Brookside Monthly Magazine 0313 by Shawn Crary

MARCH 2013

| VOL. 8 | ISSUE 3

>>editor’s note

Saying Goodbye to Winter and Hello to Spring

ADDRESS 94 W. Castle St., Suite #B Stockton, CA 95204 PHONE 209.932.9252 TOLL FREE 1.888.289.0521 FAX 1.866.298.0408 WEB www.BrooksideMonthly.com PUBLISHER Shawn Crary EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Mitzi Stites Managing Editor Alan Naditz Staff Writer & Copy Editor Gene Beley Contributing Writer Bernadine Chapman-Cruz Contributing Writer Paul Grant Contributing Writer Kim Horg Contributing Writer Francis Novero Contributing Writer Gayle Romasanta Contributing Writer Keith Wilcox Contributing Writer CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Shawn Crary Art Director Louie Ambriz Junior Graphic Designer, Photographer & Web Development Matt Vincent Graphic Designer & Web Development SUPPORTING STAFF Cameron Crary Circulation Alec Fielding Circulation MARKETING DEPARTMENT Noel Fielding Advertising Director Rachel Castillo Marketing Consultant Memri Johnson Marketing Consultant Boo Mariano-Junqueiro Marketing Consultant Crystal Salvador Marketing Consultant ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/PAYABLE Ernie Gallardo Office Manager CONTACT US To submit advertisements & artwork artwork@bigmonkeygroup.com To submit press releases editor@bigmonkeygroup.com

he birds are singing, the sun is shining and it is getting just a little warmer outside. Indeed, spring is knocking at the door. It is time to shake off the wintertime blues and get ready for the new season. Don’t get me wrong: I love to read a good book by the fire, and I absolutely love to watch the sports teams that the fall and early winter bring, but I am ready for a change. When seasons change, I air out the house and clean it all from top to bottom. Not really sure why I do this. The best answer I have is that my mom did it and my grandmother did it before her. There is something to say about the feeling of accomplishment I get when all the drawers and closets are cleaned out; and everything is pulled out from under the bed. Your entire house is organized and smells really fresh. The trick is to see how long it will actually stay this way. When the inside is done, we move to the outside: sweep up any leaves and power wash the patio. Then we move to the soil that needs to be turned into the garden. The family decides what colors and type of flowers to buy, and what vegetables we want to plant. I normally plant fresh herbs in pots and place them right under the kitchen window. Then, when you have your windows open not only do you get the gentler breeze, you get the smell of herbs. All that is left is to fluff the patio furniture and give the BBQ a good scrub. After months of being cooped up inside, we are all anxious to enjoy outside activities. When my children were smaller, my husband and I would sit outside and watch our kids ride bikes and do tricks for us as they went past. The boys would even play a little hoop in the driveway. Those days have moved on to Parkour and skateboarding now. Children all over the county have begun spring sports, joining little leagues, soccer or even getting ready for swim team tryouts. Parents will be spending long days cheering their children and their teams on as they play their games. Sports are important, but remember that it is also fun to spend time at the numerous fairs and festivals that various cities offer right here in San Joaquin County. This month’s feature story is on Stockton’s annual Brubeck Festival. Imagine some of the world’s jazz-music powerhouses performing this spring during a citywide cultural festival, hosted by the University of the Pacific’s Brubeck Institute and the City of Stockton. The 13th annual Brubeck Festival will feature music performances and educational lectures around the city, along the Miracle Mile, at the historic Bob Hope Theatre in downtown Stockton, and on the campuses of San Joaquin Delta College and the University of the Pacific. Mitzi Stites | Managing Editor | editor@bigmonkeygroup.com

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The Brookside Monthly magazine is published once a month and direct-mailed to homes in and around the Stockton community of Brookside. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of copy or comments submitted to Big Monkey Group LLC., and or Brookside Monthly magazine which may be edited for clarity and length. ©2013 BIG MONKEY GROUP LLC brookside monthly magazine | MARCH 2013 | 3

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>>feature story

The dynamic Brubeck Brothers Quartet features members of one of America’s most accomplished musical families. The group’s show is Saturday, March 23.

Getting Jazzed

The Brubeck Festival goes citywide this month By Alan Naditz | Staff Writer There’s a bit of a different feeling as the annual Brubeck Festival nears kickoff. Some of it stems from the inclusion of new locales: this year’s jazz fest, which runs March 18-23, takes place at the University of the Pacific, San Joaquin Delta College, Bob Hope Theatre and downtown Stockton. Some of it comes from the festival’s headliners, which include the legendary Wynton Marsalis, the Tom Harrell Quintet, and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet. Mostly, though, it comes from the fact that the event’s namesake, Dave Brubeck, won’t be there. Brubeck died of heart failure last December, a day before his 92nd birthday. This will be the first time since the festival’s launch in 2001 that he won’t be there, performing on a piano before admiring fans. “[Dave] was not just a musician, but also a wonderful humanitarian. He was a champion of civil rights. His reach was far and wide,” says Simon Rowe, executive director of the Brubeck Institute, which UOP created in 2000 to celebrate Brubeck’s work. “He will be missed. But our charge, with Dave’s passing, is to continue the life’s work of Dave Brubeck.” And what a life it was. Time magazine cover man. The first jazz artist with a million-selling album (“Time Out,” in 1959). Founder of one of the nation’s first racially integrated jazz bands. A Grammy winner. An experimenter (and pioneer) in musical timing. A dedicated anti-racist. A performer for notables ranging from Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, to Pope John Paul II. And a very big influence to future generations of musicians and musical acts, including Wynton Marsalis, Steely Dan, the Beatles and Keith Emerson (of “Emerson, Lake & Palmer” fame). “If you think about the way he was so inclusive with different styles of music that he adopted, and the different types of musicians he played with, you realize the depth of his contribution to the culture,” Rowe says. “He not only brought American jazz to foreign countries; he brought the music of foreign countries to American jazz.” Actor and director Clint Eastwood, who also serves as chairperson of the honorary board of the Brubeck Institute, ultimately profiled the composer in the 1990 documentary, “In His Own Sweet Way.” Brubeck “was an American original who introduced a whole new generation to the world of jazz,” East-

wood once said. “He [was] a legend, as well as a close and personal friend.” Not bad for a cross-eyed kid from Ione who was once told by instructors at the then-College of the Pacific, his alma mater, that he could never learn to play the piano because he couldn’t read music. “He was a bit of a square peg with his studies,” Rowe says. “He was certainly not the traditional student, nor did he have the traditional career. If you had to use any words to describe him, it would be words like ‘fearless,’ ‘adventurous’ and ‘musically eclectic.’” It’s that same attitude that the Brubeck Institute is taking this year, as it expands the scope of the festival to make it a Stockton-wide event. “We felt very strongly that with all the hardships Stockton has undergone recently, we should be part of the solution,” Rowe explains. “Wynton Marsalis is attracted to the idea that he might be able to give Stockton a shot in the arm. We should not exclusively celebrate Dave Brubeck. We can also celebrate Stockton here and give it its place in history.” The broadened slate includes performances by the Tom Harrell Quintet at San Joaquin Delta College’s Warren Atherton Auditorium on Thursday, March 21; Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at Bob Hope Theatre on Friday, March 22; and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet at the UOP Faye Spanos Concert Hall on Saturday, March 23. There are also a series of live jazz performances nightly at Take 5 jazz club on West Adams Street during the festival’s run; a showing of past Brubeck Festival performer George Schuller’s historical jazz documentary “Music Inn” at UOP’s Janet Leigh Theatre on Tuesday, March 19; a family friendly “French Quarter” carnival event with street performers in downtown Stockton on Friday, March 22; UOP’s annual “Jazz on the Green” on Saturday, March 23; and more (see sidebar for more details). “We’re really reaching out to people of all ages,” Rowe says. “We’re really doing our best to make this more of a celebration and help put it on the map.” Not that they haven’t been fairly successful establishing a reputation for the festival already. Increasing numbers of jazz lovers and neophytes have

Continued on page 6 ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF UOP/BRUBECK INSTITUTE brookside monthly magazine | MARCH 2013 | 5

>>feature story

Tom Harrell, recognized as one of today’s most creative jazz instrumentalists and composers, opens the headline events on Thursday, March 21, with his renowned quintet band.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, considered to be some of today’s finest jazz soloists and ensemble players, will share the spotlight on Friday, March 22 with the legendary Wynton Marsalis.

When: March 18-23 Where: University of the Pacific, San Joaquin Delta College, Bob Hope Theatre, and other locales around Stockton Headliner events: • Tom Harrell Quintet, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21, San Joaquin Delta College Warren Atherton Auditorium. Tickets: $25, available at www.deltacollege.edu or at the Warren Atherton Auditorium box office, (209) 954-5110. • Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, 8 p.m., Friday, March 22, Bob Hope Theatre. Tickets: $25, available at www.bobhopetheatre.com, through online vendors like Ticketmaster, www.stubhub.com or www.stocktonboxoffice.org, or at the Bob Hope Theatre ticket office, (209) 373-1400. • Brubeck Brothers Quartet, 8 p.m., Saturday, March 23, University of the Pacific Faye Spanos Concert Hall. Tickets: $25, available at www.pacific.edu.

Ten Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Dave Brubeck

Dave Brubeck was one of the world’s most-renowned Jazz musicians, and he was an alumnus of University of the Pacific (then College of the Pacific), and he is the namesake of the Brubeck Institute. These things you know. But here are some things that you might not know about Stockton’s famous music man, courtesy of Wikipedia and the New York Times:

Other notable items: • Live jazz performances, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday, March 18; 9:30 p.m. to midnight, March 18-23, Take 5 jazz club, 157 W. Adams St., Stockton, (209) 464-2739. • “Music Inn” showing, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, Janet Leigh Theatre, University of the Pacific. • French Quarter event, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, March 22, downtown Stockton. • Jazz on the Green, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 23, University of the Pacific. Get a complete events schedule at www.pacific.edu/community/ centers-clinics-and-institutes/brubeckinstitute/2013-brubeck-festival-schedule.html. For more information, visit: • www.brubeckinstitute.org • www.pacific.edu • www.visitstockton.org • www.bobhopetheatre.com • www.jalc.org

• As a child, Dave Brubeck and his brothers were forbidden to listen to the radio. His mother believed that if you wanted to hear music, you should play it. As a result, he learned all of his music by ear. • Because he came from a family of cattle ranchers, Brubeck enrolled at College of the Pacific in 1938 to study veterinary medicine. He switched to music at the insistence of the head of zoology because Brubeck’s mind was “across the lawn in the conservatory.” • In his early years, he could not read music, for which he was almost expelled from the College of the Pacific. But several professors said his skill with counterpoint and harmony more than compensated for his musical illiteracy, and he was allowed to graduate.

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Nine-time Grammy winning trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis is “thrilled to be taking part” in the 2013 Brubeck Festival. Marsalis was mentored by the festival’s namesake, Dave Brubeck.

Continued from page 5 come to the festival during its 12-year existence, as well as numerous renowned performers. The Brubeck Festival even did double duty in 2009, appearing in Stockton and on the East Coast in Washington, D.C. Rowe has no doubt the 2013 festival will be successful as well. “With Dave’s passing, there is renewed interest in his contributions,” he says. “We don’t want to build a shrine to Dave Brubeck; we want to celebrate the energy that he’s brought to the culture. And really, that’s endless, when you think about it…I think his spirit of entrepreneurship and his exclusivity are things that will never grow old.”

• During World War II, he was spared combat duty and was instead told to form a band. The result was “The Wolfpack,” one of the U.S. armed forces’ first racially integrated bands. • In 1951, Brubeck suffered massive injuries to his neck vertebrae and his spinal cord during a surfing accident. The injuries caused persistent pain in his hands and led to a new, complex-chord instrument playing style that would define him for decades. • In 1954, he became the second jazz musician to be featured on the cover of Time magazine, after Louis Armstrong in 1949. Brubeck’s response? “It should have been Duke Ellington (before me).”

• During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Brubeck cancelled several concerts and television appearances when promoters resisted the idea of his having an integrated band on stage. • Many of his recordings from this era were in “uncommon” time, such as 9/8, 11/4 and 13/4. • There is an asteroid, 5079 Brubeck, named after him. • Lifetime honors include a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996, the University of Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal in 2006, and induction into the California Hall of Fame in December 2008.

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>>around brookside

Join in on the Fun at Margaret Troke Library Preschool Story Time. Come join us as we enjoy finger plays, stories and songs every Tuesday. Name tags will be handed out at 10 a.m. and story time will start at 10:15 a.m. sharp. Troke Mystery Book Club. The Troke Mystery Book Club will meet on Tuesday, March 5, 4:30 p.m., to discuss the mystery novels of Sheldon Siegel. Visit the Troke Branch Library to check out a copy of the book for this book club. Homework Helpers for Kindergarten to Fifth Grade. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Margaret Troke Branch Library presents “Homework Helpers.” Need help with your homework? Come down to the library where our volunteers can guide you. Homework Helpers assist children in kindergarten through fifth grade with math, reading, and science. All students should bring homework assignments with them. This is a free program that is on a first-come, first-served basis. Math Smart Tutoring for Grades 6-12. Math Smart Tutoring is a free drop-in program for any San Joaquin County 6th-12th grade students struggling with mathematics. Tutors help with basic math, algebra, geometry and higher level math when needed. No signup is necessary. Math Smart Tutoring is available Tuesday and Wednesday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Paws for Reading. Read a book

or have a book read to you along with a friendly dog. Paws for Reading is Saturday, March 9, at 11 a.m. Troke Adult Book Club. The Troke Adult Book Club will meet Saturday, March 9, at noon, to discuss the book “Dreams of Joy,” by Lisa See. Stop by the Troke Branch Library Checkout Desk to pick up a copy of the book. Who Do You Think You Are? This free genealogy workshop for beginners is Saturday, March 16 and Saturday, March 23. From 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. is welcome and set-up. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., there are informative presentations by volunteers from the San Joaquin Genealogical Society. From 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. will be a brown-bag lunch. Drinks and desert will be provided but participants are asked to bring their own lunch. From 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., volunteers will help individuals research their own family histories through Internet resources. Space is limited. Those interested in attending this workshop must register for free at the Troke Branch Library Information Desk, or call (209) 937-8221. Participants may bring their own laptops and use the Library’s free Wi-Fi. The Margaret Troke Library is at 502 W. Ben Holt Drive and is open Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays, noon to 8 p.m.; and Friday and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed Sundays and Mondays. For more information, call (209) 937-8221.

Golf is More Than Just a Game

The First Tee of San Joaquin’s Spring Tour for boys and girls age 7 to 17 begins March 16. The First Tee provides young people with character-building and life skills lessons, using golf as the platform. Through The First Tee, young people discover how skills essential to success on a golf course can also help them flourish in life. This nine-week course is at Swenson Park Golf Course and The Reserve at Spanos Park. Cost is $60 and includes a logo golf cap. Visit www.thefirstteesanjoaquin.org or call (209) 915-8300 for more information. 8 | MARCH 2013 | brookside monthly magazine

Local Companies Join Forces to Launch Mobile App Supporting Global Charities With the design help of Big Monkey Group LLC, Pacific Development Group launched its inaugural mobile app for iPhone, Thrones, a strategic multiplayer card game released on Jan. 25. Developed as part of an extended business venture, Thrones is based on luck of the draw with a hidden twist of strategy. Thrones is unique in that it has built into the game the option for players to choose a charitable cause to play for and win points for that cause during game play. Thrones will track the points players win and will provide donations from game proceeds to finding the cure for breast cancer, saving lives of the malnourished, and providing aid for disaster relief. PDG provides quality housing for low income families and seniors, and takes bold steps to revitalize neighborhoods through creative projects that create community value and quality of life for future generations. “We strive to create a positive impact in local communities by improving housing, health, and education for our residents,” said PDG Vice President Joe Michael. “In our new business endeavor, we were inspired to create something fun that would continue to give back to the causes close to our hearts.” Local full-service marketing company Big Monkey Group is responsible for designing the mobile apps’ graphics as well as the website. “We’re excited and proud to be a part of this exciting new venture with PDG,” said BMG Publisher and President Shawn Crary. Thrones is now available for download for free on the App Store. For more information visit www.thronesapp.com.

Contestants will muddle over obstacles as they race to the finish line.

Get Down and Dirty at Dell’Osso Family Farm Dell’Osso Family Farm in Lathrop is hosting another 5K Mud Run on Saturday, April 6. Over 15,000 runners participated in the Mud Runs in 2012. This year’s event will be another chance to crawl, slip, slide and get muddy. Dell’Osso Family Farm has a reputation of getting better year after year. Mudders want more mud and challenges, and that’s just what they plan on doing. A portion of the proceeds goes to the fight against cancer. “Come for the Challenge, Stay for the Party.” Big Monkey Group readers will be given a free ticket to the Corn Maze at Dell’Osso Family Farm for October 2013 (a $10 value) with each Mud Run ticket they purchase. After you purchase your ticket, go to the event wall and post “I LOVE Big Monkey and I’m going to Get Down & Dirty at Dell’Osso Farms.” For more information and to register, visit www.mudonthefarm.com.

>>around brookside Save These Important Brookside School Dates Lincoln Unified School District New student registration will take place from Monday, March 11 through Thursday, March 28. Spring Break begins Friday, March 29 through Friday, April 5. “Cuisine of the World” takes place on Thursday, March 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln High School. This event is open to all Lincoln Unified School District parents and their children. Registration forms are available on the District’s website at www.lusd.net. District Band Night is at Lincoln High School on Thursday, March 28 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Lincoln High School Attention seniors – it is time to apply for the Tod A. Anton Scholarship. This scholarship is a collaborative effort by Lincoln Unified School District Parent Teacher Student Associations to honor the outstanding seniors. As Dr. Anton himself demonstrated throughout his tenure as LUSD superintendent, LHS principal and in his retirement as LHS cross country coach, the scholarship committee is looking for students who exhibit strength in character, involvement in the community and pride in their education. Application deadline is Thursday, March 28. Pick up your application in the Educational Planning Center. If you have not ordered your senior’s cap and gown, new order forms are available from Mrs. Krenecki in the Student Service Center. Or go online to www.norcalgrad.com and place your order.

Orders must be placed prior to April 1 to guarantee arrival prior to graduation. Please do not send in the original order form, as it is no longer valid. It will be returned to you and your order will not be processed. The Lincoln High School Business Class will present its 4th Annual Education Fundraiser. This event is Saturday, March 16 at St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church, at 5:30 p.m. There will be door prizes, silent auctions and raffle prizes. Tickets are $25 per person, $10 for children under age 10 and $250 for a table of 10. For more information and to make your reservation, contact Mimi Trucco at mtrucco@lusd.net. St. Mary’s High School The Interact Club Book Drive is Wednesday, March 6 through Friday, March 22. The spring play is Thursday, March 7 through Sunday, March 10, and Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17. Third Quarter ends and there is a speech tournament on Friday, March 8. The Bio/Psych Fair is Tuesday, March 12. There will be no school for juniors and seniors on Wednesday, March 13. Registration for next year’s students is Monday, March 18 through Thursday, March 21. There is a Drill Clinic on Sunday, March 24 and Monday, March 25. Student body elections are Tuesday, March 26. Drill tryouts are Wednesday, March 27. Easter Break begins Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5.

Brookside Housing Market Springs into Action! For the month of January in Brookside, 26 homes were for sale, 33 were pending, 10 sold, 6 expired, withdrew or cancelled. For the properties sold, the average days on the market were 40, average dollar per square foot was $130.71, median sold price was $309,950 and median size was 2,248 square feet. Properties currently available are $205,000 to $2.5 million. For more important market information, call Grupe Realtors’ Bev Smith at (209) 482-0679 or Edie Boogusch at (209) 403-3186. Current market data taken from Metrolist. brookside monthly magazine | MARCH 2013 | 9

>>community briefs >>209 scene

You Can Make a Difference Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are trained community volunteers who are appointed by a judge to advocate for children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned and find themselves, through no fault of their own, in foster care. San Joaquin County has more than 1,100 children in foster care. The statistics for children in foster care are dismal. A child placed into foster care has less than a 50 percent chance of graduating high school. More than one out of five youths that arrive at a shelter have come directly from foster care. Studies show that 45 percent of kids leaving foster care become homeless within a year. Children placed in out-of-home care are also at higher risk of developing alcohol and drug problems. One study shows that in California, at least 19 percent of prisoners surveyed were imprisoned within two years, and 56 percent in prison within five years, of “aging out” of foster care. The need is great for advocates in San Joaquin County. CASAs provides a stable, trustworthy adult who will listen to the youth about their needs and keep their best interests front and center in the court: • CASAs work toward finding a safe, permanent home and lifelong connections for kids in foster care.

Currently, less than 6 percent of San Joaquin County children are in foster care. CASAs do this work as volunteers. • CASAs of San Joaquin County see their kids at least once a week. They receive no reimbursement for mileage or the activities they do with their youth. The kids have social workers who do the best job they can in a very overwhelmed system. • Social workers see the kids about once a month. The kids’ attorneys, equally as overwhelmed, see them about once every six months. CASAs see the kids every week. They gather information and report to the judge their opinion as to what is in the best interest for the future of their CASA child. CASA of San Joaquin County hopes to have up to 100 volunteers by the end of June. That would mean almost doubling the number of kids in foster care they can serve. To be a CASA, a volunteer must pass a stringent background check and interview, then take a 30-hour pre-service training class. Once this is completed, the volunteer is sworn in and becomes an officer of the court. They then match the volunteer with a child to advocate for, who has been referred to the program by dependency court judges. And the CASAs begin to make a difference, one child at a time.

Softball Rivals ‘Unite to Fight’ The softball tournament will take place on Thursday, March 14 through Saturday, March 16 at Araniz Softball Complex in Stockton. This tournament promotes awareness of the common occurrence of breast cancer, through friendly fast pitch softball competition. The softball tournament features the San Joaquin Athletic Association (SJAA) against the Tri-City Athletic League (T-Cal). All 12 high school girls’ softball programs have agreed to participate in this tournament. All proceeds from this tournament will be donated to local organizations in San Joaquin County to aid in research, treatment, education, and prevention of breast cancer. For more information, contact Lynette Zeiter at (209) 483-2483. 10 | MARCH 2013 | brookside monthly magazine

In late January, members of the organization Stockton Beautiful, along with volunteers, took to the Haggin Museum Rose Garden for its annual winter pruning. Terry Reilly, co-founder of the Friends of the San Jose Rose Garden, oversaw the project, instructing rose pruning newbies to the art of pruning ensuring a beautiful blooming season. For information on Stockton Beautiful, visit www.stocktonbeautiful.org.

Green Gardening Many people are “going green” to reduce their carbon footprint. But green gardening can also reduce the impact to the Delta and your storm water system. Runoff from your yard flows untreated through the storm drains directly into the waterways surrounding Stockton. By reducing fertilizer used and using less-toxic pesticides, you can reduce the negative effect on the health of our waterways. Avoid using leaf blowers and instead rake or sweep leaves, yard debris, and dirt from the driveway, walkways and gutters. Play a part in keeping the San Joaquin Delta healthy. For more tips on protecting the environment, the Delta, and your storm water system, visit the City website at www.stocktongov.com/mud, or call (209) 937-5143. Enjoy a ‘Little’ Cult Classic A down-and-out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. One of the longest running off-Broadway shows of all

time, “Little Shop of Horrors” is an affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a household name. Charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, “Little Shop” never fails to entertain. The production runs Wednesday, March 6 through Saturday, March 30 at Stockton Civic Theatre. Tickets are $25 for adults, $21 for seniors and $15 for students/children. Visit http:// sctlivetheatre.com/ or call (209) 473-2424 for more information. An Evening to Remember The Stockton Opera Guild presents “Remembering the Way We Were – A Vintage Bridal Fashion Show and Luncheon” on Sunday, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Stockton Golf and Country Club. The fashion show will feature gowns worn by local women and guild members. Tickets are $50 per guest, $400 for a table of eight. Proceeds will support the 2013 Stockton Opera Association’s production of “The Marriage of Figaro” on Friday, May 17 and Sunday, May 19 at the University of the Pacific.

brookside monthly magazine | MARCH 2013 | 11

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>>travel passport

Autumn Delights By Anne Rose Contributing Writer I’m dreaming of autumn. Sure, the calendar says almost spring, but to travel and travel well, you have to think ahead to get the most options, the best promotions, and the best rates. This means planning six to 12 months ahead. It does you little good to hold out for a last-minute discounted airfare if the Presidential suite at $7,000 per night is the only room left available. Hence, my clients and I are planning for autumn. Up the coast, a three-to-four-hour easy, but scenic, drive from San Joaquin County, is the rugged and craggy Mendocino coastline. The region has numerous wineries, luxury resorts, quaint inns, and bed and breakfasts with fireplaces, spas, an array of restaurants (casual to gourmet), and of course, that dramatic coastline with thundering waves and starry nights. Mendocino is a very artsy little village: artists, handcrafters, boutique stores and delis. I love its main grocery store—unique foods, a huge olive bar, a wonderful housewares section, and an entire aisle of locally roasted coffee. Sorry, Hawaii, but I think Mendocino coffee is one of the world’s best. When I savor a cup of Mendocino coffee at home, I am transported to the Men-

docino coastline and can almost smell the air and feel the salt spray. I was driving home from Mendocino once when a lunar eclipse began. Mesmerized, I had to pull over to watch the entire event with the surf crashing below me, iridescent in the dimming moonlight. Unforgettable. For autumn travelers, you’re also treated to a seasonal parade of the humpback whales as they swim south from Alaska en route to Hawaii or Los Cabos. Bring your binoculars if your accommodations don’t already include a pair. We really are blessed to have so many resources available here in California. But let me suggest an incredible destination further afield. It requires a plane ride, but there are numerous flight options from Sacramento and San Francisco. I’m talking about the Big Island, Hawaii, culinary and wine mecca of the Pacific. Seriously, the Big Island attracts numerous James Beard award-winning chefs and is the birthplace of Pacific Rim cuisine. Exquisite wines paired with locally sourced foods are the ultimate Farmto-Table gourmet dining experience presented at some of the Kohala Coast’s luxury resorts. Spectacular food, spectacular wine, spectacular resorts with the most spectacular spas

Mendocino Presbyterian Church overlooks incredible cliffs. PHOTO BY NELSON MINAR

The Big Island is an affordable vacation option for West Coasters. PHOTO BY SHAWN CRARY

in the world amid spectacular vistas, and you have a…well…spectacular vacation. Definitely allow a week to fully experience all the Big Island has to offer—besides eating and drinking and spa-ing, there is amazing hiking through rainforests. Not to mention an unparalleled diversity of landscape and microclimates, and the starriest sky on our planet, active volcanoes, dormant volcanoes, black sand beaches, pink sand beaches, green sand beaches, a wealth of marine life, tropical gardens, and waterfalls twice as tall as Niagara.

The two vacation spots are a feat for all the senses! You can’t go wrong – one is a short drive, and the other a manageable plane ride away. Don’t forget to start dreaming of your autumn vacation now, so you can lock in your deals ahead of time! Anne Rose is president of CameronPark-based Celebrate-Travel Inc., a passionate traveler, and an enthusiastic expert of custom-designed vacations to select regions. She welcomes your feedback and questions, and can be reached at annerose@celebrate-travel. com and (530) 677-6454.

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WE’RE HIRING! The Brookside Monthly—the premier magazine for the Brookside community — is seeking several

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

to prospect, build relationships and sell advertising programs to help local businesses grow. Candidates with advertising sales experience can step to the front of the line! We offer 50% commission for the first 60 days, then a generous commission structure and quarterly bonuses and the ability to sell advertising in all 6 of BMG’s magazines. Resumes can be sent to Advertising Director Noel Fielding at advertise@bigmonkeygroup.com

14 | MARCH 2013 | brookside monthly magazine

>>best eats

We believe dining should be fun with freshness and surprises in the menu, and warmth and knowledge in the dining room service. We are committed to creating fresh, natural, and innovative dishes featuring the highest quality seasonal and regionally sourced ingredients. We look forward to inspiring the joys of food and sharing our passion with you! For restaurant reservations: (209) 371-6160 or restreservations@winerose.com.

The Delta Bistro has a new fresh menu featuring certified Niman Ranch Beef, fresh seafood & local produce. Fine dining in a casual setting with fantastic waterfront views. Prime Rib Buffet on Thursday starting at 5pm Sunday Mimosa Brunch 10am-2pm. Breakfast 6-11am, Lunch 11am-2pm, Dinner 5:30-9pm.

2505 West Turner Road | Lodi 209.371.6160 | www.winerose.com

110 W. Fremont St. | Stockton 209.944.1140

FEATURES

Beer & Extensive Lodi Wine Catering • Private Dining

Grey Goose & Don Julio Cocktails $5 Select Appetizers $5 Signature Cocktails $8 Select Beer $3 Select Wine $5 (Valid in bar only)

www.universityplazawaterfronthotel.com

Full Bar • To Go Available • Banquet Rooms Children’s Menu • Entertainment

REAL

RESULTS

not all advertising is equal Reach every home in Brookside in the next issue of the Brookside Monthly magazine and

we’ll double your ad size! CALL 209.932.9252 for details Mention promo code “BROOKSIDE13”

complete marketing solutions

HAPPY HOUR ALL NIGHTEVERY NIGHT!

In 2012, Big Monkey Group publishing mailed over HALF A MILLION magazines to consumers in San Joaquin County. THAT IS MORE THAN ALL OUR COMPETITION...COMBINED!

3121 West Benjamin Holt Dr. | Stockton 209.951.0885 | www.lebistrostockton.com

FEATURES

Full Bar • To Go Available Banquet Rooms

>>brookside contacts Brookside Schools and Library Brookside School Elementary School...........................................................953-8642 Claudia Landeen Elementary School.............................................................953-8660 Don Riggio Elementary School.................................................................... 953-8753 Lincoln High School......................................................................................953-8642 Merryhill Elementary School..........................................................................477-9005 Margaret K. Troke Branch Library.................................................................937-8221 General Interest Big Monkey Group/Brookside Monthly magazine..........................................932-9252 Brookside Country Club Main.......................................................................956-6200 Brookside Country Club Golf Club................................................................444-4725 M&C Associates...........................................................................................644-4900 Stockton Sailing Club...................................................................................951-5600 Clubhouse Rental Information.......................................................................944-4905 City of Stockton Abandoned Vehicles ....................................................................................937-8354 Allied Waste..................................................................................................466-3604 Animal Control............................................................................................. 937-8274 Anti-graffiti Program..................................................................................... 937-8040 Excessive Noise - Parties/Social Gatherings................................................ 937-8377 Lost & Found Pets (Animal Shelter).............................................................. 937-8274 Non-functioning Street Light.........................................................................937-8411 Stockton Police Department Non-emergency ..............................................937-8377 Stockton Police Department Narcotics Unit..................................................937-8422 Connect Online City of Stockton....................................................................... www.stocktongov.com County of San Joaquin ..................................................... www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us Brookside Country Club.......................................................... www.brooksidegolf.net Lincoln Unified School District................................................................. www.lusd.net Stockton Libraries................................................................................. www.lib.ca.us Brookside Monthly magazine........................................... www.brooksidemonthly.com Brookside Master Homeowners Association................................................................ ...................................................................................www.brooksidemasterhoa.com brookside monthly magazine | MARCH 2013 | 15

>>411 in 209

St. John’s Anglican Church

WHERE

Stockton Master and Youth Chorales: “The Voice of Nature” 2 p.m., Saturday, March 23 The Master Chorale, under Artistic Director Magen Solomon, welcomes in spring with Thomas Morley’s “Now is the Gentle Season,” Samuel Barber’s “To Be Sung on the Water,” and Piotr Tchaikovsky’s “Golden Cloudlet.” These three songs recognize the visual changes that come after the storms of winter are left behind. Then, Peter Schickele will present “After Spring Sunset.” The Youth Chorale, under the direction of Joan Calonico, will also sing of spring with John Rutter’s song, “For the Beauty of the Earth.” Bring your family—especially the children—to this diverse program that will uplift listeners of all ages. Single tickets are $20 in advance for adults, or $25 at the door, and $5 for students. Tickets are available at Stockton Chorale office, (209) 951-6494, online at www.stocktonchorale.org, or at the door.

WHEN

March 21 to May 5

82nd Annual Robert T. McKee Student Art Contest/Exhibition

WHAT Hippology

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 23 Don’t let the title of this exhibition fool you: The Greek word for horses is “hippo,” and this is all about horses. The World of Wonders Science Museum, along with All Seasons Carriage Company of Lodi, is giving you an opportunity to learn all about horses. The admission price includes pony rides, pony painting, and western goodies to take home. Admission to this day at the museum alongside real ponies and horses is $20 for World of Wonders Museum members, and $25 for non-members. For more information, call (209) 368-0969 or visit www.wowsciencemuseum.org.

16 | MARCH 2013 | brookside monthly magazine

The Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, will feature student artists from kindergarten through 12th grade in the 82nd Annual McKee Student Art Contest and Exhibition. Founding patron Robert T. McKee’s vision was to encourage students by providing a public venue for their artwork. Every year, teachers select approximately 1,000 pieces of art for public display. The walls of two galleries are covered from top to bottom with two-dimensional art works. In addition to photographs and mixed media pieces, there are works created in crayon, colored pencil, pastel, watercolor, oil and acrylic paint. This year, a new category will be short (three-minute or less) digital films by high school students. These films will be shown in the gallery and compete for special prizes. For more information, contact Curator of Education Lisa Cooperman at (209) 940-6315 or education@hagginmuseum.org. Check the museum’s website for time and admission costs.

brookside monthly magazine | MARCH 2013 | 17

>>beyond 209

Up, Up and Away By Bernadine Chapman-Cruz Contributing Writer

Sky Drifters hot air balloon rides are one of the best-kept secrets in Northern California. According to owner Tim Nelson, the sport – around for more than 200 years – is a perfect way to capture the scenic beauty of the area. Riding in a hot air balloon is a real adventure. Seeing a balloon in the air is awesome, but the real thrill is flying in one. And there’s nothing to fear, as Sky Drifters has an excellent safety record, according to Nelson. “We fly under F.A.A. rules and regulations, and radios are required for constant ground contact,” he said. “Each balloon carries fire equipment and a quick shut-off system for fuel tanks. [And] one of the incredible things about a balloon is that even without a pilot, [it] will still descend safely as it becomes its own parachute.” Hot air balloon construction consists of a colorful, specially treated material balloon bag designed to handle high heat and sunshine, attached to a sturdy wicker basket containing a burner and fuel system. In addition to F.A.A.-certified pilots, ground crews include several people involved in the flight, some following the balloon in a chase car, others tearing down the balloon at flight’s end, and reloading the balloon. “It’s a team effort,” Nelson said, “and passengers can also participate in some ballooning duties.” Sky Drifters offers one-hour balloon rides suitable for any occasion. Flight time may be extended if wind and weather allow. Small baskets accommodate one or two people in addition to the pilot. Larger baskets carry up to seven guests. As passengers float over Northern California, flying altitude ranges from just above treetop to 2,000 feet. Depending on air currents, balloons cross the region’s lakes, rivers, vernal pools, and oak preserves. “Deer Creek Hills Preserve is nice,” Nelson said. “Coyote, deer, and mountain lions can easily be seen from above.” Private-chartered balloon rides 18 | MARCH 2013 | brookside monthly magazine

>>beyond 209 floating over the Sacramento Valley create unforgettable romantic memories. A hot air balloon ride for couples is the perfect setting for engagements, anniversaries, or weddings. With prior arrangements, pilots can perform civil ceremonies. Price is $650 per couple for a onehour ride. Group balloon rides for up to seven people sharing a basket are fun and exciting. Skilled pilots interact with passengers, pointing out landmarks, sharing stories, and answering questions. Price range is $175-195 per person depending on group size. Private charter and group flights depart from the Sky Drifters Balloon Port in the foothills 30 miles east of Sacramento, on

the corner of Jackson Highway and Stonehouse Road. A unique attraction for an outdoor event, corporate party, grand opening, church, club, or social function is a Sky Drifters stationary tethered hot air balloon. Five-minute rides take passengers over 100 feet above ground activities. Price is $850 for the first hour and $650 per hour thereafter, with a two-hour minimum. Hot air balloon rides are restricted passengers to age five and over. The rides are not for pregnant women and are not handicapped accessible. Reservations are required but same-day standby flights are sometimes available. Call Sky Drifters for reservations and specifics.

BROOKSIDE MONTHLY MAGAZINE Big Monkey Group LLC 94 W. Castle St. #B Stockton CA 95204