San Joaquin Magazine October 2022

Where the Good Life is YOUR Life.

Discover a relaxed lifestyle that reflects this master planned community’s unique Delta location. Where collections of home styles are built among lakes, parks and trails. All set against a backdrop of the San Joaquin River.

River Islands has its own charter schools, a lakeside restaurant and pub, sports fields, dog parks, and lots of room to put down roots and thrive.

Homes are priced from the mid $500,000s to over $800,000. The Welcome Center is now open from 12-5 daily; closed Mondays, at 1401 River Islands Parkway in Lathrop.

(209) 808-5168 I RiverIslands.com

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Comedian Reggie Galindo serves up a special brand of motivational comedy, complete with endless encouragement and deep-rooted in community support.

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

DOWN THERE QUESTIONNAIRE

What have you always wanted to know but been afraid to ask? A local doctor answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the female body and women’s health.

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

WOMEN’S HEALTH HOW TO

Have you ever wanted to learn how to detect breast cancer early, or how to save money on braces? We’ve got the answers to those questions and more in our special How To section.

BY THE SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE TEAM

DEVOURING DENVER

We’ve created an autumn itinerary filled with culinary and visual delights. With new attractions and restaurants and a multimillion-dollar museum renovation, you’ll see why we’re combining these two pleasures for the ultimate weekend away.

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

MORE THAN PIZZA

Tucked in a strip mall on Thornton Avenue in Stockton is one of the community’s most beloved Italian restaurants in San Joaquin County. Dante’s Pizza & Café has been a staple since 1985.

BY SARAH STEFFENS

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FALL IS HERE

Have you ever found yourself digging through a bucket of candy after you child has fallen asleep? I’d be lying if I said

I’d never stolen a few Tootsie Pops or Starbursts without permission. Perhaps you’ve gone so far as to eat your child’s candy and then fib about where it has gone. Quite often, our stories are inspired by real life, which is where the inspiration for our Halloween candy and wine pairing article came from— because sometimes that sweet treat needs a mature touch to make it a decadent dessert.

We have saved plenty of space in this month’s issue to explore the region’s best Halloween offerings. Whether you’re looking for a pumpkin patch to spend the day at with family or want to dive into San Joaquin County’s very own spooky stories, we’ve got it all.

And while Halloween may be the most exciting part of our October, it’s not the only topic on our minds. Health is all encompassing. And because our readership is made up mostly of women, we dedicate our October issue every year to women’s health.

In addition to our special how-to section that appears annually, with stories from some of the region’s best businesses on health of all kinds, we’ve made sure our magazine this month includes details on everything from physical health to mental health.

From page to page, readers will see trend stories on fitness fads (and learn just how good they are for your body) as well as stories on becoming sober. Our feature story this month dives into some of our big questions about female health, employing two local OB/GYNs to give you the low down on what you most want to know.

You may notice that the expert voices throughout these stories are also female, because who knows a woman’s body better than a woman? It’s all part of making sure we are doing our due diligence in supporting women and their journeys to health, regardless of what that looks like.

LAST THOUGHTS

THANKSGIVING IN OCTOBER

For our neighbors to the north, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October, which makes October 10 the season for gathering over food with friends and family.

LODI HALLOWEEN FEST: ROCK FOR RELIEF 2022

Do you like music? How about beer? IDOL Beer Works has invited 13 bands to perform on the beer garden stage on October 22. The Saturday performances include everything from pop music to hard rock. Bring the family, wear your Halloween costumes, and get ready to spend an afternoon with family and friends. Who knows? You may even win a few prizes

Happy reading!

TONY ZOCCOLI tony@sjmag.com

Celebr ating

Celebr ating

August 1867 to 2022

August 1867 to 2022

Since 1867, we have been providing the highest level of service and innovation for our customers. From business loans to expand a growing venture, to real estate loans to help you buy your rst home, we’re here for all your banking needs.

Since 1867, we have been providing the highest level of service and innovation for our customers. From business loans to expand a growing venture, to real estate loans to help you buy your rst home, we’re here for all your banking needs.

We are grateful for the relationships we have built and are committed to providing you with the tools, convenience and service to help families and businesses grow, succeed and ourish throughout the many communities we have the pleasure of serving. Visit a branch near you or check us out online and let us add you to our list of happy customers!

We are grateful for the relationships we have built and are committed to providing you with the tools, convenience and service to help families and businesses grow, succeed and ourish throughout the many communities we have the pleasure of serving. Visit a branch near you or check us out online and let us add you to our list of happy customers!

PUBLISHER | EDITOR Tony Zoccoli

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR: Nora Heston Tarte

FOOD & WINE EDITOR: Suzanne Ledbetter TRAVEL EDITOR: Nora Heston Tarte

REGULAR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lynette Carrington, Megan Meintasis, James Raia, Sarah Steffens, Jessica Zimmer

CREATIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Sybil Watson ASSOCIATE DESIGNER: Lucas Zoccoli

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Dan Hood, Sarah Steffens, Suzanne Ledbetter

MARKETING ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Michelle Cox

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Neelam Patel

Rebecca Ristrim

FAMILY

(209) 833-9989

FALL, LET US GIVE

THE CONFIDENCE TO BE YOUR BEST

At Golden State Dermatology, we offer a wide array of cosmetic dermatology treatment options to help every woman look and feel her very best. Our treatments are customized and adapted to offer each client a solution that addresses their unique concerns. We perform skin cancer screening and mole removal, as well as cosmetic treatments to address a range of concerns from acne to hair loss..

In addition, we offer skincare regiments designed to help restore, protect and maintain healthy skin—everything you need to have the confidence to be your best!

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

Subscriptions available through our website at SJMAG.COM, so you don’t miss another issue!

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. Story ideas, 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 17 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,

TONY ZOCCOLI, PUBLISHER TONY@SJMAG.COM

SAN JOAQUIN

1463 Moffat Blvd, Suite 4, Manteca, CA 95336

Phone: (209) 833-9989

It’s a healthier tomorrow that starts today.

At Sutter Tracy Community Hospital, we want to help you achieve your health goals. This is why we’re proud to offer our Weight Loss Surgery Educational Webinar. From graceful aging to weight management, we’re here to help you find the information you need to stay healthy. To register, call 209-833-5655 or go to sutterhealth.org/stch-bariatric-webinar. It’s a thousand things, big and small.

Laughter is always the Best Medicine

REGGIE GALINDO

USES COMEDY TO MOTIVATE OTHERS

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON D DAN HOOD

There’s an old saying that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Well, Comedian Reggie Galindo serves up his special brand of motivational comedy as the sweetest glass of lemonade that comes with endless encouragement while also supporting the community.

When Galindo was four years old, his father became paralyzed. “He had to move out of our house and in with my grandmother, and it was just me and my mom as most of my brothers and sisters were out of the house,” explains Reggie. “That was when I saw a comedian on TV, and it was then that I aspired to be a comedian because it seemed… everyone liked the person who told the jokes.”

During that time, Reggie developed an

no looking back. “I had a dream of being a comedian the whole time!”

Unfortunately, the aspiring comic grappled with addiction. In 1997, a glimmer of hope emerged when Reggie was asked to perform for the first time at a 12-step function. Being onstage lit a fire that began to smolder. In 2007, he hit rock bottom and was briefly homeless. “I found myself out at a shelter and I wanted something to change in my life,” he says. “I remember I said this prayer and said, ‘God, if you’re listening, I want a different life. I want something different for myself.”

The fact that he got so low in his life has made Reggie appreciate the journey he is on now. After his bout being homeless, he didn’t do comedy for a few years, but when he returned to the stage, he found himself embraced and highly supported by his audiences. He continued to take inspiration from his love of comedians and the style of encouragement his mother demonstrated and merged the arts of comedy and motivation.

Reggie eventually performed many times at The Empire Theatre but didn’t want to be in that “scene.”

“I didn’t want to hang out in nightclubs, and I started seeing that people saw me as an inspiration because of the adversity I had been through,” says the comic who is now 15 years sober. He credits Ghostlight Theater for teaching him stage presence to help take his act to the next level.

Through his comedy, Reggie has raised money for Salvation Army Community Center, where, as a child, Reggie remembers making an ashtray for his dad during arts and crafts. He has also done fundraisers for Kelly’s Angels Foundation and does an annual sock drive for Showered with Love, serving the homeless community.

ongoing case of anxiety, always wondering what was coming next and what was going to happen. “Mom poured into me that I could grow up and do big things if I put my mind to it,” he says. “She believed in me from a young age.”

Citing comic influences ranging from Bob Hope to Richard Pryor, Reggie didn’t have access to see that kind of stand-up growing up in Stockton. He finally met his first comic at age 28 and there was

He continues to spread awareness about anxiety and depression and feels that many people grappling with those issues suffer in silence. Reggie now views his own anxiety as a “nervous energy” and channels it into his comedy. At the same time through his own story, he imparts the importance of following one’s dreams. “We all have a potential that is greater than the circumstances we’re in,” Reggie says. “I’ve proven that through my own journey.”

Reggie now performs at private functions, fundraisers for various nonprofits, and recovery events. Although he does not have a website, he can be reached at galindoforchange@gmail.com.

“We all have a potential that is greater than the circumstances we’re in,” Reggie says.

Feeling lost and over whelmed?

Let us help you regain control and take your life back. At St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center, we are committed to providing compassionate, quality care, in an environment that fosters communication, trust, and personal growth. Our inpatient and outpatient programs are dedicated to helping those we serve to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. In addition, we have a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program designed to meet the needs of adults who are uninsured or underinsured with a history of opioid or stimulant use dependency. Whether you need assistance dealing with depression, anxiety, or substance dependency, or are seeking counseling, we can help.

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/stockton/behavioralhealth.

The Medication Assisted Treatment Program described is supported by Grant Number H79TI084141 from SAMHSA.

HEALTH

SPIN TO WIN

CLASSES

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON / D DAN HOOD

There are many benefits to participating in spin classes. The fitness phenomenon that has taken off in popularity the last decade has given rise to a movement of avid enthusiasts who spin anywhere and everywhere they can. Spin instructor Rebecca Reed has enthusiastically evolved into a believer of the proven fitness workout that has captivated the world.

“I have been an avid weightlifter my whole life and five years ago I realized that I needed to add more cardio to my life,” Rebecca says. She did not enjoy running and found cardio workouts boring. But she tried spinning and fell in love with the effective 45-minute workout. She was hooked and was soon certified and began teaching at Crunch in Stockton.

“If someone hasn’t done spin before, they can expect really high energy, great music, a team environment, and specifically, I teach rhythm riding… We all ride together!” Rebecca says. Riders work together doing the same moves and Becca incorporates fun choreography into

the exciting workout. Classes include between 15 and 36 riders.

Rebecca’s favorite saying is “Do you!” and she encourages new riders to give spin a try to pick up on the energy the class provides. Spin classes fly by quickly and in addition to an excellent cardio workout, are a great way to tone your legs and glutes and keep your core strong. There are a couple of very effective ab workouts that Rebecca incorporates into routines that include moves like Russian twists. “Your core is going to get a good workout and I would say this is a full body workout, to be honest,” she explains. “It gets your heart rate up… It’s great cardio and it’s great strength training as well.”

Rebecca includes a lot of hill “climbs” in the class and when spinning resistance is increased, it also increases muscle.

What’s good for the body is good for someone’s mood, too. “If you’re having a bad day, just spinning for a few songs will change the whole trajectory of your day.” Becca now teaches spin at Crunch in Stockton and Ride 209 in Manteca.

Robert Leposavic, M.D. Mohs Surgeon

Stephen Doggett, M.D. Non-Invasive Radiotherapy

Joselyn Johnson,

OCTOBER

To the Pumpkin Patch

5 PLACES TO EMBRACE AUTUMN ACTIVITIES



BY NORA HESTON TARTE

There’s no shortage of pumpkin patches in and around San Joaquin County. And why would there be? After all, we live in the agricultural mecca of the country. Whether you’re looking for the plumpest pumpkin in the land to carve into your masterpiece or want a fun place to spend a day with the family, we promise you won’t run out of activities at these area pumpkin patches both in San Joaquin County and just beyond.

DELL’OSSO FAMILY FARM

It’s hard to miss the oversized pumpkin farm just off the highway. Pumpkins stretch across the large open field, but your eyes are likely to land first on the other epic attractions Dell’Osso has grown over its 25 years in business. Once a simple pumpkin patch for families, this all-out destination

has since blossomed. Grab a wristband for a day pass to the wonderful land of pumpkins and whatever you do, don’t miss the infamous pumpkin maze.

501 S. Manthey Rd., Lathrop

CRAZY RAVENS PUMPKIN PATCH

This quaint pumpkin patch in Galt boasts a hay maze and kiddie rides. Come here

to pick the perfect squash to call your own (prices vary by size) before hopping on the amusement rides. When it comes to food, Crazy Ravens embraces the taste of the fair with hand-dipped corn dogs, freshly spun cotton candy, nachos, popcorn, and snow cones.

10151 Twin Cities Rd., Galt

JOAN’S FARM & PUMPKIN PATCH

Just over the hill in Livermore, Joan’s Pumpkin Patch welcomes guests with big cardboard cutouts for photo opportunities, farm animals, and more. Activities include a hay bale maze, pumpkin bowling, train rides, and inflatable slides. Little ones especially go nuts for the old farm equipment museum. You can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds before picking out your pumpkin and a few other fall items.

4351 Mines Rd., Livermore

SMITH FAMILY FARM PUMPKIN HARVEST

Another nearby pumpkin patch in Brentwood, Smith Family Farm has plenty of farm animals to play with and live music days. In addition to the traditional stuff, there is a replica Native American village, an herb garden, an observation beehive, and a pumpkin house family photo area. Don’t forget to stock up on goods at the roadside fruit stand. 4350 Sellers Ave., Brentwood

BISHOP’S PUMPKIN FARM

Comparable to Dell’Osso, this is the big one, perhaps more amusement park than pumpkin patch. The over-the-top, Wheatland attraction boasts a full-size carousel, train, zipline, petting zoo, and more. Coyote Mountain is one of the more impressive sights, offering two thrilling slides down the side of the man-made “mountain,” and that still barely scratches the surface. Don’t leave without tackling at least one of the three corn mazes, including a seven-acre option.

1415 Pumpkin Ln., Wheatland

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW AT THE HAGGIN.

Beyond our core art collection and fascinating regional history exhibits, the Haggin hosts an array of changing exhibitions, fun events, and educational programming designed for all ages. Visit Haggin Museum and go on an adventure, today!

We’re social! Follow @hagginmuseum for the latest museum information.

MUSEUM STORE

The Museum Store offers visitors a wide variety of exhibition related merchandise, art books, and fun gifts for everyone. At the Museum Store the possibilities are endless! Follow us on IG @hagginmuseum_store to see what’s new.

JUMP FOR JOY!

INFAMOUS PUMPKIN MAZE CELEBRATES 26 YEARS

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD

Every October, Lathrop’s larger-than-life pumpkin patch opens its doors to the community, unleashing a world of pumpkin-centric wonder. There’s a lot to see and do at Dell’Osso beyond picking out the most carveable pumpkin. With just a wristband, families can also enjoy a corn maze, haunted castle, train ride, hay ride,

duck races, tire pyramid, animal zoo, mini golf, obstacle course, ride-on vehicles, spinning pumpkins, jumping pillows, pig races, an interactive pirate show, and more. For an extra cost, premium activities include gem mining, pumpkin blasters, pony rides, pumpkin painting, and a carousel.

BEYOND THE GRAVE

WHO’S BURIED IN THE WOODBRIDGE MASONIC CEMETERY?



BY NORA HESTON TARTE

You need special permission to visit the Woodbridge Masonic Cemetery most days of the week. Looked after by the Woodbridge Masonic Lodge #131, visits are by appointment only except for on Saturdays and Sundays when the gate is open from 8 AM-3 PM. In a lot of ways, this adds more mystery and perhaps a bit of eeriness of the Woodbridge graveyard. In reality, the rule exists due to extensive vandalism over the years.

Before you visit, it helps to know some of the spooky or just plain weird stories behind the deaths of the cemetery’s permanent residents. For example, one man, John Greer, lost his life at 68 when his mule dragged him across his property in 1907, causing a skull fracture when he hit his head on a tree stump.

Another man, Frank Bishopberger, died at 25 years old in 1906 when he fainted while driving a wagon pulled by four horses. He fell from the

wagon and was crushed by its front wheel. Dr. Cyrus Henry Ober died in 1861 after mistaking poison for wine.

The cemetery’s most notable resident is Jeremiah Woods, the founder (along with Alexander McQueen) of the town of Woodbridge. In 1858, Jeremiah constructed a wooden bridge along the Mokelumne River named Wood’s Bridge, which is how the town eventually got its name.

What many do not know is the story of how Jeremiah died. In 1864, at age 43, a man killed Jeremiah’s dog because it bit him. Seeking revenge, Jeremiah assaulted the man at a local saloon to avenge his dog’s death. In selfdefense, the man stabbed and killed Jeremiah, who bled out within 15 minutes of the event.

One of the most mysterious stories hidden inside of the cemetery is the death of Harold Lage. The former soldier who fought in WWI

with the 23rd Engineer Battalion lived in Stockton and worked as an automobile salesman. In 1926 he was on a test drive with a customer and disappeared, four days before Christmas at 28 years old. He was later found murdered and the man who did it was tried, found guilty, and hung at Folsom Prison.

This is just the beginning of the tales showcased in the Woodbridge Cemetery. Additional details can be found at FindAGrave.com.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:

Woodbridge Masonic Lodge No. 131 1040 E. Augusta St., Woodbridge Facebook.com/Woodbridgelodge131 (through messenger)

HIDDEN TREASURES

REMEMBER WHEN

CONSPIRACY THEORY

REMEMBER WHEN A GROUP OF ALIENS ALMOST ABDUCTED

LODI RESIDENTS? US EITHER.

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

In honor of spooky season (or spooky szn if you prefer), we’re resurrecting this old tale from 1896. Back then there were no iPhones to take on-the-fly videos of UFO and alien sightings like there are today, which means we have little more than firsthand accounts of this strange situation to go off of.

Regardless of your beliefs, this eerie story has a habit of popping up now and again, like when local retiree John Callahan started diving into the event looking for clues to clarity. The Lodi News Sentinel even wrote a story about it in 2015. And a recounting of the tale can be found in Alien Contacts and Abductions: The Real Story from the Other Side by Jenny Randles, published in 1994. The event's significance is partly due to the fact that it’s one of the

first documented stories of its kind. So, what happened exactly? Here’s what we know.

In 1896, two men, Colonel H.G. Shaw and Camille Spooner, were traveling through Lodi to Stockton by horse and carriage when their stead stopped in fright. In front of them stood three tall creatures, with big eyes and spindly fingers (as the two men described to authorities). The creatures’ noses and mouths were small and they had a light fuzz over them. When they spoke, Shaw and Spooner said it sounded like chants with no discernible English words.

Beyond the three creatures, who were using bags with hoses to breathe on Earth’s atmosphere, the glow of their lanterns illuminated a spaceship. Allegedly, the vessel was shaped like

a cigar and hovered over the water beneath a bridge at the Woodbridge Canal. Perhaps most curious was how the two men described the aliens entering the spaceship, shooting up above it and seeming to go through an unseen opening.

According to Shaw and Spooner, the aliens attempted to abduct them, but their mass overtook the aliens and the efforts were unsuccessful, allowing them to share their tale of almost abduction with a team of local authorities. When questioned, Shaw said he assumed the aliens and their craft came from Mars, which was the most common theory at the time. His firsthand account was first published in The Evening Mail on Nov. 27, 1896.

On November 25, believers can celebrate the 126th anniversary of this out-of-this-world tale.

THE NEWS

IT’S NOT SUPERMAN — IT’S A DRONE

AMAZON PACKAGES ARE LANDING IN LOCKEFORD

BY SARAH STEFFENS

The town of Lockeford is known for its rural landscape, small population, farm life, and local businesses. A drive through this little country land takes you back in time where life is simple, roads are quiet, and people know one another because they run into each other when visiting the meat market, feed supply, hardware store, or welcoming winery. It’s a destination for living the slower pace and enjoying the familiar face, so when Amazon recently announced it as its first location for drone package delivery, imagine the mixed responses that are arising from Lockeford residents. And perhaps a little confusion on how this small San Joaquin County town

became the location for the pilot program of such a modern technology.

Amazon is beginning slow, allowing Lockeford residents to use drone-delivery for packages up to five pounds. Lockeford’s spacious residential lots are the perfect location for drones to practice deliveries. Think back to when you learned to drive—it was easier out in the country than the busy freeways of Los Angeles. With practice, Amazon will expand its drone-deliveries to bigger cities, requiring greater precision as to not mix up your new hairdryer with your neighbor’s new dust bin.

Some residents are concerned about their

privacy with drones regularly flying above properties. Other concerns are directed at animal safety (drones can spook livestock) and the general threat of local businesses losing support. Others are excited about the future arriving to Lockeford, in the form of small aircraft delivering their one-click essentials right to their doorstep. The town of Lockeford may have been put on the map by Amazon, but as one of San Joaquin County’s best kept secrets, we’re not quite sure a click-of-thebutton app will ever truly change that slow country way of life.



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VALLEY SOBER LIVING

WHERE GETTING SOBER IS A SOCIAL EXPERIENCE

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

At Valley Sober Living, their social process to getting sober has proven successful with 45% of those who stay longer than six months committing to long-term sobriety. In most addiction cases, the success rate is only 33%. “We are a social model for sustained recovery, which means we provide safe and clean and secure homes for people who are transitioning from drug and alcohol abuse,” says Lauren Klinger, owner of VSL.

With 10 homes (including some apartment complexes) throughout Stockton, Lodi, and Galt, VSL helps many. The largest house, with bunk beds in each room, fits 35 people. The smallest home holds 16. In apartment complexes, there are two people to each room or four per two-bedroom unit.

The goal is to put like-minded people together to support each other’s recovery. Sharing a room is part of the model, as Lauren says the lack of isolation actually serves people trying to get sober and roommates can keep each other accountable. “Each home is built like a family.”

The CCAP-certified sober living program includes mandatory drug testing. There is no alcohol allowed on campuses and those who are drunk or test positive for drugs must stay out of the home for a minimum of 24 hours while they sober up unless other arrangements are agreed upon.

Many come to the sober living homes as an alternative to incarceration. About 40% are funded through San Joaquin County and Sacramento Country programs while

others pay out of pocket. House parents are those that have been in the sober living homes for a while and wish to stay in the social model while taking on more responsibility.

Unlike other facilities, VSL offers freedom to its housemates. Many work or visit their friends and families during the day or evening. Overnights and latenight outings are allowed with written permission, otherwise curfews hold firm.

The constantly full accommodations are another sign of VSL’s significance to the community. At any given time, beds are filled at VSL homes and they are looking to expand. However, there is also a lot of movement and people have been known to get in within days or even hours of requesting a bed. “There’s always openings,” Lauren says.

SPOTLIGHT

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Dr. Balduzzi

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provide a comfortable way to improve the likelihood of long-term sobriety!

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and dryer.

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON / D DAN HOOD

Learning to work out on a pole takes strength, focus, determination, and creativity. What once was reserved for dancers in gentlemen’s clubs has done a complete 180. The art and athleticism of pole dancing has elevated and is now revered by Cirque-style performance groups and fitness enthusiasts alike. Staying in shape via pole fitness is fun and a fantastic way to sculpt your body.

“Pole is great for flexibility, core strength, learning to be in tune with your body, and it’s good for your brain because you’re practicing things left and right!.”

Pole instructor Kristen Riley embraces her role as a pole instructor, welcoming new students to class year-round at Combine Fitness in Stockton. She has always had an interest in dance and thought pole dancing looked cool. The single mom had been at a Super Bowl party and was inspired by seeing J-Lo’s halftime performance. “She was incredible and so strong,” Kristen says. Pre-pandemic, Kristen started taking classes, further inspired by her 23-year-old teacher and that students were all ages and abilities. Riley took classes twice weekly and soon bought a pole and installed it at her home to work on strength, flexibility, and technique outside of class. After hard work and practice

during the pandemic, she was eventually invited to teach, and jumped at the chance.

“One of the things about pole [fitness] is the community,” says Kristen. “It’s the one place I felt I could be in a sports bra or twopiece, or just about anything and nobody was going to judge me.” Specifically, the community of students is supportive, nonjudgmental, and ready to help their fellow students learn new moves while cheering them on.

“Pole is great for flexibility, core strength, learning to be in tune with your body in terms of movement, and it’s good for your brain because you’re practicing things left and right!” explains Kristen. “It also includes learning how to fail and knowing that it takes time, and you need to be patient. There are definite techniques and tricks to know and applying every part of your body… It can be difficult.”

Kristen reveres her classes at Combine Fitness in Stockton as a safe space and knows that her students have a fun time learning skills while building strength and technique. The best way to find out, however, is for yourself.

TAKE A

Fitness 1419 W. Fremont St., Stockton (209) 436-2426

FITNESS

478-0800

Kiernan Court, Ste.

Salida, CA 95368

543-9411

within

Humphreys University is a nonprofit university accredited by WASC. We have been in continuous service to the Central Valley community since 1896 We offer certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, teaching credential, and juris doctor degree programs.

Getting to the Root of it

PLANT A ROOT VEGETABLE GARDEN IN OCTOBER

 BY MEGAN MEINTASIS

The month of October draws many of us outdoors in the valley. It is the month to go fresh apple picking, wander through a pumpkin patch, conquer a corn maze, and ultimately just enjoy the beautiful cooler weather. But did you know that October is also the perfect time to plant a root vegetable garden? Carrots, radishes, onions, garlic, beets, and turnips are all cool season crops that can be planted now. In fact, they much prefer the cooler soil this time of year brings.

Imagine having fresh garden grown garlic, onion, and carrots to season your fall pot roasts with— sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? There truly is no comparison to the flavor and gratification that comes from growing your own food. And the best part is, many of these crops, like onion and garlic, store really well and can be used for several months.

WHEN TO PICK PUMPKINS:

OCTOBER GARDENING TASKS

Clean and properly store garden tools where they are protected from moisture

Plant root vegetables like carrots, onion, and garlic

Check plants for signs of overwatering and adjust irrigation as needed

Harvest pumpkins

Let summer blooms, like zinnia and cosmos, go to seed

Few things are more nostalgic than picking pumpkins from a patch in October. Whether you’ve taken the time to grow them yourself, or get to enjoy them at a local patch, pumpkin picking is always something to look forward to. If figuring out when your prize pumpkin is ripe and ready to pick happens to fall on you, there are a few ways to recognize the perfect pumpkin picking point. First and foremost is color. A pumpkin that is ready to be harvested will be fully colored. They only ripen and change color when growing. Second is firmness. If you can pierce the pumpkin with your fingernail or it creates an indentation, the pumpkin is not ready. If it is picked at this point, it will shrivel in a matter of days. Pick your pumpkin at the right time and it should last two to three months in cool indoor storage.

Celebrate Stockton Indigenous People Day

OCTOBER 11 MARKS

THE SECOND ANNUAL CELEBRATION

 BY SARAH STEFFENS

Stockton is one of the country’s largest Urban Native Communities in the nation. It was named America’s most diverse city in the 2020 U.S. News & World Report.

To help spread awareness of this, Stockton officially designated October 11 as Stockton Indigenous People Day in 2021. This year marks the city’s second celebration of Stockton’s diversity and beauty.

Learning about our land’s rich indigenous people history helps this community be seen and appreciated and solidifies their significance to this very day. It grows a sense of pride in Native American heritage and increases the entire community’s connection with one another. As a part of a larger movement to honor and celebrate people who have been on this land since time immemorable, and to prevent and stop Indigenous people erasure, a problem that has led indigenous people to feel lost and forgotten, even in their own communities, this special holiday is an opportunity to reconnect with the past, remember Native American culture through its art, literature, and food, and to move forward together as a community.

Destiny Rivas, chair of the Stockton Native Collective and the San Joaquin Urban Native Council, shares about a heartfelt incentive on educating the community on native culture.

“Among Native Americans, 40 percent of those who die by suicide are between the

ages of 15 and 24,” Destiny says.

“Among young adults ages 18 to 24, Native Americans have higher rates of suicide than any other ethnicity, and it is higher than the general population combined. Research shows that by building a community that acknowledges not only that Native Americans still exist but also their contributions to society, we can combat these suicide statistics.”

According to Rivas, these statistics were “a major reason behind my advocating for Stockton Indigenous Peoples Day. It could literally save a life.”

Those who want more information about Stockton Indigenous Peoples Day, and to learn how to get involved in local Native American events and annual powwows, can get in touch with the SUSD Native American Indian Center and San Joaquin Urban Native Council.

Tickets are presale only & cannot be purchased at the event. Ticket sales end October 12th at 12:00am PST. operationdezstrong.org/bokisch-event or scan this QR Code.

STAYCATION, ALL WE EVER WANTED

LODI FAIRFIELD INN IS YOUR STAYCATION DESTINATION

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Sometimes a weekend away doesn’t mean you have to go far. With over 100 wineries, a bustling downtown with unique shops and restaurants, along with plenty of family fun throughout the city, Lodi is one of San Joaquin County’s premier destinations.

Fairfield Inn by Marriott opened its Lodi location in June 2020. As tourism returned to the valley, the hotel gained popularity with families and business travelers alike. Located directly off Highway 99, the hotel is strategically located within the amenity rich Reynolds Ranch shopping center. “The proximity to Costco and the surrounding developments attracted us to this location,” says Melissa Martinez, the property’s General Manager. “We felt this was a perfect location to provide a one-stop shop for everything you need while traveling.”

The property sits just a few miles from Lodi Lake, where water sports, events, and picnics run all summer long. The hotel is also less than

LODI HOSPITALITY

BY THE NUMBERS

Average nightly cost for a standard room

Total number of rooms

165

The number of people accommodated in the Mokelumne event space

a ½-mile from local wineries, and less than two miles from Micke Grove Park, which offers a pristine golf course, along with educational exhibits and other family friendly activities all year-round.

Beyond its location, the Lodi Fairfield Inn offers a diverse array of valuable amenities, including free hot breakfast, outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, guest laundry facility, free Wi-Fi, and free parking on property. “My favorite part of the hotel are the beautiful indoor and outdoor event spaces available for rent, which are perfect for weddings, conferences, fundraisers, baby showers, board meetings and the like,” says Melissa.

With business thriving, the hotel’s managing firm is currently developing an 83 room Residence Inn by Marriott directly next door. The extended-stay brand offers a complete “home away from home” experience, offering in-room kitchens, expansive living space, as well as an unrivaled Marriott guest experience.

The number of people accommodated in the Vista outdoor patio space

22

The number of people accommodated in the Board Room meeting space

HOSPITALITY 262 Rocky Ln., Lodi (209) 268-7500

SPOTLIGHT

A MEETING & EVENT SPACE THAT INSPIRES

With a multitude of gathering spaces both indoor and outdoor, we are sure to find the right fit for your event. Whether you are closing your next big deal or starting the next chapter of the rest of your life, Lodi Fairfield Inn’s upscale event spaces are the perfect combination of elegance and functionality. Our stunning venues are perfect for weddings of all sizes. We have the capacity to host a seamless event timeline that moves beautifully from ceremony to reception.

Our team provides package options that can accommo date every budget and will coordinate with our vendors to create a memorable event. The tranquil accommoda tions, complimentary breakfast, in house laundry area, pool & spa, and fitness center provides your guests with a unique experience sure to spark inspiration.

The Kitto Family has been cleaning clothes for Stockton since 1916. Pictured is Bert Kitto with two of his delivery vehicles. Jeff Kitto continues the legacy of cleaning clothes for Stockton.

Country Club Blvd. Stockton 209-464-2181

W. March Ln. Stockton 209-472-0281

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY THIS MONTH

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

OCTOBER 2, 8 AM-4 PM

Lodi Street

Faire

Downtown Lodi closes off 14 square blocks to host its twice-annual street faire. Featuring more than 450 vendors, guests can shop till they drop while also experiencing the area’s cuisine with food, dessert, and drink options available throughout. For the October event, there is also a pumpkin patch pop-up on Walnut Street and a Vintage Car Alley on Pine Street.

OCTOBER 1-2, 10 AM-6 PM

Manteca Pumpkin Fair

The first weekend in October, Manteca hosts its annual Pumpkin Fair. This family-friendly event is presented by the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis and features an entire weekend of fun, including food, vendors, a kid zone, stage entertainment, and a beer garden for the adults. Come down for the tractor show and car show and don’t forget to participate in pie-eating contests, a corn hole tournament, and more. Downtown Manteca

OCTOBER 29, 1-5 PM

Lodi Hops & Goblins

Beerfest

Choose between general admission or a VIP ticket for this Halloween-appropriate, beer-centric event. F&M Bank is sponsoring a day of beer tasting, food, music, and games with a particularly ghoulish theme, held at the Ole Mettler Pavilion. Those who purchase VIP tickets get an extra hour of tasting. 413 E. Lockeford St., Lodi

FARM-FRIENDLY San Joaquin Tractor Fest

OCTOBER 15, 9 AM-2 PM

The San Joaquin County Historical Museum is hosting its second annual Tractor Fest. Tractors from all over the region in a variety of sizes are brought in for the event, which includes a tractor parade, kid-friendly activities, local food trucks, and more. The event is free for members and the museum is open for viewing. 11793 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi

THE NITTY GRITTY BAND AT BOB HOPE THEATRE

OCTOBER 6, 7-9 PM

Fans of grass roots music will enjoy a night with The Nitty Gritty Band at Bob Hope Theatre. 242 E. Main St., Stockton

SPORT CITY GOLF TOURNEY

OCTOBER 14

Play in the first ever Sport City Golf Tourney, presented by The Stockton Sports Foundation and Visit Stockton at The Reserve at Spanos Park. 6301 W. Eight Mile Rd., Stockton

PACIFIC HOMECOMING & PARENT & FAMILY WEEKEND

OCTOBER 14-16

This annual alumni celebration welcomes students, their families, and the community to celebrate homecoming at University of the Pacific with events, classes, dinners, and more. 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton

NATIONAL FARMER’S DAY AT THE WOW MUSEUM

OCTOBER 15, 10 AM-4 PM

The museum teams up with the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation for a free family event that aims to thank farmers for all

that they do while also educating the community on agriculture and basic farming practices. 2 N. Sacramento St., Lodi

STOCKTON WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

OCTOBER 15, 8-10 AM

Support Alzheimer’s research and education by participating in the Stockton leg of the annual Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's at Swenson Park Golf Course. 6803 Alexandria Pl., Stockton

STOCKTON CRUISE NIGHT

OCTOBER 20, 6-8 PM

Come enjoy old and cool cars at the Miracle Mile or take a step back in time and cruise your own vehicle down the street like back in the day. 2301 Pacific Ave., Stockton

FRIENDS OF THE FOX: THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

OCTOBER 16, 1-5 PM

As part of an ongoing series, The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) will play at the Bob Hope Theatre, proceeded by a live concert performed by Dave Moreno at the “Mighty” Morton organ. 242 E. Main St., Stockton

MONSTER MASH HALLOWEEN BASH 2022

OCTOBER 29, 10 AM-4 PM

Bring the kids and enjoy a day at Pixie Woods. Tickets include rides, giveaways, and entertainment. 3121 Monte Diablo, Stockton

LOL EXPLOSION WITH MICHAEL BLACKSON

OCTOBER 29, 6:30-8:30 PM

Get ready to laugh! A gaggle of comedians are teaming up to entertain at this one-night only event, held at The Bob Hope Theatre. 242 E. Main St., Stockton

CULTURE

Dia De Los Muertos Street Fiesta

October 29, 11 AM-5 PM

The Mexican Heritage Center is behind this Day of the Dead celebration. The fiesta will have locally built altars on display, handmade to honor family members who have passed. During the Fiesta, four blocks off of Sutter Street will be closed to accommodate mariachi bands, dance groups, classic cars, dancers, street art, face painting, food and cultural vendors, kid-friendly activities, and more. 111 S. Sutter St., Stockton

QUESTION

Expert answers to common women's health questions



BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

WHAT IS A GOOD AGE FOR A WOMAN’S FIRST VISIT TO AN OB/GYN AND WHAT CAN SHE EXPECT?

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends initiating gynecologic visits between the ages of 13 and 15. “A patient’s first visit is just a talk between the patient and a doctor to build up a relationship,” says Dr. Bhagya Nakka, an OB/GYN at St Joseph’s Medical Center.

As most young girls are already menstruating by this age group, this is the ideal time to discuss menstrual cycles and evaluate for any abnormalities that might require further work-up or intervention. Girls might not be sexually active at this age, but they are usually beginning to be sexually aware. “It is an ideal time to begin the discussion about healthy sexual behavior and disease prevention,” says Dr. Gail Joseph, OB/GYN at Doctors Hospital of Manteca. “It is also an ideal time to begin discussions [that] help to cultivate ‘body positivity’ and the idea of healthy body image, which can go a long way towards promoting mental health in today’s very image conscious society.”

At the first appointment, girls can expect to answer basic questions about their health and learn what to expect for future visits. There may also be a physical exam and those who are sexually active may be tested for STIs. “Most of the tests, for teens, they can be done by urine sample,” Dr. Nakka says.

The "mommy makeover" has become a very common term in the vernacular these days thanks to the Hollywood elite and social media influencers who aim to project that image of perfection, even in the postchildbearing years. “A mommy makeover is not a one size fits all procedure,” Dr. Nakka says. “Instead, this is a surgery that must be customized to patients' individual needs, lifestyle, and anatomy.”

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the “mommy makeover” is a combination of procedures, all done at the same time, and which usually include a breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, tummy tuck, liposuction, and/ or a circumferential abdominoplasty. Tailored to the patient's individual goals, they may also include a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), brachioplasty (or arm lift), thigh lift, labiaplasty, and other vaginal rejuvenation procedures. “The decision to have such a procedure is highly personal and is usually centered around a woman's perception of the changes her body has gone through as a result of childbearing and breastfeeding,” says Dr. Joseph.

Pregnancy often involves a significant amount of weight gain, which can occur rapidly for some women. During this time, the skin on the abdomen stretches to accommodate a growing uterus. Subsequent to delivery, the skin does not always regain its prepregnancy tautness. This can result in noticeably loose and sagging skin on various areas of a woman's body. Breasts also increase in size while lactating. Stretching of the skin occurs to accommodate this increase in volume. Once breast-feeding has been discontinued, breasts can often appear to sag due to this reduction in the elasticity of the skin on the breasts.

Labor and parturition often involve weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and can result in laxity of the vaginal canal, which is most often noticeable during intercourse. The tissue of the labia can also undergo some changes during pregnancy due to significantly increased blood flow and hormones. The skin on the labia will often appear excessive or redundant post childbearing.

“Several factors influence who can or should have a mommy makeover,” says Dr. Joseph. “These procedures can be costly but, because they are elective, they are not covered by insurance.” Patients who opt to have these procedures will also need to have a good family and social support system in place as the recovery can take several weeks, during which time the patient

will likely require assistance with basic duties around the house, with childcare, and with transportation. For some patients, there is a significant amount of pain involved and there might be a prolonged need for pain medication. Also, swelling that occurs postoperatively can last for months, therefore calling into question the patient's perception of the results or success of her procedure.

These extensive surgical procedures are, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, not ideal for patients who smoke. Also, due to increased risk of infection and poor healing, moms who are obese (BMI of 30 or higher), diabetic, or might have underlying health conditions, will need to discuss this decision with their primary care

physician as well as their plastic surgeon to decide if they are a good candidate for this kind of surgery. As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of long-term scarring, pain, and disfigurement.

The ideal candidate for a mommy makeover is a healthy non-smoker who has completed her childbearing, has thoroughly researched a board-certified physician, has the financial resources to afford the procedures, has the family and social network in place to assist her postprocedure, has weighed the pros and cons of these surgeries, is absolutely certain of her decision, and who leans toward the healthy lifestyle habit required to maintain successful outcomes.

*WHAT IS A ‘MOMMY MAKEOVER’ AND IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?

Once a woman has entered the climacteric state, also known as having gone through menopause, her visits to the gynecologist should not cease. It is still recommended that she have a yearly visit with the OB/GYN for a complete breast and pelvic exam. These visits will likely include a discussion of routine maintenance studies in this age group such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and bone density testing.

“In my practice, discussions at these visits are often dominated by discussion of menopause symptoms and the options available for managing them,” says Dr. Joseph. “Women in this age group often struggle with pelvic floor disorders and/ or incontinence, which can be difficult topics to discuss.” Some women in their menopause years experience changes to their sexual appetite and ability to enjoy intercourse. These subjects are often taboo and, as such, might go undiagnosed and untreated for quite a long time.

Pap smear screening is currently not recommended beyond age 65 in women who do not have a history of severe cervical dysplasia or cancer. Breast health maintenance includes a yearly clinical breast exam, annual mammogram, and self-breast exams (SBE)

Once women get into their climacteric phase, they often neglect to perform SBEs, and so a visit to the gynecologist is a great opportunity to get reeducated about SBE techniques, and on the importance of the SBE as a part of the breast health triad.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD A WOMAN BE TESTED FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDS)?

The US Preventive Services Taskforce as well as the CDC consensus guidelines recommend that women ages 24 and younger be screened frequently for gonorrhea and chlamydia. This includes a clinical assessment of sexual practices and risk factors.

Women ages 25 and older with risk factors such as having a previous sexually transmitted infection (STI), having multiple partners, having a partner with concurrent partners or a partner who has an STI, and women who exchange sex for resources, should be screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia yearly, or whenever they have had unprotected sex with a new partner. “If you have more than one partner or do not practice safe sex using condoms, women should be tested every three to six months,” according to Dr. Nakka.

“HIV testing is recommended at least once from ages 13 to 64, but ideally should be performed anytime there is concern for exposure,” says Dr. Joseph.

It is recommended that pregnant women be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis

C early in pregnancy. Those at higher risk for infection should be rescreened in the third trimester. Generally, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis are rechecked at this point in the pregnancy.

HOW COME PAP SMEARS ARE NOT DONE ANNUALLY ANYMORE, AND DOESN’T THAT PLACE ME AT HIGHER RISK FOR NOT HAVING POTENTIAL CERVICAL CANCER CAUGHT AS QUICKLY?

In 2001, the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology joined forces with several other professional societies to put forth guidelines pertaining to screening for and management of cervical pathology. These guidelines would be updated in the coming decades.

Over time, there has been a move from yearly cervical cancer screening to age-related interval screening guidelines. This move came after increased access to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

vaccine and its contribution to reducing the prevalence of cervical pathology in high-risk populations as well as the improved efficiency of the exam in detecting HPV.

“If the virus is not detected, the patient can extend the duration between her Pap smears,” Dr. Nakka says. “If the virus is present, they need further testing to detect precancerous cells on the woman's cervix.”

In healthy, non-smoking women who are low risk for exposure to new strains, the progression from a normal cervix to cancer does take quite a bit of time. “The belief is that, as long as women are being seen yearly for an annual pelvic exam by the gynecologist, the likelihood of missing cervical pathology is significantly reduced,” explains Dr. Joseph.

NOW THAT I’VE GONE THROUGH MENOPAUSE, HOW ARE VISITS TO THE OB/GYN DIFFERENT?

REDUCE EVERYDAY STRESS

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

The health of our hearts is intricately bound to the health of our minds.

Research has shown that individuals who experience chronic stress may experience inflammation in their arteries, plaque buildup, and other risk factors that contribute to heart disease and heart attacks. This makes stress management an important part of reducing heart disease risk.

There are a lot of methods for reducing stress in your life including meditating, therapy, and making life changes. Many of these remedies take time. Exercise, however, can begin today and greatly reduces stress—physical, emotional, and mental.

Exercise produces endorphins. These endorphins not only increase our moods, which helps to reduce stress, but also lead to better sleep, which is another surefire way to feel better day in and day out. As an added bonus, exercise also leads to

better overall physical health including weight loss, lower cholesterol, and less ailments such as diabetes—all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.

Dr. Ramin Manshadi explores the link between exercise and heart health in his book The Wisdom of Exercise Health: Feel Better Than Ever While Protecting Yourself Against A Wide Range of Illnesses. As a practicing sport cardiologist, interventional cardiologist, and the founder and president of Manshadi Heart Institute, Inc., Dr. Manshadi is an expert in the field of heart health.

His recommendations are to start small. If you haven’t exercised in a long time, it may be necessary to consult a physician before starting a new routine to ensure you don’t overdo it. When you’re ready, commit to 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per day (something that gets

your heart pumping). Your first exercises may be simply walking or lightly jogging. Then, work your way up to a run or a bike ride. Even activities such as weight lifting are good for the heart.

In addition to science, Dr. Manshadi’s book is steeped in personal experience, making it an accessible and relatable read for the average consumer. And as an added bonus, all of the proceeds from Dr. Manshadi’s book go to purchasing AEDS, or automated external defibrillators, devices used to assist those who go into sudden cardiac arrest

2633 Pacific Ave., Ste. 1, Stockton (209) 944-5530

1210 W. Tokay St., Lodi (209) 370-3580 DrManshadi.com

MANSHADI HEART INSTITUTE

SPECIAL

DETECT BREAST CANCER EARLY

 BY ANGELA RUDOLPH

About one in every eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime, according to BreastCancer.org. “Detecting breast cancer early is among the most important strategies for preventing deaths from breast cancer,” says Navy Kim, RN, BSN, breast health coordinator at Doctors Hospital of Manteca. Be diligent about early detection. Start looking for warning signs consistently by getting scans, use advanced technology for your mammogram, and advocate for yourself.

Your health history matters when determining when to start getting

consistent scans for breast cancer. For individuals without a genetic predisposition or family history of breast cancer, annual mammograms are recommended generally beginning at age 40. If an individual does have a history, making them at high risk, they should talk with their physician about potentially starting screenings earlier. Women alone are not susceptible to breast cancer. Men who have gynecomastia (enlargement of the breast due to hormone imbalance) are also at risk. “My recommendation is that men who have gynecomastia begin getting scans about ten years before their first known male family

member’s age of diagnosis of breast cancer, or at the age of 50. I advise men to seek help when they feel any bumps, lumps, or pain in their breast,” advises Kim.

State-of-the-art equipment matters. Doctors Hospital of Manteca offers 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) for breast cancer screening. Compared to 2D scanning alone, 3D mammography can detect up to 65% more invasive breast cancer and reduce recalls by up to 40%.

3D mammography with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) offers exceptionally sharp breast images and an advanced design providing more patient comfort. The tomosynthesis platform is designed to deliver superior screening and diagnostic performance for all breast types. It produces a three-dimensional view of the breast tissue that helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.

The most important takeaway to remember is early detection is the best strategy. “When the cancer is small and has not spread, treatments have a better success rate,” says Kim. Advocate for yourself. You’ll need a physician’s order to get a scan, so talk to your physician early and often about breast cancer and any concerns you may have. Being proactive could make a world of difference.

1205 E. North St., Manteca (209) 823-3111

DoctorsManteca.com

DOCTORS HOSPITAL

Make time for your mammogram.

Early detection can save your life. An annual mammogram can find cancer up to three years before symptoms appear, making it easier to treat. Doctors Hospital of Manteca is an American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Center of Excellence and offers:

■ 3D Digital Screening and Diagnostic Mammography

■ Breast Ultrasound

■ Breast MRI

■ Breast Stereotactic Biopsy

We also offer bone density (DEXA) scans. Please don’t delay.

Extended hours for Mammo Mondays in October: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. DoctorsManteca.com /mammograms

SPECIAL

GET BRACES ON A BUDGET

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

The average cost of orthodontic treatment, including braces, offers a wide range, from about $3,000 to $8,000. The majority of families will end up spending between $5,0006,000, according to the American Dental Association. The large price gap exists because braces treatments vary from mouth to mouth. Some patients will need two rounds of braces or will need braces for a longer period of time. Adult braces often come with extra costs including extractions and implants. The end result, regardless, is a big investment.

So how will you pay for those dental adornments? Braces are necessary for most people in large part because straight teeth don’t just offer confidence, they also lend themselves to a healthier mouth, one with less hard-to-reach places that can cause plaque buildup and gingivitis.

For many, finding the right orthodontist

is the first step. You of course want to go to an office that feels safe and comfortable with staff that puts your fears—including those rooted in finances—at ease.

“We have some of the most competitive pricing in this area and also offer really flexible in-house payment options,” says Dr. Mickey Samra, DDS, owner of Samra Orthodontics. “We don’t nickel and dime people if it takes longer to complete the work than originally anticipated and there is no additional charge for any additional appliances or retainers that are needed.”

Those services are available for both adult and childhood patients, and not paying for extra equipment is a big plus when it comes to orthodontics.

Understanding your options is another way to save big. Not all braces are created equal. Choose between systems such as Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, metal braces, and ceramic braces. Each has its own

benefits and some systems may work better for specific scenarios. There is, of course, a price difference between options, too.

Samra also offers a free braces program for kids in need, offering straighter smiles and more confidence to patients who may not otherwise be able to afford care. “We don’t see our patients as packets of papers, cases to be solved, and money to be made,” Dr.

Samra says. “Our goal is to make you comfortable, ensure you’re heard, and outfit ourselves for your needs.”

SAMRA ORTHODONTICS

1110 W. Robinhood Dr., Stockton 1700 McHenry Ave. #16-B, Modesto (209) 478-4666

LiveSmileLaugh.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL

CHOOSE THE MEDICARE PART D PLAN THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

 BY FAITH LEWIS

As your patient profile evolves, your Medicare Part D coverage should, too. And even if your prescriptions haven’t changed recently, your drug coverage by your plan might have, so it’s a good idea to review coverage on a yearly basis. “A lot of seniors don’t realize that their Medicare Part D plan for this year may not be the best plan for them next year,” says Hammer Lane Pharmacy’s Amir Khan. “Definitely shop the various plans every year to avoid paying more next year". Luckily, annual open enrollment gives seniors the chance to ensure their coverage is up to date and tailored to their needs every October 15 to December 7.

WHAT IS MEDICARE PART D?

Medicare Part D is the Medicare coverage that covers prescription medications. It is especially important for patients with long-term and ongoing medication regimens. Each Medicare Part D plan covers a different “formulary” (a set selection of prescription drugs)

Within each formulary, medications are organized into tiers based on the cost. Dr. Khan, believes this is an important time to potentially save money and choose a better pharmacy. “This is an opportunity for patients to opt out of pharmacies that provide bad service or have long waits and choose a more personalized approach like we offer at Hammer Lane Pharmacy,” he says.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PLAN?

When preparing to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan, be sure to have a list of all the medications you are currently taking or anticipate taking in the coming year. In situations where brand name medications are not covered, a generic form could work instead. Make sure you understand what tier your medication is in and how much you can anticipate paying. The best place to get started is Medicare.gov. From there, you can type in your medications

and add in your pharmacy of choice. The search engine will populate the various plans starting with the least expensive plans at top and most expensive plans at the bottom.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A MEDICARE TYPE D PLAN?

Register online (Medicare.gov) or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. The website or representative can help explain the plans that could work for you. If you still have questions, make an appointment with Dr. Khan on the weekends in October. He sets that time aside to help his patients.

HAMMER LANE PHARMACY

2339 W. Hammer Ln., Stockton (209) 477-7100

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

MAKE YOUR HEALTH A PRIORITY

 BY BRIDGET NORMAN-MALME, MD ASSISTANT CHIEF, DEPT OF WOMEN’S HEALTH, KAISER PERMANENTE CENTRAL VALLEY

It’s often hard for women to prioritize their health. Between the demands of jobs, families, and hectic schedules, many women often put their own needs last on the list

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few basic steps, you can prioritize your health:

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Knowing your numbers, cholesterol, triglyceride, blood pressure, etc., is an important part of keeping your heart healthy. It can help you and your doctor know your risks and mark the progress you're making toward a healthier you.

Your ideal numbers are specific to your own body and health needs, so it’s important to speak with your doctor regularly to determine where you should be and how to get there safely.

SCREENINGS

Staying up to date on regular screenings is critical to the prevention of various cancers, or early diagnosis and treatment.

Cervical cancer screening is recommended between ages 21 to 65 years old. You can also consider getting the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer.

For breast cancer, mammograms are typically recommended at age 40. Colon cancer screening typically begins at age 45 and can often be done with a simple test in

the privacy of your home.

Screening age and frequency may depend on your risk factors, so it’s important to discuss your options with your doctor.

JUST KEEP MOVING

Make movement a part of your daily routine. Exercise, go for walks with your friends or partner, try standing while you work and take breaks.

NUTRITION

A balanced diet that includes more plant-based foods, fiber, protein, and drinking plenty of water, can go a long way toward getting and keeping your overall health on track.

Good health is key to living your best life. Stay current on your health screenings, take care of your heart, follow your doctor’s advice, and make your health a priority.

KAISER PERMANENTE (877) 852-5081 KaiserPermanente.org

When skill, expertise, and compassion matter most, we bring our best teams together to help turn your health around. That means quicker diagnoses, more efficient treatment, and most importantly, better outcomes.

MAINTAIN LIFELONG EYE HEALTH

BY FAITH LEWIS

What’s your favorite childhood memory? Think about the impact each of your five senses had on that moment. Maybe you recall the smell of freshly baked cookies or the sound of the ocean, but chances are what stands out most about that moment are the things that you saw.

Our ability to see the world around us dictates our ability to interact with it. The way we learn, communicate, work, and go about our daily lives are dependent upon having healthy eyes and clear vision. Yet, somehow eye health is often overlooked and changes in vision go unaddressed throughout life.

Fortunately, many eye conditions are preventable or treatable, starting at a young age. At Zeiter Eye Medical Group, routine eye care ensures any vision changes are addressed and developing eye conditions can be caught

early. “Children should have a vision screening by age four, even if the child has no complaints,” says Dr. John Zeiter, the managing physician at Zeiter Eye Medical Group. “Young adults should be checked every year if they wear glasses or contacts and adults over 40 should be seen by their eye doctor at least every two years to check for glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal problems.”

As Dr. Zeiter mentioned, vision problems can start early and often have no obvious symptoms. In fact, vision problems are growing among preschool-aged children, a trend that

is only expected to continue. Luckily, the most common problems can be corrected with glasses and can help head off any vision-related learning problems.

Eyesight will continue to change through puberty and teen years, stabilizing in the mid- to late-twenties. But eyes naturally start to change again with age, particularly between 40 and 50. For most people this just means reading glasses, but more serious conditions can develop with age, even if you’ve had great vision all your life.

Some eye problems that appear later in life can run in families, such as glaucoma, a degenerative condition where pressure on the optic nerve results in vision loss. Other conditions are complications of existing health problems, like diabetic retinopathy where perpetually high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels at the back of the eye, leading to vision loss. While neither of these conditions can be cured or the damage reversed, they are manageable if caught early by your eye doctor

TRANSITION INTO PARENTHOOD

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Becoming a new parent isn’t easy. After leaving the hospital, many feel overwhelmed by their new list of responsibilities. Having a new human life to care for can be a daunting task, but you don’t have to go it alone.

At San Joaquin General Hospital (SJGH), maternity education programs don’t stop the day the baby is born. Instead, programs extend from childbirth to caring for yourself and your baby after birth. One program in particular is its Safe Sleep education to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The hospital’s maternity department is Safe Sleep certified by the Cribs For Kids and SJGH was among 400 hospitals recognized nationally for exceptional maternity education and follow-through.

Another aspect of the programs include face-to-face lactation support in both English and Spanish. Many will struggle with breast feeding, a task that many tout

as easy and natural but can be anything but. Efforts to teach both mother and baby how to feed, how to recognize hunger signals, and how to track baby’s nutrition while also caring for yourself, are all key to the program’s success—one that resulted in SJGH being recognized internationally as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility, and one of only 344 hospitals in the United States to don the same recognition. The program even includes a bilingual component, aimed at helping local Spanish speaking mothers, and mothers-to-be, learn the importance of breastfeeding.

There are also workshops for learning how to properly install a car seat or booster seat, or to have your equipment checked for safety, as well as a Maternity Orientation and Tour that covers everything from your birth plan to postpartum care.

For babies that need extra, SJGH’s

state-of-the-art Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit serves those with a wide range of health concerns, combining technology with a family centered approach. “Specialized NICU teams and departments combined with technology bring opportunities for new information that leads to better management and care of our patients”, says Jackie Bagatta, SJGH’s deputy director of patient care services. “With the recent expansion, we can accommodate for infectious control while improving the health of our babies and continuing to provide compassionate care for families.”

W. Hospital Rd., French Camp (209) 468-6000

SanJoaquinGeneral.org/Maternity-Service

SAN JOAQUIN GENERAL HOSPITAL

EASE YOUR NERVES WHEN VISITING THE DENTIST

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Does going to the dentist give you anxiety? Would you rather do just about anything other than get a root canal? Dentophobia is the extreme fear of going to the dentist and affects about 3 percent of the population. However, a less severe fear of dental treatment affects about 36 percent of people in the U.S., with 12 percent admitting to extreme dental anxiety, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine.

The origins of dentophobia or more routine dental anxiety typically result from three main causes. 1) Previous unpleasant or painful experience; 2) stories told by others; and 3) dental neglect.

One of the easiest ways to quell dental fear is to come to the dentist for routine checkups and appointments. “Going to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings allows patients

to get comfortable [with] less invasive procedures and will hopefully prevent them from experiencing more traumatic dental pain in the future,” says Pankaj Patel, medical director at Salida Surgery Center. Routine dental care not only helps prevent the need for surgical intervention and more intensive procedures, but it also shows many patients (including both adults and children) that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary.

To get patients comfortable, dentists spend time answering questions, including explaining the treatment process to erase fear of the unknown. While people of all ages can experience dental anxiety, children may require extra attention to help them feel comfortable.

When surgical intervention is needed, general anesthesia may be used. “We explain to parents that this surgical

procedure allows their children to receive all the dental care they require without the trauma often associated with getting extensive dental work done,” Pankaj says. “We specialize in surgical dental procedures and have successfully treated thousands of children.”

For parents of kids with dental anxiety, listening to their concerns and explaining what to expect calmly can help. Dentists at Salida Surgery Center do the same to ease patient concerns and use the necessary medication to ensure extensive dental needs don’t lead to dentophobia.

SALIDA SURGERY CENTER

5712 Pirrone Rd., Salida (209) 543-9299 SalidaSurgeryCenter.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

PREPARE YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE FOR TREATMENT

 BY KELLIE RYAN

As you or a loved one prepare for cancer treatment, it is important to know there is a team of experts by your side to help guide you through the process.

Your cancer care team will include nationally certified radiation therapists, a certified dosimetrist, a physicist, oncology nurses, and board-certified doctors, all working together to design a highly specialized treatment plan. Cancer Patient Navigators are also here to help answer questions, develop a personalized plan of action, and connect you to additional resources, information, and support.

In San Joaquin County, Tumor Boards are regularly

held, when physicians from different specialties and aspects involved discuss cases together to come up with the best possible diagnosis and treatment plan.

Through the multidisciplinary approach with diagnoses and treatment strategies for cancer patients in the community, patients receive immediate access to state-ofthe-art technology. “The thing that sets us apart is the academic-quality

of oncology practice, with a community feel,” says Dr. Gauravjit Singh, MD, who works in radiation oncology at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Through precise radiation therapy and precision oncology, your care team is able to target your treatment with little collateral damage. With recent advancements in technology, radiology now has less side effects and less impact to the patient due to this precision therapy.

“It is not just about the treatment, but everything that affects your treatment–nutrition, social work, a support group,” says Art Hill, cancer center director at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. The navigators follow the patients before, during, and after the treatment to ensure they get the resources that they need. The St. Joseph’s Cancer Center offers a holistic approach to treatment, providing nutritional services, social services, and nurse navigation to help facilitate healing of the mind, body, and soul.

Cancer Patient Navigators (844) 217-0132

DignityHealth.org/Stockton/CancerCare

ST. JOSEPH’S MEDICAL CENTER

The right specialists for your cancer journey.

Hearing the words “you have cancer” can be overwhelming. At St. Joseph’s Cancer Institute, our patient navigators can answer questions, explain treatment options, and help guide you through your cancer journey. St. Joseph’s is the only accredited cancer center and NAPBC® accredited breast center in San Joaquin County. With certified oncology specialists, state of-the-art technology, and comprehensive support services, you can be assured St. Joseph's is the right place for care

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/stockton/cancercare.

Todd A. Franklin, DDS | Cosmetic & Comprehensive | Dentistry for your entire family

Dr. Todd Franklin and his talented teams are ready to show you why your next dental experience will exceed your expectations. “We understand the importance of a healthy, attractive smile and have dedicated ourselves to help make that a reality for every one of our patients. We want our patients to feel and look confident and youthful,” he says. This dedication has rewarded them with the “Best of Lodi” and “Best of San Joaquin” for the past 14 years.

Dr. Franklin is the premier cosmetic, implant, and reconstructive dentist in the Central Valley. He has his Mastership in Cosmetic Dentistry from the world-renowned Aesthetic Advantage in New York City. He is a Fellow in the International Dental Implant Association. As the Founder & Program Director for the Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco, Orange County, Chicago, Denver, and New York City, he trains other dentists nationally and internationally on cosmetics and comprehensive care. Dr. Franklin is the past program director and senior clinical instructor for the California Center for Advanced Dental Studies in San Francisco. As the director of the San Joaquin & Sacramento Pacific Aesthetic Club, he mentors dentists all throughout the Central Valley and the Bay Area.

Dr. Franklin has been practicing for almost 30 years with locations in Lodi and Stockton. Whether you need preventive care or a complete comprehensive consultation, Dr. Franklin and his teams have the skill and care you need for your entire family.

HOPE DENTAL AT THE FOUNTAINS, 1208 West Tokay St. 3031 W. March Ln #118, Lodi, CA, Stockton, CA (209) 334-4370, (209) 957-5885 ToddFranklinDDS.com. HopeDentalCA.com

Pankaj K. Patel, DMD

Shailesh K. Patel, DDS

In 1998 while helping establish the Central California Dental Surgery Center in Atwater, California, Dr. Pankaj Patel had been building his private practice and found a desperate need for pediatric dental surgery centers in the Central Valley. With profound ambition, Dr. Pankaj Patel started developing and building Salida Surgery Center in 2004. This led to eventually opening the doors in 2005 with his business partner and brother Dr. Shailesh Patel, whom already had over 13 years of successful dental offices in the Los Angeles area. Together over the last 17 years, they have taken a hand in caring for over 35,000 pediatric patients in the Central Valley alone.

Their family-owned pediatric dental surgery center provides full mouth dental restoration for children ranging from 1 ½ years old up to 12 years old. Salida Surgery Center is reliant on a tightknit referral network with local Dental offices throughout California. With the facility being easily accessible off of highway 99, it makes Salida Surgery Center an ideal care center for patients coming from long distances. Salida Surgery Center provides the pediatric community with safe and ethical dental treatment under general anesthesia with their professional team of Dentists, Dental Anesthesiologists, Registered Nurses, and Dental Assistants.

SALIDA SURGERY CENTER

5712 Pirrone Road Salida CA 95368 209-543-9299

www.salidasurgerycenter.com

Salida Surgery Center- A Family Owned and Operated Pediatric Dental Surgery Center

Manjeet Samra, DDS | Orthodontics

At Samra Orthodontics, we truly believe our purpose is to make sure you live, smile, and laugh every single day – we just happen to straighten teeth. We use top-notch technology including digital impressions for Invisalign or Braces to help craft your perfect smile. No matter the treatment option you choose, rest assured we will always treat you with kindness, respect, and excitement. Come visit us and see for yourself.

1110 W Robinhood Dr., Stockton (209) 478-4666

LiveSmileLaugh.com

Golden State Dermatology

Golden State Dermatology is proud to have three locations serving the San Joaquin Community: Lodi, Manteca, and Tracy. Across these clinics, we have four board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Christian Jones, Dr. Mariam Amin, Dr. Minh Dang, and Dr. Abdallah Khourdaji. Dr. Dang and Dr. Khourdaji also specialize in Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer.

Our group, Golden State Dermatology, is a leader in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with multiple locations in the Central Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. GSD offers state-of-the-art treatments for everything from acne to skin cancer treatments, as well as popular cosmetic services including Fraxel, BOTOX® and fillers, laser hair and tattoo removal, esthetician services, prescription-grade skin care products, and much more.

Our physicians also want to remind everyone to have any skin changes checked and a full, skin cancer screening by a board-certified dermatologist at least once a year.

LODI

801 South Ham Ln., Ste. A Lodi, CA 95242 209.787.3074

MANTECA

200 Cottage Ave., Ste. 201 Manteca, CA 95336 209.353.9810

TRACY

632 West 11th St., Ste. 219 Tracy, CA 95376 209.500.4102

LUX Dermatology

The expert dermatology team at LUX Dermatology believes in nourishing the health and look of each person’s skin. At our offices in Stockton and Manteca, the doctors and staff offer medical and cosmetic dermatology services to help people achieve healthy and youthful-looking skin. LUX Dermatology physicians and staff specialize in skin cancer detection and treatment. The practitioners offer annual skin cancer screenings and treatment when they find precancerous actinic keratosis. If a patient has skin cancer, the highly-trained dermatologists apply the latest technology and treatment to assist in recovery. Skin cancer therapies include both Mohs Surgery and Electronic Brachytherapy. Our staff are experts in the treatment of dermatological issues, like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

The practice also has a genuine passion for skin care, offering services like acne care, Botox, and dermal fillers. If you desire a brighter, fresher appearance, the providers at LUX Dermatology are ready to help.

offer an array of services to the residents of the

Hammer Lane Pharmacy

Dr. Amir Khan is a Stockton native and has been serving his community as a pharmacist for over 24 years. Amir is an alumni of the University of the Pacific (UOP), where he received his Doctorate of Pharmacology. Aside from working as a community pharmacist, Amir has served as an adjunct professor with UOP for over 18 years, helping future pharmacists gain experience in the practice of community pharmacy.

To serve the community better, Amir opened Hammer Lane Pharmacy in 2018. It is located next to Sutter Gould in the Food Source Shopping Center. Combined with Amir’s experience, knowledge, expertise and an amazing staff, the entire crew at Hammer Lane Pharmacy provides patients with a genuine caring attitude and superior service. Here, patients feel valued and taken care of.

Hammer Lane Pharmacy has been recognized, for a fourth year in a row, as the Winner of the Best Independent Pharmacy for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 by San Joaquin Magazine. The entire team is very proud and thankful for their award.

The team at Hammer Lane Pharmacy feels what separates them from their competition is personalized service, short wait times, offering curbside pick-up, free local home delivery, being open 7 days a week, accepting all insurances, and having many immunizations to be offered including COVID-19 as well pneumonia, Shingrix, Tdap, flu shots plus all other immunizations in stock and administered in a private room. They also offer compliance packaging and, not to mention, carry many OTC and home healthcare products.

HAMMER LANE PHARMACY

2339 W. Hammer Ln., Suite J., Stockton (209) 477-7100 HammerLanePharmacy.com

Allergy, Immunology & Asthma Medical Group

Allergy, Immunology & Asthma Medical Group is committed to the health and safety of our patients. Therefore, our office continues to practice social distancing and offers virtual doctor appointments to provide the utmost care. Voted the Best Allergist four years in a row and celebrating 48 years of highquality patient care in the Central Valley, Dr. George Bensch, Dr. Gregory Bensch, Dr. Michael Balduzzi, and Dr. Jeffrey Balduzzi continue to deliver the best allergy and immunology care. AIAMG specializes in the evaluation and treatment of environmental, food, drug, insect sting allergies, hay fever, sinus disease, anaphylaxis, chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, and allergic skin conditions such as hives and eczema. We have eight convenient office locations in the Central Valley. Our office staff are eager to help with all your appointment needs. AIAMG accepts all insurance plans. Learn more by visiting our website at AllergyImm.com or call the office at (209) 951-5353.

MEDICAL GROUP

4628 Georgetown Pl., Stockton, (209) 951-5353, AllergyImm.com

HEALTH Professional PROFILESCharles A. Stillman, D.O., F.A.C.R. Radiology

Charles A. Stillman DO is the Owner, CEO, and lead radiologist at Valley MRI & Radiology Inc. Valley MRI specializes in diagnostic medical imaging in the heart of San Joaquin County, California.

Their facilities currently serve a population of over 700,000 people with locations in Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, and Modesto. Valley MRI strives to provide the best medical imaging results to their patients and referring physicians as well as outstanding service simply because you matter and because quality matters.

Valley MRI & Radiology is the first and only facility in to offer the GENIUS 3D Mammography exam and SmartCurve breast stabilization system, which is clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable mammogram without compromising image quality, workflow, or dose. The SmartCurve system features a proprietary curved surface that mirrors the shape of a woman’s breast to reduce pinching and allow better distribution of force over the entire breast. These innovations come as part of our ongoing commitment to superior breast cancer detection and providing an improved mammogram experience for our patients.

SPECIALTIES:

STOCKTON (Pine St) - MRI/CT/XRAY/

LODI - MRI/CT/XRAY/ULTRASOUND/2D MAMMOGRAPHY/FLUOROSCOPY (NEW) STOCKTON (Brookside)

MAMMOGRAPHY+SMARTCURVE/

Zeiter Eye Medical Group, Inc. | Vision Is Our Passion

For more than 60 years, the Zeiter family has been providing residents of San Joaquin County the gift of sight. The practice started with Henry Zeiter, who founded Zeiter Eye Medical Group and opened the first office in downtown Stockton in 1962. At that time, it consisted of one ophthalmologist practicing in downtown Stockton. During the past four decades, Zeiter Eye Medical Group has grown to include seven ophthalmologists and six optometrists practicing in seven Northern California locations, including Stockton, Lodi, Tracy, Manteca, and Sonora. Zeiter Eye also provides its patients the convenience of a state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgical Center.

Among the seven ophthalmologists are physicians with special training in the fields of: glaucoma, retina, cornea, and ophthalmic plastic surgery. Some of the diverse services offered at Zeiter Eye include: state-of-the-art cataract surgery, glaucoma and diabetic treatment, macular degeneration management, and cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery. The practice offers a full range of contact lens services and a retail optical filled with the latest eyewear fashion offering the highest quality at a competitive price.

Zeiter Eye’s dedication to leading edge technology is surpassed only by its commitment to personal patient care. The ophthalmology practice was built on Dr. Henry Zeiter’s vision of always exceeding patients’ expectations by providing unprecedented medical and surgical eye care in addition to respect and consideration for each patient. Our team of eye care professionals pride themselves on carrying on Dr. Zeiter’s vision by offering all our patient’s quality care with state-of-the-art equipment in a comfortable, caring environment.

DEVOURING

TAKE A BITE OUT OF DENVER’S FOOD AND ART SCENES

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

DENVER

Amile above sea level, Denver is one of our favorite cities to visit any time of year, and while most may be clamoring to Colorado’s other zip codes for winter sports, we say Fall is when it’s best to seek out this city. We’ve created an autumn itinerary filled with culinary and visual delights. With new attractions and restaurants and a multi-million-dollar museum renovation, you’ll see why we’re combining these two pleasures for the ultimate weekend away.

First, the digs.

When you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Denver, anything near Union Station is an excellent plan. Walking distance to the train depot, we suggest Thompson Denver, a Hyatt property new to the downtown area. A short stroll to this central gathering place, you’ll be in the heart of it all, with a lot available right at your hotel and next door.

For example, one of the best dinners to have in Denver, and one fairly new to the culinary scene, is at Chez Maggy

The bi-level French restaurant is located in the hotel lobby and serves up scrumptious French delights, including a baguette with butter flown in straight from France and escargot with a bit of spice to complement the rich, buttery garlic flavor. For dinner, you really can’t go wrong but the chef’s specialty is the

Citizen Rail

Snooze

Duck Breast a l’orange.

For post-dinner cocktails or a lighter meal, there is a somewhat secret second restaurant inside of Thompson Denver. Called Reynard Social, big living areas and plush couches are a comfortable spot to take in the views from the sixthfloor eatery. Everywhere you look, an oversized window gives way to the sparkling city below. Come here for the cocktails, and the impressive mocktails, or dine on sushi while hanging with friends or playing a round of pool. On chilly evenings, spots near the fireplace are coveted.

Now, we eat.

Denver is most revered for its outdoor activities and robust beer scene, but we’re here to tell you there’s a lot more to the city than you think. The food scene, for one, is exploding, with everything from high-end restaurants to rooftop bars where you can take in the mountainous views.

For breakfast, Union Station is the perfect haven to visit. If you can, grab a table at Snooze (although we warn it can be a lengthy wait) in the heart of it all. The extensive menu has a little of everything and we suggest you try as much as you can. For breakfast or brunch, don’t skip the Signature Pancake Flight, a trio of three flavorful pancakes of

your choosing, or Juan’s Breakfast Tacos, a unique dish with a lot of flavor.

If Snooze is full, or you fancy yourself a quieter, more upscale first meal, head to Mercantile Dining and Provision instead. Also in Union Station, this New American eatery has a small menu of artisanal meals. It’ll be hard to choose but the hearty Pork Belly Biscuit topped with a fried egg and green onion and the sweet Dutch Baby Pancake served in a skillet with crème fraiche and roasted apples are our top picks. Highly Recommended: Ordering it with a mimosa, although the coffee here is divine, too. And also, coming back for a nightcap from the wine library.

You’ll need to work up an appetite for Avanti Food & Beverage, a two-story food hall made from a shipping container. The sustainable building is bursting with eclectic flavors, including everything from Argentinian sandwiches from Quiero Arepa to bao buns and dumplings at Meta Asian Kitchen. There are three bars throughout the space, as well, one upstairs and one downstairs that

Citizen Rail

serve signature cocktails and anything else you can dream up, and a second upstairs bar—The Big Chill Frozen Bar—that doles out boozy frozen drinks that make your Vegas strip concoctions look classless. Looking for a kick? The Black Diamond is created with frozen espresso while the Smoke Show is heavy on the Mezcal. The best part about dining at Avanti, however, is the view. We love a good outdoor space and this shipping container boasts an entire upper deck worth your afternoon.

Post-food coma, skip across the street to Happy Camper. This themed, outdoor bar serves cocktails, pizza, and brunch under giant disco balls and in wooden, circular bench seats. The atmosphere is summer camp meets frat party, and we’re here for the vibey music and neon lights.

Another option for a midday meal is Stout Street Social (although you can do dinner here, too). A great perk of this casual eatery is it’s close to the Denver Performing Arts Center, so if you’re catching a show (more on that later) you can save on an Uber. The food here is simple, including giant pretzels and veggie nachos. Pick something yummy and pair it with a local brew.

If you’re in search of something a little fancier to dine on, we’ve got two potentials in different neighborhoods to visit. First off is Citizen Rail. This is your special occasion restaurant with white tablecloths and doting staff right near Union Station. A menu standout is the Hearth Baked Rosemary Sourdough. If you thought you were ordering a loaf of bread—guess again. It’s basically a fresh pizza served on soft sourdough bread, topped with mozzarella curds, rocky mountain heirloom tomato, EVOO, and maldon sea salt. Coal Shimmered Mussels are another delicacy staff vehemently recommends—and for good reason. If you’re sharing starters, there’s also a Goat Ricotta Cappelletti that is to die for. And you have to save room for dessert, served with coffee or a postdinner cocktail, of course.

Farther away—you’ll have to take a car to this one—The Source is a hotel with its own food hall inside. In addition to retail shops, there are plenty of places to grab food. If you’re basking in all of the rooftops (Denver is known for them, after all), The Woods

Snooze

Denver Performing Arts Center

is the ideal setup. Inside there are floor-toceiling windows that unlock a big city view, or you can sit outside when the weather is nice. Another upscale location, but this one with a more laidback air, we definitely recommend sharing a Charcuterie & Cheese Board and some Grilled Shishito Peppers before diving into the Rocky Mountain Seared Trout of the Potato Gnocchi. Hang out for a cocktail and take in the view, especially if you dined early. The South Side Hustle is light and refreshing and spiked with absinthe while the Chino-Negroni is smokey and rich, made with Mezcal.

Get Your Drinks Here!

Still thirsty? If you’re looking for a fun place to knock back a few, head to McGregor Square. On game nights especially this place (located outside of the Colorado Rockies’ Stadium) gets busy. Even outside of baseball season, it’s popping, with football games played on giant outside screens and the real action happening just a few miles away. Grab a drink at the bar and watch live with friends.

If you’re after a late-night spot for dancing, there are quite a few rooftops

The Inventing Room

Save Room for Dessert

Sure, candy exists everywhere, but we promise you’ve never had candy quite like this. And to be honest, the stop is perfect for this trip because it seamlessly blends art and food. The Inventing Room is a reservation-only, candy factory experience. Based off of the room of the same name from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the owner specializes in freeze-dried candy (and a show).

Groups can come and learn the science behind candy making while noshing on off-the-wall delicacies like freezedried Cheetos and Laffy Taffy before ending with a funky sundae.

downtown that won’t disappoint. Hit up Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row for cocktails, live music, outdoor games, and plenty of dancing after the sun goes down.

Denver also doesn’t skimp on the speakeasies. Williams & Graham is a popular one, a quiet, Prohibition-style bar hidden behind a bookcase.

Green Russell has small plates to go with its drinks menu, hidden in an underground lair in Larimer Square.

Perhaps drinks with an activity are more your style. If that’s the case, Urban Putt (which also has an outpost in San Francisco) is a full indoor mini golf course that provides drinks as you play.

Now, for the art.

We know Denver probably doesn’t land at the top of your list when you think of art-centric cities, but thanks to some new advancements, it’s a part of the city you literally cannot miss.

RiNo is one of the best neighborhoods for taking in the unique Denver art scene. Short for River North Art District, the city is filled with street art, some commissioned and some not, and a surprising number of somewhat hidden rhinos. Whether it’s vandalism or paid-for, the history and wars beneath the spray paint run deep and the best way to scratch the surface is with a Denver Graffiti Tour.

If you haven’t yet heard of the otherworldly

Meow Wolf

https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/Peter.Gibson 0G90146

Plan upstream towards steady income downstream.

Plan upstream towards steady income downstream.

Investment and Insurance Products:

• NOT FDIC Insured

A little planning today can make all the difference tomorrow. We can help you design a distribution strategy aimed at preserving your savings and helping to ensure your income stream flows throughout your retirement.

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate o Company.

©2022 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. CAR-0622-03977

A little planning today can make all the difference tomorrow. We can help you design a distribution strategy aimed at preserving your savings and helping to ensure your income stream flows throughout your retirement.

Call today for a complimentary portfolio review.

Call today for a complimentary portfolio review.

Gibson Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Gibson Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

3121 W March Ln Ste 110

3121 W March Ln Ste 110

Stockton, CA 95219

Stockton, CA 95219

Direct: 209-954-7409 peter.gibson@wfa.com

Direct: 209-954-7409 peter.gibson@wfa.com

https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/Peter.Gibson 0G90146

https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/Peter.Gibson 0G90146

Investment and Insurance Products:

Investment and Insurance Products:

• NOT FDIC Insured

• NOT FDIC Insured

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate o Company.

©2022 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. CAR-0622-03977

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate o Company.

©2022 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. CAR-0622-03977

escape

interactive art museum concept brought to cities across the Western States by Meow Wolf then take this as your sign to get googling. Meow Wolf opened a Denver outpost titled Convergence Station in 2021, a sprawling collection of installations that ignite all of the senses and include everything from spaceships to ice castles. There’s a story line that goes with it if you can follow along. We personally can’t even begin to explain the experience (even though we spent a couple of hours having it) so we suggest just buying the tickets and seeing the strange magic for yourself. Sidenote: If you’re a football fanatic, Meow Wolf shares a parking lot with Empower Field.

The Denver Art Museum has long been a staple in the city, close to the capital and 16th Street Mall, but in October 2021, a new version of the museum was unveiled, showcasing two buildings. The first has a few levels, each with its own installations (if you go now, you can see towering suits of armor from ancient times) and the second is a seven-story Gio Ponti-

Getting There

Flights to Denver aren’t hard to come by, but once you’ve landed, the airport is a solid 30+ minutes from downtown. Save some cash and take the train, which lands right in Union Station. For $10.50 per ticket, you can get from point A to point B in less than 40 minutes, and if you took our recommendation for a hotel, you’ll be just a quick, five-minute jaunt away.

designed building that oddly resembles a prison. The fact is you could spend all day here, and if you’re an art aficionado, you might need two.

When it comes to the Performing Arts, Denver is home to a plaza of small theaters. The result is several touring shows available at once. In all, there are ten performance spaces across four blocks with over 10,000 seats in total, called Denver Center for the Performing Arts. It’s all connected by an 80-foot glass roof. October sees too many shows to name across the complex; amongst favorites are the Broadway hit Come From Away, Dracula performed by the Colorado Ballet, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Ain’t Too Proud, the story of The Temptations' rise to fame.

Union Station

BY SARAH STEFFENS D DAN HOOD

wine & dine

Tucked in a strip mall on Thornton Avenue in Stockton is one of the community’s most beloved Italian restaurants in the San Joaquin County. Dante’s Pizza & Café has been in the community since 1985. It’s owner, Jimmy, came to Stockton in 1984 after having spent time in the Tahoe area, working in the casino industry, where he met people from all over the world and learned how different cultures, particularly French, German, and Italian, cooked delicious, authentic, homemade food together, ate around a big table with lively and connected conversation, and paired everything perfectly with wine.

“We make everything from scratch. We’re consistent. You’re going to get quality comfort food every time you visit us,” Jimmy says of the eatery that’s been a part of Stockton since 1986.

With a name like Dante’s Pizza & Café, it’s easy to think the menu is

all about the mouth-watering pizza. And while it’s not not about the pizza at Dante’s, it’s also about a whole lot more.

Pizza was first invented in Naples, Italy, as a fast and affordable meal for the working class. Some say that American soldiers ate it during World War II and sought it out upon their arrival home making it popular in the states, but this is debatable at best. It is more likely than Italian immigrants brought pizza to the states when they immigrated in the 1940s, though it wasn’t until the 1950s through the 1980s that pizza gained popularity by Americans, largely from Italian bakeries with minimal operating costs opening up all over.

Flash forward to 2022 with decades of pizza-making in America, and put yourself in Dante’s kitchen with the same spirit pizza’s first chef in Naples evoked while preparing pizza pies that reflect the flavor preferences, available ingredients, and styles of

the local and surrounding cities. With pizzas on Dante’s menu such as the California Combo, Valley Delight, The San Franciscan, The Gilroy, Santa Barbara and Big Sur, to name a few, there is a way to travel to all of California without leaving Stockton, thanks to Dante’s.

The spirit of Dante’s Tahoe Style pizza celebrates Jimmy’s casino days. With generous bites of sausage spiced with dried fennel, thin rounds of tender pepperoni, thinly shaved and salty ham, fresh mushroom and whole black olives (olive-lovers rejoice, ‘tis a rare pizza experience!), baked to perfection on your choice of thin or thick French crust, every bite makes you grateful for Italians bringing pizza to the United States.

Dante’s takes their pizza seriously, preparing the crust’s dough with water between 68-74 degrees Farenheit so that

it properly rises when baked, and replacing the dough every two hours, a step many restaurants resist. But Jimmy knows it’s worth the extra effort. It doesn’t stop at pizza. The effort put into the rest of the full menu, including appetizers,— try the Calamari Sticks, they are like nothing you have tasted, a satisfying combination of fresh meat and savory fried batter, staying in tact with each dip into a tangy Tartar Sauce—fresh salads, entrees such as Spaghetti, cooked al dente with homemade meat sauce and big, plump meatballs, and sandwiches like the California Cheesesteak with juicy thin-sliced steak, onion, mushroom, mayonnaise, peppers, and mozzarella cheese, held together by a bread bun.

“Food is for enjoyment,” says Jimmy. “The entire team here works hard to make sure you enjoy your food.”

wine

candy

Halloween Candy Wine Pairing

WHAT TO DRINK WITH THAT STOLEN SNI CKERS BAR

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

As parents, I’m willing to bet that most of us sneak samples from our kids’ pillow cases after a night of scouring the neighborhood for free candy. Perhaps, we aren’t even sly about it. In our house, it’s called the parent tax, and the kids have to hand

over a few pieces of our favorites from their loot as a thank you for chaperoning them around the neighborhood. Regardless of how you got your hands on those leftover candies, we’re here to solve the real problem: what should you sip with your acquired goods?

CANDY CORN & CHARDONNAY

Save us the debate. If you like candy corn, the buttery texture of the candy will go well with a buttery chardonnay.

REESE’S & MERLOT

Look for something tannic to stand up to the fatty quality of this sweet and salty candy.

SNICKERS & CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Let a big cabernet stand up to those flavors of chocolate, peanuts, caramel, and nougat.

HERSHEY’S BAR & ZINFANDEL

The smoothness of the chocolate will emphasize the fruity components of the wine.

KIT KAT & PINOT NOIR

Whether you’ve got the milk chocolate or the white chocolate variety, this waferbased candy is light and takes on the plum and cherry flavors found in Pinot Noir.

MILKY WAY & BUBBLES

Sparkling white wines like the lightness of this caramelbased candy.

SOUR CANDIES WITH SAUVIGNON BLANC

The intense acidity of a sauv blanc paired with its fruitforward flavors of citrus will offer good balance to many types of sour candy.

STARBURST & MOSCATO

A sweet wine is a good pairing for these slightly tart candies.

SKITTLES & SPARKLING ROSÉ

These bite-size pieces of fruity goodness offer hard shells and chewy centers that will pop next to an effervescent wine.

YORK PEPPERMINT PATTIES & A BOLD RED BLEND

Dark chocolate pairs well with big, bold reds. Choose something with a touch of spice to complement the cooling peppermint center.

CARAMEL M&MS & PINOT NOIR

The light caramel pairs well with a light red, especially if you serve it ever-so-slightly chilled. This holds true for any caramel-based candy.

Pumpkin Seeds and Pepitas

 BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER

With pumpkin officially in peak season, you can finally put to good use the seeds you scoop out after carving up your children’s jack-olanterns. As it turns out, pepitas and pumpkin seeds are not the same. A pepita is harvested from a very specific type of pumpkin known as Styrian or Oil seed pumpkins. Any other type of pumpkin produces a hulled seed that’s more fibrous, less tender, and paler in color. Both pumpkin seeds and pepitas are effective in adding a crunchy, salty, sweet, or savory, addition to your fall recipes. Check out some of our favorite ways to add texture to your dishes!

DARK CHOCOLATE PEPITAS BARK

INGREDIENTS

8 oz. semi-sweet or dark baking chocolate

½ tsp. sea salt

½ c. pepitas

DIRECTIONS

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scatter half of the pepitas onto sheet. Set aside. Using a double boiler, or glass bowl over a simmering pot of water, place chocolate in bowl and cook for approximately five minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in half of pepitas. Pour chocolate mixture over parchment paper, using a spatula to spread into an even layer. Sprinkle chocolate with sea salt and let chill for 2030 minutes. Break bark into pieces and serve, or store in an airtight container.

ROASTED PUMPKIN

SEEDS

INGREDIENTS

2 c. pumpkin seeds

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. butter, melted

1 tsp. sea salt

DIRECTIONS

Scoop out the pumpkin seeds and boil for 15 minutes to remove slime and tenderize. Drain water, pat dry, and place on a baking sheet to dry overnight. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss seeds in olive oil, butter, and salt. Bake for ten minutes, remove, stir, and bake for an additional ten minutes. Serve as a crunchy snack or add to the following recipes.

PEPITAS AND COCONUT GRANOLA

INGREDIENTS

4 c. old fashioned rolled oats

1 c. pecans

½ c. pepitas

¼ c. hemp seeds

¼ c. unsweetened coconut flakes

½ tsp. cinnamon

½ c. coconut oil, melted

1 tsp. salt

½ c. maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, and cinnamon. In a small bowl, combine melted coconut oil, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour liquid mixture over top of dry ingredients and stir to coat. Pour combined mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheet and press down with a spatula to create an even layer. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and stir granola. Press down with the spatula again and bake for an additional ten minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for up to one hour. Break apart and store in an airtight container.

HARVEST SLAW WITH PEPITAS, PEPPERS, & CILANTRO DRESSING

INGREDIENTS

4 c. cabbage, shredded

2 jalapenos, seeds and stem

removed, sliced

¼. c. pepitas

1 bunch of cilantro, chopped

1 lime, juiced

¼ tsp. cumin

½ c. Greek yogurt

¼ c. extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove

1 tsp. honey

½ tsp. salt

DIRECTIONS

Mix yogurt, lime juice, half of cilantro, honey, salt, one jalapeno, and cumin in a small food processor. Blend. While motor is running, slowly add olive oil and blend until smooth. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine cabbage, one sliced jalapeno, pepitas, garlic, and remaining cilantro. Add wet ingredients to cabbage mix and toss to combine.

DIY Indian Cuisine at Home

 BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER

If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting authentic Indian food, you’ve never experienced the mouth-watering layers of flavors the cuisine is famous for. On the flip side, if you’re a fan of the delicious Indian dishes served up at local restaurants, you know the culture’s cuisine is decadent, rich, fresh, and powerful.

The savory and spicy concoctions we’ve grown to love at places like Tandoori Nites and Maharaja Indian Cuisine are certainly worth splurging on, but we also thought it might be fun to show our readers how you can create your own Indian feast at home. With simple ingredients, a little patience, and a whole lot of love, we’ll show you how to dish up your own Tikka Masala from the comfort of your kitchen.

For a fanciful feast in your home, gather the essential pantry staples that weave together the complex tapestry of Indian cuisine. You may even have them already on-hand. From Basmati rice to legumes and lentils, fresh herbs like bay leaves, mint,

and cilantro, to the long list of flavorful Indian spices, creating beautiful Indian food at home starts with these ingredients.

The blueprint for delicious Indian food begins with something called a Masala Dabba. It’s a basic spice box that holds six to eight spices, making it easy to add spice while cooking. Our Ten Spice Essentials include: cumin, coriander, clove, cinnamon, turmeric, fenugreek, cardamom, Garam Masala, mustard seeds, and asafetida. From there, the skies the limit. You can master the art of making fluffy naan, savory samosas, rich curries, the ever-popular tikka masala, sumptuous matar paneer, and the decadent chicken makhami, affectionately known as butter chicken.

For the sake of space, we’re sharing a simple recipe for a vegan version of butter chickpeas with tofu from the comfort of your home.

SLOW COOKER BUTTER CHICKPEAS WITH TOFU

INGREDIENTS

1 14 oz. package firm tofu

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 medium yellow onion

4 garlic cloves

1 can coconut milk

1 c. tomato puree

1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. garam masala

1 tbsp. plus one tsp. curry powder

2 tsp. chili powder

½ tsp. ground ginger

½ tsp. salt

1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

1/8 c. cilantro, finely chopped

2 c. cooked rice for serving or naan

DIRECTIONS

Remove tofu from packaging, rinse, pat dry. Meanwhile, in large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add onion. Cook until translucent. Add garlic. Stir for two minutes to combine. Whisk in coconut milk, tomato puree, garam masala, curry powder, chili powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook until mixture thickens, about five minutes. While sauce cooks, finely cube tofu and place in crockpot along with garbanzo beans. Pour sauce mixture over top and cook on low for five hours. Once chickpeas are complete, garnish with cilantro and serve alongside rice or naan.

ORDER IN INDIAN FOOD AT HOME

MAHARAJA

678 N. Wilson Way, Stockton (209) 242-2184

ROYAL

7610 Pacific Ave., Stockton (209) 475-9292

TANDOORI

8102 Kelley Dr., Ste. B, Stockton (209) 952-2200

FRIENDS

1040 W. Kettleman Ln., Unit 4, Lodi (209) 334-2751

SMOKEY GRILL 1301 W. Lockeford St., Ste. D, Lodi (209) 625-8396

DHABA INDIAN CUISINE 2242 W. Grant Line Rd. #101, Tracy (209) 835-9090

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Limitless Axes & Ales in Lincoln Center has long appealed to customers with its adrenaline pumping, axe throwing activity and a long list of brews, but it was time for the rest of the menu to meet the power and style of the space. To make it happen, Owner Michael Hill got to work revamping the food and drink menu at Limitless, adding more booze and more food options.

“My favorite drink is the Paul Bunyon, paired with Sriracha Black Pepper Pretzel Bites,” Michael says. The (cleverly named) Paul Bunyon is a mighty cocktail—hence its moniker—made with bourbon, cranberry juice, and an amaretto float; perfect for a lumberjack if you ask us! The slight tartness on the drink balances the spice in the pretzel bites, which are just one on a long list of new appetizers that debuted this month.

You’ll quickly notice the specialty cocktails play into the theme of the establishment, with The vodka-gin-rumtequila-Blue Curacao concoction served with a cherry drop and dubbed The Killshot while The Bollock Buster is named after the medieval throwing dagger and packs a punch with silver tequila, grapefruit vodka, gin, and grapefruit juice, topped with club soda and a swirl of Butterfly Pea.

For food, guests will have plenty to choose from including gourmet pizzas (think Mexican Street Corn Bacon Pizza and Garden Harvest Pesto Bruschetta Pizza), Mexican food, sandwiches, and plenty of appetizers like a Baked Blooming Onion, Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread, Roasted Nuts and Olives, Sriracha Street Fries, and more. One of the shareable options is a snack board filled with bar food staples like jalapeno poppers, potato skins, and French fries.

The Beef Crostini also deserves a sampling, made with caramelized onions and horseradish for a bold flavor that complements a cold beer any time of year.

It feels like we’ve already covered a lot of ground, but that’s not all! Don’t leave without diving into dessert. Limitless serves up S’mores Cookie Bars and Chocolate Lava Cake for those looking for a sweet finish or a way to cope after a devastating loss.

594-0429

Celebrating their 14th year in the Historic Tracy Inn, the chefs at Tracy Thai Restaurant have produced count less 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 Egg plant prawns, or Garlic Pork reflect a home style 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

Owners Harry and Susan Yu have been a major part of the local economy since 2007 when Mikasa opened its location in Lathrop. Cooking with local produce and only using the freshest fish right from the Bay has always been key to their success. Fortunately the Yu’s chose Tracy for their newest location stocking the full bar with the most extensive liquor, sake, wine and beer selection around. Plus, with happy hour 7 days a week you’ll be sure to get your fill!

Mikasa also offers off site catering and a separate banquet room for all your rehearsal dinners, large parties or business needs. Try the special SJM Roll (pictured)

MIKASA JAPANESE BISTRO

2610 S. Tracy Blvd. Ste. 110 Tracy, (209) 830-8288

15138 S Harlan Rd., Lathrop, (209) 858-1818

Hailed as one of the most authentic pow erhouses of Japanese cuisine in the San Joaquin valley, Koma chi 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: MonThur 11AM to 9PM, Fri - Sat 11AM to 9:30PM, Sun closed

KOMACHI SUSHI

307 S. Lower Sacramento Rd. Lodi, (209) 334-3131 SushiKomachi.com

Nestled on the Brick walk in Lincoln Center Midgley’s Public House specializes in steaks and seafood, with an ex tensive appetizer menu and unique desserts. Our bar menu consist of several unique cock tails, 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

COCKTAIL

It’s like a shrimp cocktail, but better

BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD

Michael Midgley doesn’t do anything the conventional way. Instead, this inventive chef puts a twist on the classics to create a diversified and creative menu. One of our favorite appetizers this time of year is the Seafood Cocktail. Similar, but of course not identical, to the shrimp cocktail, this hearty starter offers up bay shrimp, prawns, and crab for a trifecta of fresh seafood goodness.

The cocktail is served over a sauce made from Bloody Mary mix and beer, then completed with luscious crab and fresh celery, onion, avocado, and cucumber. Then, Chef Michael Midgley mixes in a proprietary blend of spices before topping the concoction with wonton chips for that satisfying crunch.

It’s all served up in a glass goblet so you can feel a little extra fancy as you dine.

(209) 474-7700



the market

FOOD FOCUS

FARMER’S MARKET SHOPPING LIST:

1 yellow onion

1 garlic bulb

broccoli crowns (or 4 cups florets)

1 lemon

1 parsley bunch

oz. parmesan cheese

KITCHEN STAPLES:

Butter or ghee

Sea salt

Black pepper

Ground nutmeg

Heavy whipping cream

Chicken bone broth (or stock)

Parmesan cheese (if not available at your Farmer’s Market)

FRESH FROM THE MARKET

Our food writer shares a great recipe for Broccoli Parmesan Soup

 BY SARAH STEFFENS

California’s Central Valley has been referred to as “The Greatest Garden in the World” and the “Nation’s Salad Bowl” because of the abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy that are produced, packaged, and shipped all over the world. Thanks to San Joaquin’s various Farmer’s Markets, we don’t need to go far to stock our kitchens with delicious, in-season ingredients. Buying locally and seasonally not only supports our economy and reduces our carbon footprint, it also yields higher nutrition (produce begins to lose nutrients as soon as it is harvested so it’s best to purchase fresh and use quickly). Looking for a recipe to create using local, in-season ingredients? We suggest this creamy Broccoli Parmesan Soup. Keep reading for the recipe, and be sure to plan ahead when visiting local Farmer’s Markets to confirm hours and vendors.

BROCCOLI PARMESAN SOUP

Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbsp. butter or ghee

1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

2 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. black pepper

Pinch of ground nutmeg

4 c. broccoli florets

1 c. heavy whipping cream

2 c. chicken bone broth

Juice & zest from ½ fresh lemon

4 oz. fresh parmesan cheese, crumbled

½ c. fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add butter or ghee to large pot over mediumlow heat. Add onion and garlic. Season with sea salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add broccoli and reduce heat to low. Cover with lid, stirring occasionally, until veggies are soft, about 10 minutes. Turn off heat and transfer veggies to blender. Pour in heavy whipping cream and chicken bone broth. Blend on high until creamy. Serve and garnish each bowl with an ounce of parmesan cheese and a tablespoon of fresh, chopped parsley. Store leftovers in a glass container for up to five days.

Enjoy!

Calories: 410 Carbs: 10

Net Carbs: 10

Protein: 18 Fat: 36