San Joaquin Magazine April 2021 by San Joaquin Magazine

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CENTRAL VALLEY

MAGAZINE

APRIL 2021

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“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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preparing our students with the necessary educational and social skills that will allow them to be successful when helping in the community, and working in the healthcare industry,” Aaron says. “Our community partners provide HCA students with internships, externships, and job shadowing opportunities.”

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For ma ny loc als, Ho feel at home and enj use of Coffee drink on the s oy Coffee menu. a great cup is just that s of oth also offers ItaCraving a sw of Joe! But cofa place to gat er hour and delicious dri lian sodas, eet afternoon fee isn’t the her, Sam i would milkshak only tre treat you nks. Ne choose be intere no es, and at? House ed a rself to fro sted. Sam of thet now, then an ass m, stop, dri a local beer? Come it’s when ortme new ow i say brew. nk sho easy to see mome nt “It’s very rewarding to see students build confidence within ner. 37 With so in during hap p! nt, and s she knew wh 0 y House Y 202 that thi in Feb themselves and reach their goals,” states Aaron. For Sam of Coffeemany drink py For Sam M | JUL s ruary AG.CO s to 2018, was her if i, the s is Lo back to i Terra,SJM she bec the bes memo di’s on ame ries at e “Sp people you t part of the built a childhood. the get to ecifica job Having coffee wasn’t close bond shop on that hav lly, you hav know and is the commu with thegrown up as HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY until she the e meet nity asp e bee a lot of corner a coffee a loyal so ma forme went ect. “It date new cus every day,” ny gre n coming in 931 E. MAGNOLIA ST., STOCKTON ’s coffee shop hersel away to col r owners of customer, at for “Th say tom rel the pas s Sam e pla ation ers, Sam indust lege f and bec the sho (209) 933-7360 I STOCKTONUSD.NET/HCA ry. p. But i like to drice where we ships!” She t 25 years as well as on i. ame pas that she sta – rte it kn ref you get es sionat nk.” It’s ow you ers to Sami kn e about d working at to House the ho r the spe use tha name, and of Coffee form was as ew she wante cialty rem t leaves if the d to ret sta House you fee ember what s as, urn to of Coffee rs aligned lin you Lo g right di aft when s tellin at home g her tha she got a er graduati . ng, and t she wa call from SJMAG.COM | JULY 2020 37 it HO the s going to sell owner of 239 USE OF CO and ho ped (20 LAKEWOOD FFEES www.s 9) 368-2 MALL anjoaqu , LODI 611 | inmag HOUS azine.com EOFCOF FEES.CO M

This year, HCA will launch just under a hundred graduating students towards their bright futures, which in and of itself is gratifying for the staff. But what they seem to love the most is observing the progress that the students make over their four years at the school.

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Contents Features

APRIL 2021

23 FOR THE LOVE OF TENNIS

Bridging the gap. That’s what tennis does—at least how Antwan Graves explains it. As a young, unemployed kid in his early 20s, Antwan was hitting balls at Oak Park Tennis Center when court space cost $3 (it’s $6-10 for a court today) and he was playing alongside some of the community’s most elite members—doctors, lawyers, businessmen, and other prominent leaders in Stockton. Tennis, however, provided a connection. And, Antwan—a former high school basketball player who first picked up a racket at age 17—was soon turning his newfound hobby into a lasting career with an affluent clientele. BY NORA HESTON TARTE

38 WONDER WOMEN 2021

Every year we feature women who are making a positive impact on our community through outreach both in their careers and their free time. Regardless of what drives them, every woman who has held the designation as a San Joaquin Magazine Wonder Woman has had a profound and lasting impact on our community—one that is making our corner of the world a better place. This year, the women featured are serving a community deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With shutdowns, school closures, and shelter-in-place orders, San Joaquin County is facing a slew of problems they’ve never endured before, but with these seven women at the forefront (and many others behind and alongside them) the community is recovering, youth needs are getting met, and families are able to survive despite hardships such as unemployment and food insecurity. Join us in celebrating the courageous women who are championing those most vulnerable right now, helping SJC thrive in the face of adversity, and doing it all while caring for their own families and households, as well. Women truly are superheroes. BY NORA HESTON TARTE

53 OLD WORLD MEETS NEW WORLD

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

Where the Good Life is YOUR Life.

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Contents

APRIL 2021

THE 209

HOME

26 PACK A PUNCH At home boxing workouts

58 PERGOLAS Stylish structures offer shade

74 ICE, ICE BABY House of Coffees serves good coffee over ice

60 BRIGHTENING THE BACKYARD Spring is here and your garden is ready to be loved

78 SEASONAL AND SUSTAINABLE DELIGHTS There’s a new morning menu at Towne Corner Café & Market

28 LODI RULES SCAVENGER HUNT An Earth-friendly BINGO game 30 THE OWL BOX Brick and mortar adds online shopping element

WINE DINE 209

32 GET BETTER ZZZ’S Sleep supplements for a restful night

68 SAN FRANCISCO TASTE Ruby’s Bakery & Café brings big city flavor to Lodi

34 APRIL FOOL’S DAY Have a laugh

70 ULTIMATE SPLURGE Take the ice cream challenge

36 GARDEN GURU Sunset Nursery enhances direct-to-consumer sales

NEXT ISSUE

IN EVERY ISSUE 16 PUBLISHER’S NOTE 76 DINING GUIDE

72 5 BEST APHRODISIAC FOODS Local fare for lots of love

ANCIENT VINES • THE FACES OF 209 • SENIOR LIVING

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

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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, Angela Rudolph CREATIVE

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

Dan Hood, Ponnie Jackson, Tim Ulmer MARKETING

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

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Michelle Cox CIRCULATION

DISTRIBUTION Rebecca Ristrim

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LAWRENCE KNAPP 250 Dorris Place • Stockton, 95204

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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. 12 ISSUES FOR ONLY $9.95 (12 ISSUES), OR $14.95 (24 ISSUES)

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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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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

the

209

RACKET SCIENCE ANTWAN GRAVES SCORES BIG AS THE DIRECTOR OF TENNIS AT OAK PARK TENNIS CENTER  BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD Bridging the gap. That’s what tennis does—at least how Antwan Graves explains it. As a young, unemployed kid in his early 20s, Antwan was hitting balls at Oak Park Tennis Center when court space cost $3 (it’s $6-10 for a court today) and he was playing alongside some of the community’s most elite members—doctors, lawyers, businessmen, and other prominent leaders in Stockton. Tennis, however, provided a connection. And, Antwan—a former high school basketball player who first picked up a racket at age 17—was soon turning his newfound hobby into a lasting career with an affluent clientele. It started with a job stringing rackets and teaching lessons to kids. Then, jobs as an assistant director and eventually tennis pro, all without formal training or team experience. Today, his journey has come full circle as he’s back at the very place where it all started, still teaching lessons and stringing rackets as the facility manager and director of tennis at Oak Park. SJMAG.COM

| APRIL 2021 25

Antwan’s introduction to tennis came at 17 years old when his stepdad put a racket in his hand and told him to give it a swing. Without a promising next step to basketball, Antwan was up for taking on a new activity. “The movements are similar in basketball,” Antwan says. “I had the handeye coordination, I had the footwork.” And he took to it fast. “I got hooked on it. Tennis is just easily addicting,” he says. “Like golf, you never really perfect it… I just couldn’t put it down.”

Antwan recalls of the people he was playing tennis with. “It put you around people who were affluent.” But the age and income gap didn’t matter, because they had tennis in common. He continued to learn the sport while working at the tennis club until a new owner came in in 1996 and told Antwan he’d have to leave. The new director (who was only there for a few years) was going to bring in players from University of the Pacific to work instead. Antwan moved to the Stockton Athletic

“It changed my environment because it put me around people who were successful,” Antwan Graves At Sacramento City College, Antwan took a tennis class and spent his free time working on moves with a player from the women’s team. After moving back to Stockton, Antwan started hanging around Oak Park to play basketball. But the tennis courts were right behind him, and he felt himself drawn back to the courts, jumping in to play whenever he got an invitation. The director at the time, Eric Stockman, asked if Antwan wanted to learn the game. “It changed my environment because it put me around people who were successful,”

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

Club, which is now In Shape West Lane, where he become an assistant to Bob Chiene (a.k.a. Chino), the head coach at St. Mary’s High School and a former player at Oregon University. “I learned how to teach the game through his mechanics,” Antwan says. He was eventually sent to In Shape Tracy to act as the head tennis pro, a position Antwan never thought he’d hold considering he was self-taught and started late. He was there for 11 years before moving to Diamond Hills Sports Club & Spa in Brentwood as the junior coordinator for seven years.

In 2018, Antwan got the call he never expected. Peter Juarez, who had been in charge for the last 21 years, asked Antwan to take over after his retirement. “I couldn’t believe he picked me,” Antwan says. “I’ve made a big circle.” Now Antwan is back at Oak Park teaching lessons and managing the facility. Every day of the week there are lessons as well as team practices and games. Antwan’s goal is finding a place for anyone who wants to play with a free evaluation. “It’s been a safe haven,” Antwan says of tennis at Oak Park. The sport is socially distanced, outside, and has been able to run since May 1 despite many other facility shutdowns due to COVID-19. And as for coming full circle, Antwan is seeing his love of tennis passed through the generations. His 16-yearold son, Isaac Graves, is the number one player at St. Mary’s High School, and LEARN TO PLAY: OAK PARK TENNIS his 14-year-old CENTER daughter, Eboni 3514 N. Sutter St., Graves, will try Stockton out at Lincoln (209) 993-5838 www.OakParkTennis High School this Center.com fall.

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fitness

PACK A PUNCH IN-SHAPE PRO TALKS AT-HOME BOXING WORKOUTS BY DEIRDRE CARLSON

Want to improve your cardiovascular fitness? Looking to build strength in your upper body? Hoping to improve your core stability all while in the comfort of your own home? Check them all off (and more!) with these athome boxing workout tips. There’s a reason boxing offers plenty of life metaphors – When you get knocked down, get back up. Learn to roll with the punches. Find people to stay in your corner. – But the benefits of boxing are more than just a few pertinent quotes. For example, it can drastically improve your cardio fitness and endurance. “As you work through the rounds with breaks between effort, you are training interval style,” says Erin C., NASM Certified Personal Trainer and group fitness instructor at In Shape Fitness. “With each jab, cross, hook, or uppercut, you are also building strength in your shoulders, chest, and arms.” Plus, you build hand-eye coordination, a mental toughness, and confidence from practicing (and nailing) a new sport. And you don’t have to step in a ring or gym to reap the benefits of boxing.

1. THROW LIGHT BUT SHARP PUNCHES An unfortunate mistake of beginners is that they want to hit with full strength, AKA the knockout punch. If you want to punch with power, you will only use the strength of your arm and shoulder muscles. But it is better to use your whole body to throw a punch. That way, you will be able to strike much bigger. For this, your body should be relaxed. Try punching with tight muscles and with loose muscles. You should feel a major difference.

2. SHORTER PUNCH COMBINATIONS When starting out, there is no need to do complex boxing combinations; threefour punch combos will do. As you get better, add more punches to your combos. It is better to be good at four-five combination types than doing a lot of badlyperformed, longer ones.

3. CORRECT BREATHING TECHNIQUE Do not hold your breath! You should exhale when you punch. The right breathing method while boxing is crucial for having the energy to complete the workout. Plus, you can better handle the body shots reaching you, as well.

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CELEBRATE EARTH DAY with LODI RULES A SUSTAINABILITY BINGO SCAVENGER HUNT HOW TO PLAY SUSTAINABILITY BINGO

 BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER In celebration of Earth Day, we thought we’d do a little re-education on LODI RULES, Lodi Wine’s third-party certified wine grape sustainability program. After all, sustainability is the way of life for Lodi wine’s grape growers and vintners. Encompassing social equity, economic viability, and environmental health, LODI RULES for Sustainable Winegrowing Program is the nation’s first and arguably most progressive sustainability initiative around! LODI RULES is a great example of how Lodi’s growers, winemakers, viticulturists, and environmentalists have come together to ensure our land is farmed responsibly so it is viable for future generations. And since our future farmers and scientists are mostly stuck at home with distance learning, we’ve come up with an

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

interactive, educational game to spread some sustainability love. What better way to change up your child’s daily routine of distance learning Zoom sessions than to take the kids out for an interactive game of sustainability bingo? Let the vineyardlined country roads serve as your child’s mobile science classroom for the chance to educate the next generation on the local wine industry's sustainability initiative, LODI RULES. The bingo cards can be found at multiple locations and are printed on recycled paper to reinforce the message of sustainability. So, hop in the family minivan and seek out all things sustainable. From owl boxes and weather stations to cover crops and bird sightings, this is a fun-filled activity for families to explore Lodi Wine Country.

Pick up a bingo card, pencil, and map of Lodi Wine Country from the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, 2545 W Turner Rd. in Lodi. Pack up your gear. You might want to bring binoculars, a camera to capture what you find, and snacks to keep you fueled! Hit the road less traveled to find the icons on the bingo card (tractor, olive tree, owl box). Be sure to share your fun on social media with the hashtag #LODIRULES

SCAVENGER HUNT SWAG The Lodi Wine and Visitor Center sells LODI RULES swag, too, so you can gear up for the game. From hats and decals to hydro flasks and flash drives full of information, the learning and fun doesn’t have to end after you call BINGO!

Safety first. Healing always. While safety in health care is essential, during a pandemic, it becomes that much more critical. St. Joseph’s Medical Center received an ‘A’ rating from The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent watchdog that sets the highest standards for patient safety in the United States. This grade places St. Joseph’s among the safest hospitals in the nation – an accomplishment that has never meant more than it does today, because giving our patients safe care is our top priority. Learn more about St. Joseph’s Medical Center’s efforts to keep patients safe during the pandemic and beyond at dignityhealth.org/Stockton/covid19.

SJMAG.COM

| APRIL 2021 31

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THE OWL BOX EXPANDS TO E-COMMERCE TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS  BY JENNIFER MORROW D PONNIE JACKSON

The Owl Box, Tracy’s charming, mother/daughter-owned boutique, is a community staple known for unique, local treasures that make the perfect gifts for friends and family members. But after the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted brick and mortar shopping in March of 2020, coowner Rachel Gabbert saw an opportunity to connect with her customers in a new way. She and her mother, Gail, quickly launched a new website and moved their inventory online. “It’s actually been a dream of ours for three or four years now, but it’s been on the back-burner because we’ve been focused on the [physical] shop. But then when everything happened last March, it just expedited the process,” Rachel shares. Online, customers can select from a variety of fun items to curate an “Owl Box”—a beautifully hand-wrapped gift box—and ship directly to a loved one. “[The Owl Boxes] are fun little packages to send to someone you haven't been able to see for a while,” Rachel explains. Among the plethora of goods in the online shop are the newly available Chalk Paint®️ by Annie Sloan products. The Owl Box is an exclusive vendor of the acclaimed paints and tools, which are perfect for crafty DIY projects. “That’s probably going to be one of our most popular items,” Rachel says. In addition to browsing online, guests are welcome to shop in the store (with masks and social distancing) or call to place an order. While Rachel acknowledges that the process of designing the website and

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

setting up online payment has been a learning curve, she is overjoyed by the community’s response to her and her mother’s new venture. “It was really humbling, honestly, to feel the support

of the community so much. People just really embraced it,” Rachel expresses. “We’re trying to focus on sending people comfort, friendship, and hope.”

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healthy you “It is always important to get to the root cause of why insomnia is occurring because this always helps to get to a solution quicker.” – Dr. Amir Khan, Pharmacist and Owner of Hammer Lane Pharmacy.

GET BETTER ZZZ’S FIVE SUPPLEMENTS FOR BETTER SLEEP

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Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? Well, you’re not alone. Up to 70 million people struggle with sleep disorders in the United States. According to Dr. Amir Khan, PharmD at Hammer Lane Pharmacy, “Some causes may be... too much caffeine intake, anxiety, financial stress, disease states, irregular sleep habits, pain, neurological problems, side effects from other meds, and environmental factors - even too many electronics (iPhone, iPad, TV), etc. before bed.” Thankfully, there are numerous supplements for sleep that can help, but Dr. Amir Khan recommends talking with your provider for the most individualized recommendations. MELATONIN

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Melatonin is a go-to supplement for sleepdeprived individuals around the world. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced in our body and is influential in regulating the sleep cycle. Basically, melatonin tells your brain that it is bedtime. So, melatonin supplements should help you fall asleep faster and for longer. And it comes in numerous forms such as liquid, tablets, capsules, creams, lozenges, patches, and sub-lingual tablets.

Magnesium is nearly a magic mineral, essential for over 300 biochemical bodily reactions. Take magnesium and you are likely to feel less stressed out and more relaxed. That, as you might imagine, is good news when trying to fall asleep. After all, it is common for people to be kept awake by anxiety and racing thoughts. Relaxing your body and mind before bedtime naturally facilitates slumber.

CBD has received a lot of attention in recent years, a cannabinoid (a type of chemical compound) of many that you find in cannabis. Unlike other cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it has no psychoactive effects. In other words, it will not get you high. You can find CBD oil for cooking or topical application, edible snacks, tinctures to use sublingually, and more.

Glycine is another sleep-enhancing element and is naturally produced in our bodies. As a supplement, glycine is an effective combatant against insomnia. It should reduce the temperature of your body and help you fall asleep with greater ease. As a result, you should experience longer periods of REM sleep and swifter delivery to deep sleep.

Short for 5-Hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP is a serotoninboosting (moodboosting) compound that is naturally produced in our bodies. The more serotonin in our system, the better we feel, resulting in less stress and anxiety, which helps facilitate sleep.

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

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for your information April Fools’ Day

can offer a little repose from the humdrum of day-to-day life. So, let off some steam and get some laughs at the expense of your unsuspecting prankees. According to some accounts, French traditionalists were the first to be on the receiving end of April Fools’ Day pranks after they refused to recognize the change of the new year from April 1 to January 1 in the late 1500s. Others point to a military victory in 1572 where the Dutch are said to have made fools of the Spanish forces. But maybe there’s just some innate part of human

there are limits to what can be called “good, clean fun” in the name of April Fool’s Day. Here are some ideas to jump start your creativity: Tape a life-sized cutout of Rick Astley’s face at eyelevel in the fridge – or up the ante with Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Family photos? Dad is Robert Downey Jr. now and Grandma is the Queen of England. Serve soda with ice cubes. Diabolical, right? Here’s the prank: you’ve frozen mentos in the ice. Just sit back and wait. Now, ready for dessert? Treat the kids to caramel onions. But the fun isn’t limited to terrorizing your family

“Maybe there’s just some innate part of human nature that craves a harmless joke every now and then” Faith Lewis

APRIL FOOLS’ DAY BELIEVE NOTHING, TRUST NO ONE  BY FAITH LEWIS

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

nature that craves a harmless joke every now and then and by reserving a day on the calendar for all shenanigans, we’ve relieved ourselves of culpability. Of course,

and friends! Tape an air horn to your coworker’s chair so they set it off by sitting down (avoid any coworkers likely to have an actual heart attack). Scale it back a little by adding your favorite celebrity to the Employee of the Month wall or covering the sensor on your coworkers’ mouse with a friendly “April Fools!” note. Finish the night off with one last good scare by taping cockroach silhouettes inside a lamp shade. Voila! A perfect April Fools’ Day!

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THE OWNER OF SUNSET NURSERY WILL HELP YOUR GARDEN GROW  BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD April is a green light for gardening. The spring month signals the start of growing season where all the rules go out the window—the frost fear is long gone, sunny days are here, and most plants will thrive going forward. With more time spent at home and in the outdoors, curating spaces rich with natural beauty is a trend we’re loving. And when it comes to needing supplies—or advice—Margarito and Sixto Gomez, the father-son duo behind Sunset Nursery, are equipped to help. “This year specifically we’re catering more to the public,” Sixto says of the evolving business model that once exclusively sold wholesale goods. Now, Sunset Nursery can offer all of the same quality plants and tools to buyers at competitive prices.

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

Novices should start simple. Choosing heartier florals or plants will make yard management easier. Sixto says perennials and succulents are “a good way to kind of get your foot in the door.” Herbs and vegetables are easy, too, and you get the bonus of the edible bounty. To add color to a yard, choose day lilies, hydrangeas, azaleas, lantanas, and annual flowers. Ornamental and shade trees can also be planted and existing ones fertilized for a boost at the beginning of growing season. Low-watering, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant native plants are another good option. Look for manzanita, lilacs, sage, and native grasses in San Joaquin County. Perhaps the trickiest part of planting a garden is dialing in the watering practices.

There are a lot of factors that affect how much and how often you should water. For example, plants that get afternoon shade can do with less frequent watering, while those in the sun will dry out faster. Ground and soil also matter. Sandy soil needs more water than clay soil. As temperatures rise, simply adjust. And if you’re stumped, ask a staff member at Sunset Nursery. Sixto says, “Our staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and eager to provide advice.”

GET THE GOODS: Sunset Nursery 14850 Curry Ave., Lodi (209) 327-9109

We’re thinking about the delta’s waterways. Twenty years from now. WELCOME TO THE PORT OF TOMORROW. At the Port of Stockton, we’re improving water quality for today, and for the future. How? We’re oxygenating local waterways to support aquatic life. Soon a new storm ditch will be rebuilt as a constructed wetland to naturally lter pollutants from storm water. We also use safe drains that prevent spills, train our tenants to reduce storm water pollution, and inspect our stormwater system daily. We're ta taking these measures now so that our waterways will thrive tomorrow.

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| APRIL 2021 39

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APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

Heather Green EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,

OASIS CITY CENTER Oasis City Center, the community center of Oasis Church, has long been an outlet for community support, helping those in need physically, mentally, and emotionally. When COVID-19 hit San Joaquin County hard, Oasis had even more people to care for with unemployment surging and food insecurity hitting new highs. The work didn’t become any more important than it already was, but there were more people looking to Oasis for a helping hand. “So far, we have supplied hope to over 245,000 individuals in 50,000 families, giving away over 1 million pounds of product (food, water, and household supplies),” says Heather Green, executive director of Oasis City Center. “Over 12,500 cars have waited in sometimes two-hour long lines to receive aid, which tells us that the effects of this pandemic will be felt for months, maybe even years.” In true superwoman fashion, Heather helped the City Center shift to a safe delivery format of essential goods for families—”our regular operations were suspended due to shelterin-place orders, and we flipped on a dime by establishing a drive-thru food distribution to help families experiencing

“I like to think of myself as someone who is mentally strong, empathetic, and strategic… but there was no strategy to post-partum.”

economic hardships, quarantine, and school closures,” she says—while working many of her regular duties all with a baby on her hip. Heather entered the pandemic nine months pregnant and had her first child in the midst of it all. She navigated motherhood, her new position as a working mother, and even postpartum depression, all while continuing her work with Oasis to ensure her community was also served. “My greatest accomplishment and biggest struggle [during the pandemic] was becoming a mother,” she says. In addition to relief efforts, Heather wears many hats at Oasis. “One hour, I might be shooting a video to promote our food and resource relief program, Oasis Cares, the next I might be helping with the behind the scenes operations or sharing the Oasis story with those who come by the City Center,” she says. Her position also allows her to engage with other community organizations, like Second Harvest Food Bank and Stockton Police Department, that enhance Oasis’ vision of igniting hope for the community. “I believe, wholeheartedly, in the work Oasis City Center, Oasis Cares, and Oasis Church are making in our community,” she says. SJMAG.COM

| APRIL 2021 43

Shauna Buzunis-Jacob DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR,

THE CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION COUNCIL

"If they needed anything, we were there."

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

Protecting children is Shauna Buzunis-Jacob’s superpower. She has witnessed alcoholism and addiction in her family, events that eventually led to her taking over legal guardianship of her young niece. Seeing her loved ones struggle is also what sparked Shauna’s compassion for caring for at-risk families and her role as the development director for The Child Abuse Prevention Council, an organization with the mission of protecting and strenghthening families. Shauna was recruited by Lindy Turner-Hardin, the executive director of CAPC, after implementing the Safe Families program at First Baptist Church in Lodi. Safe Families/ Safe Refuge Program is designed to help keep families intact by temporarily hosting children and offering support networks to families in crisis, an idea that sparked Shauna’s own desire to help children and families that have experienced trauma right here in our own community. In Shauna’s role with the CAPC, she works with donors, designs and implements programs to meet the organization’s goals, and appropriately markets these services to the community. Her position has always been instrumental in protecting vulnerable youth and helping high-risk families get on track, and during the pandemic, her work became even more important. One of the first things CAPC noticed when the world shutdown was a more than 50 percent decrease in calls to Child

Protective Services. That didn’t mean the abuse wasn’t happening, it meant it was happening behind closed doors. In response, Shauna and her team developed the Neighbor Aware Campaign to educate people on reporting instances of potential abuse as well as encouraging them to check in on friends and family who may be struggling with kids at home. The CAPC-run early education programs also needed to stay connected with and support families in the centers. One way this was done was by creating Facebook groups for classrooms where teachers could connect with families and parents could connect with each other. A COVID tab was added to the website with a list of available resources and activities. “If they needed anything, we were there,” Shauna says. At CAPC, Shauna works closely with programs including the Transitional Age Youth Program, Court Appointed Special Advocates Program, and Suicide Prevention. Shauna sits on the alumni board of Leadership Stockton and is the coordinator for Safe Families/Safe Refuge at First Baptist Church in Lodi. She also sits on community boards including San Joaquin County’s Children and Youth Task force, San Joaquin County Children’s Alliance, San Joaquin County human Trafficking Task Force, and United Way Community Council in both Lodi and Stockton.

Sister Abby Newton

VICE PRESIDENT OF MISSION INTEGRATION, ST. JOSEPH’S

MEDICAL CENTER If you’ve ever felt the healing spirit at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, it’s very possible Sister Abby Newton was behind the efforts. The vice president of Mission Integration at St. Joseph’s and for the Central California region of Dignity Health, is responsible for making the healing presence of God known throughout the hospital hallways. “While involved in many conversations and Zoom meetings, my focus has been tending to, and being present to, the very noble people who are doing the work,” Sister Abby says. She’s acting as a spiritual and emotional support for not just patients but staff as well, who have endured more in the last 12 months than likely ever before in their careers. “As with all who are facing this pandemic, they too are concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their loved ones, are struggling with the education of children and stay-at-home restrictions, and the myriad of feelings and issues that each of us face,” she says. On a regular day, Sister Abby gets to the hospital by 6 AM so she can round on the night shift before

the day shift comes on, making herself available to everyone who works at the hospital for prayer or just to be a positive presence. Staff support can look different for everyone; a shared laugh, a friendly checkin, a person to share struggles with. “I walk the halls taking the opportunity to have real but mostly brief conversations,” Sister Abby says. While COVID has shifted the way every organization has to operate, it’s truer in the walls of a hospital than anywhere else. Sister Abby says her greatest sadness is not being able to visit and pray with patients in COVID-19 rooms. Instead, she prays for those patients, along with their families and the staff caring for them, in the Morning Prayer she leads at the hospital, and in the Rosary she prays during her morning walk. She also places her focus on instances where she can help, whether at her multiple meetings, supporting employee morale activities, or helping at the vaccination station. She is known as the goto person for anyone within the hospital who needs a little help from a friend.

“I consider my presence here as continuing the long line of faithful Dominican Sisters of San Rafael who have served this community since we came to teach school in 1876.”

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| APRIL 2021 45

Monica Filoso “Under my parents’ leadership and modeling, service to the community I work and live in is something I value and hope to instill in my own children as well.”

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

DIVISION DIRECTOR FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS, SJCOE Monica Filoso works in special education serving the San Joaquin County Office of Education as division director for Special Education Programs. She is also a mother. And like many local moms, the sudden transition to distance learning from an in-person school model meant more responsibility. In Monica’s case, that responsibility was exemplified in both her home and work life, which were now suddenly and strangely melded together. To make it work, Monica woke up each morning at 5:30 AM to complete schoolwork with her second grader before 7:45 AM. Then, at 8 AM, she started her normal workday, and for up to ten hours she sat on back to back Zoom meetings struggling to make sense of an education model that didn’t serve her special education students. “While students in general education could watch a live lesson via Zoom and practice the skill via a worksheet on their individual time, our students struggled with the attention span needed to participate in online lessons and continued to need hands-on experiences to learn new skills and maintain the skills they had developed,” Monica explains. Monica was paramount in getting

SJCOE special education programs back on campus, utilizing a hybrid model to uphold the safety standards needed to keep families healthy while also catering to the specialized needs of her student population. In her position, Monica oversees approximately 100 classrooms throughout San Joaquin County, two separate schools, and community-based locations for students in the young adult program. She says the approval for oncampus learning is one of her greatest accomplishments during the pandemic. “There are huge benefits academically and socially/emotionally for our students,” Monica says. In addition to her fulltime job and raising two kids of her own, Monica has taught evening classes to special education teacher interns at Teachers College of San Joaquin (TCSJ) and mentored new special education teachers and special education administrators both on and off the clock. She is also active in the professional organization Special Education Administrators for County Offices (SEACO) and participates in the mentoring program for new SPED Directors throughout the state.

Margot Aguilar

PROGRAM DIRECTOR,

LODI BOYS & GIRLS CLUB For decades, the Boys & Girls Club has operated as a space to support youth after school. When schools shut down in 2020, the needs of youth and their families changed drastically, and Margot Aguilar, the program director for Boys & Girls Club Lodi, was at the forefront of changing the long-standing model. “We went from serving youth after school to serving youth all day with distance learning,” Margot explains. In her role, Margot is responsible for the new programming offered at the Lodi Boys & Girls Club from planning and developing it to overseeing staff as its implemented. “When COVID-19 happened, my role became more important, figuring out how we were going to continue to serve youth while implementing new safety policies and procedures due to COVID-19.” School shutdowns have affected everyone, but Margot says some students and families are suffering more than others due to struggles with technology, lack of resources, language barriers, discord between parents and teachers, and learning

styles that don’t work well with a distance learning model. Her biggest struggle has been deciding who the Boys & Girls Club will and will not be able to serve, based on member limitations. “I do believe the greatest accomplishment is being able to stay open to serve youth even if it means assisting just with distance learning and being available to them for any emotional support,” Margot says. For Margot, being the voice of reason, guiding decision making, sharing in achievements, and instilling confidence while helping children overcome obstacles, it’s all what keeps her working toward being that positive mentor for kids. “One of the best informal recognitions a person can receive is to have youth come back as adults to thank you for the positive impact you had in their life. If that is not motivation, I don’t know what is,” she says. And outside of the Boys & Girls Club, Margot strives to have the same impact on another demographic as a volunteer coach for youth sports—a position she can’t wait to get back to when team sports are up and running again.

“My goal is to continue to motivate, mentor, and inspire youth of all ages.”

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Carol Ornelas CEO, VISIONARY HOME

BUILDERS OF CALIFORNIA, INC.

“I can honestly say I love my work and making other people’s dreams come true. Good housing is essential for everyone!” 48

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

“Today, I am one of the leading developers of affordable housing in the Valley,” says Carol Ornelas, CEO of Visionary Home Builders, an organization focused on bringing affordable housing to San Joaquin County. When she first started in the industry, Carol says she was told to go home. Construction was not a place women were welcome. Now she stands in a pile of broken glass—the ceiling has been shattered. For Carol, building affordable housing doesn’t start and stop with the building. Instead, her communities— she’s built over 1,400 multi-family housing units for families, seniors, and farm workers, as well as over 900 single-family homes in SJC—the focus is on complete communities that support tenants. Adding a HeadStart facility to appropriate complexes is a holistic approach to benefiting families that live in these communities with children ages 3-5. Regardless of the type of development Carol builds with her crew, she stands behind one key principle—she only builds homes she would live in herself. And when she was told tenants wouldn’t care for the properties, Carol let

them prove them wrong. “When you give tenants an opportunity to have better housing, it is something they take pride in and are more likely to treat with care,” Carol says. The passion to help others find affordable, comfortable living solutions that meet their needs comes from her own childhood. Growing up with seven siblings and a single mom, Carol remembers the stigma attached to her own family. There were times landlords wouldn’t rent to her mother because they were convinced the kids would destroy everything. “I felt no child, or mother, should have to go through that,” Carol says. “That was one of those things that always burned at my heart.” Since COVID-19 began, new challenges in building and living have erupted. Regardless, Visionary Home Builders kept pushing forward. In December 2020, 54 families moved into Oak Leaf Meadows, a recently completed Oakdale property, and they are working on Liberty Square, a 75-unit property in downtown Stockton. “I can honestly say I love my career,” Carol says. But Visionary Home Builders isn’t where community service ends for her. The former Athena-recipient also sits on the board of Aspire Public Schools, Housing California, the United Way, and the Haggin Museum.

Rebecca Scharmann

EVENTS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER, VISIT STOCKTON Rebecca Scharmann was hired as the events and community engagement manager for Visit Stockton in January of 2020, but not long after coming on board, the world shifted and events weren’t happening anymore. As a result, Rebecca had to pivot. Her job quickly became less about hosting Visit Stockton’s big events (Stockton Restaurant Week, Brew Fest, Feast at the Fox, etc.) and more about supporting the businesses within Stockton. “I’ve done more for our community than I could have ever done with an event,” Rebecca says of the shift. For those familiar with the Dine Stockton page (a page that keeps updated information and links about local restaurant offerings to make ordering easy) and the Stockton Healthy Pledge (an initiative that encourages local businesses to commit to a safe environment while also building confidence in the community to support them), Rebecca is the one who manages those efforts. With Dine Stockton, Rebecca has had a heavy hand in supporting businesses as they transitioned to alternatives to in-person dining during the stay-at-home orders in San Joaquin County. “We used Dine Stockton to help businesses reach locals on a larger scale,”

says Rebecca, who reached out to restaurants and researched their social media channels to obtain information that would allow their businesses to survive one of the toughest times most, if not all, of them have ever faced. As part of the Stockton Healthy Pledge campaign, Rebecca and her team also doled out PPE needed to follow through with the commitment. “It was really important to keep those businesses going and keep those businesses open,” Rebecca says. It came down to the livelihood of the employees as well as many were getting laid off. At the core, Rebecca has made it her mission to help every business in Stockton feel like they have someone on their side fighting for their success right alongside them. “It resonates with people and they feel like a community,” she says. “It makes you feel good but it makes other people feel much better, too.” In addition to her day job, Rebecca volunteers with Manteca Millennial Advisory, an organization geared toward enhancing Manteca through philanthropic opportunities for a younger group as well as gotten involved in community efforts in Stockton.

“Being a part of [Visit Stockton] has really enriched my life and really kind of heightened my quality of life.”

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PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

It takes guts to grow a business, and these entrepreneurs have successfully established themselves among the top businesses in our county. Bright, dedicated, savvy, and successful, they stand tall as pillars of our community, shine bright in the face of adversity, and nurture our growing home. And just as they’ve helped carve out the best in us, we’re here to share the very best of them.

MAYWELL L. INONG, DDS General & Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Maywell Inong is a Stockton native and graduate of the University of the Pacific. She opened her dental practice in 1999. Over the years she has become known as a leading dentist within the Stockton area. Dr. Inong went into dentistry with an earnest desire to partner with her patients to help them pursue a lifetime of optimal dental health. Towards this goal, she has been a leader in the field of dentistry by always endeavoring to become certified in the latest medical technology breakthroughs and surgical techniques that she feels can ensure better treatment success for her patients. As an example, Dr. Inong is the only dentist within 100 miles of the Stockton area that is an experienced practitioner in the use of Pinhole Surgery Technique (PST) to treat gum recession by eliminating the need for painful gum grafts and long months of healing times that were seen in the past. Treatment recovery times for this new procedure have been reduced to just days with minor to no pain at all. Though she has been given many opportunities over the years to expand her practice to multiple offices, she has decided that by having just one location with her as the sole dentist on staff, it is the best way to maintain a personal relationship with her patients to attend properly to treating their individual health needs. MAYWELL L. INONG DDS 4568 Feather River Dr,, Ste. E, Stockton (209) 477-9105 | InongDental.com

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

• Wo m e n I n B u s i n e s s S p e c i a l A d v e r t i s i n g S e c t i o n •

Hazel Maglasang Owner & Ballet Instructor

D JYHANNE SAN AGUSTIN

Hazel Maglasang believes leaders should prioritize customer focus, creating value, and leading with a purpose; providing a culture and environment families can be proud of. She has dedicated the last four years focusing her energy on bringing the art she loves into her community. As the Owner of En Pointe Dance Studio, she ensures her teachers, families, and students share a unified philosophy, striking a balance between fun and discipline. From beginner to advanced level, all students are equally important. The high caliber of her annual productions allows her dancers to shine while highlighting the talents of her instructors. Hazel got super creative during 2020’s annual performance due to COVID-19 restrictions. En Pointe’s annual traditions have had to adapt to the new normal. With some strategic thinking and collaboration, family and friends were treated to a “drive-in” recital. Dancers performed outdoors on a 30 x 24 stage with professional music and lights. It was a socially distant production with 150+ vehicles and 500+ people in attendance. All those in attendance were required to remain in their vehicles. If stepping away from their vehicle, guests were required to wear masks. In addition, custom masks were made for each dancer to match their costumes. The first half of the production was 90s-themed, and the second half of the show was a full ballet production to Beauty and the Beast. To make it a more enjoyable event, a taco vendor and ice cream truck were provided. This event demonstrated resiliency and imagination that all can appreciate! Dancers will always look back on this day and know that the impossible WAS POSSIBLE. This day will forever shape their outlook on life because circumstances do not define them; it is how they respond and react to the circumstances. En Pointe teaches students to think outside the box and that problems are only problems IF they allow them to be. Although En Pointe is fairly new to the scene, they have already made a mark in the dance industry; recognized as San Joaquin County’s Best Ballet Studio, San Joaquin County’s Best Summer Day Camp, Hulafrog’s Most Loved Dance Studio, and featured in two issues of Dance Teacher Magazine for becoming the “go-to” dance studio in their area. Hazel has been classically trained since the age of seven in piano, ballet, jazz, and hula. She has her Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Psychology and is currently pursuing her dual Master’s Degree in Business and Health Administration. Hazel creates opportunities while motivating her students to reach their highest potential as dancers through hard work and passion. Her hope is for her students to one day become leaders in the dance industry and that they too, may change the lives of others through the art of dance. EN POINTE DANCE STUDIO 346 W. Grant Line Rd., Tracy (209) 820-2926 EnPointeDS.com SJMAG.COM

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Gail Bacchetti Gabbert & Rachel Bonacorso Co- Owners of The Owl Box

The Owl Box is a home, gift, and holiday boutique located in the heart of downtown Tracy. The owners 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

Deborah Mason

DRE #01494417

I have been in the Real Estate field since 2003. I began as a notary public, presenting and notarizing loan documents, worked for a mortgage company as a loan officer, and obtained my real estate license in 2005. Specialties and Certifications: Realtor®, Residential purchasing and listing agent. Shortsale transactions, Relocation, REO, Investors, First Time Home Buyers, VApro, Notary Public Services, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Certified, Negotiation Expert. Affiliations: Central Valley Association of Realtors®, California Association of Realtors®, National Association of Realtors®, Womens’s Council of Realtors®, National Notary Association. Community Service: Chairperson for the Stockton/Lodi Shoes that fit, a nonprofit organization providing shoes to school children in need.

DEBORAH MASON Realtor, Keller Williams (209) 483-3986 debbiemasonrealtor@gmail.com

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

In my experience, a home isn't a dream home because of its room dimensions. It's about how you feel when you walk through the front door, and the way you can instantly envision your life unfolding there. This is about more than real estate - it‘s about your life and your dreams. I understand you are looking for a new home, and I want to be the real estate professional to help you. I work with each of my clients individually, taking the time to understand their unique needs and lifestyle, and I want to do the same for you. It's incredibly fulfilling to know I am helping my clients open a new chapter of their lives. That's why I work so hard to not only find that perfect home, but also to handle every last detail of the purchase process, from negotiating the terms of sale to recommending moving companies. I am so excited to get started on finding you the perfect home.

Nesrin Shabbar

Owner of American Waffle Diner Nesrin Shabbar, owner of American Waffle Diner (previously America Waffles), is celebrating 12 years in business! After a trying year, the milestone is of utmost importance, a testament to her and her team’s perseverance and ability to pivot during unchartered times. And Nesrin says American Waffle Diner couldn’t have survived COVID-19 without the support of their loyal customers—the ones who continued to order take out and dine outside when indoor dining was closed. Today, the restaurant is able to remain open with a renewed commitment to safety protocols that protect guests and help them feel comfortable dining in. In the midst of the pandemic, American Waffle Diner won Best Waffle again in 2020. In previous years, the establishment has also received honors for Best Bloody Mary and Best American Cuisine. The success of Nesrin’s business has been noted by Good Day Sacramento and even Fox 40, not once, but three times! Aside from her business’ TV appearances, Nesrin knows that the true measure of success is your customer’s satisfaction. She believes that to be a successful businesswoman you must believe in yourself and never give up. The best part about being a businesswoman for Nesrin is being her own boss. It’s not always easy, but it continues to bring Nesrin both satisfaction and joy. “Life is full of challenges and difficulties, but I always overcome them,” she says. AMERICAN WAFFLE DINER 1540 E. March Ln., Stockton (209) 951-1175

WAFFLE HD OI U N ESRE

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CHELSEA HILL

Owner, Choreographer, Instructor Chelsea Hill is the proud owner of the local dance studio, Unique Visions Dance Company, established in 2007, offering ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, acrobatic dance, and contemporary. She began instructing dance in 2005 after extensive training with various choreographers and teachers throughout California and Nevada, and receiving various regional and national awards for performance and technique. A graduate of CSUS, she earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies focusing in elementary education and has also been an instructor with Artists~in~Schools; a program through the San Joaquin County Office of Education that brings the performing arts into the classroom. Dedicated to bringing more knowledge and opportunity to local students who may not be able to travel and experience this level of training on their own, she continues to further her experience. Certified by examination through Dance Educators of America, Acrobatic Arts, Dance Teacher University of Nevada, and Progressing Ballet Technique, Chelsea finds joy in learning and inspiring her students with a love of dance. UNIQUE VISIONS DANCE COMPANY 702 Porter Ave., Ste. B, Stockton (209) 479 - 5384 UniqueVisionsDanceCompany.com

Dr. Jennifer Pham, Dr. Krishna Patel, & Dr. Tejpal Kaur Sohal

the Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, at multiple private practices in Eugene, at the Roseburg VA Medical Center, and at the Eye Care Associates of Nevada. Dr. Tejpal Kaur Sohal (Tej) joined the Zeiter Eye Medical Group team after graduating in 2019 from the oldest, continuously operating school of optometry, New England College of Optometry in Boston. However, this milestone did not mark her first venture into the profession of optometry. Dr. Sohal presented with an impressive background that includes 11 years working in optometry in countries such as India and Malaysia.

Zeiter Eye Medical Group

Zeiter Eye Medical Group staffs a team of fierce female doctors to serve its diverse population. Dr. Pham obtained her Doctorate of Optometry degree at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, where she graduated among the top 10% of her graduating class and earned awards for student academic excellence (Cum Laude) and for clinical excellence. Dr. Krishna Patel was born and raised in Stockton. She has always been fascinated with the sciences, and as she furthered her education, she found great passion for optometry. She attended Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon and during her last year of training she completed her clinical rotations at

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

ZEITER EYE MEDICAL GROUP Multiple Locations (209) 466-5566 ZeiterEye.com

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COMPLIMENTARY C O N S U LTAT I O N

Owners, Rod & Angela Smith

CA Contractors License #969425

Locally owned & Operated CA

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Abodes

OLD WORLD MEETS NEW WORLD 100-YEAR-OLD LODI HOME GETS MAJOR RENOVATION  BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD

Liz and Ron Hittle have lived on Sargent Road for 20 years, always next door to an overgrown 100-year-old homestead house on a cattle ranch that hadn’t been maintained for 30 years. Despite its problems, something about the home charmed the couple, and they long told neighbors they would buy the property if it ever became available. In 2019, the dream became reality, and Liz and Ron closed on the three-bedroom, twobath 1,900 square foot-house built on 1.3 acres at 3916 W. Sargent Rd. in Lodi. While the couple went in on the project together, and Ron had a hand in much of the renovations, the vision was all Liz. The floors are a dark brown, almost black stain, the molding is painted black, the walls are a mushroom color in the main part of the home, and the bedrooms are white with black molding. “It is backward but it’s what I visualized,” Liz laments. “It is very different when you compare it to the norm.” SJMAG.COM

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Maintaining Character

One of the Hittle’s main goals with the renovation was to keep as much of the existing charm and character as possible. “It was truly as-is condition,” Liz says. “Just about everything had to be fixed or maintained in some respect.” To complete an overhaul without losing the 20th century details proved difficult, but not impossible. “The house has been completely renovated inside but we kept all of the original woodwork,” Ron explains. To achieve that, they hired a local craftsman, M & L Molding and Machine, from Stockton to create woodwork that matched the old style and fill in any broken spots or gaps. Everything was completed custom to allow continuity throughout the home. The flooring was another aspect Liz didn’t want to upset. Instead of ripping out the old floors, made of Douglas Fir (a common material in 1917 when the home was built), the couple had them sanded, stained, and restored to usable condition but didn’t fix all of the gouges and imperfections. Liz believes this process helped to preserve the home’s personality as well as give a nod to the era in which it was originally built. “There’s a lot of character to the flooring that is really unique,” Ron says. All that being said, invisible upgrades were needed throughout, as well. From the plumbing to the wiring, it was a complete overhaul, including a new HVAC system and a new pump to work with the existing well.

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

Kitchen

The home hadn’t seen a renovation or redesign since the 1970s, which means the kitchen needed to be brought up to date. Here is where you will see many of the modern touches in the home, creating a truly functional space. To achieve the look, the kitchen had to be taken down to the studs. Then, new chrome Whirlpool and Samsung appliances were installed throughout the kitchen and black soapstone was used on the counters. For

backsplash, the couple opted for an olivetaupe beadboard and they had new shaker cabinets installed by local carpenter Belco Cabinets in a gray-green shade. They also added a stylish drop-in sink. The wainscotting on one wall in the kitchen is original but painted to match the upgrades. The large, open design didn’t require any major renovations as far as the structure of the space. No walls were torn down or moved to give it that open feel. The final touch was a custom-made iron table created by Wilder Designs Kyler Sinclair.

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Bathrooms

Both bathrooms received major makeovers. One bathroom was taken down to the studs and rebuilt while the other received notable updates including new hardware and fixtures. The main materials used were marble, metal, and brass, with marble covering both the floors and the shower walls in the master. The fixtures, including the faucet, are brass, to compliment the dark color palette used in the master, and brushed chrome in the secondary bathroom. In order to tie some of the new materials and features into the rest of the home, the couple added beadboard to the bathroom. The colors also compliment the backward style of the rest of the house, which utilizes dark, bold colors instead of the light and airy feel of many modern spaces. In the bathroom, the prominent colors are black and green.

Living Room

The living room and bedrooms required most of the woodworking renovations, and the picture rail throughout the home was replaced, as well. The rock fireplace in the living room is also original. Liz admits she immediately thought it was an eyesore and planned to pull out the whole thing, but as the renovations around the fireplace were completed, she began to appreciate its style. “It’s probably one of my favorite pieces [in the house],” Liz admits now. Aside from reworking and gluing a couple of pieces, they didn’t change a stitch of the rock or petrified wood used to create it.

Dining Room

The dining room was the space that needed the least amount of work. Large stacks of papers and debris piled against the wall had actually preserved the room’s wood paneling. “We didn’t do anything to the wood in there,” Liz says. The couple simply painted the ceiling and the exposed parts of the wall. Even the hutch inside of the dining room is original to 1917.

Outdoors

Once overgrown, landscaping the backyard was one of the home’s larger projects, but the result is a space so gorgeous it’s already being used to host weddings. The front yard underwent a complete redesign and the driveway was expanded. The original patio was kept but iron railings—by the same welder who built the kitchen table—were included on the back steps for both safety and design. Crushed granite walkways were also added to make maneuvering the large space easier. In all, 60 trees were removed.

Overall Vibe

Funky and eclectic are the best ways to describe the home postrenovation. Once old, falling down, and covered in stacks of debris, the open home now has its own very distinct vibe. Habitat for Humanity and thrift stores played a big role in the renovation as Liz kept going back for secondhand pieces to furnish the space. “In a weird way they really fit,” Liz says of the melding of old and new designs. “It’s an unusual mix of things.”

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

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abodes

PERGOLAS ADD A STRUCTURE TO YOUR BACKYARD FOR STYLE AND SHADE  BY NORA HESTON TARTE It’s no secret that the valley gets hot in summer. With plenty of days reaching beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit, homeowners are often looking for shade from the unrelenting sun. And while trees can provide some of that shade, they also take up space, require maintenance, and

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

can only be planted in certain areas. Enter: the pergola. A pergola is an open-sided structure most commonly roofed by open, parallel beams. Pergolas can be attached to a house to offer an extended, shaded patio, or freestanding in any part of the yard that gets ample sun. Unlike other backyard structures, a pergola is open, allowing for welcome breezes when they come but still protecting from the harsh sun. From a design perspective, they evoke an airier feel than a gazebo or pavilion. The parallel beams don’t block as much sun as a full roof, but they do block enough sun that it makes the area below significantly cooler, creating the perfect space for outdoor seating or dining tables. Adding a pergola can happen one of two ways. Many people will buy a pre-fabricated structure from their local home improvement or big box store that they can easily assemble outside. Or, a custom pergola can be made to fit a buyer’s specific

needs including size, material, and finish. Whether your structure is pre-fab or custom, there are also opportunities to add additional elements for increased comfort. On hot summer days, a misting system on the rim of the structure will allow for a cool mist to fall down (a tool common on businesses in the Southern states) taking the edge off of a hot day without really getting you wet. You can also add curtains or shades to the open sides of the pergola for retractable coverage and more heat and wind protection when desired with the ability to open the sides back up on a nice day, or a night you want to look at the stars. If you decide to contract someone to build your pergola, make sure you choose a wellreviewed professional. Many companies are rated online and each should have their own license number that you can look up. If you’re handy, you may be able to take on the project yourself with a little lumber and guidance.

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Kathleen Jennison Interior Designer

I've been an interior designer for TEN years and specialize in working with clients who are new to the world of home design.

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abodes

BRIGHTENING the BACKYARD  BY FAITH LEWIS

If California is queen when it comes to colorful gardens, then annuals are the crown jewel that give that grandiose glam, the pop of pizazz that every backyard gardener is dreaming about. Arguably the easiest and fastest way to add a splash of color to your yard, annuals are low maintenance and offer almost endless variety. Annuals are flowers that complete their lifespan – germinate, flower, and seed – within a year. They’re easy to start from seed in California’s mild Mediterranean springs, but also take well to being repotted or planted straight from the nursery. Annuals serve as the perfect quick fix to hide bare spots before your garden gets up and going

If you’re looking for something that FLOWERING will steal the spring TREES spotlight, the right flowering tree can be a real showstopper. Of course, trees are hardly a one-and-done deal. You need to choose the right variety for the space you have and how much sun exposure the tree will receive. Fruit trees like pears and cherries are showy in the spring but can make a mess later in the year when the fruit drops. If you’re not an apple-a-day kind of person and you don’t intend to bake or can fruit all autumn, look into ornamental or flowering fruit trees. Ornamental pear trees offer spectacular snow-white blooms and ornamental cherry trees will give you the iconic pink blossoms without the cleanup. Or, you can forgo the fruit tree altogether and get your flower fill with a crape myrtle, dogwoods, or eastern redbud.

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

for the year and they often bring flashier colors than perennials. Annuals also come in all shapes and sizes and can help add dimension to your garden. Plant cosmos for height or marigolds and dwarf zinnias for colorful ground-level coverage.

WHAT WE'RE PLANTING NOW Plant perennials and citrus trees and sow carrot, spinach, and other cool-season veggie seeds early in the month. Toward the end of the month, beans, corn, and squash seeds can be planted. You can also get tomato and other seedlings and young plants for the vegetable garden.

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Discovery Shutters & Shadings Ask about rebates on select shades with PowerView and 10138 Lower Sacramento Rd Discovery Shutters Shadings the&associated Discovery Shutters 10138 & Shadings April 10– June 21,hub. 2021 Stockton, CA Lower Sacramento Rd

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April 10– JuneStockton, 21, 2021 Rd 10138 Lower Sacramento CA

Discovery Shutters & Shadings Stockton, CA 10138 Lower Sacramento Rd Please contact store Stockton, CA

June 27–September 7, 2020

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Sat: Closed Sat: Closed Please contact storeSun: for Closed hours Please contact store for hours Sun: Closed Sat: Closed Sat: Closed Discovery Shutters & Shadings Sun: Closed 10138 Lower Sacramento Rd

(209) 472-9881

Sun: ClosedShutterswww.discoveryshutter.com Discovery & Shadings Stockton, CA (209) 472-9881 (209) 472-9881 10138 Lower Sacramento Rd special savings on select Ask us about Discovery Shutters &472-9881 Shadings www.discoveryshutter.com Hunter Douglas operating systems. Please contact store for hours (209) www.discoveryshutter.com Stockton, CA Sat: Closed 10138 Lower Sacramento Rd www.discoveryshutter.com Ask us Sun: about special savings on select Closed HunterStockton, Douglas operating CAsystems. Ask usPlease about special savings on select contact store for hours (209) 472-9881 Ask us about special savings on select Closed operating systems. HunterSat: Douglas www.discoveryshutter.com Hunter Douglas operating systems. Sun: Closed Please contact store for hours

* 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.

Ask us about special savings on select Hunter Douglas operating systems.

(209) 472-9881 (209) 472-9881 www.discoveryshutter.com www.discoveryshutter.com

s mail-in rebate offer valid mail-in for qualifying purchases 4/10/21–6/21/21 from participating dealers in the dealers U.S. only. Offer and Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection * Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for made qualifying purchases made 4/10/21–6/21/21 from participating in the U.S.excludes only. OfferHDOrigins® excludes HDOrigins® and Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection Window Shadings. Rebate will beShadings. issued in the form a Reward Card and mailed within weekswithin ofU.S.rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee of Silhouette® Rebate will beofissued in the form of a Reward and6 mailed 6 weeks of rebate claim Funds do notSubject * Window Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/10/21–6/21/21 fromCard participating dealers in the only. Offer excludes HDOrigins® and approval. Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a expire. collection Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee Silhouette® Window Shadings. will be issued in the month form of a Reward and month mailed 6 weeks ofterms rebate claim approval. Fundswith do notreward expire. Subject toreward applicable law, a $3.00 monthly limitations fee may apply. d against card balance 6 ofmonths after card issuance and each thereafter. Seewithin complete distributed card. Additional limitations Ask participating dealer forfor will be assessed against card balance 6Rebate months after card issuance andCard each thereafter. See complete terms distributed with card. Additional may apply. Ask participating dealer SJMAG.COM | APRIL 2021 65 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 herein trademarks used herein areofthe property of Hunter Douglas or their respective ate form. ©2021 Hunter Douglas. Allform. rights reserved. All arearethe Hunter Douglas orowners. their respective owners. owners. details and rebate ©2021 Hunter Douglas. All trademarks rights reserved. All used trademarks used herein the property property of Hunter Douglas or their respective

Ask us about special savings on select

SILHOUETTE® WINDOW SHADINGS

When you’re looking to add window coverings to your home, Discovery Shutters & Shadings is your oneS Istop shop for everything from blinds to shutters. LHOUETTE WINDOW SHADINGS ®

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 Shutt 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 Sac Please they are! Shop local and support the community while having a satisfying shopping experience with products made with San Joaquin Stockton, CA E OWW I N DSOH W AS D H AI DNI N S I L H O U E T TSEI L H OWU EI TNT D GGSS County residents in mind. Sat: C ®

Please contact st Sun: C Sat: Closed Discovery Sun: Closed 10138 Low

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

(209)

Stockton,

(209) 472-9881 Discovery Shut www.discoverys Please co www Sat: Close 10138 Lower S Ask us Sun: about sp Clos For the last decade Kathleen Jennison has been HunterStockt Douglas Ask u

helping homeowners transform their house into the dream homes with KTJ Design Co. And with

(209) 472 www.dis

Hunte

Please the recent addition of a boutique furniture store, contact Ask us ab customers now have more design and décor options Hunter D than ever. Avoid cookie-cutter home décor by * Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid mail-in for qualifying purchases 4/10/21–6/21/21 from participating dealers (209) 4in * Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for made qualifying purchases made 4/10/21–6/21/21 from particip shopping Kathleen’s extensive selection of one-ofof Silhouette® Window Shadings. Rebate will beShadings. issued in the form a Reward Card and mailed within weekswithi ofU.Sr of Silhouette® Rebate will beofissued in the form of a Reward and6 mailed * Window Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/10/21–6/21/21 fromCard participating dealers in the Silhouette® Window Shadings. will be issued in the month form of a www.discove Reward and month mailed 6 weeks ofterms rebate cl will be assessed against card balance 6 ofmonths after card issuance and each thereafter. Seewithin complete will made-to-order be assessed against card balance 6Rebate months after card issuance andCard each thereafter. See co a-kind, furniture take will be assessed against card balance 6 monthsand after card issuance and advantage each month thereafter. See complete terms distribu details and rebate form. ©2021 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All herein trademarks used herein areofthe details and rebate form. ©2021 Hunter Douglas. Allform. rights reserved. All arearethe H details and rebate ©2021 Hunter Douglas. All trademarks rights reserved. All used trademarks used herein the property property of Hunter Do 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 * Manufacturer’s rebate offer for qualifying purchases made –4/10/21–6/21/21 from particip * Manufacturer’s mail-inmail-in rebate offer valid forvalid qualifying purchases made 6/27/20 9/7/20 from participating deale extra Kathleen is to4 weeks take you stepofguidance, Silhouette® Shadings. Rebate will bewithin issued in the form of aclaim Reward Card and mailed be issued in the form ofWindow a prepaid reward card and there mailed of rebate approval. Funds do notwith exp will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Askcp by-step through the design process details and rebateused form. ©2021 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. trademarks used20Q3MAGSOC3 herein are th reserved. All trademarks herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or theirAll respective owners. Check out her portfolio online or book a thirtyminute Discovery Call today!

* 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 exc 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 details and rebate form. ©2021 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their re

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

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

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

Need new floors without the hassle? Vineyard Floors built a oneof-a-kind mobile flooring showroom, serving San Joaquin and Sacramento areas and allowing homeowners to shop for new floors from the comfort of their own home. So, instead of trekking around town to browse flooring options in a brick and mortar, customers simply call up Vineyard floors and they bring the walk-in showroom to you. “We offer a shop at home service unlike any other store," Managing Partner Scott Bratton says. Vineyard Floors can handle a homeowner's entire flooring install from start to finish, and you’re guaranteed to work with professionals throughout the entire process. After shopping the showroom and selecting your materials, customers can have their floors measured and installed by a team of qualified installers. Ready to get started? Call to schedule your in-home estimate today. VINEYARD FLOORS (209) 730-6606 VineyardFloors.com

SJMAG.COM

| APRIL 2021 67

High power bills are a thing of the past with the expansion of solar power through San Joaquin County. Here, many homes are turning to the expanding solar industry to cut electricity usage costs. BTA Solar in Stockton prides itself on being your choice for quality solar solutions for home and business. And with expert technicians, BTA Solar provides customers with a variety of cost-effective solar options to reduce or even eliminate electricity usage. If savings is your goal, but you're dreading all the paperwork that comes with installation, fear not!. Count on them to manage all utility applications and jurisdiction permits for your home. BTA SOLAR ELECTRICAL SERVICES, INC. (209) 483-2991 BTASolar.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 & 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 & VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT 7759 S. Airport Way, Stockton (209) 982-4675 SJMosquito.org Facebook: @SJmosquitoandvector

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 wellappointed 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

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

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 SJMAG.COM

| APRIL 2021 69

Our tasting room and wedding venue is surrounded by lushly landscaped grounds, a willow shaded pond and vineyards. Wine Club • Wine pick up available • Purchase online at mettlerwine.com

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APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

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PAYTER’S BEST BURGERS Are you ready to take a bite out of something delicious? Payter’s burgers are worth bragging about. This Lincoln Center shop serves up a menu filled with creations overflowing with melted cheese and 1000 Island Dressing, stacked high with bacon and avocado, and perfectly outfitted with extras like mushrooms or Ortega chiles. Regardless of your preferences, Payter’s has a burger for you. According to owner Peter Pijl, the three best sellers (pictured) include the Payter’s Burger, Nui Nui Burger, and Guacamole Burger. Try all three: Payter’s, 61 Lincoln Center, Stockton, (209) 477-9513, PaytersGrill.com SJMAG.COM

| APRIL 2021 71

cravings

SAN FRANCISCO TASTE AT LODI’S RUBY’S BAKERY AND CAFÉ  BY MEGAN MEINTASIS / D DAN HOOD

“My husband is here at 3:30 every morning prepping all of our bread.” For the savory lover, Lynn recommends the classic Ham and Cheese Croissant, featuring Framani Spanish ham and Gruyere Swiss cheese. “The cheese is melty, the ham is slightly salty, and the croissant is flaky and tender,” says Lynn. For the sweet tooth, she recommends the Sugar Bun, featuring cinnamon, organic cane sugar, orange zest, and laminated dough, baked in a caramelized butter and sugar-coated muffin tin. Regardless of what they’re baking, they follow a few simple rules. “Our focus is to make basic pastries with well thought out ingredients, technique, patience, and care,” Lynn says.

RUBY’S BAKERY AND CAFÉ 11 S. Church St., Lodi (209) 400-7972 @rubysbakery_lodi

For Lynn and Fausto Echeverria, creating delicious food has been a life long passion. “My parents owned a restaurant in Livermore for 23 years. I grew up there, always thinking I would one day run it,” says Lynn, co-owner of Lodi’s new business, Ruby’s Bakery and Café. “I was 18 years old when my parents closed the restaurant, and I decided to attend the savory culinary program in San Francisco.” Following the program, Lynn did an externship at a famous bakery in San Francisco where she met the love her life, Fausto, and they worked together for 14 years. “Fausto started out washing dishes, and ended as the head of the croissant

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

department for six different Bay Area locations,” says Lynn. In 2019, the hardworking couple decided it was time to shorten their commute and pursue their dream of settling down closer to family. So, they found a vacant building on Lodi’s Church Street and transformed it. Ruby’s customers can expect to walk into a calming, and organic space with natural light flooding in. Little vases of flowers and minimal décor create a place that is clean and fresh. But there’s a good chance one may forget all about their surroundings as soon as they see the mouthwatering case of fresh pastries on display. “All of our pastries are served just one day,” Lynn says.

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food highlight

ULTIMATE SPLURGE

AN ICE CREAM CHALLENGE YOU WON’T BELIEVE  BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD

$45

At I Live For Dessert in Tracy, there is a long list of ice creams, milkshakes, smoothies, and other desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. But one menu item stands out from the rest. The Ultimate Splurge is an over-sized dessert with a built in food challenge for those who think they can complete it. Spoiler alert: no one has yet. The monster mountain of ice cream includes 15 scoops of ice cream (flavors chosen at random), six huge cookies, six organic cherries, six gigantic marshmallows, ¼-cup of sprinkles, ¼-cup of chocolate syrup, and three bananas. “Everything is big,” Owner Connie Welshonse says. While most come in and share the creation with a group of people—or at least two— there is an opportunity to take it on yourself and

be crowned the first winner of the Ultimate Splurge Challenge. If you down the whole thing in 20 minutes without losing it—you know what we mean—you’ll get a $15 gift card and a shop shirt, plus bragging rights. Connie has a couple of tips for going the distance, including coming in with an empty stomach and not letting the ice cream hit your back teeth, which can cause an ice cream headache. Some food

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

challenge extraordinaries say further preparation can help—try stretching your stomach out the week before taking on the challenge by eating salad. Whether you’re taking the challenge or simply want to enjoy this oneof-a-kind dessert with a couple of friends, you do get to make a couple of choices. Choose between chocolate or peanut butter cookies and opt for limited ingredient ice creams to meet certain diet restrictions.

I LIVE FOR DESSERT

807 N. Central Ave.,Tracy (209) 222-4737 ILiveForDessert.com

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1744 w. hammer ln. • stockton • 209.477.2677 SJMAG.COM

| APRIL 2021 75

5 5 best

BEST APHRODISIAC

FOODS  BY DEIRDRE CARLSON

Do certain foods put you in an amorous mood? Aphrodisiacs, named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, are foods said to spike your sexual desire. Food science researchers have looked for connections that show certain foods lead to an increase in desire. While not necessarily the key to spicing up your love life, certain foods do have ‘feel good’ compounds, such as capsaicin in chili peppers that enhance bodily sensations or antioxidants in fruits like cherries, pomegranates, figs, and strawberries that improve your blood flow. Others, like oysters, asparagus, and figs simply resemble our more intimate body parts. There are plenty of local favorite dishes featuring aphrodisiac foods, so why not indulge?

TOWN HOUSE RESTAURANT Market Value

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

ARTICHOKE AT GARLIC BROTHERS 6629 EMBARCADERO DR., STOCKTON, (209) 474-6585

Looking out at the Delta at the waterfront Garlic Brothers may be dreamy enough a setting to strike a match but try catching the sunset while dining on their Pleasure Point pizza featuring thin crust, tomato basil sauce, mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and feta cheese to really light the fire. $17.50

ASPARAGUS AT MIDGLEY’S PUBLIC HOUSE 296 LINCOLN CENTER, STOCKTON, (209) 474-7700

Start your meal off on the right foot at Midgely’s Public House by doing yourself (and your date) a favor and order the Asparagus Cigars, which feature fresh asparagus and cream cheese wrapped in an egg roll wrapper and served with a sweet chili sauce. $13

OYSTERS AT TOWN HOUSE RESTAURANT AT WINE & ROSES 2505 W. TURNER RD., LODI, (209) 334-6988

It is hard to beat the beautiful gardens and scenery while dining outdoors at Towne House Restaurant at Wine & Roses where you will find the amazing Beausoleil Oysters, an Atlantic oyster from Canada in which the name translated means “Beautiful Sun.” They are served with pickled walnut mignonette and local Meyer lemon. MARKET PRICE.

SPICY CHILI PEPPERS AT M SUSHI BISTRO 212 S. SCHOOL ST., LODI, (209) 400-7505

STRAWBERRIES AT MEZZO 3499 BROOKSIDE RD., STE. A, STOCKTON, (209) 473-7300

Take-Out Specials! Serving 4 Fish & Chips Special

Clam Chowder Special

Deep-fried Pacific Cod, french fries, a pint of coleslaw. Half loaf of fresh sourdough bread & a cup of tartar sauce.

2 quarts of clam chowder, half loaf of fresh sourdough bread & fresh garden salad with your choice of dressing.

Serves 4 $37

Serves 4 $36

Get cozy with your sweetie over a sushi dinner. At M Sushi Bistro order the Inferno specialty roll featuring spicy tuna, panko shrimp, and cucumber on the inside, topped with seven spice tuna, avocado, spicy sauce, teriyaki sauce, tempura flakes, and habaneroinfused masago. $14

It does not get more romantic than a Strawberry Whipped Cream Napoleon with decadent chocolate sauce found at Mezzo, featuring layers of flaky French pastry and perfect strawberry whipped cream to create this delicious dish $12

314 Lincoln Center • 209.956.0270 www.BudsSeafood.com SJMAG.COM

| APRIL 2021 77

ICE, ICE BABY COOL DOWN WITH AN ICED BREW FROM HOUSE OF COFFEES  BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D SUZANNE LEDBETTER

Sami Oliver-Terra, owner of House of Coffees in Lodi, is a local coffee connoisseur. “I probably drink an unhealthy amount of it,” she laughs, talking about the coffee shop's most popular iced beverages. And while the iced versions of House of Coffees gourmet hot favorites are available year round, it’s this time of year that they start to see a pretty big uptick in cold brew and blended drink sales. So, what should you order when you’re craving something cool and caffeinated? Sami has some suggestions. MOST POPULAR Cold Brew

HOLD THE COFFEE Hibiscus Iced Tea

BEST BLENDED Blended Jenn

SEASONAL SENSATION Coconut Cold Brew

The standard cold brew tops the list when it comes to cold drink orders at HOC. “We go through an insane amount of it,” Sami says. The coffee is made in small batches, not from concentrate, and has a lot of caffeine while remaining very smooth. It’s convenient to grab one black, with cream and sugar, or with an added flavor of your choice—of which HOC has many.

The specialty iced teas at HOC are a good alternative when you don’t want to suck down a vat of caffeine. There are a lot of flavor combinations made with herbal teas, but the hibiscus-based ones come highly recommended. “Super refreshing,” Sami says.

Similar to a Frappuccino, the blended beverages at HOC are coffee and dessert combined. Mocha freezes are wildly popular—especially when you mix the white mocha and regular mocha together to create a black and white or zebra—but the Blended Jenn tops the list. “I’ve never seen anyone be mad at a Blended Jenn,” Sami says. The drink consists of a latte base (espresso and milk) using a sweetened espresso called Ice Cap and is combined with chocolate and cinnamon. It’s nothing crazy, but Sami says baristas have perfected the ratios after a long time of serving, and the result is strong and smooth.

These specialties get less play than the signatures above but don’t count them out. The vast array of flavors at HOC allows for a lot of creativity when it comes to blending beverages. “People who like coconut love a coconut-flavored cold brew,” says Sami. The drink uses the regular cold brew that is wildly popular plus coconut flavoring to turn out a sipper perfect for hot days. Other options: Toasted Marshmallow and Irish Cream.

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

COOL DOWN: House of Coffees 239 N. Ham Ln., Lodi (209) 368-2611 @houseofcoffees

THANK YOU FOR VOTING

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US ONE OF THE BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANTS US ONE OF THE BEST & TACOS! MEXICAN RESTAURANTS & TACOS!

Fine Mexican Cuisine Serving Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Fine Mexican

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Dine In q New Patio Dining To Go q Curb Side Pickup & Drink Specials Call Us About Our Catering Menu! Serving Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Visit Us Monday – Sunday 7am – 9pm • www.donluismexicanrestaurant.com 5940 CA-99, Stockton Frontage Rd. Off Mile Rd (209) 931-9163

Visit Us Monday – Sunday 7am – 9pm www.donluismexicanrestaurant.com

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AAGreat Place to Friends &Make Make New Ones Great Place to Meet Meet Friends Make New Ones A Great Place to Meet Friends and and New Ones High Water Brewing is a local independent Craft Brewery, Taproom and Restaurant with an extensive menu HighHigh Water Brewing is a local independent Craft Craft Brewery, Brewing local independent Brewery, featuring seasonal offerings and taps. HighWater Water Brewing isisaalocal independent Craft Brewery, Taproom and and Restaurant with ananextensive menu Taproom Restaurant an extensive Taproom & Restaurant withwith extensive menumenu Open Wednesday Out Service featuring seasonal offerings taps. featuring seasonal offerings and& 36Take taps. taps. Throughfeaturing Sunday seasonal offerings and

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Indoor and Outdoor seating in a relaxed environment. Live Music, Trivia, Beer Yoga, Paint Classes and more! Indoor & outdoor seating in aalways relaxedwelcome. environment. Familes and dogs are Indoor and Outdoor seating in a relaxed environment. Familes and dogs are always welcome. Indoor and Outdoor seating in a relaxed environment. Familes and dogs are always welcome. Weoffer offer on-site on-site catering both private parties and banquets. We catering for both private parties & banquets. Familes andfor dogs are always welcome. We offer927 on-site catering forWAY both LODI, privateCA parties and banquets. INDUSTRIAL 7 INDUSTRIAL WAYforLODI, CA 209-625-8146 -- -----We offer on-site catering both private parties and banquets. 7 INDUSTRIAL WAY LODI, CA -- -----7 INDUSTRIAL WAY LODI, CA -- ------

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LOCAL RESTAURANT

HOT SPOTS

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

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).

IN-THE-SPOTLIGHT

TRACY THAI THE SPICE OF LIFE

Nestled in the heart of Tracy is an excursion into the rich tastes of Thailand, brimming with superb specialties in curries and pad thai, spring rolls, and more. Have a seat on the patio or enjoy the earthy nature of the décor inside. It’s a meal for your senses when you’re visiting Tracy Thai!

INSPIRED BY: Thai Cuisine AVAILABLE NOW: Takeout, curbside pick-up, and patio seating. MAY WE SUGGEST: The Chu-chee Salmon curry - grilled salmon with vegetables, bell peppers, and basil, topped with red curry coconut milk sauce. TRACY THAI 1035 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 833-9703

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

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

tidbit

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

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

CELEBRATE with an ADULT GRILLED CHEESE  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

the Fromage et Tois, a trio of excellent cheeses—Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, and goat cheese—toasted on the Day, a food lover’s dream flat top, and served on crispy come true. And this year, on golden brown sourdough bread Monday, April 12, is when from Genova Bakery. Add we’ll be ordering up an ooey, a side salad or veggie sticks gooey delight to satisfy our to round out your meal, or craving and bring a little fully indulge by upgrading to nostalgia from our childhood French fries. Your heydays. At inner child will be The Downtowner, glad you did—and their motto Good the adult in you will Mood Food has THE DOWNTOWNER 40 N. Sutter St., Stockton be happy you raised never held truer. (209) 910-9714 the bar on your Their take on TheDowntowner.net favorite adolescent the classic grilled snack. $8 cheese is dubbed

In April, we celebrate

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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

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SEASONAL & SUSTAINABLE DELIGHTS

WINE & ROSES’ TOWNE CORNER CAFÉ & MARKET FEATURES FRESH NEW PASTRY ITEMS AND MORE  BY JENNIFER MORROW / D SUZANNE LEDBETTER

Delicious things are in store at Wine & Roses’ Towne Corner Café & Market! The artisan café, located next to the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, specializes in seasonal and sustainable menu items that feature some of the best local produce the San Joaquin Valley has to offer. “Our whole portfolio is about what’s organic, natural, and in-season,” shares Bradley Ogden, Wine & Roses’ culinary director. At Towne Corner, Bradley and his team cultivate menus that change based on ingredients available from local farmers and the mood of the season—and they let their creativity guide them from there. “It’s a cooperation of talent,” Bradley explains. “We sit down every week and go over the menu.” Towne Corner has added new baked goods to the menu that will make your mouth water,

such as the Meyer lemon scone. Other guest favorites are savory and sweet danishes, handcrafted brownies, homemade chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies, and banana rolls—all perfect to pair with a specialty coffee. Expert Tip: try adding a housemade flavored syrup and oat milk for a delectable latte. The café is now open for togo orders, pick-up, and outdoor seating. In addition to the new pastries, Bradley also recommends checking out the “Meal of the Week,” to-go packages for a complete, freshly-prepared, seasonal meal deal that is updated weekly. This is a great option to enjoy the fabulous dishes from the Wine & Roses kitchen from the comfort of your own home. As the ever-changing menu offers a wealth of fabulous new items, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and see what’s new.

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

WINE & ROSES 2505 W. Turner Rd., Lodi (209) 334-6988 WineRose.com

NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES

TO ALL THE HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND PUBLIC SERVICE PROFESSIONALS ON THE FRONTLINES CONTINUING TO FIGHT AGAINST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC MAGAZINE SJMAG.COM

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SHOP. CLICK. DRIVE.

APRIL 2021 | SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

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San Joaquin Magazine April 2021

Articles inside

PERGOLAS

DINING GUIDE

THE OWL BOX

ICE, ICE BABY House

GET BETTER ZZZ’S

BRIGHTENING THE BACKYARD

ULTIMATE SPLURGE

APRIL FOOL’S DAY