Modesto Gospel Mission also runs an 18-month New Life Program that assists men and women as they transition from homelessness back into a sustainable housing lifestyle. This is accomplished through counseling, assistance in addiction recovery, training in various life and job skills, and assistance in obtaining employment certifications.

Graduates of this program can then rent an apartment at low cost from the Mission for up to a year, building up a rental history, and at the end of this term the Mission pays forward 75 percent of the rent paid to that graduate’s new landlord for a security deposit and first month’s rent.

The holidays are a critical time for many poor and homeless and is the busiest time of the year for the Mission. Each year on the day before Thanksgiving, the Mission serves a traditional Thanksgiving meal to nearly 1,000 needy men, women, boys and girls. The Mission also provides each guest free winter wear like coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, and scarves. Many of those who attend the Thanksgiving banquet live in the nearby airport district. This year the Mission’s Great Thanksgiving Banquet & Bundle-Up is on November 21st, 2018 at 2pm. The Mission can always use volunteers and donations for this event.

The Mission’s next large event is their annual Happy Birthday Jesus! event, taking place just a few days before Christmas, and provides a meal and gifts (over 2,000 last year) to men, women and children of all ages.

The vision for Modesto Gospel Mission is to provide a place for refuge, recovery, and restoration. The Mission invites you to tour their campus to learn more about what the Mission does firsthand, and ways you can become involved in serving alongside them. For more information, please call the Mission at 529-8259 or visit their website at http://www. modestogospelmission.org.

Donate Thanksgiving Bundle-Up Items: New or gently used coats for men, women, or children. All sizes!

Hats Gloves Scarves Socks

Donate New, Unwrapped Christmas Gifts: Gifts for men, women, and boys and girls of all ages Toys Books Bikes Clothing Tools Make-Up, Perfume OCTOBER 2018

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Enhancing the quality of life of children & adults with disabilities within the Central Valley

JOIN US IN YOUR FINEST JEANS AND JEWELS

DURRER BARN-3500 DUNN RD., MODESTO | 5:30 P.M. TICKETS $100.00 | RSVP (209) 524-3536 26

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

societyfordisabilities.org

Member Highlight

ST. LUKE’S FAMILY PRACTICE Family Medicine is the art of “caring for common problems uncommonly well”. This is a great statement to follow and the physicians at St. Luke’s Family Practice run their practice by this statement. To have a facility that cares for their patients as if they are family, is a rare commodity to find these days. St. Luke’s Family Practice are Board Certified members of the American Academy of Family Physicians. St. Luke’s Family Practice are excited to introduce a new doctor to their successful practice: Dr. Erin Kiesel.

Board Certified, American Academy of Family Physicians, 2000 to date Teacher of the Year, Stanislaus Health Foundation, 2012 Faculty Development Fellowship, UC San Francisco, 2011-12

Dr. Kiesel has been in practice in Hughson and Modesto since 2000 in affiliation with the Family Medicine Residency Program.

Her special interests include women’s health and pediatrics. She speaks medical Spanish. Her interests include running, skiing, wake boarding and any other outdoor activities. She enjoys spending time with her family. They attend Our Lady of Fatima Church in Modesto. A list of Dr. Kiesel’s accomplishments have been listed below.

Clinical Professor of Family Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, 2000 to date Family Practice Residency, Modesto, 1997-2000 Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1997 BS, Santa Clara University, 1994 | Cum Laude | Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society St. Luke’s Family Practice provides quality comprehensive primary care to men, women, and children of all faiths.

Congratulations

TO THIS MONTH'S MILESTONE MEMBERSHIPS

75 + years STANISLAUS FOOD PRODUCTS CO. ACME CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. PEPSI BOTTLING GROUP CRYSTAL CREAMERY

50 years +

SLATER'S HOME FURNISHINGS TENNEY A. NORQUIST INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO. DEL MONTE PLANT #1

40 years +

PACIFIC RECORDS MANAGEMENT (AAA CERTIFIED BY NAID) PRIEST AMISTADI

30 years

LOPES TRUCKING SERVICE, INC.

LEE & ASSOCIATES-CENTRAL VALLEY, INC. L STREET ARCHITECTS LIMITED

20 + years

VALLEY YELLOW PAGES

CITY SIGNS

+

REA & ASSOCIATES, LLP

SPENCER FLUID POWER BREKKE REAL ESTATE, INC.

HART FLORAL, INC.

SITEJOCKEY

MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS

DON'S RV CENTER, INC.

CARROLLTON MORTGAGE CO.

THE KENT GROUP, INC.

WALMART

ALLEY INSURANCE SERVICE INC

STANDARD MANAGEMENT CO./MCHENRY VILLAGE-SHOPPING CENTER

15 + years

25 + years BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL OF STANISLAUS, MERCED, TUOLUMNE AND MARIPOSA COUNTIES WILLIAM SEAVY ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA THE SALVATION ARMY

STANISLAUS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

MOCSE CREDIT UNION

WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY

SWANSON & DERBY INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

AIA/MID-VALLEY PROMOTIONS, INC. STANDARD PARTY RENTALS MODESTO STEWART AND JASPER ORCHARDS AEROTEK

10 + years HILMAR CHEESE COMPANY VISITOR CENTER WELLS FARGO BANK OCTOBER 2018

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MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES

DISNEY INSTITUTE

TO Modesto, California, CA

Modesto Junior College, West Campus, MSR Center • November 1, 2018 • 8:00am - 5:00pm • 209-577-5757

Leadership is not defined by a title – it’s defined by behaviors. At Disney, our leaders consistently align their behaviors with the Company’s values and vision, resulting in a motivated, productive workforce. This program provides insights into the leadership development strategies necessary to create an effective and aligned leadership vision.

Think of this opportunity as the start of your personal leadership journey. Are you ready?

•Identify the values that drive you as a leader •Align your personal and organizational values •Immerse yourself in your leadership vision •Understand the importance of a leadership legacy that inspires others

DISNEY’S APPROACH TO

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Register Today! Space is Limited. http://www.modchamber.org/event/disney-institute-t Modesto Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a selected sponsor of Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence and wishes to thank its marketing participants: • Modesto Junior College • Modesto Bee • 209 Magazine/MNC As to Disney artwork/properties: © Disney

PRESIDENT’S CLUB CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE PLATINUM LEVEL E. & J. Gallo Winery Kaiser Permanente Walmart Walmart Neighborhood Market

DIAMOND LEVEL Bank of the West Beard Land & Investment Co. Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc. Doctors Behavioral Health Center-DMC Doctors Medical Center-DMC Frito-Lay Co., Inc. Pacific Southwest Container, Inc. Physician Referral Service-DMC

GOLD LEVEL 5.11, Inc. Crystal Creamery Doubletree by Hilton Modesto EMOE, Division of Parker Hannifin Corp.

Fiscalini Cheese Company HealthSouth Rehabilitation of Modesto IHeart Media Memorial Medical Center Modesto Irrigation District Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball Sysco Central California Inc. Taco Bell

SILVER LEVEL American Chevrolet American Medical Response

Aramark Uniform Services Atherton & Associates, LLP Audi Modesto Bank of Stockton - Dale Road Bank of Stockton - Modesto Main Branch Brightwood College California State University, Stanislaus Care One Home Health and Hospice, Inc. Central Sanitary Supply Co. Central Valley Automotive Central Valley Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Central Valley Nissan Central Valley Specialty Hospital Central Valley Volkswagen Hyundai Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino Clark Pest Control Cloudy in California COIT Services Inc. Collins Electrical Comcast Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios, Pacher & Silva Del Monte Plant #1 Delta Sierra Beverage English Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Hospital F&M Bank Final Cut Media Flooring Liquidators, Inc. Flowers Baking Co. of Modesto, LLC Food Maxx Galletto Ristorante

Gianelli Nielsen Gilton Solid Waste Mgmt, Inc. Golden Valley Health Centers Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc. Grover Landscape Services, Inc. I.J. Larsen Pumps, Inc. Infiniti of Modesto International Paper Co. Iron Mountain, Inc. JS West & Companies Lewis Capital Advisors Maxx Value Foods Mercer Foods Mocse Credit Union Modesto Toyota Oak Valley Community Bank O'Brien's Market Oak Valley Community Bank Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Panelized Structures Inc. Pepsi Bottling Group PMZ Real Estate Prime Shine Car Wash Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. Rogers Jewelry Co. San Joaquin Valley College Save Mart Supermarkets Seven-Up Bottling Co. Smile Shine Family Dental Solecon Industrial Contractors Solid Networks, Inc. Stanislaus Food Products Co. Stanislaus Surgical Hospital

Storer Coachways Sutter Gould Medical Foundation The Eberhardt School of Business Telcion Communications Group The Eberhardt School of Business The Modesto Bee TSM Insurance & Financial Services Turlock Irrigation District Union Bank US Bank Valley BMW Valley Children's Healthcare Valley First Credit Union Valley Lexus Vintage Faire Mall W.H. Breshears, Inc. Warden's Office Furniture Outlet Warden's Office Products Center Wells Fargo Bank Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency Yosemite Meat Co., Inc.

CONTACT THE CHAMBER TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRESIDENT'S CLUB LEVEL BENEFITS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS ■ ADF PROTECTION SERVICES 4120 Dale Rd. Ste J-8 #213, Modesto CA www.adfprotection.com (209) 677-7240

■ LIVE OAK APARTMENTS 1900 Oakdale Road, Modsto CA 95355 www.liveatliveoak.com (209) 551-1111

■ AUDI MODESTO 4151 McHenry Ave. Modesto, CA, 95356 www.audimodesto.com (209) 458-6006

■M CHENRY MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1402 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354 www.mchenrymuseum.org (209) 495-4620

■ IHEART MEDIA 2121 Lancey Dr., Modesto, CA 95355 http://www.sunny102fm.com (209) 551-1306

■ RAINBOW INTERNATIONAL RESTORATION OF MODESTO 212 Campus Way, Modesto CA, 95350 www.rainbowintl.com/Modesto (209) 284-6400

■ THE LASH LOUNGE 1315 J Street. Mdoesto, CA 95354 (209) 765-9467 ■ TURNER'S OUTDOORSMAN 2225 Plaza Parkway Suite M-1, Modesto, CA 95350 www.turners.com (909) 923-3009 ■ US ARMY 2100 Standiford Avenue, Suite G-1, Modesto CA, 95350 (209) 523-1763

OCTOBER 2018

29

The Regions Premier

BUSINESS MAGAZINE

SERVICE

Progress Magazine is the only Monthly Business magazine in the Central Valley.

Readership includes Business Owners, Business Managers, Government leaders active in the community, community decision makers, participants in community outreach and clubs.

Call one of our offices to be part of Progress magazine Modesto 209-577-5757

30

Manteca 209-249-3505 MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG

Turlock 209-634-9141

Oakdale 209-847-3021

THE COMMUNITY THAT GROWS TOGETHER, THRIVES TOGETHER. At Kaiser Permanente, we don’t see health as an industry. We see it as a cause. That’s why we’re proud to serve the Modesto community. Our doors, hearts and minds are always open to help every last one of you thrive.

Learn more at kp.org/centralvalley.

OCTOBER 2018

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