The Current December Reflect Edition by Specialty Publications

December 2016

COMPLIMENTARY COPY COURTESY OF BIG VALLEY FORD

gathering grounds

SJ COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS foundations

SJ COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION home is where the art is

ART EXPRESSIONS OF SJ brick by brick

B&M BUILDING

t c e l f e R lect

Ref

meet the artist

REFLECT COVER CONTEST WINNER

printed on recycled paper

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LADY ROSE by Howard N. Binder

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Contributors

EDITOR‘S NOTE

Publisher Roger Coover

Rearview Mirror

t was right about this time last year that the idea for The Current began to take a foothold. The first edition would not publish until spring, but the wheels were well in motion as the holidays approached. It’s been quite a ride, and as 2017 begins to show on the horizon, we know the best part of this journey is really just beginning. Year one has been memorable, to say the least. Launching a new product is always a bit scary. We were very excited to present something different, and as the concept and the mission of The Current began to take shape, we knew we had something special in the making. Then the excitement mixed with fear set in. Would our readers be as passionate about it as we were? On March 20, 2016, we found out that the answer was an astounding YES! The reader response was overwhelming. The positive feedback and congratulations flooded in. We knew then that the community was as ready as we were for something that would outshine all the negative press and outsider’s notions about what this place we call home is really all about. The Current became the stories about the unsung members of San Joaquin who are working hard, out of the spotlight, and making positive changes in our community, presented with a heavy focus on art and the beauty it brings out in our attitudes toward our cities and our people. Now, that being said, this first year was not without its challenges. We definitely hit some bumps in the road along the way. Some of the bumps grew into mountains. Thankfully, The Current team is full of climbers. All in all, we accomplished what we set out to do. Many things fell perfectly into place. Some things proved to be difficult, but not impossible. Some things dug in their heels and refused to move. But we figured out what is working, what needs some adjustment, and what needs to go back to the drawing board. That is the best part of a publication like The Current. Every month is a fresh opportunity to reach for new heights and test some new waters. The positive support of our readers and our advertisers has never stopped, and with each new edition we gain talented local contributors who reach out to us, wanting to be a part of The Current. San Joaquin County has an endless supply of stories waiting to be told, and we intend to tell them. The BEST is yet to come. Farewell 2016. You were quite a road trip!

Advertising Director Deitra Kenoly Editor Karen Bakhtegan Cover Artist Howard Binder Graphic Artists Jason LaMasters Jason Ente Dan Loeffelbein Advertising Specialist Liz Saldivar Writers Charleen Earley Middagh Goodwin Bob Highfill Melissa Hutsell Denzel A. Jackson Howard Lachtman Janicea Lindly Leah Myers Harry Pacheco Ben Sanchez Susan Michener Spracher Joshua Stoner Jennifer Torres Photographers Lina Tirre Clifford Oto Calixtro Romias

WE NEED YOUR INPUT Do you have something to say? Are you a writer? An armchair columnist? A blogger? Are you an entrepreneur? An inventor? An innovator? An artist? Are you paying it forward? Do you know of a hidden gem or an unsung hero whose story needs to be told? We want to hear from you and we want to include you in upcoming editions. Email: thecurrent@recordnet.com Follow us and share your photos and messages Instagram–thecurrentsj Facebook–The Current San Joaquin Twitter–@thecurrentsj

Karen Bakhtegan

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14-31 reflect -home is where the art is -gathering grounds -brick by brick -market value -inspiring soul -ink heart -dream chaser

32 perspectives

-the artist that concocted the perfect recipe

34 artbeat -collective efforts

36 cultivate - foundations

38 my generation -fresh start

40 book nook -caroline cox -mel corren

42 bites

-autentico ristorante

44 vines -wine blogs

46 vitals -health corner

48 get out

-december events calendar

50 the undercurrent -game on -music 101 -the nightcrawler

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contact our specialists

209.943.8585

Liz Saldivar The Current lsaldivar@recordnet.com Outside print and digital specialist

Lina Tirre Current Events Live etirre@recordnet.com Event specialist

events

Get The Current delivered to your home the fourth Sunday of every month by subscribing to The Record. Go to Recordnet.com to get your subscription started. ~or~ Pick up a free copy of The Current sponsored by Big Valley Ford starting Thursday, Dec 1st at any of these local businesses: Black Rose Tattoo 237 E. Miner Avenue Stockton Brannon Tires 4905 Claremont Avenue Stockton Canepa’s Car Wash 6230 Pacific Avenue 642 N. Hunter Avenue Stockton

Downtown Stockton Alliance 125 Bridge Place Stockton Friends of the Library 1724 W. Hammer Lane Stockton Green’s Nutrition 1906 Pacific Avenue Stockton

Canepa’s Lube & Oil 6220 Pacific Avenue Stockton

Humphreys College 6650 Inglewood Avenue Stockton

David’s Pizza 1744 W. Hammer Lane Stockton december 2016

Infusion Playhouse 2005 Pacific Ave Stockton

Kings Card Club 6111 West Lane, Suite 103 Stockton

Mr. D’s Pizza 122 E. Oak Street Stockton

We Play 3252 Tomahawk Lane Stockton

Mexican Heritage Center 111 S. Sutter Street Stockton

My Partners Furniture 113 W. Harding Way Stockton

Wine & Roses 2505 W. Turner Road Lodi

Meyers Optical 858 W. Ben Holt Drive Stockton

Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau 125 Bridge Place Stockton

Midtown Creperie 3311 Pacific Avenue Stockton Millie’s Art Korner 229 E. Alpine Avenue Stockton

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Stockton Indoor Sports Complex 3251 N. Ad Art Road Stockton

NEXT MONTH

ve u j e R

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Howard N. Binder To create my painting Lady Rose, I utilized rhinestones and acrylic paint. I was born and raised in Stockton, CA. I started drawing at the age of 5. Being an artist allows me to express my creativity. I enjoy drawing and painting and sharing my art with people. To see more of my artwork, visit facebook.com/Art212Howard

On the Cover “Lady Rose” For this, our final edition of 2016, we asked local artists to send us their creations. We received some beautiful pieces, and it was hard to choose just one. We ultimately chose Lady Rose by Howard N. Binder for the vibrant color, the use of multiple mediums, and the pure talent of the artist.

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The Current Team wishes to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of the local contributors and community partners that helped us make our first year a success! Contributors

Writers

Cover Artists

Sam Allen Donald W. Blount Almendra Carpizo Linda Derivi

Howard Binder Denzel A Jackson Millie Jazulin Chris “Ginsu” Jones Jimi LaRock Carlos Marquez Natalie Watkins

Charleen Earley Kate Fogg Natalie Gaines Joe Goldeen

Extra special thanks to Jimi La Rock for creating the art that became the “face” of The Current. 10

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Middagh Goodwin Jeremy Gottschalk Eunice Green Bob Highfill Melissa Hutsell Jack Jacobs Denzel A Jackson Chris Kimble Mike Klocke Howard Lachtman Matt Lazaro Janicea S. Lindley Matt Nakamura Miguel Meza Heather Mompean Leah Myers Harry Pacheco Ashley Pham Andrew Rocha Ben Sanchez Susan Michener Spracher Caroline Stephens Joshua Stoner Joseph Tapiro Jennifer Torres Rich Turner Zachary Winthrow Joanne Yi

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Photographers Ashlee Blackard Charleen Earley Lindsay Ortez Calixtro Romias Greg Severi Ken Cantrell Robert Dawson Susie Mora Lina Tirre Rich Turner Clifford Oto Anirudh Nagvenkar Joanna Jeronimo Shannon Rock

California Wine Education Foundation Canepa’s Car Wash Carter’s Pet Mart Casa Flores - Brookside Cavagnaro’s Shoe Repair Cece’s Art Studio Central Valley Brew Fest Child Abuse Prevention Council Child Abuse Prevention Council

Community Partners

City of Stockton Economic Development

209 Custom Tires & Wheels

Comfort Experts

Acacia Charter School Angelina’s Restaurant Art Expressions of San Joaquin

Crunch David’s Pizza Dell’Osso Farms Delta Health Care

Big Valley Ford

Delta Sierra Beverage

Brannon Tire

Downtown Stockton Alliance

Breadfruit Tree California Delta Chamber & Visitors Bureau

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E2 Winery El Frutal Paleteria

Elkhorn Grill Family Resource & Referral Center

Stockton Indoor Sports Complex

Meyers Optical

Stockton Shelter for the Homeless

Fat City Griller Supply

Midtown Creperie & Café

Fiesta Italiana

Miguel’s Mexican Restaurant

Friend of the Stockton Library

Mr. D’s Pizza

Gallo Center for the Arts

New & Again Consignment Furniture Gallery

Green’s Nutrition Hafer’s Home Furnishings Humphrey’s College Infusion Playhouse J & R Adventures Kautz Ironstone Vineyards Kings Card Club Lange Twins Family Winery & Vineyards Law Offices of Larry Knapp Lodi Grape Festival Lodi memorial Hospital Foundation

Stockton Symphony Association Stride Rite

Partners Furniture Pizza Pirate Wagon Rob’s Smokin Rub Royce Farms BBQ San Joaquin Certified Farmers Market San Joaquin County Fair San Joaquin General Hospital San Joaquin RTD See Grins RV Shapiro Chiropractic St. Mary’s High School

The Art Korner The Barking Lot The Black Rose Tattoo Parlor The Dancing Fox Winery & Bakery Ulmer Photo Yourk Heating & Air Unique Events by Lina We Play Weibel Family Vineyards West Lane Bowl Wine & Roses Hotel Restaurant Spa

Lodi Tokay Rotary Club

StockMarket

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi

Lynn Allison Parker, DDS

Stockton Civic Theatre

Yosemite Meat Market

McGuire’s on Elm Street

Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau

Yourk Heating & Air

Mettler Family Vineyards

Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery

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see

in 2017!

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by Harry Pach eco s 2016 draw s to an end, it is important fo r us to refle ct on all of the w onderful thin that have p gs assed this y ear as we enter the Ne w Year. For Arturo and Ana Vera, the husban d -and-wife visionary tea m of Art Exp ressions of San Joaquin (AESJ), there were many things to cele brate about 2016. Most importantly, it was ultima te ly a home, a co -op gallery to finding be exact, for San Joa quin artists to inspire others with their work. A ESJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roots began at th e Tidewater G a downtown S tockton, but th llery in e dream of sharing own ership of a h ome gallery with other lo cal artist wa snâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realized until this past May.

Ana & A rturo Ve ra photo c ourtesy Art Exp res

sions

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ament of The true test rance and their perseve me from vision didn’t co e gallery finding a hom but being in Stockton, tr ib u te to a b le to co n the local and support y without art communit ore they one. Even bef g a ll e ry, o p e n e d th e e ld th e ir AESJ has h er Supper annual Soup d hosted fundraiser an n ts a n d se v e ra l e v e as youth classes, such cl a ss e s, su m m e r a rt D ra w in g We d n e sd a y se v e ra l C lu b , a n d ions and artist exhibit h e y a ls o re ce p ti o n s. T many of sh o w ca se d ists work the local art ’s co u n ty a t S to ck to n building, administration tr o p o li ta n S to ck to n M e e Hilton. It Airport and th at AESJ’s goes to show th

photos by Lina

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pressions of SJ

Tirre and Art Ex

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fi rs t a n d home was e hearts foremost in th rtists and of the local a y before the communit ical home finding a phys c Avenue on 2318 Pacifi in Stockton.

ows ESJ sh nts A , d eve roun ing a ue to host mber m o c n e ti ar ove days n. They con rt Show (N politan i l o h e Metro g dow dent A hat th fts Now t s of slowin School Stu e Stockton and Cra l n ts h il th no sig ng the Hig ew art at e AESJ Ar e, AESJ w l i n h y in , d t t ) a u incl ber. 5 r 15) and f 2017 in s event ag o m e c t e e f g 1 to D (Novemb To kick o undraisin event get f t . ) le r r Airpo ecember 9 per Suppe es at this ith a simp e D u d Fair ( ing the So 17. Atten rent way w nd the 0 t 2 s o f , i 4 h d fe 2 up, a be ruary t in whole ake the so ion of AESJ b e F ar at r on sm ience . VIP chef unique cre l of soup o r e p x p e J a ow , AES elf is of sou reat b bowl ke bowl its u want a g r collection way. a o u er keeps Whether y add to yo s eith t r a e . o t s te th artist inal bowl precia p g i a r u o an p yo to hel aims

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As Arturo an d Ana continue to e xpand th e m is s io n of AESJ next ye ar, we can be rem ind o f th e w o rd ed s of Spanish Surr ealist a rt is t, S a lv ador Dali, “A true artist is n o t o n e who is in s p ir e d , b u t one who in spires others.” We need m o re tr u e a rt is ts li k e A rt u ro and Ana Vera to inspire a better com munity all around u s. 

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become s a h s d n u o SJ Fairgr spot for events the hot by Melissa

Hutsell Kelly Olds

he San Joaquin County Fairgrounds have become one of Northern California’s premiere fairgrounds locations. The Stockton-based fairgrounds now hosts events “every day of the year, including Christmas,” says Kelly Olds, the fairgrounds’ CEO. The incorporation of so many events, he explains, is part of plans to bring new life to the property.

X Fest

After a career in human resources and as CEO of a food processing company, which led him Auto Racing throughout California, Olds retired and came Photo by back to San Joaquin County, where he Clifford Oto/ previously lived and worked. “I didn’t like The Record retirement,” he says, so when he stumbled upon an article in The Record that stated the suspension of the county fair in 2015, and called for a part-time position as CEO of the fairgrounds, he applied. At the time, he explains, the state was in the midst of budget problems – suspending support for state fairs. “The fairgrounds had to learn to fend for themselves,” he says. When coming on board in 2014, Olds describes that there were two primary challenges; “the perception in the community that [the fairgrounds] is only occupied five days per year with the fair,” and, he adds, the misconception that it is unsafe. “Changing that perception has been a slow process. People are beginning to understand, this is a good place for a variety of entertaining [purposes].” The fair was welcomed back to the grounds in 2016, and with it, many more community-based events. 18

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In 2013, the fairgrounds received approximately 200,000 visitors: in 2016, that number is expected to increase to more than 650,000. In the past few years alone, the fairgrounds have welcomed a diversity of new cultural and community events, including the Asparagus Festival. “In one night, we had a beauty pageant and boxing match on the grounds,” Olds says. On the busiest day, he adds, there have been eight events at once located on the grounds, which consist of 252 acres and 60 structures. The fairgrounds is also home to the county’s largest flea market (extended from two days per week to three), sprint car racing, tractor pulls, monster truck shows, quinceaneras, dog shows, clubs meetings, concerts, and even funerals. In 2017, the site will also be home to a Seafood Festival and Banana Festival (previously held in Sacramento). While also hosting agricultural events, the grounds accommodate dental clinics, senior-based activities, and art shows such as a month-long anti-violence exhibit, titled “Not One More.” This October, the fairgrounds welcomed the inaugural Stockton Auto Show, which drew people from all over the valley. “[There was a] wide variety of folk of different age ranges and ethnic backgrounds. It was good crowd. Everybody came to have a good time.”

Tamale Fest - photo by Clifford Oto/The Record

As for tradition, Olds says that there are a lot of things done in years past that they hope to bring back. “We are trying to bring tradition back with some modern touches.” For example, the fair is set to come back on June 14-18, 2017, and will include more food trucks. In addition to incorporating new events, the fairgrounds have also built partnerships with regional work programs, such as the Greater Valley Conservation Corps, and Northern California Construction and Training. These programs, Olds explains, help provide young men and women with marketable skills, and the fairgrounds with much needed resources.

Asparagus Festival

This is a win-win situation for the community – “it’s a win for us and it’s a win for those individuals,” he says.

Although many official events take place on the grounds, peripheral uses are also important – the grounds are used daily by the community for purposes like biking or jogging. “It’s like a big park,” adds Olds.

From archery to roller derby, the drastically different occasions and demographics found daily on the grounds show it has become a destination. The growth in the number of events shows that the community is embracing these changes.

In the spirit of change – and restructuring – the fairgrounds’ horse racing facilities have been suspended for the remainder of 2016. Though horse racing in Stockton has been a tradition for the site that dates back to the Gold Rush era, it’s lost its popularity in recent decades, says Olds. Instead, the fairgrounds are “beating the bushes to bring new events that will keep people coming back.”

However, the next challenge “is getting community to support to maintain the facility and bring it up to standards [so we can continue to] use it as much as we do.” Some of the structures on site have been around since the early 1940s. There is much more work needed, especially when it comes to infrastructure, Olds explains. Though the rebuilding process remains challenging, he says, “This is a real gem for San Joaquin County and for Stockton.” This December, check out these events and more happening at the fairgrounds: • Flea market every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the month. • December 4, 2016: Radio Control Car Racing

Stockton Auto Show photo by Clifford Oto/ The Record

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• December 16, 2016: Child Abuse Prevention Center Toy Drive and Distribution The fairgrounds are always looking for more volunteers and donations. To learn more, or for more information about the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, visit SanJoaquinFairgrounds.com

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Giving business dreamers a leg up at the B&M Building by Charleen Earley

t just so happens that the historic Brick & Mortar Building in downtown Stockton, otherwise known as the B&M Entrepreneurship Center and Venue, was originally co-owned by two men in the 1930s with the same initials, Breidenback and McDonald. The idea to name it Brick & Mortar was Sylwia Qualls’ idea. She’s Communications Manager of the Downtown Stockton Alliance (DSA), which rents the B&M Entrepreneurship Center from its current owner, Cort Companies. The creativity doesn’t stop there. DSA is responsible for creating Waterfront Fridays, a free weekly event which ran every Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. until the end of October. It’s where the B&M Building and the Janet Leigh Plaza transform

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Sylwia Qualls

into well-curated specialty food and craft pop-up vendors and kids’ art projects. Exciting events are planned for B&M and Waterfront Fridays for 2017. “Our focus will continue to be local arts, culture and entrepreneurs,” said Cindi Fargo, CEO of DSA. “We have already scheduled three more 9-week business workshops, and we are working on programming an amazing schedule of pop-up food, art and cultural events.” This past year, every last Friday of the month, attendees enjoyed live entertainment with local performers, but the heart of Waterfront Fridays is about helping start-ups.

“Most of the vendors are local entrepreneurs interested in eventually having their own brick-and-mortar business downtown, but would like the opportunity to ‘test the waters’ and receive constructive feedback from the public before making the investment in their own space,” said Emily Oestreicher, Special Events Manager for DSA. There are perks for those with big ideas about their small businesses. “The participants in Waterfront Fridays were connected to educational resources, access to web, graphic and interior designers at a discounted rate, and free access to quarterly professional networking events and mixers,” added Emily. Made mostly of brick and mortar, the B&M Building is rich in history. “A portion of the building was built in the late 1860s, facing Channel Street,” said Emily, who recently moved to downtown Stockton with her husband Jared Rusten from San Francisco’s Mission District. She said a two-story brick addition was constructed in 1870, facing Bridge Street and was originally a lodging house called the Philadelphia House. “The expanded structure is believed to be the second oldest brick structure in the city after St. Mary’s Church,” she added. “And in addition to being used as a bar and hotel, at one time, it was commonly known to be a speakeasy.” In 1983, she said the B&M was officially designated as a historical landmark.

“We will continue to host public and private events for the community and anyone interested in renting the space for an event,” said Emily. Visit www.downtownstockton.org and www.visitstockton.org/events/ waterfront-fridays.

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Emily Oestreicher

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photos by Ashlee Blackard

From lodging to bars to speakeasies, the B&M Building continues its tradition of making life “easy” – this time, for entrepreneurs and more.

Stockmarket: An Integration of Community, Businesses and Art by Melissa Hutsell

lthough you can’t buy stocks here, you will certainly find an interchange of businesses and buyers. At this marketplace, the metals aren’t traded, nor are the companies; they are nurtured, created and sculpted. Like its name suggests, Stockmarket is a place where goods are sold. Unlike the international exchange, this marketplace focuses on local crafts and commerce. Vintage bicycles, plant nurseries, leather works, organic body products, comic books and face painting – this is just a glimpse of the diversity of items found here. The Stockton-based festival is a gathering of local businesses, artists and craftspeople. It’s a curation of local food, music and community members that come together the third Saturday of each month – rain or shine.

Amy Sieffert and Katie Macrae founded Stockmarket in the spring of 2015. When Macrae retired in December 2015, Sieffert’s longtime friend and Stockmarket vendor (coincidentally) Anne Wilcox stepped 22

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in. Sieffert and Wilcox continue to solely own and operate the monthly event. Together, they have watched the market – and the businesses within it – continue to grow. The market is one operation under the umbrella of their entirely female-run events company, Goodstock Productions. Goodstock Productions produces “community-centric, collaborative events” throughout the community; Galentine’s Day, New Year-New You and 1850 LIVE were just a few that took place earlier this year. Sieffert and Wilcox are Stockton natives who

Amy Sieffert & Anne Wilcox share a common passion for entrepreneurship, particularly in the fashion industry. Each owned their own clothing company before co-founding Stockmarket and Goodstock Productions. This business background is what inspired Sieffert to launch Stockmarket. “Before Stockmarket, I was a vendor myself.” For her business, which specialized in women’s vintage clothing, there was “no outlet for me to reach my target customers here in town,” she describes. “I had to go to the Bay Area or Sacramento. I had to

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photos courtesy

STOCKMARKET

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travel an hour or more outside of my hometown just to sell my goods.” Other cities have markets dedicated to businesses like hers, and she thought, “why don’t we have something here?” “I knew I wasn’t the only one.” Since the first Stockmarket on May 2, 2015, the amount of vendors has nearly doubled. “We had 40 to 45 vendors,” says Sieffert. As of October 15, the festival featured 70 regional vendors. “That number is growing every day,” Wilcox added. Vendors are primarily local, but some come out from the Bay Area and Sacramento, a nice change for both Sieffert and Wilcox to showcase their communities instead of traveling outside of them. “There are vendors who have never been to Stockton. Once they get here, they are so excited about the culture and vibe… that is really important to us,” Sieffert explains. “A lot of people have this perception of what Stockton is. Stockmarket really helps with that; you can come out and enjoy some food and listen to music… bring your kids and your dog… the whole family.”

giving them a jumping-off point,” Wilcox describes. Cast Iron Trading Company, Wilcox adds, is another example. “It started at Stockmarket as two guys who liked to cook for fun,” she says, “Today, they [have opened] a restaurant.” The market also builds collaborations and connections. For example, Caterpillar Children’s Boutique features a number of items derived from Stockmarket businesses. Honeydale Bees and Crunchy Mama Bear have also built a partnership, which blends their two products of honey and organic body care. This integration of community, business and art has outgrown its original location at 630 East Weber and has moved to the Miracle Mile between West Castle and Pine. The new location, say Sieffert, allows for more foot traffic. It also permits the companies and customers along the Miracle Mile to participate – furthering the community collaboration that drives these entrepreneurs. “For example, the other day some merchants came out and decided to do karaoke.” In addition, says Sieffert, “Southern Exposure offered back massages on the sidewalk.” This involvement is creating momentum and positive energy.

In just a year and a half, Stockmarket has become a destination. “We want to keep the spirit. […],” Sieffert says, “We are going to work hard not to lose that.” Vendors are carefully considered through an application process. “We like to know who you are, what you make and why you’d be a good fit… because it has to make sense with the vision of Stockmarket.”

“There’s a change in the air,” Sieffert explains. “[There’s] so many creative things happening here. People want more, and now they are doing something about it. They are taking back their city and making it happen.” 

The market doesn’t just aim to get bigger for the sake of growth. “Bigger isn’t always better… although of course, we like growth,” says Sieffert. “The vision and the vibe of the market are what make it special.”

For more information, visit goodstockca.com or stockmarketca.com Follow their social media accounts on instagram, facebook, and twitter at @goodstockca or @ stockmarketca

“We want all business to do well,” Wilcox adds. “If it’s too saturated with one product, no one will do well.”

The market has done much more than showcase companies. It has provided a platform for community members to actually build them, from the bottom up.

Stockmarket will break for the winter months. The last Stockmarket of 2016 is set for December 10.

“One of our vendors – Lilou of the Valley Vintage – is opening up a brick-and-mortar store. It’s happening. It’s translating into real business. We are seeing people’s dreams come true and

Stockmarket will return in the spring of 2017 – details to be announced.

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InspireUapparel by Joshua Stoner

heryl Macias Nisby has always called Stockton home. For her, everything revolves around family, who to this day still reside within city limits. In an effort to give back to her roots, Cheryl started a clothing line that seeks to bring positivity back to a city marred by a barrage of negative press. Cheryl’s focus, both personally and in her business, is to only talk about the good things happening around Stockton. It is also a goal of Cheryl’s to keep local in business, as to build partnerships with those in the community with the same mission and mindset. Since last being featured in the Current about 6 months ago, Cheryl has kept busy, both from a personal and a business standpoint. Her daughter recently transitioned to high school, which Cheryl carved out significant time to help with. Also, Cheryl and her husband recently celebrated 19 years of marriage! From the business end, InspireUapparel has made a high number of connections within the community this past year, including bigger businesses, small business owners, and even nonprofits.

Cheryl Macia s Nisby

On her journey to bring a positive image back to Stockton’s name, Cheryl has been fortunate to meet a handful of like-minded and driven individuals along the way. One such example, is a high school teen named Brooke, who after undergoing two heart surgeries before the age of 14, founded Brooke’s Healing Heart Foundation with her family. The organization is dedicated to reaching kids far and wide and helping them heal after their heart surgeries. You can learn more about Brooke’s amazing message and mission here: (http://www.brookeshealingheart. com/) Cheryl isn’t stopping there, but has created a “spotlight” campain on her personal websites, to find local youth who are activiely working toward bettering 26

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their community. The way it works is that people from within the community nominate youth that they know and then the community votes to decide which young person (between 8-21) will receive the spotlight for that month. “ InspireUapparel will sponsor the young person to get them more recognition with their efforts, they will get a spotlight on all InspireUapparel’s Social Media platforms, and receive free apparel,” Cheryl comments. Got an inspiring and driven young person in mind who is working to change their community for the better? Check here for more information: http://inspireuapparel.squarespace.com/

photos courte sy InspireUap parel

Between the start of 2016 and now, Cheryl is a changed person. “I have learned to put my own personal well-being first so as to take better care of my family,” Cheryl says. As an individual and as a business owner, Cheryl has put a lot of effort into developing herself physically, emotionally, mentally, and in every way. The goal after all of InspireUapparel, is not to make money but to spread a positive and motivating message. “I have always worked in big corporations but I have started to focus more on the big picture of life, as of late,” says Cheryl. For Cheryl, success resides in the spreading of her message of hope and positivity. Cheryl has certainly accomplished that goal, at least in part, as she considers the local market saturated with InspireU exposure and evidence of the clothing line spreading as far as Sacramento. “ I just made my first international sale, someone purchased from Australia so that’s exciting!” Feeling inspired myself by Cheryl’s mission and progress this past year, I ask her what others in the community might do to get started in making a change in their surroundings. Cheryl’s advice to them is simple: “Start by leading by example. Practice what you preach. BE a great role model for your children, family, and friends. Aim to make a difference and always give back to your community. WE can make a difference!” Cheryl notices the abundant amount of negativity in the atmosphere as the presidential campaigns have headed into full swing and neared their culmination. She comments about seeing so many people discouraged, angry, and confused. “Things are being posted left and right that cause fights on social”. Cheryl wants to remind us to have hope, work for change no matter who sits in any elected position, and live joyfully. 

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Teleios Tattoo “

by Susan Michener Spracher

aith-based” and “tattoo” aren’t words usually thought of together, but Daniel Hirschler has connected them successfully in his business, Teleios Tattoo.

Spirituality was not always a part of Hirschler’s life. Troubled teenage years led to being incarcerated by the age of 18. It was there he discovered a talent for drawing, making cards for fellow inmates to give to family and friends. Often he was encouraged to try tattooing, but his own unpleasant experience at the age of 13 discouraged him. “I didn’t want to be a part of what had happened to me,” Hirschler said. Eventually he was convinced to try it and once he did, found he loved it.

Owners Daniel Hirschler and wife Amber: Dropping off the school supplies to Elmwood Elementary.

Billed as a faith-based shop, the word “Teleios” means complete, finished – nothing else needed, consummate human integrity and virtue, and a man reaching maturity. Hirschler says it’s what he strives for. He follows it through in his business by refusing to tattoo satanic or demonic designs and out of respect for his wife, no personal areas on women. He’s also not afraid to offer guidance to those contemplating a tattoo – especially to young people. “I remind them that it’s permanent, and that they don’t know yet what their life holds. I tell them to think about how it’s going to fit in down the road, and not to just get a piece of flash,” Hirschler said. Committed to giving back to the community, Teleios supports food and school supply drives and a “Tats for Kids” event to collect toys to distribute during the holidays. Hirschler is also a member of Motorcycle Ministries, a group that offers Fridays

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…the word “Teleios” means complete, finished – nothing else needed, consummate human integrity and virtue, and a man reaching maturity.

night gatherings at their East Stockton clubhouse for youth to come for free food, music and bible study in a positive atmosphere. Hirschler has been tattooing for nearly 10 years, in the beginning specializing in cover-ups, and offered them free to gang members. He attributes his longevity in business to offering the best customer service possible and making sure every client leaves the shop satisfied. The work is guaranteed with one free touch-up, but clients rarely need it. Herschler says he’s not in the business to get rich, and in fact charges less that most shops. Right now he’s fulfilled and feels blessed to provide for his family, “If you told me years ago that I’d be where I am now, I wouldn’t have believed you.”  Teleios Tattoo is located at 3414 Delaware Avenue in Stockton Phone: (209) 244-0318 Find them on Facebook and Instagram

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by Joshua Stoner

ike Shinn has a unique story. His family were among the first settlers to come to the Lodi area in the late 1800s. Since that initial settling period, Mike’s family has always been in agriculture of some sort, predominantly working with grapes for winemaking. After talking with Mike more in depth, it is obvious that he carries his family’s spirit of starting out with nothing and building a legacy. This is the foundation of what makes Mike such a successful yet valuable person to the local community. During his childhood, Mike worked with his dad driving tractors and working on the farm. He began at age 11 and ended when he left for college. This experience helped Mike realize that he had no interest of taking over the family business. He instead took inspiration from his grandfather, who inspired Mike to pursue what he longed for in life. Mike’s grandfather had always dreamed of being a doctor, but the death of a parent kept him local and farming for the rest of his life. Mike is proud of the fact that he was the first to attend college in his family, much of which had to do with his grandfather instilling in him a hard work ethic and the value of education. Mike went on to own his company for ten years – Shinn Wealth Strategies and Insurance Solutions – where he provided retirement planning, estate planning, and other plans for average individuals and business owners. Mike experienced massive success in the local area as his reputation of integrity and hard work got around. However, when the recession hit in 2008-2009, Mike found both himself and his clients hit hard by significant financial loss and subsequent duress. After losing over 50 % of his clients in a matter of months, as their priorities turned from long-term investments to short terms necessities, Mike went back to work for someone else for the first time in

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years. Mike was put into management and sales directing, but still couldn’t help acknowledging that he was building someone else’s dream. Still, Mike worked as if the business was his own and built the same reputation of integrity and hard work for himself. “People began to notice that I was the first to arrive and last to leave,” Mike comments. Around the same time, Mike was asked by a friend to help build his new winery business. Within 3 years, Oak Farm Vineyards was widely recognized and even received awards. “I found more value in leaving an organization better than how I found it over just putting money in my pocket,” Mike remembers. Today, through the same hard work, dedication, and integrity, Mike is back to working for himself and experiencing more success than ever. “Back in 2015, I started my own company, and as a result, have gotten to speak on a few national stages. I also do a lot of consulting with wineries or other local small businesses,” says Mike. “I have 5 kids – the 2 youngest have special needs and are on the autism spectrum. Working for myself enables me as a father to be there for my kids, especially at their appointments and school meetings. I find this to be of such great value.” Over the years, Mike has formed a mindset that centers around leaving a legacy for his family, and not just the accrual of money. Another major component of Mike’s work and success philosophy is following one’s dreams in life. “So many people don’t follow their dreams simply because they weren’t given permission by those around them, Mike reflects. “Sometimes we have to give ourselves permission.” Just a month ago, Mike was invited to speak at the Dream Summit in Lodi, a conference for “Dreamers, Entrepreneurs, and Business Leaders.” It was there that Mike was able to further share his story and message with his local community. He found the experience to be an incredible opportunity and continues to share his vision with his local community through his own business/lifestyle coaching firm. If Mike’s story inspired you in some way, or you are looking to take yourself or your business to the next level, you can contact Mike at coachmikeshinn@gmail.com.

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by Denzel A. Jackson

ll people have the potential to do grand things. We just have to figure out what we want to do, and perhaps the most important step is to actually do it, and do it in a very kick-ass way. Marvelous things will happen. Now, we are all born into our own unique set of circumstances, and this is important to keep in mind. Some people are born into a place that doesn’t inspire or push them to build and be creative. Perhaps they are surrounded by humdrums, don’t have money, or whatever type of other ailment. But don’t let that get you too down. On the other hand, some people are lucky enough to be born into an environment ripe with opportunity, whether that be in finances, wonderful mentors, or whatever else you imagine would really help someone blossom. But don’t let that get you too up, because we all still have to figure out how to navigate. We aren’t born with all the knowledge needed to excel. Take a step back with me and notice something – see what those two circumstances had in common? Both have their own situation that needs to be figured out. Every single person has to discover how to become a better version of themself, so don’t think that you are the only one out in the cold. Everyone of us has to scrape our knees while learning to run, and that’s part 32

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of what makes our journeys so painfully wonderful – the ups and downs. Imagine if that youthful energy were paired with a vision, and that is something that can be described as a superpower. Envision this recipe: a young attitude + burning interests + time to explore. Mix those things together and it is highly likely that something stunning will occur. Proof of this is in the Stock Market, which is a monthly event that takes place in Stockton. Under the shade of a friendly environment, it brings together a mass of creative energy, and provides a temporary platform for artists and businesses to reach new audiences. Check them out at stockmarketca. com for info and see for yourself. I’ve attended multiple times, and think you should experience it for yourself. Nextly, what may be one of my favorite events in this area is called StocktonCon, which takes place every August. This is a very big pop-culture event, which brings in 25,000+ people, and has so much to see for all ages. As a visual artist, I have been exhibiting in this show since 2013, and recommend you all check it out – to come say hello to me, of course ;) . These two events didn’t simply fall from the painted clouds; it took loads of effort and many people working together towards an idea they believed in, and it turned out very well. Marvelous things will happen. I remember being a teenager and thinking that if I worked really hard on the comic I believed in, and focus on it day ‘n’ night for weeks, I’d be on par with Stan Lee in only a year or so. I know, it sounds ridiculous and funny, but oh well. As comical as that idea sounds, it lit a raging fire under my ass and I created some of my best stuff. I matured from that experience and grew immensely as a creative person. I was young and naive. I write stuff like this because it inspires me and I believe that this inspires others, as well. I still am young and naive. 

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1850 Collective by Leah Myers

rt, creativity, diversity and community is synonymous with the 1850 Collective. All too often, Stockton is perceived as an undesirable place – for myriad reasons. It is easy to talk about what is wrong or what is lacking, but the 1850 Collective is what happened after a group of forwardthinking individuals asked, “what could we do to improve Stockton? What do people want to see and experience in Stockton?” © Millie Jazulin 34

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When Jones, a barber at Cal-Pine Barber in Stockton, decided to have an art show at the shop, he had no idea what was in store. He, along with fellow barber and 1850 Collective vice president Ernie Tomasi, saw the excitement and enthusiasm from those who attended, and from there, the collective was formed. When I spoke with Chris Jones, president of the 1850 Collective, to learn about what their organization is doing in Stockton, I felt a strong sense of hope and excitement. Music, dance, film, painting, music, poetry and spoken word are the types of art that the 1850 Collective is passionate about showcasing at their events. The idea is to create a space for thoughtful and engaged creative talent that will encourage and inspire people. The vision is for the residents of Stockton to enjoy the art and take away something positive to foster a shared understanding and create a stronger sense of community.

Exposure to art benefits everyone – especially those who are from a lower socioeconomic background. Recent studies show that at-risk students who have access to the arts in or out of school also tend to have better academic results, better workforce opportunities, and more civic engagement, according to a new NEA report, The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies. The study reports these and other positive outcomes associated with high levels of arts exposure for youth of low socioeconomic status. Having a place to showcase local art and talent will revitalize Stockton’s neighborhoods and communities using art as the central connector. Artists play a key role in helping to cultivate healthy communities and their work can bring people together, build community, and foster social progress. Through collaboration with local businesses in the San Joaquin Valley, the 1850 Collective promotes civic engagement, and builds bridges by giving artists a platform to share their talents. The 1850 Collective continues to grow and expand in 2017. To learn more about upcoming events or to find out how to showcase your artistic talent, visit: www. the1850collective.com 

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photos cou rtesy

SJCOE

by Jennifer Torres

teps away from the workshops where Judith Tonn is preparing for a career in construction, teachers helped her 2-year-old son, Kayden, into a sweatshirt and led him outside his preschool classroom.

“Oh, they must be going on their walk,” Tonn said, spotting Kayden through a window at Building Futures Academy, where she is a student. On another walk a few weeks earlier, she said, Kayden’s teacher had pointed out a sprinkler. “Now, every day, he points at the sprinklers and says, ‘water.’” While Tonn, 21, works toward a GED and practices the construction skills she hopes will lead someday to a well-paying job, Kayden attends Little Builders, an Early Head Start program where he is developing skills she hopes will someday help him succeed in school. Offered side-by-side, educators say, the programs promise a stronger future for both of them. “Having Head Start here is the only reason I could come back to school,” Tonn said. “There is no way I could be here without it.” Building Futures Academy, run by the San Joaquin County Office of Education, offers a combination of academic preparation and construction training to students, such as Tonn, who were not successful at traditional high schools. Also overseen by the County schools office, Head Start and Early Head Start deliver education, health and social services to lowincome preschoolers and their families.

Bringing Head Start classrooms to the Building Futures campus was an opportunity

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to amplify each program’s impact, said Jamie Baiocchi, Director of Early Education and Support. “Our job is to support families in addition to serving each child,” she said. “When we looked at our resources and how to leverage them, this felt right. We saw a need.” Doug Silva is an administrator at Building Futures. Too often, he said, child care challenges kept students – women in particular – from attending consistently, or even enrolling at all. Now, Tonn and other parenting students, can drop their children off before class each morning, and pick them up again when the school day ends at 3. “We saw that one of the biggest reasons our students were dropping out of school was to raise their children,” Silva said. “We want to knock down every possible barrier our students might face.” On a recent morning, when Tonn dropped Kayden off at Little Builders, his teacher gave her photos of him eating a snack and looking at a book – as well as instructions for her first parent-teacher conference. “Not many schools go out of their way to help you like this,” she said. “There’s so much support.” She said she looks forward to volunteering in Kayden’s classroom in coming weeks. The Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County manages the day-to-day operation of Little Builders. Inviting parent volunteers into preschool classrooms, said Executive Director Lindy TurnerHardin “gives us the opportunity to coach them on parenting skills, help them understand child development, and how to support their children’s growth and development through encouragement and effective discipline. This partnership allows us to ‘build’ in many different ways.” One more of those ways is taking shape along the Deep Water Channel, just behind the Little Builders classroom, where in coming weeks a dirt lot will be transformed into a racetrack-themed playground. Students from Building Futures will construct it. Students from Little Builders will grow and learn there. “It’s truly going to be one of the coolest playgrounds in the city of Stockton,” Silva said. 

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by Janicea S. Lindley

ello future freshman. My name is Janicea S. Lindley. I am currently a 9th-grader at Lincoln High School and I know some of you 8th-graders are probably saying to yourself, “Is it hard in freshman year? Will I be able to keep up my grades?” Well, you will be just fine if you just try your best in the classes you have chosen. Because let me tell you, it can be as hard as it looks. There is always homework, every day! There is probably never going to be a day without it. I mean, I should know! I deal with it all the time now, but you and me both know it’s worth it, especially for those of you who want to graduate and go to college someday. I do hope all of you do.

I am still learning, but trust me, I was scared, too, when I realized we were going to be 9th-graders. I was always asking friends and family questions like, “What will high school be like?” Of course some of my friends didn’t know, because we are in the same grade. Now I am a 9th-grader and I am still a little scared, but I am ok. I have only been a 9th-grader for four months. I have learned so much, and I still want to learn more and do even better. I do well by doing all my work, having friends right there by my side, and not doing anything bad to get me kicked out of school like drugs or getting into a fight. So take my advice. First, make new friends or even stick with

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the ones you already have to stay by your side, because they really can help throughout the 4 years. Second, get all your work done to get those grades that can get you into college. Third, don’t do drugs, and try not to get into any fights. They are not worth losing your education. Last, just be yourself; don’t worry what people say. Don’t be under peer pressure, and don’t be a follower. What I mean is don’t choose a class because your friend told you to take it, or don’t take drugs because your friend told you to. Just express yourself. Choose that class because you like to sing, draw, or even join a math club. Let me tell you, people who make you do dumb stuff won’t even realize in the future that you are going to do something great in life, so be your own person. What are your interests? What do you enjoy doing? Whatever it is, you are probably wonderful at it in your own unique way. So now that you know how it is becoming a freshman, all you 8th-graders have to worry about is promoting from the 8th grade, passing your classes, and lastly just enjoying freshman year as much as you can. It goes by pretty fast, too. Good luck to you. 

Do you like to write? Do you have something to say? We are seeking student guest columnists from all San Joaquin County high schools to write about trends, hot topics, and issues that affect you and your peers. Our monthly My Generation feature is YOUR forum. Your column can be serious or light-hearted, humorous or inspiring, thought-provoking or just plain fun. We want to hear from YOU. If you are interested in contributing as a student guest columnist or you just have a topic you would like our guest columnists to address, email kbakhtegan@recordnet.com for details.

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by Howard Lachtman

magine a multipurpose writing and book arts center opening its doors in downtown Stockton.

Imagine writers, students of writing and book lovers of all ages and interests coming together to unlock their creativity, encourage literacy, and involve the community in the art of storytelling. Welcome to The Write Place. Stockton’s Tuleburg Press is advancing the idea and fundraising with an eye toward a 2017 opening of the city’s first such center. It’s an idea whose time has come, given Stockton’s resurgent arts movement (showcased in last month’s Stockton Arts Week) and the fact that similar centers in other cities (such as Sacramento’s 916 Ink) have become community resources. The Write Place might nurture the next Maxine Hong Kingston or Leonard Gardner. It might inspire the next Caroline Cox or Mel Corren. If the last two names are new to you, read on. Cox, an esteemed University of the Pacific historian and student mentor who specialized in American colonial and revolutionary history, lost her battle with cancer in July 2014, but not before working gallantly to complete her last book, Boy Soldiers of the American Revolution. Although interrupted by her passing, the book came to life this year, thanks to a labor of love by her husband, friends and colleagues at UOP who joined together to complete the work. Its publication was greeted with high praise. “The stories are wonderful, and they leap out of the chapters to help make the period come alive,” said University of Maryland historian Holly Brewer. With her gift for historical time travel, Cox’s book introduces us to colonial youths who rallied to the patriot cause as drummers, scouts and soldiers. This littleknown story reaches out to modern readers and confirms Cox’s reputation as one of Stockton’s most gifted historians and influential teachers.

Caroline Cox

Corren, a native Stocktonian, businessman and passionate advocate for d o w n t o w n 40

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revitalization, came late to the writing life with his anecdotal memoir, I’ve Lived It, I’ve Loved It! Originally published in 2011 and reissued with new material this year, the book offers engaging family glimpses, a view of Stockton across the years, and vignettes of Corren’s World War II Army service in England and France. “Mel is a fabulous storyteller, able to illustrate the context of time periods because the memories are so vivid for him,” said Barnes & Noble’s Rebecca Ray, who noted how the audience at Corren’s local book signing remained in place to discuss issues inspired by the author’s passion for positive change. At age 92, the indefatigable Corren is currently working on a collection of short stories and continues his rounds as unofficial ambassador of goodwill and pro-Stockton advocate. Named Stocktonian of the Year in 2015, Corren’s love of family and community is at the heart of his engaging memoir. Aspiring memoirists at The Write Place could wish for no better mentor. Although Caroline Cox can no longer counsel aspiring historians, her influence continues to touch her readers. I discovered that last summer when I wandered into a rare book store in Las Vegas. A framed document there caught my eye for its age and unexpected autograph. What I saw was an Army discharge paper, dated 1783. I had no idea the Army of that day issued such papers. Nor was I prepared for the bold signature of George Washington. A document specialist told me that Washington had insisted on signing discharges to let his soldiers know that he personally appreciated their service. “He didn’t have to do it, but he felt a sense of personal obligation. It was a way for him to honor their commitment.” Washington came alive for me in that moment. My first thought was to share my discovery with Professor Cox. My second thought told me that was wishful thinking. But now that I knew the story behind that 233-year-old discharge paper, I felt certain that what I had hoped to tell her would come as no surprise. 

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Mel Corren

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Pietro’s Trattoria by Joshua Stoner

photos by Lin a Tirre and P ietro’s Tratto ria

ete Murdaca has been involved in his family’s restaurant business his entire life. Pete began washing dishes when he was 10 years old, and over time moved to bussing tables and eventually managing the front of the restaraunt in his older years. “My grandfather came to America in 1956 and in 1961, he opened his first Pietro’s in Vacaville with my uncle.” If you’re ever in the area, in fact, the original Pietro’s is still open for business! “In 1985, my grandfather and my dad went into business together and opened this second location here in Lodi.” Today, Pietro’s in Lodi is known for it’s authentic Italian dining, charming atmosphere, and family-friendly foundation. However, it actually began as a pizza parlor that served mostly pastas and obviously, different kinds of pizzas. Put together, the two restaurants have been operating for almost 100 years collectively. Two years ago, after working in his family’s business for over 15 years, Pete’s father asked him to join him in business, as a partner. Pete accepted with one condition: that he would first be able to spend time in the kitchens of Italy, learning firsthand from their rich cultural customs. It was agreed upon and before he knew it, Pete was across the world, immersed in the roots of his family’s long-standing tradition. “I spent the first four months in school and the rest of year literally cooking in different restaurants around the country,” Pete recalls. Returning from Italy one year ago, 2016 proved to be a year of opportunity for both Pete and the restaurant. Pete and his father were able to implement many of the things Pete had gleaned from Italian culture and cuisine, and that was just the beginning. “In Italy, I learned that Italians love to eat only the freshest ingredients and at a common table with shared plates,” Pete remarks. “We wanted to make the menu more authentic and Italian all while being true to who we are as Pietro’s.” The ‘Italian Family Dinner Party’ was implemented onto the menu upon Pete’s return, to give people an idea of how things are done in Italy. In this menu selection, a couple of things are brought out in succession (two salads, two appetizers, two pastas, a chicken, a fish, and a meat) for everyone to share. 40

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A few more authentic Italian dishes were implemented and a few long-standing items were removed, all to bring a truer experience to the customer. “A few americanized, ‘hodge-podged’ pastas were replaced with more original Italian dishes such as the bucatini all’amatriciana, a delicious Roman pasta. Veal was replaced with a pork chop Milanese, which is a pounded breaded porkchop found in any trattoria or osteria in Milan,” Pete comments. Authentic pizza was also placed on the menu to stay close to the original Pietro’s roots. Pizza Bianca can be seen on the menu now, which is a pizza made with no sauce. Smaller, subtle changes were also made: instead of appetizers, the menu now reads antipasti; primi now stands in place of pasta, and secondi-second plate, usually an entree of some sort-is featured as well. Most customers reported an overwhelmingly positive review of the newly revised Pietro’s menu. “There was some initial pushback from a few long-time customers but if someone takes your favorite thing off the menu and replaces it with something bad, they won’t want to return to that restaurant. But if it’s replaced with something that tastes good and is something that can’t be found anywhere else in the area, then you’ve created a better dining experience for that customer.” The future looks bright for Pietro’s and next year in particular will be a year you won’t want to miss. As 2017 begins, the restaurant will undergo a full interior remodeling, including the expansion of the bar area, installation of a woodburning stove, and the transition to an exhibition kitchen. “To say that 2017 will be a big year for Pietro’s is an understatement. We’ve been around for 31 years and we put a lot of pride in what we do. The customer’s happiness is very important to us. We’re trying to bring them an experience that they can’t get anywhere else in the Central Valley.” Keep it up Pete and the rest of the staff running the show over at Pietro’s. You certainly have made a name for yourselves in this area and by the looks of it, it’s only the beginning. 

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Story by Bob Highfill Photos by Calixtro Romias

odi had another bumper year in the wine industry.

and social media and public relations experts would increase awareness about California’s largest winegrape growing region. Lodi’s wineries, growers and winemakers opened their doors and hearts, and provided a glimpse into their lives and the passion they have for their craft. The conference included seminars led by industry giants and tastings at Hutchins Street Square, plus excursions to some of the outstanding wineries and vineyards in the area.

Still basking in the glow of being named the 2015 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast, Lodi continued to make a name for itself by hosting the Wine Bloggers Conference, winning prestigious awards and expanding its offerings.

Wine Bloggers Conference

Stuart Spencer, owner and winemaker at St. Amant and program manager for the Lodi Winegrape Commission, hoped the writers and bloggers would spread the word once they returned home.

Rachel Von Sturmer came all the way to Lodi for the ninth Wine Bloggers Conference from Vancouver, British Columbia. Her thoughts about the four-day social media blitz in midAugust that attracted close to 300 wine writers and bloggers from around the county and the world would have been music to the organizers’ ears. “I’ll be a bit of an evangelist when I go home and talk to people,” said Von Sturmer, an independent wine writer, whose blog is at rachelvonsturmer.com. “I’ll be mentioning Lodi and writing about it and blogging about it, just trying to show people it’s not all about zinfandel, although the zinfandel is fantastic.”

The Lodi Winegrape Commission, a group composed of more than 750 growers who manage more than 100,000 acres of wine grapes, hosted the event for the first time. The hope was the increasingly Stuart Spencer influential community of wine writers, bloggers the current

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“It’s been a fantastic conference to host,” Spencer said. “I’ve been extremely happy with the quality of the audience and their interest in our area and wines. They seem to be having a great time, taking in the whole Lodi experience. Hopefully, they will go back and evangelize about Lodi and its delicious wines and great people.”

Taking home the hardware More than 230 different wines from the Lodi AVA earned at least a bronze medal at the 2016 California State Fair Wine Competition. Among those that brought home some hardware were two that hit the Mother Lode: The 2015 Acquiesce Viognier and St. Amant’s 2014 The Road Less Traveled Tempranillo.

Kyle Lerner

Susan Tipton’s Viognier from her estate vineyard in Acampo scored 98 points and earned double gold, Best of California and Best of Class of Region.

Breaking new ground

When you visit Acquiesce, you will be offered small bites of food to go with Tipton’s fabulous lineup of white Rhone varietals and blends. During a recent visit, she paired her Viognier with a mango chutney from France spiked with Sichuan pepper on a bagel chip.

Scotto Cellars made a splash this year by releasing its Masthead wine – a 100 percent Sangiovese blended from two different oak barrels by noted wine writers Nancy Brazil and Peter Bourget of Stockton, Cindy Rynning from Chicago and Melanie Ofenlach from Dallas. The wine was released to great fanfare at the Wine Bloggers Conference in Lodi.

“The mango really brings out the peachy aromas in the Viognier,” she said. “Viognier here in Lodi is a very easy grape to grow. There are about 3,000 acres of Viognier in Lodi.”

But that wasn’t all for the Scotto Family. In mid-October, they opened their brand-new tasting room School Street in downtown Lodi.

Spencer’s Road Less Traveled Tempranillo pays homage to his late father, Tim.

Harney Lane Winery in Lodi released its first Cabernet Sauvignon in the summer, and it was one of my favorite wines of the year. Owner Kyle Lerner handled the fruit and Chad Joseph crafted a beautifully nuanced wine from the 2013 vintage.

The bottle has a pair of old work boots on the label, like the boots Tim Spencer wore when he worked his vineyard in Amador County. Tim Spencer almost always chose the road less traveled in his business practices. He opened one of Lodi’s first boutique wineries and grew and made wine from strange Portuguese and Spanish varieties in the late 1970s when Lodi wasn’t a wellknown or well-respected wine region. “It was set up for a fairly difficult path, but we persevered,” said Spencer, whose father passed away in 2006. “So, to me, that wine kind of embodied that and getting that recognition has kind of been an endorsement of what we’ve been trying to do the last 35 years, and it’s nice to get those things.”

Lerner set out to prove a point about Lodi which grows lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and sells most of it to outside wineries to blend or extend their programs. “We are not just that one-pony show here, that one varietal show that we’re known for,” Lerner said. “This is part of what we’re trying to expose consumers to, is the fact that this is a region that can manage a lot of varieties very well, very successfully.” Said Joseph, “I was really happy. It represents the potential of Lodi. The thing I’m happiest about is the varietal character. It has true varietal character.” In 2016, Lodi showed its character yet again. And 2017 promises to be another great year. 

--Contact reporter Bob Highfill at (209) 546-8282 or bhighfill@recordnet.com. Follow him at recordnet.com/ FromTheVine and on Twitter @BobHighfill

Susan Tipton

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Stay Healthy during Cold/Flu Season by Matt Lazaro

any people’s immune system’s tank during this Fall/Winter season and we see our own friends and family getting sick for long periods of time. Eventually, it ends up happening to us and we begin to look for ways to avoid it. There are a host of immune challenges during this season, here are just a couple: respiratory problems, such as sinus infections, laryngitis, often bronchitis and sometimes even pneumonia. I personally dealt with immune system issues for the majority of my life growing up, partially due to poor diet as well as the usage of antibiotics. I’ve spent the last decade of my life researching and applying what I learn to improving people’s lives through nutrition. What I’ve discovered is that many people don’t know the contributing factors to the immune system’s drastic drop during these Fall/Winter months. Many are accustomed to thinking of the early months of Fall and Winter as the “sick months.” However, there are microbs living both inside and outside of us all the time, year-around. The idea that they suddenly emerge during the cold/flu months of the year is simply not true. There are a few notable triggers that land people in bed sick, the first being the change in 46

temperature. Temperature difference is a major shift for your metabolic system. Your thyroid sets the base thermostat of your body and the adrenal gland can be described as the super fuelinjector of the body. When weather shifts, your adrenal gland kicks in, then later the thyroid comes in and resets the thermostat for the body. Another major stressor that occurs in the Fall is that families begin taking their kids back to school. Getting the kids ready again for school after being on vacation for 2+ months and even the busyness of initially settling into the year, prove to only add stress to an already shifting immune system. The result is often some form of the aforementioned ailments. How can you fight these all-too-common illnesses? The answers are simpler than many think. Ensuring that your home is a place of comfort and relaxation, is one simple way to help your body maintain health instead of forfeiting it. Going home each day to “recharge your batteries,” so to speak, is an often neglected practice. Eating simple but healthy meals and taking care of yourself are proactive ways to remain healthy when it seems as though everyone else around you is getting sick. Another simple yet not often considered way to maintain one’s health is getting out in the sun! We need

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between 10-30 mins of sun a day to get sufficient Vitamin D into our bodies. During the winter, it’s more like 30 mins a day. This can be difficult to do since the sun is often covered with clouds so it should be supplemented in the sun’s absence. When our skin gets exposed to UVB radiation (from the sun’s rays), it converts cholesterol into vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential in stabilizing or increasing the hormones of the Immune system. If you are serious about your health during these difficult months, or even just curious to know for yourself, you can have your levels of Vitamin D tested. There are two tests for measuring the abundance of lack of this important vitamin, “D2 and D3.” Only D3 indicates the amount of Vitamin D that someone has or is lacking so this is the only test worth taking and requesting the results of. Ever heard of something called “probiotics?” These are often seen either by themselves in stores or in certain foods and they contain “live cultures” that can be consumed for improved health. Probiotics is yet another powerful, simple, natural way to help combat against viruses during this cold season. According to Dr. Robert Shapiro, Applied Clinical Nutritionist and Licensed Chiropractic, 90-98% of the population in an industrialized society like

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ours, need a probiotic due to high content of chlorine in our water, the acidity of things like coffee and alcohol, and even the destructive effects of cigarette smoke. “Look for a probiotic product that contains 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units).” Another recommendation from Dr. Shapiro is the use of functional medicines (all-natural herbal or herbally derived supplements) against illnesses. Things like echinacea, ochea, and golden seal have proven to be powerful antibacterials and antivirals. To conclude, we have all shared the experience and have come to dread the “cold/flu season” of the year and many of us are desperate to something about it. Luckily, you have learned in this article a couple of easy, cost-effective, and straight-forward ways to help maintain your health during these transitioning months. For more information on either on the subjects dicussed above, visit Lazaro Nutrition (https://www. facebook.com/LazaroNutrition/) or Dr. Shapiro at (https://www.facebook. com/ShapiroChiropractic/)

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December 11

FRIENDS OF THE FOX PRESENTS MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Bob Hope Theatre 242 E. Main Street, Stockton 1pm Info: stocktonlive.com

Now Through December 11

STOCKTON CIVIC THEATRE PRESENTS MARY POPPINS

2312 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton Showtimes & tickets: sctlivetheatre.com Box Office: 209-473-2424 December 1

HOLIDAY MUSIC W/ UKULELE STRUMMERS OF STOCKTON

POPOVICH PET THEATRE PRESENTS HOLIDAY CIRCUS!

Hutchins Street Square 125 S. Hutchins Street Square, Lodi 7pm Info: hutchinsstreetsquare.com/Events December 7

SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE

Troke Branch Library 502 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton 6-7pm Info: 209-937-8221

WOW Science Museum 2 N Sacramento Street, Lodi 6pm Info: wowsciencemuseum.org 209-368-0969

December 2

December 9

EL CONCILIO TAMALE DINNER Stockton Civic Auditorium 525 Center Street, Stockton 5-8pm More info: elconcilio.org 209-644-2627 December 3

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: ELF

Hutchins Street Square 125 S. Hutchins Street Square, Lodi 6pm Info: hutchinsstreetsquare.com/Events December 9

BAY POINT BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

Sponsored by Marina West Yacht Club Starts 5pm at Marina West 6633 Embarcadero Drive, Stockton Details & Registration: 209-477-7653

Bob Hope Theatre 242 E. Main Street, Stockton 7pm Info: stocktonlive.com

December 3 & 4

December 10

San Joaquin Historical Museum Micke Grove Park 11793 N. Micke Grove Road, Lodi 10am -4pm 209-331-2055

Miracle Mile, Stockton 10:00am – 4:00pm For more info: www.stockmarketca.com

FESTIVAL OF TREES

December 4

SANTA SUNDAY

Haggin Museum 1201 N. Pershing Avenue, Stockton 12-5pm Info: hagginmuseum.org 209-940-6300

December 14

December 5

THE STOCKMARKET

December 10 & 11

STOCKTON SYMPHONY PRESENTS POPS II: A MIDNIGHT CLEAR San Joaquin Delta College 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton 12/10 6pm 12/11 2:30pm Info: stocktonsymphony.org

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SLIMY SCIENCE

Weston Ranch Branch Library 1453 French Camp Road, Stockton 4-5:30 pm Info: 209-937-8221 December 15

HOLIDAY HOITENANNY

Haggin Museum 1201 N. Pershing Avenue, Stockton 6:30 pm Info: hagginmuseum.org 209-940-6300 December 17

LODI BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

Hutchins Street Square 125 S. Hutchins Street Square, Lodi 2:00-4:00 pm Info: 209-333-5550 December 17- January 2

HOLIDAYS ON THE FARM Dell’Osso Family Farm 501 Manthey Road, Lathrop Info: holidaysonthefarm.com 209-679-1710 December 18

MICHAEL CARBONARO LIVE

Bob Hope Theatre 242 E. Main Street, Stockton 6pm Info: stocktonlive.com December 22

THE MAGIC OF TIMOTHY JAMES

Stribley Community Center & Library 1760 E. Sonora Street , Stockton 2:30-3:30pm Info: 209-937-8221 December 22

FROSTY’S MAGIC HAT

Maya Angelou Branch Library 2324 Pock Lane, Stockton 4-5:30 pm Info: 209-937-8221

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Gamers unite at The Stockton Arena Story and photos by Ben Sanchez

amilies and children gathered together in excitement on Sunday, October 31, 2016, waiting in anticipation to play the games behind the doors of Stockton Arena. The enjoyment on kids’ faces when they talk about video game characters or what games they play are just some of the stories buzzing in the air for GameFest 2016. I fondly remember that excitement as an eight-year-old, plugging in the Nintendo for the first time into a television set in the late ‘80s. In the late ‘90s that feeling continued in local arcades around town at Golfland, Naughty Nick’s, Weberstown and Sherwood malls. The social atmosphere was an incredible experience for people rushing to arcades, pockets filled with quarters, and placing them on the cabinet screen for a spot in line. The arcade filled rooms with machines emanating vibrant lights, quirky noises and people who valued the challenge and competition in video games. For the younger generation, those social experiences disappear and technology rapidly changed the landscape of how people 50

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experience video games at home, over an online Internet connection. The GameFest recaptured the spirit of the arcade that once flourished in the United States over three decades ago. “I think events like this are a good start for people interested in something very specific they remember growing up with like playing card games at a friend’s house or getting people together for a table top game session,” said Jacob Agonoy, member of the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club. Agonoy attended previous StocktonCon events in cosplay, but came to GameFest without the bounty hunter suit. “The places in town where I would go play video games are gone. This type of event can bring the community together and show kids the other kind of games we grew up playing years ago,” said Agonoy. The video game culture is a unique experience for all ages wanting to immerse themselves in card games, board games, arcade cabinets, video game consoles and virtual reality. GameFest covered almost every avenue of gaming with arcade cabinets lined along one side of the arena and several tables for people to play board and card games on the main floor. A variety of video game consoles were on hand for people to play and one area for HTC Vive Virtual Reality. Jim Johnson, Director of Booking and Business Development for SMG Stockton, explained that GameFest is an affordable event the whole family can attend. “The GameFest had a little bit of everything this year. The virtual reality area had a line of people all day because when its new technology people haven’t interacted with yet, they want to get their hands on it to see how it works,” said Johnson. Mike Millerick, Director of StocktonCon, said that GameFest was an idea he thought about earlier in the year and wanted to do another fun event for Stockton. “Stockton has a lot of great events and we wanted to add GameFest to that list. We want people to come out and have fun, experience pop culture and pick up some old game stuff from the vendors. We had tournaments going throughout the day for different video games and provided a lot of games people could experience at the arena,” said Millerick.

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Anne Wilcox and Amy Sieffert from Stockmarket said Millerick reached out to them for a tournament sized Cornhole and giant Jenga game to showcase at GameFest. Wilcox and Sieffert expressed they were happy to collaborate with GameFest and emphasize the importance for everyone to support local community events. The Stockmarket, Once Upon a Game, Terrashock Gaming and GatePlay.com were just a few of several vendors participating in GameFest. Terrashock Gaming provided an area for people to check in for video game tournaments that included, Super Smash Bros. Melee and Street Fighter V. Gilbert Molano, Founder of Derezzed Digital Design, started his company five years ago in Stockton. “I got my start with StocktonCon and they love our work. They keep inviting us back to each show and I have participated in every local event,” said Molano. Molano’s company is an in house sublimation printing shop that can print artwork on metal and they incorporate popular culture into each piece of work they sell at events. Molano jumped at the opportunity to be a part of GameFest because of his passion for video games. “Gaming has always been a part of my life. It was a chance for me to take my work, my hobby, and smash them together into something awesome,” said Molano. GameFest had a good turn out this year and Millerick is currently evaluating feedback from the event to decide if it will return to Stockton next year. “It is a possibility. We could do it again next year, but we have to look at feedback and see what we could do better the following year. If fans didn’t get to experience something or they want something different, we have to look at that and try to provide a better experience. We are brainstorming ideas to have more arcade cabinets or set up a main stage that could better showcase the tournaments for different games,” said Millerick. While the GameFest is undecided for next year, Stockton will not have to worry about StocktonCon as Millerick stated the event is locked in for August 2017.

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It is not Rocket Science – it is Rock n’ Roll by Middagh Goodwin

o you have a band, you have written some songs, you have practice and at least your friends say you are pretty good. What’s next? What do you want to do with your band?Where do you want to take it? How do you get a show? Simple questions yes, but the answers are not always so easy. If you just want to play some local shows once in awhile then you have it made. If you want to record, tour and try to make a life out of your music; well then your work has just begun and the road is a long hard drive to breaking even. First things first, you have the band and some songs and hopefully a good name(or even a bad one.) Once you get going and start to build a fan base you get going and start to build a fan base you are going to be stuck with whatever name you decide upon(or work hard at letting people know who you are after you change it.) Before you get out and start playing think about how you can speed up your chances of getting your name out. Lots of artist record a demo before they play their first show(not only does this help with getting gigs it is something you can sell.) You do not have to spend a lot of money on your demo, with technology where it is at a lot of bands record great sounding demos using their computers or even inexpensive home studios. I have heard decent recordings made by well-practiced bands using nothing but a single mic and a boombox. Do the best you can with the money or resources you have at hand. What about other merchandise? Stickers, buttons, and patches are inexpensive and a great start and often you can do multiple designs for the same price. T-Shirts are great(keep adding new designs as you can also do koozies, hoodies etc as you can afford too.) Remember with merch you are promoting your band and making extra money for gas or better recording. Be creative on your Merchandise(Iron Maiden was the highest grossing band back in the 80’s and it wasn’t from record sells.) Think about it this way, people are paying you to advertise your band. Playing shows: I personally think it is a good idea, especially once you get things together, to only play your hometown no more then once a month. I have known some bands who won’t play within a 60-mile radius more then once a month. Doing this will force you(if you want to play more) to book shows outside your area and expand your fan base. For a promoter or venue this is a favorable thing because not only will you be building a larger and larger draw, you won’t be burning out the crowd by 52

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over playing. Make them want to see you, as the old saying goes “absence makes the fan grow fonder.” Are you ready to tour? To start you might want to think about doing weekend or 3 and 4-day runs. This way you expand your ring of influence and at the same time don’t burn yourselves(or your finances) out. We have all seen acts break up because they were not used to being locked up in a van for two or three weeks. When you are ready to tackle the road there are tons of resources to find places to play(indie bible, indie on the move, book your own f#*(ing life, check out other bands at your level and genres tour schedules to get ideas for routing and venues.) Don’t forget all the contacts you have made from bands you have played with over the life of your band. Take notes and write down any good contacts as you develop as a band, don’t forget to be grateful for what people give you. It is a great idea send out a thank you email to the promoters, venues, bands you played with at every show and to anyone who helped you out or let you have a place to stay while you were on the road. This will help them remember you in a better light the next time you hit the road. Kepi Ghoulie sends out Valentines Day and The Sandwich Mafia used to send out Christmas cards every year. If you do everything right(and are lucky) before you know it you will have more fans then you know(singing your songs and buying your stuff and in turn making you rich(ha ha.) That record deal will be right around the corner. Or if it doesn’t come soon enough you can always finance your first record yourself(and hey then all the profits go to your band fund and you have total creative control.) Labels are more impressed by an artist who has some kind of numbers to show, if you sell 500-1000 7” or CD’s without any backing says a lot. It gives you more leverage when talking to anyone indie or major label about a record contract. If you are dealing with a big indie or major label make sure you get yourself a good entertainment lawyer, because many a good band has broken up over a bad record deal. You never want to give away your publishing or songwriting credits(those are your babies and where the money is in the long run.) Now go out and make some music and remember you are just playing, it is only work if you let it become work. 

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Cast Iron Trading Company

r e l w a r C N ight

ell, we’re going to have to change the name this month.

The

The Night Crawler becomes The Day Crawler.

That’s because one of downtown Stockton’s muchballyhooed new dining/drinking spots is anything but nocturnal. In fact, Cast Iron Trading Company, 114 N. San Joaquin Street, is open only a couple of nights each week (Thursday and Friday).

So for now, the refreshing new establishment is mainly for those who want to grab breakfast, brunch or lunch. The night hours? They’ll be coming. It’ll be interesting to see how the synergy works when the Channel Brewing Company moves in next door in the historic Belding Building (say that five times fast). For now, there’s a decent amount of momentum and word-of-mouth advertising for the Cast Iron Trading Company. The start has been generally positive. And definitely tasty. We stopped by for both breakfast and lunch within the past couple of weeks. Breakfast: The Night (Day?) Crawler likes to think of itself as an aficionado of iced tea. The Cast Iron folks make an A-plus IT, complete with fresh mint. That was paired with the BEC Sando ($7.75), which included pecan-smoked bacon, an egg, cheddar and jack cheese, parsley, pesto, tomato, and jalapeño on sourdough. A definite taste treat. There’s an impressive array of other options for a newbie restaurant, including breakfast tachos (yes, tachos – tater tot nachos) for $6.75 and avocado toast ($7.50). Cast Iron specializes in sliders for lunch, and the beer-braised pulled pork slider truly is melt-in-your-mouth quality. Caramelized onions, garlic and a wonderfully tasty roll makes this a winner (price depends on how many sliders you tackle). The grilled cheese entrée includes cheddar, aged Swiss and Havarti. Oh, and definitely give the carrot/parsnip fries a shot ($4.50). Seasoned with garlic, rosemary, thyme and sea salt, they’re a nice departure from everybody’s everyday fries.

Cast Iron currently is open weekdays. The weekend and night hours will come when the newbie feeling wears off and things get established. CITC definitely is worth trying out.  the current december 2016

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