APRIL 2013 | VOL. 2 | ISSUE 4
>>editor’s note
A Season of High Spirit (and Spear-it)
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.MantecaMonthly.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 Web Development SUPPORTING STAFF Cameron Crary and 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 Annette Soriano 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 Advertising inquires advertise@bigmonkeygroup.com
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t’s spring and the weather is absolutely beautiful. It’s one of the reasons I love living in San Joaquin County. It’s also one of the main reasons we haven’t moved outside of California. When I talk to my family in Virginia and they tell me it is raining and 55 degrees, I tell them how sorry I am to hear that when it is 75 with a mild breeze here. Spring is my favorite time of year; I see it as a transition season, between the cold winter and the hot summer. Now that my family is finally getting used to the time change we are embracing all the positives that it has to offer. When the sun stays up longer at night, we can take advantage of that by enjoying dinner on the patio or sitting outside talking and listening to music. You know the saying, “April showers bring May flowers”? Well, my family is spending a lot of time outside planting flowers and working in our garden. It is something that we do every year. There is nothing better than to look outside and see flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors blooming all over the yard. And, nothing tastes better than eating vegetables out of your garden. When the seasons change, so does the variety of fruits and vegetables that show up on our kitchen table. The smells and taste of fresh fruits and vegetables are always a little sweeter when they come from your own backyard. It seems I can never keep enough strawberries in the house; I still need to buy extra, even though we grow our own. Asparagus is a favorite vegetable in our house, too. This is great because San Joaquin is one of the nation’s largest suppliers of asparagus. With the month of April comes the famous Asparagus Festival, which begins Friday, April 26. If you’re unable to attend the festival, you can enjoy asparagus through The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out, where local restaurants create special dishes featuring the tasty green spears. This year, Big Monkey Group will be in charge of the nationally publicized Deep Fried Asparagus Eating Competition. We will weigh out the fried asparagus, set up the eating area with the food and drink, and provide contestants with additional plates as they eat while the 10-minute clock counts down. We’re not only excited to do this but very honored to have been asked by the aspara-staff! Did you know that the Asparagus Festival is the largest charitable festival in the state? In 2012, nearly $315,000 was split among 129 nonprofit groups right here in San Joaquin County. Go I invite you to visit the festival and have a great time while supporting a “bunch” of our local nonprofits! Whatever you do this month, go out and enjoy it! Mitzi Stites | Managing Editor | editor@bigmonkeygroup.com
>>on the cover
Festival highlights include the Food 4 Less/Rancho San Miguel Hole in One, a Farmer’s Market, the Asparagus Eating Competition, The Great Spear-it Run, Velocity Circus, the Skyy Dog Arena and topnotch entertainment such as Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Great White, Night Ranger, Foghat and Gin Blossoms. Not featured on our cover, but certainly not to be missed, is Asparagus Alley, where you can fill up on fried asparagus, asparagus ice cream, and new this year...the asparabery shortcake.
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4 | APRIL 2013 | manteca monthly magazine
>>feature story
Back in the Spear-It New look, familiar feel to the 2013 Stockton Asparagus Festival
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By Alan Naditz | Staff Writer
here’s a circus coming to town – or at least, that’s how Kate Post likes to think of it, whenever it’s time for the annual Stockton Asparagus Festival.
Later this month, for about a week, downtown Stockton will be filled with trucks, people and, literally, tons of asparagus, as preparations begin for the 2013 festival, set for April 26-28. It’s a scene right out of “The Greatest Show on Earth.” “There are trucks everywhere,” said Post, who is the festival’s director. “Our load-in takes all day. We start on April 17 and don’t finish until April 25. It really is like the circus coming to town.” It wasn’t always like this. “In the old days, we asked for 1,000 pounds of asparagus for donation from the California Asparagus Association. And back then, we thought that was an unbelievable amount of asparagus,” Post recalls. “Nowadays, we’re buying 36,000 pounds – from multiple, local growers – for the fair’s run. We used to have only local people attending; now we have people from as far away as New Orleans. They know where the best asparagus is.” It’s a huge event in more ways than one, organizers say. There’s the economic element: According to Wes Rhea, president of the Asparagus Festival Board of Directors and executive director of the Stockton Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the festival pays out more than $1 million to local vendors to produce the festival each year. Then there are the funds that the festival gives to area nonprofits – which in 2012 totaled nearly $315,000, split among 129 nonprofit groups – which are essential for their annual success. In most cases, this money is the groups’ main fundraiser for the year. “These funds would not necessarily be replaced if the festival was not here,” Rhea said. “[And] of course, there is the money the visitors drop in Stockton when they come to the festival for gas, hotels, dining, shopping. The festival is good business for the county.” Getting Organized Much of the fair’s success stems from the more than 5,000 volunteers who work the festival, handling everything from vendor sales to site organization and cleanup. Volunteers from participating nonprofits are “paid” an
Continued on page 6
Chef of the Fest.
Back for a second year is Chef Mark Berkner, owner of Plymouth, Calif.’s renowned Taste restaurant. Berkner, along with San Joaquin Delta College Culinary Arts Program students, will coordinate a series of cooking demonstrations, as well as open competitions between professional chefs and students for cash prizes. The volunteer hours and dividend earned by the culinary students helps support Delta’s culinary arts program.
“I feel really good about the 2013 festival. We have such a great lineup of entertainment, and a new asparagus dessert dish, and 5,000 dedicated volunteers that make each year so much fun! With great weather and an improving economy, we could break records!” — Wes Rhea, president of the Asparagus Festival Board of Directors
Deep Fried Asparagus Eating Competition.
Eight-time winner Joey “Jaws” Chestnut will be back to defend his title. Chestnut ate 8.1 pounds of deep-friend asparagus spears in a mere 10 minutes in 2012. He also holds the world record, set in Stockton in 2011 (9.3 pounds in the same 10 minutes). “This event was Joey’s first eating competition,” Post said. “That year (2003), we probably had 12 people watching. Now that he’s a national icon, he’s become a fair favorite…more than 6,000 people came to see him last year. They really love to watch him compete.” And compete, and eat, he does: The San Jose resident has only lost the asparagus competition once, finishing second in 2009 – and he’s since claimed world titles in eating competitions for hot dogs, chicken wings, pizza slices, hamburgers, pork ribs, corned beef sandwiches and matzo balls, among others.
manteca monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 5
>>feature story Continued from page 5 hourly rate, which is later awarded to the nonprofit in a lump sum, according to Post. In 2012, volunteers logged in 33,218 hours, resulting in an hourly rate of $9.48 per hour per volunteer, she said. This effectively makes the festival the county’s largest employer during the fair’s run, and is also the state’s largest charitable food festival, officials note. Since the event’s launch in 1986, more than $5.8 million has been contributed to participating charities. Not surprisingly, many of the charities involved in the festival return every year. There’s actually a waiting list to join, according to Leslie Snyder, the event’s volunteer coordinator. “The main reason for local nonprofits to become involved is to raise funds for their organization,” Snyder said. “But it is also a wonderful way to get involved in a great community event.” The best way to get on the waiting list is to send a request letter on nonprofit letterhead to the Stockton Asparagus Festival office, she said. Snyder will go to the group requests on the list to fill new spots as they become available. Interested persons may contact Snyder at lsnyder@dsbeverage.com. Some of the existing groups are also looking for help. For example, Stockton’s Emergency Food Bank
The Great Spear-it Run.
Same event, new date: The festival’s annual 5K to 5-mile marathon through downtown Stockton is back to a Sunday start, after several years on Saturday. “Saturday is just too big of a day, with the eating competition and other events at the fair going on,” Post said. “The race got lost in the shuffle. We think the event can better stand alone on a Sunday morning.” Registration forms are available at www.asparagusfest.com or www.active.com, and may be submitted online, by mail, or at Fleet Feet Stockton, 277 Lincoln Center North, Stockton. Online deadline is Wednesday, April 24; later registrants must apply in person at a Fleet Fleet store or on race day. More information is available at www.asparagusfest.com.
and Family Services seeks volunteers to help with its participation in the festival, primarily in preparing deep-fried asparagus. Interested persons should contact Angela King at (209) 464-7369 or aking@stocktonfoodbank.org. “We never want for volunteer organizations,” Post said. “And every year, we try to stay true to the purpose of the festival – to assist nonprofit associations – while making it new and exciting to the people who attend it.” New to Town – Sort of Several new items will be part of the Asparagus Festival this year, although they’ll have a familiar ring to them. In one case, people may think they’ve just seen him in Stockton – and they’d be right. For Chris “The Stunt Dog Guy”
Velocity Circus.
An all-new acrobatic exhibition featuring a Mongolian contortionist, an aerial “tissue” artist, a suspended hoop artist, an expert in rope manipulation, and more.
A complete rundown of the festival can be found at www.asparagusfest.com 6 | APRIL 2013 | manteca monthly magazine
Go to the festival for FREE!
15 lucky readers will receive 2 tickets: visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/BigMonkeyGroup and click “LIKE,” then post what your favorite part of the festival is. Winners will be chosen at random.
Perondi, the festival represents a homecoming. The Stockton native, Brookside Christian High School graduate and Delta College alum is thrilled to be back at the place where he got his start as a dog trainer. “I was involved in the first two years of the (downtown-based) festival with Ray (‘Skyy Dogs’) Masel,” Perondi said. “I did shows with him, then I was full-time on my own, traveling across the nation. This year, Ray called me up and asked if I was interested in teaming up for old time’s sake. As it turned out, I have my wedding to plan this year, and I wanted to be able to spend more time at home. So I thought coming back here to do a show would be fun.” Perondi’s shows feature 10 of his athletic canines who high-jump, Frisbee-catch, and perform other extreme stunts and tricks. “Rocking Ray” and his “Amazing Skyy Dogs” are also on hand, performing daily at Skyy Dog Arena. Now a French Camp resident, Perondi regularly spends almost half a year on tour with his dogs – all of which are rescues from area animal shelters – visiting venues such as state fairs, national parks and charity fundraisers. But he did recently perform a one-hour show at the Bob Hope Theater earlier in the year, which served as a warm-up to his return this month. He’s amazed at how the popularity of canine stunt shows has grown over the years. “The first year I was [at the Asparagus Festival], we only had 1-2 dogs,” Perondi recalls. “This year, I’ll be there with all my dogs, coordinating the show, interacting with the audience. That’s my thing, I enjoy it. And the audience – which is giant now compared to back then – definitely loves it.” Asparagus Alley, the festival’s main eating area, will feature a “new” item
as well: “Asparaberry shortcake,” a combination of asparagus tips, strawberries, whipped cream and bananas. This item actually made the rounds at the fair a number of years ago, according to Post. Need something to wash that shortcake down with? Try the “lime strawmarita,” which is basically a lime and strawberry margarita. “And we have our classic festival margarita, which we sell thousands of every year,” Post said. “After all, it’s all about the food and the beverage offered, you know.” Meanwhile, the Arts and Wine Show will feature product from a few new wineries, via the Lodi Winegrape Commission. Watts Winery and Van Ruiten Family Winery have already committed to the festival; at press time at least two more exhibitors were being sought. Interested persons can contact Asparagus Festival Arts and Wine Show Director Nick Elliott at (209) 644-3747 or nick@asparagusfest.com, or visit www.asparagusfest.com. All the various attractions are expected to help the festival top the 100,000 mark in attendance for a 10th year since its move to downtown in 2004. The 2012 event drew 104,000; the all-time record is 110,000 in 2008. Post expects the 2013 total to fall somewhere in-between. “We’re hoping for some pleasantly mild weather, probably in the 70s to 80s,” she said. “That should really bring people out here to have a great time.” Rhea agrees. “I feel really good about the 2013 festival,” he said. “We have such a great lineup of entertainment, and a new asparagus dessert dish, and 5,000 dedicated volunteers that make each year so much fun! With great weather and an improving economy, we could break records!”
>>around manteca Lots of Fun at the Library Lathrop Library Family Story Time. This is a special family story time is designed for parents to attend with children ages 0-14. It features 30 minutes of stories, fingerplays, and other ageappropriate activities for the whole family. This story time takes place on Thursday, April 11 at 3 p.m. Preschool Story Time. Preschool story times, designed for toddlers and preschoolers, feature 30 minutes of stories, fingerplays, and other ageappropriate activities. An “Asparagus Festival” story time takes place Thursday, April 25 at 1:30 p.m. Computer Class. This drop-in class for patrons who need help with basic computer skills, takes place Friday, April 12 at 3 p.m. The trainer can also help with the library e-book catalog and Over Drive. Patrons are welcome to bring their devices and laptops to class. The Lathrop Library will be closed on Friday, April 26, for a furlough day. Lathrop Library is at 15461 Seventh St. in Lathrop. Business hours are Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. It is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, call (866) 805-READ.
Manteca Library All About Baby Story Time. Even the youngest babies will benefit from this 20-minute combination of simple picture book stories, rhythmic music, plus finger plays with motion and movement. Doors open at 10 a.m.; stories and songs are at 10:30 a.m. Playtime is available before and after the formal activities. This story time takes place on Tuesdays throughout April. Preschool Story Time. Story time for preschoolers and their parents/caregivers features stories, poetry, songs, finger plays, movement and lots of fun. Preschool Story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays throughout April. Master Gardener: The War on Weeds. Learn how to identify common weeds from seedlings to mature ones, and how to outsmart and control them. This event is Saturday, April 20, at 10:30 a.m. The Manteca Library is at 320 W. Center St. in Manteca. Business hours are Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. For more information, call (866) 805-READ.
Ripon Library All About Baby Story Time. This weekly program, led by staff, is for babies and parents/caregivers to introduce
babies to early literacy skills. Even the youngest babies will benefit from this 20-minute combination of simple picture book stories, rhythmic music, finger plays with motion and movement, board book sharing and all-inclusive recognition and singing. The repetitive nature of this program helps with memory and cognition, motor skills development. This story time will be held on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. throughout April. Preschool Story Time. Story time for preschoolers and their parents/caregivers features stories, poetry, songs, finger plays, movement and lots of fun. Preschool Story time will be held on Tuesdays throughout April at 10:30 a.m. Beginning Yoga and Pilates. Relax and unwind at this class designed to introduce participants to the health benefits and practice of yoga and pilates, led by instructor Sue McClanahan. This class is every Wednesday at 6 p.m. Teen Movie Matinee. On Saturday, April 13, at 2 p.m., the TAG (Teen Activities Group) presents a feature film release. Fresh, hot popcorn is served. Fantastic Film Nights. Visit the Ripon Branch Library for “Fantastic Film Nights” on Tuesday, April 9, at 6 p.m. This program features award-winning, critically acclaimed, or just off-the-wall films that you might have missed or want to see again. Contact the Ripon Branch Library to inquire about this month’s title. Refreshments, and fresh-popped popcorn, will be served. Please be advised: some of these films are rated R and are not intended for younger viewers. The Ripon Library is at 333 W. Main St. in Ripon. Business hours are Monday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday. For more information, call (866) 805-READ.
Weston Ranch Library Homework Helpers. Homework Helpers are available for kindergarten through sixth grade at the Weston Ranch Library every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This is a free program and is available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Students should bring homework assignments with them. Students 10 years of age and younger must have a responsible guardian with them at the library at all times. Toddler and Preschool Story Time. Come join the fun as we read stories, sing songs and enjoy finger plays. Story time is followed by a brief craft or playtime. This story time takes place on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. The Weston Ranch Library is at 1453 W. French Camp Road in Stockton. Business hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Thursday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call (866) 805-READ. manteca monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 7
>>around manteca
Lathrop Kinder Camp Program is Back The renovation of the Lathrop Community Center is complete and all Kid Club programs and classes that were offered at Lathrop Elementary School are back at the Community Center. This also includes the Kinder Camp program, which is ready to accept registrations. Kinder Camp is designed for children enrolled in morning kindergarten. This program consists of age-appropriate activities and games, and offers participants a healthy snack. Program hours are 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. daily and this program is open Monday through Friday, except certain holidays. The Kinder Camp program is $25 per week. It is offered only at the Lathrop Community Center and can only accommodate participants from Lathrop Elementary School. For more information, contact Lathrop Parks & Recreation at (209) 941- 7370.
Lathrop Senior Staying Active Afternoon movies. Every Wednesday at 1 p.m., the Lathrop Senior Center will create a movie theatre atmosphere, where adults 50 and older can enjoy free movies on a widescreen TV. Monthly movie listings are in the Senior Center’s monthly newsletter. Senior lunch program. A nutritious lunch is served daily at the Lathrop Senior Center at 11:30 a.m. The suggested donation for the meal is $2 for a senior age 60 and up, and $6 for non-senior guest. You must sign up at least
24 hours in advance by calling the Lathrop Senior Center at (209) 9417380. A calendar with the menu for the month is available at the Lathrop Senior Center. Creative Cooking Class. Come join the Lathrop Senior Center for an exciting class full of surprises. You never know what they will cook next in this fun class. The Lathrop Senior Center is located at 15707 5th St. in Lathrop and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (209) 941-7380.
Home Sales Are on the Rise
In February, the Weston Ranch housing market had 25 active homes for sale, 119 pending, and 9 cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 37, median square footage price was $86.26, median sold price was $155,000 and the median size was 1,892 square feet. Properties available are $120,000 to $224,900. The Ripon housing market had 13 active homes for sale, 46 pending, 13 sold and 3 expired, withdrew or cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 37, median square footage price was $131.24, median sold price was $285,000 and the median size was 2,037 square feet. Properties available were $339,990 to $665,000. Manteca’s housing market had 57 active homes for sale, 235 were pending, 60 sold and 15 expired withdrew or cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 32, median square footage price was $119.01, median sold price was $193,000 and the median size was 1,823 square feet. Properties available were $100,000 to $1.2 million. The Lathrop housing market had 17 active homes for sale, 56 pending, 9 sold and 6 expired, withdrew or cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 9, median square footage price was $96.55, median sold price was $237,500 and the median size was 2,548 square feet. Properties available were $109,999 to $399,000. Current market data taken from Metrolist, courtesy of Eric Quillinan, real estate Realtor, Help-U-Sell Alpha Realty, (209) 888-8800. 8 | APRIL 2013 | manteca monthly magazine
The cast of “Satisfaction” joins the Symphony for an evening of songs that celebrate 50 years of the Rolling Stones.
Satisfaction ‘Pops’ Style Join the Stockton Symphony in its last concert of the 2012-2013 season: the music of the Rolling Stones, featuring the cast of “Satisfaction” on Saturday, April 27 at A.G. Spanos Center, University of the Pacific. Can’t always get what you want? Oh, yes, you can – if what you want is a colorful performance of fun and familiar rock and roll! Channeling Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the cast joins the Stockton Symphony, and showcases the most authentic cast and costuming audiences have ever witnessed. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and the concert is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 to $60 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the box office at (209) 951-0196.
Dive Into It in Ripon Do you know that two thirds of the world is underwater? Why not discover scuba diving and open the door to the rest of the world. Learn all about scuba diving at the Ripon Aquatics Center, 301 N. Acacia Ave. in Ripon, on Saturday April 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $10. Remember to bring a towel, swim suit and sunscreen. Are you already a scuba diver? Come to the “Scuba Tune-up for the Year.” Practice your buoyancy skills, review
your dives skills, and check out your gear – all in the comfort of 80-degree water and a confined pool environment. This event is at the Ripon Aquatics Center on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. Remember to bring a towel, swim suit and sunscreen to participate. For more information on these two events, call the Ripon Aquatics Center at (209) 8383481.
>>around manteca
Local School Happenings Manteca Unified School District There is a minimum day on April 12. STAR testing is Monday, April 15 to Friday, April 26. Weston Ranch High School A cheerleading clinic is Wednesday, April 10 and Thursday, April 11, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tryouts are Friday, April 12, at 4 p.m. Joseph Widmer Jr. Elementary School Spirit Week is Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12. Talent show auditions are Friday, April 12 at 12:30 p.m. There is an Open House on Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. East Union High School Saturday, April 13 is the Track Club Car Wash in the parking lot. The “Choices and Consequences” presentation is Monday, April 22 at 9:30 a.m. The art show is Tuesday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m. The Principal Honor Roll Luncheon is Tuesday, April 30. Sierra High School The spring Lobo Gold Rally is Friday, April 12 in the Sierra High Large Gym, beginning at 10:25 a.m. Parents are welcome to attend; help celebrate the academic achievements of our students. A golf tournament is Saturday, April 13, at 7:30 a.m. at the Manteca Golf Course. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Cost of the four-person scramble is $90 per single player or $340 with a foursome sign-up. Cost includes green fees, range balls, cart, continental breakfast, lunch at Chez Shari, goodie bags, and all beverages on course. There are raffle/ silent auction opportunities as well. All Sober Grad fundraising monies benefit Sober Graduation.
Lathrop Elementary School The PTC Snack Shack is Friday, April 5 and April 12. The eighth grade promotion meeting is Tuesday, April 9 at 6 p.m. in the library. The STAR party is Thursday, April 11, with the actual STAR testing taking place from Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 26. Leadership Friendship Gram sales begin Monday, April 15. The PTC Earth Day Celebration is Monday, April 22. Fiesta Friday for grades K through 5 is Friday, April 26 at 9 a.m. in the gym.
Ripon Unified School District Colony Oak Elementary The Spring Band Concert is Thursday, April 4. There is a Parent Faculty meeting on Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m. College Day is Friday, April 12. STAR LAB begins Monday, April 15 through Monday, April 22. The fifth grade program is Friday, April 26 at 9 a.m. Park View Elementary School The Book Fair is Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12. The sixth grade field trip is Tuesday, April 9, Open House is Thursday, April 11 and the Dance Masters Assembly is Friday, April 12 for grades 6 through 8. The Monthly Assembly is Friday, April 26 at 8:30 a.m. Ripona Elementary School The third grade flag program and the Parent Faculty meeting are on Thursday, April 11. Weston Elementary School The seventh grade field trip is Wednesday, May 1. On May 2, the eighth grade field trip, media fair and the school’s open house take place.
Mayors Art Show and Sale The Lathrop Mayor’s Art Show and Sale will be on display Monday, April 29 through Friday, May 10, at the City Hall Council Chambers. Entries will be accepted at City Hall on Friday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. There is a $10 entry fee with a limit of three entries per person. For more information, call (209) 941-7370. manteca monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 9
>>community briefs Calling All Junior High Students Looking for someplace to hang out with friends or make new ones? It is time for a dance for junior high students only. Come enjoy a live DJ, lights, snack bar and glow items for sale. The fun takes place on Friday, April 12, at the Golden West Community Gym, 1031 N. Main St., Manteca. The dance is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $5 each and the ticket window opens at 5:30 p.m. Dress is casual attire, and there will be no in-andout privileges. This event is open to Manteca Unified School District (MUSD) sixth grade through eighth grade students only. Student ID cards required. This is not an MUSD event. For more information, call (209) 456-8600. Manteca Seniors Plan a Road Trip The Manteca Senior Center will hit the road on Wednesday, April 17, to visit the Castle Air Museum in Atwater. Get up close and personal with our nation’s “flying war birds!” Visit the SR-71 Blackbird that could take off from Sacramento and be over Idaho in 15 minutes. This is only one plane in an extensive on-site aircraft collection. The trip includes round-trip transportation from Manteca Senior Center, entry admission fee, and a self-guided tour of the museum. A no-host lunch is available at Rizzonelli’s. You
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will also have time to shop and browse in the gift shop. Cost is $37 per person. For more information, call (209) 456-8652. Let’s Play Ball! There is an open gym to play basketball or volleyball at Golden West Community Gym, 1031 N. Main St., in Manteca. This is open to ages kindergarten through adult. Admission is $2 and you can pay at the door. On Fridays, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be basketball for all ages, and volleyball from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for players seventh grade to adult. There is no open gym on Friday, April 12 due to Teen Dance Night. On Saturdays, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be basketball for kindergarten through eighth grade. Basketball for ninth grade to adults is 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will not be an open gym on Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25. Open gym days and times are subject to change. Call (209) 456-8600 to confirm. This event is sponsored by the Manteca Parks & Recreation Department and the Youth Advisory Commission. Get Involved... City Commissions exist to assist the City
Council in making decisions that impact the community. These groups research, study and discuss specific issues with short and long-term implications, before forwarding their recommendations to the City Council. Citizen input is essential to the success of local government. City Commissions with upcoming vacancies are: Parks and Recreation Commission, the Senior Advisory Commission, and the Youth Advisory Commission. To apply for any of these commissions, contact the City Clerk’s office at (209) 941-7230 for an application. Please submit the completed application to the City Clerk’s office at 390 Towne Centre Drive, Lathrop or via fax to (209) 941-7229. Deadline to apply is May 1. Show Your Love to Lathrop “Love Lathrop” is a group of local volunteers dedicated to the idea that volunteers can help make the community a more-beautiful and friendly place. Love Lathrop is working hardin-hand with the City of Lathrop to create a stronger and bigger Lathrop Beautification Day event. Come join local residents, community service groups and volunteers at the annual beautification day program on Saturday, April 27. There will be several projects going on that day. For more information, contact the Park and Recreation Department at (209) 941-7370.
>>tips from the pro
Three Ways to Practice Your Best ‘Wedi-Quette’ Don’t let matters like remarried parents, reception details derail your big day By Emily Reynolds
W
eddings traditions are not what they used to be. While some still remain timeless, today’s modern bride and groom are presented with a new onslaught of evolving etiquette dilemmas. Here at The Reserve at Spanos Park, we believe in having your big day your way! To steer through the confusion and answer your most-pressing “wedi-quette” questions, check these quick tips: My parents are remarried; who sits where? Pleasing all members of a blended family while following “proper etiquette” can be tricky. Typically the first row is reserved for parents, second row for grandparents or next of kin. If remarried parents get along, escort the bride’s stepmother first. Next, escort the groom’s stepmother, with the groom’s father following behind her. The groom’s mother then proceeds, with usher and step-father behind. Lastly, the bride’s mother is escorted by the usher, with stepfather following behind. After escorting her down the aisle, the bride’s father then seats himself next to his wife. If they can’t set aside their differences, consider separating mothers and stepfathers on the first row, and fathers and stepmothers on the second row. Grandparents would then occupy the ends of the first two rows or rows three and four (depending upon the amount of grandparents and number of chairs). How can I incorporate my deceased parent into my ceremony? I have been privileged to see some wonderful ideas honoring loved ones in past weddings. You can place a portrait or favorite photo in the chair they would have been seated. To keep them closer to you, take an old article of their clothing, cut a swatch (maybe a heart symbolizing love and blue to complete your “borrowed” and “blue” tradition) and sew it to the inside of your wedding dress, or wrap it around your bouquet stems. Is it acceptable to only serve cocktails and desserts at my reception? Definitely! There are a few stipulations I would suggest, but a dessert reception can be a wonderful way to save on cost. First, a dessert reception is not as long as a traditional reception – which means less money on entertainment, rentals, and staffing. A dinner reception will last upwards of five-plus hours. Dessert receptions will be an average of three hours, beginning early afternoon or late evening. Good news: You can still take part in all of the traditions like first dance, cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss and dancing. It will just happen in a more-expedited fashion. Also consider only hosting punch and champagne. Open bars are typically one of your most expensive ticket items – although if it’s in the budget, it can be a nice touch! For more “wedi-quette” tips, visit www.countryclubreceptions.com and read the article, “Your top 10 most-pressing ‘wedi-quette’ questions,’ answered!” Emily Reynolds graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s degree in event planning. She has been an event manager for six years and for the past two years she has been a private event manager with The Reserve at Spanos Park. For more information on “wediquette,” contact her at The Reserve at Spanos Park, 6301 W. Eight Mile Road, Stockton, (209) 477-4653, ext. 28. manteca monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 11
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>>beautiful lathrop
PHOTOS BY GENE BELEY
Mossdale Landing Community Park — Lathrop’s Family Entertainment Jewel
There’s something fun for kids, pets and you at this ever-evolving locale
By Gene Beley | Contributing Writer
T
he 20-acre Mossdale Landing Community Park is a jewel for family entertainment—everything from three baseball fields to soccer and cricket fields. On a hot day, children can play in the interactive fountain that gushes water, or enjoy the playground equipment. Dog owners can also enjoy the dog park that was upgraded in February. There are also barbecue pits and picnic tables. “We just enjoy watching our kids play on the playground,” said Norma Lopez from Manteca, sitting on a park bench with her sisterin-law from Stockton, Vicki Lopez, and Norma’s one year-old baby, Emily Lopez. “It is a nice park.” “It is a quiet, clean park,” added Janet Diaz from Lathrop. “In the summer the children enjoy the water fountain. The kids can get wild and wet there!” Vincent Kiss and Christina Mar-
tinez, who commute daily to their Bay Area jobs from Manteca, said they set out to find a green area for their walk. They said they were “pleasantly surprised” with the amenities at this park. David Zigler of Lathrop was flying his twin star, two-radio controlled model airplane. “I come three times a month to fly,” he said. “I recommend this park to everyone.” An old red barn sits just behind
the park in front of the levy, as a reminder of the agricultural history amidst all the new homes. Photographers will enjoy taking photos of the barn, as well as the waterway scene just over the levy from the barn. Ken Reed, projects and program manager for Lathrop, said the park was part of Pacific Union Homes’ master-planned community for 1,100 homes. (To date, only 700 of those homes have been built.) Construction started in 2005 and was completed in 2006, Reed said, but the park keeps adding important new attractions like the dog park and cricket field. The Lathrop Giants Cricket Club, established in 2011, is one of the many community organizations that use the facility on a regular basis. The club is excited about having a dedicated cricket field now. The Lathrop Premier Cricket League was “created for the weekend warrior,” the league’s website states. “The Cricket League was founded on the principal that besides playing cricket, a person in their adult life has a family with responsibilities and obligations,” it notes. But the league’s vision is to promote “happy family and healthy living.” (Cricket is a game played with a ball and bat by two sides of usually 11 players each, on a large field centering upon two wickets each defended by a batsman. For more information on the Cricket League, contact Ocran Akran, founder, Lathrop Cricket Club, (925) 961-7722, or visit www.lathropcricket.freewebspace.com.)
Mossdale Landing Community Park 700 Towne Centre Drive | Lathrop 209.239.3351 Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. www.ci.lathrop.ca.us/prd/parks.aspx manteca monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 13
>>411 in 209
WHEN
Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21 Lodi Community Center’s 53rd Annual Spring Art Show
Win up to $1,000 at this open national juried art show at the Robert Mondavi Winery in Acampo near Lodi. The theme is “Art is a Cabernet” and the artwork will hang from wine barrels. For more information, contact Chairperson Janet Hayden at (209) 6080955 or at www.lodiartcenter.org. Robert Mondavi Winery is at 5959 E. Woodbridge Road, Acampo. For more winery details, call (209) 369-5861.
HOW
To Take Care of the Earth Victory Park, Pershing Avenue and Argonne Drive, Stockton
This free family fun event is at Stockton’s Victory Park on Sunday, April 21. It starts with yoga on the park green at 10 a.m. Then, hundreds of cyclists will have a Family Fun Bike Ride and Parade; registration begins at 10:30 a.m. The festival, “To Take Care of the Earth,” starts at 11 a.m. and features ethic dance groups and great area bands, as well as dozens of informative, interactive booths, displays and exhibits. Be sure to attend San Joaquin County’s premiere environmental event – you will leave knowing more about how to take care of natural resources of the earth, air and water.
WHAT
WHERE Grand Theatre Center for the Arts
Vaudeville Festival, April 19-21, the Grand Theater, 715 Central Ave., Tracy The Grand Theater, along with Greg Frisbee and his troupe, will bring a family oriented festival vaudeville variety show for all ages. Show goers will enjoy juggling, illusion, physical comedy, live music, and more. The first Friday evening performance will also include acrobatics and physical comedy designed for the entire family. Saturday daytime is for children but the evening is for adults, featuring a classic burlesque show with sensuous dance numbers. Festival schedule: Friday, April 19: 7 p.m., Magic Motion & Mischief, $9-$50. Saturday, April 20: 11 a.m., Street Fair; 11:30 a.m., Clowning workshop; 12:30 p.m., Juggling Workshop; 1 p.m., Animal Show; 3:30 p.m., Kids Magic Workshop; 8 p.m., Burlesque show (adults only), $16-$50. Sunday, April 21: Movies at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 14 | APRIL 2013 | manteca monthly magazine
The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out —Farm to Fork!
Asparagus is king in Stockton, and local restaurants are devoting April 1-14 to showcase farm-to-fork locally grown asparagus and its use in their local cuisine. Choose from appetizers, entrees, desserts and drinks in various restaurants throughout Stockton. This is just the lead-in to the big event, the Stockton Asparagus Festival on April 26-28, which drew more than 104,000 people last year. The downtown city marina gets booked a year in advance with people who want to dock at the festival. However, if you’re a boater, check with the marina at (209) 462-4200 to see if there are cancellations. For more information, go to www.visitstockton.org/dining/asparagus-dine-out.
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>>taste of manteca
Ernie’s Food and Spirits California Modern Cuisine in the Central Valley
By Kimberly Horg | Contributing Writer
F
or a unique dining experience offered in Manteca, customers can try creations by renowned executive chef Michael Midgley. Ernie’s Food and Spirits is a fresh breeze, modern contemporary, something one might see on the corner of a street in San Francisco. Former Bravo Top Chef Contestant Midgley prepares a variety of popular items, including his famous Vegan Wings, which are made from deep fried cauliflower drummettes. The wings or equally popular crab cakes made with shrimp and crab, served with sriracha aioli and baby arugula, are an ideal starter, followed by anything from oven roasted lamb to pan seared salmon or a poached pear salad. “We are very excited to have
Michael, he has a great local following,” owner Mark Boullion said. Boullion has an extensive background in the restaurant business in the Central Valley, running Galletto Restaurant in Modesto for years as well as working as the food and beverage director for hotels prior to starting his own establishment. Ernie’s opened in December 2012. “I am a foodie,” he said. Boullion says his favorite item on the menu is the Vegan Buffalo
Wings because it is such an unusual surprise, as well as a great way to eat vegetables. He is also a big fan of the “5 Onions” soup made with shallot, leek, yellow, green, and red onions, gruyere and Swiss cheese crouton. The restaurant has a lunch and dinner menu. Lighter options on the lunch menu include sandwiches with truffle pomme frites. Ernie’s menus change seasonally to support local vendors’ produce. “We define ourselves as a luxury boutique restaurant,” Boullion said. “It has some of the best food in the Central Valley.” The restaurant is decorated in espresso colors, with hints of copper and ivory, and a vibrant, full bar stocked with large cognac and wine lists. According to Boullion, it has been well received by the locals, reviews have been good and it’s building a regular cliental. Future plans include introducing scotch and cognac tasting, as well as building an outside patio featuring live music. “We are bringing a touch of Manhattan to Manteca,” Boullion said.
The immense wine solution at Ernie’s Food and Spirits includes fine cognacs such as this Richard Hennessy. This rare product will set you back by $270. PHOTOS BY LOUIE AMBRIZ
Ernie’s Food and Spirits 1351 North Main St. | Manteca | 209.239.3351 Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner www.erniesfoodandspirits.com
The restaurant’s contemporary atmosphere will please your eyes as much as the novel food will satisfy your stomach. manteca monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 17
>>buzz on bizz
Feel the Beat at Legend Music Jam on Friday Nights With Local Bands
“Our instructors are all professional musicians, either having a degree in music or in the process of getting one.” Legends Music owner Doug John
Success has a sweet sound for Legends Music owners Doug John and Francie Denis. PHOTOS BY LOUIE AMBRIZ By Bernadine Chapman-Cruz | Contributing Writer
L
et the good vibes roll at Legend Music – the handson music store. Owners Doug John and Francie Denis began their business in 2011. “I learned to play guitar in 2007,” John said, “and became obsessed with the instrument.” Four years later, John made his passion a reality. Legend Music is a full-service music store, stocking guitars, strings, woods, brass, keyboards, and percussion. Recording equipment, professional sound and lighting systems are also available. Some in-house repair service, including pickup and delivery to schools, are part of Legend Music’s services.
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Legend Music has a full complement of band and orchestra instruments for school and church programs. According to John, organized music, especially with elementary school groups, is essential. “Students who participate in band or voice are there because they want to be,” John said. “Seeing children’s eyes light up when they play music is amazing. We give kids a place to get together; form their own bands. It is incredible to hear what they accomplish after a very short time.”
Customers can browse, play or demo any instrument in the store. “Our theory,” John said, “is if you don’t understand the instrument or it doesn’t fit, feel or sound right, why buy it? We encourage our customers to try instruments before they buy them.” Hands-on and individualized customer service is foremost, an advantage Legend Music has over other music stores and online sales. There are also six experienced instructors teaching, brass, woodwinds, strings, per-
>>buzz on bizz
If it’s musical, you’ll find it here: the Legends selection includes sheet music (bottom right), instruments (bottom left), and a place to try them out (top).
Join the Big Monkey Team
WE’RE HIRING! The Manteca Monthly—the premier magazine for Manteca, Ripon, Lathrop and Stockton’s Weston Ranch community is seeking several
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cussion and voice. The owners like giving back to the community through youth scholarship programs to help budding musicians. To further introduce students to the joys of music, Legend Music holds “petting zoos.” These consist of taking instruments to elementary schools, where students enrolled in music, and their parents, can
acquaint themselves with a variety of instruments. On Fridays between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Legend Music hosts jam sessions featuring local bands. Groups play for approximately 30 minutes, then invite people in the audience to join in. Everything from country, to classic rock and roll, hard rock, blues and jazz is featured.
Legend Music 255 W. Louise Ave. | Manteca In the Cardoza West Shopping Center next to Orchard Supply 209.239.2600 Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Sunday Facebook: Legend Music | www.legendmusicexperience.com
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
info@bigmonkeygroup.com
manteca monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 19
MANTECA MONTHLY MAGAZINE Big Monkey Group LLC 94 W. Castle St. #B Stockton CA 95204
>>important contacts
Schools Manteca Unified School District August Knodt Elementary......................... 938-6200 Brock Elliott Elementary School................ 858-7260 George Komure Elementary School.......... 938-6320 George McParland Elementary School (3rd-8th grades)....................................................... 858-7290 George McParland Elementary School (Annex K-2nd grade)........................................................ 858-7450 Golden West Elementary School............... 858-7300 Great Valley Elementary School
Sierra High School.................................... 858-7410
Utility Dept................................................. 599-2108
Weston Ranch High School...................... 938-6245
Park and Recreation.................................. 599-2108
Ripon Unified School District Colony Oak Elementary ............................ 599-7145
Animal Services......................................... 941-7240
Park View Elementary................................ 599-1882
City Manager............................................. 941-7220
Ripon Elementary...................................... 599-4225
Code Enforcement.................................... 941-7260
Ripona Elementary.................................... 599-4104
Community Development Department...... 941-7260
Weston Elementary .................................. 599-7113
Lathrop/Manteca Fire District.................... 858-2331
Ripon High School.................................... 599-4287
Mayor........................................................ 941-7215
General Interest
(K-5th Grades)........................................... 938-6300
Manteca Monthly....................................... 932-9252
Great Valley Elementary School Annex
Manteca Senior Center............................. 456-8650
(6th-8th Grades)........................................ 938-6310
All County Libraries.......................... (866) 805-7323
Joseph Widmer, Jr. Elementary School..... 938-6340
Ripon Senior Center.................................. 599-7441
Joshua Cowell Elementary School............ 858-7310
Ripon Aquatic Center................................ 599-3859
Lathrop Elementary School....................... 858-7250 Lincoln Elementary School........................ 858-7320 Mossdale Elementary School.................... 938-6285 Neil Hafley Elementary School.................. 858-7215 New Haven Elementary School................. 858-7360 Nile Garden Elementary School................ 858-7370 Sequoia Elementary School...................... 858-7440 Shasta Elementary School........................ 858-7400 Stella Brockman Elementary School......... 858-7200 Veritas Elementary School......................... 858-7390 Walter Woodward Elementary School....... 858-7430 Calla High School...................................... 858-7230 East Union High School............................ 858-7270
City of Lathrop
City of Manteca
Non- Emergency Police ............................ 468-4400 Parks & Recreation.................................... 941-7360 Public Works............................................. 941-7430
City of Stockton After School Programs.............................. 937-8293 Animal Control.......................................... 937-8274 Mayor of Stockton .................................... 937-8499 Code Enforcement.................................... 937-8813
Mayor/Council/City Clerk.......................... 456-8017
Community Service.................................. 937-8444
City Manager’s Office................................ 456-8050
Non-Emergency Police.............................. 937-8377
Police Department..................................... 456-8100
Non Emergency Fire Department.............. 937-8801
Fire Department......................................... 456-8300 Utility Billing............................................... 456-8740 Public Works............................................. 456-8400 Solid Waste............................................... 456-8440 Community Development.......................... 456-8500 Building Inspection.................................... 456-8550 Park and Recreation.................................. 456-8600
City of Ripon
Connect Online City of Stockton....................www.stocktongov.com City of Manteca.................... www.ci.manteca.ca.us City of Ripon...................................... cityofripon.org City of Lathrop.........................www.ci.lathrop.ca.us County of San Joaquin....... www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us Manteca Unified School District....... www.musd.net Ripon Unified School District...... www.riponusd.net
Lathrop High School................................. 938-6350
Mayor/City Council.................................... 599-2108
San Joaquin County Libraries............ www.lib.ca.us
Manteca Community Day School.............. 858-7380
Non-Emergency Police.............................. 599-2102
Manteca Monthly magazine.....................................
Manteca High School................................ 858-7340
Fire Department......................................... 599-4209
......................................www.mantecamonthly.com
New Vision High School............................ 938-6225
Public Works............................................. 599-2108
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