On the Mile Magazine by Shawn Crary

volume 3 | issue 2

STAFFon the mile

SPEAK UPon the mile

ONLINE www.OnTheMileMagazine.com

Summer Brings Fun and Community Engagement Together

PUBLISHER & ART DIRECTOR shawn crary EDITOR gayle romasanta

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PHOTOGRAPHER louie ambriz GRAPHIC DESIGNER INTERN maria boyle ADVERTISING DIRECTOR noel fielding MARKETING CONSULTANTS rachel castillo memri johnson boo mariano-junqueiro beth lawrence crystal salvador annette soriano CIRCULATION cameron crary OFFICE MANAGER ernesto gallardo PUBLISHED BY big monkey group llc. 94 w. castle st. #b stockton, ca 95204 209.932.9252 www.bigmonkeygroup.com SUBMIT ARTWORK & ADS artwork@bigmonkeygroup.com

By Mimi Nguyen | Miracle Mile Improvement Executive Director

MEMORYon the mile

The On the Mile magazine is published quarterly and direct mailed to over 4,500 homes in the Miracle Mile District and 1,000 homes outside of the area. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of copy or comments submitted to Big Monkey Group LLC., and or “On the Mile” magazine which may be edited for clarity and length. © 2013 BIG MONKEY GROUP LLC. BIG MONKEY GROUP PUBLICATIONS On the Mile Magazine Brookside Monthly | Lodi Monthly Manteca Monthly | Bonnie Magazine

PHOTO BY LOUIE AMBRIZ

BILLING QUESTIONS billing@bigmonkeygroup.com

he summer often brings longer days, plenty of sunshine, and summer vacation for students. For those of us on the Miracle Mile, summer also brings community opportunities.

For instance, the Stockton Unified School District Student Ambassadors have returned to assist with outdoor projects on the Miracle Mile. In the first quarter, they’ve helped to keep the gutters clean, parking lots free of debris, and have contributed to the beautification of the area. Students have also spent the school year gaining work experience by interning with several Miracle Mile businesses. It is through the inspiration and guidance of many Miracle Mile business owners that the students have started their own micro business. They are now offering affordable shredding services and flyer distribution within Stockton City limits. To utilize their services and to support these students, Kumpira Khieu will be your point of contact at kkhieu@ stockton.k12.ca.us. An email newsletter has been created to share community awareness and to keep stakeholders and interested parties informed about what’s happening on the Miracle Mile. In the newsletter you’ll find upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, safety alerts, and Board of Directors decisions. Anyone interested in signing up for the email newsletter can contact me at mimi@stocktonmiraclemile.com. This summer also marks the completion of the Pacific Avenue Median Projects - on Pacific Avenue at the Calaveras River and on Pacific Avenue at Harding. The Miracle Mile Improvement District’s improvement committee is in the process of outlining a sidewalk program to improve sidewalks and is working with the City of Stockton for enhanced crosswalks throughout the district. Plenty of events are returning this summer to the Miracle Mile including the StocktonVeteran’s Coalition 4th of July Parade. The parade is scheduled to return to the district with over 100 parade participants, and over 2,000 spectators. The parade route this year with be slightly longer to accommodate the larger parade, and the community support. A summer Sip and Stroll series will also be offered by the Miracle Mile Improvement District Merchants Committee. We anticipate the three Sip and Stroll events this summer will be a blast, complete with live music, wine at participating merchants, and specials for participants throughout the evening. For dates and information, check out the advertisement on page 10. Let’s all celebrate a summer of wonderful opportunities for you to shop and explore the Miracle Mile! Have fun being an integral part of your community!

SUBMIT PRESS RELEASES gayle@bigmonkeygroup.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION advertise@bigmonkeygroup.com

PHOTO BY LOUIE AMBRIZ

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS gene beley brandon getty alan naditz

Brothers Mel and Hillard Corren originally worked for their family at M. Corren and Sons furniture store, established downtown in 1906. In 1961 they opened The Brothers Interior Furnishing Studio at 6 South Central Court, just off the Miracle Mile. They retired in 2000. The original shop burned in 1984 and they rebuilt the present building. They wish whoever occupies the space the same good luck they had during their 39 years of work, fun, and camaraderie they experienced while “vacationing” just off the Mile. MAY-JULY 2013

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FEATUREon the mile

Doctor, Doctor Today’s medical students are tomorrow’s MDs – with some local help By Alan Naditz | Staff Writer

ardiologist Dr. Ramin Manshadi bases everything he does on the Hippocratic Oath. Most people have heard of its main principle: Do no harm as a doctor. But there’s a second pledge that not every doctor follows: Teach the art of medicine to the younger generation in the same way the doctors themselves were taught.

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For Manshadi, that starts by keeping up with medical technology. While the average person’s knowledge of medicine comes from what they see on shows like “House,” “Nurse Betty,” and “E.R.,” Manshadi spends most of his free time reading about the real thing. “When you’re in the medical field, you’re always a student,” he says. “There are always new findings. That’s why I try to always learn about new technology and new ways of treatment, new items out there from different companies. When there’s new technology that would benefit the patient, I’m the first to learn about it so I can deliver it to my patients as soon as possible. After I learn, I teach it to other doctors in the United States.” Manshadi, who runs a private practice on Pacific Avenue, was one of the first doctors in the U.S. – and the first in San Joaquin County – to use a wireless pacemaker when they became available in the mid-2000s, and later an MRI-safe pacemaker in 2011. In 2007, he was the first in Northern California to implant a left ventricular assist device – a.k.a. a mechanical heart – that literally replaces the human variety with a machine (the recipient, Stockton resident Irene Armendarez, lived five more years, or about 4 1/2 longer than she would have with her failing human heart). And, Manshadi recently began performing a self-sealing arteriotomy procedure at St. Joseph’s Medical Center for patients who undergo surgery to remove heart blockages, which greatly reduces recovery pain and chance of infection. Over 13 years, the Elk Grove High School alum has also made a name for himself in other circles: Manshadi has been voted Top Interventional Cardiologist by

FEATUREon the mile Castle Connelly; America’s Top Cardiologist by the Consumers Research Council; winner of the Future Leader Award by the American College of Cardiology; and recipient of the Patients Choice Award, and San Joaquin Medical Society’s Young Physician of the Year Award. In 2011, he wrote a book, “The Wisdom of Heart Health,” an easy-to-understand guide to help cardiac patients take proper care of themselves as they recover from surgery. “I know that my patients are more educated about their heart health, and they are more likely to take care of themselves, and are more likely to follow through on my recommendations,” Manshadi says. “They do a lot of research on the Internet. The biggest complaint I heard from them was that the research is quite dry. They wanted something that wasn’t written over their heads.” And, to prove he’s not taking it too easy in his spare time, every year Manshadi goes to Washington D.C. to meet with federal legislators to hear the latest on healthcare policy. Locally, he is chairperson of media relations for California chapter of the American College of Cardiology, a clinical professor at the University of the Pacific’s School of Pharmacy, and associate clinical professor of cardiology at the University of California at Davis. The two university dealings give Manshadi the most immediate chances to fulfill his Hippocratic Oath. At UC Davis, he works mostly with third-year medical students when they undergo a several-week course in cardiology. He offers the typical lectures on basics like heart failure and how to read EKGs. But then he goes a step further when he goes with them to visit clinics. “I teach them the difference between an average doctor and an excellent doctor,” Manshadi says. “An average doctor practices cookbook medicine, where you read up and see,

back,” he replies. “I’m doing it because I believe in doing the right things, and doing good things. That’s the way everyone should look at life. I want to bring positive energy back to the community, because positive always brings positive.” That positive ethic continues. All proceeds from Manshadi’s book go toward another personal project: supplying free automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, to all local high schools. The cardiologist began the effort in 2009 to help reduce deaths from sudden cardiac arrest among young athletes. Several high schools in Stockton have received the devices, as well as a few area soccer and baseball leagues. “I’ve created a positive, by extension, out of my name, my recognition, my hard work,” Manshadi says. “Basically, it’s a constant, circular approach in life, where everything feeds on each other.”

“Our motto at the school is, ‘Passion.’ We believe everyone needs to have passion in what they do. And every one of those letters stands for something: A Different Type of Health Plan Twenty-four hours have passed, and Traci Miller, principal ‘P’ (Professional), of Health Careers Academy High School, is still in a state of ‘A’ (Academic), happy shock. Her school’s latest parents’ information night, designed to attract prospective students for the 2013-14 year, was ‘S’ (Service to others), standing room only. With more than 175 visitors, the evening ‘S’ (Strong), marked the second case of parent overload in only a few months. That’s a far cry from the two-year-old campus’s inaugural ‘I’ (Inspiring), meetings in 2011, when a few dozen parents showed up to find ‘O’ (Optimistic) and out about the charter school that specializes in medical education classes for teenagers. “Last night, before the meeting, I’m ‘N’ (Nurturing).”

thinking about how much I have riding on this,” Miller says. “I — Traci Miller, principal, have the dean of the CSU Stanislaus-Stockton Center opening Health Careers Academy High School up his facility for us, I’ve got the director of Kaiser’s School of

Principal Traci Miller guides her students through their studies at Health Careers Academy High School. “I’m one of the luckiest people on Earth,” she says. “This is a terrific job.” PHOTOS BY LOUIE AMBRIZ

‘Okay, this disease gets treated this way.’ An excellent doctor realizes that every patient with a specific disease is quite different from another patient with the same disease. You must look at the patient as a whole, and you fine-tune the treatment for that patient.” The University of the Pacific doesn’t have a medical school. But it does offer pharmacy, and even these students are required to take a course in cardiology as part of their degree. So, for several weeks at a time, pairs of future pharmacists visit Manshadi’s office to observe his practice. The sessions help the students see patients as more than just names on slips of paper, he notes. “When they’re here, they can understand how the heart works and how it relates to the patient,” Manshadi says. “They see the patients’ faces; they hear the patients complain. If they can understand all of this, when they later see these prescriptions come through for cardiac drugs, they can be better pharmacists in general.” Manshadi often gets thank you letters from the students after they move on. He appreciates these, but appreciates their future actions more. “I’m not doing this to be able to say I turned someone into a great person, and be able to pat myself on the

Allied Health opening his facility up. We had all these workers coming in to help. And to end up with another standing room only crowd – it was nuts.” Miller will take this kind of crazy any day. The school is well on track to meeting its goal of having 400 students by fall, when it begins offering classes for 11th graders. Nearly half that total of students have already committed to attending HCA next school year, about three times as many as last year at this time. “At one time, people didn’t even know we existed,” Miller says. “That appears to be changing very fast.” Stockton Unified School District created HCA in 2011 to address a forecasted, severe shortage of trained, qualified healthcare workers for jobs coming to the Central Valley in the next few years. As an example, Miller points to the new 1,700-bed state prison healthcare facility under construction in Stockton and scheduled to open this summer – about 2,400 people are expected to be employed there. There’s also the 120-bed Veterans’ Administration medical facility and outpatient clinic, planned for opening in 2018, which would create another 900 jobs. Continued on page 6 MAY-JULY 2013

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“There are two types of doctors and clinicians. One is to be the one who has the 9-to-5 job and has an easy life. The other is there because they truly love what they do, and constantly want to learn and give back.” — Dr. Ramin Manshadi, cardiologist

Continued from page 5 While not all the new jobs at the two locations will be medical, the impact on a county already identified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources as a Health Professional Shortage Area cannot be ignored, notes Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud, director of surgery at San Joaquin General. To that end, the California Department of Corrections awarded a $700,000 grant to get HCA up and running. And run it has: Tucked away inside University Park in Stockton’s historic Magnolia District, the school has quickly established partnerships with neighboring California State University Stanislaus-Stockton Center, and Kaiser Permanente’s School of Allied Health. Students who attend HCA arrive each day in medical scrubs – the school’s

uniform – looking like extremely young doctors. The outfit helps keep the students in a healthcare frame of mind, and also levels the playing field when it comes to household income, Miller says. “You can’t tell the kids who have more from the ones who don’t,” she notes. The school follows a Stanford University medical-based curriculum: A typical day consists of college prep courses in first aid, CPR, medical terminology, history of healthcare, and ethics, among others. In most cases, those classes can be used for credit should the student pursue a degree at a four-year university, possibly speeding up their graduation and pursuit of a career in medicine. “Because we’re a charter school, we can draw students from anywhere in California. So we get students from Stockton, Manteca, Lodi, Linden, Lincoln.

They’re coming from all over the place,” Miller says. “It’s also a very wide demographic: Some kids arrive here in a Mercedes; some take an hour and a half to get to school every day by public transportation. It’s a really wide cross-section of the community, but what they have in common is that they all want to do something very specialized.” Like any school, there are projects. But these class projects overlap with medicine whenever possible. For example, an English teacher will have them study a disease. The students then become an “expert” on it and present their knowledge to their classmates. “When I was in school, I was studying Romeo and Juliet, and learning the Pythagorean Theory in geometry,” Miller recalls. “It didn’t connect for me at all. So we have our teachers working together to show how this is important.” There are field trips that go beyond the typical visit to a museum. In 2011, HCA students visited San Quentin State Prison to see the various medical job opportunities available in the prison system. Although everything went fine, it wasn’t a trip Miller is likely to repeat. “I was too much of a mother hen the whole time,” she admits. “It took me two weeks to recover.” The students also pass on what they’ve learned. A typical community event involves them visiting neighboring Pittman Charter School as part of the K-8 campus’s annual health fair, explaining healthcare matters to those students. It’s also not unusual to see HCA students at Kaiser Family Health Days, or promote physical fitness at an event sponsored by the YMCA. Guests from the local medical com-

munity regularly appear on campus. In recent weeks, Dr. Moses Elam and Dr. Darryl Jones, both executives from Kaiser Permanente, spoke to students about their respective journeys to becoming physicians. “The world is yours if you want it,” Elam told the students. “But you’re going to have to work for it right now.” Delta Blood Bank and the California Transplant Donor Network presented information about how students and their families can make an impact by helping to save lives of others in their community. Several medical and university students from the University of the Pacific and CSU StanislausStockton Center also reminded students of the importance of maintaining good grades while in high school. “Every quarter and every semester, we start the day off by revisiting what our goal is, to help the kids keep their eye on the prize,” Miller says. “Teenagers kind of live in the now, as in today – not a week from now, much less four years from now. We have to remind them there is an end goal to what they do here.” Miller’s students won’t begin the second leg of their journey until 2015, when HCA has expanded to a full four-grade curriculum, and its first class graduates. By that point, becoming a student at the medical charter school could be a bit of a challenge. “I have a feeling I will be using a waiting list for freshmen after next year,” Miller says. “That will put us in a situation resembling other charter schools. But what a great problem to have!” on the mile

For more information Want to learn more about Health Careers Academy or heart healthcare? Go here for more information: • Health Careers Academy, 931 E. Magnolia St., Stockton, (209) 933-7360, http://hca-susd-ca.schoolloop.com. • Dr. Ramin Manshadi, 2633 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 944-5530, www.drmanshadi.com.

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MERCHANTon the mile

Custom Floral Arrangements Exudes La Rosa Floral’s Artistic Touch By Gayle Romasanta

pened since October 2012, La Rosa Floral has been enjoying its new space. Owned by Frank Reyes and Jaime Osvaldo, they picked the Mile for La Rosa Floral because of its location. “We picked the Miracle Mile because of its location in Stockton and the community and the small-town-feel it has to offer. Most of the businesses are family owned and operated. We felt it is where we needed to be,” Osvaldo says. It’s been going well for the two, as they’ve found the welcome they received last year to be lasting. “We love our current location, everyone on the Mile is very friendly and support one another.”

Detail and artistry are evident in La Rosa Floral’s creations.

Osvaldo is the lead designer and creative director of La Rosa Floral. He has a decade worth of experience in the floral business. He started as a freelance designer working part-time at a floral shop in Ceres, California. He balanced his freelance design floral work in between school and working a full-time job as a visual merchandiser for retail chains like Wet Seal, Love Culture, and Forever 21. He finally left the retail world to follow one of his dreams—to open up a floral shop. With La Rosa finally open, Osvaldo loves to do custom pieces for customers. “We love it when customers give us artistic freedom—the designer’s choice. One of our most creative designs would have to be a tulip chandelier made out of 200 tulips designed for a charity event.” However, customers don’t have to order large, elaborate designs. La Rosa

Floral has vase floral arrangements starting at $19.50, with any of their seasonal flowers or classic rose bud vases. Rose bud vases come with three stems of imported roses. Customers who want to design their own bouquets, can do that as well. Starting at $10 and up, La Rosa happily customizes bouquet wraps using a client’s own personal vase. Not sure how to customize a floral arrangement? La Rosa Floral has great ideas for upcoming special events this summer for those who aren’t sure how to customize flowers for their special occasion. For ideas for Mothers Day, Osvaldo says to bring in mom’s favorite vase, or teapot, and La Rosa Floral will gladly design a one-ofa-kind arrangement for mom. They will also have mason jars filled with beautiful spring cut flowers for mom’s special day starting at $32.50. With graduations around the corner, a fun meaningful gift

PHOTO BY LOUIE AMBRIZ

“One of our most creative designs would have to be a tulip chandelier made out of 200 tulips...”

for graduates is to congratulate them with one of La Rosa Floral’s good luck bamboo designs, to wish them good luck in their new journey. Osvaldo also loves floral arrangements for weddings. “Weddings are no longer so traditional and we love when a bride comes in with a creative theme or idea,” he says. Osvaldo does consultations if you’re still unsure of what to get for that special someone or for special occasions such as weddings and other life events. He or Reyes will be happy to talk to you to customize your bouquet and make sure you get the most beautiful bouquet arrangement in your price point. on the mile

La Rosa Floral

Jaime Osvaldo

2001 Pacific Avenue

Creative Director La Rosa Floral

(209) 505-9510 MAY-JULY 2013

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DINEon the mile One-of-a-kind Gourmet Hot Dogs, Baseball, and Fun is Mandatory at the Mile’s Newest Restaurant

Peter Koulouris, long-time Stocktonian and owner of Casey’s Hot Dogs. PHOTO BY LOUIE AMBRIZ

By Gayle Romasanta

f you’ve got a hankering for hot dogs, the Mile will now be home to Casey’s Hot Dogs opening June 1, 2013. Casey’s Hot Dogs is named after the main character in the epic baseball poem, Casey at the Bat by Ernest Thayer. The poem, which was initially published in 1888 in the San Francisco Examiner, is about a baseball team from Mudville (the Mudville 9) and their fans, waiting for their star player, the mighty Casey, to get at bat. Both the team and the fans believe that if Casey can get to bat, they will win the game.

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DINEon the mile

“Every A’s and Giants game will be on–it will be like a ballpark experience.” Peter Koulouris | owner, Casey’s Hot Dogs

Owner Peter Koulouris is excited to be part of the Mile and can’t wait to bring his baseball-themed dining experience to the neighborhood. The real winner will be the customer—the hot dogs sold at Casey’s will be one-of-a-kind and will be the center of Koulouris’ restaurant. “Alpine Meats are making special hot dogs for Casey’s that you can’t find anywhere else. We’re excited to be working with them as they are with us,” Koulouris says, his enthusiasm showing. The buns will also be from well-loved local bakery, Genova Bakery based out of Stockton. “Gourmet hot dogs in a fun family environment will appeal to the kid in all of us,” Koulouris adds. Koulouris has been thinking of the idea of a hot dog restaurant for 20 years and planning it for the last five. “I waited until the right location presented itself,” Koulouris says. “[The Mile] is a great neighborhood—a walking neighborhood. I was born and raised in Stockton. I knew instantly this is where I wanted to be.” Koulouris’ family has deep roots in Stockton, being the first Greek family to move to Stockton in 1899. Married for 20 years to fellow attorney Lori French, a fifth-generation Stocktonian, they have three children, Thomas, 15, Gracie 17, and Claire 25. Talking about his business, Koulouris gives loving credit to his wife. “Anyone who knows me, isn’t surprised I get a lot of support and encouragement primarily from my wife…without my family this would not be very meaningful at all…” With the décor orange and black symbolizing Pacific Tigers colors (which are also Giant’s baseball colors), Casey’s will feature nine hotdogs, such as the Mighty Casey—a ¼ pound beef hot dog, the guacamole dog, bacon cheese dog and giant ½ pound stadium dog. There will also be the usual sides, such as French fries, and beer options in the future. Koulouris has in mind grilling on the sidewalk on Saturdays with outdoor seating and baseball games shown on indoor TVs everyday. “Every A’s and Giants game will be on—it will be like a ballpark experience,” Koulouris says. He also wants to do hot dog eating contests in July this summer during national hot dog month. “It’s about time we started having fun in this town,” he says, clearly excited for Casey’s to be part of the community, with hot dogs as the unifier. “Hot dogs capture the imagination and the palate of the general public. People of all ages love hot dogs. The product’s appeal isn’t limited to a certain age group,” Koulouris says. So what does a perfect hot dog taste like to Koulouris? “A juicy dog with a snap when you bite into it. I like to throw bacon on it.” For the rest of the public, there is no right or wrong way according to Casey’s owner. “Whatever you put on a hot dog to make it taste better to you.” on the mile Casey’s Hot Dogs 2311 Pacific Avenue MAY-JULY 2013

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BEAUTIFULon the mile

BJ Stewart’s Gorgeous 1936 Home is Filled with Light and Love BJ Stewart in front of her meticulously kept home. PHOTOS BY GENE BELEY

Built in 1936, BJ’s home has undergone many changes over the years.

“Every day I thank the Lord I bought this house.” BJ Stewart | Proud Miracle Mile homeowner

By Gene Beley

“E

very day I thank the Lord I bought this house,” BJ Stewart said several times about her traditional style house facing a large green grass roundabout with a bench near the Miracle Mile. This octogenarian is a walking miracle herself, who keeps active in many community affairs such as the Stockton Symphony, Junior League, Opera Guild, Stockton Beautiful, and the Child Abuse Prevention Council Auxiliary to name just a few organizations. Stewart and her late husband, Gerald Stewart, used to live in Morada. After he died in January 1987, she found this Stockton home in August 1987. The home had been built in 1936 and first sold for $7,000 to Dr. Kenneth McPherson in 1937. He lived there for 50 years before Stewart bought it. She recalls the home had three windows upstairs and two downstairs. She hired a designer and architect that said the house had good bones

but needed to be turned into a “5 & 4” for tryway is the work of a famous Korean better symmetry aesthetic appeal. This artist, Somchai Kathakitkosa. Stewart means five windows upstairs and four said two identical ones are displayed in downstairs. That launched a $100,000 re- the Smithsonian Institute. modeling project that added 1,000 square Originally, the kitchen was made up feet total to both floors. Downstairs Stew- of little rooms. Stewart opened it up, art created a larger seven-foot x 14’ entry- added a garden window and an island. way, new stairway, and a library wing with She also converted the back porch into a wet bar. Upstairs became the master a powder room with a sink and toilet. wing that includes a spacious bathroom If the house could talk, it would probwith a 500-gallon Jacuzzi tub that have ably thank Stewart for buying the propdelighted her grandchildren when taking erty, and giving it a Stockton Beautiful baths there. facelift and another lifetime for people The bronze deer sculpture in the en- to admire. on the mile ............................................................................................................................................. “On the Mile” magazine, along with Stockton Beautiful. selects one home each quarter that’s featured in “Beautiful on the Mile.” The Miracle Mile District residence highlighted exemplifies pride of ownership and defines the uniqueness of this historic neighborhood. Stockton Beautiful was established in 1993 by Gerry Dunlap and Charles Lester. Stockton Beautiful’s mission is to make our community a more beautiful place to live and to identify and protect its aesthetic resources. MAY-JULY 2013

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TIGERSon the mile Kirstyn Russell’s Search for Identity In Places “Where We Are Not Known” To the uninitiated or unimaginative, the vacant, deadpan images that populate Kirstyn Russell’s solo exhibition, “Where We Are Not Known,” will evoke more “Meh…” than “Marvelous!” But with this very unique and very specific body of work, it is precisely to the uninitiated, the unknowing, and the unaware that Russell is speaking. I attended the reception early, as did a handful of others. As I previewed each photo, walking softly from piece to piece and passing the other viewers, I heard utterings of “bland,” “boring,” and “simple.” I felt that the artist’s talk, which typically begins the reception, would provide the context required for full understanding and appreciation for Russell’s body of work. Alas, it was too late: the few early birds that had joined me for the preview made their way to the door of Pacific’s Reynolds Gallery and departed. A pity, really, as Russell’s talk shed light on so much more than the specific body of work she presented that evening. If Russell’s work appears at times vacant and full of space, it is because her photographic vision has been shaped by the view from the passenger seat window of a moving car: a stable horizon line, vibrant blue sky, and sparse foreground activity; perhaps an abandoned car, distant shack, or aging fast-food restaurant. As a young child, Russell and her family took many, many cross-country trips, and this mode of seeing is communicated, via viewfinder and medium format film, in her photography. A primary influence in Russell’s work, especially the photographs in “Where We Are Not Known,” is Joel Sternfeld. Sternfeld produced a body of work entitled “On This Site,” which depicts sites where brutal violence has occurred. However, Sternfeld differs from the pulp crime photographer because his images depict the site years after the crime has occurred, been reported, cleaned up and, in many cases, forgotten about. Out of context, Sternfeld’s images might receive the same reaction that Russell’s do: “What am I looking at?” or “It’s just an overgrown train track.” Only when the circumstances surrounding this specific piece of land are revealed; only when the malicious acts that occurred in an otherwise pleasant landscape are expounded upon, does the viewer feel an eerie unease. Perhaps producing this unease in the viewer is Sternfeld’s intent. Perhaps he is suggesting that, even in the wake of a horrific human

act, the natural world remains unchanged. In her artist’s talk, Russell explained her fascination with gendered space, that is, organized space (a building, a billboard, etc.) that refers to sexuality in a blatant or inadvertent fashion. Blatant examples include strip clubs, adult shops, and risqué movie theaters. Recently, her work has shifted to a focus on queer space: organized space that refers to or accommodates homosexuality. When she began work on “Where We Are Not Known,” Russell sought to photograph the interiors and exteriors of gay bars across America, specifically in the Southern States. After several weeks of driving, she was dismayed to find that many of these bars had been demolished, abandoned, or were simply never open—at least not to the general public. Instead of packing up her camera equipment and heading home, Russell began to seek out inadvertent queer space in dusty, seemingly vacant towns. In many of her images, Russell employs creative compositional techniques and deadpan austerity to instill meaning in otherwise meaningless images: “Gay’s Barber Shop” becomes “Gay Bar;” “Van Dyke Photography Studio” becomes “Dyke Photography.” In another image, Russell depicts the back of a large industrial building in an urban setting. For the most part, the scene is devoid of color, except for a small painted rainbow that follows a staircase into the basement. Russell explained that the basement houses a gay club which the viewer can assume is kept hidden on purpose. The fact that the entrance to this club must be tucked away hints towards Russell’s intent with “Where We Are Not Known.” Where there is no existence of queer culture, no observable queer space, Russell has drawn it out forcibly via her camera’s viewfinder. Why is queer space so much more difficult to locate than heterosexual space? Why do sexualized billboards loom prevalent with no queer equivalent? Like Sternfeld’s work, Russell’s exhibit relies on context. When asked what an image from Sternfeld’s “On This Site” depicts, an informed viewer might respond with “A crime scene.” When asked what an image from “Where We Are Not Known” depicts, one might respond with “Gendered injustice.” Russell raises a central question with her work: Must queer culture always be relegated to the fringes of society, to a lowly industrial stairwell? That’s for you, the viewer, to decide, as Russell seeks only to show...not to tell.

Keep Your Teen’s B-Ball Skills Sharp Over Summer

Continuing the summer tradition of opening up its facilities to local youth, University of the Pacific will host a five-game basketball tournament with junior varsity and varsity brackets for high school teams. Each game will be roughly 40 minutes long and will be officiated by professional crews. Pacific will provide on-site athletic trainers and a coaching clinic. Players in grades 9 through 12 are encouraged to compete, especially those who hope to attend Pacific or plan to apply for basketball scholarships. For more information, contact the Pacific Women’s Basketball Office at (209) 9462711. Tournaments run through June 9. 14 | on the M I L E

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Get Your Game On At the Pacific Elite Soccer Academy

Early spring and summer is the perfect time for your youngster to get back on the field and hone their skills as a striker or goalkeeper. Beginning May 13 and extending through June 7, University of the Pacific will open its beautiful fields to male players aged 12 to14-years-old and female players ages 12 and up. Goalkeepers will work closely with coaches to improve their technical skills, such as catching, diving, distribution, footwork, and one-versus-one technique. Strikers will learn how to play aggressively while remaining safe, practicing such skills as finishing in front of the goal, turning, and attacking. Each session will finish with a small game, where skills will be reviewed and reinforced. The cost for the Elite Academy is $50 per session, or $125 for all three. For more information or to begin registration, contact the Pacific Athletic Department by visiting www.pacifictigers.com.

Honor Your Favorite Professor at the Years of Service Luncheon

Send off your favorite veteran faculty member for the summer at Pacific’s Years of Service Luncheon, a celebration of the long-serving staff that help make the Pacific remarkable. This year’s luncheon will see 110+ staff members honored for their loyalty and commitment to the university over the past years. A special award, the Cavanaugh Distinguished Service Award, will also be gifted during this luncheon. This event is intended for Pacific staff and students only, and is hosted by the Human Resources Department. For more information, phone the Human Resources office at (209) 946-2124. The luncheon will take place on Wednesday, May 15 at 11:30 a.m. outside the DeRosa University Center (weather permitting).

Pharmacy and Health Sciences Commencement Ceremony

Come celebrate the huge accomplishment of these fresh-faced pharmacy grads with family, friends, and faculty! This commencement recognizes the achievement of all graduating students in Pacific’s Pharmacy and Health Sciences schools. The commencement will take place on Saturday, May 18 at 9:00 a.m. in the Alex G. Spanos Center. This is not a ticketed event, so friends of students and the general public are invited to attend. For more information, visit www.phscommencement.com.

Pacific Employee? Stabilize Your Financial Future Now!

From early May until late June, TIAA-CREF consultants will be available for individual counseling sessions in the William Knox Holt Memorial Library. Each consultant will address your unique financial situation and discuss options for investing in Pacific’s faculty retirement plan. If you find yourself wondering about retirement allocation, tax implications and income options, make yourself an appointment with a TIAA-CREF consultant today. The Service & Scheduling Group can be reached at (800) 732-8353. Appointments will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Room 4 of the Holt Memorial Library. This event is brought to you by the Human Resources Department.

The Inaugural Creative Writing Conference at Pacific!

Love creative writing and the scholastic excitement associated with a good conference? Then Pacific in mid-June is where you need to be! From June 14 through the 16th, the first Creative Writing Conference will be held on the main campus. An optional week-long workshop class, from June 17 through the 30 will be held following the conference. A range of interactive workshops, presentations and lectures populate the conference’s agenda. If you’ve ever considered pursuing a career in creative writing, whether as an author or a professor, you’ll learn everything you need to know here. For the budding author, topics such as brainstorming techniques, genre classification, publishing, self-publishing, and marketing yourself to your target audience will be discussed. For the aspiring teacher, inspirational techniques, curriculum outlines, and style-building exercises will be available. The New York Times best-selling author John Lescroart will deliver the keynote address, entitled “Twenty Years to Overnight Success.” The talk will outline Lescroart’s own experience as a writer, including trials and tribulations faced, and will end in a discussion. Lescroart is the author of the well-received Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky series, as well as a sampling of other novels which are popular within the crime/mystery genre. The Inaugural Creative Writing Conference is result of collaboration between the Benerd School of Education, the Center for Professional and Continuing Education and the College of the Pacific’s Department of English. To attend the confer-

TIGERSon the mile Save the Date! Important Dates for the 2012-2013 Academic Year Spring/Summer 2013

Commencement: May 4 Summer Session 1: May 6 to June 7 Summer Session 2: June 10 to July 12

Summer Session 3: July 15 to August 16

Tiger Tracks: the 2013 New Student Orientation!

The beginning of your college career can be extremely intimidating…but it doesn’t have to be! Take advantage of Pacific’s awesome orientation schedule to help put your mind at ease. At orientation, or Tiger Tracks, you’ll select the right classes to suit your major and your interests, choose a major if you’re still undeclared, make friends amongst your residency house and much, much more! Of course, family members are invited to accompany students during most orientation activities. For more information, contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at (209) 946-7619 or orientation@pacific.edu. Dates for orientation activities occur from June 25 through August 21.

Fall 2013 Freshmen Orientation & Registration Session 1: June 25 to 26 Session 2: June 28 to 29 Payment Deadline for Fall 2013: August 1 Transfer Student Orientation: August 15 to 16 International Student Orientation: August 19 Graduate Student Orientation: August 22 Classes Begin: August 26 Registration Re-opens: August 26 Last Day to Add Classes: September 6 ence for a single day, the price is $140. For a three-day entrance pass, it is $230. An additional dinner banquet fee of $60 will also be charged. For couple or group pricing, or to attend the conference without dining, phone (209) 946-2424. You may also email the Center for Professional and Continuing Education at cpce@pacific. edu. This event is open to Pacific students, staff, and the general public.

Pacific’s Chinese Summer Program Explained

Interested in Chinese culture? Want to broaden your horizons and really see the world? Looking to make next summer your most memorable yet? Sign up for the Pacific Chinese Summer Program! The program includes a 6-week stay in China, with Beijing and Shanghai serving as the home base for most activities. Field studies, cultural activities, visits to noteworthy business and finance sites, and meet and greets with successful entrepreneurs are all part of this enriching experience. Up to 8 credits can be earned during this 6-week course of study…or vacation, if you prefer! The initial program fee is $3,200. This does not include round-trip airfare, food, and any personal expenses. This program is open to Pacific students, faculty, and students from other colleges as well. The information session will occur on Saturday, June 22 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Bechtel International Center. For more information or to request an application for the program, contact Professor Jie Lu at (209) 946-2917 or Professor Laurie Lichter-Heath at (209) 946-2635.

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HAPPENINGSon the mile Miracle Mile Real Estate Market Shows the Market is Up and Better than Ever for Sellers

Bill Maxwell, Rhondda Nunes, Wendi Maxwell and councilmember Zapien volunteered to clean up the American Legion Park.

Want to Make Stockton a Better Place? Become a Volunteer By Moses Zapien Greetings neighbors, As your city council representative, I’m pleased to update you on the progress we have made on a variety of community issues over the past few months. We continue to make progress improving public safety by rolling out a number of crimefighting initiatives, including the Marshall Plan and Operation Ceasefire. We will be announcing town hall meetings in the coming months to get your input. The city has recently overcome a crucial legal hurdle in restructuring its finances and we now begin the task of crafting a long-term plan for financial success. There are many new businesses opening up all over town and I look forward to attending a number of grand openings in our district in the coming months. The Miracle Mile Median Project is nearly complete and residents will now be able to enjoy a more-scenic drive through the neighborhood. We see signs of progress everywhere. And it is easy to get involved in helping to improve our city. One of the easiest ways of making a

meaningful contribution to improving Stockton is through volunteering. And I’m proud to represent a district that has such a strong spirit of volunteerism and giving back to the community. Last weekend, a group of neighbors from the American Legion Park Neighborhood got together to clean up trash and floating debris in Yosemite Lake. Through teamwork—and a good pair of work gloves—folks can now enjoy a prettier view of the lake. Last month, the University of the Pacific’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity went homeless for an entire week, sleeping outside in makeshift cardboard boxes, to raise awareness of hunger, homelessness, and to support The Second Harvest Food Bank. I had the opportunity to join them overnight and it was truly an eye-opening experience on what hardships some of our citizens face every day. And on April 20, men throughout Stockton donned women’s heels to help support the Women’s Center-Youth & Family Services by “Walking a Mile on the Miracle Mile.” Thanks to those who came and cheered us on!

Whether it be organizing a group of neighbors to clean up a park or raising awareness of an issue, I encourage you to get involved by volunteering in your neighborhood or with a community organization. Share your ideas, questions and concerns. I invite you to my community office hours the first Monday of each month from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Additionally, we can chat over coffee at my “Council on Your Corner” meetings that I plan to host at various locations throughout the district. Announcements will follow. For more information on how to get involved, visit the city’s website at www. stocktongov.com or email me at dist4@ stocktongov.com. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter. I look forward to working with you. Together, we can get Stockton back on track! Moses Zapien is the Stockton City Council representative for District 4. To contact Councilmember Zapien, please call the Chamber office at (209) 937-8244.

Have Fun Dancing at Southern Exposure!

Live Music Makes a Summer More Enjoyable

Southern Exposure will be hosting dancing on the following Sunday’s inside their large, bright, and sunny space. Get tickets to dance, starting at $15 per person. Both dates are for Salsa dancing. The teacher is Hector Gonzalez of Let’s All Dance. Sunday, May 19, and Sunday, May 26, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Southern Exposure, 2323 Pacific Avenue or by calling, (209) 946-4247. Space is limited, so get your tickets early!

Enjoy live music and events at Whirlow’s Tossed and Grilled all summer long. The restaurant now has live music five days a week, Monday through Saturday. Most shows are free to the public and begin at 6:30 p.m. Yogurt My Way is connected to Whirlow’s, so it’s also a nice after dinner spot to get a sweet treat, look at art, and listen to the various bands playing. Artists who are interested in showcasing their art at Yogurt My Way, should contact Lisa Whirlow at whirlowl@aol.com.

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The real estate market is improving. There is a lack of available homes for sale. The Miracle Mile area between El Dorado and Pershing and between Harding and Calaveras River has only 16 Active Listings and 29 Pending Sales. Investors are actively seeking homes in the Pacific area because it is a stable and in-demand market. Prices have been driven up about 10% in the last few months. It is the best time to be a seller since 2008 when prices started declining. The Median Active Listing price is $148,500 with a low of $96,500 to a high of $429,000. The average time on market for the pending sales is 42 days. Sold homes of the last three months averaged $138,328, with a median price of $140,000, with a low sold price of $66,100, to a high of $231,000. The average price per square foot of the 27 sold properties was $94. There is one multi-unit property active on the market now for $579,500. There are two pending multi-units from a duplex at $110,000 to a triplex at $130,000. A 20-unit Apartment Building just sold for $730,000. Jean McGurk of CENTURY 21 Exchange Realty has been a Realtor for 28 years in Stockton. She lives in the UOP area, is a Senior Specialist and has a Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource Designation SFR. She can help you with your real estate needs at (209) 981-0785.

Safety Patrol News and Phone Numbers You Need to Know Safety patrol services will now be offered in the district seven days a week. Since the first quarter of 2013, MMID security patrol has partnered with Stockton Unified School District Police to reduce the amount of loitering in the district. They have both worked with the Stockton Police Department and mental health services to provide assistance to regular transients in the district. MMID safety patrol services are provided by Delta Hawkeye Security. If you call after hours, you will be directed to the Stockton Police Department. During hours, safety patrols are by car and on bike. Delta Hawkeye Security officers are working with the Stockton Police Department for long-term results. The following are important phone numbers to keep in your

HAPPENINGSon the mile cell phone or programmed in your home phone: MMID Safety Patrol Mobile: (209) 993-8665, Safety Patrol Office: (209) 957-3333.

Properties Located on the Miracle Mile for Lease 6 Central Court: 3,468 square feet, $2,850 per month, (209) 461-6400 Ext. 103; 222 Central Court: Two Suites: 3,310 square feet, ground Floor; 1,120 square feet, second floor, $1.00 per square foot, (209) 461-6400 Ext. 103; 2363 Pacific Avenue: 5,200 square feet, $3,750 per month, (209) 461-6400 Ext. 103; 2540 Pacific Avenue: 1,120 square feet, $1.28 per square foot, (209) 4616400 Ext. 104.

Upcoming MMID Board Meeting Dates If you would like to attend the Miracle Mile Improvement District board meetings, they will be held at the following dates and times: May 8, 2013 July 10, 2013 Meetings are at 4:00 p.m. at the Whirlow’s/Green’s Nutrition Annex Room.

3rd Thursdays This Summer A summer wine and entertainment series put on by the MMID merchants committee is scheduled three times this summer, complete with live music, wine at participating merchants, and specials for participants throughout the evening. Dates are May 16, June 20th, and July 18th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are available for $15 at Dragonfairy, Rae’s Rags and Riches, Gluskin’s Photo, That’s Showbiz!, Green’s Nutrition and With Garden Flair. For more information contact Mimi Nguyen, MMID Executive Director, mimi@stocktonmiraclemile.com, (209) 948-6453.

July 4th Parade on the Mile It’s that time of the year again for the annual July 4th parade. This year the parade will be held on Thursday, July 4th. Streets will be closed on Harding Way from Baker Street to Pacific Avenue, and on Pacific Avenue from Harding Way to Castle Street. The parade is a coalition of several veterans groups including Veterans of Foreign Wars, D.A.V. Charities of San Joaquin County, and the Karl Ross Post #16. Make sure to get to the parade early, as parking is limited, and premier places to watch the parade get taken quickly. Parade begins at 10:00 a.m.

There will be a pancake breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, May 11, from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at the Karl Ross Post 16, 2020 Plymouth Road, Stockton. The pancake breakfast is hosted by the Stockton Veteran’s Coalition and the United Way of San Joaquin. For tickets and information on the pancake breakfast fundraiser and parade, contact: Teresa Vasquez (559) 410-6937 or stockton4thofjulyparade@gmail.com. The theme of this year’s parade is “Honoring All Women Veterans.”

The Stockton Art League’s Goodwin Gallery Kicks off Summer Months with Must-See Show and Art Demonstration Every month there’s always a new art exhibit to see at the Goodwin Gallery. The San Joaquin Potter’s Guild will be showcasing their work until May 31. Saturday, May 11 is the artist’s reception—free of charge. Light drinks and appetizers will be served and attendees can talk with the Potter’s Guild members about their work. The reception is from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The month of May’s demonstration artist will also be reknowned painter, George Allan Durkee. Durkee is a true working artist, having sold more paintings than Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro combined. His demonstration in oils is Thursday, May 9, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For additional information on May, June, and July exhibits and demonstration artists, call the Stockton Art League’s Goodwin Gallery, 1902 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204, (209) 466-6604.

The Spa at Southern Exposure and Participating Restaurants Celebrate Mom The following gift certificates are available for purchase at the Spa at Southern Exposure to make sure mom feels pampered and loved on her special day. Classic Package: For $150, you get a 60-minute massage or facial and a gift certificate for $20 to either La Palma Restaurant, AVE on the Mile Bistro and Lounge, Midtown Creperie, or Whirlow’s Tossed and Grilled. Extravaganza: $150 certificate which includes a $20 gift certificate to Chelissa’s jewelry and accessories located inside Southern Exposure, unlimited 90 minute Bikram classes for one week at Bikram Yoga, plus $20 gift certificate to La Rosa Floral. MAY-JULY 2013

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MINGLEon the mile The 2013 Brubeck Festival events were held March 18-23. This year’s festival was a tribute to Dave Brubeck’s legacy. PHOTOS BY FRANCIS NOVERO

Dave Brubeck’s son, Chris Brubeck and Dave Brubeck’s wife, Iola Brubeck.

Joe Gilman, artist-in-residence of the Brubeck Institute’s fellowship program, Rane Roatta and Thomas Kelly at Valley Brew.

Harriet and Mel Corren of Stockton.

Henry Flynn of San Francisco. 18 | on the M I L E

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Adam Goldman, bassist of the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet.

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The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes was held last month to raise money for the Women’s Center — youth and family services. The event asks men to walk one mile in a pair of women’s shoe’s to raise awareness and funds to support sexual assault victims. Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity hosted their 15th annual “Hit of Reality” philanthropy event to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank. The young men lived outside the De Rosa Center on Pacific’s campus for 96 hours from March 18-22 with only cardboard boxes as shelter. They were able to raise $6,000 for the nonprofit.

ON THE MILE MAGAZINE Big Monkey Group LLC 94 W. Castle St. #B Stockton CA 95204