Thank you for supporting our practice as your choice in...
Best Dentist (1st place)
Best Orthodontist (1st place)
Best Sedation Dentistry (1st place)
Best Cosmetic Dentist (1st place)
Best Community EventCare From The Heart (1st place)
WHERE FINANCIAL WELL-BEING MEETS COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Valley First Credit Union is a $1.02 billion, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative providing quality financial services to 80,000 members in the growing and diverse communities of Calaveras, Fresno, Kings, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sacramento, Tulare, and Tuolumne Counties. With eight branches throughout the Central Valley, we are committed to banking with a purpose — to better the financial lives of the people and businesses in the communities we call home.
At Valley First, we’re more than just a financial institution — we’re our members’ trusted partner on the journey towards financial wellness. Our commitment goes beyond banking, it’s about empowering our members to achieve their dreams and secure their futures. As a member-owned credit union we reinvest into the communities we call home — fostering growth and prosperity for all.
When I call Valley First Credit Union, I don’t feel like I’m calling a banking institution. I feel like I’m calling someone within the family.”
—Raymond & Bobby Jo Members, Oakdale Branch
PUBLISHER
Hank Vander Veen
EDITOR
Kristina Hacker
ART DIRECTOR
Harold L. George
SALES & MARKETING
Beth Flanagan
Karen Olsen
Charles Webber
DIGITAL
Rich Matheson
It’s time to celebrate the 19th annual Readers’ Choice Awards winners. All of the winners — from best auto mechanic to bakery and favorite bar tender — were chosen by the Turlock Journal community. Once again, an astounding number of votes poured in, proving support for local businesses and organizations is stronger than ever.
From beloved classics to hidden gems, this issue shines a light on the businesses, organizations, and leaders who make Turlock and its surrounding communities truly special. Remember that cozy coffee shop where you found inspiration? Or the taco joint your friends can’t stop raving about? Chances are, they’re right here, recognized by the people who matter most – YOU!
Readers’ Choice is published every year
121 S. Center St. 2nd Floor •Turlock, CA 95380
Comments: hvanderveen@turlockjournal.com www.turlockjournal.com
©Copyright 2025. Readers’ Choice All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of Readers’ Choice is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in Readers’ Choice are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Readers’ Choice management or owner. Readers’ Choice assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.
But it’s not just about winners. As Turlock’s oldest media institution, we celebrate our entire community – from passionate entrepreneurs chasing their dreams to dedicated leaders making a difference. We’re all part of a vibrant tapestry, woven together by our shared love for this incredible city.
So, dive into this issue and rediscover the magic of Turlock. Remember, supporting local businesses isn’t just good for them – it’s good for all of us. It strengthens our connections and nourishes our community.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Keep reading, keep engaging, and keep making Turlock the amazing place it is!
Hank Vander Veen Publisher & Owner hvanderveen@turlockjournal.com
auto sales & services
Auto Body Bonander
Auto Dealership (new)
Smith Chevrolet of Turlock
Auto Dealership (used)
Smith Chevrolet of Turlock
Auto Detail
Balswick’s Auto Detailing
Auto Maintenance
Smith Chevrolet of Turlock Oil Change 10 Minute Lube N Oil Smog
Balswick’s Quick Smog
Tire Store
Balswick’s Tire and Auto Service
community favorites
Best Fireman
Tony Nascimento
Best Police Officer Officer Aziz
Business to Work For Alegria Performing Arts Academy
Charity Event
Hope in the Hood Hope Church
Community Festival or Event CARE From the Heart
Community Organization
Turlock Gospel Mission
Community Role Model
Gabrielle Aguiar-Forrest
Dental Hygenist
Lima Family Denistry
Dr. Filipe Lima
Hall Rental
The Grand Oak
Local Politician Josh Harder
Most Community Involved Business
Yonan’s Jewelers
Senior Assisted Care
Covenant Living of Turlock
Senior Living Community Cogir of Turlock
Tutoring/Learning Center
Mathnasium of Turlock
Wedding Venue
Carnegie Arts Center
Art Gallery
Carnegie Arts Center
Entertainment Venue
Ten Pin Fun Center
Family Fun
Ten Pin Fun Center
Kids Fun
Alegria Performing Arts Academy
Live Theater
Stanislaus State
Outdoor Event Turlock Expo
PHOTO
Dog Training A+ Dog Training
Doggie Daycare/Boarding
Top Notch Kennels
Groomer
Top Notch Kennels
Large Animal Supplies Lander Vet
Large Animal Supplies
Tractor Supply Co.
Veterinarian Office
Canal Veterinary Hospital
SPRING 2025
IN THE FERRARI GALLERY: Valley Focus: Growing Talent through May 17
IN THE LOBBY GALLERY: Paperwork, through April 19 Farms & Fields, April 29—July 26
GALLERY HOURS: Tuesday—Saturday 10 am —5 pm Visit the website
& more!
Artists included in Valley Focus: Growing Talent: Timothy Brown, Jr., Zehl Day, Bronte Klass, Dottie Lo Bue
Emma Lowe, Destiny Nieves, Monica Ocegueda, Melissa Parga
Kyle Silligman, Zachary Silva, Tamsen Taves, Aaron Vizzini
& Chuck Petersen.
Asian Restaurant First and Main
Bakery
Olde Tyme Pastries
Bar/Pub
Jams@209 Sports Bar and Grill
BBQ Big Vic’s BBQ
Beer Tap Room Dust Bowl Brewing Co.
Breakfast Latif’s by Pedretti
Brunch Bistro 234
Burger Jams@209 Sports Bar and Grill
Cake / Cupcake Shop
Olde Tyme Pastries
Caterer
Big Vic’s BBQ
Chef Jerry @ Mundos
Coffee House The Sweet Life
food & drink
Crepes The Crèperie
Deli
Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop
Desserts Oak Barrel Ice & Creamery
Dinner Bistro 234
Espresso Bar La Mo Café
Fast Food In-N-Out Burger
Food Truck Javi’s Tacos
French Fries In-N-Out Burger
Fresh Baked Bread Sunrise Bakery
Hot Dog Main Street Footers
Hot Wings
Jura’s Pizza Parlor
Italian Restaurant Angelini’s
Lunch El Charro
Mexican Restaurant El Charro
Outdoor Dining Dust Bowl Brewing Co.
Pizza Kraving Kebab Pizza
Romantic Restaurant First and Main
Sandwich
Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop
Seafood Elegant Bull
Steak House Sizzler
Sushi First and Main
Wedding Cake
Olde Tyme Pastries
Wine List Bistro 234
Yogurt/Ice Cream
Oak Barrel Ice & Creamery
BestSteak House VOTED
( 3 YEARS IN A ROW!
)
health & fitness
Barber Shop
American Male Hair Salon
Bootcamp BODYBEST•Fit
Cannabis - Recreational
Natural Healing Center
Turlock Cannabis Dispensary
Children’s Optometrist Generations Family Optometry
Chiropractor
Atkinson Chiropractic
Cosmetic Dentist
Turlock Dental Care
Dental Implants
Rodig Smile Design
Dentist
Turlock Dental Care
Dermatologist
Golden State Dermatology
Gymnastics/Dance Studio
Alegria Performing Arts Academy
Hair Salon
American Male Hair Salon
Health Care
Romeo Medical Clinic
Health Club/Fitness BODYBEST•Fit
Holistic Healing
Gaylene Cornell
Laser & Cosmetic
Dr. Anderson
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic Body Work by Cynthia
Mental Health Care
Turlock Family Counseling
Optometrist Generations Family Optometry
Orthodontist
Turlock Dental Care
Personal Trainer
Kayla Schumann
Physician
Mike Romeo, M.D.
PHOTO BY GPOINTSTUDIO/ Freepik
GOLDEN STATE DERMATOLO GY
providing the full spectrum of dermatology services medical • surgical • cosmetic
Dr. Jones and all his staff is kind, considerate, caring, and professional.
Dr. Jones is great and he wants to see that my skin and health are maintained. I love this office.
Friendly staff. They treat each patient as if you are the only one on the office. PA Jepson was very thorough and was attentive to my questions and concerns.
Christian Jones, MD, FAAD
Dr. Jones has over 25 years of clinical experience in medical and surgical dermatology. He is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology.
I needed to be seen quickly about a growth I was concerned about. They fit me in and treated my promptly. I have a lot of confidence in Dr. Jones and the staff.
Jordan Jepson, PA-C
A Turlock native, Jordan Jepson, PA-C enjoys providing excellent medical and cosmetic care to patients in our community.
Award-winning care that’s always there.
Whether it’s a late-night fever or that nagging cough, we know getting care when you need it is what matters most. That’s why we have more than 2,000 primary care doctors, easy-to-schedule same-day appointments and our My Health Online app that makes it easier than ever to manage your care. We’re honored Sutter Gould Medical Foundation was recognized in the Turlock Journal 2024 Readers’ Choice Ballot.
800-4SUTTER | sutterhealth.org
home
Carpet Cleaning
Fresh Step Carpet Cleaning
Concrete Coatings
Lancaster Painting
Electrical Service / Repair
Acme Electric
Flooring - Carpet
Turlock Floor Covering
Flooring - Hardwood
TriCounty Flooring America
Flooring - Luxury Vinyl
TriCounty Flooring America
Flooring - Tile
JDS Tile & Construction, Inc.
Heating/Air Conditioning
Robic Refrigeration
Home Automation
Soundscapes
Home Improvement Company
Barret Construction
Home Theater
Kirkes Electric
Kitchen / Bath Cabinets
Kiwi Woodworks
Kitchen / Bath Counters
Jaureguy’s Design & Construction
Kitchen / Bath Remodeling
Jaureguy’s Design & Construction
Paint Store
Paul’s Paint Company
Painting Service
Lancaster Painting
Pest Control
Reliable Termite Solutions
Roofing Company
DeHart Roofing
Storage Facility
Central Valley Self Storage
Termite Inspections
Reliable Termite Solutions
Window Blinds
Shutter Elite
Window Glass Dealer
Paul’s Glass
professional services
Accounting/Bookkeeping
Balanced Books, LLP
Attorney
CPA/Tax Service
Wahl, Willemse & Wilson, CPA’s
Funeral
Hotel
Insurance Agent
Photographer
Photographer
Print/Copy
Voted Best Funeral Home in Turlock
Ken Freeby On-Call Family Attendant
Jay Hayworth On-Call Family Attendant
Megan Mulgado On-Call Family Attendant
Morri Elliott On-Call Family Attendant
Michael Allen President Alison Allen Vice President, Funeral Director
Melody Eddings Preparation Room Manager
Sarah Reed Embalmer Jacob Ward Crematory Manager
Dan Johnson On-Call Family Attendant
Morgan Fleming Crematory Operator
Nancy Ochoa Bilingual Arrangement Counselor
James Gehrke Funeral Director
Laurie Walters Systems Analyst
Matthew Testo Funeral Director
Holly Strickland Advance Planning Specialist & Receptionist
Keith Richardson On-Call Family Attendant
Ben Sivils Embalmer/Funeral Director/Assistant Manager
real estate
LeeAnn
Commercial
shopping
Antique Store
Main Street Antiques
Boutique
Emmy’s Boutique & Clothing Co.
Children’s Apparel
Envy Fine Clothing
Children’s Furniture
Woods Furniture
Coin Shop
LDH Coin Shop
Custom Furniture
Back Home Furniture and Decor
Custom Jewelry
Vail Creek Jewelry Designs
Custom Reclaimed Furniture
Back Home Furniture and Decor
Dining Room Furniture
Woods Furniture
Fine Jewelry
Vail Creek Jewelry Designs
Florist
Yonan’s Floral
Furniture Store
Main Street Antiques
Gift Store
Farm House
Grocery Store
Village Fresh Market
Home Accessories
Farm House
Mattress / Bedding
Woods Furniture
Men’s Apparel
Boucher’s Comfort Shoes
Party Supplies Farm House
Produce Department
Village Fresh Market
Shoe Store
Boucher’s Comfort Shoes
Women’s Accessories
Dolly Boutique
Women’s Apparel
Emmy’s Boutique & Clothing Co.
BEST of 209 covers 7 counties; Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne so it is a huge honor to have won the BEST of 209 for Ten years - 2015 thru 2024! And 11 time winner of READER’S CHOICE 2014 thru 2024 that covers Turlock, Hilmar, Denair, Hughson and Delhi
