JUNE 2013
| VOL. 2 | ISSUE 6
>>speak up
Let’s Meet Child Abuse Head On Yes, We Can Make a Difference 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 Feature Writer & Copy Editor Gene Beley Contributing Writer Bernadine Chapman-Cruz Contributing Writer Kim Horg Contributing Writer Francis Novero Contributing Writer Gayle Romasanta Contributing Writer CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Shawn Crary Art Director Louie Ambriz Junior Graphic Designer, Photographer & Web Development Maria Boyle Graphic Design Intern SUPPORTING STAFF Cameron Crary and Alec Fielding Circulation REGIONAL ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Noel Fielding MARKETING CONSULTANTS Rachel Castillo Memri Johnson Boo Mariano-Junqueiro Beth Lawrence Crystal Salvador Annette Soriano ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/PAYABLE Ernie Gallardo Office Manager CONTACT US To submit advertisements & artwork artwork@bigmonkeygroup.com To submit press releases editor@bigmonkeygroup.com Advertising inquiries advertise@bigmonkeygroup.com
By Lindy Turner-Hardin, executive director of the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County
I
n 1978, in response to the tragic murder of a three-year-old girl at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend, a group of concerned citizens agreed that responding to child abuse was not enough. They decided, as concerned citizens, to create an organization that would take action to prevent child abuse. And for over 35
years, the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) has worked to do just that – keep children safe, strengthen families and raise community awareness about this issue. But because child abuse is still one of those taboos that no one likes to talk about, building awareness and understanding of the subject is a challenge. CAPC’s development of The Lisa Project met this challenge head on. Visitors to this powerful exhibit leave with a greater understanding of child abuse, having seen, smelled, felt, and heard about this issue in an intimate and personal way. But understanding the subject is not enough. Once we know, we must act. At that point, for many of us, the questions become: Where to start? What to do? How can we really make a difference? The truth is, anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect. Here are some practical ideas: Be a friend to a parent you know. Ask how their children are doing. Draw on your own experiences to provide reassurance and support. If a parent seems to be struggling, offer to babysit or run errands, or just lend a friendly ear. Show you understand. Be a friend to a child you know. Remember their names. Smile when you talk with them. Ask them about their day at
school. Send them a card in the mail. Show you care. Talk to your neighbors about looking out for each other’s children. Encourage a supportive spirit among parents in your apartment building or on your block. Show that you are involved. Donate your used clothing, furniture and toys for use by another family. This can help relieve the stress of financial burdens that parents sometimes take out on their kids. Volunteer your time and money for programs that support children and families. If the last suggestion – volunteering – sounds like something you can do, call the CAPC at (209) 464-4524. There are several volunteer opportunities, with varying degrees of commitment required. These include providing an extra set of arms in the infant and toddler rooms at CAPC’s crisis/respite childcare centers, or advocating for foster children in Dependency Court. CAPC’s volunteer Auxiliary presents several fun, fundraising events throughout the year that need volunteer help, and a little extra help in the office is always welcome. In these ways, you can become the difference in a child’s life. Join now! Learn more about the CAPC, the services that it provides, and how you can help at www. nochildabuse.org.
>>about the cover Thank you to Christopher for being our cover model and illustrating such an important subject matter.
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>>feature story
Th eL isa Pro jec t
The Where and When: The Lisa Project
shi nes a
don’t know her.
And yet you do. She’s on the phone calling the police – imagine, a six-year-old making a 911 call – because “daddy” is hitting mommy again. There’s all kinds of chaos in the background; everything from screaming people to crying kids to loud thumping noises. And still this scared little girl is courageously trying to get the police out to her house, because this time, daddy just might do it. He’s had one too many drinks and gone a bit too far off the deep end, and this time he just might kill her mommy. Or her four-year-old sister. Or her newborn baby brother. And the 911 operator is asking this child what her name is, and where in the house her parents are, and if she can go unlock the front door so the police can get in the house when they arrive. And the girl dutifully says, “Okay, just a minute,” and walks away from the phone. By this time, the 911 operator has to be quietly having a nervous breakdown. She’s been trained for some tough situations, but this definitely wasn’t in the class notes. At least, not on Nov. 21, 1990, when Lisa made this call to the San Diego Emergency Hotline. Shortly after the girl comes back on, there’s more screaming, and now the girl’s really panicked because daddy just knocked her sister down, and he’s got her baby brother in his arms, and something really bad’s happened to mommy and please get the police here right away, and I need to go see what happened… And she walks away from the phone again, and the operator can only do what any of us could do
okay. And when there’s no answer, the operator can only utter two words. “Oh, shit.” For the record, Lisa, her mom and her siblings all survived that night. According to the mostrecent published reports – circa 2010 – the terrified little girl now has two kids and recently left an abusive relationship of her own. Her drunken stepfather died in prison in the 1990s. But Lisa’s story will never truly end. There are lots of Lisas out there, and Gene Hardin wants to make sure you know about them. In 2010, Hardin and his wife, Lindy Turner-Hardin – the executive director of the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County – were visiting a King Tut exhibit at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, and they were marveling at the handheld audio devices that allowed them to go from scene to scene at the exhibit, and listen to audio reenactments of a specific part of the historical dig. “We walked out of there, and I looked at my wife and said, ‘Why can’t we do this for child abuse?’” Hardin recalls.
“We could have a child take you by the hand and let them tell you their story.” The result became The Lisa Project, a free, 25-minute exhibit
ct: bje t su ilen as
pai nfu By Alan Naditz | Feature Writer ls right po then: Beg for her tlig Her name is Lisa, to get back on ht and she’s six the phone and on tell us what hapyears old, and you pened, tell us if she’s
West Valley Mall 3200 N. Naglee Road, Tracy Thursday, June 7, to Sunday, June 30 Thursdays and Fridays, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (209) 644-5308 www.thelisaproject.org
Child abuse featuring the stories of five San Joaquin County child abuse victims: “Evan,” “Michael,” “Maria,” “Kenny,” and “Ashley.” The program’s namesake, “Lisa,” is also there, offering to tell her story – with the help of audio reenactments featuring actors, not the real victims. Visitors are handed iPods and ear buds to hear what the children have experienced. Realistic sights and smells are added in some cases to make the scenes even harder-hitting. And what stories they are. There’s no point sugar-coating it: This multi-room exhibit is not for the squeamish, and you have to be at least 13 to listen to the audio tracks. Hardin said the stories – culled from CAPC case files – run the gamut in terms of abuse. Some are what you’d expect to hear about: physical abuse, sexual abuse. But others are lesser known, such as simply being exposed every day to the sound of domestic violence – a form of psychological abuse; verbal abuse, which leaves no outward scars; or neglect, such as when a young child must spend most of his time living near an in-home meth lab. “We try to encompass all of those things in the stories you hear, and the pictures of kids you see,” Hardin said. “All you see is a face, and a name – they’re not the actual kids, and they’re not the actual names. We cross every socioeconomic level, every culture. Because that’s child abuse: It happens everywhere to everyone.” The project took a mere three months and about 600 volunteer hours to put together. It opened on April 1, 2010 in a city-donated building space in downtown Stockton. “My oldest son, who was 18 or 19 at the time, wondered why anyone would want to go through that thing,” Hardin recalled. “It got us thinking – what if nobody showed up?” Not to worry. Nearly 5,000 people visited The Lisa Project during its one-month run. Some of them were from CAPC offices in other counties. “They came to us and said, ‘You need to bring this to us,’” Hardin said. Continued on page 6 manteca monthly magazine | JUNE 2013 | 5
>>feature story Continued from page 5 “At that point, we put some numbers together and figured out how we were going to make this exhibit portable. And then the Board of Directors of the council said, ‘We need to adopt this as a program, and we need you to run it.’ I said, ‘Okay, off we go.’” So the exhibit was transformed into a double-wide modular home, and that home in just under three years has made its way through much of California, including parts of the Bay Area, as far south as Riverside, and at numerous stops in the Central Valley. Three have been in San Joaquin County: Stockton in 2010, Manteca in 2011, and Lodi in 2012. Next stop: Tracy, at West Valley Mall, where the exhibit will run Thursdays to Sundays, from June 7 to June 30. “As of Tracy, we’re at 15 cities in California that we’ve been to,” Hardin said. “At this point, more than 45,000 people have been through the exhibit, in just over three years. It’s just indescribable: All we set out to do was increase awareness of child abuse in San Joaquin County. We never envisioned this.” Beyond the rooms with victims’ stories, the Lisa Project includes two other areas. One is a room with a pair of CAPC counselors, who are available in case anyone needs to talk, wants to learn more about CAPC, or would like to volunteer to help. The other is “The Reflection Room,” which at exhibit’s opening has four blank walls and a table with sticky notes. This is where people can express their thoughts anonymously. By the end of the exhibit’s multiweek run, “it looks like wallpaper with all the multi-colored notes,” Hardin said. Like the children’s stories, the attendees’ thoughts run the gamut: “God help them.” “Hang in there.” “I never knew.” “I was one of these kids.” “I’m going to change.” Helping people change is one of the things that the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin specializes in. A nonprofit 501(c) (3) agency, CAPCSJC offers subsidized preschool childcare, foster care, safe child exchanges, parent coaching, and a variety of therapeutic services and support groups. The council also works 6 | JUNE 2013 | manteca monthly magazine
1
“Our
focus with this exhibit has been awareness through education. And despite the intense subject matter, people have come to see it, which means we must be doing it right.” — Gene Hardin, director, The Lisa Project
2 1. The Lisa Project exhibit regularly attracts thousands of visitors wherever it appears. 2. A typical wall in The Reflection Room, where people place their thoughts about the exhibit on sticky notes. 3. Abuse takes many forms, such as in this recreated meth lab, where one Lisa Project child spent most of his time. 4. Visitors also receive a by-the-numbers education: statistics on child abuse hang on walls throughout the exhibit.
3
4
>>feature story
Gene and Lindy Hardin. PHOTO BY LOUIE AMBRIZ
with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to help abused, neglected or abandoned children find a safe and permanent home. CAPCSJC receives no funding from the county, and must therefore rely on grants and contributions from public and private sources – the county’s Health Services Agency and First 5 of San Joaquin are two of the big supporters each year. When it comes to The Lisa Project, some of the aid received is of non-monetary sort. “[For example], we get a lot of volunteers for the Lisa Project,” Hardin said. “We’ve also had a time where someone offered to underwrite our printing costs. You don’t see that kind of thing happen very often, but people really see the value in this.” Hardin expects the project to return to Stockton in the next year or so. “This is an important message we’re spreading,” he said. “We want to go where there will be people who can go see it.” For more information on The Lisa Project or on the San Joaquin Child Abuse Prevention Council, call (209) 644-5308 or email Hardin at gene@thelisaproject.org.
The Lisa Project’s website at www.lisaproject.org gives some other stats to help drive the point home: 9,000 abuse reports in
2012, 1,300 of which were confirmed. That’s an average of four children abused each day in San Joaquin County.
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Take a Stand for Human Rights Without Permission is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to mobilize the local faith community in the battle for justice and human rights as it relates to human trafficking in the Central Valley and Stanislaus County. The vision of Without Permission is to secure compassion, freedom and justice for the survivor and families of sex trafficking. They accomplish this through strategically serving governing officials, educators, service providers and law enforcement. This strategy includes well-trained, motivated and equipped local volunteers who are committed to “establish justice at the city gate.” Core values of the organization are community, serving, family, faith and excellence. Without Permission is serving the Central Valley and Stanislaus County by passionately training law enforcement, educating students at local high schools and junior colleges. They work to restore survivors of sex trafficking and support their families in the aftermath of this trauma. Without Permission provides city leadership training from national speakers and send first responders for training. A top objective is excellence in both pursuit and ultimate prosecution of sex trafficking predators. For more information, visit www.withoutpermission.org.
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The brightly colored, aromatic fruits and vegetables are piled high at the Manteca Farmers Market.
It is time again to enjoy a fun afternoon of fresh fruits and veggies from the local farmers. The Manteca Farmer’s Market is held every Tuesday, June through August, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Manteca’s new and improved Library Park, on Center Street and Manteca Av-
enue. Arts and craft booths will also be selling something for everyone. There will also be great food vendors for your enjoyment. And, you will be able to experience local entertainment on the park’s gazebo stage. For more information, visit www. visitmanteca.org.
>>around manteca
Children learn the ins and outs of soccer at the British Soccer Camps.
Just for Kicks in Lathrop The City of Lathrop will host youth British Soccer Camps through Challenger Sports at Mossdale Landing Community Park, 700 Towne Center Drive in Lathrop, from Tuesday, June 10 through Friday, June 14. British Soccer Camps provide players of all ages and abilities with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international experts. Each day includes individual foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games, coached scrimmages, and a daily tournament. Equally important, the Challenger coaching staff provides your child with lessons in respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship and leadership. For a list of classes, times and prices, visit www.ci.lathrop.ca.us/newslist.aspx.
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Summer Information for Area Schools Ripon High School Credit Recovery for Juniors There will be a summer school online program available for juniors to catch up on credits before their senior year begins. RHS Online Summer School begins Monday, June 3 and ends on Monday, June 24. There are limited seats for students, so please hurry and turn in the summer school registration form. Juniors can pick them up in the counseling office. Forms must be returned to the counseling office as soon as possible. API/Honors Information If you were unable to attend the AP/Honors Parent and Student night, please email the teacher for the summer assignment and other related information. Remember that if a student decides to drop an AP or Honors course, they must inform their counselor via email by Wednesday, July 19. This is the deadline and there will be no exceptions.
Visit http://ripon.ca.rsh.schoolinsites.com/ for more information on the above calendar events.
The Great Valley Writing Project These summer workshops help young authors and college-bound students develop their creative and academic writing talents. Students work closely with mentor teachers as they polish and publish their work, gaining new mastery of writing styles, composition strategies, editing techniques and multimedia tools. This workshop is weekdays, Monday, June 3 through Friday, June 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Ripon High School. Fees are $120 to $175. Ripon High students may attend these extra days to make up one semester credit of English I or English II. Get more information or sign up online at http://writing.eventbee. com, or call (209) 667-3490. manteca monthly magazine | JUNE 2013 | 9
>>community briefs
Dolphins Dive into the Season At more than 240 swimmers on the team, the Dolphins this year expect great things from the Barracuda group swimmers. Many of the team’s current swimmers have had fabulous high school seasons. Scott Tolman, a swimmer for Sierra High, returns to the Dolphins for his fourth season. He is expected to dominate the 13/14 boys across the league. Other leading boys are Jimmy Burke, who returns to the Dolphins for his third season, will continue to add to the Dolphins 13/14 boys depth; and Nik Perez and Johnny Buonauro, returning swimmers coming off of a great year at Sierra High school as freshmen. Vanessa Flores and Nancy Enriquez also return, with section-qualifying times from high school. Other high school swimmers from Sierra High that have joined the Dolphins are Allison Sonnenberg and Trevor Fast. Kyle Merkle from East Union secured his position as an alternate at sections and will continue to add to the 13/14 boys for Dolphins. Christian and Ricard Sevilla had a great high school season with Lathrop and return to the Dolphins to further their swim experience. Austin Welch, a freshman at Manteca High, has had an incredible season with section times and looks forward to a great returning season with the Dolphins as a 15/16. Mallory Brubaker looks forward to her last year as a Dolphin in the 11/12 girls area, where she is expected to surpass team records. On Saturday, June 15, the Manteca Dolphins will swim against Tracy at West High in Tracy. Saturday, June 22, the last invitational will be held at Pitman High, hosted by the Sea Dogs. All teams will be in attendance for this one-day event. Finally, on Saturday, June 29, the Dolphins will host Sea Dogs and Tracy at East Union High. For more information, visit www.mantecadolphins.com.
Fun in the Sun Summer Breakers Day Camp will ensure your children don’t get bored this summer. They provide relaxing, recreational play
days that are filled with laughter and fun, while promoting healthy habits, life skills and respect. The instructors are experienced and talented at working with children. The field trips (swimming at Lincoln Pool, bowling, and off-site bus trips) and activities throughout the week are varied and enjoyable, including outdoor sports, movies, and creative projects. SBDC’s goal is to provide each child with a variety of fun experiences and activities, along with wonderful opportunities to grow and make friends. Please note that a morning and afternoon snack will be provided; however, your child will need to bring a sack lunch each day. At the time of registration, a Summer Camp application must be completed prior to any child attending camp. Camp dates are Monday through Friday, June 3 through Aug. 2. There will be no camp on Thursday, July 4. The camp is for children ages 5 to 12 years. Camp hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Lincoln Elementary School, 750 E. Yosemite Ave., in portables at back of campus. The cost is $135 for a five-day, $100 for a fourday week. There is a $10 discount off weekly rates for additional children in same family. For more information, call (209) 456-8600.
Dress to Empress Enjoy the Sixth Annual TeenAdult-Senior Prom on Friday, June 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane, Manteca. Cost is $10 per person and includes appetizers, beverages and souvenir photo. Tickets are sold in advance at the Parks & Recreation office and Senior Center, or at the door. The attire will be semi-formal/ formal. This event is sponsored by the Manteca Senior Advisory Committee & Manteca Youth Advisory Commission. For more information, call (209) 456-8623.
Communities Celebrate America’s Birthday with a Bang Manteca’s celebration for this year’s celebration will be at Big League Dreams, 1077 Milo Candini Drive, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. There will be vendor booths, a softball tournament and live family entertainment. You can also enjoy unlimited children’s rides, activities and a Teen Zone for $2. Don’t forget the “ohh and ahh” firework show. Cost is $2 for ages 13 years and up. Children 12 and younger are free. This event is sponsored
10 | JUNE 2013 | manteca monthly magazine
On the Road Again Join the Trips and Tours Committee as it goes to the Silver Legacy Resort and Casino on Tuesday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 19. The event includes round-trip transportation from Manteca Senior Center, and overnight accommodations. The cost is $15 for slots, $8 for food, $117 per persondouble occupancy; $26 single supplement. An optional package of a dinner buffet and tickets to “Menopause: The Musical” is available for an additional $45. Trips are open to ages 18 and older. For more information, call or visit the Trips and Tours office inside the Senior Center at (209) 456-8652. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
by the City of Manteca in partnership with Big League Dreams. For more information, call (209) 456-8600. In Ripon, it all starts Saturday, June 30 with “Kids Day.” Sunday, July 1 is Patriotic Sunday, honoring the military. Monday, July 2 is Seniors’ Day; and Tuesday, July 3 is Ripon Citizen’s Day, with tours of the fire department, police department and City Hall. Highlights of this year’s celebration include a new parade route. The parade starts at 5 p.m. at Ripon Elementary School, heads east towards Stockton Avenue and then heads south towards Second Street. It then heads west and turns on Vera Street towards Main Street again, before ending where it started at Ripon Elementary. There will be bands, food vendors, carnival games and raffle prizes worth over $1,000. For more information, visit www.ripon4thofjuly.com.
Business Tuneup On Friday, June 21, the Lathrop Chamber will host a half-day workshop called “The Business Tune Up,” available to any entity that wants to take their business to the next level. The Business Tune Up is targeted at business owners, operators, managers and decision makers. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to: • Clarify their role as the entrepreneur. • Set goals in areas of leadership, product, marketing and financial management. • Identify resources, including those offered by their organization. • Develop a system of accountability and support for achieving those goals. • Learn what serial entrepreneurs know, and find out what questions you should be asking to ensure success for your business in the future. The workshop takes place from
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Lathrop District Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call the Lathrop District Chamber of Commerce at (209) 858-4486.
Local Youth Teams Taking Signups
The Weston Ranch Jr. Cougars will hold signups on Friday, June 7, Thursday, June 13, Friday, June 14, Thursday, June 20 and Friday, June 21 at Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 3526 Manthey Road. in Stockton, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will also be signups on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 at Food 4 Less, 3434 Manthey Road. in Stockton, on the lawn, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This team used to be the Weston Ranch Ravens, but they are currently transitioning into a feeder program for the Weston Ranch High School Cougars. They are now known as Weston Ranch Jr. Cougars.
Cool Off from the Summer Heat The Lincoln Pool, 245 S. Powers Ave. in Manteca, is now open for public swim. June hours are Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The pool will have extended hours on Fridays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 6 p.m. The Family Swim Pass is $60 and can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office. The pass is limited to four people at a time, with a maximum of two adults per admission. For more information, call (209) 456-8600.
Manteca Branch Library Children activities: “SSJCPL Cooks” on Tuesday, June 11 at 2 p.m.; “Magic Dan” on Wednesday, June 12 at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and “Tony Borders: Puppets & Magic,” on Wednesday, June 19 at 2 p.m. Teen’s activities: Video Game Day
>>community briefs is Thursday, June 13 at 2 p.m. and Anime Movie Show is Thursday, June 27 at 2 p.m. Summer programs for adults: “American Red Cross: Be RedCross Ready for Families” is Saturday, June 8 at 2 p.m.; “Master Gardeners: Drops & Dollars: Saving Water/Money” will be offered on Saturday, June 15 at 10:30 a.m.; “American Red Cross Workshop: Senior Resilience” is Saturday, June 15 at 2 p.m.; “Manteca Camera Club: Beginning Photoshop,” is Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m.; “American Red Cross Workshop: Flood Ready,” is Saturday, June 22 at 2 p.m. The Manteca Library is located at 320 W. Center St., Manteca.
Community Run The Lathrop Run Committee and the City of Lathrop are coordinating the First Lathrop 5K Levee Run/Walk on Sunday, June 30, at Mossdale Landing Community Park, 700 Towne Center Drive, Lathrop. For registration and times, call (209) 941-7364.
Free Summer Sack Lunch A free sack lunch will be provided Monday through Friday for children ages 2 to 18 years, at the parks and times listed. This program will run through Tuesday, Aug. 6, excluding Tuesday, July 4. Children can receive only one lunch per day and must be present to receive a meal. This program is sponsored by Manteca Unified School District Nutrition Services in cooperation with Manteca Parks and Recreation Department.
Manteca locations: • Library Park, 320 W. Center St., from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. • Lincoln Park, 245 S. Powers Ave., 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. • Mayor’s Park, 1440 Kelley Drive, 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. • Northgate Park, 1750 Hoyt Lane, 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. • Sequoia Park, 868 Wawona St., 12:20 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. • Shasta Park, 955 E. Edison St., 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. • Southside Park, 409 Oregon St., 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. • Springport Park, 746 Pestana Ave. 1, 1:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. • Union West Park, 1291 Parkview St., 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Villa Ticino Park, 1970 Geneva Way, 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Lathrop locations: • Lathrop Community, 15557 Fifth St. (8:30 to 9 a.m. breakfast service; 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. lunch service). • Apolinar Sangalang Park, 13470 Slate St. (11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. lunch service) • Woodfield Park, 801 Lathrop Road (11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. lunch service). Weston Ranch locations: • Weston Ranch Library, 1453 French Camp Road (11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) • Smith Park, 2606 William Moss Blvd. (11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.) • Paul E. Weston Park, 3602 EWS Woods Blvd. (12:20 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.) • Long Park, 4535 Woodchase Lane (1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.) For more information, contact MUSD Nutrition Services at (209) 858-0769.
The Housing Market is Hot! In April, the Weston Ranch housing market had 16 active homes for sale, 97 pending, 41 sold and 8 cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 32, median square footage price was $87.73, median sold price was $172,000 and the median size was 2,041 square feet. Properties available are $120,000 to $248,000. The Ripon housing market had 16 active homes for sale, 40 pending, 14 sold and 4 expired, withdrew or cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 25, median square footage price was $135.34, median sold price was $277,750 and the median size was 2,164 square feet. Properties available were $158,990 to $914,708. Manteca’s housing market had 52 active homes for sale, 180 were pending, 71 sold and 22 expired withdrew or cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 20, median square footage price was $127.84, median sold price was $238,900 and the median size was 1,876 square feet. Properties available were $84,900 to $1.2 million. The Lathrop housing market had 9 active homes for sale, 63 pending, 20 sold and 4 expired, withdrew or cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 22, median square footage price was $111.10, median sold price was $217,500 and the median size was 2,097 square feet. Properties available were $160,000 to $399,000. Current market data taken from Metrolist, courtesy of Eric Quillinan, real estate Realtor, Help-U-Sell Alpha Realty, (209) 888-8800. manteca monthly magazine | JUNE 2013 | 11
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12 | JUNE 2013 | manteca monthly magazine
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>>beautiful manteca
Tidewater Bike Path Peddles Lots of History— Used to be Tidewater Southern Railroad Route By Gene Beley
T
he 3.4-mile Tidewater Bike Path in Manteca peddles a lot of history for bike riders and pedestrians. Back in 1912 it was a bed for the Southern Pacific Railroad. This service provided a way to ship milk, produce and sugar to San Francisco and East Coast markets. Today the bike path is becoming a model of what a city can
do to reduce its carbon footprint of greenhouse gasses. The city has a long-term vision to tie in the bike paths to places of employment and shopping outlets. What was an eye sore in the 1990s with the abandoned rail line and weeds has become a source of community pride. Although much of it is maintained by the city by collecting from businesses and homeowner associations, Crossroads Grace Church has been known to keep it clean with an army of Christian volunteers who have worked on the its landscaping. Other maintenance funds come from Measure K one half-cent sales tax.
When the bike path idea was first suggested, skeptics thought it would just lead to more troubles and accidents. However, leaders stayed the course and completed it. Crossroads Grace Community Church even helped plant hundreds of trees along the Moffat segment of the bike path to replace the tumbleweed look! Today one can ride to the downtown library or shop at the Spreckels Park retail stores and relax in Woodward Park. City leaders are now talking about a regional bike path that would tie together Ripon and Lathrop. Atherton Homes is on the forefront of working with the
city to make the bike path part of their infrastructure for the final unit of the Union Ranch neighborhood just east of Del Webb at Woodbridge. It is hoped that someday bike riders will be able to pedal to the new transit station now under construction at Moffat Boulevard and South Main Street. Eventually, the city plans to have about 20 miles of bike paths. The only current shortcoming is there aren’t a lot of places to park a car if you’re bringing a bike on a vehicle bike rack. Solution: set your GPS to 1750 Hoyt Lane, Manteca, across the street from Neil Hafley School.
manteca monthly magazine | JUNE 2013 | 13
>>tips from the pro You cannot think mechanics of a motion and perform it well, whether it is using a clutch, a typewriter, throwing a pitch, and especially, swinging a golf club. The next time you are on the range, or on the course give it a try. Focus on the target the entire swing, and let your brain react to it. Then, there are our kids. The ability to let them play sports has been clouded with the idea of correction, correction, correction, after what someone’s idea of a proper motion is. Besides the fact that I believe we should not teach kids like we teach our pets, research is showing that this type of adult-centered training restricts brain development and increases burnout rates. Variety in activity is a very good thing; taking a break from an activity is a very good thing. Let the kids be kids. I welcome discussions on these and other questions you may have. There is very little that surprises me. My favorite comment I hear from students is, “That is easy.” It’s just a ball and a stick that has been complicated by science and the Golf Channel.
It’s a Ball and a Stick, Not Rocket Science In Golf, the Trick is to Focus on the Swing, Not the Ball By Jeff Palmer
When asked what the most important thing is to focus on when playing golf, many are surprised when I don’t mention grip, stance, posture or alignment. And it’s definitely not that little round thing: The greatest fault I have found in 25 years of teaching is that most people get locked in on the ball. When asked for any help on the range, the first thing I will respond with is, “What was your target, and did you stay focused on it the entire swing?” Think of the best shot you ever hit. Chances are, you were thinking not of the swing, but of where you wanted to send the ball. If this is the case, then why would you try to recreate that effortless, easy feel by thinking in a completely different manner?
14 | JUNE 2013 | manteca monthly magazine
Jeff Palmer has been a PGA professional for 24 years, is TPI certified, a program director for the San Joaquin First Tee, and a level III coach, a father, a husband, a teacher and a coach. He is the owner of Palmer Golf School and can be a reached at (209) 712-7548.
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>>his retail therapy The Perfect Gift for Gearhead Dads—Drive the Stockton 99 Speedway!
Give Dad an adrenalin rush riding around the Stockton 99 Speedway at 150 mph with a professional race driver! This is an unforgettable white-knuckle experience in a previously used NASCAR race car. Only $99—order online with any major credit card at www.greatamericandays.com/experience/driving/stock_car_racing/ride_ along_stockton_99_speedway or call (866) 987-9876.
New Rod and Reel Will Provide Calming Effect for Many Years There are all kinds of rods and reels. Maybe it’s time to upgrade Dad’s. If you don’t know the difference between a bait caster and a spinning reel, maybe it’s best to give him a gift certificate for the Outdoor Sportsman, 4969 West Lane, Stockton, or call (209) 957-4867.
Help Pop to Peddle His Way to Good Health
George Ingerson stocks many brands of bicycles including Virtue and Felt Six Series. If it isn’t in the shop, he can order it. Ask him about his bike rides four days a week, plus Sunday mountain bike rides. George’s Bike Shop, 201 S. Stockton Ave., Ripon, (209) 599-6900.
Give Father an Action-Packed GoPro Hero 3 Silver Edition Video Camera
This small video camcorder has been featured on “60 Minutes.” Skydivers, skiers, and other action-oriented sports people love it! You can mount the camera on a head strap, helmet, bike, kayak, or vehicle for hands-free video capture options. Price is $299, batteries and cards extra. Bass Pro Shop, 1356 Bass Pro Drive, Manteca, (209) 825-8400.
Station Dad at Roger’s Railroad Junction and Hobbies!
If your father likes trains, you’ll find a gift at a 3,000-square-foot model train store in Lodi. This shop has a HUGE inventory! You can purchase brands like Blackstone and Atlas trains here and attend classes. Roger’s Railroad Junction and Hobbies, 105 S. Sacramento St., Lodi, (209) 334-5623. manteca monthly magazine | JUNE 2013 | 15
>>best eats
Come & see why we have won so many awards including Talk of the Town! At Weber’s BBQ and More we specialize not just in ribs but real quality, down home soul food cooking. You may come in a stranger, but you will leave as a friend. Tue: 11am-7pm, Wed: 11am-3pm, Thurs: 11am7pm, Fri: 11am-9pm, Sat: 2pm-7pm.
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16 | JUNE 2013 | manteca monthly magazine
>>taste of manteca
Nic’s Place Jack of All Trades
By Kimberly Horg
W
aitressing, cooking, bartending and managing restaurants for more than 30 years gave Nicole Didion the background to know what it takes to run a successful restaurant. And when the opportunity presented itself last year, everything fell into place.
Oriental chicken salad with mandarin oranges and crispy noodles, $8.99.
Whether it’s wine or food, Nic’s Place owner Nicole Didion is ready to serve you. PHOTOS BY LOUIE AMBRIZ
The result, Nic’s Place in Manteca, serves homemade soups and sandwiches in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. “This is a labor of love and is something I always wanted to do,” she said. “I have been running other people businesses so I wanted to do it for myself.” Since Nic’s Place opened, Didion has given it her own flair by re-doing the floors, painting, and decorating it with warm colors consisting of brown, mustard and deep burgundy to give it the feel of a big city bistro. A bar was also installed to serve beer and wine. A former coworker, Jose Herrera, also pitched in with the renovations by taking on a lead role as the cook. When Herrera isn’t cooking, Didion jumps in where needed (another huge plus from having years of experience in the business). There are three staff members, including Herrera, who she considers family.
“I feel lucky having the staff I have,” Didion said. “I couldn’t have done it without them.” The best part of her job is meeting new people. Didion learns not only her customers’ names, but also about their lives. Breaking away from the corporate chain atmosphere and bringing a more personal, intimate setting is a feature she values in her restaurant. Didion loves the rush of when it is busy during lunch hours. A mixed crowd of folks flock to the restaurant for its signature soups – served daily – and specials. Clam chowder is the most popular and is served every Friday, but on any given day one might see split pea with ham, or chicken tortilla, on the menu. Tri-tip sandwiches and roasted pork sandwiches with oven-roasted Ortega chili, and pepper jack cheese on a soft French roll are top picks for Manteca residents, as are Oriental chicken salads and taco salads.
Roast pork sandwich with ortega chilies and pepper jack cheese, $7.99.
Nic’s Place 160 West Center St. | Manteca | 209.824.9890 Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch, and dinner on Thursday nights www.facebook.com/pages/nics-place
Didion with Nic’s Place cook Jose Herrera. manteca monthly magazine | JUNE 2013 | 17
>>beyond 209
Experiencing Life ‘On the Fly’ Catch a Dream and a Fish
The Klamath River may be near the Salmon River, but it’s Steelhead Trout that’s an everyday scene at Marble Mountain Ranch.
By Bernadine Chapman-Cruz
E
xperience the thrill of fly fishing on the middle Klamath River, the way Mother Nature intended. Marble Mountain Ranch, a privately owned and operated dude ranch, offers private catchand-release fly fishing excursions in the magnificent Northern California backcountry.
Doug and Heidi Cole opened the business in 1994, when they bought a mobile home park in the majestic grandeur of the rugged wilderness of Somes Bar, an unincorporated community in Siskiyou County. The fisherman’s paradise is 60 miles inland from the coast, nestled where rivers are ever-present in this mountainous terrain. The Klamath River is the thirdlargest American West Coast drainage (after the Sacramento and Columbia river systems) and is a key salmon and steelhead fishery. Seasoned outfitters and guides, the Coles had an existing whitewater rafting company in the area. “We didn’t want to operate a mobile home park, but saw the
area as an unfettered realm of opportunities,” Doug said. The ranch property is in a whitewater mecca, surrounded by the Klamath River, and proximal to the Salmon, Shasta, Scott, and Trinity rivers. The extreme solitude of the region enables guests to access waters with low fishing pressure. Fly fishing excursions go from sunup to sundown. After a night’s lodging at the ranch and a hearty breakfast, guests board drift boats carrying no more than two people, and an experienced licensed and bonded guide. All fishing excursion packages include private cabin lodging and meals. “We encourage our guests to bring their own rods, but we have equip-
18 | JUNE 2013 | manteca monthly magazine
ment if necessary,” Doug said. All guests are required to wear fishing lifejackets. Friendly, knowledgeable guides instruct clients where to fish, either casting from the boat or bank of the river. Steelhead trout are the primary target, because they are more willing to move to a fly, he noted. “We use a technique called ‘the tight line swung fly,’ where the steelhead grab the fly on a taught line, and run – then the adventure is on,” Doug said. “We use the mantra ‘the tug is the drug.’” After a day on the river, when the sun begins to set, guests return to the lodge for a hot shower, and a five-star meal. Exquisite dining consists of prime meat cuts, fresh produce
from the garden and high-end baked goods. Marble Mountain Ranch offers several complete outdoor adventure packages; all include lodging and meals. A singleday guided fly fishing package includes two nights lodging and a day on the river for $455 per person. Two days on the river and three nights lodging is $800 per person and a three-day package, with four nights lodging and three days on the river is $1,145 per person. The ranch also offers other broad-based, multi-faceted, family friendly activities including rafting, horse rides, arena lessons, and a shooting range. Visit Marble Mountain Ranch for a very special experience. You will not be disappointed.
Marble Mountain Ranch Open year-round 92520 State Highway 96 | Somes Bar, CA 95568 800.552.6284 guestranch@marblemountainranch.com www.marblemountainranch.com
>>buzz on bizz
Batter Up – It’s Time to Play Ball Don’t Strike Out – Go to Gametime Gear By Bernadine Chapman-Cruz
G
ametime Gear, an independently owned sports specialty store, is the place to go for baseball and softball equipment. Todd Mesa, his wife, Robin, and their children have all participated in building the sporting goods store from day one. Located in Manteca’s Stadium Center, just west of Big League Dream Park, Gametime Gear is fully equipped for every baseball and softball need. Specializing in a variety of highend sports equipment including Mizuno, Wilson, Easton, Rawlings, and Louisville Slugger, customers are expertly assisted in choosing gloves, bats, balls, bags, helmets, safety equipment, and clothing. All bats carry a warranty, and dealing with a local independent retailer is much easier than Big Box or online purchases. The store also offers glove repair, re-lacing, and conditioning by hand.
“As locals, we can give back to the community. Our prices are competitive and we reward our loyal customers.” Robin Mesa | Owner
Gametime Gear 2164 Daniels St. | Manteca | 209.239.7039 Open Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. gametimegear@aol.com | www.gametimegear.biz
“Our staff consists of people who know the game; have played, coached or are still playing baseball or softball,” Todd said. “For example, when choosing a bat, especially for a youth player, our staff takes the time to measure and fit with correct length and weight of bat. Players also succeed when fitted with the right tools to play the game, and it is a more-enjoyable experience.” One of the key things to remember when buying sports equipment is to ask questions, Todd noted. “To direct a customer to the proper glove, I begin by asking what position they play and if they are right or left-handed,” Todd said. “With an assortment of gloves on the counter for customers to try on, within a few seconds a good, comfortable fit can be found.” Robin noted that as locals, she and Todd give back to the community. “Our prices are competitive and we reward our loyal custom-
ers,” she said. When a running total of purchases equals $200 or more, customers receive an automatic reward of $10 credit toward anything in the store. The Mesas also support local programs and offer group rates for customized, high-quality team uniforms.
During June, check out Gametime Gear’s “1-2-3 SALE”: Buy one item from the DeMarini clothing line, save 10 percent; two items, save 20 percent; and three or more items, 30 percent off. Also, save up to 30 percent off DeMarini bats. Play ball!
If it’s a sporting item related to baseball or softball, Gametime Gear owner Todd Mesa will make sure it’s available. PHOTOS BY LOUIE AMBRIZ manteca monthly magazine | JUNE 2013 | 19
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