The Current - March 2016

April 2016

DINING COU PONS

INSIDE the

ArtBEAT of

San Joaquin downtown

REVIVAL my

GENERATION more than

SKIN DEEP culture is

ALIVE printed on recycled paper

“SELFIE IN STOCKTON”

by Jimi La Rock

2

the current

photo by Greg Severi

Contributors Publisher

Roger Coover Advertising Director

Deitra Kenoly Editor

Karen Bakhtegan n Bakhtegan, na, Tirre, Kare n LaMasters, Li so Ja , ar iv ld z Sa left to right: Li

H

Deanna Luna

Cover Artist

Jimi LaRock

art. revitalization. hope.

“The beginning is the most important part of the work”- Plato

ere we are, excited to start something new; a community minded, monthly publication designed to inspire, inform, entertain, unite, and involve you.

Graphic Artists

Jason LaMasters Jason Ente Social Media /Events Specialist

Lina Tirre

We chose ART for the theme of our first edition because we believe art reflects emotion and ideas, hope and rejuvenation. Nothing says a Renaissance is in the making like the appearance of art springing up all over town. If you haven’t noticed, look around.

Account Specialists

Stockton is full of hopeful, innovative and generous people who are proud of their city and all its potential. We are seeing progress here every day. It is gaining speed like nothing we have witnessed before. It appears someone has found the secret to getting it right. We all know many have tried before.

But maybe, just maybe, it was never a secret at all. Maybe this new wave of pioneers just discovered that all they had to do was really see what was here already and start building on that. One thing leads to another, momentum picks up, it begins to snowball, and hope is born.

Writers

Welcome to The Current; a celebration of hope and the people of San Joaquin County who are keeping the hope alive.

Deanna Luna Liz Saldivar

Almendra Carpizo Charleen Earley Middagh Goodwin Bob Highfill Melissa Hutsell Jack Jacobs Mike Klocke Leah Myers Susan Michener Spracher Jennifer Torres

Sincerely,

The Current Team Karen, Deanna, Liz, Jason, and Lina

Photographers

It is our hope that this first edition inspires you.

The Current wants to become your voice.

Do you have something to say? Are you a writer?

An Armchair Columnist? A Blogger?

Ashlee Blackard Charleen Earley Lindsay Ortez Calixtro Romias Greg Severi

Are you an entrepreneur? An inventor? An innovator? An Artist?

Are you paying it forward? Do you know of a hidden gem or an unsung hero whose story needs to be told?

We want to hear from you and we want to include you in upcoming editions.

Email: thecurrent@recordnet.com Follow us and share your photos and messages Instagram- thecurrentsj Facebook- The Current San Joaquin

$3 value

Twitter- @thecurrentsj

the current

3

4

the current

10

april 2016

City on the Verge

-The young visionaries bringing Downtown Stockton back to life

52

21

47

15-31

The ArtBeat of San Jaoquin - Changing the face of the city

34

My Generation

-St Mary’s High School Guest Columnist

The ARTbeat of San Joaquin

10

37

Bites

-San Joaquin Delta College Student Chef CafĂŠ

38

Trivia Bee

-Celebrating 25 Years

40

Step Up to the Plate -Baseball Quiz

42

15

GET OUT

-Community Calendar

46

Field of Dreams

-Local Author Christy Lenzi

47

the local artists changing the face of the city

Sticks & Stones

-Local Author Harry Pacheco

48

Vines

-Bokisch Vineyards.

52

Hops & Crafts

-Local Craft Beer Craze

54

Fostering Hope

-The Voices & faces of Foster care Youth

48

61 the current

59

the undercurrent

-Listen to the Sounds of Stockton -Live Music Calendar -Local Musician Mondo Mariscol

5

6

the current

contact our specialists

Deanna Luna The Current 209-546-8229 dluna@recordnet.com Inside Print and Digital Specialist

Liz Saldivar The Current 209- 546-8210 lsaldivar@recordnet.com Outside Print and Digital Specialist

Lina Tirre Current Events Live 209-470-8925 etirre@recordnet.com Event Specialist

events

Get The Current delivered to your home the third Sunday of every month by subscribing to The Record.

Go to Recordnet.com to get your subscription started. ~Or~ Pick up a free copy of The Current sponsored by Big Valley Ford on the following week at any of these local businesses: Black Rose Tattoo 237 E Miner Avenue, Stockton Brannon Tires 4905 Claremont Avenue, Stockton David’s Pizza 1744 West Hammer Lane Downtown Stockton Alliance 125 Bridge Place

Mexican Heritage Center 111 S Sutter Street, Stockton Meyer’s Optical 858 West Ben Holt, Stockton Mid Town Creperie 3311 Pacific Avenue, Stockton Mr. D’s Pizza 122 E Oak Street, Stockton

Stockton Civic Theatre 2312 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton

The Art Korner 229 East Alpine Avenue, Stockton

Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau 125 Bridge Place, Stockton

We Play 3252 Tomahawk Lane, Stockton

Stockton Platinum Smog 2433 E Miner Avenue, Stockton

Wine & Roses 2505 West Turner Road, Lodi

Friends of the Library 1724 W Hammer Lane, Stockton Green’s Nutrition 1906 Pacific Avenue, Stockton Humphrey’s College 6650 Inglewood Avenue, Stockton Lange Twins Winery 1525 E Jahant Road, Acampo

NEXT MONTH The

She edition

featuring the inspiring WOMEN of San Joaquin

the current

7

8

the current

Jimi LaRock I was born on the island of Ebeye, Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, U.S. Territory. Located in the South Pacific. My father was born in Oakland, California, and he attended and graduated from the University of the Pacific before joining the Peace Corps, where he met my mother.

I lived in the Marjuro, Marshall Islands, until I was 6 years old and lived in the Island of Kosrae in the South Carolina Islands until I was 9 years old. My father moved us back to Stockton, CA. where he lived before joining the Peace Corps in hopes of continuing his Masters degree at UOP. My father taught at Franklin High school while I attended Davis Elementary in Morada. A year later transferred to John Tyler E l e m e n t a r y.

After 3rd grade transfer to 4th to 6th grade at James Madison Elementary. I also attended at Webster Middle School 7th and 8th grade. Graduated from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School. I went to Delta College for a year and half before I joined the US Air Force.

I was stationed at Upper Heyford, England for two years and transferred to Nellis, Air Force Base in Las Vegas. I was stationed there for 10 years and traveled around the world

from there. I received my Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design. Shortly after I got out of the Air Force and I got hired on as Graphic Designer and Art Director for a Vegas magazine company. I did some freelance work for Latino Yellow Pages in Fresno, while still living in Las Vegas.

Bechtel Nevada/NSTEC hired me as an Art Director for their graphic section for the Nevada Test Site and Lawrence Livermore Labs.

I joined the Christian Family Yellow Pages as an Art Director, but I was yearning to create fine art. I moved back home to pursue creating fine arts in sculpting and painting.

Now, I am pursuing my Master in Fine Arts at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. My goal is to open an Art Gallery and Studio in the Downtown area of Stockton. I would like to teach art to children and adults alike. I want to support the local artists and the art community in the San Joaquin County.

I have done artwork/freelance for Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Jamba Juice (in Las Vegas), Latino Yellow Pages (in Fresno, CA), Troy Wade (Atomic Testing Museum), NASA, Lawrence Livermore Labs, Rupert Perry, a previous President of EMI Records in London, England and many more to mention.

My Moto is, “Art is My Life and My Life is Art”

the current

9

10

the current

By Jennifer Torres Photos by Ashlee Blackard

A

fter graduating from University of the Pacific, ceramics artist Jessica Fong left Stockton, her hometown, for a residency in Sonoma and then an internship in New York.

“There were a lot of people who grew up being told that Stockton was a place you wanted to get away from,” she said. “But the more people tell you that nothing’s possible here, the more you kind of dig your heels in.”

Fong came back.

The new generation of born-and-bred Stocktonians staking a claim on

DOWNTOWN’S

FUTURE

Along with partner Joel Blum, she now operates Port City Mud out of a home studio, and was among the artists, artisans and other vendors who brought their work to Stockmarket at Weber Avenue and Stanislaus Street last year. The event series, a sort of indoor-outdoor music, shopping and dining experience, has brought new vitality to previously desolate Downtown spaces.

“Seeing hundreds of people filling that space really made you see the potential,” Fong said. “It showed people what’s possible, not just what’s already out there.”

The current chapter in the long-running saga of Stockton’s historic core is, in many ways, a story of homecoming.

At the forefront of some of the highest-profile developments are sons and daughters of Stockton returning to the waterfront city—often after years away—to be part of a new narrative of resurgence.

the current

11

Cindi Fargo, as executive director of the Downtown Stockton Alliance, is tasked with advancing the vision of an 18-hour downtown.

A place where people can browse a boutique, enjoy a meal, see a play, order a drink—and not just from 9 to 5, Monday through Friday.

Much of the foundation for urban revival has already been laid, Fargo said, citing public investments such as the Weber Point Event Center, Stockton Arena, Stockton Ball Park, and the Downtown Marina and Promenade.

And even after early progress faltered, evangelists, including developer Dan Cort and activist Mel Corren, ensured that Downtown remained part of the city’s community and economic development agenda.

“We have so many of the fundamental pieces,” Fargo said. “They’re not necessarily well connected.”

Now, creating connections and restoring confidence are at the heart of much of the Alliance’s work: Fargo and her team must convince potential visitors, including longtime Stockton residents, that Downtown is more than a place to report for work or jury duty.

And young adults—many of whom grew up with stories of a Downtown that was derelict, if not outright dangerous—have been among some of the earliest converts.

Papa Urb’s Grill, a Filipino fusion restaurant which opened last year in the Newberry Building on Weber Avenue, is co-operated by 27-yearold Alex Urbano, a graduate of Lincoln High and University of the Pacific. Billy Chaddock, another Stockton-born 27-year-old, is the founder of Channel Brewing Company, and aims to open a taproom in the Belding Building at Weber and San Joaquin Street. Lincoln alum Gianna Vicari, 25, returned to Stockton from Brooklyn to operate The Alley at Trail Coffee Roasters on East Miner Avenue.

In 2006, adults between the ages of 20 and 35 accounted for nearly one quarter of all Stockton residents, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Soon after, in the years during and immediately following the recession, the city’s population of young adults shrank.

12

the current

For the past three years, though, it has been slowly growing again.

After graduating from Bear Creek High School, David Garcia left Stockton to attend University of California, Los Angeles, and then Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies in Baltimore.

“Growing up, we were all told, ‘Don’t go Downtown,’” he said.

In 2012, still living on the East Coast, Garcia launched Stockton City Limits, a blog dedicated to exploring growth and urbanism. It was the platform via which he eventually connected with Stockton native and real estate developer Zac Cort, founder of Ten Space. Garcia was impressed by Cort’s vision for revitalizing urban centers. happening,” Leek said. “People are really wanting something different. They want to be a part of something.”

“Part of me was kind of jealous,” he recalled.

“I thought, ‘I would love to come back, to be a part of restoring my hometown.’”

But sustained momentum requires sustained investment, she said.

Finally, in 2014, he did, leaving behind a job in Washington, D.C. to become Community Development Director for Ten Space.

“We have a group of people who have stuck their necks out and said, ‘We’re going to sacrifice and take a risk and see if this will work.’ We will not be able to do it alone. … We have got to get more people involved in coming back.”

“I loved D.C.,” he said. “But it didn’t matter if I was there or not. Here, you have an opportunity to really make a difference.”

In February, the Stockton City Council blessed Ten Space’s ambitious Open Window project, a plan that includes about 1,000 Downtown residential units.

“Today I can say that we’ve made a lot of progress,” Garcia told councilmembers. “The Downtown today is already leaps and bounds ahead of when I grew up.”

“The Downtown today is already leaps and bounds ahead of when I grew up.”

The Ten Space staff directory is an anthology of Stockton return stories.

Besides Cort and Garcia, there are John Nguyen—who returned to Stockton after earning an engineering degree at University of California, Davis, and pursuing a career in architecture in the Bay Area— and Jasmine Leek—who moved to Santa Rosa after studying at Lincoln High, San Joaquin Delta College and University of the Pacific.

She too came home and joined Ten Space as Executive Director of Huddle, a project that’s part shared office, part innovation lab.

— David Garcia

“I think there is definitely some synchronicity

the current

13

14

the current

i AM current Medium used: For illustration, watercolor and India ink on paper with some digital. For fine art, everything else except sculpture.

local artist

Where can our readers find your art? www.davidrvallejo.weebly.com Why did you choose art? OR: What does being an artist mean to you? For me, art is not only a profession, it is something that I have to do. With drawing at the heart of my creative process, I carry my sketchbook almost everywhere I go. I like to draw from the things around me or from my imagination. I like to use current events as inspiration. I like to lampoon politics and public figures. I like to point out the nuances of things that are often overlooked. I like to be challenged by a project, not always knowing if I can pull it off successfully. I like to create art that sometimes challenges world-views, or simply as a way to bring something that is pleasing and positive into the world. I create to please myself, but it’s really great when someone else appreciates

my art and connects with it. Without art our society would be dead, so I feel it is my job to do my part in bringing life into our world with what I do.

Why do you choose to live/work in San Joaquin County? I was born and raised in Stockton. I have lived in a few different places, but close ties with family and friends have kept me here. It is not something I regret. This area offers so much. It has culture, art, music. One can find a vast array of dining cuisine.

There are farmer’s markets, festivals, and sports. You can’t beat the weather.

Our county is close to metropolitan areas as well as the mountains, or the beach. I could go on and on. It’s a great place to live.

.

R d i v a D

Vallejo

the current

15

Changing the Face of

South Stockt on

S

tockton has been marginalized for decades and it is one of Hector Lara’s goals to change that – one beautifully painted park bench at a time.

Coordinator for Reinvent South Stockton Coalition, Hector works for the non-profit, which is dedicated to improving Stockton’s image, creating awareness, creating civic pride and engagement and creating long term strategies and alignment of resources to support their strategies.

By Charleen Earley Photos By Lindsay Ortez

16

the current

He, along with between 20 to 40 student volunteers (ages 10 to 18) arrange through the Coalition to paint park benches, garbage cans, walls and surface areas that have previously been tagged with graffiti.

“I wasn’t born in South Stockton, but I grew to love this community,” he said. “When I came to work here, I met Pastor Amelia Adams, an advocate in this community. She became my mentor. I saw her passion for a community that has been given so many

challenges; there’s a very negative narrative here.

She showed me the beauty, strength a n d resilience of this city and how to make a collective positive impact!”

Born and raised in Mexico, later moving to Atwater, CA at age 11, and making his home in Stockton three years ago, Hector is a social worker by trade.

“Stockton has a lot of strength and opportunity that has been ignored,” said Hector, 34, who also works part-time running two community clinics at Lawrence Elementary in Lodi and King Elementary in Stockton.

He knows of many 20-somethings who were raised in Stockton, went off to colleges and universities such as Berkeley, Stanford and UCLA, and have come back home to make a change.

“They want to do this work and bring back this energy because they care and it’s contagious,” said Hector.

“I’m excited about this movement!”

One such youthful Stocktonian who came home from college to make a change is Councilman Michael D. Tubbs, District 6, who founded the Coalition January 2014.

“Coming from south Stockton, I know how much talent and unutilized resources we have,” he said. “It’s incredible that Stockton misses out when its kids don’t reach their full potential. A lot of the problems are man-made and policy issues; like segregation and redlining. A third of Stockton’s residents live south of Harding Way, and it’s not because of an act of God!”

“These issues are found in north, east and west Stockton as well,” Tubbs added. “We can’t do it alone. We needed this impact strategy to bring all the players together to move the needle. This Coalition could be the model of

how to improve all of those areas of Stockton.”

The Coalition partners with many other organizations in Stockton to include the City of Stockton, Community Partnership for Families of San Joaquin County, Stockton Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin, El Concilio, Fathers & Families of San Joaquin, St. Joseph Medial Center and more.

To date, the kids have beautified two parks with more parks on tap. Hector said every park the kids have painted, graffiti has not returned.

“All of us have a role in improving our community and we are finding ways of building on people’s assets and interests in building south Stockton,” he added. “As long as we are all working together and moving in the same direction, we can have that collective impact!” •

To volunteer, donate or learn more about the Reinvent South Stockton Coalition, visit them at www.facebook.com/ reinventsouthstockton/info/?tab=overview.

the current

17

Presented by

18

the current

Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery By: Leah Myers Photos by: Lindsay Ortez If you take a look around Stockton, one thing you will find is a melting pot of vibrant culture. Since the late 1990’s the Mexican Heritage Center, located in the heart of downtown Stockton, has enriched the community by celebrating the history and culture of Latino people through visual arts, performing arts and educational programs.

The mission of the Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery, a non-profit organization, is to educate and promote art and culture for current and future generations.

Throughout the year, passionate artists, educators, and interested members of the community volunteer their time, and work together to educate people on the rich traditions, heritage and culture of Mexico. The Mexican Heritage Center regularly showcases the work of local artists and high school students along with poetry readings, symposiums and art workshops. Annual events such as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Las Posadas (Christmas Festival) are open to the community as well.

Gracie Madrid, who currently serves as President on the Board of Directors has been involved with the organization since 2010. “We bring the culture to Stockton,” said Madrid. She also favors the center’s location, on South Sutter Street, as it draws people to the downtown area.

In honor of exemplary community members, each year the Mexican Heritage Center hosts two annual fundraising events-- the Adelita Awards and the Cesar Chavez Prayer Breakfast. The Adelita Awards are given to three successful Latino women in San Joaquin County. The name Adelita is used in memory of courageous women warriors who fought in battles against Mexican government forces during the Mexican Revolution. The term “Adelita” is used in reference to a woman of strength, courage and perseverance. The awards are given to women from vulnerable communities who have succeeded despite facing many hardships and obstacles throughout their lives. The Cesar Chavez prayer breakfast is a wellattended event that includes an art exhibit and live mariachi music.

Inside the self-supporting center is a store, La Tiendita, which sells traditional, one of a kind art pieces. Tamales are also sold during the holidays and there are longrange plans in place to open a coffee shop. All proceeds go to the Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery. • To learn more about the center, upcoming events or volunteer opportunities, call 209-944-4522 or send an email to: mexicanheritage1@att.net. The center is located at: 111 S. Sutter Street, Stockton, CA 95202

the current

19

local artist

b o B

Laird

Medium used: Markers on chalkboard Where can our readers find your art? My artwork and event schedule are posted on my website at address www.outsideinsight.buzz What does being an artist mean to you? Being an artist to me means refreshing the symbolic language of art for my era, and accessing deeper aspects of myself and society. I’ve found that it is also an avenue for us to realize the significance of the whole, and our relationship with nature.

Why do you choose to live/work in San Joaquin County?

I chose to live here because I grew up in Stockton, and no matter how this city changes and grows, its passion and creativity remain raw and constant.

Bob Laird grew up in Stockton and is the author of a poetry book, Outside Insight (Wisdom Extracted from Nature). About a year ago, while writing poetry on an erasable whiteboard, and taking pictures of it to post on Facebook, he thought he’d see how it’d look on chalkboard. From that moment on he’s been expressing his inspirational words in framed, interactive, and 3D chalkboard art all over Stockton.

To restore yourself back to nature, see his book, art, and events at www.outsideinsight.buzz.

20

the current

photo by Dee Ya

tes

local artist

Medium used: Acrylic paint, ocean water from the Pacific Where can we find your art? Visit my website: www.erinelizabeth.com for all my latest work, how to purchase, and when and where to attend my art shows and Abstract Alchemy art classes What does being an artist mean to you?

Art was something I always did on the side, and after years of closed doors to jobs I thought I wanted, I finally said, “screw it,” and did what I knew was right in my heart. Embodying as an artist allows me to express myself with complete freedom, and that excites me the most. My love of the ocean and water is a reoccurring theme to my work, using ocean water with paint to create unique effects that represent the flow and depth of life itself.

Why do you choose to live/work in San Joaquin County?

I was born and raised in Stockton, Lincoln High School Class of 2000. I earned a B.A. in journalism from Arizona State, and after about ten years of being a “professional world traveler” living out of a suitcase teaching English and Bikram yoga, I felt it was time to come back home to launch my heart as an artist. Stockton has always welcomed me with open arms, and it’s an exciting time for the arts in the Central Valley. I knew I’d get the support here to start my business, and so far it’s been amazing. I’ve also been able to work on projects to help support our community, and that has been incredibly rewarding to give back.

Erin Elizabeth the current

21

Skin Deep

Making an Impression Downtown

More Than

e s o R k c a l B

22

H

ow is a tattoo artist born? For Sonny Vasquez the artist part came first.

His talent for drawing was noticed by an acquaintance 8 years ago who asked if he’d be interested in finishing a tattoo for him. Vasquez was intrigued by the offer but didn’t have access to equipment. So he devised a machine of his own using parts from a CD player, a barrel pen cylinder and other repurposed parts. He was in business. Vasquez guesses he’s done more than a 1,000 tattoos to date.

Becoming a co-owner, with Jose “Zombie” Zuniga, of Black Rose Tattoo last summer, Vasquez has become familiar with the business end of things. What sets the large shop apart in addition to its size and 

the current

By Susan Michener Spracher Photos By Lindsay Ortez

character (the interior features what looks to be a historic bar countertop and a black coffin), is the amount of customization they do for even basic tattoos. There are no predesigned tattoos to choose from “anything that comes in, we try to change it up.

We’re a completely custom shop,” said Vasquez. He doesn’t hesitate to counsel first timers about the size and placement of their tattoos; wanting them to be sure their choice will fit with their lifestyle. He sees all the work that comes out of the shop as a reflection of the owners and it’s important to him that the work is done well and to the customer’s satisfaction.

A unique thing he does from his business is maintain a relationship with the downtown homeless community through a group he started called The Hope Dealers. Beginning in 2011 from his own kitchen with 5 friends, Vasquez started putting together meals once a month and delivering them to people in need at the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless. The group, now grown to 40 volunteers, specifically target weekends for their delivery when food service can be variable.

They’re able to feed 200-300 people during their once a month visits. Beyond that, the group also delivered Thanksgiving meals and put on a Christmas event that included food, face painting, cookie decorating and gifts for children. Vasquez makes this happen remembering 5 days he spent in his car once, “I know I can be there at any moment,” he says.

Black Rose Tattoo has hosted art shows and fundraisers and plans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Dia De Los Muertos in November. •

Black Rose Tattoo Parlor 237 E. Miner Avenue

(209) 451-4516

the current

23

24

the current

local artist

n h o J z u r i Qu

By Charleen Earley

J

ohn Quiruz is so good at sculpting that his pieces look convincingly lifelike. Just one look and you might feel as though the people and animals he recreates are about to talk.

“I started sculpting busts because I like creating art from life,” said Quiruz of Stockton, 25. “I like realism; to make it believable. It’s impossible, but you can get pretty close to life.”

He’s wrong there.

Quiruz’s busts are so close to real life, they’re borderline eerie, but in a good way.

“Sculpting was a random elective class I took at Delta Community College, but then I started looking into its history,” said Quiruz. “Ceramics have survived throughout history for a long time, so I thought I’d learn how to sculpt things.” 

John with his former art teacher, Joe Mariscal

the current

25

It took him about five weeks to create his first dog bust last Christmas for a friend of his, Greg Severi of Stockton.

The bust was for Severi’s fiancé Angela Beglau, whose dachshund Penny had passed away.

“I’m amazed and blown away by how realistic John’s work is,” said Severi. “When she first opened it, we set it on the counter, and a few times I walked into the room and saw the sculpture and immediately thought, ‘how in the heck did Penny get up there,’ even though she had passed away over eight months prior. I told Angela about that, and she said the same thing happened to her a few times. I even held the sculpture in my hands and kind of hid it in my jacket and showed the sculpture to our other dog, Riley, and he instantly jumped up and ran over to it and started sniffing the mouth and ears – it’s what he would do to greet Penny all the time – it was kind of sad to see the confusion in his face. I really think he thought it was her. Everyone we’ve showed it to were blown away by his talent.”

Part of Quiruz’s passion for sculpting stems from the psychological aspect of preserving the past.

“It means a lot to people who hold onto something they love. They need something to commemorate that love, to keep them going, inspired and determined to keep

moving forward,” said Quiruz. “The bust is something that resembles life.”

Quiruz was inspired by one of the freelance workshop professors at Delta Community College, Wesley Wright of Oakland, who incorporates nature into his animal sculptures. Because of Wright, he now has plans to enhance his sculpting.

“I’d like to get into more life-sized sculptures and incorporate more of serialism into it,” he said.

For a 12-inch bust, Quiruz’s pieces cost between $300 and $500, depending on if the client wants multi-color, single-color, monochrome or bronze coating.

While drawing with pencil is his foundation and first love, sculpting is quickly taking his artistic abilities and passion to the next level.

“I love the feel of it and the challenge of taking something from a two-dimensional and making it threedimensional. And I like the responses I get from others who enjoy my art too. It’s an ego boost, I guess!” said Quiruz.

“Sculpting is really good to get your mind off things – when you sculpt, time burns away and you see the beauty and structure of life, and figure out how to capture a person or animal’s soul into a sculpture.”

photo by Greg Severi

Visit John Quiruz on Twitter @JohnQuiruz or email him at johnquiruz@outlook.com 26

the current

the current

27

SMARTproject

.T. Project

sy of S.M.A.R

photos courte

He’s got a lot of ‘happy’ in him too, and rightfully so, since the Santa Monica-born cartoonist worked for the creators of Scooby Doo, The Jetsons, Curious George and The Flintstones and more for over 35 years.

Giving Kids Civic Pride

By Charleen Earley Michael Oliva is tired of people saying how horrible Stockton is, and has made it his goal to change the city’s image one wall at a time through beautiful murals with students.

“I put visuals in front of people that makes them happy or fulfilled,” said Oliva of Stockton.

28

the current

“I dropped out of junior college in 1976 when HannaBarbera offered me an internship. I worked for HannaBarbera for six years, worked on over 40 television series, 20 feature films and worked for Disney too,” said Oliva.

“I basically made big flipbooks!”

In 2004, Disney went computer-automated and laid off 800 artists, including Oliva, who then had to reinvent himself in the art industry. Adapting to the digital boom,

he found a new home at Delta Community College 10 years ago and has taught web design, digital graphics and his specialty – traditional hand-drawn animation.

Today he’s an adjunct professor at the college, runs his own graphic design company, and beautifies Stockton with murals. With his artistic talents, he started the Smart Project in conjunction with the Stockton Arts Commission.

To kick-start the project, he said having former Mayor of Stockton Ann Johnston supporting his team and Disney on his resume didn’t hurt one bit.

“Ann Johnston has been a great friend and supporter, not just for my group, but for public art in Stockton,” Oliva said.

Oliva’s project mission is to give Stockton the positive image it deserves, and at the same time, integrate and submerse the kids in positive activities. A win-win.

“We take students from local high schools and colleges and train them to do mural work. We use these student artists and pair them with professional artists and pay them stipends,” said Oliva, who is joined by his wife Menchie and her two brothers, also accomplished artists.

With six murals and eight painted utility boxes under their belt, Oliva is not the only one proud of their work.

“We had an unveiling at McKinley Park with police officials and councilmembers present, and we got the attention of KCRA Ch. 4 with past events!” said Oliva.

“The murals also give the kids civic pride,” Oliva added.

“If it makes them smile or makes them feel better about where they live, then I’ve done my job!”

Visit Michael Oliva’s website at: www.smartprojectstockton.com or www.olivagrafix.com.

the current

29

30

the current

Dario local artist

s e l a z n o G

Medium used: I started with oil, but as my urge to produce art took over I began to use many different mediums, from oil and acrylic to clay and reclaimed wood. I feel as an artist you are obligated to use your creativity in any way possible.

Where can our readers find your art? My art can be seen in many places of business around the Lodi and Stockton area – Midgley’s Public House, Tap House Pizza, Lodi Public Library, Blend Ultra Lounge, Bikes and Bites, and also on the streets of Lodi as I painted electrical boxes which were part of the art in public places program in Lodi.

Why did you choose art? I chose art… well, that’s not true, only because I feel like art chose me. As a child I felt it lingering inside any time I was freely thinking or being creative. School and sports were a huge part of my youth, so I never really gave into art until my late 20s. As I opened that door and slowly let the worry of my art or creativity being judged go out the window, naturally I felt my art and creative freedom grow exponentially. So now the question must be, why do I do and live art? The answer to that is quite complex, but in a nutshell, I create art because it’s my way to contribute beauty and life to this world and perhaps open a few hearts, eyes, and minds along the way. It is a language felt and understood by all, and when you can connect to anyone, that is the beginning of something special. Life is forever changing and so is art, who is imitating who is for you to see.

Why do you choose to live/work in San Joaquin County? I am surrounded by friends and family, not to mention how beautiful this place is, so near to the massive mountains and sandy beaches… how could you ever leave? rtez Lindsay O photo by

the current

31

nom’ nom’ coupons 32

FREE side gs of with bookin or more 50 gueexspirts es 4/30/16 kee’s Smokin’ Yan g BBQ Caterin (209) 487-2515

esbbq.com

yanke www.smokin

50% OF

F Fri. Night entrée, wh en you order a 2nd entr ée of similar v alue expires 4/30/16

Elkhorn Grill 1050 Elkhorn Dr, Stockton (209) 477-2200 www.elkhorn banqet.com

Serve FREE Soft our Lunch Sundae w/y r Entrée or Dinexnpire es 4/30/16

Upgrade a ny 16 oz. drin k to 24 oz FR EE with Coupo n expires 4/3

Elm Street McGuire’s on Irish Pub eet 27 W. Elm Str odi Downtown L (209) 339-4747

0/16

Fresh Deligh ts 24 N. School St, Lodi (209) 365-1361

er Buy a Sup eceive Burrito & r soda a free es 4/30/16 expir

apala Taqueria Ch Ave 205 S. Fresno Stockton (209) 463-0850

Buy two 3-i tem combo pla tes and get one co mbo plate FREE expir

Buy a Fres h Sandwich, Hot Dog or Grilled Sandwich & get a FR EE soda or bag of chip s expires 4/30/1

6

Serrano’s De li 445 W. Webe r Ave, Ste. 14 2 Stockton (209) 670-4406

h Buy a lunc receive sandwich & okie of a FREE co e your ch0/1o6 ic

es 4/30/16

expires 4/3

es Magda’s Cak ont St 1119 W. Frem Stockton (209) 467-7244

Mi Ranchito Cafe 425 S. Center St Stockton (209) 946-9257 d tree, get 2n Buy one en e lesser valu r o l a u q e f o f purchase o 1/2 off with two drinks 6

expires 4/30/1

t l’s Restauran A ia rn fo li a C ford St, Lodi 601 W. Locke (209) 365-1805 iaals.com www.californ the current

FREE soda with purchase o f any of our amazin g, awardwinning sa ndwiches expires 4/30/1 6 A Moveable Feast 1000 W. Kettle man Ln, Lod i (209) 931-9673

0am-11:3 served 7:3 hurs r good Mon-T Offe locations only. at these two 6

expires 4/30/1

urger Barn Moo Moo’s B n Pkwy, Stockto 10940 Trinity lvd, Rocklin 2330 Sunset B oos.com www.moo-m

All sandwic hes, chips & sod a for $8.50 We offer bage l

& croissant breakfast da ily expires 4/30/1

6

Tillie’s Cafe 21 West Pine St, Lodi (209) 365-6644

k with FREE drin se of the purcha ore on $5.00 or m deli item

Buy one cu pcake, get one FR EE. Limit one per coupon

expires 4/30/1

6

6

expires 4/30/1

et Louie’s Mark eet tr 734 E. Main S Stockton (209) 464-7693

Frosted Flou r 904 W. Lodi A ve, Lodi www.website .com

nch, Buy one lu REE soda get a F 6 expires 4/30/1 Restaurant Irma’s Place Ave 524 E. Weber Stockton (209) 464-1960

Buy 1 Larg e pizza (regular p rice $9.99)

get any on e scoop of ice crea m in a regular co ne FREE expires 4/30/1 6 Slice N Scoo p 1143 E. Main St, Stockton (209) 937-0890

Buy any fu ll entree and receiv e a FREE 16oz drink and cookie FRE E up

$6 dollar an All Americ Special urger,

cheeseb All American soda s ie & a can of 1/2 order of fr es 4/30/16

to $4.45 value expires 4/30/1

expir

6

Toot Sweets Bakery Cafe 4755 Quail La kes Dr, Stockto n (209) 471-2964 www.tootswee tsbakerycafe.c om

Victory Grill iablo Ave, 1765 Monte D Stockton (209) 941-8841

*Of equal or

ur 15% off yo order@ the entire this coupon

Must present . One time use. time of order r offers or coupons Not valid with

any othe

expires 4/30/1

6

value

6

expires 4/30/1

cakery T Cakes Cup Stockton (925) 400-8572 upcakery.com www.tcakesc

Buy 1 entr ee, get 1 half off* *Of equal or lesser Blend 115 S. School St, Lodi (209) 334-2036 www.blendlo di.com the current

Nom’ Nom’ coupons

eakfast 15% off Br 0am

lesser value

33

The Current is proud to present our first student guest columnist Caroline Stephens. Caroline is a junior at St. Mary’s High School. She is a fourth-generation Stocktonian and lives with her parents and brother, Jack, a senior at St. Mary’s. Her sister Elizabeth is a sophomore at Santa Clara University. Caroline plays varsity basketball, runs cross country and writes for the school newspaper. Caroline is active with the Ree Club, Math Club, International Outreach, Campus Ministry, National Honor Society, California Federation Society and has been on student council every year since the fourth grade. Her favorite subjects are math and chemistry, and she wants to pursue a career in engineering.

By Caroline Stephens

34

lder generations often speak about how technology has destroyed genuine human interaction for the younger generation. The common criticism is that millennials have formed a dependence on technology, with an emphasis on social media that detracts from face to face socializing. As a member of the “technological” generation, I believe that technology has become a necessity for everyday life. Certainly there is a downside to the sudden surge in the popularity of social media, but the positives overcome the negatives as social media results in an interconnected world with quick communication and an easy spread of information. the current

photo by Charleen Earley

Guest Columnist Caroline Stephens (far right) gets social with her friends (left to right) Julia Delucchi, Michael Reyes, and Kennedy Ford

The age of social media is officially upon us as one is considered an outlier if they don’t have a form of social networking, whether it be Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. These forms of social media open up a door of possibilities for connecting with an endless amount of people. While the younger generation has been known to use Twitter for connecting with friends and creating new friendships, the older generation has also jumped on board to using social media as a means to reconnect with family members or past acquaintances. There is a great chance that you can navigate through Facebook and scroll over a page belonging to a long lost cousin that hasn’t been seen since grade school. Perhaps you want to see how your old college roommate is doing. There is no easier and quicker way to check up on their life then through social networking as photos and constant updates share information regarding their well being and experiences. Social Media also allows instant communication with others no matter the distance. The ability to easily hold a conversation with others over the screen of a cellular phone is a monumental change from the past where all conversations had to be face to face or written in a letter. Millennials have become comfortable with constant conversations over the phone and thus have earned the criticism that they are incapable of properly communicating with one another in person. While this may be true for a select few, I believe the vast majority of millennials have allowed social media to benefit their social lives as they now have more people to interact with in person because they grew familiar

to them as a result of social networking.

Without social media, people from around the globe would not be able to associate with one another to the extent that they are through social networking sites and apps.

A common complaint of social media is that the privacy of the user is often compromised.

However, with common sense and knowledge of h o w the technology is intended to be used, social networking can result in a spread of much needed information rather than an invasion of privacy. The younger generations have grown adept at manipulating technology and understanding how to properly work the social media sites. Having said that, there are always going to be some people who share too much information, but that is just a small price to pay in comparison to the benefits that come from using social

media. Adults who grew up in an era when portable telephones didn’t exist may believe that the constant use of phones by millennials results in an ultimate ignorance or unawareness of the world surrounding us. I believe that this is far from the truth as apps such as Twitter allow the spread of knowledge on current events in the world ranging from the score of a NBA game to the results of the Iowa Caucus. In a time period where people are obsessed with the idea of instant gratification, using social media as a way to spread news is accepted and encouraged because it can immediately be seen and shared throughout the world.

As someone who is growing up in an era where technology is pervasive, I disagree with the belief that social media has destroyed human interaction. This criticism often comes from older generations who have yet to grow accustomed to the changing times and prefer to continue with what they have always known; a life without advanced technology.

While social media has its flaws, including those who share too much information and grow dependant of their phones, it results in a more connected world with the ability to quickly communicate and share thoughts.

The pros of technology outweigh the cons as it is evident that social media leads to a world with an abundance of knowledge and ever-expanding opportunities.

Do you like to write? Do you have something to say?

Theent r Cur nts Wa !

YOU

We are seeking student guest columnists from All San Joaquin County High Schools to write about trends, hot topics, and issues that affect you and your peers.

Our monthly My Generation feature is YOUR forum. Your column can be serious or light-hearted, humorous or inspiring, thought- provoking or just plain fun.

We want to hear from YOU. If you are interested in contributing as a student guest columnist or you just have a topic you would like our guest columnists to address email kbakhtegan@recordnet.com for details. the current

35

36

the current

By: Leah Myers When most people think of college campus dining, gourmet is typically not the first thing that comes to mind. However, San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton boasts its own campus restaurant, Student Chef, where you can order things like eggs benedict for breakfast and grilled lamb chops or sea scallops for lunch.

For anyone who has ever dreamed of turning their hobby or passion for cooking into a career, Delta College has been offering degrees and certificates in the culinary arts for over 20 years. The Student Chef restaurant is part of the two-year Delta College Culinary Arts Program and serves as an extension of the classroom where students learn culinary techniques in a hands-on environment. The experience prepares students for a variety of careers in the food service industry. Students in the program can take classes to earn an Associate of Arts Degree, Associate of Science Degree, or a Basic and Advanced Certificate. All food and beverages served at Student Chef are prepared by students enrolled in advanced culinary courses. All proceeds from restaurant sales go back into the culinary program. This year, two students from the culinary program

the current

of Student Ch ef Cafe photo courtesy

BITES Delta students cooking with “class”

will be selected for scholarships where they will travel abroad to study in Italy at the Marco Polo Institute this summer.

Chef Mark Berkner, culinary program manager, owns a restaurant and has taught culinary classes at Delta College for seven years. Berkner teaches four classes each semester and owns Taste restaurant in Plymouth, CA as well as The Volcano Inn and Pub. Berkner said one of the things he enjoys most about his work at Delta College is to “watch students develop and grow in their chosen career path.”

A number of culinary program graduates have opened their own catering businesses or work in chef and/or baker positions in cafes and restaurants throughout California.

Delta College’s “Winter Feast” provides students with additional experience, as students take the lead in catering and managing this annual on-campus event. Winter Feast is open to the public and tickets go on sale in October.

The Student Chef Restaurant’s hours of operation for spring 2016 are: Tuesday and Wednesday 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Lunch will be served on: March 29 and 30, April 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 26. The last day of service will be on April 27.

The spring menu can be found on the www.delta.edu website. For hours of operation, call 209-954-5099.

37

f o s r a e y 25

e e B a i v i Tr by Jack Jacobs

W

hen Master of Ceremonies and Channel 10 reporter Tim Daly fires off the first “Heroes and Villains” question at the 25th annual Trivia Bee Fundraiser this April 22 at the Stockton Arena, he will be continuing a city tradition first billed as an “entertaining clash of wits.”

In January of 1992, the fledgling non-profit agency, The Library Literacy Foundation of San Joaquin County, inaugurated the Trivia Bee as its first fundraising event at the Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club. Superior Court Judge John Cruikshank Jr. in traditional white wig presided and downtown merchant Ed Coy asked the questions.

My Stockton Record colleague, Editorial Page Editor Richard G. Marsh, fielded the first Trivia Bee question from Coy that night. “Who said, ‘Macho does not prove mucho?’” His response, “Madonna!” may have delighted the roaring crowd, but he guessed wrong. The Record didn’t win that night; the Incredible Data Boyz from the Public Defender’s Office did.

And $13,000 was raised to support local adult literacy programs in San Joaquin County.

Looking back, I wish I could have been there for that initial fundraiser, but another four or five years would pass before Marsh, a founding member of the Library and Literacy Foundation, would recruit me to participate on The Record’s three-person trivia bee team.

BRAIN TWISTERS

“What was the name of the horse belonging to Alexander the Great?” For some reason, of all the trivia questions I’ve choked on the past twenty years, this one stands out. The correct answer, “Bucephalus,” was the winning tie-breaker in an overtime game some years back.

38

the current

“What State in the Union has the most lighthouses?” “Where are the Islets of Langerhans?”

“What’s ‘two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun?’”

Would you believe it’s “Michigan, your pancreas, and a Big Mac?” Who knows this stuff?

Certainly those up on pop culture might know these things or those with very specific interests and certainly those with a lot of life experience. In my opinion, though, the short and perhaps most simplest answer would be those who read.

And that is why the Trivia Bee, now in its 25th year, was born—to raise the money to fund the programs that help people read.

This year’s theme of “Heroes and Villains, Who will you Bee?” certainly conjures up, in my imagination, at least, all those heroes and villains from literature and movies and even politics that we all love and hate. Not that long ago I mused to my wife that maybe the Bee should sponsor an Atticus Finch look-a-like contest. “No,” she said, “everybody would show up looking like Gregory Peck.”

LLF TO THE RESCUE In the early 1990s, the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library’s Library Literacy Project was facing serious cutbacks in state funding. Its mission of teaching reading skills to folks in our county was in jeopardy. That is why the Library Literacy Foundation of San Joaquin County was incorporated as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization: to raise those needed funds to keep the project afloat.

Times do change. Projects come and go. The Library Literacy Project is no more, but other initiatives have taken its place. The Trivia Bee, the Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year, helps finance those needed programs.

OUR LIBRARIAN SPEAKS Listen to Suzy Daveluy, Deputy Director of Community Services / City Librarian for the Stockton-San Joaquin Public Library: “Thanks to the Foundation’s support in this last year alone, we are able to offer technology programming with a 3D printer at our new Stribley Library, Rosetta Stone language learning for all community residents, and improved early learning centers in several of our libraries.”

She continues, “We also appreciate the Foundation’s continued support of annual programs such as ‘Summer Reading’ and ‘One Book, One San Joaquin’ which encourage literacy and foster a sense of community by bringing people together through books.”

I would add to that list the Foundation’s book give-a-way at Family Day in the Park where last September over 800 children were each given a free book to take home to read.

The community’s support of the Foundation and the Trivia Bee help make all of this a reality.

And as for who said, “Macho does not prove mucho,” it was Zsa Zsa Gabor. • The 25th annual Trivia Bee, the main fundraiser for the Library Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County, takes place Friday night, April 22, 2016, at the Stockton Arena.

Doors open at 5:00 PM This year’s theme is: “Heroes & Villains – Who Will You Bee?” Sponsorships are available.

The fee for each three-person team is $600 and includes admission, dinner for each team member, plus a team photo for all three team members. Individual tickets are $25.00 each.

Checks can be made payable to: Library Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County and mailed to: The Library and Literacy Foundation 6507 Pacific Avenue, PMB 174 Stockton, CA 95207 For more information contact: Anna Sass at SASS Public Relations, Inc. 957-7277 email: anna_sass@sasspr.com

the current

39

e t a Pl

P U P E ST

E H T TO

0

QUIZ

The Major League Baseball season opens soon. San Joaquin County and the surrounding area have a rich baseball history, which has included a number of players who have made it to “The Show.”

Here’s a quiz to test your knowledge of local major leaguers: 1

Former St. Mary’s High School and Stanford standout Ed Sprague Jr., who later was head coach at University of the Pacific, hit a dramatic pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning of the 1992 World Series to keep the Toronto Blue Jays from falling behind 2-0. Toronto would eventually win the championship. Which highly accomplished relief pitcher allowed the home run to Sprague?

2 Former Franklin High School and Delta College lefthanded pitcher Eddie Guardado played 17 years in the big leagues. He appeared in 908 games and had 187 saves — including 86 combined in his best two years, 2002 and 2003.

What was his nickname?

Peggy Lindsey, in attendance. A career back-up— and, like Braden, former Stockton Port — was the catcher for the perfect game. Name him.

6

Von Hayes, a sweet-swinging left-handed hitting outfielder and first baseman who graduated from St. Mary’s High School, was nicknamed “5 for 1” because the Philadelphia Phillies once traded five players to Cleveland to obtain Hayes. Can you name any of the five players traded for Hayes?

7 This pitcher was chosen in the 11th round of the 1994 Major League Draft, but opted to attend school at University of the Pacific. In 1997, he was an All-American and the No. 7 overall pick in the Major League Draft.

3 There were greater New York Yankees, but his association 8 A former St. Mary’s High standout, this shortstop played with the franchise spanned 32 years and included 17 world championships and 23 World Series appearances as a player and then coach. In retirement, he lived in Stockton and was an avid fisherman of Delta waterways. Who is he?

4 A Lincoln High School graduate, this catcher played the first 12 years of his major league career with the Kansas City Royals before finishing with one year in Oakland. He had a career .990 fielding percentage and threw out 33 percent of attempted base stealers.

5 Former Stagg High star Dallas Braden threw one of only 23 perfect games in Major League history on May 9, 2010 — Mother’s Day, with the grandmother who raised him, 40

the current

for three major league teams in 10 years and had a career year in 2009, hitting .320 with 14 home runs, 66 RBI and 30 stolen bases for Tampa Bay. Name him.

9

A Manteca native, this pitcher played for portions of eight years in the majors starting in 1943. He also hit a home run during his rookie year. The Big League Dreams sports complex in Manteca is located on a street that bears his name. Who is he?

10 This left-handed relief pitcher journeyed “down the hill” from Sonora High School to Delta College and has pitched for four big-league teams in eight seasons. Name him. answers on page 44

the current

41

Now Through May 8 85th Annual McKee Student Art Contest & Exhibition

T E G OUT Delta College Fashion Club & Event Production Class Semiannual Nearly New Sale

Haggin Museum

1201 N. Pershing Avenue • Stockton More info : (209) 940-6300 or visit www.hagginmuseum.org

Brand-new and nearly new clothing, accessories, and home goods starting at $1.

April

8

March

31

presented by Chase Chevrolet

& pre-show exhibit SJDC Warren Atherton Theatre 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton Exhibit starts 4:30 Doors 6:15 • Show: 7:00 Tickets $10-$35 www.recordnet.com or Delta College Box Office

Stockton Symphony Pines of Rome, April Grieg and Jon Nakamatsu Delta College – Warren Atherton Theatre

5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton 6pm-8pm Tickets: $25-$66 stocktonsymphony.org 209-951-0196

April

Crossroads 1, 2 & 3 Manteca Street Faire

April

2

10

Stockton is Magnificent

Grand Theatre Center for the Arts 715 Central Avenue, Tracy 7pm-9pm • Tickets: $19-$39 More info: 209-831-6858 Or visit: atthegrand.org

Lodi Wine and Food Festival Lodi Grape Festival Grounds 413 E. Lockeford Street, Lodi $50-$65 grapefestival.com/events

Bob Hope Theatre 242 E. Main Street Stockton Doors 1pm • Tickets: $4-$8 stocktonlive.com

Stockton Car Show and Swap Meet

SJ Delta College 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton Info:stocktonismagnificent.com

Central West Ballet Presents The Rat Pack in Review

9

April The African Queen

Yosemite Avenue & Main Street 10am-5pm Free Admission More info: 209-823-7229

42

Danner Hall at Delta College 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton 10am-4pm 209-954 5151

San Joaquin County Fairgrounds 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton 6am – 3pm Info: 209-948-5307

San Joaquin Asparagus Festival SJ County Fairgrounds

15, 16 & 17

1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton Fri: 2pm-8pm Sat: 10am-8pm Sun: 10pm-6pm Tickets: $3-$10 Parking $6 sanjoaquinasparagusfestival.net the current

April

Funny Money

KUDOS Children's Theatre Company Gamers 2: Rise of the Avatars 1943 W. Lucile Avenue, Stockton Performance Dates: Friday, April 15 at 6:30pm Saturday, April 16 at 2pm & 5pm ​Sunday, April 17 at 2pm Ticket info: www.kudosct.com

April

15-17

April Waikiki Wine Stroll Downtown Lodi

16 April

April 23

16-17

Stockton Civic Theatre 2312 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton For tickets and show times: 209-473-2424 or boxoffice@sctlivetheatre.com

Lodi Grape Festival Grounds

May

27 15

Alphabet Rockers Musical Chairs Children’s Concert

Scottish Rite Auditorium 33 W. Alpine, Stockton 10am-11am Seats by reservation: $9 Door: $12 209-487-2559

6pm-9pm Purchase tickets at www.lodichamber.com $30 advance $40 at stroll

The Reptile Breeders Show

April

-

April

29

Stockton Symphony: The Music of April Michael Jackson Spanos Center University of the Pacific 8pm-10pm Tickets: $30-71 stocktonsymphony.org 209-951-0196

413 E. Lockeford Street, Lodi

Sat: 10am-5pm • Sun: 10am-4pm Adults: $10 • Children: $7 Under 3: Free thereptilebreedersshow.com

30

The STOCKMARKET

A curated selection of vendors selling locally made & designed goods

630 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton 10:00am-4:00pm For more info: www.stockmarketca.com

Lodi Beer Fest

Lodi Grape Festival Grounds 413 E. Lockeford Street, Lodi 1pm-5pm • $50-$65 grapefestival.com/events

April

24 Stockton Earth Day Festival

Victory Park (behind Haggin Museum) 1201 Pershing Avenue, Stockton 11am-4pm

FREE

209-483-5199

the current

43

PLAN EARLY 8

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY at

May

To promote literacy in Stockton in a vast, immense, colossal, considerable, massive, and gigantic great big way, Downtown Stockton Alliance (DSA) partnered with the City of Stockton and the Stockton San Joaquin County Public Library to create the Great Big Read.

The outdoor event will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Janet Leigh Plaza in front of the downtown movie theater. It will be a free event open to public.

“We will take over the plaza with a wide range of events and activities to promote not only reading, but writing and the performing arts, all in a fun and playful environment,” enthused Emily Oestreicher, the DSA’s Special Events Manager.

Among the activities planned for that day, there will be book donations and/ or giveaways, poetry readings, musical and dance performances from local children’s organizations, and a library card sign-up station. The plaza will be divided into several activity zones such as a children’s book swap corner, a performance stage, and a crafts area. There will also be healthy snacks for participants. The first fifty people to donate a children’s book will receive a free Great Big Read book bag.

To find out more about this and other Downtown Stockton Alliance’s events, call Emily Oestreicher at 209-888-8624 or Sylwia Qualls at 209-888-8626.

More information about the Downtown Stockton Alliance visit us online

11:00am to 2:00pm

Besides being spoiled, moms always want their children together to celebrate! Picnic at LangeTwins with your family honoring Mom. Enjoy lunch featuring our newly released Rosé, music, lawn games and a chance to just chill out in the country. Seating is limited—make your reservations today!

RSVP to Jillian at jmulrooney@langetwins.com Regular pricing: Adult tickets $40 / Children tickets $20 | Wine Club pricing: Adult tickets $32 / Children tickets $16

May

12

May

ZINFEST OPENING DINNER 6:00pm

15

FOOD TRUCK ON SITE 1:00am to 4:00pm

Kick off ZinFest at LangeTwins with a wine-paired dinner featuring Texas’ Dragonfly chef, Dan Landsberg and Pennsylvania Millworks BBQ King, Lance Smith. This event is always a sellout! RSVP to Jillian at jmulrooney@langetwins.com.

Tickets $150 per seat Wine Club pricing $120 per seat.

The ZinFest party continues.

Enjoy complimentary wine tastings featuring our many Zinfandel wines. A Moveable Feast will be on site selling food, and the lawn will be set with our new Caricature Corn Hole Competition to challenge the best of you.

SAVE THE DATES July

23 October

22 23

1st Annual Best Fest Celebrate San Joaquin’s finest with the winners of The Record’s Best of San Joaquin food, entertainment, wine & beer, family fun, and more.

Lodi Grape Festival Grounds

Stockton Auto Show

New cars, classic cars, chili cook-off, family fun, celebrity guest, and more!

San Joaquin County Fairgrounds

Stockton

www.DowntownStockton.org .com

ers

nsw Baseball History A

6. Manny Trillo, Julio Franco, Jay Baller, George Vukovich and Jerry Willard.

1. Atlanta’s Jeff Reardon, who at the time had more saves than anyone in major league history, allowed the home run to Sprague, whose father also was an accomplished big-league pitcher.

2. Workhorse pitcher Eddie Guardado was known as “Everyday Eddie.”

3. Frankie Crosetti. He was a player and long-time Yankees third base.

4. Mike Macfarlane. The former catcher has been involved in broadcasting after his career concluded.

5. Landon Powell was behind the plate, calling Dallas Braden’s perfect game.

44

7. Dan Reichert. He posted a 21-25 record in parts of five seasons with the Royals.

8. Jason Bartlett played for Minnesota, Tampa Bay and San Diego in a 10-year career. He hit .400 in three postseason appearances.

9. Milo Candini was 26-21 with a 3.92 ERA in eight seasons with the Washington Senators and Philadelphia Phillies. Big League Dreams sports complex is located at 1077 Milo Candini Drive in Manteca.

10. Reliever Phil Coke broke in with the New York Yankees and also has pitched for Detroit, the Chicago Cubs and Toronto.

the current

the current

45

Field of Dreams local author

By Charleen Earley

With some college courses in art and theology, varied jobs along the way to include house-cleaning, a nanny, working in bookstores, retail and food service, Lenzi feels it all has fueled her writing.

F

“Hard work and perseverance is helpful when it comes to the business of writing. Also, my varied jobs had me rubbing shoulders with diverse people from all walks of life,” she said. “That, too, is useful for a writer because it fosters empathy and open-mindedness, which is crucial for creating characters that readers will care about.”

Christy Lenzi made time.

While she loves her day job and co-workers at UOP, nothing beats writing.

or many of us, dreaming of becoming a book author is just that, a dream. And with day-to-day responsibilities of a full-time job, kids, spouse, household chores, dinners, and just life in general, who has the time?

“I pursued a career as an author while working full time and raising a family of three kids here in the Valley,” said Lenzi, 46, author of her first published novel titled Stone Field.

While the book took almost 10 years to develop, the actual writing took close to two years, carving prose after work in the evenings and weekends in her favorite spots, in bed or on her couch near a bookcase. By day, she’s an Administrative Assistant at University of the Pacific (UOP).

Her husband Alan Lenzi, who also works at UOP, gives her all the support and space she needs to write.

“He supports me emotionally and with the gift of time.

With ‘emotionally’ I mean he understands how important writing is to me by giving me times of solitude to write,” she said.

Targeted at young adults, Stone Field is a historical fiction genre fueled by two Leitmotifs: her stomping grounds and Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.

“It’s inspired by my childhood home in southern Missouri – the Ozark highland region.

My connection to the wild landscape, culture, history and mood of the place is deeprooted and I grew up exploring the hills, woods, caves, creeks and springs,” said Lenzi.

“You can work in your jammies on a comfy couch with a glass of wine and chocolate nearby,” she explained.

“You can read books for hours and call it research.

You get the opportunity to craft and edit and revise your communication with the world. You know how sometimes after an awkward conversation or a loss for words, you wish you could have said something better or wish you could go back and deliver a perfect comeback?

When writing a book, you can! I think one of the best ‘pros’ will be to have my book out there in the world and have it find someone who connects with it.”

Published by Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press, Stone Field releases March 29, 2016 and is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s, Books-A-Million and IndieBound.

Visit Christy Lenzi at www.christylenzi.com or Facebook www.facebook.com/christy.lenzi.1.

STONE FIELD Book Launch Party March 29, 4-6pm Lathy University Bookstore, University of the Pacific 901 Presidents Drive Stockton, CA 95211 Books will be available for purchase (20% off STONE FIELD during the event) and signing. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

“Reading Wuthering Heights always gave me the sense that Emily Bronte felt a deep connection to her remote piece of the Earth, too, so it seemed natural to me that if I were to re-imagine the story, that is where it must take place,” she added.

While she initially wrote the book without a particular audience in mind, “I simply wrote the kind of book I, myself would love to read,” her overall mission was to make her readers feel.

46

“I want to move them and make them feel something,” she said. “If I am able to make a reader think, ponder, laugh, cry, empathize with characters, or recognize some truth or beauty in the world, I would feel I have succeeded.”

the current

s e n o t S & Sticks

Father of four, with Naomi his youngest, Pacheco, who owns a real estate business with his wife Rhea, is no stranger to writing. For years, he wrote hip-hop rap music for Bay Area artists such as Ammo and E-Bone.

The remaining three books in his series include Will’s Wheelchair, Cyberbully Cirus with the last title still in the works.

Pacheco’s goal is to increase awareness that acceptance of race, color, appearance, religion and culture are important.

Writer stomps on bullies through children’s books

“I tell my family and friends that the only one who could judge you is God, no one else. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but you know what you are about and who you are as an individual,” said Pacheco.

Teasing is a form of bullying and while many of us have encountered it at one point in our lives, when Harry E. Pacheco found out it happened to his daughter Naomi on her first day of kindergarten for wearing glasses, he decided to do something about it.

local author

By Charleen Earley

He used his words and wrote a book.

Gladys’ Glasses, his first in a series of five children’s books aimed at addressing antibullying issues, was released last November. Stanley No Stripes is due out in April sometime.

“I write from the heart. My first instinct in writing these books was to decrease the number of suicides from bullying,” said Pacheco, who discovered through research what was out there on anti-bullying in elementary school.

For Pacheco, it’s not about making money from the books; it’s about the message.

He felt that if he could nip bullying in the bud at this young age, it would not continue in middle school and higher.

Born in Guam, raised in Hayward, CA, and now living in Manteca, Pacheco admits he grew up the athletic type, was Homecoming King and never encountered bullying himself.

“I was the one defending those who were bullied!” said Pacheco.

He chose animal characters to tell his stories – for a reason.

“You get the effect of the character being sweet and lovable,” he said. “I wanted the audience to ask themselves ‘why would I make fun of an elephant (with glasses) or tiger (with no stripes)?’”

“By doing these books, I hope I could reach somebody and let them know that families were affected by a suicide from bullying,” he said. “I want them to know that there is help out there, and if these books help them, then I did my job. That’s the most rewarding!”

Visit his website at www. harryepacheco.com

the current

47

s e in L

Bokisch Vineyards

by Bob Highfill

iz and Markus Bokisch have grown some of the finest wine grapes in the state, and from them made some of the finest Spanish-varietal wines this side of Rioja. After releasing 15 vintages, they are entering a new chapter in their history. “It’s really exciting,” said Liz Bokisch, who owns Bokisch Vineyards with her husband, Markus. “Everything is coming together.”

The Bokischs recently opened a new production facility and tasting room on the sprawling, hilly, 40-acre parcel they purchased some 20 years ago in Clements Hills on the east side of the Lodi American Viticultural Area. The site not only offers ideal growing conditions but a gorgeous view of the Terra Alta Vineyard, rolling hills, rock 48

the current

outcroppings, ancient oak trees and cattle in the distance grazing on native grasses.

In the past, the Bokischs vinified their estate fruit at custom-crush facilities and offered tastings at Cellar Door on School Street in Lodi. In a process eight years in the making, Markus and Liz re-purposed their agricultural equipment storage room into a winery and tasting room, giving them control over production and a spot where customers can sample selections from their portfolio of exquisite Spanish blush, red and white wines.

“Now we’re finally up to the point where we can complete the picture by having our own winery on site,” Liz said. “Of course once you put all of this into a winery, you want to have a tasting room, so you can have direct contact with your customers. And so, it’s like the coup d’etat.”

About eight years ago, Elyse Perry fell in love with Bokisch at a tasting in San Francisco. She even joined the wine club. When she needed grapes for her own label, she purchased them from Markus and Liz. When Perry learned they were planning to build a winery, she inquired about being their winemaker, a position she’s held for two years.

“I only wanted to make Spanish varieties because of the Bokisch wines, and so to be able to buy fruit from Markus and Liz was amazing,” said Perry, a native of New York who lived in San Francisco for 21 years before she and her husband moved to Lodi. “When I found out they were building a winery and having this place out here, I thought maybe we should talk.” Perry said it’s been a dream working with Bokisch fruit. “Markus makes my life easy in the cellar because the fruit is so beautiful,” she said. “I don’t really have to do that much. My style of winemaking is very minimalist, and that’s the way the Bokisch wines have been in the past. It’s really about not manipulating them

too much because the fruit just speaks for itself.”

Markus Bokisch went to the University of California, Davis, and started working as a “cellar rat” in Napa Valley. He was a viticulturist at Joseph Phelps Vineyards with a background steeped in Spanish culture.

Markus grew up in California but his mother hails from Spain (his father is from the Czech Republic).

Markus’ childhood included summer visits to Spain. He fell in love with the Spanish lifestyle and, of course, the food and wine. Markus and Liz spent two years working in Spain in the wine industry before they moved to Lodi and started a vineyard management company. They currently have 22 vineyards encompassing 2,000 acres that are Certified Green under the Lodi Rules of Sustainable Winegrowing.

Vineyard and Wi n e r y Management magazine recently named Bokisch one of the “20 Most Admired Grapegrowers in North America.”

“When we started on our winery project, you have to find something that really gives you passion and I think for us it was an easy choice on the Spanish varieties with his family and wanting to see what it would be like to bring Spanish varieties to California and really experiment with those,” Liz said.

“That was his number one goal and through that experimentation, you got to taste the

the current

fruits of your labor and taste the wine.”

In 2001, the Bokischs released their first vintage.

Their brand has grown statewide and throughout the country. Bokisch produces about 5,000 cases annually and offers nine wines, including tempranillo, garnacha, garnacha blanca, monastrell, verdejo, graciano and verdelho that retail between $18 and $32.

The 2014 albarino from their Terra Alta Vineyard and 2013 garnacha both won a gold medal at the 2016 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

The tasting room on Atkins Road is open Friday through Sunday.

Liz said. “I didn’t really know we would end up here.”

“There’s something about having the winery as like that ultimate end to a circle where it makes me look back and go, ‘Wow,’”

Contact reporter Bob Highfill (209) 546-8282 bhighfill@recordnet.com recordnet.com/fromthevine Twitter @bobhighfill 49

View it. Buy it. Create it.

Stockton Art League’s Elsie May Goodwin Gallery

Lodi Community Art Center

1902 Pacific Avenue, Stockton stocktonartleague.org Gallery. Exhibits. Demonstrations.

110 West Pine Street, Lodi Lodiartcenter.org Gallery. Exhibits. Classes. Workshops

Haggin Museum

Port City Mud

1201 Pershing Avenue, Stockton Haggnmuseum.org Gallery. Exhibits

https://www.facebook.com/portcitymud Portcitymud.etsy.com Hand Crafted Ceramic Designs

Double Dip Gallery

Cece’s Art Studio

222 W. Pine Street, Lodi doubledipgallery.com Gallery. Exhibits.Classes

2324 Grand Canal Boulevard, Stockton Cecesartstudio.com Commissioned Portraits. Retail

Millie’s Art Studio

Art Expressions of San Joaquin

229 E. Alpine Avenue, Stockton facebook.com/milliesartkorner Gallery. Art School

artexpressions.org Gallery on the move. Exhibits. Fine Arts for Sale

Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery 111 S Sutter Street, Stockton mexicanheritagecenter.org Gallery. Cultural Exhibits 50

the current

the current

51

Hops & Crafts

By Almendra Carpizo Record Staff Writer

years ago, businesses had a tap or two dedicated to craft beer, said Wes Rhea, chief executive officer of Visit Stockton.

Other than The Abbey Trappist Pub, which hosts a small-scale beer festival during Stockton Beer Week, there weren’t many people who were into craft beer.

“People didn’t want the beer crown,” he said.

But since then, there are places such as Taps Barrel House with its 28 rotating taps, Market Tavern and even Mile Wine Company that carry craft beers, Rhea said.

A steady growth of breweries across California is helping propel the flow and popularity for diverse beer offerings from smaller and regional companies.

In December, the California Craft Brewers Association announced that more than 600 breweries were in operation in the state.

“We have seen a remarkable and growing demand for neighborhoodsupported craft breweries and handcrafted, locally produced beers,” the association said on its website. “It’s an exciting time to be a craft beer drinker in California and even more exciting to be a craft brewer.”

John Mansu, a member of the Stockton-based Brew Angels When Christopher Dunn set out to fill San Joaquin County’s homebrewing club, has been drinking craft beers since 1992, taps with craft beer in 2012, he faced difficulties. when he came upon a place named Lost Coast Brewery in He was a one-man team with only a pick-up truck and a lot Eureka during a fishing trip with his son. of passion, but the market was cold to the type of brews he “I fell in love with Downtown Brown,” he said of the now was looking to distribute.

26-year-old brewery’s popular brown ale.

Four years later, Delta Pacific Beverage Company, which San Joaquin County isn’t slow to pick up craft beer, Mansu he co-owns with his wife, Kate Dunn, and friend Matthew said. There’s always been a “good sprinkling” of craft beer Brown is growing and expanding its operations.

Craft beer has seen a surge of interest in San Joaquin County as more people are interested in exploring with their palates and moving away from ordering big names.

Beer consumers in the county seem to no longer shy away from rich porters with hints of caramel and chocolate, the piney-ness of India pale ales or crisp blonde ales.

The craft beer market in San Joaquin County and the Central Valley has experienced exponential growth, Dunn said.

“It went from a market that was in its infancy – almost not existing – to one that’s dynamic and growing every day,” he said.

52

When Stockton started a beer week four

Andy Khinda, owner of Pete’s Liquor in Tracy, shows some of the craft beers sold in his store CALIXTRO ROMIAS/THE RECORD

the current

Stockton Session Beer is poured at the Abbey Trappist Pub on the Miracle Mile. RECORD FILE PHOTO

enthusiasts here. It just can’t be compared to places such as San Francisco or Sacramento, where there’s a larger population and therefore a more viable market.

“Now, we’re still quite a ways behind, but it’s drastically improved,” he said. “You can’t go into a place without craft beer.”

However, he recalled that when he was first introduced to craft beer there were hardly any places, especially restaurants that sold craft beer. Now, about every business carries some, he said.

Because of names such as Stockton’s Steve Altimari of High Water Brewing, which is brewed in San Jose and makes the award-winning Campfire Stout, and neighbors such as Dust Bowl Brewing from Turlock, people are starting to talk about Central Valley beer, Long said.

With more breweries dotting Northern California, the beer selection at Pete’s Liquor in Tracy has expanded and the store’s orders have almost quadrupled, said Andy Khinda, whose father owns the store.

Pete’s, which boasts “Your craft beer headquarters” outside its business at 202 West 11th St., started selling craft beer in 2007, he said. However, not many people were interested until about three years ago, which is when he noticed sales started to increase.

Craft beer was mostly coming from overseas, from countries such as Belgium and Germany, Khinda said. Having breweries open in nearby cities added to the popularity in this region and the variety that’s available to purchase.

A craft beer enthusiast himself, Khinda said he and his brother Bhupinder Khinda try all beers that come into the store and can offer suggestions to customers.

Inside Pete’s, five large commercial refrigerators hold dozens of 22 ounce glass bottles, which are known as “bombers,” while cans wait to be purchased in another case. The neat rows of brews include selections from mouth-puckering sour beers, to Heretic’s Chocolate Hazelnut Porter and Clown Shoes’ Rexx, an imperial red ale aged in bourbon barrels. The price ranges from about $5 to more than $20, depending on what a customer’s palate and wallet prefers. Higher alcohol content beers, which can hover in the teens, are typically the more costly selections.

Craft beer has also opened the door for brick and mortar businesses as this year at least two breweries are expected to open in San Joaquin County.

Channel Brewing Co., which was funded through an online Kickstarter campaign, raised more than $40,000 and announced plans to have a summer opening for its nanobrewery, which makes beer in small batches, in downtown Stockton.

In Tracy, Morgan Territory Brewing Company, which has award-winning brewmaster Craig Cauwels, will brew its first batch soon and has plans to open a taproom to the public.

Several established businesses in the region are also diversifying their taps by adding their own brews.

Valley Brewing Co. on The Miracle Mile announced last summer that it had installed a copper kettle brewing system and has since started brewing in house. In Lodi, The Dancing Fox Winery is also creating and serving its own beers.

The flow of craft beer is not just happening in restaurants and bars; it’s also being seen out in the community as an increase of events centered on the hops-based beverage popped up in Stockton, Tracy, Lodi and Manteca.

In June, Lodi hosted its inaugural Lodi Craft Beer Festival, which saw crowds overflowing. And Manteca held its first event: San Joaquin Valley Brewfest. Both will return this year.

Mansu, who regularly attends beer festivals throughout the West Coast, said he enjoyed the Lodi Craft Beer Festival, but quickly quipped “It’s a beer festival. What’s not to like.”

The Brew Angels, he said, will be serving some of its members’ beer at this year’s festival.

Stockton, which started Stockton Beer Week four years ago, is looking into planning a beer festival that’s not just made up of restaurant participation, Rhea said.

Community events are a great opportunity for smaller brands to get their product into the hands of the consumers, who can then find them at local establishments, Kate Dunn said. These festivals didn’t exist in this area in years past.

San Joaquin County is still years behind other regions, such as the East Bay, but it will get there, Chris Dunn said. “It’s exciting times.”

— Contact reporter Almendra Carpizo at (209) 546-8264 or acarpizo@recordnet.com. Follow her on Twitter @ AlmendraCarpizo.

Lodi Beer Fest 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 23 Lodi Grape Pavilion, 413 E. Lockeford St., Lodi Information: www.grapefestival.com Taps on Tenth 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 29 Tenth Street, between Central Avenue and A Street, Tracy Information: www.tracycitycenter.com Lodi Craft Beer Festival 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 18 Lodi Lake, 1101 W. Turner Road, Lodi Information: www.lodicraftbeerfestival.com Baconfest: Bacon, beer and bands 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 18 and June 19 Dell’Osso Family Farms, 501 Manthey Road, Lathrop Information: www.baconfest.com San Joaquin Valley Brewfest Noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 24 934 Perimeter Drive, Manteca Information: www.sanjoaquinvalleybrewfest.com

Morgan Territory, formerly Schooner’s Brewery in Antioch, will be a production brewery with a tap room, said Mike Long, who handles the brewery’s marketing and sales. The move to San Joaquin County happened when the owner decided to move into production and found that the city of Tracy was open to working with him. The 15,000-square-foot facility is at 1885 North MacArthur Drive.

Long, who has been in his industry for more than 20 years, said craft beer was a difficult market to get into. Especially at first, when big brand breweries were selling faux-craft beer.

Beervents:

Bhupinder Khinda of Pete’s Liquors in Tracy holds craft brew varieties that he sells. CALIXTRO ROMIAS/THE RECORD

the current

Stockton Beer Week Sept. 16-25 Information: www.facebook.com/ StocktonBeerWeek

53

photo by Ulmer Photo

left to right: Xavier Mountain, Veronica Etier, Randy Burns

FOSTERING Hope The Voices and Faces of Foster Care Youth

By Melissa Hutsell Nearly 400,000 children under the age of 18 are living without permanent families or homes in America’s foster care system, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Due to extraordinary or traumatic situations, such as the loss of one or both parents, neglect and physical or emotional abuse, among many other reasons, children are placed in often-temporary households. Though the goal of the foster care system is to ultimately reunite children with their parents, some spend several years or their entire childhood between homes. Many age out of the system without proper the emotional or financial guidance needed for success.

Because of this, foster youths are at more risk for homelessness, criminal activity and unemployment. Statically speaking, 40 percent of the homeless population consists of former foster youths. Furthermore, only 38 percent are employed, and less than half have ever held full times jobs, according to San Joaquin County’s Mary Graham Children’s Foundation (MGCF).

These numbers illustrate a perilous reality, one in which a group of advocates and former foster youths is fighting to change.

54

the current

photo by Lindsay Ortez

Not Another Statistic With odds like this, there is limited motivation to break barriers, says Xavier Mountain, former foster youth and current University of the Pacific student. At the age of 24, he is quickly becoming the face of a new movement to instill hope and inspire understanding.

At 15, the Stockton native entered the foster system after being removed from an emotionally and physically abusive household. He describes that for the first time, he felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness, lack of control, and overall, loss. “I didn’t know what to do,” he says with sense of defeat, “I went through five different schools within a few months.” The absence of stability and support weighed heavy: without direction, Mountain struggled through his first few years of high school.

Then, something snapped. “I don’t want to be lost. I don’t want to be another statistic. I want to do something with my life.” In the words of Gandhi – a quotation Mountain refers to often – he decided to be the change he wanted to see in the world – starting with himself.

Now a junior year at UOP, he’s set his sights on graduate school, and most importantly, raising awareness by telling his story. Through motivational speeches and by reaching his own goals, he is a voice for the hundreds of thousands who face similar struggles every day.

Local Voices for Foster Youth Mountain credits countywide foundations such as the MGCF, the United Way of San Joaquin, and his mentor Kerry Hickman, for their support. However, he recognizes that resources like these are largely unavailable.

Veronica Etier knows the importance of these services -- or lack thereof -- for foster youth entering early adulthood. As someone who spent most of her life in the foster system, she can attest to difficulties these youth face throughout life.

the current

photo by Lindsay Ortez

55

Etier was born into a family controlled by drug, alcohol, physical and emotional abuse. Before age three, she entered into foster care where she bounced around between multiple homes, and struggled with her own anger. “[It] was the only emotion I was able to identify with; the knot in your stomach, the fire in your chest,” says Etier. At 17, she became pregnant with her first son and “for the first time in my life, I was going to feel unconditional love,” she adds.

So, with the help from the Independent Living Program and MGCF, she graduated high school early, enrolled in college, got her own apartment, and by 18, bought a car.

She now resides in Seattle, Wash., where she works for the Fortune 500 fashion company, Tommy Bahama.

Despite many trials and tribulations, Etier is a success story.

However, the majority of foster youth remain under assisted, and underrepresented, she adds. Without the lifelong connection of a family, these youth are left vulnerable.

“There’s no support for furthering your education,” she explains, it stops after high school when guidance is needed most. “Being 18 doesn’t magically make you an adult mentally. Foster youth are severely lacking the transitional support system to train them the basic responsibilities like filing taxes or W9 forms, getting medical insurance and buying a car.“ Etier adds, “It’s all about raising awareness regarding the foster care system and getting the kids to realize that they have a voice.”

To this, Mountain adds, “Our cause is to show people that they can help make a difference, and most importantly, to give foster youth [the ability to] see themselves beyond their current circumstances. In the end, you will have a story of your turbulent [path to] success, and that is an achievement all on its own.” Burns, Etier and Mountain have beaten the odds, and their ambition is contagious. Together, they ask, “We wanted to see the difference, so we decided to be the difference, will you be?”

For more information, including mentor and donations options, please visit: The Mary Graham Children’s Foundation: MaryGrahamFoundation.org The United Way of San Joaquin: UnitedWaySJC.org May is National Foster Care Month! For more information about foster youth, visit the National Foster Care Coalition: NationalFosterCare.org

From Struggle Comes Strength

Fact and Figures (collected by the Department of Health and Human Services, and The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute)

Randy Burns, former foster youth and current Morada Fire District Captain, says that the most important message is that despite unfortunate circumstances, it is still possible “to do [well] in life.”

The average length of stay for a child in the foster system is three years.

“Sometimes [these youths are] easy to forget. [The children] go into the system, and everybody goes about their daily lives.” Because of this, Burns has combined forces with Mountain and Etier to raise awareness, and ultimately, share his experiences so that it can become a source of guidance or strength for others. By telling his story, he is providing hope. “When you’re in foster care, it helps to see that people [like you] did okay. We all have our struggles in life; it’s good to see [a former foster youth] living a positive lifestyle.”

“It can be rough, I know,” Burns reassures, “You aren’t alone. There is beauty in the struggle […]” and anger can become determination. “That is what fuels me. I looked at my environment and

56

said, ‘I want better’ -- that gave me my strength.” However, Burns knows that it is not just the foster youth who can make differences, but also, the community. “You don’t have to become a foster parent to help, anyone can help by participating in mentor programs and donating to agencies like the MGCF.”

Each year, more than 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system.

As of 2012, nearly 60% of young men had been convicted of a crime, and only 48% were employed. 75% of women and 33% of men receive government benefits to meet basic needs. 50% of all youth who aged out were involved in substance use and 17% of the females were pregnant.

Approximately 58,000 children in foster care are placed in institutions or group homes.

More than a third of those in foster care are age 13 or older.

According to the National Foster Care Coalition, foster youth are diagnosed with PTSD at twice the rate of U.S. soldiers.

the current

the current

57

58

the current

by Middagh Goodwin

tockton and San Joaquin County have a rich and vibrant musical history. In my monthly article I will introduce you to new acts and wonderful places to watch them perform, right in your own neighborhood. This month I will try to catch you up to date.

You may all know of Dave Brubeck’s connection to Stockton, his tenure as a student at the University of the Pacific and a street named after him. But have you been to Take 5 the Jazz venue at Valley Brewing Co. named after one of Brubeck’s most iconic songs?

Stockton born and U.O.P. Graduate, Chris Isaak rose to fame in the early 90’s when his song Wicked Games shot to the top of the charts. Isaack has returned to Stockton to perform and has even been given the “Key to the City.”

Who has taken guitar lessons from Tommy “Atomik Tommy” McClendon at the recently closed Music Box? Did you know he was a member of UFO in the mid 1980’s playing guitar on Misdemeanor, released on Chrysalis

Records. McClendon was also the guitarist in SoulMotor with Tesla bassist Brian Wheat and is currently in the band When We Become Kings(which also features Broken Toys bassist Steev Rehn).

How many of you remember Broken Toys who were a prominent fixture in the mid to late 80’s in the Stockton and Northern California New Wave and Goth Scene. Releasing one album the Cut of Memory before breaking up in 1989.

Recently they have done a couple reunion concerts, rereleasing their album on CD and digital download and filming and releasing a DVD from their sold out Empire Theatre show.

Pavement is one of the bigger bands to come out of the Stockton area in more recent memory. Malkmus and Kannburg would have been fresh faced youths when Kelly Foley(vocalist of Broken Toys) recommended they record with Gary Young at his studio Louder Than You Think. Young not only recorded Pavement but played

the current

›

59

drums with the band and joined them on tour. After being kicked out/leaving Pavement; Young formed Hospital featuring several Stockton area musicians including Foley(on Bass). Young and Pavement would reunite for a 3 songs encore on the Bob Hope Theatre stage June 24th 2010. Opening up for them would be Stockton’s seminal 80’s punk band the Authorities.

Add to all this Grant Lee Philips, Chi Cheng the bassist of the Deftones, Mike Klooster Keyboardist for Smashmouth, Rust Epique guitarist for Crazy Town, who all called Stockton home at one time, and you can see it doesn’t matter where you are from talent can be found everywhere.

In more recent years we have seen acts like Dev, Craft Spells, Surf Club, Diamond Dez all getting national exposure. Who will be the next “big thing” to come out of Stockton/San Joaquin? Who knows but if you look around you just might find a nuggets of musical gold performing in your own back yard. • Middagh Goodwin Beat Happy! Music 209-981-2311 beathappybooking@gmail.com

Middagh Goodwin LIVES Music. He has been booking and promoting Music, Art and Comedy for years in the Central Valley. He ran the award winning Plea for Peace Center in Stockton for 5 Years and has booked bands from A-Z. Middagh is beginning 2016 with a new position at the Gallo Center for the Arts and celebrating Beat Happy! Music’s 30th Anniversary and writing for the Current.

60

the current

local artist

i AM current Mondo Mariscal Singer-songwriter/performing musician I’ve lived in Stockton since I was 6 years old (35 years) I choose to live in Stockton for its great weather and great location.

My favorite thing about Stockton is the people. Being a performing musician I have the great privilege of meeting new people at every show. I always try to take time after each performance to get out in the audience and meet, greet, and get to know individuals on a more personal basis. These opportunities give me a chance to really see how many great people live in this city and the surrounding area!

My favorite childhood memory was during my teenage years riding around town on my Lance Mountain skateboard with a few friends enjoying the many recreational activities that Stockton had to offer back then.

Golfland, Hammer Skate, local skate spots, Oz arcade, were all great spots to hang out with friends.

I pay it forward by being open to serve others. I think that if we are able to put aside our own personal wants and needs and see how we can help others without looking to get anything in return the morale and unity of our community would improve drastically. Volunteer, donate, give, and spend time in making Stockton great again will be our greatest reward.

My greatest passion is my music.

Stockton has many talented musicians and bands and I hope that with The Current we will be able to get our voice out there and bring attention to a thriving local music scene!

photo by Lindsay Ortez

the current

61

MARKET TAVERN

Welcome to

The Nightcrawler

By The Current Staff We’re all about checking out the bar, nightclub, restaurant and social scene in Stockton and San Joaquin County each month in The Current magazine.

And we don’t do daytimes.

Sorry. You can’t very well call it “The Nightcrawler” if you’re not going to be nocturnal.

This month we stopped by an establishment that is better known for being one of the upstarts on Stockton’s restaurant scene. But the place more than holds its own as a meeting and gathering spot for the cocktail-craft beerwine-appetizer set.

We’re talking about Market Tavern in Lincoln Center. You know, the place actually has “Tavern” in its name. So there you go.

The bar scene in Market Tavern is particularly busy on Friday and Saturday nights, starting with a handful of people at the bar around five-ish and then starting to proliferate as the evening goes on.

The setup is nice. In addition to about 15 bar seats, there are small booths, bar stools for sitting at a counter and, of course, the “standers.” Yes, there are many drink-in-hand standing folks at Market Tavern.

Market Tavern has a more-than-adequate selection of craft beers — lots of IPAs — and a wine menu that ranges from I-know-squat-about-whatI’m drinking house wines to some I’m-a-Sommelier-so-this-better-be-good vintages.

The bar is well-stocked with liquor to fit just about any taste.

OK, so you’re probably going to think we’re lightweights but we opted for a glass of Chardonnay (Rombauer, $15 for the glass, $58 for the bottle) and a concoction called the “Sparkling Pear.”

The drink ($11) included Chandon, Absolute Pear, St. Germain and a beautifully julienned pear slice. It was simply a delicious libation.

We paired it with a first-rate appetizer — a humus plate with marinated chick peas, pickled vegetables, feta cheese and some wood oven flatbread that is so tasty it’s ridiculous.

For a second appetizer, we opted for Korean chicken wings with a touch of Kimchi ($10). We feared they’d be too spicy, but they were just right.

And then what? People watch and mingle, for goodness sakes.

They have a nice little scene going here. Active ambience, we’ll call it.

So what’s to drink?

Do you have a place you think we should “crawl?”

Send your tips to Current Editor Karen Bahktegan at kbahktegan@recordnet.com.

62

the current

April 2 He Who Cannot Be Named Trucker Dad

Crucifix

Killah Wail

Volume Freak

Across Party Lines

Mountain House Bar & Grill 16784 Grantline Road TRACY

Blackwater Republic 912 N. Yosemire Street STOCKTON

Whiskey Barrel Tavern 151 W. Alder Street STOCKTON

Whirlow’s Tossed & Grilled 1926 Pacific Avenue. 7:00pm STOCKTON

More upcominigl 17

Shows April 7

t atin Projec L e w o R n o m Si Co. Valley Brewing reet. 7:00pm 157 W. Adams St STOCKTON

April 8

Cash Cash Stockton Arena 248 W. Fremont STOCKTON

April 9

Loki Rhythm

Garlic Brothers ero Drive 6629 Embarcad STOCKTON

April 12

rwood Carrie Unde Stockton Arena 248 W. Fremont STOCKTON

Apr

Amy Grant

e Bob Hope theatr et re 242 E. Main St STOCKTON

nge Seeds of Cha Festival Center unity McKinley Comm et re 424 E. 9th St STOCKTON

KBB) April 25 (B k Big Band ian Kendric Br

Co. Valley Brewing reet 157 W. Adams St STOCKTON

Calling All Local

Musicians Tell us about your music, your band, or your upcoming gigs, or music releases for May.

April 27

Clint Black

current

e Bob Hope Theatr et re 242 E. Main St STOCKTON

the

April 30

Email currentsj@ recordnet.com

sa Joe Bonamas e Bob Hope Theatr et re St 242 E. Main STOCKTON

the current

63