Community Spotlight 2015

COMMUNITY

SPOTLIGHT Supporting the Businesses that Support our Community

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Advertising supplement | THE RECORD | sundAy, July 19, 2015

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Supporting the Businesses That Support Our Community Those of us that live here know that San Joaquin County is a great place to live, work, play, get an education, raise a family, and thrive. We have outstanding local businesses that help support our community, and it is important, now more than ever, that we return that favor by supporting local business.

Did you know that when you shop with local merchants, more of your money stays close to home, supporting the parks, recreation centers, libraries and other things that make this community a great place to live?

When you support local non-profits instead of sending your charitable dollars to larger national groups, you make a difference far greater than you can imagine.

You help local families get back on their feet so they can start earning money that will eventually cycle back into our own local economy.

It takes a community effort to keep a community thriving, and it starts with local business.

Community Spotlight invites you to take a look at some of the local businesses making a difference in San Joaquin County.

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COMMUNITY

SPOTLIGHT Supporting the Businesses that Support our Community

Advertiser index San Joaquin general hospital . . . . . . . . . . 3, 20 Community Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5 Dorothy percival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Dave’s Valley Custom upholstery . . . . . . . . . . 9 Zeiter Eye medical group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Dameron hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Rod Johnson Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 pacific Veterinary hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Community Center for the Blind . . . . . . . . . . 16 Viaggio Estate & Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Story index little manila. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Stockton green team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 preserving miwok tribe Culture . . . . . . . . . . 18

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San Joaquin General Hospital To Provide Advanced Trauma Life Support Training For Emergency Staff

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an Joaquin General Hospital has received approval from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) to instruct local physicians and nurses in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS).

Specific sites for this highly specialized training are designated by ACS nationally to standardize the care provided by physicians and nurses to trauma patients. ATLS training is also a State requirement for physicians working in designated Trauma Centers.

This certified educational program is available to all healthcare professionals.

Participants in ATLS training range from local medical staffs to professionals from out of our State and from other Countries. The ACS appointed San Joaquin General Hospital Surgery Residency Director / trauma surgeon Ahmed Mahmoud, M.D. as the Director of the local ATLS course.

The course will be held in the Hospital’s Surgical Simulation Laboratory, which is commonly used to train surgical residents at the Hospital. “For San Joaquin General to receive this recognition from the ACS is a testament to the quality of our educational programs, as well as the commitment our surgeons and staff have in trauma

Dr. Mahmoud, on far right, assisting surgical residents training on laparscopic simulator in San Joaquin General Hospital simulation lab.

care,” said Dr. Mahmoud.

Interested parties should contact Cleona Cash, Trauma Education Coordinator at San Joaquin General Hospital (209) 468-6919 for more information.

The Advanced Trauma Life Support® program teaches a systematic, concise approach to the care of a trauma patient. ATLS was developed by the ACS Committee on Trauma (COT) and was first introduced in the US and abroad in 1980. Its courses provide emergency staff with a safe and reliable method for immediate management of injured patients. The course teaches hospital staff to assess a patient’s

condition, resuscitate and stabilize him or her, and determine if his or her needs exceed a facility’s capacity. It also covers how to arrange for a patient’s inter-hospital transfer and assure that optimum care is provided throughout the process. If local hospitals don’t treat trauma patients frequently, an ATLS course provides area medical colleagues an easy method to remember for evaluating and treating a

trauma victim.

San Joaquin General Hospital is a leading general acute care facility providing a full range of inpatient services including General Medical/Surgical Care, HighRisk Obstetrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Pediatrics.

San Joaquin General is a certified Stroke Center and designated Trauma Center serving the entire Central California in emergency situations. In addition to

the 196 bed hospital, the medical campus includes multiple facilities dedicated to comprehensive outpatient services including Primary Care, specialty clinics and a Primary Care Walk-In Clinic.

The Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Network, including 11 provider sites throughout San Jo aquin County, provides over 200,000 outpatient clinic visits a year.

Appointment Line: (209) 468-6820

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ommunity Hospice, Inc. is a nonprofit, communitybased hospice agency caring for thousands of neighbors and friends since 1979. Founded in a church basement by two volunteer registered nurses, Community Hospice has grown to meet the needs of the community, becoming the largest hospice agency in the Central Valley.

Community Hospice is dedicated to providing compassionate and quality care, education and support to terminally ill patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay. Services are provided to patients wherever they may call home including private homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, hospitals, or at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House, a 16-bed hospice inpatient facility. Our team of expert physicians and nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, dieticians and others help patients and families optimize hope and quality of life. Our focus of care is on the person and caregivers as a unique whole; taking into consideration their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to meet the needs of our patients, families, and healthcare partners.

Comprehensive caregiver and grief support services are also provided free of charge to our families and communities.

Community Hospice’s in-house Durable Medical Equipment division ensures that patients have the necessary medical equipment and oxygen on time all the time.

Although Community Hospice specializes in endof-life care, services extend beyond our patients to the entire community offering caregiver education through Caregiver College and grief and bereavement support free of charge, to anyone who has experienced a loss.

Through individual and grief support groups our support staff offers education, support and resources to help navigate

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Community Hospice the journey ahead. As grieving children and teens are often misunderstood and feel alone, Community Hospice has developed specialized programs to help meet the needs of the adolescents in our communities. Programs include, individual counseling, school grief groups throughout San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties and Camp Erin® Modesto; a free bereavement camp designed for children and teens ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Camp Erin Modesto is filled with fun and traditional camp activities, combined with grief education and emotional support.

This year we were thrilled to open our seventh Hope Chest Thrift Store in Stockton, California. The Hope Chest Thrift stores offer gently used clothing, housewares, toys, furniture, electronics and much more. Proceeds from sale of thrift store goods are used to support the patients and families of Community Hospice.

As a nonprofit, Community Hospice has made a

commitment to provide care and support to anyone who needs our services. All patients are accepted regardless of their ability to pay. Through the dedication of our Community Hospice Foundation and our Hope Chest Thrift Stores we are able to stay true to our commitment.

For additional information about Community Hospice or any of our services, visit us at

www.hospiceheart.org or call (209) 477-6300.

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First-Generation Filipino Americans in Stockton

History and Preservation Efforts of Little Manila

By Charleen Earley

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illon Delvo, a Filipino, was born and raised in Stockton. However it wasn’t until he hit San Francisco State University that he discovered why his personal roots began in Central Valley and not in the Philippines.

The same thing happened to history major, Dr. Dawn Mabalon, a childhood friend of Delvo’s since seventh grade, who learned about her Filipino American history while studying at the University California Los Angeles.

The two came home from college infuriated about what they learned from somewhere else – what they should’ve learned in their hometown.

They learned about Stockton’s “Little Manila.”

“When we graduated, we learned that we had the same experience and we were angry,” said Delvo. “Why did we have to leave Stockton to learn about us ‘in’ Stockton? We vowed we would not let this happen to anyone else, because it’s a beautiful and deep history.”

Together in 2000 they started Little Manila Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advocates historic preservation of the Little Manila site in Stockton, once existing under whatb is now the “crosstown freeway.”

When urban development took place in the 1960s, Delvo said the City of Stockton had three sites in which to build the crosstown freeway overpass.

“The City chose the one option that would get rid of the most people – Little Manila,” said Delvo, who has a degree in film. “When we graduated and came back home in 2001, there was literally a wrecking ball destroying the remaining Little Manila building. The site is now considered one of the most rundown places in Stockton.”

“We are extremely sensitive to redevelopment,” he added.

Delvo explained how Stockton was the center for agriculture, and between the ’20s and ’60s, after seeing how Hawaii brought cheap labor over from the Philippines to work the sugar cane fields, California decided to do the same, especially since the Philippines was considered part of U.S. territory and Filipinos were naturals.

“The Philippines was in war for 10 years and experienced massive devastation and extreme poverty, so an entire generation of mostly men and women (20 men to 1 woman) left the Philippines to work in another country in order

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to send money back to their home,” said Delvo, executive director of the Little Manila Foundation and father of two daughters, ages two and four.

“Between the 1920s and 1960s, the largest amount of Filipinos resided in Stockton, California,” he added. “In my opinion, they didn’t want families to come here; they only wanted laborers.”

He said it was illegal for Filipinos to own property, marry white women, and most of the “men” were ages 16 and 17. Delvo’s dad was 18.

“In the late ’60s, they finally became citizens and had the opportunity to go home.

America passed a bill that would pay for a one-way ride back to the Philippines. The crazy story is, even with that choice, 95% of them chose to

stay here, even though it was extremely volatile and racist for them,” said Delvo. “They didn’t give up on the American dream, even though there was a huge backlash against them.”

Through the efforts of the foundation, Little Manila Historic Site (LMHS) was designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the eleven most endangered historic sites in America in 2003, and garnered national and international attention in the news.

A volunteer youth minister at St. George Church in South Stockton for the last 19 years, Delvo said a widely unknown fact about his familial Stockton history is how the Filipino farm workers put pressure on Cesar Chavez with the UFW (United Farm Workers) farm

labor strikes.

“Most people don’t know how the Philippines, through Larry Dulay Itliong, began the UFW farm labor movement, and put pressure on Cesar Chavez,” said Delvo.

“The Filipinos and the Mexicans came together to fight this!”

Listed under “What We’ve Achieved” of Little Manila’s website you’ll find a long list of achievements the organization has accomplished over the last 14 years.

“We have become preservationists,” said Delvo.

“Little Manila is the last site in America that connects the first generation of Filipinos coming to America. Even though it was

extremely racist, this was their home. This is where they could live their American dream – it was sacred to them.”

Today the nonprofit offers educational and dance programs, events, Eskrima classes (Filipino martial arts) and more at their location on Main Street, which also showcases museum-style historical artifacts and wall photos.

“Our history was basically

paved over. Everyone needs to rise up and tell their own story. I’m doing this for my daughters,” said Delvo. “I’ll be damned if they have to leave Stockton to learn about Stockton.”

Little Manila Foundation 521 E. Main Street Stockton, CA 95202 (209) 336-6332 www.littlemanila.org info@littlemanila.org

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Dorothy Percival and Ballet San Joaquin

orothy Percival is 85 years old and still teaches ballet classes several times a week. She was recently heard to say she is not planning to quit until she is sure the legacy she plans to leave in Stockton and San Joaquin County is secure for generations to come.

Dorothy’s parents understood and supported her passion.

After starting classes at the age of ten, Dorothy started teaching to be able to travel and learn more about dance. She has been to twelve different countries in her seach for more education in her field, including

Russia, Bulgaria, France, Poland, Finland, England, Holland, Georgia, Germany, Italy, and of course, many states in the U.S.A. She says her students, who number in the hundreds – maybe even thousands – are the people who mean the most to her.

When the San Joaquin Civic Ballet saved the old Stockton High School auditorium from the wrecking ball, it became her home away from home for many years. Many ballets were performed there, as well as twice being host to Regional Ballet Association Festivals. Bolshoi West Academy of Dance and Ballet San Joaquin give back to San Joaquin County every time they present a Ballet Concert, especially the instantly recognizable Nutcracker Ballet.

Dorothy has been teaching for over seventy years now.

She danced as a

soloist and company member with the Sacramento Ballet for eleven years. She is proud to have taught Classical Ballet at Delta College for over twentysix years. With that kind of contribution to the community, the legacy she wants to leave is sure to live on through her students and all those she has touched for many, many years.

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I AM SAN JOAQUIN Teri Lawrence Age: 51 Occupation: Real Estate Broker/Owner/Agent How long I’ve lived in San Joaquin County: I have lived in San Joaquin currently for 3 years; a total of 29 years.

Why I choose to live in San Joaquin County: I choose to live in San Joaquin County because I own an exquisite winery here with my husband, Larry Lawrence.

The people who mean the most to me: God, my husband Larry, and my son Bryce are my entire world, along with stepsons, daughters-in-law and 2 wonderful grandsons!

My favorite place to go in SJ County: My favorite place to go in San Joaquin County is my own backyard! Seriously!

Hobbies and interests: I am an avid swimmer and bike rider. I also love to hike and read books while sipping a glass of wine.

Dave’s Valley Custom Upholstery – Serving San Joaquin Valley Since 1967

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ave’s Valley Custom Upholstery has been a trusted source for upholstery since 1967 right here in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sacramento and Contra Costa Counties. They provide superior quality at a fair price in Stockton, Lodi, Galt, Elk Grove, Manteca, Modesto, Tracy, Linden, and the Mother Lode.

Dave has grown with the community; his business has expanded to include exquisite upholstery work of all types – office and home furnishing, boats, RVs, motorcycles, restaurants and through Dave’s Valley Medical Repair - medical and dental.

You have probably enjoyed sitting in a chair repaired by Dave without even knowing it! He has re-upholstered all the chairs at Hospice of San

Joaquin, worked with countless local doctors and dentists, St Joe’s, and a host of restaurants all over the valley.

Do you need that special piece of furniture to be reupholstered? Good luck finding anyone besides Dave who can still do diamond button tuft! Dave has an expert team he calls upon to handle all jobs from large to small. Do you need your lounge chair to be zebra print? That old wing chair to look like new? Dave uses only the finest fabrics and naugahyde and provides fast, friendly and professional service with pickup and delivery available.

Dave is an avid motorcycle and car enthusiast and enjoys attending the SEMA show in Vegas every year. He is a longtime member of The Port Stockton Motorcycle club,

Dave Stephens

a group that does charitable events in support of the Stockton Community year round.

Check him out on the web at www.davesvcu.com and www.

MotorcycleDave.com

How I “give back” to my community: I give back to my community by employing people. Every time Larry and I gain ground financially, we look for a job to create.

Employees are the most rewarding and the most frustrating part of a business. I am now giving back further by establishing Teri’s Helping Hand.

Favorite SJ County memories: Some of my favorite San Joaquin County memories are participating in Bryce’s classroom and various “ball” sports while he was growing up, and more recently kayaking on the Mokelumne River.

Other interesting information about me: I am a microbiologist and love, love spending my time looking at interesting “things” under the microscope. I also love, love going to church on Sunday!

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Stockton has a Green Team on its side

By Charleen Earley

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t may not seem possible how one can grow their business and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time, in yet Frank Ferral of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce knows all about it.

Program and Public Policy Director, Ferral said he and the Chamber are very passionate about helping businesses prosper while maintaining sustainable practices.

“If you are successful, then we are successful too,” said Ferral, who has worked for the

Chamber for the last 17 years.

It’s why he and the Chamber created the Green Team San Joaquin (GTSJ) project, a collaborative effort between private businesses,

municipal and county solid waste divisions, economic development professionals, schools and the community of San Joaquin County.

Through various programs, their goal is to educate, demonstrate and inspire businesses and communities to reduce their costs of doing business through adopting earth-friendly practices and offering available resources, programs and incentives to do so.

Ferral said that by implementing green practices within a company (such as

avoiding buying water bottles, switching to energy-saving light bulbs, changing out old air conditioning filters, turning off and unplugging computers and monitors, etc.), in the long run,

it will help companies reduce their operating costs, help the environment, and boost the Central Valley’s economy.

“It’s a win-win-win situation,” said Ferral.

It’s also trendy these days to go green, Ferral said, since people feel good about doing business with companies who are green-certified. He also said many corporations are now requiring sustainable practices.

Known by his peers for his excessive use of acronyms in developing new green programs, Ferral talked about

one of the many programs the Chamber promotes; REACON: Recycling Energy Air Conservation.

REACON is an outreach arm of the GTSJ that visits large to medium-sized businesses to share and promote green practices at their place of business. In addition, it does green assessments and certifications, and will qualify the company to be “Green Certified.”

The REACON team, which complies with environmental regulations, also provides information on the Recycling Market Development Zone, Commute Connection, energy

conservation programs, waste audits, and how to reduce air pollution.

The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, which was inducted into the International Green Industry Hall of Fame in 2013, is over 1,000 members strong and lists each of their green programs on their website.

Green certifications help businesses in many ways, including: lowering business costs, improving employee morale and overall health

in the workplace, holding a marketing edge over companies not certified, and recognizing the company as an environmental leader.

Ferral, who is actively working w ith other communities to develop Green Teams in Fresno, firmly believes in reducing one’s carbon footprint.

“We have limited resources,” said Ferral, “and we all want to leave our communities a better place than how we found it.”

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce 445 W. Weber Avenue, Suite 220 Stockton, CA 95203 (209) 292-8428 www.stocktonchamber.org www.greenteamsanjoaquin.com

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I AM SAN JOAQUIN Steve Werner Age: 60 Occupation: Real Estate Broker/Owner/Agent How long I’ve lived in San Joaquin County: 60 years Why I choose to live in San Joaquin County: Love the quality of life – there is just a vitality to life here that is very good.

The people who mean the most to me: Family, my children and office team My favorite place to go in SJ County: Delta and UOP Hobbies and interests: Water and snow skiing, yoga, swimming How I “give back” to my community: Serving on committee boards, donate to UOP School of Business – an active participant in many activities conductive to the betterment of San Joaquin, including the UOP alumni fundraising board, the Haggin Museum and the San Joaquin Valley Rental Association. Also a member of the Central Valley association of Realtors Masters Club for many years.

Favorite SJ County memories: Growing up and attending local schools and college, afternoons on the delta.

Other interesting information about me: My kids will soon be returning to live in Stockton.

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Zeiter Eye Medical Group

eiter Eye Medical Group has served the eye care needs of Central Valley for more than half-a-century.

The ophthalmology practice was built on the vision of Dr. Henry Zeiter, who opened his first office in 1962. Since then, Zeiter Eye has become one of the largest group of eye care providers in Northern California with fourteen doctors and seven locations, including offices in Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Tracy and Sonora.

From its inception, the mission of Zeiter Eye has been to exceed its patients’ expectations by providing unprecedented medical and surgical eye care with the highest degree of respect and consideration for each patient.

The practice has evolved into providing full-service eye care, offering all sub-specialties including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular

degeneration, and eyelid problems. Zeiter Eye also provides routine eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and LASIK surgery.

Zeiter Eye knows the importance of staying on the cutting edge of technology, offering state-of-the-art testing, and was the first in Northern California to provide laser precision cataract surgery.

“We’ve always been the largest practice in the Central Valley and take pride in having the best equipment and the latest technology” say Dr. John Zeiter.

“We are consistently purchasing the latest equipment to stay on the cutting edge of medicine.

In addition, we built a stateof-the-art Surgical Center. Our doctors are well trained, but we also understand the importance of compassion. Compassion is becoming a lost art in medicine today, but we have maintained a love for what we do as well as a passion for treating our

patients as individuals.”

In addition to their commitment to patient care, Zeiter Eye believes in giving back to the community. This includes philanthropic contributions and free cartact surgeries to impoverished individuals.

For over fifty years Zeiter Eye’s focus has remained the same: provide the very best patient care, invest in the best technology, and retain top talent to further improve its patients’ vision.

Zeiter Eye Medical Group, Inc. 255 E. Weber Avenue Stockton, CA 95202 (209) 466-5566 Owners: Joseph T. Zeiter, M.D.; John H. Zeiter, M.D.; John C. Canzano, M.D.; Richard M. Wong, M.D. Established 1962

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I AM SAN JOAQUIN Anthony Nguyen Age: 17 Occupation: Student How long I’ve lived in San Joaquin County: Since birth; 17 years.

Why I choose to live in San Joaquin County: I am a Northern California boy, born and raised. This support from this community holds a prominent impact on why I was able to grow into the man I am today.

The people who mean the most to me: My parents – for all the love and support they give me, for the values of responsibility, work ethic, initiative, honesty, and perseverance they have instilled in me, and for all of the sacrifices they have made in order to give me a better opportunity and education here in America.

My teachers – for being such prominent aspects in my academic career, helping me build confidence, and teaching me to always strive for excellence.

My favorite place to go in SJ County: The University of the Pacific; Stockton, CA. This college has given me some of the best memories as the host of multiple Jon Schamber Speech and Debate Invitationals, where I have been blessed to be crowned as the 2014 Varsity Original Prose and Poetry champion to honor my hard work and accomplishments in speech and debate. This beautiful campus was also the host of multiple MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement) and Science Olympiad competitions that I have loved attending, and has held some of the best memories I remember to this date.

Hobbies and interests: Speech and debate team captain, Vice President for the Pacific Outreach for Youth, Services and Education, Key Club International student volunteer, American Red Cross student volunteer, HeadStart (Preschool Program) student volunteer, Taiko drummer, Polynesian (Tahitian/Haka) dancer, Vietnamese (Lion/Traditional) dancer, Lion Dance choreographer, Swing Club dancer, Japanese Chinese Korean Club traditional dancer, National

Honors Society, California Scholarship Federation, MESA – Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement, Creative Writing Club, Chua Nghiem Buddhist Association temple attendee and volunteer.

How I “give back” to my community: I know what type of person I am - one that aspires to give back to his community whenever he can.

Even as a student, I am an avid student volunteer in numerous service organizations ranging from Key Club International to the American Red Cross. Every Tuesday, I volunteer at Creekside Elementary; Stockton, CA, as a HeadStart preschool student volunteer to assist teachers in the upbringing and care of preschoolers.

As team captain of my Speech and Debate team, I have worked endless hours to help my fellow peers and classmates overcome their speech anxiety and glossophobia, their fear of public speaking. Since the start of the year, I have helped my peers grow not only as speakers, orators, actors, and debaters, but also as confident people unafraid to voice their opinions.

As Vice-President of the Pacific Outreach for Youth Services and Education, I have helped spark interest in higher education in my fellow students by coordinating free field trip tours to UC Davis and UC Berkeley, providing College of the Month presentations with guest speakers from various UCs, CSUs, private universities, and vocational schools, providing scholarship notices and opportunities, and providing community service opportunities.

Favorite SJ County memories: Stockton Ballroom – Vietnamese Lunar New Year Celebration, Stockton Earth Day Festival, Stockton Asparagus Festival.

Rodolfo Buenrostro Corral Age: 20 Occupation: Artist How long I’ve lived in San Joaquin County: Born and raised since ’94 Why I choose to live in San Joaquin County: I consider it home, always will be. The people, the food, the memories all keep me coming back .

The people who mean the most to me: God, my mother, my family My favorite place to go in SJ County: The waterfront on evenings Hobbies and interests: Meditation, yoga, hiking, writing lyrics, recording and producing music, socializing, traveling How I “give back” to my community: I participate in community events with local community organizations,

politicians and schools. The past year I have attended Reinvent South Stockton meetings and recently their First Annual Summit which brought together officials and community members to share ideas on what can better the community through dialogue. I also mentor for the Summer Success Leadership Academy at the University of the Pacific annually, as well as visit the Teen Impact Centers recording studio I started at 16.

Favorite SJ County Memories: The fireworks on the 4th of July were always my favorite, as well as the movie theaters when I was a teenager.

Other interesting information about me: I love to help people realize their potential and inspire them to pursue their personal dreams. Taking in consideration the reputation SJ County has, I feel it is my duty to be an empowerment figure for youth and adults alike. Personally, meditation and yoga are hobbies I do around SJ County, and welcome any one who is interested to join me!

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ameron Hospital is a fully accredited, nonprofit community hospital with specialized acute and tertiary care. Originally established in 1912, the modern, 200+ bed hospital has been a trusted partner in San Joaquin County and continues a tradition of excellence in health care under the current leadership of President and CEO Lorraine P. Auerbach.

Over the past decade, Dameron’s continued success has allowed it to expand its campus, upgrade facilities and equipment, and become the county’s third-largest private employer with over 1,200 employees and a medical staff of over 500 physicians.

This commitment to providing the highest quality care has earned Dameron

Dameron Hospital Hospital various state and national recognitions, including selection as a Healthgrades® Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement in 2015.

Only 10% of all hospitals have been able to achieve this level of recognition.

In addition to being a toprated total knee replacement center in the Stockton area, and one of the county’s leading orthopedic hospitals, Dameron has been recognized as a Top Performer for its Quality Metrics by the Joint Commission, ranking in the top 33%

for clinical performance among hospitals nationwide.

The San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency has also named Dameron as a designated STEMI (i.e., heart attack) receiving center. Thanks to Dameron’s LifeLine technology and cardiac-prepared ER staff, emergency responders have an excellent choice in local

partners for all levels of cardiac care services including cardiac catheterization and open heart surgery.

Dameron Hospital continues its tradition of innovation by continually improving its facilities and services to help fulfill its mission of delivering top-quality care to the community. Dameron services include Emergency

and Intensive Care, Cardiac ICU, Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Orthopedic and Bariatric (weight loss) surgery, Neonatal ICU, Maternal and Child Care as well as general acute care.

Dameron also provides primary care in its onsite Ambulatory Care Center.

Main Hospital Building located at 525 West Acacia Street

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Advertising Supplement

I AM SAN JOAQUIN Why I choose to live in San Joaquin County: I love the weather! I really do enjoy our hot summers. Also, it’s in between many popular day-trip destinations where I can still come home to a quiet place.

The people who mean the most to me: My family of course! I literally have hundreds of family members throughout the County.

Name: Sofia Colón Age: 38 Occupation: Professional Medical Coder II at Kaiser Permanente Stockton How long I’ve lived in San Joaquin County: 30+ years; a few years in Modesto as a child and a year in San Francisco for college.

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Hobbies and interests: Running is still at the top of my list, along with finding activities that promote family and literacy. This includes trips to the Chavez Library, going to the Children’s Museum, the Art Walk in downtown Stockton, etc. Is it a “hobby” to try new things? If not, it should be, because that’s what I enjoy doing; searching out and trying new things in our county. The people here are unique innovators; they’re highly creative people with a strong sense of tradition. We always have something new to try here, be it a restaurant, community event or a show but no matter what it is, there’s a feeling of being “home grown.”

Home of the $39 Service Call!

ince 1965, Rod Johnson Air has been designing central heating and cooling systems to provide year-round controlled comfort for homes and offices. Rod Johnson installed systems are designed to specifically meet the requirements of your home or office by offering services of Installation, Maintenance, Repair and Emergency Calls 7 days a week. With Two locations to better serve the entire San Joaquin Valley.

Rod Johnson Air takes pride not only in our reputation in

the Valley, but specifically with our returning customers, and the smiles we get after a completed install or service.

Along with o f f e r i n g great service professionally to our customers, we are proud to serve our community by organizing and hosting such events as a charity golf tournament that benefited the Mary Graham Children’s Foundation this past May 2015 and a food drive in November 2014 that resulted in a large donation of food to the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless.

We recognize that we do not get to service everyone Rod Johnson Air employees, Dylan Kelley & Mary in our community Somers, deliver donations to the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless in November 2015. professionally, so we

try to reach out and make a difference in other ways that could bring comfort.

Rod Johnson Air Conditioning Stockton: (209) 931-4100 Tracy: (209) 833-6100 www.RodJohnsonAir.com

How I “give back” to my community: I participate in many local events, shop and eat local. Most recently, I’m proudly helping to open a bilingual library in Stockton along with Richard Soto. It holds a rich collection of Latino history from our county and state including books, music, movies and artifacts. It will be an interactive space for families as well as students looking to further their studies in Chicano History courses.

Favorite SJ County memories: My most favorite memory is a simple one – it’s riding my bike around my neighborhood in Stockton when I was a child. We lived on Della Street for a time and then on Market Street before the Crosstown Freeway was built. I remember riding around Stribley Park and to the East Main Drive-In for a milkshake and fries.

Other interesting information about me: “Happily promoting family, literacy and love of culture through community organizations and my own personal projects” is my tagline for my social media accounts. It really sums up what I do daily. I’m also a big user of social media!

Community Spotlight • July 19, 2015 ■ 15

Advertising supplement

WE ARE SAN JOAQUIN Richard Herbert – Owner / Veterinarian Dr. Herbert graduated from University of California, Davis in 1979. Two years later in 1981, he opened the Stockton Spay and Neuter Clinic, after many years under that name he changed it to Pacific Veterinary Hospital in the late 1990s. Today, he stays behind the scenes as the surgeon.

Dr. Herbert also served four years in the United States Army and was stationed at the Panama Canal. He says that seeing puppies and kittens makes his job worthwhile because they always bring a smile to his face.

Janiele Herbert – Co-owner / RVT Janiele Herbert graduated from Cosumnes River College, Animal Health Technology Program in 1982. That same year, she started working for Dr. Herbert at, what was then, Stockton Spay & Neuter Clinic. She later helped him open and operate his other hospitals in Modesto, Lodi and Tracy. She is very customer service-oriented, and says she loves her job as much, if not more, than the day she started.

Pacific Veterinary Hospital a.k.a. Stockton Spay & Neuter Clinic

F

or a veterinary hospital that takes great care of your loved ones, come to Pacific Veterinary Hospital for spay, neuter, and vaccinations.

Backed by more than 35 years of experience, we are one of only two low-cost spay & neuter hospitals in Stockton. People appreciate our cleanliness and our newly remodeled location.

We have a very friendly and helpful staff. Customer service excellence is our number one goal, and we always go the extra mile

for our customers. Additionally, we have a Spanish-speaking representative available.

This hospital was opened in 1981 with the mission to end the tremendous overpopulation of dogs and cats in the San Joaquin Valley. Dr. Richard Herbert graduated from U.C. Davis in 1979 and eventually started hospitals in Stockton, Modesto, Lodi, and Tracy, California, with this goal in mind. Currently, more than 200,000 spays and neuters have been done at these hospitals.

The hospitals were initially designed to provide lowcost spaying, neutering, and vaccinations and were eventually expanded to become full-service veterinary hospitals. We provide quality veterinary medicine, spays, neuters, and vaccinations at reasonable rates.

6828 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95207 • (209) 474-2444 http://pacificvetstockton.vetstreet.com Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 12:00pm & 2:00pm - 5:00pm, Sat: 8:00am - 12:00pm

16 ■ July 19, 2015 • Community Spotlight

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Advertising Supplement

Lighting Paths to Independence for More than 65 Years

ommunity Center for the Blind- a vision attributed to Mrs. Myrtle Stephens Clark, took hold in 1944. Mrs. Clark, a San Joaquin County welfare worker championed the need to provide fulfillment & purpose to the lives of those with visual impairments.

By 1945, Mrs. Clark organized an adult blind club that met at a local church, but the need for a center of their own turned into reality. Vowing, rehabilitation would be the greatest benefit of the center, helping individuals with little hope feel useful and look to the future.

On February 25, 1949, Mrs. Clark and ten others met for the first time to formulate a plan to establish a center; group members formed a voluntary board of directors. The board’s legal advisor drafted a set of bylaws and, on May 13, 1949, filed Articles of Incorporation as a nonprofit organization. CCBVI doors opened on July 12, 1949. It’s core mission was to establish purpose and selfesteem in the lives of those who are visually impaired.

After a few moves to accommodate the growing number of clients, Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired completed construction of

its current home, a 6,600 square foot facility located at 130 West Flora Street in Stockton on January 5, 1966.

The team of employees at CCBVI is unique: These individuals are among a select few with the skills to teach someone to read and write Braille, navigate various environments using a white cane, maintain a home and use of appliances, etc . . . the list is endless. More than one/third of our employees have experienced firsthand the challenges that accompany vision loss; they are role models for those they serve. Their goal is to provide information, tools, and resources that empower the blind and visually impaired to achieve their full potential.

As incidence of vision loss increases annually, the need for services will escalate. Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired will continue to provide programs designed to assist people with vision loss, improve their quality of life, and remain independent.

Specific services include: • Information and Referral services connect individuals who are visually impaired with a network of ancillary services and programs

• Braille provides people who are blind with a tactile means of reading and writing • Computer training offers instruction in assistive computer technology and common applications that enable individuals to communicate via digital technologies • Orientation and mobility offers techniques to move safely and effectively through home and community using a long cane or other aids • Daily living skills enable people with vision loss to reduce dependency on others and remain independent in their homes • Leisure skills develop self-esteem, prevent isolation and afford opportunities to socialize with peers • Adjustment to vision loss provides peer support group sessions to discuss feelings and reactions to vision loss

• Vision Loss: A Family Affair provides caregivers with advice for assisting a loved one to adapt successfully with the many changes that accompany vision loss • Transportation provides the vital link to inhouse agency quality of life programs. CCVBI offers doortodoor transportation to those who do not have private or unable to utilize public transportation • Community Center for the Blind also stocks an array of products that foster independence and make life more productive for those experiencing vision loss Learn more about Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired at www.communitycenterfortheblind.org Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired 130 W. Flora Street • Stockton, CA 95202-1636 (209) 466-3836 Myrtle Stephens Clark, Founder Michelle M. Mazzilli, Executive Director Founded May, 1949

Community Spotlight • July 19, 2015 ■ 17

Advertising Supplement

I AM SAN JOAQUIN Barbara Butterworth Age: 56 Occupation: I actually wear three hats, as I am a rancher, an artist, and photography studio owner.

How long I’ve lived in San Joaquin County: I’ve lived here since I married my husband, Matt, 31 years ago.

Why I choose to live in San Joaquin County: Our home is West 12 Ranch, which has been in business just outside Lodi since 1972. I really love the hometown feel of Lodi, where you can run into people you know daily.

The people who mean the most to me: My family, my church family, and the people who help run all the enterprises here at West 12 Ranch are close to my heart.

My favorite place to go in SJ County: I love hunting in the antique and thrift stores throughout the county. My family and I enjoy eating at Smack Pie Pizza in downtown Lodi.

Hobbies and interests: For the past three years, creating and selling Hoopla! home décor and event rentals out of repurposed glass, ceramic, and metal has been so rewarding. I also enjoy hunting for props and creating new scenes and backdrops for photographers at West 12 Ranch Studio. We have a large garden, and I am learning a lot about the role that nutrition plays in our health.

How I “give back” to my community: We provide and transport the straw bales for the Salvation Army Trunk or Treat event every fall. I also donate Hoopla home décor pieces to various fund raisers. I serve at my church’s coffee cart, and try to encourage anyone I see around town, sharing new discoveries about life and health.

Favorite SJ County memories: I have lots of favorites – floating in the Mokelumne River in inner tubes. Coordinating with Leroy Nichols so we could escort our kids to school on horseback so they could say they rode a horse to school. Painting our horses like Indian ponies and dressing up our kids with feathers, then leading them in the Lodi Parade right around the time that the movie Pocohantas came out. Hosting a square dance in our barn and laughing so hard that everyone had a hard time breathing.

Parking in the vacant field and watching the fireworks at Lodi Lake.

Other interesting information about me: In all aspects of my life, from breeding and raising horses to creating glass art and creating an outdoor studio for photographers, I am honored to follow Christ. It is my personal relationship with Him that guides me daily in my decisions and conversations and inspiration.

Name: Lurysol Olivera Alaniz Age: 34 San Joaquin resident: Entire life – born and raised in Ripon, moved to Stockton 8 years ago. Once I moved to Stockton, I soon realized there was a greater need for certified trainers. I was happy for the opportunity to work with people who needed and wanted a healthier lifestyle & fitness routine.

Why I chose Stockton as my home: I quickly realized Stockton was the city for me when I found out about all of the different opportunities there were to educate people about fitness, and to get actively involved in the fitness community that was already established.

The people who mean the most to me: Father and mother – Isaias & Maria Olivera; brothers Raury Olivera and Isaias Jr. Olivera; and my husband, Vicente Alaniz My favorite place to go in SJ County: To be honest, I truly enjoy spending my time in Ripon with my family out at their property. We love to cook and hangout together, enjoy each other’s company and spend quality time together. But if I am looking to have a good time with my friends, I often venture out into Lodi to taste wine. I love the beautiful vineyards, local wineries and winemakers. I support and enjoy attending all the local events like the Asparagus Festival, the Almond Blossom Festival, the Greek Food Festival, etc.

Hobbies & Interests: Running half marathons (13.1 miles), Working out/staying active, Helping others improve their lives through fitness and nutrition, continuing/advancing my knowledge in fitness so I can pass it along to my clients, improving the knowledge of the public in regards to fitness How I “give back” to my community: I love to give back to my community because they have given so much to me! I incorporate my monthly “specials” with whatever I am trying to raise awareness for. For example, this month I incorporated the need for student backpack donations by advertising a month of unlimited boot camp for $25 as long as the new client brings a new backpack for a student. So far this month I have collected over 118 backpacks, and last year I collected 250 backpacks to donate.

Dog and cat food donations for the Delta Humane Society – We raised over $800 worth of donations & collected over 1,000 pounds of dog/cat food to donate Emergency Food Bank – Thanksgiving Day food donations – We donated over 1,000 cans of food this year.

Christmas Toy Drive for local kids (living in low-income areas) – We were able to raise hundreds of toy donations for kids ages 5-10 years old.

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Advertising Supplement

Preserving Miwok Tribe culture through song, dance and education

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ative A merican history has never been so close to home as the Stockton-based, federally recognized California Valley Miwok Tribe, whose main goal is to educate others about their culture.

“What I love about being active in the tribe is educating the general public about the Miwok culture,” said Silvia Burley, chairperson for the last 16 years.

The one question she hears the most, Silvia said, is how to say a certain word in Native American language.

She dispels the myth that all Native Americans speak the same language.

“Truth is, there are many tribal nations in California, including Miwok, Paiute, Mojave, Karuk, Maidu, Nomlaki, Chemehuev i, Cahuilla, Hoopa… to name a few. Outside California there

are Cheyenne, Chickasaw, Chinook, Zuni, Choctaw, Chippewa-Cree, Navajo, Omaha, Pawnee, Cherokee, Blackfeet, Seneca, Shoshone, Iroquois, etc.” explained Silvia.

“Currently there are about 566 federally-recognized tribes across the United States.”

Spirituality and respect for all life are core to the Miwok tribe’s culture, and for tribal members, Silvia said, it is considered a natural component of everything.

“We believe that we are part of everything on this earth. We see the wildlife as our brothers and sisters; we care very deeply for all animals, large and small,” said Silvia.

Another quality for the Miwok Tribe relates to peace.

“Quietness is a value that serves many purposes. In social situations, in general terms, many Indians (like ourselves) remain quiet or silent when

angry or uncomfortable,” said Silvia. “This quietness has historically contributed to survival. Our interpretation of mutual respect is staying out of others’ affairs and only giving our opinions when asked.”

Sharing is yet another core value they practice.

“It doesn’t matter if we are down to our last meal in the house,” she added. “If we have company or know of a family member or friend who is having a hard time making ends meet, we will gladly share what we have.”

The California Valley Miwok Tribe collaborates directly with state, federal, international and tribal governments and has a government-to-government relationship with numerous organizations such as Child Welfare Departments, adult and juvenile court systems, Veteran Affairs, USDA Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, US Fish and Wildlife Department – to name a few.

Listed on their website,

their tribe and others host ceremonies, events, festivals and workshops throughout the year, one of which includes a Sweat Ceremony for physical cleansing, lead by Spiritual Leader Daryl Burley Sr. “He has been participating in sweat ceremonies for over 20 years,” she said. “The sweat is a purification ceremony that includes traditional prayers and songs.”

Daryl is also helper in their biannual Miwok Bear Dance Ceremony, which is done in two ceremonies.

“The purpose of this ceremony is to awaken the bear, to celebrate the arrival of spring and life,” said Silvia. “The second ceremony is to put the bear to sleep, symbolizing the celebration of thankfulness. The Bear Dance also brings healing, where

participants who are in pain sit near to where the bears can touch them. The dancers absorb the pain and suffering of those needing help.”

Silvia reflects on growing up as a Miwok Indian.

“My grandparents, mother, aunts, uncles and older family members always told stories of the old days and the old ways.

We were taught about the traditional Miwok ceremonies, and listened to many oral stories that were passed down through generations,” she said.

“Early in life, I realized that I had to learn to live in two worlds, the world in which I would be accepted by the English-speaking people, and the world of the Miwok people; to always remember who you are and where you came from, and to always be proud of being a Miwok Indian.”

California Valley Miwok Tribe 4620 Shippee Lane • Stockton, CA 95212 (209) 931-4567 www.californiavalleymiwoktribe-nsn.gov

Community Spotlight • July 19, 2015 ■ 19

Advertising Supplement

I AM SAN JOAQUIN Timothy Sass Age: 64 Occupation: Retired Educator How long I’ve lived in San Joaquin County: 35 years Why I choose to live in San Joaquin County: We came here 35 years ago for a job position. We met great people, had ample opportunities for growth and appreciated the unique aspect San Joaquin County offers.

The people who mean the most to me: My family and the many friends we have met here over the years.

My favorite place to go in SJ County: out on the waterways of the delta.

Viaggio Estate & Winery Viaggio Estate & Winery is located in the heart of Lodi Wine Country, nestled among lush vineyards and walnut orchards who share one stunning backdrop, the pristine Mokelumne River. A family-owned destination for wine lovers, Viaggio combines unparalleled natural beauty and meticulously handcrafted wines with comfortable elegance and gracious hospitality.

Owners Larry and Teri Lawrence manage day-to-day operations and are very handson in the entire Estate.

Viaggio is Italian for Journey, and upon entering our lovely Tuscan-themed estate, visitors are welcomed by our gated archway, which above is inscribed, Where Your Journey to Forever Begins.

Wine lovers will enjoy our selection of delectable awardwinning, single vineyard wines.

We invite you to visit our exquisitely appointed tasting room where we offer selected

flights and wine by the glass. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help select the perfect wine for you and your guests as you create your very own delicious viaggio!

Teri’s Helping Hand is a non-profit corporation recently established by Teri Lawrence, co-owner with Larry, her husband, of Viaggio On The River Estate and Winery in Acampo, CA. Teri’s Helping Hand is established to help widows and orphans in the San Joaquin area. Funds are to help widows with miscellaneous and sundry needs, and to help orphans with educational and learning needs. Teri is the Wine Maker at Viaggio Winery, and proceeds from the annual Wine Maker’s Dinner will go to benefit

Teri’s Helping Hand. Our Dinner this year will be on Saturday, September 12, 2015. Jenny Lind and Friends will be entertaining during dinner, and our La Vita Bella will be transformed into a lovely Tuscany Garden!

Hobbies and interests: I enjoy doing voiceovers, boating and golfing. In addition, I have a delivery business, and help my wife with her business interests.

How I “give back” to my community: I have been an educator for 35 years in Stockton. During that time, I have come to know many students and parents.

I believe I have made contributions to the many youth crossing my path.

Additionally, I help with community events and provide support for the many activities for which my wife and I are involved.

Favorite SJ County memories: Summers on the delta with my family, Friday-night softball games with our church teams at Louis Park, sitting in the backyard on a warm summer evening with a good cigar and beverage.