San Joaquin Magazine August 2021

BRUNCH IS BACK!

WEST OAK NOSH DEBUTS NEW MENU

BRICK BY BRICK

THE LEGO MASTERS OF STOCKTON

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CENTRAL VALLEY

Pandemic

PETS Locals bring home new family members amid a global shutdown

AUGUST 2021

SCAN TO READ ONLINE

SJMAG.COM

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We Haven’t Missed a Beat Since 1867

For more than 154 years Bank of Stockton hasn’t missed a beat in providing the financial and banking services our clients need. From business loans to expand a growing venture to real estate loans to help you buy a new home, we’ll supply the right advice and solutions that work for you. We are constantly working to make banking easier and more convenient with innovative products like our mobile banking app, remote deposit and security transaction alerts. Visit one of our branches today or check us out online and see for yourself what Bank of Stockton can drum up for you.

Thank you for voting us Best Bank!

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AUGUST 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

SMILE it raises Your

face value

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Learn more about Dr. Franklin and his talented team by visiting www.ToddFranklinDDS.com SJMAG.COM

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AUGUST 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

WATER

AIR

WILDLIFE

SOIL + SEDIMENTS

A successful partnership tomorrow depends on what we do today.

WELCOME TO THE PORT OF TOMORROW. As the fourth busiest Port in the state, we want to keep busy connecting with you, our community. To do that, we conduct public boat tours so residents can learn about the Port’s past, present, and future. We visit classrooms so students can learn about everything from our wildlife programs to our shipping activities. We participate in the Rotary Read-In program to help broaden childhood literacy. And we hold coastal clean-up days so interested locals can help us keep our shores pristine, for our i children and theirs.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

SUSTAINABILITY

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AUGUST 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

Keeping your family comfortable for 15 years!

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Contents Features

AUGUST 2021

21

21 BRICK BY BRICK

Whether it was parading dragons, exploding aliens, or wearable works of art, Stockton brothers Zack Macasaet, 26, and Wayne Macasaet, 28, built a name for themselves one brick at a time on Season 2 of Fox Network’s LEGO Masters. The brothers, who moved to Stockton from the Philippines when they were young, jumped at the chance to represent their hometown on LEGO Masters. They wanted to prove that you can find talent and passion anywhere. BY FAITH LEWIS

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CALIFORNIA THEME PARKS ARE BACK

For over a year California theme parks were closed to the public, adhering to strict shutdown guidelines enforced by the state government. But this spring, they began reopening again. Today, theme parks are looking more like they used to (with some new protocols in place) but several also unveiled brand-new changes after a year of being closed to the public.

Read on to get inspired for your next exhilarating family vacation and learn how theme parks used their mandated closure time to enhance the guest experience. BY NORA HESTON TARTE

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48 PETS ON PARADE

An adorable line-up of four-legged friends submitted by readers and staff.

Did you send in a photo of your animal to be considered? Flip through the pages and see if your pet made the pages! From cats and dogs to horses and cows, we have plenty of smiling lovebugs on display. BY LUCAS ZOCCOLI

76 PANDEMIC PETS

When the pandemic hit in March 2020, our entire lives were turned upside down. Most suffered hardships may it be personal, professional, or healthrelated. For some families there was enough extra love and attention to go around. And for some families who didn’t have a pet, this seemed like the perfect time to add one to the bunch. BY NORA HESTON TARTE

79 BRUNCH IS BACK!

West Oak Nosh first debuted its brunch menu In 2019, to fill a need in the community owner Marcus DeAnda says was obvious—a lack of brunch options. After a year without brunch due to pandemic restrictions, the German-inspired eatery brought some of its classics back, and added new drool-worthy items to the menu, too. BY NORA HESTON TARTE

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AUGUST 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

76 79

“Our Mission” Improve the lives of patients through excellent Cardiovascular education, prevention, and the highest quality care.

• Complete cardiovascular care from prevention to intervention.

• Recognized expert in sport cardiology in USA and internationally.

• Cardiovascular leadership at State and National level.

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Contents

AUGUST 2021

82

XX 28 THE 209

66

24 SWIM SAFE Water safety doesn’t have a season

44 A BIGGER REFUGE MAKES A BIGGER DIFFERENCE PALS Haven built a new and improved home

66 FROM FOREST TO TABLE Endless Blooms makes sustainable floral arrangements for home

26 THE EYES HAVE IT Zeiter Eye gives the 411 on LASIK

46 A NOT SO HARD DAY’S WORK Volunteer at Harvest Home

WINE DINE 209

28 PRETTY THINGS WITH A POWERFUL MESSAGE The Lodi Collective is more than a store 30 CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Save money, support local

ABODE 59 DREAM ON Sleep better tonight 62 4 MYTHS ABOUT SYNTHETIC GRASS BUSTED Beyond Grass has the answers 64 WHAT YOUR LAWN REALLY WANTS How to keep grass green in summer

NEXT ISSUE NEXT

ISSUE

12

82 MOBILE COFFEE Grinding Grounds serves coffee with culture 84 WINGIN’ IT These are the best places to order up a plate of wings

90 TID BITS Back-to-school goodies 96 CELEBRATE NATIONAL GOAT CHEESE MONTH As if we need an excuse to eat cheese

IN EVERY ISSUE 14 Publisher’s Note 87 Dining Guide

88 IN SEASON Tik Tok challenges and the pandemic brought us these recipes

WINE DINE 209 • THE GOOD LIFE • JACK TONE RANCH

AUGUST 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

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from the publisher

ANIMAL HOUSE Most days, my house resembles something of a farm. From

READ OUR

FREE

DIGITAL EDITION

@ SJMAG.com BRUNCH IS BACK!

WEST OAK NOSH DEBUTS NEW MENU

BRICK BY BRICK

THE LEGO MASTERS OF STOCKTON

AUG

21

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CENTRAL VALLEY

Pandemic

PANDEMIC PETS / BRUNCH IS BACK!

PETS Locals bring home new family members amid a global shutdown

SJMAG.COM

AUGUST 2021

SCAN TO READ ONLINE

SJMAG.COM

| AUGUST 2021 1

birds to horses, a cow, and a couple of Great Danes, there are no shortage of animals taking up residence on the Zoccoli ranch—and that’s just how I like it. When the animals have free range, they snack on my vegetable garden and voluntarily mow down the grass; my home was made for animals, and I rarely turn down the opportunity to add another to the brood, even when caring for them becomes another fulltime job.

With an already full house and yard, I didn’t add any of my own pets during the pandemic, but that’s what many Americans did. Last year data reported soaring increases in pet adoptions, with Nielsen clocking the rise at 202% from March to August 2020 year over year. Research also found euthanasia rates to be down 43% (partly because closed shelters couldn’t bring in new pets but also partly because more dogs were adopted and fostered) from January to June 2020. The news is almost all good on the pet front, including pet-related businesses such as pet stores enjoying a sales boost driven up by the influx of new animals finding their forever homes.

There are so many reasons people chose to adopt pets during quarantine—mostly dogs and cats. For some, they needed companionship during a lonely time. For others, the timing simply made sense—home all day to care for and train a new member of the family. For others, their kids were at the forefront, in need of something positive to focus on during such a negative time. Regardless of why, the numbers don’t lie; and the pandemic pet trend is what led us to highlight some local families in San Joaquin County who brought their own playmates home, and why they made the decision during a statewide shutdown.

Happy reading!

TONY ZOCCOLI

tony@sanjoaquinmagazine.com

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LAST THOUGHTS STOCKTON REALITY STARS Talent can come from anywhere—that’s what Stockton brothers Zack and Wayne Macasaet want you to know. The newest in a growing lineup of local standouts, the brothers are finding fame on season two of LEGO Masters, where their motorized creations that pay homage to individual hobbies are impressing judges week to week. Learn more about them on page 21 and follow their journey on FOX.

THE LONG-AWAITED GREAT WOLF LODGE For a year SJC has been waiting for the doors of Manteca’s Great Wolf Lodge to open. With capacity restrictions finally lifted, the indoor waterpark was able to welcome its first guests June 29. It’s not the only theme park getting attention, however.

California has other thrilling additions for those who love rollercoasters and more. Page 32.

Education Doesn’t End at Graduation

Register at OLLI.Pacific.edu or call us at (209) 946-7658 to become a member.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at University of the Pacific is a nonprofit education program designed for people 50+. Attend lectures, classes and experiential activities to explore art, culture, history, technology, wellness and more with people who share your interests and experiences. Become a member today!

Receive a free gift when you register with the code ILOVELEARNING

GOLD STANDARD MEMBERSHIP ($95): » Over 40 lectures, campus parking and more SILVER STAR MEMBERSHIP ($65): » 20 lectures in-person or on Zoom BRONZE BAUN FITNESS MEMBERSHIP ($400): » All the benefits of a Gold Standard Membership PLUS a full-year membership with the Baun Fitness Center

THANK YOU WE’RE HONORED

!

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Let their smiles shine like never before.

PUBLISHER | EDITOR Tony Zoccoli

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR:

Nora Heston Tarte FOOD & WINE EDITOR: Suzanne Ledbetter TRAVEL EDITOR: Nora Heston Tarte REGULAR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Deirdre Carlson, Faith Lewis, Megan Meintasis, Jennifer Morrow, Lindsey Rodrian, Angela Rudolph CREATIVE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Sybil Watson ASSOCIATE DESIGNER: Lucas Zoccoli CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

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CIRCULATION DISTRIBUTION Rebecca Ristrim SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE PUBLICATION FAMILY

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The Law Offices of

LAWRENCE KNAPP 250 Dorris Place • Stockton, 95204

209-645-1011 • www.LmkLaw.net

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribing to San Joaquin Magazine ensures that every month you will receive our latest edition right in your mail box. Although we distribute copies to hundreds of area pickup locations, our publication is in high demand and locations often run out quickly.

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JUSTICE IS LOCAL.

YOUR LAWYER SHOULD BE TOO.

Established in 1993, we have been representing San Joaquin Valley community members and their families for more than 20 years in catastrophic injury cases. Our offices are in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, not Los Angeles or San Francisco. We are well versed in the local rules and have a deep knowledge of the arbitrators, judges and court system. This unique knowledge and ability to navigate the local system has produced more successful results for our clients. We intend to maintain our status as the leading personal injury firm in the Central Vally by extending our service capabilities and our local presence to meet our client’s needs.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Story ideas, manuscripts, or comments can be emailed directly to the managing editor.

Please include your name, daytime phone number, and email address.

E-mail NORA@SJMAG.COM WRITER’S GUIDELINES San Joaquin Magazine is always on the lookout for story ideas and talented freelance writers.

To suggest a story idea, email us at NORA@SJMAG. COM. San Joaquin Magazine also accepts freelance contributions, however, there is no guarantee that manuscripts or photography, solicited or unsolicited, will be returned.

ADVERTISING San Joaquin Magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach area residents throughout the county. We offer multiple opportunities to achieve the results your business desires. With over 16 years of magazine publishing experience and multiple publications to choose from, it’s no wonder residents continuously look to our family of publications.

Visit the ADVERTISE link on our website or call 209.833.9989 to request a printed media kit.

SPONSORSHIP San Joaquin Magazine prides itself in actively supporting organizations that make the city a better place to live and work. If you wish to partner with us and would like more information, please contact TONY ZOCCOLI, PUBLISHER TONY@SJMAG.COM

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SALES OFFICE SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE 318 W. Pine Street, Lodi, CA 95240 Phone: 209) 833-9989

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Tired of ouch?

It’s time to stop living with shoulder pain.

If you experience shoulder pain, you know that it can make doing everyday tasks like getting dressed, washing your hair, or putting on a seatbelt a challenge. Even sleep can be interrupted by shoulder pain. Thankfully, there are a variety of treatment options that can help reduce shoulder pain, improve mobility, and get you back to doing the things you enjoy. Our specialty orthopedic shoulder services include minimally invasive techniques and the ExactechGPS computer-assisted surgery technology. Don’t wait, hoping shoulder pain will just go away. Learn more at StJosephsCares.org/Ortho.

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

the

209

BRICK by BRICK STOCKTON BROTHERS BRING LEGO BUILDS TO LIFE ON SEASON 2 OF LEGO MASTERS  BY FAITH LEWIS / D FOX

Whether it was parading dragons, exploding aliens, or wearable works of art, Stockton brothers Zack Macasaet, 26, and Wayne Macasaet, 28, built a name for themselves one brick at a time on Season 2 of Fox Network’s LEGO Masters.

The brothers, who moved to Stockton from the Philippines when they were young, jumped at the chance to represent SJMAG.COM

| AUGUST 2021 21

>>

their hometown on LEGO Masters. They wanted to prove that you can find talent and passion anywhere.

“Building with LEGO has always been a passion for me and my brother so being able to show what we can build on LEGO Masters was a really fun experience,” Zack says.

Wayne recalls receiving their first LEGO—a jackpot of hand-me-downs that their cousin didn’t use any more—when he was six or seven years old. “We were really amazed that we were given such a treasure trove,” he says.

From there the rest is history. The brothers quickly outgrew following the instructions for predesigned playsets and started using the store-bought sets as a base to start from, adding their own creative modifications to make their creations bigger and better. Eventually, they scraped those sets altogether and started constructing their own masterpieces. “It’s just such a large medium that you can do stuff with engineering and architecture,” Zack says.

“It’s just such a large medium that you can do stuff with engineering and architecture,” Zack says. “It’s an art form.”

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“It’s an art form.”

And, indeed, LEGO Master judges Amy Corbett and Jamie Berard and host Will Arnett (the voice of LEGO Batman) were often blown away by the artistic creations Zack and Wayne presented at the end of each episode.

But even before competing in LEGO Masters, Zack was already known in the LEGO world. He participated in the Bricks by the Bay convention in Santa Clara and made an impression on Season 1 finalist Boone Langston with his LEGO Bridge Layer—a remotecontrolled LEGO tank that he designed to lay a bridge in order to cross a ravine and then turn around and retrieve it. In 2019, a video of that same tank went viral on the Beyond the Brick Facebook page (which features top-notch Lego creations from around the world), creating a lot of buzz around Zack’s use of power function and motorization.

Zack says it’s his use of Powered Up and other LEGO compatible systems that help him take his builds “to a completely different level.” He has spent a lot of time designing tanks and other military vehicles and before the show started, he wasn’t sure how he

was going to top his viral tank.

Looking back at it now, though, he believes the show pushed him to build bigger and better things. Both Zack and Wayne agree that they started the show off with a bang, saying that the very first build was the most memorable for them and they’re glad the challenges given to the contestants during LEGO Masters gave them the chance to think of some out-of-the-box designs and try new approaches to building.

And while the brothers didn’t always get along as kids, they say that being on the show was a chance to relive their childhood and embrace their different approaches to building. Wayne’s motivation and willpower helped drive Zack’s technical knowhow to bring their visions to life.

Both brothers still call Stockton home and when not building LEGO masterpieces, Zack is a sushi chef at Toyo Sushi and Wayne is an Olympic archery coach and owner of The Oasis Archery Facility (a passion they pay homage to in Episode 4—no spoilers!).

All-new episodes of LEGO Masters air Tuesdays at 9 PM on FOX. Catch up on the season on HULU or the FOX Now App.

Advancing Cannabis Industry Interests Across California Drivon Consulting has been a catalyst for Cannabis policy reform across the San Joaquin Valley over the last five years, during which over a dozen local municipalities have moved forward in the regulation of commercial cannabis businesses including San Joaquin County. The firm has overseen the approval and/or recommendation for approval for more than 15 local cannabis land use entitlements and operating permits for clients since 2016, along with the acquisition of over 30 commercial cannabis licenses for retail, nursery, cultivation, distribution, manufacturing and event organizing from the state of California.

Drivon Consulting is dedicated to advancing and protecting the interests of clients throughout California, including established legacy cannabis operators with decades of experience from the days of medicinal cannabis in California, to entrepreneurs, investors and traditional famers entering into the space in light of the Valley’s potential to serve as a major production and distribution hub Statewide.

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Twin Arbors

Swim Safe

INFANT SWIMMING RESOURCES (ISR) SAVES LIVES  BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD It’s never the wrong season to focus on swim safety. With warm weather, indoor pool options, and yearround classes, kids in San Joaquin County tend to swim long into the fall and maybe even beyond. And while infants should never be left near a pool unattended, accidents happen. Prevent those accidents from becoming catastrophes by preparing your infant to be near water and save themselves if needed.

Local swim clubs teach ISR, which stands for Infant Swimming Resources, a type of swim instruction that focuses on the youngest water babies and basic swimming skills that can prevent drowning. Education suggests the use of pool fences and alarms as well as parental supervision in all cases, but involving

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AUGUST 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

the child takes ISR to the next level as a last line of defense for children who find themselves in the water unattended.

The self-rescue program teaches babies as young as six months old what to do if they accidentally fall into the water, or suddenly find themselves unable to stay afloat, and provides more advanced selfrescue techniques for kids as old as six.

For children six to 18 months of age, the self-rescue swim includes rolling onto the back to float, resting, and breathing while waiting for help to arrive. By teaching a child to float and stay calm, parents have time to rescue their child before danger becomes imminent. This skill is called the rollback to float.

When children get older (18 months to six years of age), the technique changes

to a swim-float-swim survival sequence during which the child swims with their head down, rolls onto their back to float, rest, and breathe, and then swims again, repeating the sequence until they reach the edge of the pool where they can pull themselves out or hold on until rescue comes.

Programs vary from location to location, and some teach infants and young children to complete these rescue swims fully clothed to best mimic a survival situation. While thousands of kids die every year due to drowning, survival stories show hope of how ISR can prevent these deaths. For the best results, trust a professional; find a local swim instructor or class that offers ISR classes.

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The Eyes HAVE IT

ZEITER EYE ANSWERS WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASIK

 BY FAITH LEWIS Who said perfect vision wasn’t possible? According to Zeiter Eye Medical Group’s Dr. John Canzano, more than 90 percent of people who have LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) end up with vision between 20/20 and 20/40 without any need for glasses or contact lenses.

The surgery itself only takes about 10 minutes per eye and most people are back to work

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within a few days. But how do you know if you’re a good candidate for Lasik? And how does it actually work? Whether you’re looking for the convenience that comes with ditching the glasses or you’re motivated by aesthetic reasons, keep in mind that only your surgeon can say for sure if you’re a good candidate for LASIK. Normally, an image will focus on the retina at the back of the eye.

With nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatisms, the image is not properly focused on the retina, leading to blurry vision. LASIK uses a computer controlled pulsing laser to vaporize the middle layer of the cornea, allowing the surgeon to alter the curvature of the cornea.

The surgeon programs the laser to remove the exact amount of corneal tissue needed to allow images to be focused properly in the retina. The surgical result leads to clear vision, which eliminates or reduces the need for corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is also customizable to fit individual vision needs for one eye or both with major or more moderate corrections.

“You should be 18 years or older, ideally, over 21 years old, when vision is more likely to have

stopped changing,” Dr. Canzano says. “Your eye prescription should not have changed much in the last year.

Your refractive error must be one that can be treated with LASIK. Your corneas need to be thick enough and healthy, and your overall eye health must be generally good, and you need to have realistic expectations about what LASIK can and cannot do for you.”

It is important to know that LASIK cannot correct presbyopia, the normal, age-related loss of close-up vision.

With or without refractive surgery, almost everyone who has excellent distance vision will need reading glasses around age 40.

“Like any surgery, LASIK carries risks of problems or complications,” Dr. Canzano says. “These risks, however, are low.

LASIK is and has been a very safe and effective vision correction procedure that has only gotten better over time.”

ZEITER EYE MEDICAL GROUP, INC.

Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Sonora, Tracy (209) 466-5566 ZeiterEye.com

SJMAG.COM

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THE LOCAL COLLECTIVE 11 S. Sacramento St., Lodi (209) 263-7492 LocalCollectiveLodi.com @localcollectivelodi

PRETTY THINGS with a POWERFUL MESSAGE LODI BOUTIQUE OWNER CREATES JEWELRY TO FUEL FEMALE EMPOWERMENT  BY LINDSEY RODRIAN Women wear many hats. As matriarchs, mentors, entrepreneurs, and more—it can be easy to feel defeated in moments stretched too thin. But, Lodi native Jennifer Pratt has a message: You are enough.

Her boutique, The Local Collective, is just west of the Lodi arch on Sacramento street. Inside you’ll find a rotating collection of local goods from artisans throughout San Joaquin and pieces from Jenn’s personal jewelry line, Her Pretty Things. Backed by formal training, Jenn’s creative

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talent evolved from selling lanyards in the recess yard to launching a successful jewelry business in 2014. Pulling inspiration from little mountain towns and small oceanside communities, Her Pretty Things is a boho-chic brand that serves as a reminder to women around the world to value themselves. “My stamped jewelry pieces have phrases like ‘Worthy’, ‘Boss Babe’, and ‘You are Enough’ to remind every woman of their power,” says Jenn. “We all need encouragement and a tribe to support one another.”

Other items from the line include stunning crystal hoop earrings, hammered brass necklaces, and Gratitude pieces created in partnership with Compassion International and Monat Gratitude to build community centers in Colombia.

Supporting women across the globe is nothing new to Jenn, who visited Honduras on a mission where she taught women of the church to create paper beads and jewelry.

Though she provided the

women with a sustainable skillset to support their families, Jenn says it was she who received a gift. “I was able to build strong relationships with the women because sharing my skill gave me an opportunity to sit down, spend time, and really connect on a personal level,” she shares. “In return, we were shown overwhelming love and appreciation.”

Though the Local Collective closed its doors for over six months like many storefronts in our community, Jenn is back at it with big plans to continue giving back.

Her curated inventory supports local and oozes girl power while making a direct, positive impact on families in the community. As Jenn puts it, “We are so much more powerful when we come together. Being better than we were yesterday should be our only competition. There is plenty of success for us all and I love being able to help other local female entrepreneurs. When the tide rises, we all rise!”

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| AUGUST 2021 29

local savings

STOCKTON

SAVINGS PASS BRINGING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND CUSTOMERS TOGETHER

 BY FAITH LEWIS Local businesses are the beating heart of a community – but they wouldn’t make it far without their customers. Visit Stockton recognized this and, in 2018, was looking for ways to both offer local businesses a boost and benefit customers.

They came up with a solution where everyone wins: the Stockton Savings Pass.

Since it was created, more than 5000 people have downloaded this free discount pass to unlock savings at over 70 of their favorite local restaurants, attractions, and businesses.

“For the business it provides a new way to be discovered and build customer loyalty. It can also be used to reward their existing customers. Our goal is to get customers through the door and hope they become long time customers,” says Wes Rhea, the CEO of Visit Stockton. “For the consumer, we hope that they will explore new places or that the value compels them to continue going back to a favorite spot.

This is all about providing value for both the business and the customer.”

The Stockton Savings Pass offers discounts at local restaurants, coffeeshops,

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hotels, day spas, museums, yoga and dance studios, and more.

“Our Subway deal is always at the top, but also Kings Card Club, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Empresso Coffee, and the Children’s Museum round out the top five,” Wes says.

The Stockton Savings Pass is completely free and can be downloaded and saved on any smartphone. Each business chooses the type of offer they want to make available to customers: monetary discounts, buy one get one free, or buy looking for a new restaurant, planning one get a discount. Some offers are good a night out, or just searching for a fun for a single use, others refresh on a daily, way to spend the day, the Stockton weekly, or monthly basis.

Savings Pass might just offer some “Visit Stockton invests in this program inspiration. And don’t forget to for the benefit of the businesses and the check back often: new businesses locals and visitors,” Wes says, explaining can join at any time and that the Stockton Savings Pass is existing businesses have the about more than saving money. opportunity to offer new It’s about creating connection deals as often as they want. in the community. “We greatly VISIT STOCKTON To download the Stockton appreciate our local businesses (209) 938-1555 Savings Pass, simply go to and see this as a great way to StocktonSavingsPass.

StocktonSavingsPass.com, com show that appreciation.” sign up, and start saving.

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D LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA THEME PARKS are BACK SEE WHAT'S NEW  BY NORA HESTON TARTE For over a year California theme parks were closed to the public, adhering to strict shutdown guidelines enforced by the state government.

But this spring, they began reopening again. Today, theme parks are looking more like they used to (with some new protocols in place) but several also unveiled brand-new changes after a year of being closed to the public. Read on to get inspired for your next exhilarating family vacation and learn how theme parks used their mandated closure time to enhance the guest experience.

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GREAT WOLF LODGE – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Close to home, the official opening of Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca is long-awaited. The indoor waterpark was originally supposed to open in summer of 2020, but pandemicrelated setbacks slowed progression.

One year later, it’s officially open (as of June 29) and guests

are flooding the family-friendly attraction’s newest location.

The entire facility features 500 guestrooms, a 95,000 square-foot heated indoor waterpark, a 45,000 square foot adventure park, and a number of restaurants serving up everything from fine dining to frozen treats.

Great Wolf Lodge is Northern California’s first indoor waterpark,

catering to families who want to have a waterpark experience regardless of weather. Set on 29 acres off of Highway 120, the resort is easily accessible for San Joaquin County residents. In addition to colorful and twisty waterslides fit for all ages, the resort also features a ropes course, miniature golf, arcade, and a high-tech, newly imagined version of the brand’s exclusive MagiQuest interactive adventure game.

During the wait to open, Great Wolf Lodge poured efforts into a Paw Pledge program that focuses on maintaining a safe and clean experience for guests in light of the recent pandemic. “The year-long delay of our grand opening due to the pandemic has further raised anticipation levels for our new Northern California resort,” says Murray Hennessy, chief executive officer for Great Wolf Resorts. “This resort brings a whole new level of immersive family entertainment to the region, and we’re excited to get families back to having fun.”

LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA

D SUZANNE LEDBETTER

LEGOLAND California has long been the destination for families that can’t get enough of those brightly colored building blocks and the fun characters brought to life through a variety of kid-friendly TV shows and movies. In May, the theme park debuted a new land—The Lego Movie World—completely dedicated to the two LEGO movies, "The Lego Movie" and "The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part."

The new area matches the energy of the rest of the park, with bright colors and memorable characters from the popular films. In all, there

are seven attractions within the new park, including three rides, a play tower inspired by spaceman Benny, a meet-and-greet area, a water feature, and a building area. There are also three places to eat, including a dessert crepe food truck and the reopening of Everything is Ramen! and a store that features products previously discontinued from other areas of the park.

The most notable attraction is Emmet's Flying Adventure Ride, similar to Soarin’ Around the World in Disneyland, the ride places families on Emmet’s newest invention—a triple-decker flying couch that soars through memorable lands from several Lego films, complete with smells and other inclusions that satiate all of the senses.

The other two rides are Unikitty's Disco Drop, an up-and-down mini Dropzone led by Unikitty, and Queen Watevra's Carousel, complete with Lego horses you can ride. When you get hungry, fuel up at Benny's Rocket Fuel, which sells small snacks and drinks next to the carousel.

Fans of the movies will be most excited to meet beloved characters including Benny, Emmet, Unikitty, and more, who rotate through visiting Emmet's Super Suite, a life-size version of Emmet’s apartment from the movie.

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D DISNEY

Avenger’s Campus

DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK

D DISNEY

While Disneyworld and its adjacent parks were open for much of the pandemic, Disneyland and California Adventure shuttered doors for 13 months. On April 30, it finally reopened, and on June 4, a new area was unveiled—Avenger’s Campus.

Located inside of California Adventure, Avenger’s Campus added new attractions to an area of the park that has been slowly morphing into a super hero center. The fast-paced Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is the centerpiece of the new land, but it’s no longer the only Avengers-themed ride.

Spider-Man got his own attraction, an all-ages ride that challenges budding super heroes to help Spider-Man wrangle multiplying robots while aboard a WEB Slinger vehicle. As a new ride, this one is getting similar attention that the Star

Wars Galaxy’s Edge ride received, with a virtual queue available in the app (and the only way to secure a timeslot on the ride).

Running into your favorite characters has been a long-enjoyed pastime for Disney-going families. Lately, however, having a designated space to find specific costumed heroes is trending. Captain America and Spider-Man used to pop up near Mission: BREAKOUT! but now you can find Earth’s mightiest heroes at Avengers Headquarters, including Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Thor, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, The Wasp, and members from Guardians of the Galaxy. But there’s more than a chance to meet your favorites—the attraction also comes with a show! Doctor Strange has his own area, too. At the Ancient Sanctum, he teaches young recruits the mysteries of the multi-verse.

True to Disney fashion, everything

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inside of Avengers Campus is appropriately themed.

Restaurants include Pym Test Kitchen with drinks at the Pym Testing Lab, and other food options include Terran Treats boasting bright-green churro spirals and other snacks.

Outside of Avenger’s Campus, there are two other new rides worthy of our attention, both located on Pixar Pier. Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind offers a whimsical spin through Riley’s emotions on a spinning attraction made for guests of all heights and Jessie’s Critter Carousel offers a country take on the classic ride.

NEW HOTEL

If you’re not staying at one of the hotels inside of the Disney parks, the next best option is a Good Neighbor hotel, located close enough to all of the action with a more budget-friendly price tag.

The newest neighbor in town is Hotel Lulu, which opened its doors to guests on May 14. Just two blocks from the Disney gates, this hotel offers Disneyfriendly programming, rooms with views of the fireworks, a pool with divein movies, an on-site restaurant, daily wine receptions, craft time, and more.

There is also an onsite Disneyland® Insiders team to help enhance your experience in the park with recommendations for places to eat, tips on how to avoid the lines, and ways to make the day special for kids.

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The Cuevas Family

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Pandemic

PETS

Locals bring home new family members amid a global shutdown  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

When the pandemic hit in March 2020, our entire lives were turned upside down. Most suffered hardships may it be personal, professional, or health-related. The only true winners of the pandemic, however, may have been our pets.

Typically left on their own for large chunks of the day while us humans work, go to school, and maintain social lives, suddenly most pets were met with humans that couldn’t leave the house.

For some families there was enough extra love and attention to go around. And for some families who didn’t have a pet, this seemed like the perfect time to add one to the bunch. After all, we were home to train them, and kids could use an extra

D DAN HOOD

playmate while missing their friends.

Regardless of the reason families chose to adopt, 2020-2021 saw an unprecedented increase in pet adoptions. The frenzy for furry friends helped local shelters to secure more adoptions than ever before and keep inventory low, especially for dogs.

And while some states have reported issues with pets getting returned now that restrictions have been lifted, Delta Humane Society says that’s not the case here. People brought home new family members to help ease the pain over the course of the pandemic, and the masses show no signs of remorse since life has started to shift back to normal.

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“Our plan was to initially foster a little indoor dog, but we would discover sometimes the dogs choose you!”

Oso & Lobo

THE CUEVAS FAMILY, OSO, & LOBO Family of four adds two new members to their pack

Owning a dog always sounded like a lot of work to Sabrina Cuevas, a Stockton mom of three boys— Anthony, 20, Rafael, 13, and Cristiano, 10—who knew she would spend most of her free time picking up the slack from her sons. However, when the pandemic hit, her thoughts started to change. Her sons were home with little to do and missing their friends. While sheltering at home, Sabrina was asked by a friend to foster a dog temporarily to help clear out the shelter in case it was forced to close.

Sabrina went down to the City of Stockton Animal Services Center to pick out a smaller dog with her family. Most of

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the small dogs that could be placed in homes with kids, however, were spoken for. Sabrina still wanted to help so they settled on a brown Labrador/Pitbull mix with honey golden eyes that her husband says, “looked nice.” Sabrina was assured Oso was a good family dog, so the family of four took him home. On the way home Sabrina cried tears of joy over saving Oso, while he seemingly thanked her two boys by licking them in the face.

A week later Sabrina got a phone call that someone was interested in adopting Oso. She, after all, was only fostering him until a forever home became available.

Met with the thought of giving Oso away, Sabrina made the decision that he was no longer available for adoption—her family would be keeping Oso with them.

Shortly after, the Cuevas family brought home a baby German Shepherd named

Lobo (gifted from a family friend) so Oso could have a brother. “The dogs are now my babies,” Sabrina says. “I never really considered myself a ‘dog person’—not anymore!”

Today, the entire family are enjoying Oso and Lobo. Oso is well-behaved and loves daily walks and family cuddles. Lobo has needed more work to get his energy under control but Guaranteed Dog Training in Stockton has been a good resource for the family. “Lobo loves going on bike rides and playing ball. He is also helpful and loves doing chores, such as yard work and taking out the trash,” Sabrina says. “These dogs are part of our family.”

CHRISSY & INDI

Love at first site for massage therapist and abused pup

Indi was four months old when she was found locked inside of a plastic container with plain hot dogs inside and nothing else at the park. That’s when Chrissy Davis, a local massage therapist, got the call from a friend working at the Animal Protection League in Stockton—after months of looking with no success, the friend was sure she had found the dog for Chrissy at the City of Stockton Animal Services Center. Indi had to be nursed back to health. She was throwing up, having seizures, and clearly in shock when found, but after being treated, she was ready for a forever home. Big and protective, the German Shepherd met all of Chrissy’s qualifications—must be adventurous and good with both cats and kids.

“I heard her story and saw the pic of her one time and after looking into those eyes, my heart dissolved into a melted pile of butter,” Chrissy says. “I knew she was what I had been waiting for.” For Chrissy, she would be

Chrissy & Indi

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“I did a lot of this alone and knew it was time for me to start over and get a dog."

Chrissy & Indi

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the first dog she opened her whole heart to after losing her Weimaraner named Zen a few years prior to K9 Valley Fever.

“I have fostered other dogs but never allowed my heart to become attached to that capacity, until now.”

Despite losing her best friend years before meeting Indi, Chrissy didn’t start actively searching out a new companion until the pandemic hit. Deemed “non-essential,” Chrissy was quarantining, not working, and admittedly falling into a bit of a depression. Without a lot of options left for how to fill her days, Chrissy began getting outside into nature, finding the fresh air healing as she hiked, kayaked, and camped. Several trips to the shelter didn’t turn up a perfect fit, but Chrissy knows her life with Indi was meant to be.

Today, Indi has become the companion Chrissy longed for, happy to paddle board at the lake or offer snuggles on the couch when given the magic words “best friend” from Chrissy.

Since Chrissy has returned to work, the hardest thing to do is leave Indi at home. “I feel like a mom leaving her kid all day,” she shares. But the goal is to train Indi well enough to become a shop dog, offering companionship and security while Chrissy works on clients.

“The shop training is a little slower than I want because her energy is too high for that environment at only one year old, but in time she will be with me at work, too.”

Admitting puppies are a lot of work, Chrissy says she doesn’t regret her decision to adopt during a global pandemic. “If you are aware of the challenges and responsibilities, and you have the love and patience in your heart for a rescue dog, then it is rewarding and can add joy to your life,” she says.

“I honestly am not sure if I have rescued her or if she has rescued me.”

PAT & MOWGLI

Serial adopter rescues senior dog

Mowgli found himself at the Delta Humane Society SPCA of San Joaquin County, underweight and tattered from time on the streets, early on in the pandemic. It was clear Mowgli, 11, had been homeless for some time. Dogs like this often stay at the shelter for long stretches, sometimes never getting the opportunity to leave with a family. Mowgli, however, got lucky when Pat Moreno walked into the shelter the same day he arrived and fell in love with Mowgli on sight. “One look at him and I told [Director at DHS] Maria [Thompkins], I want him,” Pat says. “The adoption was fast and easy. I’ve been in love with him since.”

Walking in the yard with Mowgli at DHS, it was easy to see just how well behaved this stray was, according to Pat. “He is the type of dog that will walk by your side, stay with you, and he loves to play ball,” Pat says. While regular activities were curbed due to shutdowns and other restrictions related to COVID-19, it seemed like the perfect time to invest in yet another dog, helping Pat and her family stay busy and helping a pooch get off the streets. Pat says adopting Mowgli is the “best decision we made during these hard times.” “Mowgli, he is an absolute joy,” she says.

Pat is a serial adopter— she’s rescued three homeless dogs, two shelter dogs, and is currently fostering a puppy from DHS, as well. “I only get rescues,” she says. “They need homes and lots of love.”

While others may shy away from taking home an older pet, Pat hasn’t once regretted her decision to bring Mowgli home.

Since going home with Pat, Mowgli has put on weight so he is much healthier and he enjoys going on walks and playing ball.

“We are over the moon that we can give him a family and love till the end of his life.”

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“My thought was during the pandemic that having a furbaby helped us to stay busy.”

LOOKING TO ADOPT?

Consider kitten adoptions from local shelters While shelters experienced an increase in positive shelter activity over the past year, there has been one concerning downside for pets during the pandemic. Without the ability to spay and neuter cats to the capacity the SPCA was doing pre-pandemic, a lot more kittens were born over the past year and the ones born the year prior didn't have as much opportunity to get adopted. The result?

Shelters are teeming with adorable kittens that need forever homes, or at least a foster for the time being. According to Maria Thompkins at Delta Humane Society SPCA of San Joaquin County there simply isn’t any room left for more cats at the shelter and Stephen Curr, the general manager at PALS Haven, says they are experiencing the same problem..

If you can’t take a kitty or two home with you, consider donating to the cause.

CITY OF STOCKTON ANIMAL SERVICES CENTER 1575 S. Lincoln St., Stockton (209) 937-8274

DELTA HUMANE SOCIETY SPCA OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY 4590 Ca-99, Stockton (209) 466-0339 DeltaHumaneSociety.org

PALS HAVEN

5113 W. Sargent Rd.,Lodi (209) 333-9963 PALSLodi.org

Pat & Mowgli

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Rick, Bubba, & Cleo

RICK, BUBBA, & CLEO

Shelter volunteer adopts dog from homeless encampment In 2017, Rick Eberhardt began volunteering with the City of Stockton Animal Services Center. He soon became a lead volunteer, assisting with weekend pet adoptions at Carter’s Pet Mart in Stockton. “I helped walk and show the dogs and just socialize them in general,” Rick says of his duties. “[On adoption event days] I picked up the dogs from shelter and met the other volunteers at Carter’s.”

At one point during his days as a volunteer, Rick fell in love with a three-year-old Pitbull named Bubba. “As a volunteer you see some of the same dogs that aren’t adopted week after week,” Rick explains. Three times Bubba was adopted and returned at no fault of his own. After that, Rick brought him home to join his nine-year-old Labrador, Bo. Eventually cancer took Bo’s life and Bubba became depressed and lethargic. Then, volunteer work with the shelter ceased due to the pandemic.

Through the Stockton shelter’s network, Rick ended up meeting another group of volunteers led by Jill Faso Antonini. Jill visits homeless encampments on a regular basis to help dogs living there.

On one visit, she met Cleo, a new, very young mom with a mammarian tumor on one of her teets, caused by the conditions she was living in while nursing her puppies.

For weeks she bargained with the owner to care for Cleo, first receiving permission to get her surgery and eventually rescuing Cleo from the poor living conditions completely.

With 15 dogs already at her home, Jill called on Rick as an

"Cleo has bought a new energy and a new life into our dynamics." emergency foster to take care of Cleo until a forever home could be found for her.

“A volunteer dropped Cleo off that night. I kept her isolated from Bubba,” Rick recalls. “I got up the next day and introduced them. Bubba and Cleo both turned into puppies. It was at that point I became a foster failure….I adopted her.” Cleo’s presence revived a saddened Bubba and brought new energy to Rick’s life. “She has claimed both of us and all we have as hers,” he says.

Rick encourages anyone looking to bring a new pet into their home to check the local shelters and rescues first. As a volunteer, he knows firsthand what can happen to the pups that don’t find forever homes. “While euthanasia is a last resort to deal with overcrowding, it is the elephant in the room and is a very real danger,” he says. “The more that are adopted, the more are being taken out of harm’s way.”

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BY THE NUMBERS 13,000 – the amount of square feet the main PALS building is 1,350 – the amount of square feet the future vet clinic will be

A BIGGER REFUGE MAKES A BIGGER DIFFERENCE PALS HAVEN OPENS LARGER FACILITY IN LODI  BY NORA HESTON TARTE Save more cats and dogs from euthanasia—at PALS Haven, that’s the mission. The 501c3 nonprofit was founded in 2004, and has grown with multiple locations, but the newest venture is a 13,000 square foot facility seven years in the making—an upgrade from Lodi’s previous 700 square foot modular building located next to the city shelter—that opened on June 29.

The $2.5 million project (built on land donated

by Sycamore Kennels) allows PALS founders— Nancy Alumbaugh and Daunis Bradshaw—and staff room to care for more dogs and cats, saving them from potential death at other rescues and shelters in the area. When it opened, the shelter quickly started filling slots. In all, there is room for 50-60 dogs (depending on size) and 100 cats.

And as a no-kill shelter, animals taken in by PALS will remain there until adopted or fostered. The goal to add more residents is underway, according to General Manager Stephen Curr, but relies on ramping up staffing, including volunteers.

The facility was constructed with animals in mind. Big, modern, and beautiful with ample artwork provided by Brock Alexander and other

artists, its functions are more about animal care than aesthetics. PALS Haven houses separate isolation cages for those that come to the rescue ill, a grooming area, three viewing rooms, a 500-square foot cattery where cats roam free, separate kitchens and laundry rooms for cats and dogs, and a separate kennel room for small dogs and senior dogs.

PALS works with several rescues to bring in potential pets from all over the region, including homeless animals, pregnant moms that birth adoptable puppies, animals with special dietary or other medical needs, puppies awaiting vaccinations, and pets that are the result of failed adoptions.

With more space, PALS Haven will have a bigger impact on the community pet population, and expand services to include an on-site veterinary clinic, community outreach and education center, and camps for kids.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Kids as young as 8 years old (with parental supervision) can volunteer. Call PALS to learn more.

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$2.5 million – how much was raised and donated to complete the PALS Haven site on West Sargent Road 7 years – how long it took to complete construction 61 – the number of adoptable cats and kittens on site 22 – the number of adoptable dogs and puppies on site 14 – the number of dog yards at PALS $0 – how much is owed on the building— PALS Haven is debt-free!

PALS HAVEN

5113 W. Sargent Rd.,Lodi (209) 333-9963 PALSLodi.org

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community

A Not So Hard Day’s Work HARVEST HOME ANIMAL SANCTUARY CALLS FOR ANIMALLOVING VOLUNTEERS  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

At Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary, the animals are at the center of everything the organization does. Different from other local animal shelters that mostly assist dogs and cats in finding new homes, Harvest Home has a reputation for bringing in a gaggle of uncommon pets, including turkeys, ducks, goats, pigs, bunnies, and more.

Caring for these animals, and often nursing them back to health, takes a lot of work. Veterinarians donate their time to remove lumps from lops (a type of bunny) and treat tumors in long-time resident pups. But day-to-day care is important, too. And for that, no special skills or training are necessary. “Just a desire to love, care for and respect all of the animals (both two- and four-legged) on the property,” says Denise Snider, a volunteer at Harvest Home since 2019. Without volunteers, Christine Morrissey and Karen Courtemanche, who run the shelter, wouldn’t be able to treat as many animals as they do.

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending your free time socializing with farm animals, this is your opportunity.

Harvest Home brings in volunteers year-round to help feed, bathe, and play with its many residents—some who are permanent and others who come for shorter stays before moving to forever homes. “Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary welcomes volunteers year-round for a variety of activities and tasks,” Christine says.

To sign up, prospective volunteers must attend an orientation and be 18 years old or older. “I volunteer at the animal sanctuary to give animals attention and it gives me enjoyment of knowing I can care for the animals,” Joyce Uhl says. “I wanted to volunteer at the sanctuary once I got the feel of how peaceful it is there.”

“Karen and Christine are amazing. I am always impressed by their knowledge and the love and care they give to all of the critters, big and small,” – Denise Snider, Volunteer

AN EVENING AT THE SANCTUARY If you’ve ever wanted to visit the Sanctuary, now is the time. This summer, Karen and Christine will open the barn doors to community members during the Evening at the Sanctuary: Sunset Tour event. The event is made extra special coming on the heels of a year where visits were prohibited. On August 14 at 6 PM, the public will be welcomed back to the sanctuary to see all the animals that call the sanctuary home.

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MEET THE ANIMALS

Virtual friendships are encouraged.

Follow along at @harvest_home to keep up with what’s happening at the sanctuary.

Thank you for voting us Best of San Joaquin again!

Best Pet Boarding Best Dog Trainer Best Groomer

BOARDING, TRAINING & GROOMING A park-like setting for your canine family member’s next vacation!

209.931.0758

Email: contactus@canineculture.com

9751 N. Highway 99, Stockton CA 95212

www.CanineCulture.com SJMAG.COM | AUGUST 2021 47 Visit our website for more information and videos of our beautiful property!

PET PARADE Our readers show off their furry friends

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A

DONATIONS We are in need of monetary donations

Items Needed

Friday and Saturday 10:30 AM-3 PM

Canned dog food New and used blankets Bones Pee pads Stuffed animals and toys for dogs/cats Harness and Leashes Bleach Liquid Laundry Soap Paper Towels For More Information: www.DHSSPCA.org

4590 CA-99, Stockton Ca 95215 (209)466-0339 P.O. Box 30908 Stockton Ca 95213

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pet parade

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The Carter Family Would Like To Thank You For Voting Us Best In Pet Supplies

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STOCKTON ANIMAL SHELTER CAT ADOPTIONS IN STORE. STOP BY OR CALL FOR DETAILS

DELTA HUMANE SOCIETY PET ADOPTIONS

ADOPTIONS EVERY SAT/SUN 11:30AM - 3:30PM STOCKTON STOCKTON MODESTO MANTECA MANTECA LOCATION ONLY ADOPT A BULLS 909 W March Lane 92001 McHenry Ave. 510 North Main Street

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209-957-6278 209 622-0547 209-239-4071 ADOPTIONS MON-FRI 8:30AM - 8PM 8:30AM - 8PM Will match or MON-FRI beat Competitor’s pricing!MON-FRI 8:30AM - 8PM VERY SATURDAY, 11 - 3 TO PM8PM • SUN 9AM SATAM 8:30AM 7PM SAT 8:30AM TO 7PM • SUN 9AM TO 6PM SAT 8:30AM TO 7PM • SUN 9AM TO 6PM FullTO Line Pet Store VERY SUNDAY, 11 AM - 3 PM

IMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE) STOCKTON LOCATION ONLY

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N ane

PALS Haven is dedicated to improving the welfare of companion animals in Lodi by increasing the number of animals adopted, reducing suffering & providing the highest level of humane care thus ultimately reducing the number of surplus companion animals in the city of Lodi.

MANTECA i 510 North Love is at the Main Street 2 LOCATIONS 278 of what we do... 209-239-4071 TO SERVE YOU Mon-Fri 8:30am - 8pm 9pm

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST DOG TRAINER IN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY! We are committed to providing dog owners with the knowledge and skills they need to communicate with their dogs. This will enable them to develop a close, healthy bond with their canine friend.

This relationship is critical in ensuring that the human-canine partnership is maintained & dog behavior issues don’t lead to owners giving up on their dog.

Adopt, Donate, Volunteer Sat 8:30am to 7pm • Sun 9am to 6pm

9am to 7pm

VIEW OUR ADOPTABLE ANIMALS ON

@PALSHAVEN • PALS-PEOPLE ASSISTING LODI SHELTER

OUR PYSICAL & MAILING ADDRESS: 5113 W SARGENT RD LODI, CA 95242 209.333.9963 • OPEN TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 12PM - 4PM WAGS TO RICHES • 101 E. PINE ST LODI, CA 95240 • 209.367.9247

209-740-7420 q bfdogtraining.com

Stephanie Chrissy Desiree and Amy SJMAG.COM

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Thank you for voting us

Best Furniture Store (Modern)

& Best Interior Designer

429 Lincoln Center • Stockton, CA 95207 • Tel. 209-956-9250 M o n d ay - F r i d ay 1 0 : 0 0 A M - 6 : 0 0 P M S at u r d ay 1 0 : 0 0 A M - 6 : 0 0 P M • S u n d ay 1 2 : 0 0 P M - 5 : 0 0 P M 58

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Abodes Quality (and quantity) of sleep is a key component of optimal health. In fact,

DREAM ON MATTRESS TECH ENCOURAGES BETTER SLEEP  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

for the average adult, both the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommend a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night on a regular basis to stave off issues related to chronic sleep deprivation including weight gain, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and death from any cause. So, we know sleep is important, but if you struggle to sleep well, what can you do?

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“The best sleep position is one that enables you to feel most comfortable and cozy,” Connie Tang Singh, MD, Sleep Specialist

SNORING VS. SLEEP APNEA First, it’s important to recognize what’s causing poor sleep. “Although it is common for all of us to feel a ‘dip’ in energy levels in the early afternoon, it is not normal to fall asleep anytime we are not actively engaged,” says Connie Tang Singh, MD, a sleep medicine specialist at Pacific Sleep Disorders Center. If you’re experiencing this level of daytime sleepiness, it could be time to troubleshoot.

“Pure snoring, besides being a nuisance to your bed partner, does not have long term health consequences per se,” Dr. Singh explains. But that doesn’t mean it’s not disruptive. To alleviate snoring, buy an over-the-counter mouth guard or adjust your sleep position. “Sleeping supine, or on your back, is usually the most disruptive,” she says. As for pillows and mattresses, it’s important to outfit your bed with what will make you most comfortable and support

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your preferred sleep position, and modern technology has made available targeted solutions. For example, those who struggle with snoring or sleep apnea typically benefit from an elevated sleeping position, and adjustable mattresses help keep sleepers upright while reducing obstruction caused by the tongue or laryngeal muscles.

MODERN MATTRESSES Remote controlled mattresses aren’t the only sleep solutions on the market. Memory foam like Tempur-Pedic is a great material for those who like a firm bed or struggle with a restless sleep partner. If you’re a light sleeper, a Tempur-Pedic mattress absorbs movement to help you sleep undisturbed.

A downfall to these materials, however, is they don’t always breathe well and those who sleep hot may struggle. Cooling mattresses offer a potential solution in brands such as

Saatva, Dream Cloud, or Cocoon (and many offer free trials to first-time buyers).

Essentially, just be aware of your sleep preferences and buy a mattress that caters to the specifics. If you’re unsure how you sleep, a sleep study may hold the answers. “The gold standard measurement for sleep is actually brain EEG, which is part of what we do at the sleep clinic during a sleep study,” Dr. Tang Singh says. Then, buy a mattress that meets your natural sleep position such as a memory foam or hybrid mattress for back sleepers, a softer or plusher mattress for side sleepers, or a firmer mattress for those who sleep belly down. After you’ve answered the big question, you can get into specifics that address sleep temperature, your bed partner, price range, and more.

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Offer excludes HDOrigins® and Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collectio Ask valid us about savings on select of Silhouette® Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Reward Card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly f (209) 472-9881 will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer f details and rebate form. ©2021 Hunter Douglas.

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Discovery Shutters & Shadings 10138 Lower Sacramento Rd Stockton, CA

Please contact store for hours Ask us about special savings on select

* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/10/21–6/21/21 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Offer excludes HDOrigins® and Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette® Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Reward Card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2021 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

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er’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/10/21–6/21/21 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Offer excludes HDOrigins® and Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection e® Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Reward Card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee * Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/10/21–6/21/21 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Offer excludes HDOrigins® and Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection Silhouette®after Windowcard Shadings.

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abodes

4 MYTHS ABOUT SYNTHETIC GRASS BUSTED THIS SUMMER, SAY YES TO FAUX!  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Perhaps you’ve considered synthetic grass before and been turned off by some of what you’ve seen or heard. When turf isn’t done right, the aesthetics can be off-putting, but with proper installation, faux grass can be a big benefit, requiring less watering and less maintenance. Beyond Grass is a residential division of American Sports Construction, headed by Josh Sarratt, a businessman with more than 20 years of experience working in sports fields. “I’ve been pretty much [a part of] every synthetic field in Northern California since 2004,” he says, mentioning bigger projects including fields for the Seattle Seahawks, Cal Bears, and Oregon Ducks. Needless to say, he knows his stuff—and he’s here to address some misconceptions about turf.

IT LOOKS FAKE.

IT’S HOT.

One of the biggest complaints of turf is that it doesn’t look like real grass, but that isn’t really true. With a wide variety of different fibers and colorways that offer unique options for each homeowner, meeting needs for durability, aesthetics, and texture, is easy. “We have eight different types of products that we carry in our warehouse,” Josh says. And by combining them, homeowners can choose between dark green and lush to long blades with thatch that look most realistic. “There’s so many options now. It’s made for the consumer.”

There is some truth to this. When rubber is used, turf grass will be about 15 percent hotter than natural grass because of the way the materials retain heat. However, opting for fiber and sand, which Beyond Grass uses more frequently, reduces that number by even more, so there is barely a noticeable difference between some products and natural grass.

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IT’S BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. Something about synthetic materials lead consumers to believe they hurt mother nature. But it isn’t that cut and dry.

While initial installation offers some carbon footprint, over the life of the lawn, homeowners significantly reduce water usage, reduce air pollution by skipping mowing and leaf blowing, and use less chemicals by ditching environmentallyunfriendly pesticides.

Not to mention, some synthetic grass is made with recycled materials.

IT’S EXPENSIVE. The initial price tag of turf can be high, but the money saved over time helps to offset the cost. Just think how much money you’ll save by spraying down your lawn a couple times a month instead BEYOND GRASS of watering it two to 1318 Dupont Ct., Manteca three times per week.

(209) 923-4817 Not to mention the BeyondGrass.com time saved on mowing, weeding, and edging and potential savings on landscaping. With turf, some weeds may pop up along the perimeter and need a quick pull, but the center of the grass will remain weed-free.

Synthetic Turf Sales & Installation Contractor Pricing Available

Why go Beyond Grass and get Turf?

Save Water • Allergy Free Pet & Kid Safe • Easy to Maintain Call or visit our store for samples!

1318 Dupont Ct Manteca, CA 95336

209.923.4817 www.beyondgrass.com

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abodes

WHAT YOUR LAWN REALLY WANTS

DROUGHT-TOLERANT PLANTS

Looking for some low maintenance plants you won’t have to worry about through these dry California summers?

Look no further.

AND IT’S NOT JUST MORE WATER  BY FAITH LEWIS

If you looked out your front window this scorching summer afternoon and were dismayed to see your lawn falling victim to the soaring temperatures, chances are your first thought was “more water!” But when it comes to lawn care, how you water is just as important as how much.

Evaporation is your enemy. Time it so that you’re watering before the heat of the day really kicks in; anywhere before 10 AM should give enough time for the roots to soak up their fill before the sun really revs up for the day. You’re also going to have better luck if you water more deeply, less frequently. Like with all plants, watering deep encourages roots to dive down, allowing for a hardier, weather-resistant lawn.

But keeping it green isn’t the only thing you need to ensure a lush lawn: keep it long. Now, that’s not to say you shouldn’t mow. By all means, keeping your grass tip top means giving it a little trim now and then, but make sure you adjust your mower height during the hotter months to give your lawn a little room to grow. Taller blades will help shade the soil, leading to less evaporation and a healthier yard.

Lastly, be sure to change the blades on your lawnmower as well. Dull blades will tear and damage grass, while sharp blades result in a clean cut.

LANTANA: This heatloving, drought-tolerant, low-maintenance perennial can be found in just about every color.

BLANKET FLOWER: These colorful mounds of bright blooms can have a single or double layer of petals.

SAGE: Take your pick of Russian sage, bush sage, meadow sage, and Mojave sage.

ON THE AUGUST AGENDA our vegetable garden should be top of mind. Keep an eye on plants to ensure they’re getting enough Y water and harvest as veggies ripen. Plant winter crops like celery, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, onions, shallots, kale, collards, and winter squash. Plant saffron corms and be ready to harvest in September (about five weeks after planting). Prop up any overladen fruit tree branches to prevent them from breaking and clean up any fruit that drops to avoid attracting pests. Don’t have fruit trees yet? Hit up local farmers markets and taste test locally grown fruits to determine which ones you would like in your backyard. Plant late blooming flowers like balloon flowers, black-eyed Susans, or chrysanthemums for additional color until the first frosts of the season.

Once hydrangeas have finished blooming toward the end of the month, cut them back so stems are 18-24 inches long. Replenish soil nutrients by adding compost or fertilize early on a day that is expected to stay relatively cool to give your plants the end-of-the-season boost they need without burning them (which can happen sometimes if fresh fertilizer gets too hot).

Cut gladiolus blooms in the cool hours of the early morning or evening to display inside.Dig up and divide bearded irises.

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PURPLE CONEFLOWER: This lovely shade is also the most droughttolerant coneflower species.

LAVENDER: An ideal low water flower, it’s nearly impossible to kill— unless you overwater it.

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FAUX FLOWERS DO MORE WITH YOUR FLORAL DÉCOR  BY FAITH LEWIS / D DAN HOOD With the notoriously short lifespan of fresh flowers, we tend to save those big bouquets for birthdays and other special occasions—and then watch as they wilt day by day. But thanks to Sola Wood flowers, you can bring life to your living room, brighten the bedroom, and add color to the kitchen with faux flowers that will never fade.

Candice Becerra, owner of Endless Blooms in Lodi, started making Sola Wood flowers when she got married three years ago. What started as a way to preserve her wedding bouquet turned into a passion and she now crafts custom bouquets and home décor.

“Sola Wood flowers are great for home décor because it’s a way to add beautiful and custom florals to your home that don’t need to be replaced,”

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she says. “I love making custom, color-matched décor for people’s homes.”

Unlike other fake flowers that have that plastic sheen or fray as the fabric ages, Sola Wood flowers look ultrarealistic and, according to Candice, they require very little upkeep.

“Maybe just a light dusting with an air can every so often,” she says.

Candice makes both year-round and seasonal pieces. Whether you’re looking to add a pop to your gallery wall with a hanging plant, a standalone centerpiece, or a welcoming wreath for the front door, she’s got you covered and she’s always adding new designs and color schemes.

Have something specific in mind?

Candice also takes custom orders.

AUGUST 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

PRETTY AS A FLOWER For those who want to add that extra personal touch to their forever flowers, Candice offers several workshops a month. She is constantly introducing new projects for the classes, often walking you step by step through trendy seasonal projects (like pumpkin arrangements, holiday wreaths, or Christmas door hangers) or another original décor project.

ENDLESS BLOOMS @ WOOD & WICK

100 W. Pine St., Lodi @endlessbloomsbycandice

WE PAINT & RENOVATE INC. voted BEST PAINTER!

‘My house looks amazing!’

– Diane G., Stockton

• Interior/Exterior • Residential/Commercial • Cabinets/Garage floor epoxy

Call (209) WE-PAINT (209-937-2468)

2020

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We are honored and committed to bringing you the best solution for all your heating and air needs!

Thank you for Voting us one of the best in Air Conditioning/Heating in San Joaquin!

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION • REPAIRS SINCE 1971

Bitritto Way Kiernan Ave.

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5170 Pentecost Dr., Ste. 1 Modesto, CA 95356

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Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat-Sun by appt only

209.491.0310

AREA RUGS • CARPET • HARDWOOD • HARD SURFACE www.sheltonleeflooring.com

Robert P. Queirolo - Never Forgotten

David R. Queirolo - Owner

(209) 464-9658

www.Queirolos.com SJMAG.COM

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PROFILES HOME IMPROVEMENT After working in the HVAC industry for 14 years, Scott Lovotti knew he could take things to the next level. In 2006, he founded Lovotti Inc. with the goal of providing top-notch service for his customers—originally working out of his garage with a small team to an office space at the Port of Stockton. The company began to grow and find success over the following years, and recently moved into its new location on West Lane in Stockton.

During these years of growth, Lovotti Inc. began to offer additional services, including electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and more.

Today, they offer service for industrial-sized projects down to residential customers, and everything in between. With over 100 employees and a fleet of trucks, vans, and trailers, there’s nothing they can’t tackle.

Lovotti is also a proud supporter of the community, with ties to The First Tee of San Joaquin, United Way, United Cerebral Palsy, March of Dimes, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and others. They are also avid supporters of local boxers, including Gabe Flores Jr., Giovanni Gonzalez, and Quilisto “Kilo the Kid” Madera. They want to see Stockton and the surrounding area shine and are absolutely dedicated to that vision.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking for the best people to perform an upgrade or repair, or you’re a contractor looking for a solid crew who can do a top-notch job, Lovotti Inc. are the ones to call. They pride themselves on their commitment to providing quality service and giving their customers the best value possible.

LOVOTTI, INC. 3717 W. Lane, Stockton (209) 931-2100 LovottiInc.com

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PROFILES HOME IMPROVEMENT From comfy throw pillows and snuggly throws to plush couches and patterned accent chairs, C.R. Porter in Lincoln Center sells everything you need to make your house a well-appointed home. Opulent touches take every day stemware from functional to fantastic, and modern candlesticks outfitted with scented candles fill your home with style and grace. Be the talk of the town with your own thoughtful home accessories or bring your flair to friends by picking up hostess gifts and other goodies from the Stockton home décor store. Inventory is refreshed often, as pieces come in and out of the store for each season, and co-owners Mat and Tyler are the friendly faces there to greet you and help you pick out the best additions for every room. Whether you’re going through a major remodel or simply want to spruce up your space, step into the chic shop and get inspired by its trendy accents and other clever finds.

C.R. PORTER 429 Lincoln Center, Stockton (209) 956-9250 CRPorterCollection.com

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PROFILES HOME IMPROVEMENT If you’ve considered adding turf to your home, there’s no reason to look beyond Beyond Grass. The residential division of American Sports Construction, this turf sales and installation company headed by Ripon Residents Josh and Tess Sarratt carries with it a reputation for quality. Josh himself has more than 20 years of experience working in the turf business after starting his career in 1998 and since then he’s curated an impressive resume, including work on stadium fields for the Seattle Seahawks, Cal Bears, and Oregon Ducks. Working with homeowners, however, requires even more attention to detail according to Josh, but with his family on board—Beyond Grass employs Josh’s son, nephew, sister, and brother in law—he’s been able to deliver. Call the Manteca store to learn all about the large selection and variety of available turfs, and don’t forget to ask about the 12-year product warranty.

BEYOND GRASS 1318 Dupont Ct., Manteca (209) 923-4817 BeyondGrass.com

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PROFILES

If you’re looking for a reliable, highquality painting contractor in San Joaquin County, look no further than We Paint & Renovate Inc.! Owner Jason

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Gonzalez and his team know that quality can never be compromised. That is why We Paint & Renovate Inc. offers not just superior painting services performed by experienced craftsmen, but also many extras customers have come to expect for peace of mind. These include a generous warranty, general liability insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, references, and convenient, onthe-spot proposals. New options include garage floor epoxy and a large selection of renovation services. With We Paint & Renovate Inc., clients consistently enjoy premium materials, professionalism, courtesy, fine workmanship, and a clean job site at the end of each day. When you hire We Paint & Renovate Inc., you choose more than a company that champions quality, excellent customer service, and affordable prices, you also work with a local family man with a background in construction management who understands your needs. “We care about our customers,” Jason says. “We are building a business that is going to be around for generations.”

WE PAINT & RENOVATE INC. (209) 937-2468 209WePaint.com

The Owl Box is a home, gift, and holiday boutique located in the heart of downtown Tracy. The owners Gail Bacchetti Gabbert and Rachel Bonacorso work passionately to bring customers the latest in fashion, home décor, and thoughtful gifts. Favorites can be found right here in Tracy— like artisanal candy, jams, and honey. The products range from beautifully handmade items to hot and popular brands trending in the marketplace. Some favorite lines include Mud Pie, Creative Co-Op, Blue Q , Little Giraffe, Kickee Pants, Mustard Pie, JellyCat, Agape, My Saint My Hero, and Pura Vida.

The Owl Box exclusively stocks Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan, and they offer advice and demonstrations to help customers paint like pros! The shop is a true labor of love and was voted Best of San Joaquin in 2018 and 2019.

THE OWL BOX 131 W. 10th St., Tracy (209) 830-0796 OwlBoxVintage.com

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PROFILES HOME IMPROVEMENT

SILHOUETTE® WINDOW SHADINGS

When you’re looking to add window coverings to your home, Discovery Shutters & Shadings is your one stop shop for everything from blinds to shutters.

SILHOUETTE WINDOW SH Offering the newest in technology and style, Discovery has a wide array of options for guests to meet their individual needs.

Disco Choose from simple, low-cost blinds that get the job done, or upgrade to the Hunter Douglas honeycomb system for blinds that 10138 LHOUETTE WINDOW SHADINGS are more energy-efficient. Shutters are also always a popular choice, available in many colors andS I materials to meet both style and cost Stockt requirements of customers. In the business for more than 30 years, Discovery is committed to quality service whether you are outfitting Discovery Shutte one window or an entire home. Plus, the customized options ensure that products will fit like they are made for your windows—because SONNETTE™ CELLULAR ROLLER SHADES 10138 Lower Sacr Please they are! Shop local and support the community while having a satisfying shopping experience with products made with San Joaquin Stockton, CA SILHOUETTE WINDOW SHADINGS County residents in mind.

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DISCOVERY SHUTTERS (209) 472-9881 | DiscoveryShutter.com

San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District is celebrating 76 years of public health protection this year. Since 1945, the independent special district has focused on providing stewardship for public funds, encouraging citizen participation, educating the public, and maintaining a safe and effective public health pest management program. Tasked to control mosquito populations and keep residents safe, the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District is the go-to for all mosquito questions and concerns. Be sure to take the necessary steps to keep you and your family safe through the removal of standing water, the proper use of EPA registered repellents, and call in any daytime-biting mosquitoes.

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT 7759 S. Airport Way, Stockton (209) 982-4675 SJMosquito.org Facebook: @SJmosquitoandvector

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(209)

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(209) 472-9881 Discovery Shutt www.discoverys Please con www Sat: Close 10138 Lower S Ask us Sun: about spe Close HunterStockt Douglas Ask u

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* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/10/21–6/21/21 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Offer exclu of Silhouette® Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Reward Card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Fu will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward c details and rebate form. ©2021 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their res

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* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/10/21–6/21/21 from participating dealers in of Silhouette® Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Reward Card and mailed within 6 weeks of re * Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/10/21–6/21/21 from participating dealers in the U.S. Silhouette®after Windowcard Shadings.

Rebate will be issued in the month form of a Reward Card and mailed 6 weeks ofterms rebate clad will be assessed against card balance 6 ofmonths issuance and each thereafter.

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* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 6/27/20 – 9/7/20 from participating dealer be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 4 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not exp and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask p reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 20Q3MAGSOC3

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PROFILES HOME IMPROVEMENT For the last decade Kathleen Jennison has been helping homeowners transform their house into the dream homes with KTJ Design Co. And with the recent addition of a boutique furniture store, customers now have more design and décor options than ever. Avoid cookie-cutter home décor by shopping Kathleen’s extensive selection of one-of-a-kind, made-to-order furniture and take advantage of the expert suggestions from her team of certified interior designers. In addition to a wealth of design knowledge, Kathleen and her team have access to home products from hundreds of trade-only vendors and manufacturers. And if you need a little extra guidance, Kathleen is there to take you step-by-step through the design process.

Check out her portfolio online or book a thirty-minute Discovery Call today!

KTJ DESIGN CO. 404 N Harrison St, Stockton, CA 95203 (209) 932-9801 KathleenJennison.com

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Stockton’s newest home décor store burst onto the scene in February, bringing a modern but eclectic mix of home lighting features to local homeowners. The focus is on quality pieces

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you won’t find in your big box store, including standouts from Zimbabwe and South Africa.

And while you’ll find just about every type of indoor and outdoor lighting at the store— chandeliers, pendants, fans, table lamps, etc.—there is also a bonus of home décor, including large canvas art and furniture.

Owned by a native Stocktonian, Inside Out Lighting fulfills its mission of bringing fashionable lighting solutions to the Stockton community so there’s no need to travel out of town to meet your needs, regardless of what they may be.

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After putting people into new homes by building them for 10 years, Lance Skirvin hung up his hammer and began helping people achieve their dream of home ownership as a mortgage advisor, a role he has held in San Joaquin County for 15 years. “I am here to make any real estate dream you have a reality,” says Lance, senior mortgage advisor with Finance of America Mortgage. “Excellent customer service is my first priority with the hope that my clients will refer their family and friends.” Finance of America offers a vast variety of mortgage needs for every stage of life. Whether you are looking to buy your first home, need cash to make improvements on a current home, are in need of construction financing to build your dream home, want to secure a line of credit to start real estate investing, or are looking at a reverse mortgage, Lance can help. In addition to traditional clients, he routinely services both first-time homebuyers and veterans, working out the kinks of those sometimes more complicated applications.

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209 Brunch is served on Sundays, 10 AM-2 PM

BRUNCH IS BACK! WEST OAK NOSH REVITALIZES LONG LOST MENU  BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD

In 2019, our local German-inspired eatery launched a brunch menu to fill an obvious need in the community—there was not enough brunch to go around. “The brunch spots were kind of limited,” Marcus DeAnda, owner of West Oak Nosh, says.

However, when shutdown happened, he made the tough decision to scale back his menu, including cutting brunch offerings completely. With restrictions lifted, however, Marcus has since been able to put brunch back on the table, with some droolworthy menu additions that expand upon the original brunch offerings. “People are enjoying the entire lineup,” Marcus says.

When it came to reimagining the “unique SJMAG.COM

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cravings

Nosh-style brunch” (Marcus’ words), the team looked to its customers for inspiration. Instead of focusing on abstract items that didn’t garner as much interest, Marcus leaned into what he knew would excite diners. The result is nine brunch items, two kid’s plates, and plenty of opportunities to customize. “It’s a fun thing for back of the house to have a different style of food [to cook],” Marcus says.

There is no true standout on the menu—Marcus says every dish sells about as good as the next—but there are some menu items that caught our eye. The Lemon Ricotta Pancake Combo sounds like dessert. The ricotta creates a stack of moist cakes that is both light and refreshing thanks to the citrus influence of the lemon zest, and all three pancakes are topped with powdered sugar, fresh blueberries, and served with a blueberry-maple syrup.

Plus, as a combo, it comes with bacon and two eggs any style, so you know you won’t go hungry.

If you’re more of a savory breakfast person, the Sausage Benedict will have you captivated. Here, the German influence is obvious, a semi-traditional eggs benedict served with your choice of fresh sausage (made in-house weekly) instead of Canadian bacon. Another staple with a twist is the Schnitzel & Waffle, a clever reimagining of the popular chicken and waffles dish offered on many brunch menus. Here, you get the sweet and the savory, a decadent Belgian waffle topped with whipped cream, caramel, and powdered sugar before a pork schnitzel is sliced over the top.

Diners may recognize the Breakfast Burrito (pssst San Joaquin Magazine covered it in January’s Boozy Breakfast feature).

This breakfast staple marked West Oak Nosh’s original reinterest in bringing back brunch. Served in 2020, the breakfast burrito popped up during limited windows as the only “breakfast” item left on the shortened menu.

While food certainly takes center stage, brunch drinks are

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brunch, as well, swapping out important, too. For those the gin for a vodka base. This who want to kick start their sipper is a great companion day—and get on the same to the Loaded Avocado Toast, energy level as the cooks in balancing the strong and salty the kitchen, buzzing early on flavors of sourdough, fried Sunday mornings—Frencheggs, bacon, pickled onions, press coffee is a standout. goat cheese, and chipotle and Marcus did away with the roasted garlic aioli. pots of coffee that tend to While the Sunday morning sit around. “Everybody is menu is different, much getting their own fresh cups of about brunch at Nosh is the coffee,” he says. And if it’s a same. For example, you’re cocktail you want, we’ve long guaranteed the same fun raved about West Oak Nosh’s atmosphere, quick service, Bloody Mary. Mimosas are and hot food locals have another staple that do well on come to expect. Plus, outdoor Sundays. But, if you want to dining that allows for ample stay true to the menu’s roots people watching in Lodi’s in German culture, Marcus bustling downtown. The recommends a Brass Monkey menu, even comes from the Boot, a 1-liter glass boot filled same roots—with everything with Bo Pils, a Bohemian-style made using the very pilsner from East Brother Beer ingredients the kitchen keeps Company, and topped with a stocked for lunch float of OJ. The and dinner. “Our eatery’s everteam is up and popular White WEST OAK NOSH alive,” Marcus says.

Linen gets a remix 10 W. Oak St., Lodi And, they are ready to the V White (209) 224-8157 to serve you.

Linen to pair with

“It’s a fun thing for back of the house to have a different style of food [to cook],” Marcus DeAnda, Owner

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| AUGUST 2021 81

cravings q GRINDING GROUNDS

MON-FRI: Stockton Waterfront, 101-161 W. Weber Ave., Stockton SAT-SUN: Alegria Market, 2491 E. Fremont St., Stockton INSTAGRAM: @grinding.grounds

MOBILE COFFEE

GRINDING GROUNDS IS A MEXICANINSPIRED COFFEE TRAILER  BY MEGAN MEINTASIS / D DAN HOOD

For Alicia Gonzales, hard work and entrepreneurship run through her veins. “Growing up, my grandfather had a convenience store in Tracy. I am third generation Mexican American and have always been inspired to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps and start my own business,” she says.

For over 13 years, Alicia managed local restaurants.

“I know that the restaurants I’ve managed have played a pivotal part in my creative touch, especially bartending… Bartending truly lit the fire for that creative beverage maker in me,” she says. So, with her passion to pay tribute to her heritage, and years of experience under her belt, Alicia opened Grinding Grounds Coffee, a Mexican inspired coffee trailer, in late 2019.

“We have a huge menu, and love it when customers get creative,” says Alicia. “Every drink on the menu is customizable and can be ordered blended, hot, or iced.”

Grinding Grounds also offers a variety of organic milk

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options, including dairy, soy, coconut, almond, hemp, macadamia nut, and oat milk, and all drinks offer a sugar free option. The espresso beans are organic, and freshly roasted in house each week for better flavor and more caffeine.

A lot of the drinks on the menu are inspired by traditional Mexican candies. “It brings us back to our childhood,” says Alicia. “My personal favorite is the Cajeta Latte, a vanilla and cajeta latte, topped with whipped cream, cajeta, and obleas.”

One of the most popular drinks on the menu is the Horchata Latte, made with espresso and sweet cinnamon rice milk then topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. La Rosa Blanca also has Mexican roots, a vanilla bean frappe blended with Mazapan and topped with whipped cream and Mazapan crumbles.

Grinding Grounds also brews its own cold brew that boasts a dark roast with chocolatey, nutty notes, and can be purchased in 16 oz. to-go models.

To accompany the drinks, a variety of Mexican goodies are sold, including

house made conchas and gingerbread cookies. For the person looking for something other than coffee, the Matcha Latte made with organic matcha, coconut milk, and vanilla syrup is a popular choice. Or, opt for a freshly squeezed flavored lemonade featuring fresh fruit puree, one of several Murphys, refreshers, or red bull-based energy infusions.

“We want customers to feel like we’re all friends and everybody’s welcome,” Alicia says. “It’s so nice to bring people together with a warm cup of coffee and a warm hello.”

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High Water Brewing is a local independent Craft Brewery, Taproom and Restaurant with an extensive menu High WaterBrewing Brewing local independent Craft Brewery, High Water isisa alocal independent Craft Brewery, featuring seasonal offerings and taps.

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7 INDUSTRIAL WAY LODI, CA -- -----927 7 INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL WAY WAY LODI, LODI, CA CA 209-625-8146 -- ------

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cravings

SMITTY’S WINGS & THINGS

If someone knows football, it’s former NFL player and owner of Smitty’s Wings & Things, Steve Smith. The sauces at Smitty’s were dreamed up by him and his teammate—his wife Jaime Smith. And while you can choose from homemade sauces such as Garlic Chile and Thai Sweet and Sour, Jamie’s favorite player is Damn Hot, likened to a mole sauce and bursting with flavors of chilies, garlic, and cilantro, with a lingering heat. 5654 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 227-7479, SmittysWingsAndThings.com

FIRE WINGS

When it comes to wing menus, Fire Wings has a lot of variety, featuring sauced wings, dry rubs, and fusions that combine both. Stick to the classics such as Original BBQ and Original Buffalo or get funky with it. It’s hard to explain the flavor that goes into something called a Peanut Butter wing, but we urge you not to skip the experience. With a subtle hint of peanut butter flavor that’s slick, not sticky, and heat that is present but bearable (ranked a one flame option, on a scale of 0-3), this flavor combination will have you performing your best touchdown dance.

1379 S. Lower Sacramento Rd., #501, Lodi, (209) 248-8044, FireWings.com

PORTER’S PUB

WINGING IT’

FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS  BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D SMITTY’S WINGS & THINGS Sundays are back! Pre-season kicks off this month and that means we’re plunking down in front of the television with our best friends and best snacks to enjoy endless hours of rugged fun.

Whether you came for the game or for the food, football season is never complete without wings. Traditional bone-in, boneless, or even tenders, there are plenty of variations on this

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delicious dish served locally, which means you won’t have to repeat play combos throughout the season (unless you want to). Order up a batch of your first-round picks for a fantasy football draft party or call an audible for the halftime show—we’ve rounded up some of the best flavors from favorite local wing hotspots (based on reader’s votes).

AUGUST 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

Choose between watching the game at the bar or grabbing your grub and booking it back home.

Porter’s Pub serves up some creative flavors like Korean Pepper and Honey Garlic, plus dry rubs of Lemon Pepper and Chili Lime. If you’re asking owner Shae Porter for a recommendation, however, she’ll steer you toward the Sweet Thai Chili, a mouthwatering sauce that errs on the mild side, mostly sweet with just a little kick. 121 S. School St., Lodi, (209) 400-7147, PortersPubLodiCA.com

A collaboration with Don Luis & Cocoro Bistro

Us For Voting Thank You

#1 Best Sparkling Wine!

WEIBEL.COM | 9 N. School Street | 209.370.6013

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| AUGUST 2021 85

cravings along with fresh goat ricotta, bottled milk, and frozen yogurt.

With both a winery and creamery onsite, the opportunity for growth at Spenker Family Farm is on solid ground. The family hopes to begin hosting a series of guided farm tours followed by a wine and cheese pairing.

Guests will get a behind-the-scenes peek into the process by viewing the dairy, creamery, vineyard, and winery.

Being the first commercial creamery in Lodi, the Spenkers are grateful for the support of the community and fellow wineries. "The collaborative effort of Lodi wine country is what makes Lodi so unique,” says Sarah. “Wineries are not competitors, but neighbors and friends. Our community supports each other and wants our region to be the best it can be.”

CELEBRATE National Goat Cheese Month

AT SPENKER FAMILY FARM  BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER Did you know August is National Goat Cheese Month? While many food-related holidays are overrated, we think this one is worth celebrating! Why? Because we love all things cheese. But more importantly, because Lodi wine country is home to the region’s first creamery, and they just happen to specialize in goat cheese.

At Spenker Family Farm, the charming set of red barns beckon you onto the property where you’ll find dozens of goats, a quaint wine bar, a cheese shop, and a picnic area.

The Spenker family is no stranger to farming. They opened a winery in 1994, got their dairy and creamery license in 2019, and have been churning out

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quality goat cheese ever since.

A true family affair, parents Chuck and Bettyann own the creamery along with their two daughters, Sarah, and Kate. When the girls went off to college, Bettyann replaced their kids with (goat) kids (yes, that’s what they are called). She was interested in cheese making and the science behind it. After all, goats are adorable animals, and it seemed like the least intimidating way to get into cheesemaking. The rest, as they say, is history.

With over 70 goats, the family makes a delicious variety of aged and fresh goat cheeses ranging from a simple chevre to the spicy Diablo sunset aged goat cheese. They are available for purchase directly from the tasting room

EDITOR’S PICKS

• Simply Salted Chevre served with apricot preserves, fresh peaches, and prosciutto.

• Diablo Sunset with spicy chorizo sausage on ciabatta.

• Herbs de Provence Chevre with L’Epicurien Lavender Confit Jam and wafer-thin crackers.

SPENKER FAMILY FARM 1703 N. DeVries Rd., Lodi (209) 367-0467 SpenkerWinery.com

Hailed as one of the most authentic powerhouses of Japanese cuisine in the San Joaquin valley, Komachi offers a diverse array of exquisite dishes, ranging from the freshest sashimi to mouth-watering sushi rolls. “Come as a customer, leave as our family.”

Hours: Mon - Thur 11AM to 9PM, Fri Sat 11AM to 9:30PM, Sun closed

KOMACHI SUSHI 307 S. Lower Sacramento Rd. Ste. D Lodi, 209) 334-3131 SushiKomachi.com

Thank you for voting us the best coffee shop in San Joaquin!

Celebrating their 14th year in the Historic Tracy Inn, the chefs at Tracy Thai Restaurant have produced countless satisfied customers, with their wonderfully inventive dishes. The chef makes classics dishes like ‘Pad Thai’ and ‘Tom Kar Gai’ that leave the diner feeling that they have been transported to a street in Thailand. Many of the dishes such as Eggplant prawns, or Garlic Pork reflect a homestyle feel. The Menu is a delight and there are always Lunch and Dinner Specials. The wood panels and decors at Tracy Thai will bring you to a classic home style in Thailand. With a warm, cozy ambiance and delicious food, you would enjoy your meal at Tracy Thai.

TRACY THAI

Meet our Doctors...

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Same Day Appointments Available Walk-Ins Welcome Now Open 6 Days a Week OVER 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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1035 Central Ave., Tracy, 209) 833-9703

Dr. Joseph Russell (Left)

Specializing in Accident Rehabilitation, Gentle Thorough Corrections Using the Latest Equipment. Life West Graduate

Dr. Timothy Coykendall (center)

Serving San Joaquin County since 1979 We use ingredients of only the highest quality when preparing our meals. We cook using 100 percent cholesterol-free cooking oils, for a delicious and healthy meal. If you would like to order something not listed in the menu, we will do our best to accommodate you in any way we can. Gift Certificates available.

Mon-Fri: 11am-2:30pm & 5-10pm Sat-Sun: 12pm-10pm

PEKING RESTAURANT 7555 Pacific Ave., Ste. 115 Stockton, 209) 957-0617 pekingstockton.com

Qualified Medical Examiner, Certified Pediatric Chiropractic Practitioner Graduated Summa Cum Laude

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Most Insurances Accepted, Affordable Cash Plans Available

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in season in season

TIK TOK RECIPE CHALLENGE  BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER / D SUZANNE LEDBETTER

When the pandemic kept the world at home, a social media platform took rise. Tik Tok became so mainstream that everyone from young adults to senior citizens signed up for the app. And while the platform boasts dance routines, comedic skits, and marriage jokes, one of the most popular uses was #foodietiktok. Users created fun and quirky recipes for folks around the world to try. Over a year later, we thought we’d share three of our favorite Tik Tok recipe challenges and encourage you to try them at home.

BAKED FETA PASTA

This decadent pasta dish is simple, savory, and oh-so-delish! How can you go wrong with sun-ripened tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and fresh pasta?

INGREDIENTS

2 pt. cherry or grape tomatoes 1 shallot, quartered 4 garlic cloves, smashed ½ c. Calivirgin Basil Olive Oil, divided Kosher salt, to taste ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, optional 8 oz. feta cheese (in a block) 3 thyme sprigs 10 oz. pasta Zest of one lemon

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DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large, oven-proof skillet or glass baking dish, combine tomatoes, shallot, garlic, and most of the olive oil. Season with salt, add red pepper flakes, and toss to combine. Place feta into the center of the dish and top with the remaining olive oil. Scatter thyme over tomatoes. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden brown. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the tomato feta mixture and stir until completely combined. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

BAKED OATMEAL

Normally when something sounds too good to be true… it is. But in the case of Tik Tok’s chocolate chip baked oatmeal trend, this healthy version of a sweet treat checks all the boxes.

INGREDIENTS

½ c. oats ½ banana 1 egg 1 tsp. maple syrup 1 tbsp. peanut butter ¼ c. almond milk ½ tsp. baking powder Pinch of sea salt 8-12 chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients except chocolate chips into a small blender or bullet. Pour into a microwave safe bowl or dish and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Microwave for three minutes or bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Remove and enjoy!

THE CHAFFLE

This low carb craze went viral over the past year. Try your hand at making this keto friendly waffle made from eggs and cheese for the perfect snack, dinner, or late-night craving. And when it comes to add ons, the sky is the limit!

INGREDIENTS

1 large egg ½ c. finely shredded mozzarella, or cheese of your preference 2 tbsp. almond flour

DIRECTIONS

Plug in the waffle maker (the chaffle is available on amazon) to heat.

Crack an egg into a small bowl and whisk with a fork.

Add mozzarella and almond flour and stir to combine. Spray waffle iron with nonstick spray. Pour half of egg mixture into heated waffle iron and cook for two to three minutes.

Remove the waffle and cook the remaining mixture.

TACO CHAFFLE Brown the ground beef with taco seasoning and water.

Heat until meat is cooked through. Fill chaffle with taco meat and add favorite taco toppings: tomatoes, sour cream, and freshly sliced avocados.

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tidbit Everyone is welcome at Bud’s Seafood Grille.

Friendly service, hearty portions, and a range of fish, seafood, pasta, steak, and poultry entrees make Bud’s a great choice for a business lunch, family dinner, or night out for two. Every meal begins with fresh sourdough bread made exclusively for Bud’s by our local Genova Bakery. The covered outdoor patio seats thirty and is the perfect spot to take a break from shopping in Lincoln Center and enjoy a leisurely lunch or even just a drink with a friend or two. We also invite you to come visit the newly renovated bar and dining room which now offers more window tables for a lovely view of Lincoln Center while you dine. While at the bar, take advantage of the nightly deals on bar bites. Please be sure to ask about our banquet and catering services for your special event or holiday party. Full bar and banquet room available. Open for lunch, dinner, and scrumptious Sunday brunch. Happy hour daily with $1.00 off all beer & well drinks 4pm -6:30pm.

BUD’S SEAFOOD GRILLE 314 Lincoln Ctr., Stockton 209) 956-0270, budsseafood.com

COOKIES ARE BETTER THAN APPLES

BACK TO SCHOOL GIFTS FROM SWEET DOODLE CAKES  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

for customers to personalize cookies with a teacher’s name, and all cookies come ready for gift giving in Why not show a little love cellophane bags or boxes, to a local mom, turning with ribbons and a tag. Prices out cute, decorated sugar range from $3.50-$25. cookies for a profit? At Keep an eye on Instagram Sweet Doodle Cakes, (@sweetdoodlecakes) for owner Nichole Renwick presales and flash sales. crafts themed cookies for “I post pre-designed sale holidays throughout the options on both Instagram year, including back-toand Facebook and take school gifts for teachers. Her orders from there,” Nichole Teacher Appreciation/Back explains. Special to School cookies packages include vary in design four-packs of and come in mini mini cookies, SWEET DOODLE options (about 2” in CAKES cookie cards with diameter) as well as @sweetdoodlecakes attached mini an extra-large option cookies, and more.

(4-5” in diameter).

Some sales allow

Looking for a gift that will impress your kids’ teachers this year?

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Owners Harry and Susan Yu have been a major part of the local economy since 2007 when Mikasa opened its location in Lathrop.

Cooking with local produce and only using the freshest fish right from the Bay has always been key to their success. Fortunately the Yu’s chose Tracy for their newest location stocking the full bar with the most extensive liquor, sake, wine and beer selection around.

Plus, with happy hour 7 days a week you’ll be sure to get your fill! Mikasa also offers off site catering and a separate banquet room for all your rehearsal dinners, large parties or business needs. Try the special SJM Roll pictured).

MIKASA JAPANESE BISTRO 2610 S. Tracy Blvd. Ste. 110 Tracy, 209) 830-8288 15138 S Harlan Rd., Lathrop, 209) 858-1818

Nestled on the Brickwalk in Lincoln Center Midgley’s Public House specializes in steaks and seafood, with an extensive appetizer menu and unique desserts. Our bar menu consist of several unique cocktails, fine wines and spirits. We have several dining options including our extensive patio, dining room with floor to ceiling open windows, and a large bar area. We offer several dining options for large parties and do catering of all sizes, including our own food truck, Midgley's Public Truck, that can be rented for private and public events.

MIDGLEY’S PUBLIC HOUSE 296 Lincoln Center Stockton, 209) 474-7700 midgleyspublichouse.com

“WHEN ALL’S SAID AND DONE, ALL PATHS LEAD TO THE SAME END. SO IT’S NOT SO MUCH WHICH ROAD YOU TAKE, AS HOW YOU TAKE IT.”

RT KEN HEA ODDS G A BRO OVERCOME THE SURVIVIN STORIES AND SHARE THEIR

S E DATE NTIN VDAY 20 VALE SWEETIE THIS TO TAKE YOUR WHERE

4 LOCALS

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE RESULTS IT DESERVES!

209.833.9989 / SALES@SJMAG.COM SJMAG.COM

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