PUBLISHER’S NOTE

GOOD RIDDANCE TO 2021

Congratulations to my son Nick and new daughter-in-law Jessica. Married October 27, 2021. What an amazing couple.

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FLY SOUTH FOR THE WINTER

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE FELIZ NAVIDAD

MEXICAN CHRISTMAS DISHES TO TRY

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CENTRAL VALLEY

Every year we inevitably get to December and every year my mind is boggled at how the year flew by so fast. Especially this last year, marred by uncertainties about our future and historic evidence of epic change. Yet despite what might have felt exhausting or at times mundane, the year trekked on as it always does, not letting anyone escape the wrath of time. And so, yet again, I find us here in December, the end of another year looming just in front of us.

Annually, I make a winter bucket list. It’s my way or wrapping up all of the little “to dos” I longed for and haven’t gotten to, but it’s also my way of remembering to embrace the season and not get caught up in the holiday hubbub that can steal our Christmas joy. For me, it’s a conscious mix of tradition and trying something new that makes up my list, in an effort to build lasting memories without getting stuck in a rut—especially after the last couple of years we’ve had, which could be described easily as rut-inducing.

So, this holiday season I’ll be embracing what I always do. I’ll be searching out San Joaquin County’s most epic holiday light displays with CaliforniaChristmasLights.com as my guide, I’ll be donating toys to Toys For Tots, purchased on Black Friday on the only commercialized shopping extravaganza I, for some reason I cannot explain, enjoy, and I’ll be hosting a full Christmas dinner with my family.

The new parts of my list are still coming together. The craze of ski bikes has got me curious, though I know I’ll need to travel to find the burgeoning trend. And snowshoeing is another adventure I think would serve me well. Regardless of what I land on, I know it’ll be epic—even if I only do it once. If you have ideas – share them with us. I’d love to hear what you do to celebrate the holiday season.

Happy reading!

TONY ZOCCOLI

tony@sjmag.com

LAST

THOUGHTS

GET OUT OF TOWN

Speaking of travel, while embracing the holiday season is certainly on my list, I know I’ll eventually tire of the cooler temps and be ready to pretend it’s spring again. That feeling is the inspiration behind our Fly South for the Winter travel feature, an exhilarating look at three destinations south of San Joaquin County brimming with outdoor activities and other adventures hard to have when it’s cold outside, page 46.

70 YEARS OF LC

For any resident of Stockton—long-term or short-term—you likely have memories at Lincoln Center. From the artificial yet still magical snowfall that comes each December to the live music played on the brickwalk, there’s a lot of reasons to love the Stockton shopping center. And this year, the LC is celebrating 70 years of serving our families with endless cheer. Read more, page 44.

Let their smiles shine like never before.

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Get Tickets MONTHLY PASS Stockton.GLeague.NBA.com/Pass SINGLE TICKETS Stockton.GLeague.NBA.com/ SingleGameTickets Facebook.com/KingsStockton

the

209

UPFRONT 209

Catch the Kings

NEW THIS SEASON: A $20 PASS GRANTS AN ENTIRE MONTH’S WORTH OF HOME-GAME ACTION

BY LINDSEY RODRIAN / D DAN HOOD

Christian Terrell

Making the move from Reno to Stockton in 2018 felt more like coming home to Sacramento’s minor league NBA team. With their parent club close by, the Stockton Kings embarked on a fresh start that solidified their role as a valuable developmental tool and brought new entertainment to the 209.

“Our team is made up of many young players who know how to play the game the right way,” Neemias Queta, who plays center on a two-way contract with Sacramento and Stockton, says. “It’s going to be a fun season for everyone coming out to watch. We are going to be running, for sure!” After all, an exciting game is all about energy—something power forward Emanuel Terry is known for. “This will be an impactful season,” he adds. “I’m excited to be here, and with my energy, I believe we can bring a lot of people around!”

Though the team hasn’t played in Stockton since March 2020 when the G League season was cut short due to COVID-19 safety measures, Neemias and Emanuel are warmed up and ready. In fact, much of the roster is fresh off the court from a championship win with the Sacramento Kings at Summer League, an off-season competition organized by the National Basketball Association and held in Las Vegas.

The Kings are more than ready to meet cheering fans at Stockton Arena, with play-by-play analyst Dave “Deuce” Mason, color analyst Morgan “Mo” Ragan, and beloved Mascot Dunkson back in the building. This season marks the first time fans witness Sacramento Kings Legend Bobby Jackson in action as head coach. “With my experience in player development, we are going to work hard and continue to create an atmosphere that allows the players to be successful,” Coach Jackson shares. “The G League is great for both the Sacramento Kings and the Stockton Kings and continuity between our staff and players will be one of our key priorities.”

This season, the NBA G League is implementing an innovative structure that includes a 14-game Showcase Cup and a traditional 36-game regular season to create additional excitement and increase competition. After the Showcase Cup, team records will reset and teams will compete in the regular season, followed by the traditional NBA G League Playoffs, where the top six teams in each conference

“Our team is made up of many young players who know how to play the game the right way,” Neemias Queta, {

Emanuel Terry

Kendall Smith will qualify based solely on their performance in those 36 games.

Fans can now purchase a monthly pass that provides access to all home games within a month for a $20 flat fee or purchase singlegame tickets online or at the box office. There are 24 home games this season, with don’t-miss events coming up on December 10 and 11, when the Kings take on the South Bay Lakers—and again in March with games against G League Ignite and Santa Cruz Warriors.

The 2021-2022 season is also filled with promotions and theme nights, like the popular Family Feast Night, home to $2 beer, soda, hot dogs, and popcorn every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all season long. Plans to host more events like fan appreciation days throughout the season are in the works.

Though the Kings have called Stockton home for only three years, their impact is evident throughout San Joaquin. The organization is proud to partner with civic leaders, businesses, schools, and nonprofits through programs like Stuff the Bus and Kings Closet at Stagg High School that support local youth in need, and 209 Minutes—an initiative that encourages fans to donate 209 minutes to local nonprofits during the holiday season.

With the 2021-22 season in full swing, locals can return that support in the stands. The Kings give residents an opportunity to cheer on NBA stars in the making, like Christian Terrell, a Sacramento native, and Sac State alum. “I am a hometown kid. Being able to be a part of a franchise that I’ve witnessed throughout the years...pretty much all my life...is amazing!”