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Hotel Mission de Oro has transformed into a breathtaking oasis, offering an elegant retreat in a secluded sanctuary. Capturing the essence of Spanish Architecture, this mission-style hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of California. The ultimate destination for travelers, locals, meetings, and celebrations.
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Celebratory event space available for all group sizes
We invite you to stay, celebrate, dine, and make the most of your every moment at Hotel Mission de Oro.
Open to the public!
with Shrimp
Sirloin Steak, 3 Jumbo Crispy Shrimp and 3 St. Louis-Style BBQ Ribs in honey BBQ sauce with choice of side.
If you have ever uttered these words, “I have never been to Yosemite,” then now is the time and we have a guide for Yosemite “newbies” to help you plan your visit.
34 Yosemite Guide for Newbies
PUBLISHER/OWNER
Hank Vander Veen
MANAGING EDITOR
Sabra Stafford
EDITOR
Kristina Hacker
WRITERS & PHOTOGRAHERS
Jane Cluff
Christopher Correa
Joe Cortez
Kristina Hacker
Teresa Hammond
Marg Jackson
Matt Johanson
Claudia Newcorn
Sabra Stafford
Frankie Tovar
Dennis Wyatt
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Harold L. George
ARDVERTISING
Chris Castro
Beth Flanagan
Rich Matheson
Karen Olsen
Corey Rogers
Melody Wann
Charles Webber
Thank you for checking out another edition of 209 Magazine. As we head into summer this magazine is featuring one of the nation’s greatest treasures — Yosemite National Park. If you’ve never been to Yosemite, now is a great time to go. And if you don’t want to battle the summer crowds, there a number of great nearby hikes featured in our Great Outdoors section.
Summer also means fair time in the 209, and we are previewing the Merced Fair, Mother Lode Fair, Stanislaus County Fair and the Amador County Fair. We also feature a Turlock woman who won the Bobcat Backyard Makeover contest. The folks at the Bobcat Company transformed the local’s self-described “dust bowl” backyard into an accessible oasis for the wheelchairbound gardener.
These are just a few of the people and places featured in this issue of 209 Magazine.
Through this and every other product we publish we continue to maintain our focus on the communities in which we live, work and play. Thank you for taking the time to read this and every issue of 209 Magazine. We welcome your comments, calendar events and stories. We hope you will support the businesses and charities that have chosen to partner with us. We appreciate them and look forward to being the most relevant magazine in your home, a place called 209.
SCAN this to advertise in 209 Magazine or call Manteca • (209) 249-3500 • Newman • (209) 243-8170 Oakdale • (209) 847-3021 • Turlock • (209) 634-9141 209 Magazine is published 6 times a year
121 S. Center St., 2nd Floor • Turlock, CA 95380
Comments: sstafford@209magazine.com 209magazine.com
Hank Vander Veen Owner/Publisher, 209 Magazine hvanderveen@209magazine.com
There were plenty of happenings in the 209 in April and May to enjoy, from crab feeds to car shows to the rodeo and festivals. 209 Magazine was happy to join in the fun. If you want your event featured in Scene in the 209, email sstafford@209magazine.com.
The Newman Police K9 Association was once again able to host their crab feed and the effort was rewarded with a large turnout eager to support the cause and enjoy some crab. The proceeds from the crab feed, along with donations received throughout the year, have been the exclusive means for sustaining the K9 Unit, which not only enhances public safety, but also the officers as well.
The third annual Motors on Main saw a bevy of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles line-up in Gustine for enthusiasts to check out the work done on these old beauties. Motors on Main began last year under the guidance of Bernie Medeiros and her family. It was done to honor her late husband Victor Medeiros who passed in 2020 from a heart attack. Proceeds are donated to Jessica’s House in Turlock.
The 72nd annual Oakdale PRCA, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association brought lots of activity to town in April. The festivities included a parade, museum tours, coronations of the rodeo court and plenty of rodeo action in the arena.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL
The Annual San Joaquin Valley Portuguese Festival was held at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds with attendees enjoying food, activities, bloodless bullfights and a parade.
JUN7 2024 JUN 9 2024 JUN15 2024
The American Graffiti Festival and Car Show kicks off with the cruise of shiny and supped up classic cars and trucks on June 7 in Modesto. The parade starts at Five Points at 6:30 p.m. The route extends out McHenry to Briggsmore and then goes back downtown to include J, 10th and 11th, and I streets. The parade will include an estimated thousand vehicles from 1980 or older and is expected to last approximately two hours. The car show and festival will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 8 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 9 at the Modesto Junior College West Campus at 2201 Blue Gum Ave. The car show draws in an estimated 1,200 to 1,400 classic vehicles from both near and far. Admission is $10 per person and children 12 and under get in for free.
Get into the spirit of Italy at Festa Italiana from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 9 at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds. This grand event brings the community together with the finest food, activities and entertainment of the Italian culture.
Renowned Italian Tenor Pasquale Esposito, presented by John and Maxine Ferraiolo, will once again headline on the Morada Produce Main Stage. Nino, d’Italiano, local opera singer Bianca Orsi, and the Trucco Band. The Balliamo! Italian Dancers will headline in the Pavilion while you stroll and enjoy wine tasting. Local entertainment will welcome festival attendees on the Benevenuti Stage, including Stockton Garage Combo, Opera Singer Kerri Scott, Louis Lodi, and the Nicolini Brothers on accordions. The Bambini Zone will delight your little ones - enjoying Sparkles and Ravioli the clowns, Rhymosaurs, and the Bambini Dancers who will also teach Italian Dance lessons. Strolling through the venue will be the Funambulus Italian Stilt Walkers who delight attendees of all ages.
In addition to the awesome live music - Festa offers delicious Italian food from local Italian ‘chefs’, a Mercato Marketplace, cooking demonstrations, Italian art and history, bocce ball, salami toss, the automobile show, wine tasting, olive oil and local product tastings, and more. The “Boss of the Sauce” contest is back, and the Pavilion will have an Italian history display.
San Joaquin County Juneteenth Foundation presents Juneteenth Celebrate Freedom event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 15 at the Weber Point Events Center.
Bring the entire family to enjoy live performances, food, vendors, poetry, history and much more.
For a schedule visit stocktonjuneteenth.org/ annual-juneteenth-event.
JUN21 2024 JUN22 2024 JUN29 2024
Sierra Repertory is staging “Route 66” at the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Historic Park from June 20 to July 21.
Beginning with the sounds of 1950s Chicago and traveling along the ‘Main Street of America’ to the California coast with the surf music of the 1960s, this exciting musical revue features 34 of the greatest ‘Rock ‘n’ Road’ hits of the 20th century. Songs include “Dead Man’s Curve,” “King of the Road,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Beep Beep,” “Six Days on the Road,” “Little GTO,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” and many more. Get your kicks with this smash coast-tocoast hit musical revue. The show runs one hour and 45 minutes.
For times and tickets visit sierrarep.org/events/ route-66.
The Berry Sweet Summer festival will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 22 at the Amador County Fairgrounds.
There will be berry desserts, local bands, kids zone, berry themed craft booths, scrumptious food, a car show and more. The proceeds from the car show will go to the Amador County 4-H program.
The Oakdale enrichment Society is hosting an All American Bash and Cornhole Tournament at Dying Breed Brewing in Oakdale on June 29.
People of all skill level are encouraged to try out in the tournament. Registration is $40.
There will be prizes, cash and raffles to win.
Participants must be 21 years or older.
To register or for more information visit www. enrichoakdale.com.
The Merced Jazz Festival will be from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 6 and 7 at 686 21st Street in Merced.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets or chill out in the VIP section where seats are provided.
from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the GPS Hall that is just across the street from the park. Entry is through donation and comes with a breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausages. The funds raised help the department with equipment purchases and repairs. JUL 6 2024
General admission tickets are $45 in advance and $60 for VIP.
See the line-up of performers at bit.ly/MerJaFe
The Westside Auto Club will host their 43rd Annual Linguica Run from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13 at Henry Miller Park in Gustine.
The car show will have even more cars than in previous years, including muscle cars from Chevrolet, Ford, Mopar, and more. Car show awards, entertainment, drawings for prizes and linguica are among the attractions offered at the Linguica Run.
The big event also shares the day with the Gustine Volunteer Fire Department breakfast, served
By ZACHERY RAMOS
As the nation marks the 248th year since the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, there will be plenty of ways to celebrate and show patriotism in the 209.
Join Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis and the City of Manteca for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration at Manteca’s annual Independence Day Parade. Every July 4th, Main Street comes alive with the vibrant procession honoring the theme of the year. This year, they proudly pay tribute to our Vietnam Veterans under the theme “Honoring Our Vietnam Veterans.” The parade kicks off at 10
a.m. sharp, starting at Main and Jason and winding its way to Center and Sycamore.
Participation in the parade is absolutely free, so gather your friends, family, and organization members to join in the festivities. Register online at Manteca4thofJulyParade@sunrisekiwanis.org or by mail at P.O. Box 752, Manteca, CA 95336. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of Manteca’s cherished tradition and celebrate Independence Day in style! For more information, contact Monica, Parade Chairman, at (209) 880-9755.
Get ready to celebrate Independence Day in style at the 4th of July Parade in Downtown Stockton. This
beloved community event is a highlight of the holiday season, drawing crowds of all ages to downtown Stockton. Join in at the Weber Point Events Center for a day packed with fun and excitement.
The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. sharp at the corner of Weber and El Dorado, traveling north on El Dorado to Oak, left on Oak to Center, and left on Center south to Weber Avenue. Marvel at the vibrant floats, marching bands, and community groups as they make their way through the heart of Stockton. After the parade, stick around for the festival starting at 12 p.m. at the Weber Point Events Center. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious food vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
As the sun sets, prepare to be dazzled by a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky at 9:30 p.m. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss. Plus, don’t forget to cheer on the Parade Grand Marshal, Astronaut Jose M. Hernandez, as we honor his achievements and dedication to our country. Join us for a day of patriotic pride and community camaraderie at the 4th of July Parade in Downtown Stockton.
Gather your family and friends for a day of patriotic fun at Gustine’s Fourth of July celebration. The Gustine Chamber Of Commerce 4th Of July Parade kicks off the festivities with a colorful procession through Main Street to Henry Miller Park. After the parade, head to Henry Miller Park for the City Of Gustine 4th Of July In The Park Celebration. Enjoy live music, DJ entertainment, and a variety of kids’ games. Don’t miss out on the Aquatics Center, cornhole tournament, and delicious food and craft vendors. As
the day winds down, grab your blankets and chairs for the spectacular 14th annual fireworks show at Gustine High School Football Field, set to music by DJ Dan. It’s a day of community celebration you won’t want to miss.
Join the excitement in Turlock for an Independence Celebration packed with family-friendly activities. Start the evening on June 28, with a lively parade showcasing classic cars and local organizations, followed by an electrifying drone show that lights up the night sky. Whether you’re marveling at the parade floats, captivated by the drone maneuvers, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, Turlock’s event promises entertainment for all ages. Kick off your Fourth of July celebrations with your community in downtown Turlock for an unforgettable experience.
Celebrate America’s birthday in style at Modesto’s Independence Day Parade.
Since 1874, Modesto has honored the Fourth of July with a lively parade winding through downtown streets. This year’s parade, organized by the Modesto Kiwanis Club, promises to be a highlight of the holiday festivities. Join the crowd on July 4th at 9:30 a.m. and enjoy the themed floats, marching bands, and community spirit that define this beloved tradition. It’s a chance to come together with your neighbors and celebrate the red, white, and “bloom” of Independence Day in the heart of Modesto.
Head to Don Pedro Lake for a spectacular Fireworkson-the-Water show on July 6th. Set against the stunning backdrop of the lake, this annual event promises an evening of enchantment and celebration. Reserve your campsites early and make a weekend of it, enjoying the beauty of the lake during the day and the magic of fireworks at night. Whether you’re camping with family or friends, don’t miss this opportunity to create cherished
LOS BANOS
Los Banos Downtown Association invites you to kickstart your Fourth of July celebrations early with a spectacular event on June 29th. Join the vibrant atmosphere as the streets of Los Banos come alive with excitement and community spirit. From diverse vendors offering delicious food and unique crafts to arts and crafts booths where you can unleash your creativity, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Groove to the beats of local musicians at the live music stage and unwind in the beer garden with refreshing beverages. But the fun doesn’t stop there—experience the thrill of classic carnival rides and games scattered throughout the event area, providing excitement for thrill-seekers of all ages. The highlight of the evening? A breathtaking firework extravaganza at 9 p.m., illuminating the night sky and commemorating the spirit of Independence Day. ●
By KRISTINA HACKER
Every year at this time the region gets a little smaller. This phenomenon is not caused by a rip in the space-time continuum or is it a matter of geographical wonder — it’s called fair time.
Because of its appeal to young and old and those with varied interests, the fair is the ultimate gathering place. Some might say that we now have social media as a universal gathering place. One hundred years ago, the days of the fair might have been the only way to reconnect with old friends. But today, one only needs to visit Facebook and within minutes you can be reunited with everyone in your high school graduating class.
It’s true that social media has made reunions of all kinds just a few clicks away, but seeing someone face to face and sharing in the experience of the fair creates bonds that no computer screen can emulate.
The fair is also where people with
like interests can meet for the first time. Sitting in the stands next to you during the demolition derby could be your next best friend, or partner. After the apple pie competition is judged, those whose passion is baking might just strike up a life-long friendship or find
I am already looking forward to sharing the sights, sounds and tastes of the local fair with my grandson.
a new culinary partner. If you have two antique tractors sitting in your garage, then the fair is definitely the place for a little gear talk.
The fair is also the best place to make lasting family memories. I still remember my first trip to the county fair. The corn dogs, carnival rides and farm animals were great, but the best part was walking around the fair with my mom and dad and experiencing everything together.
I was able to pass along that experience with my own daughter, with trips to two different county fairs and two state fairs. My little girl is all grown up now, but she still makes the fair a mustgo event every year with her son. To see a video of her lip syncing to Christina Aguilera at the fair when she was 12 years old, visit 209 Magazine’s website. (Just kidding; I wanted to see if she would read this!)
I am already looking forward to sharing the sights, sounds and tastes of the
local fair with my grandson. This multi-generational love of the fair is not uncommon here in the 209. Take a look around during your next visit to the fair and you are sure to see happy families making life-long memories.
Here is a list of local fairs happening this summer:
Merced Fair June 5-9
It’s going to be a Barnyard Mardi Gras at the 2024 Merced County Fair presented by Valley Children’s Healthcare. The Merced Fair will feature live music, action-packed grandstand entertainment, tasty fair food, exhibits plus so much more.
The Merced Fair concert lineup includes Tribute to George Strait (June 5), Garratt Wilkin and The Parrot-
heads, a celebration of Jimmy Buffet’s music (June 6), Tyler Farr (June 7), The Whispers (June 8) and La Original Banda El Limon (June 9).
For more information about all the entertainment, Grandstand Shows and ticket prices, visit mercedcountyfair.com.
Mother Lode Fair
June 27-30
The Mother Lode Fair will celebrate 85 years of Mines, Mills & Memories at the 2024 fair.
Arena events scheduled for the Mother Lode Fair start with truck and tractor pulls presented by L&L Productions on June 28 and 29, followed by the Motherlode Moteos Championship presented by Norcal Moto
Alliance on June 30. Admission for arena events are now included in Fair tickets.
Concerts at the Fair include 7 Summers, a Morgan Wallen tribute band (June 28), Ariel Jean Band (June 29) and Idol X, a Billy Idol tribute (June 30). Other entertainment includes cowgirl tricks with Karen Quest and Tyzen the Comedy Hypnotist.
July 5-14
The 111th Stanislaus County Fair is set to open on July 5 for its 10 days and nights of arena events, entertainment, fair food, amusement rides and games and new and fan-favorite exhibits and attractions.
The 2024 Fair will feature
10-nights of free celebrity concerts included with Fair admission, a total of three stages of live entertainment, upwards of 30,000 local exhibits and over 1,750 animals.
The Fair’s mascot “Stanley” the horse will once again be welcoming visitors this year.
The fair also will be bringing back the Free Till 3 Sundays, Kids Free Night and Senior day and a Military Day.
The Stanislaus County Fair has already confirmed a majority of the acts booked for the Variety Free Stage. Coming to the Fair are Fuel (July 6), The Commodores (July 8), 38 Special (July 10), Great White (July 12), All Time Low (July 13) and La Septima Banda (July 14). There are also two other
stages that will have live entertainment every day.
The Foodmaxx Arena will showcase a variety of action-packed events including the tractor pulls (July 5-6), bloodless bullfights (July 7),destruction derby (July 8 and 12), dirt drags (July 9), monster trucks (July 10-11), ranch rodeo (July 13) and Hispanic rodeo (July 14).
Learn more about all of the bands, arena events and attractions planned for this year’s Fair at stancofair.com.
Visitors are encouraged to ‘Go for the Gold’ at the 2024 Amador County Fair, being held July 25-28 at the fairgrounds in Plymouth.
A Fair Foundation pre-fair barbecue will be held at 6 p.m. July 13.
Some of the special fair events include:
The Miss Amador & Mutton Bustin’ preliminaries will be held on July 25. The event is free with fair admission.
A special wine tasting event will
be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 26. Tickets are $50 for those drinking and $30 for designated drivers.
The Hot Rod Truck Pulls will be held at 7 p.m. July 27. Admission is $17.
CCPRA Rodeo will be held at 8 p.m. July 28. Reserved seating tickets are $25 and bleacher seating is $20.
The destruction derby will be held at 6 p.m. July 29. Reserved seating is $30 and bleacher seating is $25.
For more information about the fair, visit amadorcountyfair.com. ●
• Hospice Care
• Palliative Care
• Pediatric Specialty Programs
• Hospice Bereavement Support
• General Inpatient and Respite Care at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House
• Hope Counseling, Mental Health Counseling
• Camp Wokini, Youth Grief Camp
• Crisis Response
Fitness Races I Music, Art & Food Festivals Fishing/Boating Competitions I Family Reunions I Corporate BBQs Call 209.525.6750 to inquire.
5.28-8.2 Mobile RecVan Visiting Stanislaus County parks: Burbank-Paradise, Fairview, Hunter’s Pointe, Segesta and Sterling Ranch to bring fun to youth ages 6 to 17 years.
6.29 Fireworks Celebration @ Woodward Reservoir View the stars & fireworks on Saturday, June 29th. $30 per carload. stancountyparks.com
Imagine a murder in a small-town Nevada restaurant and boarding house. Populate it with Basque sheepherders, their landowning bosses, the women who cook for them and colorful community members. Add a beleaguered Nevada sheriff, spice it up with a clever young narrator and there you have Elizabette Guecemburu’s deliciously readable mystery novel.
Patterson’s Guecemburu (pronounced “Guess - am - BOO - roo” and roll that “r!”) describes her recently published book, “Murder at the Boardinghouse,” as “Agatha Christie meets a Basque boarding house with a precocious 14-year-old main character.” The book won the Basque Writing Contest out of the University of Nevada, Reno’s Center for Basque Studies.
Guecemburu’s mother’s grandparents immigrated from the French Basque region and began farming in Patterson, and her father immigrated in a later wave, so she grew up immersed in Basque language and culture. Her book is a love letter to her Basque family, community and roots.
“In reading how something feels, smells, tastes… all of those things are what connect to memory, and that is for me what this book was so much about - memory and memorializing.” Guecemburu relied on the lived experiences of her Basque community to make the Gardenerville, Nevada Basque boardinghouse jump off the pages of her book.
Guecamburu’s quirky 14-year-old protagonist, Anna, helps her widowed mother prepare food for the boarders and guests and describes meals that make your mouth water - lamb shank stuffed with garlic, bakailoa (a salted cod dish) with boiled potatoes and piperade on top, leek potato soup, chicken and rice, and the young heroine’s favorite, beef tongue with garlic and parsley in a wine vinaigrette. “My great grandmother was a cook in a Gardernerville, Nevada boarding house, and she was a big inspiration for the story.”
Basque language is sprinkled throughout the book, and Guecamburu (who says her Basque is now limited
By JANE CLUFF
to “getting by at the dinner table.”) relied on familial experts to perfect it. Her cousin’s husband and her dad helped her fine tune the language. “I would say my dad’s Basque is very similar to how it is in my book along with some of my mom’s family’s Basque.” The unique language is not related to any other IndoEuropean language and is still spoken in the Basque homeland, located in Northern Spain and Southern France near the Pyrenees Mountains and the Bay of Biscay.
“It’s a lot to immigrate to another country without having a set community to receive you, and I think that did make a big difference for the Basques in that we had a very wellestablished community that welcomed and aided the new generation.”
Guecamburu augmented her own experiences and community anecdotes in “Murder at the Boardinghouse” with a deep dive into the historical weather, news, music, movies, cars of the early 1940s. “I wanted there to be references that people would recognize,” so Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” plays constantly on the radio and Anna moons over Cary Grant in “His Girl Friday ”
According to Guecamburu anyone coming from an immigrant background can find something to relate to in her book, “You come to a new country and maintaining your bonds with your community is how you survive in a new world…getting a job, getting your visa…all of the steps. It’s a lot to immigrate to another country without having a set community to receive you, and I think that did make a big difference for the Basques in that we had a very well-established community that welcomed and aided the new generation.”
“Boarding houses were a major part of the immigrant community. They were the central hub. Everybody would go there.
That would become their home away from home.” One fan who grew up in a boardinghouse and currently owns one in Gardenerville said that the book encapsulates the 1940s boardinghouse life. “I did my job in leaving this piece of life behind that somebody could pick up and know what that felt like,” Guecamburu proudly reflects.
There were Basque boardinghouses in San Francisco, Stockton, Sacramento, Fresno and many other western cities, and you can still dine at Wool Growers Restaurant in Los Banos, (where Guecamburu’s Aunt Annie worked) built in 1890. The bartender serves Picon Punch, a favorite of many of the characters in Guecamburu’s book, and guests feast on traditional French Basque food at family style tables with red and white checkered tablecloths.
Like her main character, Guecamburu loves Agatha Christie’s novels and started checking them out at the Patterson Library as a young girl. “We used to go to the library and I’d check out a pile of books. Summer break, Easter break, Christmas break…. I’d start the book on the top of the pile, and when I was done I’d throw it on the ground and start the next and the next. My mom loved a murder mystery, so I started reading those.”
The larger Patterson community has known the author for years as a regular columnist in the Patterson Irrigator where she has written
about “community events, local stuff, whatever interests me…very much a smorgasbord of randomness - politics, social commentary, a lot of disability awareness and advocacy…with a twist. I’m a little bit sarcastic.”
Guecamburu writes about disabilities through a personal lens.
Doctors diagnosed her with Spinal Muscular Atrophy when she was two, and she has been a wheelchair user ever since. “When you have a rare condition like mine, it can be very isolating.”
Through social media Guecamburu has been able to connect with the wider SMA community and says, “It is definitely a blessing being able to be con-
nected and also advocate together.”
Currently, Guecamburu is particularly focused on enjoying the publication of her first book and connecting with her readers. “I’m very excited to share this book now after all of the writing and the process and the publishing. It’s very exciting to have it out as a THING. It was the right story at the right time in the right place.”
According to her website, Elizabette Unplugged, elizabetteunplugged.com “Murder at the Boardinghouse” is available on Amazon and at the Patterson Family Pharmacy, or you can order a signed copy at subscribepage.io/eTMJkx. ●
By TERESA HAMMOND
Along time Central Valley tradition continues in Stockton’s Victory Park, as volunteers and musicians alike prepare for the Annual Concerts in the Park Series.
Located at 1001 North Pershing Ave, Stockton, the summer long series kicked off June 5, and will continue each Wednesday through August 21. Concerts are presented from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and are free to the public.
“We got a really good response this last year on the fact that the individuals that go to the concert every year, really enjoyed the fact that there was different types of music,” Music Coordinator, Jessica Emery stated.
According to Emery the event has been growing larger each year, adding that many attendees, as well as musicians have attended the concert series for many years.
“It’s like a family gathering,” she said. “It’s like going to a picnic on a Wednesday afternoon. You have people that are bringing their children, their parents. People are bringing chairs, a blanket, a lot of people have their dinner out there, which is very, very nice to see.”
Emery estimated an average of 1,500 to 2,000 listeners show up each Wednesday to enjoy the event. A turnout she likens to tradition, but also to the variety of music presented each week. Area bands playing classic rock, big band music, country and Latin give the audience a variety to enjoy through the course of the summer.
“It just keeps getting bigger and bigger, which is really nice to see,” the coordinator stated.
“My job on the committee has been to listen to the different bands that are out there,” the volunteer shared. “It’s a big variety of all types of music. So, it’s not always the same thing.”
Additionally, the event has become so popular with families throughout the 209 that they aren’t able to accommodate all the bands interested in playing.
“We have so many local really good talented musicians here and there are only so many weeks that we can have someone perform,” Emery said.
“Like I’ve said, we have some great talent here,” she noted in regards to returning talent. “There’s a little bit for everyone.”
Emery further shared that as a volunteer, both she and event president David Silva stay involved because of not just their love of music, but their love for Stockton.
“What we do, we do because we love the city,” Emery shared of the volunteer time and effort.
“I love seeing the community come together and it’s nice to see a lot family, as I mentioned, in the evening listening to music. It’s nice to be able to see that happening because not all communities have that.”
For a list of the line-up as well as additional information for the annual event visit www.visitstockton.org ●
1. Arrive early as parking is limited to the surrounding neighborhood.
2. Stake out an area for you and your friends under the mature oak trees. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, just be thoughtful of others around you.
3. Pack a picnic or grab your favorite take-out to enjoy during the concert.
4. Bring your leashed dog so Fido can spend quality time with you.
5. Don’t forget to pack some fun stuff for the kids to play with in the park and pack some extras to share. Groups of kids love to run around and play with each other during the concert - away from where folks are sitting of course.
6. Be prepared to make new friends. People who attend the concerts are friendly and generally appreciate meeting new people.
2024 SCHEDULE
6/5/24 Summit /Classic Rock
6/12/24 Mayday / Classic Rock
6/19/24 Maya Latin Roots / Latin Music
6/26/24 Blowbacks / dance band variety
7/3/24 Mike Torres Jr. Band / Rock/Latin mix
7/10/24 Valley Concert Band / Concert Band Music
7/17/24 Sabrosito / Latin
7/24/24 Network / Classic Rock
7/31/24 Nick Elwood Band /60’s, 70’s 80’s olidies
8/7/24 Stockton Garage Big Band / The Blues
8/14/24 Gary Bohannon Band / Classic Rock
8/21/24 Rock-It / Classic Rock
Nestled in the outskirts of Oakdale, along the historic CA-120 state highway, sits the Crooked Spur – a proverbial watering hole for locals and travelers alike.
Once a rough and tumble dive bar known by a fistful of names through the years, the Crooked Spur was revamped two years ago by the husbandand-wife team of Paul and Amy Rivera, fellow Oakdalians and former owners of Rivi’s Wine Bar.
“We weren’t sure what we were going to get into, we just loved the location. It’s a prime location that’s never reached its full potential. So we rolled the dice,” Paul said. “We didn’t want to step on the locals’ toes, so we tried to keep it like it was before. Just a notch higher.”
The gamble paid off and the renovated honky tonk has quickly become a frequent stop for ranchers, cowboys, bikers, and everyone in between. The eclectic mix of patrons is matched by the bar’s variety of daily events
By FRANKIE TOVAR
and menu offerings, ensuring a lively environment for anyone looking to make a pit stop.
“It’s your one-stop meeting point,” Amy said. “You have your locals, but you also have these groups of people you don’t normally see in a bar together. It’s awesome.”
Wander in and enjoy Pabst Blue Ribbon by the pitcher, bottles of beer by the bucket, and a collection of chilled cocktails on the ready. There are also three pool tables, a couple dart boards, an outside patio with cornhole, beer pong, and several TVs streaming sports around the clock. The
definition of a blue-collar establishment.
So whether you’re looking for something to do on a Tuesday night or you’re looking to for one last drink after a weekend on the lake, the Crooked Spur is a waypoint you don’t want to pass by.
Signature Drink:
“It’s your onestop meeting point. You have your locals, but you also have these groups of people you don’t normally see in a bar together. It’s awesome.”
$12 pitchers of Pabst Blue Ribbon
PBR on tap for only $12. What more is there to explain?
Summer Hit: Raspberry Lemonade
The Crooked Spur’s spin on the classic lemon drop. Tart, sweet, and refreshing.
“It’s the epitome of summer,” Amy said.
Crowd Favorite: Mule Kick
Similar to a Long Island Iced Tea with cherries and ginger ale. You can even order it as a slushie!
“If you’re looking for something that will kick you in the ass and tastes good, it’s the drink for you,” Paul said.
Meal in a Mug: Bloody Maria
A filthy blend of secret ingredients combined with the cucumber-jalapeno infused 21 Seeds Tequila, garnished with peppers, pickles, green beans and more – this cocktail looks
great and tastes even better.
“It’s pretty much all I drink when I’m here,” Paul said. ●
Daily Events
Monday - Karaoke
Tuesday – Swag Step
Country Dancing
Wednesday – Rest/Recovery
Thursday – Pool Tournament
& Open Mic Night
Friday – Live Music
Saturday – Live DJ
Sunday – Rest/Recovery
WHERE: 9831 Valley Home Rd CA-120, Oakdale, CA
HOURS:
Monday – Thursday: 3 – 11pm
Friday – Saturday: 3pm – 1:45 am Sunday: 12- 9pm
By CHRISTOPHER CORREA
In Farsi, which is the Persian language, the term “patogh” refers to a place of gathering. It’s exactly what Janin and Eden Isaac and their family aim to offer to Turlock through Patogh Restaurant, an establishment of over six years in northwest Turlock serving up traditional Mediterranean meals.
Patogh Restaurant, which the couple runs alongside Janin’s mother, Linda Alkhas and brothers Tommy and Sammy Abadi, is located at 130 W. Monte Vista Ave. within the Valley View Center Plaza directly across from the California State University, Stanislaus campus. They have become popular for their kabob and rice dishes amongst locals, including the large Assyrian community.
The city of Turlock is home to one of the largest Assyrian communities in the United States, with an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 residents being of Assyrian descent. That figure represents nearly a quarter of the entire city population.
Cooking is a huge part of the culture in Iran, where the family is originally from. As a child, Janin learned to cook by watching her mother, who works as one of the restaurant’s chefs and is the brains behind many of the meals on the menu.
“We’re pretty much just villages, you know,” Eden said of life in Iran. “People spend a lot of time together socializing. It’s a lot more of a collective culture. And all the women in the community, they
We love doing this so much. The customers, serving others, we really love it.
all have a lot of passion for cooking. Janin, she was learning from all the women in the community because it’s just a part of the culture.”
When socializing over good food, it makes it even easier to have a good time.
According to the family, the most popular dishes amongst customers are the beef soltani and the chicken combo. Beef soltani features pieces of steak alongside rice and grilled tomato. The chicken combo features a skewer of chicken and another of beef.
Meanwhile, Janin and Eden each have their own personal favorites. Janin is a big fan of the zereshk polo, a meal consisting of chicken breast and white rice with barberries. As for Eden, he enjoys the lamb shank, which is a rack of lamb with special seasoning served alongside baghali polo, a stew-like concoction of rice, garbanzo beans and dill.
While customers munch down on food, Patogh offers specialty drinks aside from the traditional sodas and beers, like teas containing saffron spice, a popular commodity within the Persian culture.
“We love doing this so much,” Janin said. “The customers, serving others, we really love it.”
Patogh Restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ●
PREP TIME
20 minutes COOK TIME 55 minutes SERVINGS 8
INGREDIENTS
PIE
1 pie crust (9 inches)
2 cups canned tart cherry pie filling
2 cups canned apple pie filling
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
STREUSEL
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
1 pinch salt
4 tablespoons butter, melted
PUMPKIN SPICE
WHIPPED CREAM
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Fit pie crust to 9-inch pie dish. Crimp edges and use fork to poke holes in bottom. Place pie crust in freezer to chill.
In large bowl, combine tart cherry pie filling and apple pie filling. Set aside.
To make streusel: In bowl, use fork to mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pecans and salt. Pour butter over dry ingredients and mix until ingredients come together in clumps.
To assemble pie: Pour cherry-apple filling into prepared pie crust and sprinkle streusel on top. Brush beaten egg onto exposed pie crust edges. Bake 25 minutes. At 10-minute mark,
cover pie dish with foil to prevent crust from over-browning. After 25 minutes, lower oven temperature to 375 F and bake 30 minutes.
To make pumpkin spice whipped cream: In large bowl or bowl of stand mixer, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and pumpkin spice. Use hand mixer or beater attachment on stand mixer to beat on medium-high speed 3-5 minutes until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate whipped cream until ready to serve.
Let pie cool 2-3 hours then dollop pumpkin spice whipped cream on top, slice and serve.
Substitution: Storebought whipped cream topped with pumpkin spice can be used in place of homemade pumpkin spice whipped cream.
INGREDIENTS
2 green bell peppers
2 yellow bell peppers
1 lime
1 medium red onion
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 pounds raw, peeled shrimp, fresh or frozen
5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup ranch dressing
12 small flour tortillas
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 450 F.
Wash and dry green bell peppers, yellow bell peppers and lime.
Trim, seed and slice bell peppers lengthwise into thin strips; transfer to large baking sheet.
Peel, halve and slice onion lengthwise into thin pieces; add to baking sheet with bell peppers.
Drizzle veggies with oil, toss to combine and spread in even layer. Bake until veggies have softened slightly, about 5 minutes.
If using frozen shrimp, place them in colander and run under cold water to thaw slightly. Place shrimp on clean towel or paper towels and pat dry.
Remove baking sheet from oven. Arrange shrimp over veggies then sprinkle with 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and salt; toss to combine and spread in even layer.
Bake until veggies are tender and shrimp are cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven.
Cut lime into wedges.
In small bowl, stir ranch dressing and remaining Cajun seasoning.
Warm tortillas in skillet, oven or microwave, if desired.
Divide tortillas between plates and fill with shrimp and veggies; drizzle with spicy ranch and serve with squeeze of lime.
SUGGESTED ONE-DAY GUIDE FOR A FIRST-TIME TASTE OF YOSEMITE
By DENNIS WYATT
There are six words when uttered by anyone who has lived in the Northern San Joaquin Valley for at least a year that never cease to amaze me — “I have never been to Yosemite.”
I find it unfathomable that someone within 150 minutes travel time of arguably one of the world’s most incredible and accessible natural wonders have never taken the opportunity to check it out.
I’m sure that the 3 million plus annual visitors to Yosemite— many who came from Europe and Asia — would probably think the same thing.
I’ll be the first to admit even in the year I racked up 10 trips to Yosemite that I avoided Yosemite Valley — the place where perhaps 95 percent of the visitors are drawn for obvious reasons — like the plague between May and October except when I want to hike out of the valley to the rim. It’s when 75 percent of the annual visitors descend on Yosemite.
Although the national park has 747,956 square miles, almost every one of those visitors heads to the main attractions within the walls of the six square miles that make up Yosemite Valley.
Now that you’ve heard my reservations for going this time of year, ignore them. The reason is because of the late snowfall that has created a unique summer opportunity in Yosemite Valley.
It means the waterfalls are running like it is still early spring.
What you’re about to read is basically a one day whirlwind tour of the top draws of Yosemite that can be done with mostly flat walking and driving or catching the free trams.
The only suggestion that requires a bit of exertion is a walk at least part ways up the Mist Trail to see Vernal Fall from a footbridge across the Merced
River. Go a bit farther and climb the stone steps to the top where you are likely to see a rainbow along the way or go all the way to Nevada Fall.
Even after 14 trips up the Mist Trail to primarily to show Yosemite newbies its beauty, it never loses its charm. It helps of course that I fell in love while being sprayed with mist from the crashing water over Vernal Fall and a rainbow was arching across the Merced.
Before you go make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes meant for walking, a change of clothes (or at least socks) if you decide you want to get wet walking near a waterfall, and water that you can carry.
You’re better off packing a lunch and bringing in your own ice chest of drinks. If you have a backpack bring it along especially if you end up taking the tram or heading off to take more of a hike as you will need to carry extra water, snacks and such.
There are a few concessions but between the crowds and the price means bringing your own makes sense. Also make sure you have a full tank of gas as there is none available in the valley although you can gas up at Crane Flat if you enter the park on
AFTER YOU EMERGE FROM THE SECOND OF THREE TUNNELS AS YOU HEAD TO THE VALLEY VIA THE HIGHWAY 120 ENTRANCE YOU WILL BE TEMPTED TO PULL OVER TO GET A PICTURE OF THE FIRST DRAMATIC GRANITE VIEWS.
Highway 120.
The quickest way from Manteca is Highway 120 as it takes you directly to the park. From Turlock it is going to be Highway 140 out of Merced.
The entrance fee is $35 for a seven-day pass. If you have an inkling you may need to go the bathroom in the next four to six hours, I’d advise using the ones right after you
get past the pay stations. The rangers will provide a map that you can use to reference stops that I’m suggesting.
Keep in mind a reservation is required from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on some dates through October 27, 2024 to drive in or thru the park — Thru June 30, weekends and holidays only; July 1–Aug. 16, daily; and Aug. 17 thru Oct. 27, weekends and holidays only.
After you emerge from the second of three tunnels as you head to the valley via the Highway 120 entrance you will be tempted to pull over to get a picture of the first dramatic granite views. After going through Yosemite the view from this point will look mundane but it is still worth the stop.
The first stop once you are in the valley is Bridalveil Fall. It may take a while to find a parking space in the lot or along the road leading up to the world famous Tunnel View but it’s worth the wait. It is about a quarter mile hike to the falls.
From there I would go straight to the dirt parking lot at Curry Village.
You can access the tram from here or walk a little over a half mile to Mirror Lake. It’s called Mirror Lake for obvious reasons. You are also below Half Dome. This the way to head up Snow Creek Trail to the southern rim but if you stay in the valley the walk to the lakes and the surrounding meadows is fairly flat.
Walk back to the valley loop road and catch a tram to Yosemite Falls. Hiking to the lower falls is a treat. Heading to the top takes an effort but it is worth it, especially being able to hold you smartphone over the granite edge — there is railing — and snapping video as Yosemite Creek plunges from 6,936 feet down to the valley 3,000 feet below.
You can take the tram back to Curry Village.
Once there you can do two things. Try the Mist Trail hike that starts about a half mile away or get in the car and drive toward the western end of the valley to near El Capitan.
This is a perfect stop for a picnic lunch. You can head toward the Merced River and find a spot suitable to enjoy both the water and searching the granite walls of El Capitan for climbers. The imposing El Captain is a vertical gain of 3,000 feet from base to top. It is the world’s eighth largest monolithic (single) rock.
From there, get in the car and head back as if you’re going to Bridalveil Fall. Instead head up to the Tunnel View. Parking is a challenge but it’s worth seeing the view that Kodak in its heyday said was one of the most photographed in the world. Doing this later in the day puts the sun in the right place.
From there continue onto Glacier Point Road.
Once you reach Glacier Point you will be treated to views of the glaciercarved valley from 3,100 feet up and a stunning view of Half Dome.
As an added bonus, can make a trip to Tuolumne Meadows once Tioga Road is reopened for the season and see conditions and flowers that resemble early spring in July or the first few weeks of August. The sub-alpine meadow us at 8,619 feet. The only meadows I’ve been to that are more stunning are above 10,000 feet in the eastern Sierra requiring a half day of hiking to reach.
Take my word, if you haven’t been to Yosemite you need to go before you die. That way you can make sure you caught a glimpse of heaven on earth to use as a comparison. ●
By CLAUDIA NEWCORN
Nestled in the comfortable curve of a low hill, the brown two-story Orchard House museum that was once the home of world-famous author Louisa May Alcott shelters a fascinating history of a forward-thinking family. Alcott is best known for her perennially popular book “Little Women,” released over 150 years ago, and continuously in print ever since. Her family home has been open to the public for over a century.
In 1857, educator Amos Bronson Alcott purchased 12 woodland acres on Concord’s historic Lexington Road in Massachusetts, some 20 miles west of Boston, and an area rich in Revolutionary War history. He connected an existing 1690 manor house and 1720 tenant building to create the new home for his wife and four daughters, where innovative thought and (at the time) controversial attitudes were cultivated and encouraged.
Her close-knit family’s life and home served as the foundation for many elements in Louisa’s books. Eldest sister Anna was Meg, Louisa was Jo’, Elizabeth was Beth, and Abigail was Amy. Yet only some of the family’s attributes were portrayed in the story. The Alcotts were in fact strong abolitionists who participated in the Underground Railroad, as well as suffragists, women’s rights advocates, and reformers of education, dress, diet, and child welfare. Louisa even signed some letters, “Yours for Reforms of All Kinds, L. M. Alcott.” Louisa was an early feminist before
that word was in common use. From being an author to her decision not to marry to ensure that the income her books produced would remain hers with which to support her family, and not become a husband’s, she was truly a women pioneer. She was proud to be a “literary spinster,” who could control her own fate, or as she put it, “paddle my own canoe.”
Our guide noted that things women in particular take for granted today were considered unacceptable at the time – such as a woman having her own desk. She pointed out the special little desk Amos built in Louisa’s room on which she penned “Little Women.” Writing was considered improper and said to be dangerous to female health because it was “brain work,” which had been “proven” by certain doctors of the era to ruin female health.
“Little Women” is considered one of those rare books that changed the course of American literature, and a visit to Orchard House adds so much depth to understanding Alcott’s writings, and the environment which influenced them.
But Orchard House nearly didn’t survive. In 1910, it was for sale but in terrible condition and likely to be demolished. Even though the dilapidated house was empty, visitors still came clutching copies of “Little Women,” and as they peeked in windows they would asked neighbors, “Did Louisa May Alcott really live here? Did she actually write ‘Little Women’ in this house?”
Neighbor Harriett Lothrup, work-
ing with like-minded women in Concord, rescued the home, forming the Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association in 1911 to raise money to buy the house and make the most urgent repairs to it. Donations came from far and wide, including pennies from girl scouts and lunch money from schoolchildren. Within a year, they raised $8,000 and Orchard House was officially opened as a museum in 1912.
‘America’s Home’ Orchard House was so-named because of the 40 apples trees that once surrounded it. From the moment you enter, the words “gracious” and “welcoming” come to mind, both in the house itself and the knowledgeable tour guides. Approximately 80% of the artifacts and furnishings actually belonged to the Alcotts, while the rest are of their time period, and are placed exactly where they were at the time the family lived there, thanks to descendants who had visited many times.
Closed during the Pandemic, Orchard House reopened in 2021, adding new features to the tour. The “School of Philosophy” allow visitors to begin their tours with an informational video shown in an evocative 1880 building. The video provides a great deal of historical and biographical detail about the family, the books that Miss Alcott wrote, and social reform movements the family members were involved with. The guided tour then focuses on creating meaningful connections for visitors based off of the information presented in the video, allowing for a more time
looking at artifacts, hearing interesting anecdotes, and discussing questions of special interest with our Guides.
Great care has been given to create a welcoming personalized experience, to make it feel more like a home versus a museum. Instead of barriers such as ropes and glass, visitors enter the rooms just as the Alcotts and their friends did. Some have called it “America’s home.”
Each room comes is alive with history. Now protected under glass, “Amy,” an artist in both the book and real life, was encouraged by her parents to draw right on the walls. The cozy sun-filled parlor has the old horsehair couch on which “Jo” liked to lay. Roderigo’s leather boots along with other items often used in the many plays in “Little Women” hang out of an old chest.
Orchard House has attracted literally millions of visitors from all over the world, including Katharine Hepburn, Paul Newman, Japan’s Empress Michiko and Emperor Akihito, photographer Annie Leibovitz, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, and countless devoted “Little Women” fans, history enthusiasts, and preservation-minded individuals.
However in May of this year, Orchard House was listed among several other sites in the historic Concord area – including Minute Man National Historical Park and Walden Pond – to be declared one of America’s “11 Most Endangered Places” by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. You can learn more about this important designation here: https://savingplaces.org/stories/11-mostendangered-historic-places-2024.
Open year ‘round, for those who want to learn more, the Orchard House website features an Emmy-Winning documentary and important FAQs when planning your visit. (louisamayalcott.org/ home). ●
By MATT JOHANSON
Lake delivers a big view for a five-mile hike.
Yosemite Valley visitors know that the park has a popularity problem, especially in summer when traffic and crowding hit their peak. But informed aficionados know that the park has abundant rewarding outings outside the valley that most visitors never see.
For instance, summer and fall are excellent times to visit Tuolumne Meadows. Not only is this high country far less populated than the valley, it’s generally 10 degrees cooler on hot days. Here are a few suggested outings for those new to the area.
“…INFORMED AFICIONADOS KNOW THAT THE PARK HAS ABUNDANT REWARDING OUTINGS OUTSIDE THE VALLEY THAT MOST VISITORS NEVER SEE.”
May Lake casts a gorgeous reflection of the surrounding mountains and you can see it by hiking just a mile each day. Be aware, though, that May Lake and all outings described in this article are at around 8,000 feet of elevation or more; just-arrived lowlanders should proceed cautiously.
From Tioga Road, take the May Lake turnoff about 2.2 miles east of Olmsted Point. Drive north on the rough but paved road 1.7 miles to a parking area.
Take the trail leading north for about a mile, gaining 500 feet, to May Lake at 9,329 feet of elevation. In summer, a High Sierra camp operates here.
If you’re fit and ambitious, Mount Hoffmann beckons. A use trail leads to the summit of this 10,850-foot summit. From May Lake, it’s another five miles of hiking (each way), gaining 1,500 feet of elevation.
Lembert Dome looks like a big mountain and feels like one from its summit, but requires just a fairly short and gentle trek to stand atop it. This sloped peak gets its name from hermit John Lembert, the first white settler in Tuolumne Meadows, who claimed 160 acres and built a log cabin there in 1885.
From Tioga Road, turn south onto Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Road and park in the Dog Lake trailhead lot. Hike north, cross Tioga Road and join the trail that climbs switchbacks up Lembert’s southeastern slope.
You’ll quickly climb above the lodgepoles to the shoulder of the mountain’s eastern side. Leave the dirt trail to climb a westbound use path up the granite slope. Glorious views of Tuolumne Meadows get better with every step as you traverse the mountain’s rocky spine. Cathedral Peak, Mount Conness, Mount Lyell and Tuolumne River are a few highlights.
This 2.2 mile round trip hike gains about 500 feet and takes about two hours.
This lake is pretty as its name and would attract thousands of visitors if it wasn’t in Yosemite where excellent scenery abounds. As a short day hike with minimal elevation gain, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to acclimate to the altitude and get acquainted with the area. A member of the U.S. Geological Survey named the lake in 1909 for the daughter of a Sacramento doctor.
Hike through Tuolumne Meadows Campground to the restrooms on B loop. Our trail leads south through a lush forest to a glacier-carved lake. For a better view of the northern mountains, scramble any distance up the neighboring Unicorn Peak. This five-mile round trip hike gains about 800 feet, mostly in the first mile. A use path that surrounds the lake is worth a lap and adds about a mile. Most people take two or three hours to make the trip and return.
Those who know only Yosemite Valley’s scenic waterfalls miss out on many watery wonders elsewhere in the park, including the high country. For instance, Tuolumne Meadows hikers can trek to Tuolumne Falls and White Cascade, both near Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp.
Park beside the highway near Lembert Dome or beside the dirt road leading towards the stables. Our hike follows the dirt road to a gate and continues past it towards Soda Springs. Pause here to try the naturally carbonated water bubbling from the ground. Soon our route approaches and then parallels Tuolumne River. After a climb, the trail descends into a wooded area. Shortly after crossing a footbridge, you’ll see Tuolumne Falls and later White Cascade, which flows into a
SIERRA CAMP IS GAELIC FOR “BEAUTIFUL VALLEY.” IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN INTRODUCTORY OVERNIGHT TRIP, THIS IS A GREAT CHOICE.
pool perfect for swimming on hot days.
Many visitors spend a night at nearby Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. Its name is Gaelic for “beautiful valley.” If you’re looking for an introductory overnight trip, this is a great choice, with convenient toilets and bear-proof food lockers.
This hike totals 11 miles round trip to Glen Aulin and slightly less for those who turn around at Tuolumne Falls or White Cascade, with around 500 feet of elevation gain, taking most folks from six to eight hours.
Tuolumne Meadows has an average
elevation of around 8,000 feet.
So those coming from sea level should take time to acclimate, go easy at first and drink plenty of water.
None of these outings require permits for day use. Overnight campers to Glen Aulin (and anywhere in the Yosemite backcountry) need wilderness permits. Camping is not allowed at Elizabeth Lake or on Lembert Dome. Highway 120/Tioga Road generally opens in June and closes after the fall’s first significant snowfall, often in November. ●
By DENNIS WYATT
It’s premier picnic time in the 209. And there are numerous settings by mellow lakes or gently flowing rivers you can reach within 45 minutes of most Valley cities with many offering key attractions nearby.
There’s no better time than summer and early fall to grab a blanket, pack a picnic lunch, and spend a lazy afternoon enjoying life in the 209.
LODI LAKE- As manmade lakes go, this is the grand dame of the 209. It had access to the Mokelumne River, a nature area, dog park, plenty of grassy areas, and stately trees.
It’s surprisingly tranquil given it borders Turner Road. There’s a parking fee or you can walk in.
The Boat House rents paddle boats and kayaks for $30 an hour, canoes for $35 an hour, and stand up paddle boards for $16 an hour. For a treat, directly across the street from the entrance is a Sno-White Drive-in with soft serve ice cream cones including half and half (chocolate and vanilla) cones. Take Highway 99 north and head west on Turner Road.
While not in the same league as Lodi Lake, it has attributes that make the trip worthwhile — plenty of ducks and catfish that would love you to break bread with you meaning you rip apart the bread and they eat it. Kids love it. Adults love it.
Donnelly Park is made for lounging on the grass and enjoying good food and good company. There are also plenty of picnic tables under trees. The park had two children playgrounds.
The treat is taking in downtown Turlock afterwards. It is a true valley downtown that has found its niche. There are 15 dining options (more than a few will make you wish you didn’t pack a lunch), 12 drinking options including Memo’s Tequila Bar and the Cigar Vault,
12 clothing stores and about two dozen more traditional retail options including boutiques, thrift stores, and a bicycle shop.
To reach Donnelly Park take Highway 99 south and head east on Fulkerth Road.
This is a mellow riverside picnic destination along the Stanislaus River that’s a 45-minute trip via Highway 120/108. You can picnic right along the water’s edge.
After enjoying your picnic lunch there’s plenty of places to stretch your legs including strolling over the longest covered wooden bridge in the West.
If you want a treat, head over to the Knight Ferry Creamery & Treats.
THERE’S NO BETTER TIME THAN SUMMER AND EARLY FALL TO GRAB A BLANKET, PACK A PICNIC LUNCH, AND SPEND A LAZY AFTERNOON ENJOYING LIFE IN THE 209.
The best hidden gem in clear view of everyone is Orange Blossom Park along the Stanislaus River right next to the Orange Blossom Road Bridge accessed just off Highway 108/120. It is a lush compact riverside area.
If there is a Shanghai La park along the Stanislaus River, this is it. The park not only borders the river but it is the heaviest shaded. It is arguably the quietest and mellowest options of all picnic spots on the water in the 209.
To reach the park take Highway 120 east to Escalon, turn right on McHenry Avenue heading south to the roundabout before the bridge across the river
and turn right on River Road and travel less than a half mile and turn left.
STATE PARK- Willow Beach at Caswell State Park is a popular place in the summer to frolic in the Stanislaus River thanks to its sandy beach.
The state park has established areas with picnic tables spread out on its 258 acres. Its claim to fame is it is the largest stand of riparian woodlands in the San Joaquin Valley. Experts say 98 percent of the woodlands that graced the side of rivers in the valley in 1850 are gone today.
You can’t go wrong enjoying a picnic along the river or among the woodlands.
To reach Caswell, take the Austin Road exit on Highway 99 in Manteca and head south where the road ends at the park entrance. There is a $10 per vehicle entrance fee.
There are two options along the San Joaquin, with both being San Joaquin County Parks in Lathrop.
Mossdale Crossing Park at the old trestle bridge on Manthey Road has five picnic tables.
The drawback is Interstate 5 is nearby and there’s not a lot of territory in the park as it is designed primarily as a place to launch boats. The San Joaquin River is lower down the beauty scale compared to the Stanislaus River due to the more barren levels. That said it is a great place to see people fishing, boating or water skiing on the river.
Dos Rios Park is at the end of its namesake road that also intersects with Manthey Road.
The charm of the park is the fact it is on the riverside of the levee. There is a shady grassy area as well as picnic tables. It you’re into horseshoes bring them with you as there is a horseshoe pit along with a playground area. ●
By TERESA HAMMOND
Some may say it’s one of life’s great mysteries and while it’s not the fountain of youth, it may just help to stay young longer. It’s not a face cream, weight loss gimmick or nutrition scam. Nope, not one bit. The key to living a long, happy life boils down to overall nutrition and movement.
“Nutrition I feel, people see as an only one-way road and there are so many ways,” Nutrition Specialist and coowner of Rooted in Modesto, Marisol Fernandez shared.
“Nutrition is as unique as we are individually. So, I try to teach people a unique way by helping them evaluate their own life and their own goal.”
Now with 16 years of experience and a varied clientele, Fernandez shared the biggest struggle is breaking the mindsets of diet trends and restricted eating. Curious by nature, when first entering the health and fitness industry, she put herself
through training as a body builder.
“It was challenging not only physically and mentally, but emotionally. I met a lot of other body builders and I started realizing there’s a lot of eating disorders,” she said.
Recognizing the way society viewed the body builder physique as ideal, Fernandez shared the experience taught her “what is real.”
“Being in this really taught me what is real. What is sustainable,” she said of the experience. “My clients are coming from desk jobs and thinking this is what really defines health and it didn’t define health. It just defined a sport.”
The nutrition coach noted she works with clients individually to customize a plan which will not only work for their lifestyle, but their budget, as well as the time they have to give to maintaining a healthy overall plan.
“If a person is really, really busy. They have kids. Their kids have sports. They’re not going to be able to cook every night,” she said, “and I’m not going to set them up for failure. I’m not going to make them feel that’s the only way.”
The health enthusiast added that it’s important to
her to listen to the clients’ needs and treat them each as individuals. Helping them with a “road map” to work toward optimum health.
“The human body is designed to do certain things,” she continued. “The main goal is to keep us alive, move us, have muscle mass. Everybody is the same, but at the cellular level it’s all unique.”
Acknowledging the uniqueness of the body as well as the individual, Fernandez teaches clients how to understand what they’re eating, as well as taking into account their environments and setting realistic goals.
“I want to give people joy and confidence with themselves and I think that all comes down to food,” she said.
At a time when so many embrace the title of “Nutritionist,” Fernandez said it’s important to her to not just share her knowledge but truly educate those whom she works with. Part of this begins with debunking two of the biggest myths by way of health and nutrition.
The first she describes is the myth that there is food that is bad, which according to her, there is no such thing as bad food. The second myth is cutting out a food
group. Examples of this would be the non-fat trend; non-carb trend; Intermittent Fasting trend or carnivore trend.
“If you look at what all of those trends are, it’s eliminating one thing,” she stated. “That’s all. Eliminating that one thing just makes you aware. Paying attention more to what you’re doing. Your environment. What you’re eating. How does that feel.”
Fernandez shared she feels part of the current struggle with proper nutrition stems from the medical profession.
“We go to the medical professionals, and we hold them on the highest pedestal,” she said. “But they are very limited on the information and they’re giving us a lot of information from the 1950’s, so people are not taking the time to get involved with this new research and keep their education updated as to how the body works.
“We’re still eating the same way even though the quality of our food changed,” she continued. “We’re still eating the same way, even though the fast-food industries are now involved.”
And while education on nutrition, eliminating myths and trends, as well as exposing her clients to the mindset
of ‘there are no bad foods’ is important to Fernandez, so is movement.
“In society, I guess the biggest trend would be calories in, calories out,” she said of diet and exercise. “That’s the most deceiving thing and it makes me really sad because so many humans are walking on empty. When you walk on empty, you’re unhappy. You’re moody. You’re so susceptible to stress yet we’re afraid to eat.”
Acknowledging that much is based on an ideal height for an ideal weight, which leads to an ideal BMI, the nutritionist noted the perfection mindset is one she finds most troublesome.
“We need to stop undereating,” Fernandez stated. “Everyone thinks they need to eat less. When you eat less you stress out your body.
That’s why it’s not sustainable.”
Fernandez enjoys equally working with clients on their strength and fitness through her business, Rooted Movement, something she has had a passion for since first opening 16 years ago.
Fernandez stated that she and business partner, Ricardo Garcia do not consider the downtown Modesto location as a gym. Through the time and attention they’ve given their clients, they’ve created a community. Offering a customized program for each person. Teaching reduced stress, nutrition and physical health.
“We teach you how to use your own bodies,” she said. “We don’t have machines for a reason. There’s more success in making sure that your brain and your nerve system
are connecting along with your muscular system.”
Now more than a decade and a half since first opening Rooted Movement, the co-owners remain focused on overall health for their clients.
“I want to teach people how to not be afraid of food,” Fernandez said. “To see their health and their nutrition as an investment. You’re going to invest a little bit, but it’s going to take you really far.
“Just come in and move,” she continued. “Doing some kind of movement every day is more beneficial than working out really hard two times a week.”
As for what keeps her motivated and committed not just to her clients, but the goal of educating others about nutrition, there’s no hesitation.
“Overall health,” she said of the optimum goal, “your body will naturally change. When we just focus on a specific size and a specific weight, that’s way more unhealthy. Now you are creating an unhealthy mental mindset and negative emotion. It’s easier to make mindful choices when we love ourselves and appreciate ourselves more.” ●
Awalk is not just good for your body, it’s also good for your soul.
Physical activity, like walking, is one of the best ways to reduce stress and boost your mood. However, reports show walking rates are declining steadily in the United States.
On average, 1 out of every 4 U.S. adults sits for longer than eight hours each day, per research from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health. Regular exercise improves mood, boosts energy and can even help you sleep better. Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy.
Consider this advice from the American Heart Association, which has worked for decades to promote policies and strategies that make it easier for communities to get and stay active. One example is National Walking Day, established by the organization to encourage people to move more throughout the day so they can feel, think, sleep and live better.
Indeed, adding more movement can benefit your body and mind in numerous ways, such as: Lowering disease risk. Getting the recommended amount of physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate, 75 minutes of vigorous or a combination of those activities per week) is linked to lower risk of diseases,
stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function and lower risk of depression, according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services.
Increasing sunlight exposure. Outdoor exercise is an easy way to get moving and take in the sunlight, which can improve mood, boost immunity and help you get some vitamin D. Spending time outdoors is a no-cost option and has been shown to reduce stress, promote a sense of belonging and improve mood.
Improving cognitive and mental function. Physical activity keeps your mind sharp now and later. Studies show higher fitness levels are linked to better attention, learning, working memory
and problem solving. What’s more, a study published in the “British Journal of Sports Medicine” shows people who get the recommended amount of physical activity are less likely to develop depression.
Living longer. Healthy life expectancy can be positively impacted by increasing activity. According to research published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology,” swapping just 30 minutes of sitting with low-intensity physical activity reduced risk of death by 17%.
Get moving to reduce your stress and step into better health. Learn more at heart.org/movemore.
A little creativity can go a long way to make your walk more fun. You might think of walking as a solo activity, but a companion makes it even more enjoyable. Ask colleagues, friends or family to join you.
A walk is a perfect excuse to take a break from a long day at your desk. If you work remotely, take a conference call on the go or plan your walk as a reward for completing a project. Use your walk as a guiltfree opportunity to listen to a new audiobook or create a walking soundtrack of your favorite upbeat music.
IF YOU NEED AN EXTRA NUDGE TO GET MOVING, A PET MAY HELP YOU GET FIT.
Mix up your scenery. Taking new routes keeps your walks interesting and helps prevent boredom from traveling the same predictable path. If you need an extra nudge to get moving, a pet may help you get fit. Dog parents are more likely to reach their fitness goals than those without canine companions. In fact, according to the “Journal of Physical Activity & Health,” dog parents are 34% more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking a week than non-dog owners. Pets can also help lower stress, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar and boost your overall happiness and well-being. ●
By MARG JACKSON
You wouldn’t think heirloom vegetables and kids who have experienced trauma have much in common.
But at Mercy Spring Ranch in rural Escalon, the two co-exist, often with tremendous results.
Mercy Spring Ranch is a 501(c)3 non-profit ministry, operated by John and Monique Black. The sale of the heirloom vegetables they grow at the ranch helps finance their ministry: therapy horses for working with kids suffering the effects of trauma.
“We started in 2010, actually, we lived out in the Wood Colony area (in unincorporated Stanislaus County west of Modesto) for about 20 years and we ran our program on a friend’s property,” explained John.
are a huge crop for Mercy
Ranch, the sale of the fresh produce is one of the ways they finance ongoing programs.
In 2018, they made the move to the 21819 McBride Road property in Escalon and started their therapy program back up in 2020.
“We didn’t have any infrastructure (in 2018), it was a 35-year-old almond orchard so we had to tear everything out and start the infrastructure,” John explained. “We’re a non-profit ministry that uses horses and other ranch activities to help children and families who have been through trauma.”
The ranch program is open to kids from ages six to 18 and sessions begin each year in April, offered in two-month blocks; April-May, June-July and August-September. October features a large gathering, an end of the year ranch family dinner, with program participants and their families invited to come enjoy a relaxing, fun day at the ranch, topped off with a dinner to close out the program.
“One of the things we do is we sell heirloom tomatoes, bell peppers and eggplant, they are a fundraiser for the ranch and we’ve been doing that for lots and lots of year,” John said.
Highlight of the growing season is the annual Heirloom Tomato Tasting in August. This year will be the ninth annual tasting and it’s scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 am. to 2 p.m. at 21819 McBride Road.
The free event offers people the opportunity to try the different varieties of heirloom tomatoes and vote for their favorite, as well as learn about the varieties being planted in the ‘test garden’ at the ranch. There will also be a garden talk Q&A at 11 a.m. as part of the tasting.
John and Monique also plan to share some of the heirloom pepper sauces they produce.
As far as the garden, the tomatoes are definitely the star of the show.
“Out here we can do 35 varieties,” Monique said, adding that last year’s tasting featured 42 varieties, which included some that other heirloom vegetable enthusiasts provided for the event.
“We grow fresh fruits and vegetables for our ranch families,” John added. “A lot of our families, they’re lower income and a lot of them,
they eat things that are not necessarily good for them because they think it’s cheaper. So, we can show them, you can grow your own.”
They also make sure families participating in the Mercy Spring Ranch program have opportunities to pick their own produce in the garden while their children are in a session with the horses.
Last year, John said, they provided about 2,000 pounds of produce to participating families.
“They find us,” Monique said of the participants for the therapy. “We do have a Facebook page and a website.”
Those hoping to get involved have to call in to the ranch on the first Saturday of the month prior to the start of the next session block; those in the JuneJuly class had to sign up on May 4; sign up for the August-September session will be on July 6.
“We run the sessions on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, we’ll do a morning session and an evening session,” noted John.
Those signing up for a Wednesday session, for instance, will attend every other Wednesday, for a total of four sessions during the two-month block.
Sessions run an hour and a half; the first half hour is ranch chores.
“We think it’s important for kids to understand the importance and value of work,” John said of having the participants help with chores, whatever needs to be done that day.
After that portion, the next hour is devoted to the session on the ranch.
“They can do a lot of things with the horses, sometimes the kids want to ride, other times, they’ll paint the horses, we have fluorescent tempera paint; the horses love it because they’re getting attention and it washes right off, so it’s fun,” John noted. “Or they’ll just groom
them, and we have a couple of goats and sheep, they like to play with the sheep and they’re very playful.”
They also have time to work in the garden, do a craft project and John often instructs the youngsters in woodworking and metalworking skills.
As far as “qualifying” for the program, there aren’t specific hard and fast rules.
“We don’t put a limit on that, it can be a lot of different things,” John said of the event that has put the family – and specifically the child – in a place of need. “Kids that are in and out of the foster care system, kids that have had traumatic deaths in the family, families going through divorce.”
“It’s also important to note that this is a lockdown facility,” Monique added, “so when ses-
sions are going on, no one is allowed on the property except staff.”
All staff members have been background checked as well, providing a high level of safety and security for program participants.
“I was in law enforcement for about 32 years so it’s very important to me to make sure these kiddos are well-protected,” John said.
Monique agreed, adding that it’s also easier for the organizations they work with to know that the ranch already has those safety protocols in place.
As far as what brings her the most joy? For Monique, it’s kind of twofold.
“Having your hands in the dirt,” she said with a chuckle. “I love producing the food and then giving it to the people.”
Being able to let parents roam the garden beds and pick some fresh produce while their children are in session is a fringe benefit, as the family gets to take home some good food.
Monique also has started ‘Garden Talks’ on YouTube and has visited a number of garden clubs around the area to discuss their regenerative, sustainable, organic operation.
“We’re teaching these practices so that people can learn to do this without having to use chemicals and keep the soil healthy,” she said of the organic gardening.
They also teach about saving the seeds from the produce so families can plant them next year and start their own heirloom garden.
And while the fruits and vegetables are a tangible sign of growth, Monique said they see it with the kids working with the animals as well.
“They aren’t out here because they want to take riding lessons,” she said. “They’re coming out here because
something happened to them so a lot of times, their confidence isn’t there.”
And that’s exactly where the horses come in.
“The great thing about horses is that they are what we call mirror animals, so they have a very sensitive system,” she explained. “They can sense our heartbeats, they can tell when your heartbeat goes up, they can smell the chemicals our body is releasing and they feed that information back to us.”
In the case of the kids and horses, she said their Mercy Spring Ranch horses may feel the nervousness and anxiety, but they don’t respond in kind; instead, they provide a calming presence.
Youngsters who have experienced trauma can bond with the horses at Mercy Spring Ranch; the interaction often helps the children start the healing process.
A wide variety of peppers can be found at Mercy Spring Ranch, one of the crops grown at the McBride Road property in rural Escalon.
“The first time a child that’s really broken reaches out for a horse and that horse wants to be with them, it’s really amazing to see,” Monique shared.
“We’re a mentorship program, that’s the whole point, it’s one on one, it’s one horse, one child, one leader,” John added. “The horses, everything else we do are just tools to break down the walls so kids will actually open up and talk.”
Mercy Spring Ranch welcomes volunteers to work in the garden and around the grounds, with regularly scheduled work days throughout the year. The ranch has other service opportunities available as well.
For more information, visit mercyspringranch.org or call 209-691-6054. ●
By CHRISTOPHER CORREA
Julie Rummer has always had an affinity for the outdoors. She can spend hours browsing the gardening sections at Home Depot and Lowe’s. She takes regular visits to The Greenery in downtown and can spend an entire day taking in the views at an area winery. It was a way to experience something she hasn’t had since moving into her home in northeast Turlock in 2012 — her own backyard filled with plants.
That changed in early April for Rummer, a wheelchair-dependent quadriplegic, and her husband, Rich, when the folks at the Bobcat
Company gave the couple a $25,000 backyard makeover. Bobcat’s backyard makeover contest receives inspirational submissions from thousands of people across the nation each year. Rummer’s story of navigating life on an electric wheelchair following a 1995 vehicle accident that left her paralyzed was a standout.
Rummer’s backyard consisted mostly of dirt mounds and dead trees. She couldn’t even navigate throughout the dirt yard if she wanted to because of the way it would hamper her electric chair. On the small porch that existed
when the couple first bought the house, there was never enough space for her and the chair to comfortably move side to side.
After entering the contest last summer on the very last day of eligibility and receiving thousands of votes from community members, Rummer was informed she won the nationwide contest this past winter. Thanks to the Bobcat team, area contractors, friends, family and equipment from local dealer Bobcat Central, Inc., Rummer’s dream finally became a reality. In three months, she saw her backyard transform into a wheelchair-accessible oasis.
“I wasn’t going to enter,” Rummer admitted. “We saw it on Facebook, Rich
kept telling me I should do it, but I just didn’t know where to start or if it was going to cost us any money. So he told me, ‘It’s the last day, just letting you know.’ And of course I had one of my neck spasms that day. But I just decided to get up, read the fine print, write the letter, send it in and head out to the backyard with no makeup and dressed terribly to just see what happened.
“I was shocked when I heard I had actually won. Not only did we apply on the last day, we claimed the prize on the last day, too.”
The Rummers are always hesitant to open emails from unknown senders. But a phone call from Bobcat sent the family into a frenzy to sign the
necessary documents to claim the new backyard.
“I’ve been scammed so many times,” Rummer joked. “We opened the document, signed it, sent it, and things got started. And it all was so fast. They started working on it and spent so many hours. I’m still in shock. And so happy. It’s just pure joy to know I have my own garden, a whole backyard that I can call mine.”
Work on Rummer’s personalized backyard began by using a Bobcat skidsteer loader to prepare the area, which included demolition and removal of an existing patio to make room for a new ramp leading to their back door. Tree removal, relocation and planting was
done by HIS Tree Service and concrete work preparations by Ultimate Concrete. Then came Bobcat Central with a Bobcat MT100 mini track loader to complete work in the fenced-in area. Crews installed concrete paths, which was preferred for Rummer’s accessibility rather than stone pathways or a patio. And just like the personalized ramps and concrete paths, crews planted a variety of
Prior to winning Bobcat’s makeover earlier this year, Rich and Julie Rummer were stuck with a dirt field in their backyard, a scene she tabbed as a “dust bowl” as it would cause a sand storm if she were to try maneuvering her wheelchair on it; Accent lighting compliments the Rummer family’s brand new backyard, a sight that Julie can’t get enough of.
plants at the request of Rummer, many coming from The Greenery. There are fruits and vegetables scattered across the lot, supported by a new irrigation system. Several plants are also in raised garden beds to accommodate those of all abilities. There are even droughttolerant plants with complimentary compost and fertilizer. New cedar mulch was placed to prevent weeds and hold moisture during the summer. The team even added lighting, a fire pit and sound system.
“The team at Bobcat is thrilled that we could help Julie achieve her dream of a wheelchair-accessible backyard with room to garden, entertain and get away,” said Laura Ness Owens, Doosan Bobcat vice president of brand and marketing. “Bobcat exists to empower people to accomplish more, and this is a perfect example of doing just that. We hope others are inspired by this transformation and recognize the potential in their own outdoor spaces.”
“We have just about everything here,” Rummer said. “When people ask what my favorite part is, I just say I love everything. Because I really do. I mean, just look at this place.”
And it’s only getting better with the help of her husband (and Pinterest). Rich has been hard at work building benches, buying and putting together outdoor seating and adding other pieces of outdoor decor to the space.
“This is literally her dream,” Rich said. “As she’s described it, it would be embarrassing when people saw what we had back here. We love having people over, but it is embarrassing to shut your backyard off from people, to hide it from your neighbors. People in this neighborhood are great and invite us over, and we see their beautiful patios
and backyards with pools. And we’re over here hoping, ‘Please don’t ask to come to our backyard.’”
“Even for myself, I couldn’t stand the sight of it before,” Rummer added. “Now, I don’t shut the curtains at night. When I’m not out here, I just want to stare at it. Especially with the lighting. It’s just so beautiful.”
Aside from a reveal party that was held on April 12, the couple has invited family and friends over on multiple occasions.
“We’ve eaten dinner out here every night,” Rich shared. “It’s really just so cool. We could never do this before.”
I call the people from Bobcat the ‘dream builder.’ They made Julie’s dream and vision come to life.
“I call the people from Bobcat the ‘dream builder.’ I know that’s not their motto, but without their equipment and them coordinating everything, this doesn’t happen. They made Julie’s dream and vision come to life.”
The couple expressed an abundance of gratitude to those who voted for them last year.
“We were shocked at the support and we are so thankful,” Rich said. “From people we know excited about seeing us in the newspaper, to people we don’t know, the people we have never met at the grocery store saying they were voting for us, it was truly a community coming together to make her dream come true.” ●
Opening a bookstore seems like an awful lot of trouble to go through just to sell your own books.
“It is,” says local author Paula Treick DeBoard, who lets out a knowing laugh. “It was an awful lot of trouble. I’m taking a little hiatus from writing at the moment.”
Treick DeBoard has published four books — “The Mourning Hours,” “The Fragile World,” “The Drowning Girls,” and “Here We Lie” — and teaches writing composition at UC Merced. But now she’s focusing on her latest venture: she and husband Will DeBoard, a former newspaper reporter who now serves as assistant commissioner for the California Interscholastic Federation’s Sac-Joaquin Section, have opened Bookish, a bookstore in Modesto’s Roseburg Square.
“Will and I have talked about this for decades,” says Treick Deboard. “Not as a reality so much, but just as, you know, if we ever opened a bookstore what would we do? And we’re the kind of nerds who visit bookstores wherever we’re at. But over this last year, we got more serious about it. We’ve both been in our careers for a long time and we’re kind of looking at what will be our next chapter.
“But this happened earlier than we thought it would, because once we started talking about it … doors just started opening.”
The couple began working with the Valley Small Business Development Corporation and looking into different
business models. Then, last summer, Treick DeBoard just happened past an open storefront that was for rent.
“We were supposed to be looking for a place, not in a place,” says Treick DeBoard. “We just kind of figured it was the perfect spot and we might as well move on it.”
From there, things progressed quickly.
“I contacted the property management company and tried to see if I could stall and buy us six months,” says Treick DeBoard. “They said, ‘No, you’ve got, like, six weeks.’ So, we had to get everything together for a loan. We signed the lease for this place without knowing if we were going to get a loan. I don’t think we slept for two weeks worrying about that.”
They got the keys to the store in October and set about renovating the space.
The store features about 5,000 new and used volumes, and has a part-time assistant manager and three booksellers/baristas. Bookish also boasts fun and unique flourishes you might expect from creative people.
For starters, upon entering the store, customers will see the book arch, a lovely bit of trompe-l’oeil that gives the impression you’re passing through a gigantic bookcase as you make your way into the children’s section.
Soon, Bookish will begin selling coffee in the store and on June 14 singer-songwriter Maxwell Wine will be in-store at 6:30 p.m. performing for
By JOE CORTEZ
customers.
On Saturdays, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., Bookish hosts a writing group for aspiring writers who want to bring their laptop — or even just pen and paper — and work on their projects for an hour or so.
“The idea is to see if there’s maybe 10, 12 people who have gotten away from their writing and want to get back to it, or want to come up with an idea, or something like that,” says Treick DeBoard. “It’s not really a writing group in the sense that we’re going to critique each other’s work. When we’re here, we’re going to unplug everything and just write for an hour. And we’re going to do that for six weeks, just an hour a week. The idea is that, hopefully, you’ll return to it throughout the week. And at the end of six weeks, you’ve met whatever your goal is.
“It’s going to be the most low-stress writing group.”
Bookish also hosts a weekly story time for children, and a silent reading club, where you sit and read your own book for an hour, then talk with others about what you’re reading.
On the horizon is a night-owls reading club, which will be held from 9 to midnight and works like the silent reading club; a blind date with a book, where readers sign up to read a books of a certain genre or time period, while the actual title remains a mystery; openmic readings, for those brave souls who want to get up and read a bit of their own writing; and what Will DeBoard
has dubbed story slams.
“We’re calling it, ‘Two Hours from Anywhere,’” says DeBoard, playing on the Central Valley’s proximity to any number of prominent destinations.
“You get up, and you get five minutes to tell a story. Not a written story, but a story off the top of your head.”
Customers can even rent the space for private book club meetings, parties and other small events.
And if none of that seems like it’s for you, the DeBoards want you to know that you’re still welcome to come into Bookish and sit at one of the writing tables or in one of the chairs in the reading nook, just to chill out for a bit.
It’s all part of what Treick DeBoard calls a “book renaissance,” sparked, oddly enough, by BookTok, a subcommunity on the social media app
TikTok that focuses on book recommendations.
“BookTok is huge and there’s a resurgence of people reading books, reviewing books, selling books,” says Treick DeBoard. “And these people are young — 30 years and younger. So, if anything is keeping physical bookstores going, it’s that demographic.”
The first weeks after Bookish’s opening were hectic, especially April 4, the grand opening.
“The first day, we sold a fifth of our inventory,” says Treick DeBoard, who can order in-print titles and have them at the store within two or three business days. “I had to reorder everything and I was up that whole night figuring out how to do that quickly.”
Treick DeBoard published her first book, “The Mourning Hours,” in 2013.
She remembers what it was like seeing her novel on the shelf in a bookstore for the very first time.
“That feeling does not diminish the second time, the third time, the 50th time,” says Treick DeBoard. “It’s pretty cool.”
And seeing her books for sale on the shelves of her very own bookstore?
“It is a little weird,” she says. “I occasionally forget entirely about it and somebody will randomly come to the register with one of my books and I’m like, ‘Oh, I wrote this book.’”
Bookish is located at 811 W. Roseburg Ave., and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit BookishModesto.com/ events to see a calendar of upcoming events. Email bookish@modestobookish.com or call 209-408-8067. ●
