We take the Scary out of your smile
Welcome Dr. Jeffrey Balduzzi
Immunology & Asthma
Dr. Jeffrey Balduzzi obtained his Medical Degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, in Charlottesville, VA. He then went on to complete residency training in Internal Medicine at NYU-Winthrop Hospital in Long Island, NY and subsequently Allergy and Immunology Fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.
Dr. Balduzzi is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, as well as a BC/BE trained specialist in Adult and Pediatric Allergy, Asthma and Immunologic Disorders. He is an active member of the AAAAI, ACAAI and WAO.
Dr. Balduzzi is an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, and follows both professional and collegiate sports actively. A former Lacrosse goalie for the University of Buffalo, Jeffrey continues to enjoy a variety of recreational activities including, but not limited to; golfing, fishing and alpine
Practicing with Dr.’s George Bensch, Gregory Bensch and Michael Balduzzi our providers continue the utmost care for your allergy, immunology & respiratory needs.
19
DIVING IN THE DEEP END
A certified scuba diving instructor, Juan offers his services to families when law enforcement isn’t able to recover bodies. And he doesn’t charge. In some cases, he dives after a search has been called off. In others, he’s dove when law enforcement has deemed it unsafe to do so. BY NORA HESTON TARTE
THE PERFECT PAIR
Did you know October is National Pizza Month? Read on for local pizza and beer pairings. BY NORA HESTON TARTE
WOMEN’S HEALTH HOW TOS
How Tos are dedicated exclusively to women’s health topics. BY THE SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE TEAM
SPOOKY LONDON
London with its gray skies and (let’s face it) long, bloody history is the best place to enjoy the holiday if you can stomach it. BY NORA HESTON TARTE
LE CORDON BLEU TRAINED & SAN JOAQUIN
VALLEY PROUD
The term “celebrity chef” describes any high profile, culinary rock star. Jeff Stogsdill is certainly that, but without the ego that often accompanies the title. BY GINNY PRIOR
DISH 209
SPOOKTACULAR CRAVINGS
October is one of my favorite months. The summer heat is finally behind us, and it’s time to embrace the cool, crisp nights that autumn brings. For me, this month signals the beginning of candy season. As soon as October 1 rolls around, I’m at Costco, grabbing that giant 20-pound bag of candy—ostensibly for Halloween, but let’s be honest, it’s mostly for me. Hopefully, it lasts through the month!
While candy is a highlight, there’s one thing I enjoy even more: pizza and beer. Not just any pizza, though—I'm talking about a mouthwatering slice from one of my favorite spots right here in San Joaquin, where you can pair a perfectly crafted pizza with an equally great craft beer. It’s a combination that can’t be beat and the perfect way to enjoy October evenings.
I encourage you to step out this month and visit one of the local pizza spots featured in this issue. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some delicious food before the Halloween madness sets in. Because trust me, once the kids have their candy stash hidden under the bed, you’ll need all the energy you can get to keep up with their sugar-fueled antics!
Happy Halloween
PUBLISHER | EDITOR
Tony Zoccoli
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR: Nora Heston Tarte
TRAVEL EDITOR: Nora Heston Tarte
REGULAR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lynette Carrington, Rebekah Moan, Angela Rudolph, Sarah Steffens
CREATIVE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Sybil Watson
ASSOCIATE DESIGNER: Lucas Zoccoli
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Miguel Barajas, Dan Hood, Sarah Steffens
MARKETING
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Michelle Cox
CIRCULATION
DISTRIBUTION Rebecca Ristrim
Clean air for our community. OUR COMMITMENT
At the Port of Stockton, our first priority is protecting the wellness of the surrounding communities through initiatives that help ensure the air is cleaner for all. From advanced emission control technologies to using zero-emissions equipment, we’re always looking for ways to improve the quality of our environment and the air we breathe.
Chair William R. Trezza, Vice-Chair Stephen Griffen
Commissioners David B. Atwater, Anthony Barkett, Michael Patrick Duffy, Allen Sawyer, Margaret Shea Stephens
Port Director Kirk DeJesus
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Lawrence M. Knapp
Creekside Center is a skilled nursing facility located in Stockton, CA. Our center has an attractive warm atmosphere in a neighborhood setting. Patients and family can stroll the beautiful courtyards and sit in the lounge by the fire. At Creekside Center, we offer select menus and snacks in dining rooms with a garden setting. The facility offers in-house therapy 7 days a week in our Rehab Recovery Suites. All care is patient-centered and promotes independence The goal is to return our patients to good health and spirit.
community bank that
Since 1867. At Bank of Stockton, we’re warm, reliable, and deliver exactly what you’ve been craving from a bank. Whether it's managing your savings, securing a loan, or simply providing the best customer service, we rise to the occasion every time.
TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE
The Deep End
JUAN HEREDIA RECOVERS BODIES OF DROWNING VICTIMS FOR LOCAL FAMILIES
BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD
Xavier Martinez, Brenda Duran, Tommy Clark, Bree Scott, and Gabriel Castaneda.
Those are the five drowning victims Juan Heredia has recovered from the California Delta and surrounding regions in just four months.
A certified scuba diving instructor, Juan offers his services to families when law enforcement isn’t able to recover bodies. And he doesn’t charge. In some cases, he dives after a search has been called off. In others, he’s dove when law enforcement has deemed it unsafe to do so.
“Unfortunately, I don't work with law enforcement,” Juan says. “I wish they would call me when they get the 911 call, which would save resources and bring closure to families sooner.”
The first recovery was Xavier, a 15-year-old Stagg High School student who drowned in the Calaveras River. Juan saw Xavier’s mother pleading on the local news for help finding her son. It had been six days and police officers had called off the search without success. “In just 30 minutes, I located Xavier at 12-feet deep,” Juan says.
After that first public recovery,
people started coming to Juan for help. He would get tagged in drowning stories on social media. He’s Diver Juan Heredia on Facebook.
His first step is always to connect with the family. Then, he meets with the last person to see the victim alive. He asks for a photo so he can focus on their face and clothes and better identify them in the water.
Juan decided to risk the dive anyway, and he was able to recover Gabriel’s body in just four hours.
One way the community has shown its thanks to Juan is by organizing fundraisers to help cover his equipment and expenses. Justin’s Scuba Time, Inc. has an account on file for Juan where community members can donate or purchase gear.
“I've recovered three sons and two daughters,” - Juan Heredia
“I believe I'm impacting the community by providing a service that is much needed, and giving back is important to me,” says Juan, who is also a real estate consultant. “I don’t charge for my services, and the community has been very supportive.”
Gabriel was Juan’s most recent recovery, and it was a high-risk dive. Gabriel drowned in Cleo’s waterfall in Pine Crest, and according to Juan, the sheriff’s office wanted to wait three months for the snow to melt before attempting a recovery.
The outpouring of support has been so large, that Juan says he doesn’t need any personal donations at the moment. However, he is in the process of setting up a nonprofit to raise funds for funeral expenses of the victims whose bodies he recovers. His family personally raised $10,000 for Xavier’s funeral, and he wants to be able to offer the same to other families affected by drowning deaths.
While Juan has taken on his rescue diver role just this year, these are not the first bodies he’s recovered. “When I was 19-20 years old in Argentina, I witnessed the pain of a family waiting for their son's body to be recovered,” Juan recalls. “I jumped into the river and brought him back. That memory is still vivid and drives me to help families.”
For every victim Juan saves, he refers to them the way their families would. “I've recovered three sons and two daughters,” he says.
JUAN HEREDIA @DiverJuanHeredia
CLOAKED in Mystery
THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING GAUGUIN
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
D COURTESY OF THE HAGGIN MUSEUM
Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin was a French artist born in 1848. His paintings and other artwork have long been associated with the Post-Impressionist and Symbolist movements. One of his works, Flowers and Fruit, is at the center of a controversy based in Stockton.
Eila Haggin McKee, a benefactor of the Haggin Museum, purchased the supposed Gauguin from Reinhardt Galleries on New Year’s Eve in 1929. By her request, the painting was moved into the Haggin Museum a decade later. As the story goes, Daniel Wildenstein and Raymond Cogniat published a catalog of Gauguin’s work in 1964. At the time, they listed Flowers and Fruit as lost. But the piece was anything but lost. In fact, it was on display in Stockton, California beginning in 1934.
Sixty years later, the painting is still missing from Gauguin’s catalog after the current Gauguin committee refused to include it in 2018. And so, the Haggin Museum decided to bring this controversy to the attention of the world in the best way they know how—by hosting an exhibition on the painting’s journey in and out of authenticity.
The questions remain, is Flowers and Fruit an authentic Gauguin painting? Is it perhaps a well-done forgery? Or was it simply misplaced many years ago?
The exhibition follows the narrative laid out by Dr. Stephanie A. Brown in her novel—published this year—of the same name. In the book, and through the exhibition, interested parties can follow the painting’s movements from smoky auction rooms in New York and Paris to the Central Valley’s very own art and history museum.
According to records, Flowers and Fruit was sold three times before coming to California. Its owners include the French celebrity Sacha Guitry and art dealer Etienne Bignou (who auctioned it off). It is also believed that Alfred Barr may have considered it for MoMA’s 1929 First Loan Exhibition.
In Stockton, Flowers and Fruit has always been deemed an authentic Gauguin, but now aesthetes can draw their own conclusions about the famous painting by examining the evidence laid forth in The Case of the Disappearing Gauguin book and exhibition, looking at technical analysis of the paint and canvas as well as following the geographical movements of the piece.
The exhibition will take place at the Haggin Museum in October during regular museum hours.
ART
We’re social! Follow @hagginmuseum for the latest museum
COOL WEATHER Camping
TACKLE THIS OFF-SEASON ADVENTURE
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
Cooler temps doesn’t mean we have to hole up inside. Instead of giving in to an indoorsy lifestyle until the sun starts shining again come Spring, make the most of the milder California winters and consider camping when it’s less crowded, less expensive, and still, plenty of fun.
GEAR UP.
The correct gear is essential for surviving colder months, especially if you’ve decided to tent camp. You’ll need a sleeping bag rated for lower temperatures (or perhaps a heated bag or mat), a tent that can withstand a little weather, and warmer clothes. Optional items for extra comfort include body warmers, a camp mat, a tent heater, and maybe even a balaclava.
PICK THE RIGHT SITE.
Not every campsite is open in the offseason, but plenty are. In San Joaquin County you can book stays at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort where the holidays bring themed activities primed for families and cabins are available for those who prefer to glamp. For a more traditional experience, check out Rio Vista RV Park or Placerville RV Resort & Campground in Shingle Springs. Of course, opting for an RV set-up will make braving the elements a bit easier.
MAKE IT A VACATION.
Camping can still be a destination. Consider visiting Lake Tahoe or Yosemite. Tahoe Valley Campground in South Lake Tahoe offers RV sites as well rental accommodations. Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging in Groveland makes a good base camp for day trips into Yosemite.
Coachland RV Park in Truckee offers a complimentary breakfast every Saturday and several activities in December, including Christmas gift making for kids and a Christmas Bazaar with free food and vendors.
CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES.
Depending on your location, try swapping out traditional camping routines for wintercentric outings.
Coachland RV Park is close to Northstar California Resort and Palisades Tahoe. High Sierra RV & Mobile Home Park in Oakhurst is just over an hour from Badger Pass Ski Area. Those who visit Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground in Mammoth Lakes may take up snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Plus, there’s an indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
5
MANTECA SUNRISE KIWANIS PUMPKIN FAIR, OCT. 5-6, 10 AM-6 PM
Join the community at the 39th Annual Pumpkin Fair. Featuring free admission, food and vendor booths, a pumpkin carving/decorating contest, community stage, beer garden, paint and sip party, pumpkin bread, and a car show on Sunday from 9 AM-3 PM in Downtown Manteca.
PIXIE WOODS MONSTER MASH HALLOWEEN BASH, OCT. 26, 10 AM-2 PM
Wear your favorite costume to this fall festival that includes treats, magic shows, arts and crafts, and a pumpkin giveaway, one per child 2-12 years old (while supplies last). General admission is $6 and free for children 2-12 years old in costume. Pixie Woods is located at 3121 Monte Diablo, Stockton.
TOP FIVE
Local Halloween Events
LET THE GHOUL TIMES ROLL AT THESE SEASONAL EVENTS.
BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
TRUNK OR TREAT AT REFUGE CHURCH – OCT. 31, 5-7:30 PM
Calling all boys and ghouls! Enjoy 50+ decorated trunks with endless candy at this free 10th Annual Trunkor-Treat event. Photo opps, inflatables, bounce houses, a DJ, and a contest to crown the best trunk. Refuge Church is located at 486 Button Avenue, Manteca.
YMCA TRUNK OR TREAT AT STOCKTON SAILING CLUB – OCT. 26, 2-6 PM
Ahoy there, mateys! Enjoy free admission at the YMCA Trunk or Treat by the Water at Stockton Sailing Club. Wear your Halloween costume to Buckley Cove and get ready for a spook-tacular adventure. Set sail trunk-or-treating waterside with lots o’ fun activities for the whole family. Stockton Sailing Club is located at 4980 Buckley Cove Way, Stockton.
DELL’OSSO FAMILY FARM GIANT CORN MAZE AND 28TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN
MAZE – OCT. 4-31, MONDAY-FRIDAY NOON-7 PM, SATURDAY-SUNDAY
10 AM-7 PM, OCT. 31 NOON-4 PM. General admission wristband required and includes access to the corn maze, pumpkin maze, haunted castle, teeny town, Dell’Osso Express Train, pumpkin treehouse,
hayride, goat walk, duck races, animal zoo, kiddie play land, and much more. MondayThursday $20.95 per person, Friday $25.95 per person, Saturday and Sunday $29.95 per person and children under two are free. Select attractions not included in price of general admission.
LOCALS TO KNOW
Zoom in
HECTOR MIGUEL BARJAS INVITES VIEWERS TO TAKE THEIR TIME
BY REBEKAH MOAN / D COURTESY OF HECTOR MIGUEL BARJAS
Instead of seeing the forest for the trees, artist Hector Miguel Barjas wants people to zoom in on their artwork and see “the trees for the forest,” they say. “More than anything I want the viewers to take their time with the art, and instead of just seeing the larger picture, I invite them to ‘zoom in’ and experience the art for the individual elements that make it up,” they say.
Barjas is the San Joaquin Pride Center’s featured artist for October. The center is displaying nine main pieces of Barjas’ and a communal artwork piece that all attendees are invited to join in creating. The theme is transformation through connections, connections through transformation.
“The theme came about accidentally with most of my art over the last few years depicting personal transformations and the transformations of my loved ones,” Barjas says. “During the pandemic, I couldn’t help but realize how being in lockdown with your loved ones, or with yourself, could truly change who you are or who you were planning to be. Most of my art serves as a personal way to channel my emotions through questions of life, death, gender, aspirations, family, love, and self.”
While Barjas had certain emotions and themes in mind as they painted each piece, that shouldn’t stop viewers from making their own interpretations, they say. “I believe that we all experience the same thing differently and as such, whichever sentiments come up for the viewer I believe are the correct ones,” they add.
Originally hailing from Manteca, Barjas started drawing in 2017 as a way to release and express their emotions while learning to live with depression and cope with life events. For three years their art was contained in a single sketchbook so to display it now for others to see is exciting and terrifying, they say.
“This is my first public art show so there are many things I’m still learning about the process and the experience of having art that is very personal on display,” Barjas says. “That being said, I am so happy to have this opportunity, especially at a venue that helps the local queer communities.”
calendar
WHAT TO SEE AND DO THIS MONTH
NORA HESTON TARTE
OCT. 5
Stockton Pride
The San Joaquin Pride Center hosts its 13th annual festival to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Get together to enjoy live music, dancing, food, and so much more. To celebrate the biggest event yet, there will be a special V.I.P. Lounge featuring exclusive entertainment, art, and cocktails.
Yosemite Street Village, Stockton
OCT. 6
Lodi Street Faire
The largest craft and antique fair in San Joaquin County returns for its fall edition. Head downtown to shop collectibles, locally made goods, and more over 10 square blocks. Over 700 vendors and exhibitors will be there.
Downtown Lodi
Oct. 18, 6-10 PM Girls Night Out – Witches & Broomsticks
Head to the Front Street Plaza for this femaledriven Halloween event that boasts food samples and wine tasting. A DJ will spin tunes while you shop till you drop, enjoy a nohost bar, and snap festive pictures in the photo booth with your best girlfriends. 6th Street and Central Avenue
JIMMIE VAUGHN & THE TILT-AWHIRL BAND
OCT. 3, 8 PM
Legendary blues artist Jimmie Vaughn is taking the Tracy stage for one night only. 715 N. Central Ave., Tracy
LINCOLN CENTER SIDEWALK SALE
OCT. 5, 9 AM-5 PM
Shop the biggest sale of the year! Lincoln Center stores will be offering markdowns on clothes, accessories, shoes, gifts, home décor, cosmetics, stationery, and more. Lincoln Center
ORANGE AND BLACK BALL
OCT. 11, 6-10 PM
As part of homecoming weekend, UOP will host this black tie event, which doubles as its largest annual fundraiser. While the University celebrates 100 years, the ball commemorates 25 years. 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton
UOP HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND
OCT 11-13
UOP dedicates an entire weekend to celebrating alumni, parents, and families. This year is extra special as the school celebrates 100 years in the Central Valley. 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton
209BEATDOWN XXIII
OCT. 12, 4 PM
Get ready for MMA cage fighting! The action-packed evening will see some of the best fighters in the region duking it out for the glory. 525 N. Center St., Stockton
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY TRACTOR FEST
OCT. 12, 9 AM-2 PM
The San Joaquin County Historical Museum plays host to this all-ages event, bringing a tractor parade and show to Micke Grove Park, plus food trucks and kids activities. 11793 Micke Grove Rd., Lodi
COMEDY
Jo Koy: Just Being Koy
OCT. 13, 7:30-10:30 PM
Jo Koy has made quite a name for himself in the comedy world with Netflix specials and numerous TV show appearances. Come see him perform live at the Stockton Adventist Health Arena. 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton
LAS LEONAS US TOUR
OCT. 16, 8:30-10 PM
This female-driven, Spanish show celebrates the fierce power of women through a realistic and relatable tale. 242 E. Main St., Stockton
RONNIE CHIENG: THE LOVE TO HATE IT TOUR
OCT. 17, 7:30-9:30 PM
Perhaps best known as a correspondent on The Daily Show, Ronnie Chieng is ready to make Stockton roar with laughter, showing off his comedy chops as a stand-up performer. 242 E. Main St., Stockton
GOLF
SPORT CITY GOLF TOURNEY
OCT. 18 8 AM-3 PM
Visit Stockton is teaming up with the Stockton Sports Commission to put on its third annual golf event, inviting foursomes to compete for a good cause at The Reserve at Spanos Park. Those who sign up will receive breakfast, lunch, practice balls, green fees and carts, drinks, an awards ceremony, and more. 6301 W. Eight Mile Rd., Stockton
ESSENCE OF SOUL INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AND FILM FESTIVAL
OCT. 19, 11 AM-11 PM
The African American Chamber hosts at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium. The event will celebrate rich and diverse cultures through music and film. 525 N. Center St., Stockton
MIRACLE MILE CAR SHOW & CONCERT
OCT. 19, NOON-5 PM
Classic cars will take over Pacific Avenue, inviting individuals of all ages to come out and peruse during the free event. Miracle Mile
OKTOBERFEST WITH THE GERMAN GUYS
OCT. 19, 4-9 PM
Who better to host an Oktoberfest celebration than the German Guys? Held at St. Michael’s Church, attendees can enjoy plenty of beer and authentic German fare, plus live music. 4882 N. Ashley Ln., Stockton
PIXIE WOODS MONSTER MASH
OCT. 26, 10 AM-2 PM
Stockton’s favorite amusement park is pulling out all the stops for its annual Halloween bash. Don your costumes and get ready to marvel at magic shows, participate in arts and crafts, and go home with a pumpkin to carve. 1251 E. Yosemite Ave., Manteca
ZZ TOP: THE ELEVATION TOUR
OCT. 27, 7-8:30 PM
Get ready to sing along to your favorite rock hits from legendary musicians ZZ Top. 242 E. Main St., Stockton.
LOCAL EATS
PIZZA & BEER
RESTAURANTS SERVING UP THE PERFECT COMBO
BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD
Did you know October is National Pizza Month? Well, if you didn’t already, now you do, and we’re using it as our excuse to treat ourselves to pizza all month long. And what better to pair with a delicious pie than a cold brewski? Yeah, we couldn’t think of anything either, especially as the hot days give way to crisp evenings in October.
We chatted with the teams behind some of the best pizzerias in San Joaquin County and got the inside scoop on their favorite pizza and beer pairings for the month of October. While most of these pairings will last all year long, some of the pizzas are seasonal, which means you’ll want to hurry in to get your fix.
David Calder, the owner of David’s Pizza, is calling out one of his favorite pizzas, the Taste of Gilroy. The savory combination of pepperoni, garlic, and tomato is perfect for fall (or anytime really) and pairs well with a Lagunitas IPA, brewed in Petaluma. The strong brew has an interesting flavor combination of citrus, pine, and even spice, which stands up to the strong flavors of the pizza.
David’s Pizza has been racking up “best pizzeria” nods since 1993 thanks to his dedication to fine, local ingredients (hence that Gilroy garlic and fresh tomatoes) and his delicious homemade dough made in house daily. Every pizza comes with one of the brand’s delicious sauces and mozzarella cheese before your choice of toppings is added.
Pizza: Taste of Gilroy Beer: Lagunitas IPA
DAVID’S PIZZA 1744 W. Hammer Lane Stockton 209–4 77–2677
4755 Quail Lakes Dr., Unit A, Stockton 209-472-1011 davidspizza.org
At Michael’s New York Style Pizza, the focus is on being playful when pairing pizza and beer. Ultimately, no one is taking themselves too seriously. That’s why the team suggests ordering up one of their best sellers, the creamy Chicken Gourmet Pizza, topped with chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and red and green onions before it’s finished with fresh cold tomatoes, and then pairing it with a the Wango Mango Hazy IPA from Five Window Beer Co. “We love supporting local breweries and wineries here at Michael’s New York Style Pizza, so it was an easy decision to choose Wango Mango from Five Window Beer Co. to pair with this yummy favorite,” says Katrina Bambula-Santos.
The delicious combination of tropical flavors with the fresh taste of the chicken gourmet complement each other well, without the pizza or the beer outdoing the other. “The IPA’s bright, fruity notes dance alongside the rich, savory flavors of the pizza, making each bite and sip a delightful experience,” Katrina says.
Pizza:
MICHAEL’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA 2300 W. Alpine Ave., Stockton (209) 462-6668 MichaelsPizzaCafe.com
Chicken Gourmet Pizza Beer: Wango Mango by Five Window Beer Co.
5Window Beer Co. may be known more for their beer, but the favorite brewery also has a reputation for whipping up delicious pizzas, often with creative toppings. When it comes to what to order, the specialty pizzas are often changing, but this October it’s the Honey Bee Mine pie served alongside the brand’s Session IPA that the team suggests sampling.
“Our Honey Bee Mine pizza is a sweet and savory pizza with a marinara and mozzarella cheese base, layered with freshly sliced Soppressata salami, topped with goat cheese crumbles, local cherry tomatoes, and drizzled with hot honey,” says Lindsey Youngman, 5 Windows’ marketing and social media manager.
All of that flavor needs a flavorful yet simple beer. The 5 Windows Session IPA does just the trick by cutting the sweetness of the pizza without overpowering it. While it is an IPA, Lindsey describes the brew as “light, refreshing, yet delicious.”
Pizza: Honey Bee Mine Beer: Session IPA by 5 Window Beer Co.
5 WINDOW BEER CO.
9 W. Locust St., Lodi (209) 224-8036
FiveWindow.com
Pi Bar is the newest pizza parlor to come to San Joaquin County. Its long-awaited debut has finally ended, and the Woodbridge business is up and running. So, what should you order on your first visit? The team suggests taking a bite out of their Fig and Burrata Pizza “The Fig Pizza features fresh seasonal ingredients as well as bacon, burrata, arugula, and balsamic,” says Noah Almager, the restaurant’s beverage director. Because the pizza already offers both sweet and savory flavors, diners should pair it with a light, yet rich and creamy beer. In this case, Noah recommends reaching for a Oatey McOatface Nitro Oatmeal Stout from Third Window Brewing, a dessert-style dark brew. By ordering up a nitro brew, you’re essentially taking a mildly carbonated beer and infusing it with nitrogen for a smoother texture that feels like dessert in a glass.
PI BAR
18879 N. Lower Sacramento Rd., Woodbridge (209) 310-6177
PiBarWoodbridge.com
Pizza: Fig and Burrata Pizza Beer: Oatmeal Stout on Nitro
Guantonios Wood Fired is known for serving up delicious and creative woodfired pizzas. This fall is no different. Chef Nick Guantone suggests pairing their Honeynut Squash with Nduja pizza with a fresh-hopped pale ale from Lodi local Side Hustle Brew Co. called Cash Money.
“It’s got a touch of malt, which makes it great for fall and reminiscent of (yet fresher version of) one of my all-time favorite beers Sierra Nevada,” Nick shares. As for the pizza, this happens to be one of the company’s fall seasonal choices, only available for a limited time.
“The pizza has nice sweetness from the honeynut squash and spice from the Nduja, which pairs well with [the] slightly malty, fresh hop profile,” Nick says
Pizza: Honeynut Squash with Nduja Beer: Cash Money by Side Hustle Brew Co.
GUANTONIOS WOOD FIRED
600 W. Lockeford St., Lodi (209) 263-7152 Guantonios.com
GET THAT Bounce Back
TREAT YOUR SKIN TO REGENERATIVE AESTHETICS TO ADD VITALITY AND GET A GLORIOUS GLOW
BY ANGELA RUDOLPH
Regenerative aesthetics procedures focus on using the body’s natural healing processes to rejuvenate the skin, promote collagen production, and combat signs of aging. “With its focus on platelet-rich fibrin with exosomes, regenerative aesthetics offers a unique opportunity to revitalize patients by utilizing their own biological potential, leading to beautifully authentic results," explains Nurse Practitioner Gifty Aidoo from Aesthetic Lab. Here, we explore three treatments and what you can expect from each.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves using the patient’s blood, which is processed to concentrate platelets rich in growth factors that promote tissue healing and regeneration.
HOW IT WORKS: The PRP is injected into the skin, where it stimulates collagen production, enhances skin texture and elasticity, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. PRP is also commonly used for hair restoration.
BENEFITS: PRP offers a natural, noninvasive solution for skin rejuvenation, using the body’s healing factors to improve skin quality and promote a more youthful appearance without synthetic fillers.
Sculptra is an injectable made of poly-L-lactic acid that acts as a collagen stimulator. Unlike traditional fillers, Sculptra encourages the body to rebuild its own collagen, resulting in a gradual but long-lasting improvement in facial volume and skin elasticity.
HOW IT WORKS: Once injected into targeted areas, Sculptra stimulates collagen production, restoring facial volume and reducing wrinkles over time.
BENEFITS: Sculptra provides subtle, long-lasting results for up to two years, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking a natural enhancement without the immediate volume associated with traditional dermal fillers. Exosome therapy uses exosomes, extracellular vesicles that carry proteins, lipids, and genetic material, facilitating communication between cells and promoting cell repair and regeneration.
HOW IT WORKS: Exosomes are injected into the skin to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing.
BENEFITS: Exosome therapy is effective in promoting faster recovery, reducing signs of aging, and improving overall skin health. It supports the skin’s natural regenerative processes, making it an ideal complement to other aesthetic treatments to enhance recovery and improve skin tone and texture
AESTHETIC LAB
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FREE syringe of Ultra Plus
With a purchase of 2 Voluma
Filler syringes. A $550 Savings!
PEEL & SQUEAL!
$20 OFF the Original VI Peel
A chemical peel used to reveal a fresh, healthy layer of skin!
SKIN SPELL
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If you are on any of our weight loss medication and would like to try Emsculpt we can offer it for $250 a session!
BOLSTER CONFIDENCE & Have More Control WITH
VAGINAL REJUVENATION PROCEDURES
BY ANGELA RUDOLPH
More satisfaction from sex, greater arousal, and fewer problems with urinary incontinence –vaginal rejuvenation comes in multiple forms but can have incredible results for those who need it. Illa Cox, founder of Cox Medical Aesthetics, gives us all the details.
HOW DOES VAGINAL REJUVENATION WORK?
There are a wide variety of treatment options available ranging from creams, injections, surgeries, and laser treatments. Which one will be best depends on the desired results and the medical history of the patient. Popular options include hymenoplasty, the O-Shot, and Morpheus 8 V radio frequency laser treatment. Hymenoplasty restores a woman’s hymen through two procedures after which the walls of the vagina are usually also tightened. The O-Shot is
a noninvasive procedure that causes little to no pain during injection where a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is injected into the clitoris and upper vagina to stimulate new tissue growth. Laser treatment is noninvasive, does not cause pain during treatment, and works by replacing damaged tissue with new tissue while contracting the pelvic floor muscles and strengthening them.
WHAT ARE SOME POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF THE PROCEDURES?
Potential benefits include the look of the vagina, the sensations experienced
during sex, and bladder control. From those who may be a bit self-conscious and wish to alter the appearance of the vagina to those who are experiencing issues with arousal, satisfaction during sex, and incontinence, vaginal rejuvenation procedures can bolster confidence and create more control.
HOW LONG DOES RECOVERY TAKE?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure. From the two procedures mentioned above, the O-Shot offers minimal recovery time, though the effects will continue to build and have a long-lasting impact. Recovery from a hymenoplasty is a bit longer, with requirements to avoid baths and swimming for a few days, taking antibiotics and cleaning the area, and refraining from sexual intercourse for eight weeks. Vaginal rejuvenation comes in many forms and can have great results for women who desire more satisfaction, more control, and a restored feeling and appearance
Introducing Illa Cox FNP-C DNP
I
Fall Into
MORPHEUS 8 FACE AND BODY
(MICRONEEDLING RF)
SKIN TIGHTENING & LIQUIFYING FAT
NEUROTOXIN
DERMAL FILLER
SCULPTRA
PDO THREADS
VI CHEMICAL PEEL
HORMONE THERAPY PELLETS
VAGINAL REJUVENATING (STRESS AND URINARY INCONTINENCE)
WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
PRP
VITAMIN THERAPY FOR HAIR LOSS
HYDRAFACIAL
IPL (INTENSE PULSE LASER)
IMPROVES SKIN TEXTURE AND COLOR
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
VITAMIN INFUSION
(GLUTATHIONE, VITAMIN C, B, NAD, CALCIUM GLUCONATE, NIACINAMIDE, RIBOFLAVIN, MAGNESIUM
CHLORIDE & VITAMIN B12 INJECTIONS)
lla Cox is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, BRN – certified aesthetics, instructor, and has been a certified injector for eight years. She graduated with honors from Sacramento State University, where she obtained her nursing degree and then completed a family nurse practitioner program at Sonoma State University. Following that, Illa earned her doctorate of nursing practice from Touro University in Nevada. With more than 20 years of experience in the medical field, she has worked in emergency departments all over California.
As the owner of Cox Medical Aesthetics, Illa works to help patients achieve the look they desire. And with more than a decade of experience in the industry, she offers wonderful customer service from the moment you enter the clinic to when you leave. All of this ensures that your skin needs are met and you walk out of the clinic feeling radiant.
At Cox Medical Aesthetics, Illa believes in ongoing education and staying up to date with the latest trends and advancements in the industry. She is dedicated to providing clients with customized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and desires. At Cox Medical, safety and comfort are prioritized at every stage of the treatment process and clients are well-informed and comfortable with their procedures. The ultimate goal is to exceed client expectations and establish long-lasting relationships built on trust, integrity, and exceptional service.
PROMOTIONAL SECTION
Tn the United States, the average age for a woman to go through menopause is 51-52, but it routinely happens between 45-55. Perimenopause—the transition to menopause—can last years and is often the first signs “the change,” is coming. Despite about 50% of the population experiencing menopause, information isn’t always abundant unless you seek it out, so we talked to Sabeena Pradhan, MD, NCMP, Ob/Gyn with Kaiser Permanente Central Valley to learn more.
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Many women notice hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, while some less common symptoms include joint and muscle pain, palpitations, brain fog, frequent urinary tract infections, and changes in body odor.
Amongst those, irregular periods often come first. “Menstrual cycles can become shorter, longer, or just unpredictable.” Dr. Pradhan says.
MANAGING SYMPTOMS
While there is no preventing menopause, women can find comfort by implementing lifestyle changes or hormone therapy. “Lifestyle modifications include a balanced diet… regular exercise (especially strength training to promote bone
MANAGE Menopause
density), proper sleep habits, adequate hydration, stress management, and limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption,” Dr. Pradhan says. Some women turn to systemic or vaginal hormones to lessen the severity of symptoms.
“Other treatments some consider include non-hormonal medications (like low-dose antidepressants), over-the-counter herbs, and cognitive behavioral therapy. But remember that each woman’s experience with menopause is unique, and there is no one size fits all approach,” says Dr. Pradhan.
WHEN TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
“Although menopause is a natural phase of life, you should seek medical advice if your menopausal symptoms are so severe that they significantly affect your quality of life,” Dr. Pradhan advises. Symptoms that may trigger a call to the doctor include heavy or prolonged bleeding, bleeding between menstrual cycles, bleeding after not having a period for one year, palpitations, severe or worsening joint pain, frequent or painful urination, sudden weight gain, or persistent
fatigue. “It is important to listen to your body and seek advice whenever you feel something isn’t right,” Dr. Pradhan says. “A physician can offer guidance, treatment options, and reassurance as you navigate this phase of life.”
Pull-Out Quote: “Hot flashes and night sweats are the hallmark symptoms of menopause, but they may not necessarily be the first symptoms to occur.”
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
MAINTAIN LIFELONG Eye Health
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.
BY FAITH LEWIS
Over 60 years of Vision Care
STOCKTON LODI MANTECA TRACY SONORA JACKSON
Mohammad Pathan M.D.
Joseph Zeiter Jr. M.D.
John Canzano M.D. Richard Wong M.D.
John Zeiter M.D.
John Zeiter Jr. M.D.
Erin Doxtader O.D. Katelyn Balancio O.D. Ralph Miranda O.D.
Jennifer Pham O.D.
Joseph Zeiter M.D.
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
MANSHADI HEART INSTITUTE
SUPPORT A LOVED ONE During Breast Cancer Treatment
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
Acancer diagnosis of any type can be scary, and while you want to do your best to support anyone going through a medical scare, knowing how to help can be a struggle. Breast Nurse Navigator Griselda Olivas, RN, CN-BN, with Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center, has made it her job (quite literally) to know how to support patients. And she’s sharing inside tips on how friends and family can do the same in five simple steps.
BECOME A GOOD LISTENER. “Most times the patient just wants to share how they're feeling about their treatment and fears,” Griselda says. “Never judge or add your opinion. Be supportive and positive even through difficult times. It’s okay to hug and cry.”
GIVE SPACE WHEN NEEDED. Patients undergoing chemo sometimes don’t have the energy for visitors. Other ways to show
your support is by sending a “thinking of you” card, making a phone call, or sending flowers or another gift. “If your loved one does not want to take a call, never take it personally. Patients sometimes are just not up to calls.” Once your loved one is ready to visit, consider a pedicure, haircut, shopping trip, lunch/dinner, or something else social and pampering.
TAKE SOMETHING OFF THEIR PLATE. Offer transportation to and from appointments, grocery pickup, pharmacy runs, or to complete other errands.
CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER. “Most hospice services provide caregiver support groups and classes,” Griselda says. “Being a caregiver can be stressful and it is important to remember that they, too, need support and tools on dealing with delicate and emotional situations involving their loved ones and ways to destress.”
UTILIZE OUTSIDE RESOURCES. “The St. Joseph’s Nurse Navigator is a support service that provides individualized educational information and assistance to help guide and support the patient through the journey of cancer,” Griselda explains. “Our Navigator Program provides education, support service, in addition to making appropriate and timely referrals, follow-up care, long-term survivorship and, if needed, end of life care. My role as a Nurse Navigator is to help assist and overcome health system barriers and to facilitate timely access to quality medical care with the goal for better outcomes.”
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 or call our Cancer Patient Navigator at (209) 969-4526.
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.
In 2025, Medicare will undergo some of the most significant changes in a generation. Changes to Medicare will include a $2,000 limit on out-of-pocket Part D drug costs, an opt-in payment plan, and some potential broad changes in Medicare Advantage plans. Most result from the Inflation Reduction Act.
LANE PHARMACY
2339 W. Hammer Ln., Stockton (209) 477-7100
HAMMER
Ramin Manshadi, MD, FACC |
DManshadi Heart Institute, Inc.
r. Manshadi’s philosophy parallels the true art of medicine taught and practiced by the father of medicine, Hippocrates: “To treat patients with kindness and compassion” utilizing the latest in medical knowledge and technology. To schedule an appointment please call (209) 944-5530.
FELLOWSHIP TRAINING: UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, Calif. INTERNSHIP AND RESIDENCY: California Pacific Medical center in Affiliation with UCSF San Francisco, Calif. MEDICAL EDUCATION: Medical Doctor, UHS/ The Chicago Medical School, Master of Science in Physiology, UHS/The Chicago Medical School Bachelor of Science in Physiology, UC Davis. AWARDS: Future Leader Award, CA, American College of Cardiology Young Physician Award, San Joaquin Medical Society, Americas Top Doctors, Castle Connolly Top Doctors. CERTIFICATIONS: ABIM; Internal Medicine, ABIM; Cardiovascular Medicine, ABIM; Interventional Cardiology. PRESENT AND PAST POSITIONS: Trustee, California Medical Association. Member, Health Affairs Committee, American College of Cardiology. Past President, American College of Cardiology, California Chapter, Team Cardiologist, Sacramento Republic professional Soccer Team Past President, San Joaquin Medical Society, Clinical Professor, UC Davis. EXPERTISE: Sport Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Trans Aortic Valve Replacements Lipids, Congestive Heart Failure, Venous Ablations for Varicose veins.
MANSHADI HEART INSTITUTE, INC.
Stockton: 2633 Pacific Ave., Stockton
Lodi: 1210 W Tokay St., Lodi (209) 370-3580, DrManshadi.com
Hammer Lane Pharmacy
Dr Amir Khan is a Stockton native and has been serving his community as a pharmacist for over 25 years. Amir is an alumni of the University of the Pacific (UOP), where he received his Doctorate of Pharmacology adjunct professor with UOP, Western University and CNCP Aside from working as a community pharmacist, Amir has served as an adjunct professor with UOP and CNCP for over 20 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 sixth year in a row, as the Winner of the Best Independent Pharmacy from 2019 - 2024 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 pickup, free local home delivery, being open 7 days a week, accepting almost all insurances, and having many immunizations being offered including the newly formulated Covid Vaccination, RSV vaccine, Pneumonia Vaccine (Pneumovax-23 and Prevnar-20), Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix), Tdap and the new seasonal Flu Vaccine both under and over 65 year old patients, plus many other vaccinations offered to patients in the setting of a private room. They also offer compliance packaging and, not to mention, carry many OTC and home healthcare products.
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 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, Sonora and Jackson. 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 and cornea. Some of the diverse services offered at Zeiter Eye include: state-of-the-art cataract surgery, glaucoma and diabetic treatment, macular degeneration management. 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.
John Zeiter M.D. Richard Wong M.D. John Canzano M.D.
Joseph Zeiter M.D.
Mohammad Pathan M.D. John Zeiter Jr. M.D.
Joseph Zeiter Jr. M.D.
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 19 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 40,000 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 tight-knit 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 Rd. Salida
209-543-9299
salidasurgerycenter.com
Spooky London
IT’S LONDON LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE
BY NORA HESTON TARTE
What better time to embark on an eerie trip overseas than smack in the middle of spooky season? London with its gray skies and (let’s face it) long, bloody history is the best place to enjoy the holiday if you can stomach it. Read on for a round-up of tours, experiences, specials, and more, selected specifically for our horror fanatic readers. Some of them are merely historic, while others take a bit more creative license.
HISTORIC HAUNTS
Just about any tour throughout London is bound to feature some blood and guts. Even without seeking out gruesome tales, you’re likely to hear about murders, beheadings, and more. It’s a reminder than while London is a lively and bustling city, it also has a history of nefarious activity and back alley dealings that will make your skin crawl.
If it’s your first visit, I recommend beginning with a London Sights Tour There are plenty throughout the city, but the 30+ sights booked through GoCity is a thorough one lasting several hours and stretching all over town. Here you’ll get the see palaces and top attractions including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, but you’ll also hear about the murderous royals who built the city and the crime-heavy years that follow.
For something a bit more pointed, take a Jack the Ripper tour. Again, there will be many—we booked through Discovery Tours and Events on Viator and it did not disappoint. On the night of our tour, we crossed paths with several other groups, each visiting the areas linked to the Jack the Ripper murders. If you’ve ever wanted to ponder the identity of the notorious London killer who preyed on women, this is your chance to ask an expert, or follow in his footsteps to come to your own conclusion.
The Old London Bridge is another attraction with a history much darker than you’d expect. Sure, the bridges were built as a means of transportation in the city, but they were also routinely outfitted with heads on spikes between 1300 and 1660. The severed heads typically belonged to criminals—many convicted of treason— and were put on display in either triumph or warning.
To learn more about the history of the Old London Bridge, escape to the London Bridge Experience. The tour takes place in the haunted vaults beneath the bridge and includes a short show where you move from room to room followed by a scary maze experience where you’ll
be chased through the underground tombs. Don’t worry though, after you’ve outrun the costumed strangers, there’s a bar where you can calm your nerves. In October, special Halloween shows take place. Expert Tip: This is near the famous Borough Market where you can grab lunch and stand in line to try those viral chocolate covered strawberries. No tricks, we promise.
If you booked a GoCity Pass, solve a murder of your own. There is a Solve the Murder packet available at the Snack Stop available at no extra cost. This will start you on your own citywide adventure, like an escape room with no locked door and less stringent time constraints.
London Bridge Experience
Big Ben
MODERN SCARES
London knows how to lean into its perverse history, and sometimes that includes adding a bit of menace to its more modern attractions.
If you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you won’t want to miss the speakeasy-meetsescape room experience located in a local mall. Dubbed The Mind Palace, you’ll enter through an optometrist office and check in for your appointment (advanced reservations are required). Then you’ll be led back to a Sherlock-themed speakeasy where you can have a drink before tackling the escape room.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you won’t want to miss the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. This immersive experience requires a ride about 45 minutes outside of the city center, but it’s well worth the travels. Here you’ll be immersed in the magical wizarding world of Hogwarts and beyond, traipsing through the Great Hall, visiting Privet Drive, trying to run through the walls at Platform 9 ¾, window shopping down Diagon Alley, and more. The tour completely transports you with full-size sets, props from the movies, interactive displays, and butterbeer. Plan to spend several hours here—even non-fans will be amazed at the detail that went into
Borough Market
escape
creating this theme park-esque walkthrough (minus the rides) Bonus: If you come September-November, the Great Hall is transformed for the occasion with dozens of pumpkins floating above your head and additional villainous details are added as part of the Dark Arts experience.
Seeing a theater show in London’s famous West End is a bucket list item for most. And while dozens of theaters make up the London neighborhood, there’s one show made specifically for sci-fi fans. Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Phoenix Theatre and is suitable for ages 12+. Instead of a remake of the famous Netflix series, this show acts as a prequel set in 1959. You won’t miss out on your favorite characters through; younger versions
of Jim Hopper, Bob Newby, and Joyce Maldonado have their own adventures in the upside down in this two-and-ahalf-hour show.
Another must-see Broadway experience is the Tony-award winning Six, a sparkly musical about the six wives of King Henry VIII. While the vibes feel like history class taught by the Spice Girls, the story behind this rowdy musical is more sinister. Afterall, only two of the six wives survived their marriage to the king, and two quite literally lost their heads.
Before the show—or any show— consider dinner at Sycamore Vino Cucina inside of the Middle Eight Hotel in Convent Garden.
The restaurant, located in the middle of theatreland, features a sips menu curated for before or after show drinks. You can also dine in. The pre-theatre menu provides a choice between two and three courses, beginning with appetizers and finishing with dessert. And the atmosphere of the bar perfectly punctuates an elegant evening out on the town, with dimly lit, intimate tables and a central bar.
NO SCARES HERE
If you’ve had your fill of forbidding adventures and bloodcurdling screams, there are plenty of attractions within London that offer a more carefree experience.
We don’t recommend coming to the city and not taking a ride on the London Eye. It is one of the best ways to see the city any time of day. The Ferris Wheelstyle attraction loads visitors into closed vessels and sends you on your way. Located next to the River Thames, you’ll be able to see monuments including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
SIX on Broadway
You'll Never Want To Vacation Any Other Way
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GHOSTLY DRINKS
This isn’t about foggy drinks served in beakers. Instead of focusing on themed cocktails, we’re stepping the scary up a notch by centering on haunted pubs throughout the city. Want to know where to get a pint and a scare?
The Ten Bells. This popular pub has been closely linked to the Ripper murders. And if that wasn’t enough, many claim to routinely experience otherworldly activity here, including frequent spottings of a man in Victorian clothing roaming the halls.
The Grenadier. The Wilton Mews establishment enjoys a history as one of London’s most haunted pubs. Whether truth or tales, it’s hard to say, but ask around and you’ll quickly hear a few stories with not-so-happy endings.
The Spaniards Inn. Off the beaten path, the supposed happenings linked to this Hampstead bar originate in the 1500s, but they don’t end there.
The Viaduct Tavern. This Victorian pub was once a jail and a gin palace. Ask about the creepy chronicles while enjoying a beer on the rooftop bar
Palace, and more, all in one thirty minute spin around the observation wheel.
Before you leave the area, grab a drink (or perhaps dinner) on one of the floating boat bars along the River Thames You’re likely to see quite a few near the London Eye, with more than a view of the river, but rather a spot to sip aboard ship. Some suggestions: Tamesis Dock, Bar & Co., and Battersea Barge. Notting Hill is another favorite neighborhood for exploring. Perhaps most famous as the setting of the movie of the same name (starring Julia
Roberts and Hugh Grant), it’s marked by brightly colored buildings and is famous for the Portobello Road Market where visitors can shop goods including cashmere scarves and London-flag swag up and down the main stretch. If you come early, stop into Mike’s Café for mimosas and a full English breakfast. Or choose the fruittopped pancakes if beans don’t feel like an early morning food for you. Before you leave, take a picture in front of the bookstore and say a few lines from the film ("I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her”)
Tamesis Dock, Bar & Co.
Tamesis Dock, Bar & Co.
Portobello Road Market
October 6th | Kid’s Candy Apple Craze, Hayrides & Pumpkin Patch
October 13th | “Oktoberfest” Scramble Golf Tournament
October 17th | Ladies Night Out Pumpkin Succulent Class
November 1st | Seafood Extravaganza
November 14th | Holiday Open House & Shopping Bazaar
November 15th | Bi-Annual Wine Adventure
November 21st | Ladies Night Out Wreath Making
November 24th | Family Night Bingo
December 8th | Holiday Champagne Brunch with Santa
December 12th | Cookie Decorating, Crafts, Horse & Carriage Rides
December 31st | New Years Eve Casino Night
3603 St. Andrews Drive | Stockton, CA www.brooksidegolf.net | (209) 956-6200
Wine Dine
Le Cordon Bleu trained & San Joaquin Valley proud
A Q&A WITH CHEF JEFF STOGSDILL
The term “celebrity chef” describes any high profile, culinary rock star. Jeff Stogsdill is certainly that, but without the ego that often accompanies the title. A fan favorite for 15 years at Stockton’s waterfront restaurant, Delta Bistro and Lounge, he’s been getting rave reviews for the last two years as executive chef at Brookside Country Club. We sat down with Chef Jeff to find out what influences his cooking and tickles his taste buds.
BY GINNY PRIOR / D CARISSA DUGONI
Q: You were trained at San Francisco’s Culinary Arts School, Le Cordon Bleu, in the early 2000s; but your wife, Bonnie-Lou, was your inspiration. Tell us how she helped you find your passion.
A: I was in a job and was successful… but I absolutely hated it. We talked about what I could do that would make me feel fulfilled. I started messing with the culinary field and here I am. She is just very influential in my life… she makes me feel I’m on the right track.
Q: What did you take away from your Le Cordon Bleu training that you’d love to share?
A: I’m classically French trained and very particular about sauces. The basic sauces, the ones I think are very under-utilized, and a lot of times— between you and me—get easily messed up. Sauces such as piccata and marsala… I just want everyone to know how great they can be when done right.
Q: Tell us a little about your daily routine at Brookside Country Club.
A: My day typically starts around 9 AM. As with most chefs, every day is completely different. At Brookside, I not only have the restaurant and events for our members but outside banquets as well. All this gives me the opportunity to reach a very large audience.
Q: How do you use the bounty of the San Joaquin Valley in your creations?
A: The ingredients that we use at Brookside Country Club are ridiculous, top of the line. I use different vendors like Produce Express [where] I have a great local representative that keeps me appraised of every vegetable and fruit that comes into season.
Q: And even at home it sounds like you’re surrounded by farmland.
A: We live in the middle of an almond orchard and have a great relationship with the farmers. Roasting almonds has become a favorite pastime for us. We love to put a little ‘ranch’ seasoning on them and then can them each winter.
Q: What seasonal ingredients are you working with this fall that excite you?
A: We are getting into some nice lettuces like purple romaine. The baby heirloom squashes are coming in as well as black watermelons. Interesting fact: the black color refers to the rind and the insides are crazy sweet. They’re from a local farm here in the Stockton area.
Q: Speaking of autumn, Brookside Country Club does a big event for Halloween. Tell us a bit about it.
A: Brookside begins October with our giant Candy Apple Craze event where there are hayrides, candy apples, a bounce house slide, and a pumpkin patch. The kids decorate the apples and we provide an awesome buffet for both the kids and parents/ grandparents. Just after this event we have our Haunted House and Monster Mash Bash. My food and beverage director, Michael Benton, and some of his staff turn our golf cart barn into a haunted house and the theme changes every year.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say to San Joaquin Magazine readers who voted you second in the Best of Chef category?
A: I’m very proud of that… and I thank them so much. I’m always striving to be the best chef I can be and take pride in the wonderful team I have here at Brookside
IN SEASON
Fruit Forward Sandwiches
Fruit adds a delightful twist to sandwiches. The following recipes incorporate naturally sweet fruits to create a unique approach to a loved, staple meal. Berries and honey topped on ricotta and toasted bread is perfect for breakfast or lunch. Melding the flavors of peanut butter and thinly sliced apples makes for an ultra-satisfying panini with a crisp exterior
and warm, creamy center. A tuna salad with grapes, toasted walnuts, and tarragon is for all those desiring a sweet and savory sandwich, just right for you to enjoy at home, packed to-go, or sliced into small squares at a bridal or baby shower.
OpenFaced Fruit Sammie with Ricotta & Honey
Serves 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
1 slice of your favorite bread
¼ c. ricotta cheese
1 strawberry, sliced
8 blueberries
1 tsp. Honey
2 fresh mint leaves, minced
INSTRUCTIONS:
Toast bread and layer with ricotta cheese, sliced strawberry, blueberries, honey, and mint. Serve immediately.
PHOTOS AND STORY BY SARAH STEFFENS
Celebrating their 14th year in the Historic Tracy Inn, the chefs at Tracy Thai Restaurant have produced countless satisfied customers, with their wonderfully inventive dishes. The chef makes classics dishes like ‘Pad Thai’ and ‘Tom Kar Gai’ that leave the diner feeling that they have been transported to a street in Thailand. Many of the dishes such as Eggplant prawns, or Garlic Pork reflect a homestyle feel. The Menu is a delight and there are always Lunch and Dinner Specials. The wood panels and decors at Tracy Thai will bring you to a classic home style in Thailand. With a warm, cozy ambiance and delicious food, you would enjoy your meal at Tracy Thai.
TRACY THAI
1035 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 833-9703
Hailed as one of the most authentic powerhouses of Japanese cuisine in the San Joaquin valley, Komachi offers a diverse array of exquisite dishes, ranging from the freshest sashimi to mouth-watering sushi rolls. “Come as a customer, leave as our family.” Hours: 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
Harry and Susan Yu have been a major part of the local economy since 2007 when Mikasa opened its location in Lathrop. Cooking with local produce and only using the freshest fish right from the Bay has always been key to their success. Fortunately the Yu’s chose Tracy for their newest location stocking the full bar with the most extensive liquor, sake, wine and beer selection around. Plus, with happy hour 7 days a week you’ll be sure to get your fill! Mikasa also offers off site catering and a separate banquet room for all your rehearsal dinners, large parties or business needs. Try the special SJM Roll (pictured)
MIKASA JAPANESE BISTRO
2610 S. Tracy Blvd. Ste. 110 Tracy, (209) 830-8288
15138 S Harlan Rd., Lathrop, (209) 858-1818
Nestled on the Brickwalk in Lincoln Center
Midgley’s Public House specializes in steaks and seafood, with an extensive appetizer menu and unique desserts. Our bar menu consist of several unique cocktails, fine wines and spirits. We have several dining options including our extensive patio, dining room with floor to ceiling open windows, and a large bar area. We offer several dining options for large parties and do catering of all sizes, including our own food truck, Midgley's Public Truck, that can be rented for private and public events.
MIDGLEY’S PUBLIC HOUSE
296 Lincoln Center Stockton, (209) 474-7700
MidgleysPublicHouse.com
Grilled PB & Apple Sammie
Serves 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
2 slices of sourdough bread
2 tsp. butter
3 tbsp. natural creamy or crunchy peanut butter
Sprinkle of sea salt and ground cinnamon
½ apple, thinly sliced
Avocado oil spray
INSTRUCTIONS:
Spread one teaspoon of butter on backsides of bread slices. Flip bread to the non-butter side and spread evenly with peanut butter. Sprinkle with sea salt and cinnamon. Layer apple slices on one slice, then top with second piece of bread. Heat a non-stick pan to medium-low heat and spray with avocado oil. Place sandwich in pan, spray with more avocado oil, and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until each is crisp and golden in color. Remove from the pan. Place on a plate and slice in half.
Tuna Salad Sandwich with Grapes, Walnut & Tarragon
Serves 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
2 slices of sourdough bread
1 can tuna, packed in water, drained
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
Sprinkle of sea salt
Sprinkle of white pepper
1 tsp. dried tarragon
¼ c. grapes (any color), sliced in half
2 tbsp. toasted walnuts, chopped
2 slices Romaine lettuce
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, sea salt, white pepper, and dried tarragon in mixing bowl and gently toss. Add grapes and walnuts and gently toss until well-combined. Add Romaine lettuce leaf to one slice of bread. Scoop tuna salad onto lettuce, being careful to pack well. Cover tuna salad with second piece of lettuce, followed by second slice of bread. Slice in half and serve immediately or pack in a container to enjoy within two days.
FOOD ON THE MOVE
LOVELY LOBSTER AND MORE
bathed in butter and lemon. Fans say it’s a delicious compliment to many of the wines that are produced in a region renowned for vineyards and orchards.
“We partner with breweries and wineries in Lodi as well as all over San Joaquin County,” says Raj. “Wine and Lobster go great together and our customers love the fact that we have an extensive seafood menu with items that pair well with both red and white wines.”
Lobster Tacos are another food truck favorite, a sassy shakeup of traditional Mexican-inspired flavors that substitute meat with warm, buttery lobster. Cousin’s creamy clam chowder is often ordered as a satisfying side dish. As gentle breezes and cooler temperatures usher in autumn, Raj looks forward to seeing even more customers at his lobsterbedecked food trucks.
“We book our trucks at breweries, wineries, apartment complexes, events and more!"
Raj Mohan
GET A QUICK SEAFOOD FIX AT COUSINS MAINE LOBSTER
BY GINNY PRIOR
Lobsters in the San Joaquin Valley? It turns out this fertile farm region has plenty of briny malocostracans. Just look for one of the Cousins Maine Lobster Trucks, popping up at a location near you.
The multi-million-dollar operation was founded in 2012 when Maine natives Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis opened a single food truck in Los Angeles selling the lobster rolls loved as kids. An appearance on the TV show Shark Tank in 2016 supercharged the business with a $55,000 investment by real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran. The company now has over 60 food trucks and seven brick and mortar restaurants across the U.S.
Owner/operators who buy into this franchise are trained along the coast of Maine, baiting and hauling traps with local lobstermen. Once their salty schooling is complete, they are ready to hit the streets.
“We book our trucks at breweries, wineries, apartment complexes, events in San Joaquin County, and more,” says Raj Mohan, whose owns two trucks that service the area. He says the bookings are based on locations where people hang out and are looking for high-quality food options.
The most popular item on the menu in San Joaquin County is the Connecticut Roll, a New England Roll brimming with Maine Lobster
Black Velvet Sangria
INGREDIENTS
3/4 glass of Josh Merlot
3 oz. orange juice
1 oz. Red Berry Ciroc
½ oz. House made blackberry simple syrup
½ oz. House made raspberry simple syrup
½
DIRECTIONS
Put
