Lifestyles Magazine June 2014

The Magazine For San Joaquin

Burger Joints BASEBALL and BEER

AUTOSHOW

Father’s Day Weekend

MEN AND THEIR CARS june/july 2014 ■ sanjoaquinlifestyles.com

l e t t e r

f r o m

t h e

e d i t o r

Publisher

Roger Coover

Publication Director Deitra R. Kenoly

Editor

The Magazine For San Joaquin

Carrie Sass

MANAGING Editor

Karen Bakhtegan

On the sixth day, He created man.

Thank goodness.

L

Graphic Designers Jason Ente Dan Loeffelbein

Contributing WRITERS Wayne Craig

Charleen Earley

et’s call this the manly issue of Lifestyles.

then there's the local beer maker, the winemaker,

Larry French

We're celebrating Father's Day, and stuff that men

and the nice lady at Tobacco Leaf – the place to

Erin Goulding

love! Let's talk about engines and Navy ships, the

find a fine cigar! Stockton engineer Steve Sinnock

men who make candy and sport bow ties… and

makes his Lifestyles debut with a story and photos

burgers, beer and everything in between!

of Bodie, a ghost town. And I must mention the

We're featuring cars – way too many cars – but

Dennis Hall Samira Jahangiri, MD Michael Lamm John McClimans Stephanie Rodriguez

Beau Ties!

I love every one of them. Lowriders, classics, muscle

Your summer bucket list MUST include a stop

cars and racers! Motorheads – my dad is one, so by

at EACH of the burger joints that we've featured.

genetics, I guess that makes me one, too! Vroom.

From the north county to the south county – there

Jennifer Torres-Siders Steve Sinnock

Contributing Photographers

Take your dad to the very first Stockton Auto

is one close to you! I'll take two burgers with

Show on Father's Day weekend (June 14 and

cheese and a side of onion rings, please! Add

Wayne Craig

15) at the Stockton Arena. On display will be the

a chocolate malt for the Sassman – a fabulous

Charlene Earley

latest trends in automobiles, plus live music, food,

father to our children, and an even more amazing

contests, and prizes. Dad will enjoy strolling through

grandpa.

these beautiful automobiles. Stocktonautoshow. com can give you all the details.

Ashlee Blackard

Janda Palmer Helen Ripken Stephanie Rodriguez

Carrie xoxo

This manly stuff doesn't stop with automobiles!

We've also found a guy who's passionate about

Our next issue is More than 40 Under 40!

restoring a Navy ship. We literally hunted down

Business folks – buy an ad to highlight your

the guy who makes a scrumptious new candy. And

“Under-40 rising star!” The deadline is June 30!

Please continue to forward story ideas to: The Record/Lifestyles Magazine, 530 E. Market Street, Stockton 95202 or call: 209-546-8351; or email: kbakhtegan@recordnet.com

To advertise in Lifestyles magazine, call 209-546-8200 Lifestyles is published six times a year by The Record, 530 E. Market Steet, Stockton, CA 95202. All information written for publication in Lifestyles is believed to be accurate. Readers must assume all responsibility for their own actions based on this information. Occasionally a product or company may be named in an article, but does not constitute an endorsement of said product. Lifestyles assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Photos and content become the sole property of Lifestyles and may be used, published or edited without limit or obligation to the author. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the publisher. For more information, go to sanjoaquinlifestyles.com.

On the cover: MEN AND THEIR CARS PHOTO BY Janda Palmer

$3.95 Value

SAVOR

10

HAMBURGER JOINTS

26

scrump english toffee

WINE and SPIRITS

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HIGH WATER brewIng

18

WEIBEL family vineyards & Winery

FEATURE

29 men and their cars 45 IRONSTONE CONCOURS

FASHION

63 beau ties – for all ages 88 BASEBALLBLING31

TRAVEL

52

bodie – cALIFORNIA gHOST TOWN

58 cinque terre – italy BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

68 tobacco leaf

c o n t e n t s

85 ROD JOHNSON AIR wag tales

75

austin

SWEET CHARITY

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Stockton Historical Maritime Museum

PEEK A BOUTIQUE

92 CANEPA’S GIFT SHOP HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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ST. JOSEPH’S – TAKING CARE OF dad

MARK THE DATE 96 LOCAL activities and events

sav o r

Best

Burger Joints E

in town

PHOTOS AND STORY

By Charleen Earley

ver get that urge to sink your teeth into a big, mouth-watering, juicy burger, the kind that takes a solid two-hand

grip to keep it all together as the juice drips down your chin onto a bed of hot fries below? Resistance will prove futile once you visit these five burger joints in town, sure to keep you coming back for more after that first bite.

Victory Grill will have you asking for extra napkins once you order their Ultimate BBQ

All-American

Cheeseburger

with

barbecue pulled pork. At $6.95, it’s worth every penny.

Got the appetite for a burger challenge?

“We have the Bacon-Infused Challenge: if you eat a full pound of meat with the fixins and a pound of fresh cut fries, we take your picture and put it up on our Wall of Victory,” said Matt Thomas, co-owner with Mike Linker.

The two took ownership a year and a half ago, and bring a combined 40 years of cooking and restaurant experience to the table. They take pride in using fresh ingredients and doing the work themselves.

“We grind our own meat and hand-press our own patties,” said Matt. “We offer homestyle food. It’s a nice neighborhood place where people feel comfortable.”

Also on the menu are sandwiches, paninis, cheesecake, breakfast burritos, homemade personal quiches, and entrees for catered orders. They have a special way of frying their fries that is proven more healthy than typically prepared fries, but they won’t give up the secret, so don’t ask.

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East Main Drive-In has been around for over 50 years and still serves up great burgers that won’t take a bite out of your wallet. A double Bacon Cheeseburger is only $3.99 or for a smaller appetite, the Baby Cheeseburger is $1.99.

Their Texas Bacon Cheeseburger includes barbecue sauce, bacon and onion rings, also for just $3.99, but the Main Burger is cook Javier Verduzco’s favorite, “because it’s sweet and spicy!” At $3.50, it’s served with grilled onions, special sauce, grilled pineapple, tomatoes, jalapeno booty caps, lettuce and Swiss cheese.

Verduzco has worked at East Main Drive-In for three years and says, “Everything is still the same, so our customers can count on their usual favorites.” New items, however, have been added to the menu along the way, giving burgermeisters something new to add to their fave lists.

Open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Verduzco says their service is fast and friendly to go with their great food.

Orders can be called in ahead of time as well.

Flip’s Burgers was opened four years ago by Andrew and Tracy Wong as a mom-and-pop burger joint, and they have already carved out a name for themselves.

“Our customers love everything about us. The repeats keep coming back because they say we are the best burger joint around. We are humbled by that,” said Andrew, who created a

Happy Days-type atmosphere for his customers.

Burgers start at $3.95 and work their way up to, say, the Nick’s Special at $8.75. It’s one you’ll want to skip breakfast for, since it’s over a pound of food and packed with bacon, cheese, chicken, pastrami (not a typo; yes, pastrami) and all the fixings.

by Charleen Earley Photos by CORT CARLSON

With their standard of freshness, Andrew picks everything up daily, from their meat to their veggies, and occasionally creates unique items to be different.

“During the cold months, we do our Confused Cow, which is a chicken-fried steak sandwich with country gravy on the side,” said Andrew. “Our customers say our shakes are the best, hands down. We use real hand-scooped Thrifty Ice Cream.”

lifestyles

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Bob’s at the Marina has been around since the early ’80s and while their tag line is “Almost World-Famous Hamburgers,” their faithful customers would beg to differ.

“We have a lot of regular customers we see on a weekly basis, and those who have been coming here for years,” said longtime cook Bill Matthews. “We have cooks who have been here almost since Bob’s opened, so there’s no inconsistency. You know to expect it to taste a certain way.”

With over 10 burgers to choose from, Bill says the Bob’s Giant Bacon Cheeseburger is everyone’s favorite. Bob’s secret to savory success is keeping most everything in-house.

“Almost everything on the menu, we make ourselves,” said Bill. “We make the salsa, chili, ranch dressing, biscuits, gravy, chicken fried steak – everything here is made from scratch.”

Also known for their breakfasts, Bill says they are among the top three breakfast places in San Joaquin County.

Dedicated to his loyal customers, Bob’s opens at 7 a.m. every day and closes at 8 p.m. during the summer months. He’s closed only one day a year – Christmas – and opens for breakfast and lunch on Thanksgiving.

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Victory Grill 1765 Monte Diablo Avenue Stockton, CA 95203 209-941-8841 www.facebook.com/thevictorygrill This burger joint list would not be complete without The Squeeze Inn in Tracy, a 30-year business,

East Main Drive In

known for its huge burgers and unique cheese skirt.

2041 East Main Street

The trick to the cheese skirt: grill a third-pound of patty on a flat top grill; cover it with a third-pound of

Stockton, CA 95205

cheddar cheese and the top bun. Next throw a handful

209-464-3172

of ice chips around the perimeters of the cheese and cover the burger with a large square hood to create steam inside. Lift the hood and viola… the “five-napkin

Flips

burger.”

2503 Waterloo Road

“Most people come in because of the big cheese

Stockton, CA 95205

skirt, but then they fall in love with the cheeseburgers,”

209-943-5477

said Matt Davis, son to the current owners, the

www.FlipsBurgers.com

Hausauer family. “We mostly use mayo and mustard and no special sauce. We love to see our customers when their eyes roll back because they love it so much!”

Matt’s favorite burger – hands down, the Squeezeburger with cheese, teriyaki, pineapple and bacon.

“I like it because it’s salty and crunchy,” said Matt, running the burger joint with his sister-in-law Morgan Davis.

The Sacramento Squeeze Inn was featured on Guy Fieri’s

Bob’s at the Marina 6639 Embarcadero Drive Stockton, CA 95219 209-957-3279 www.bobsatthemarina.com

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2008, and the Tracy location prides itself on using fresh, quality produce delivered every morning, fresh, not frozen patties, with bread coming from

The Squeeze Inn

local Genova Bakery in Stockton.

2742 Naglee Road

“Our customers also like how we grill right in front of them and write up their order tickets old-school,” said Matt.

With seven locations, Matt says they’re excited to announce

Tracy, CA 95304 209-833-7992 www.thesqueezeinn.com

a Stockton location in Lincoln Center to open hopefully in August this year. ■

lifestyles

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American Red Cross 12th Annual Heroes Breakfast

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Richard Campos, Tino and Henry Adame, Robert Appeler and Frank Searcy

Gayathra, Curtney, Jehan and Sarisha Jacobs E

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Officers Joe Silva and Patrick Mayer

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g r ap e v i n e

High Water Brewing

By JOHN McCLIMANS PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ

W

hen a co-worker encouraged Steve Altimari to try out

In June 2010, he and a co-worker from Valley Brewing, John

homebrewing 25 years ago, he didn’t think he would eventually leave a

Anthony, decided to partner up to start High Water Brewing. The name

career in the tech industry for a life of hops, fermentation and his own

comes from a loose Italian translation of Altimari’s last name - “Alta”

brewing label.

meaning “high” and “Mare” meaning “sea.”

Yet that’s what happened. Altimari, president and brewmaster for

High Water currently produces about seven beers throughout the

High Water Brewing, was an engineer at Intel when he and a co-worker

year – from their popular Hop Riot and Hop Logic IPAs to their more

decided to attend a local homebrew meeting and try it out. When their

unique seasonals like Aphotic Imperial Porter and Rio d’Oro Strong Ale.

first batch of barley wine-style beer won a competition, he discovered

One of the most interesting beers, though, is their Campfire Stout.

Dreamed up by Altimari’s wife, Campfire Stout is a take on the

he had a knack for it.

“After a while, homebrewing became more fun than being an engineer, so I decided to leave [Intel] and go to brewing school.”

camptime favorite – s’more. Made with graham crackers, chocolate malt and toasted marshmallow flavoring, this unique beer has quickly

After graduating in 1995 from American Brewers Guild in Davis,

become High Water’s best-selling beer. It’s so popular that he recently

Altimari and his wife moved to Stockton and purchased El Dorado

placed an order for two thousand pounds of custom-made graham

Brewing Company, now Valley Brewing Company. The couple sold

crackers for their upcoming batches.

Using quality ingredients is important to Altimari. He buys all of his

Valley Brewing two years later, but Altimari stayed on as its brewmaster until 2010.

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own hops, selecting distinct characteristics in hops from Australia, New

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Zealand, Germany and Washington state’s Yakima Valley.

“Some people spend more time on the outside of the bottle than the inside. I care about the beer that fills the bottles more than the labels on the outside.”

The quality of High Water’s beer has not gone unnoticed. What started with Altimari and his partners self-distributing their beers has quickly expanded to a network of distributors across the United States including L.A., Seattle, Las Vegas, New York and close to ten countries worldwide. This year alone, High Water will brew more than 2,000 barrels, or 62,000 gallons of beer.

Locally, High Water is distributed by Delta Pacific Beverages. Owned

by Chris Dunn, Delta Pacific is unique as it only distributes craft beers.

“He focuses on us – the craft brewers,” said Altimari. “Chris doesn’t have a major brand in his book. He’s helping drive a local surge in really great beer.”

After three successful years, Altimari is ready to take the next step in bringing High Water to Stockton.

“We’re evolving to bring a brewery here to Stockton.” said Altimari.

“Stockton is where I live, and a brewery here will allow us to spend more time on our specialty beers.”

While still in the fund-raising mode, Altimari hopes to have a brewery, complete with retail space and tasting room, in 2015. What would be his ideal location? “It’s only fitting that High Water’s brewery be near the water, right?”

Looking for High Water Brewing beer? You can find 22-ounce “bombers” at BevMo, Whole Foods, Save Mart and more. 12-ounce bottles will be available this summer in select locations. You can also find them on tap throughout the San Joaquin Valley. More at www.highwaterbrewing.com. ■

g r ap e v i n e

Quality and Flavor meets Style and Relaxation

C

PHOTOS and story By Charleen Earley

heers to the new addition on N. School Street as Lodi

welcomes its 13th tasting room, Weibel Family Vineyards & Winery.

typically wearing stilettoes and outfits to reflect themes and seasons – sometimes just a bathrobe.

“My mom Judy does all the decorating, and most of the furniture and

Even Zsa Zsa Garbor raised her glass to honor their Green Hungarian

décor have been refurbished, purchased from estate sales,” said Bob,

wine in the ’70s.

“She loves it and endorsed it for us,” said Bob Ireland, stepson to third-generation owners Fred and Judy Weibel (pronounced Why-Bell).

who personally endorses their red Zin because “it’s not overpowering and goes with everything.”

Weibel Family Vineyards & Winery brings three generations of

“We opened mid-November last year, and guests enjoy the uniqueness

Champagne and fine old-world winemaking techniques and traditions

of our tasting room.”

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Uniqueness involves paying homage to the Hungarian-born

to their tasting room, first in Switzerland, then in California since 1938.

American socialite and actress with a cozy sitting area dedicated Zsa

With indoor and outdoor seating, Bob says customers enjoy

Zsa, and a mannequin in the window at the entrance named Lois,

bringing their cheese and crackers purchase from Cindy Della Monica’s

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Cheese Central next door, to pair with over 20 different varietals at Weibels.

“We are constantly creating new blends,” said Bob, who says the tasting room can be booked mornings for small parties such as bridal and baby showers, or after 5 p.m. on Sundays.

With over 500 acres of vineyards north of Mendocino County, the Weibel Family label offers a wide range of Chardonnays to zinfandels, to include their popular almond, peach, pomegranate, raspberry and citron sparkling wines. Bottles are priced between $10 invitations to winemaker dinners, an annual

they will come back again,” said Bob, whose

“If you’re a wine club member, you get

member appreciation party and special

stepfather Fred Weibel Jr. is a volunteer for

free tastings with up to two guests,” said Bob.

events the ability to pick up wines at the

Angel Flights and Wings of Rescue, flying

“We currently have a contest among our club

tasting room (saving shipping charges), no

animals – mostly dogs – to rescue ranches,

members: whoever comes up with a creative

cost to join and no cancellation fee.

where they will not be put down.

and $20, and tastings range from $5 to $10.

name for one of our newest red blends wins a $100 gift certificate!”

“Our mantra at the tasting room is to have our guests feel welcome and relaxed, so

“Our tasting room is dog-friendly too!” added Bob. ■

Membership averages $45 per shipment and includes three annual shipments of four bottles each of Weibel premium wines

Weibel Family Vineyards Tasting Room 13 N. School Street • Lodi, CA 95240 • 209-370-6013

(March, June and October), 20% off wines,

www.weibel.com

first choice on pre-release and small-lot

www.facebook.com/WeibelWines

wines, a newsletter with recipes and pairings,

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First 5 San Joaquin 15th Anniversary Luncheon

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Paula Sanchez, Debra Keller, Gloria Martin Barbero and Jeff Dundas E

Les Fong and Kay Ruhstaller

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Lindy Turner-Hardin, Jane Dyer Cook and Mike Miller

Jennifer Torres-Siders and Suzy Daveluy

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Hats Off Luncheon

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Lajuana Bivens, Dr. Irene Outlaw, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, Pamela Carter JD and Marcia Elam C E

Cynthis Winn Jackson, Essie Gilchrist and Kenitra Patrick Sandy Huber and Michelle Lahti

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Jylana Sheats, Mora Simpson and Kirsten Hammond

Khaleedah Young, Sharon and Aliyah Abdullah

Keynote speakers Pamela Carter, JD, and Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice

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P A C I WALNUT ST. F I C

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sav o r

Scrumptious Success

“I

story and photos By Erin Goulding

f you had told me 30 years ago that I’d be making a living as a

toffee maker, I would have said you were crazy,” said Patrick Fedor,

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batches – we are talking 5 pounds at a time – of English toffee and almond brittle.

owner and chief toffee maker of Scrump English Toffee, located in

After years of traveling with his full-time sales job, Fedor was

Stockton. Cherry salesman turned candy man, Patrick has transformed

looking for something more dependable and closer to home. Divine

a coveted family recipe into a sweet business. Made by hand in a simple

intervention stepped in, introducing him to the stove and a new passion

copper pot with four ingredients, Patrick creates “ridiculously” small

for English toffee. Knowing that enticing displays are important, Patrick

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engaged his brother, an advertising executive known for the creation of the California Raisins commercial, to design the logo and packaging.

The family recipe is quickly becoming a consumer favorite.

Ironically, Fedor does not have a sweet tooth, so he delegates quality control to his wife Heidi. “I love the fact it’s a mixture of chemistry and art,” states Heidi. We have found the perfect melt rate that makes you want just one more bite.”

“He is on to a dangerously addictive product,” complimented Jeremy Trettevik of Lodi’s Jeremy Wine Co., where Scrump is available for purchase, and a popular feature at winery events.

Since starting Scrump three years ago, Patrick now finds pleasure at the stove. “I like cooking now. I am especially interested in cooking recipes that my wife enjoys.” ■

For more information on where you can find Scrump, email patrickfedor@msn.com

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY Stockton .com

Father’s Day weekend

STOCKTON ARENA E TH ENT FIRSf itTs kEinVd in o

UIN SAN JOAQY COUNT

248 W. FREMONT STREET

Saturday & SUNDAY JUNE 14th & 15TH 10am-7pm

CHECK OUT DOZENS OF THE LATEST MODELS! Cars • Trucks • SUVs • Trailers • Motor homes & MORE!

Remote control

nascar STYLE racing ®

Featuring “Dads Only” races every hour

Have your photo taken at our

RED CARPET photo booth

All net proceeds benefit Disabled American Veterans Photography generously provided by Ulmer Photo

• •LIVE MUSIC •KIDS ZONE••CONTESTS •FOOD• & MORE•

One lucky winner will receive

5000

$

*

Will be on hand Saturday

will be on hand Sunday with fun contests and prizes

*$5000 prize is in the form of a voucher good toward the purchase of a vehicle from one of our participating dealers. Must be 18 years or older to win.

For tickets and more information visit us online • Stocktonautoshow.com

FE A T U RE

MEN AND THEIR CARS

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ

M

en love cars. Gears. Motors. Engines that purr – engines

that make ridiculous noise. They love stripping them down to the tiniest bolt – then building them back up.

They spend thousands of dollars stripping, painting, restoring, upholstering and customizing cars. Sometimes they buy several, or entire collections. Kind of like women and shoes – except it’s much more expensive than a shoe habit.

They drive for miles just to sit for two days at a car show, showing off their cars to other men who love sitting there showing off their cars.

They have matching iceboxes, themed shirts and a couple of lawn chairs that usually say NASCAR on them.

They polish their c ars – nightly. Even if they haven’t left the garage.

Men just love cars. And we’re good with that!

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PHOTOs BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ

➤

Ricardo Ibarra 1953 Pearl/deep red Chevy Bel Air

Ricardo has had a passion for “lowrider” classic cars since he was a teen. He saw a movie which sparked the passion to someday own one. As an adult, Ricardo has owned over 40 classic cars. The name of this car, “Suavacito,” defines the passion. Ricardo translates the word “Suavacito” as that special feeling that you experience inside your soul when you kiss someone that you love, the “little butterflies; that’s the feeling I get when I look at my car.”

PHOTOs BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ ju n e/ju l y 2 0 1 4

FE A T U RE

Benny Gallegos’ Impala has won several awards. He is most proud of his car being selected as one of the “top 45” out of 5000 cars at Hot August Nights in Reno in 2013. The car was also featured in Chevy Classics magazine.

Benny completely restored the vehicle, “down to every nut and bolt.”

➤

Benny Gallegos 1958 Aqua Chevy Impala

Passion: The first car he ever rode in as a kid was his Dad’s 1958 Chevy Impala. He learned to work on cars at a very young age and it became is dream to own another 1958 Impala rekindling his childhood memories.

PHOTOs BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ

Henry Pastor 1953 Black Chevy Bel Air Henry Pastor’s Bel Air has won several awards. He is most proud of his car being selected as one of the “top 50” out of 6000 cars at Hot August Nights in Reno in 2007. His car waspersonally selected by the Washoe County Commissioner.

Henry has been working on cars since he was in high school and is a classic car enthusiast. Currently he is working on restoring a 1950 Pontiac Silver Streak, and just purchased a 1940 Buick, keeping his passion alive for years to come.

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➤

STORY AND PHOTOS BY WAYNE CRAIG

Kirk Wentland – Trophies, Not Toys At 8 years old, most of us were playing with toy cars, but Kirk Wentland asked if he could buy a real Nash Metropolitan, which was just the right size. When he was ten he drove home a BMW Isetta bubble car by himself, and the collection has continued to grow ever since. Kirk collects great American classics like the rare 1957 Cadillac El Dorado Brougham, 1957 Lincoln Continental MKII and a perfect 1948 Chrysler Town and Country. He also has an alloy-bodied 1950 Jaguar XK120 (also rare) and cars with provenance like the 1980 Stutz Blackhawk that was owned by one of the wives of Sammy Davis Jr. With some 40 cars in the collection Kirk is a true San Joaquin car guy.

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FE A T U RE

STORY AND PHOTOS BY WAYNE CRAIG

Phil Katzakian – Mayor of Lodi Phil Katzakian is used to working with a team and making important decisions, and understands their impact on the future. This likely came from several years of professional motorsports racing. Starting in the 1970s with karting and moving up to Formula Super Vee and Formula Ford in the ‘80s and ‘90s, his career spanned nearly three decades. With Stockton’s own California Cooler as a major sponsor, Phil raced formula cars throughout the nation on tracks like Detroit, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Phoenix, Miami and the Long Beach Grand Prix. Many of these races were in conjunction with Formula One races, and even today Phil is recognized at any race event he attends. He continues to race in the 24 Hours de Lemons, a fun series of $500 cars attempting to look serious. His car collection currently includes Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Mustang, along with a rare Ducati motorcycle seen only briefly on local roads. When not on a track or at City Hall, Phil can be found in the air piloting anything with wings.

STORY and PHOTOS BY WAYNE CRAIG

Mike Haas and the Golden Rod Start with a 1937 Ford; add an Oz custom body, suicide doors, a Corvette motor, special fabricated parts, a Steve Fernandez paint job and details that would surprise Swiss watchmakers, and you have the Golden Rod. After racing off-road vehicles for 18 years and running a construction business with his brother Floyd, Mike Haas discovered customized vehicles becomes a passion. His passion includes award-winning motorcycles, a 1967 Caddy (slammed and bagged), a 1976 Caddy convertible and strangely enough, an original and untouched 1965 Volkswagen. As an avid poker player, Mike is co-owner of the Cardfather Poker Gear line of clothing, and continues to seek special cars with his car gal wife, Megann. Starting in the 1950s with George Barris and Big Daddy Roth, customizing cars has remained a special place for personal creations.

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FE A T U RE

STORY BY WAYNE CRAIG

Phil Featherston, World Champion In 1964 the Ford Motor Company decided to go drag racing, and committed to build only 100 Ford Thunderbolts. They were an immediate success, and have become an iconic car from the early days of drag racing. With only approximately 45 originals left, it is special that Phil Featherston of Stockton not only owes one, but currently holds the world record for Thunderbolts, having run the quarter mile in 9.23 seconds at 151 mph, which is 2 seconds quicker than the factory cars. Phil has owned and raced numerous cars since the early 1960s and is best known for his driving and mechanical skills. He has been invited to national events, and his Thunderbolt was one of the featured cars at the Henry Ford Museum in 2003.

FE A T U RE

Harlan Sutton 1967 Pontiac GTO ➤

I became interested in restoring cars when the old 1941 Chevy that my father had previously owned came up for sale by the current owner. When I thought it was time for another car to work on, I came across this 1967 Pontiac GTO in a barn, a car I wanted when I was in high school. It was offered at a reasonable price and needed minimal work – I thought. Once home, I realized it needed a lot of work – a 3-year project to bring it to the condition it is in now. I have enjoyed going to car shows and talking to people who also enjoy this era of cars.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ

➤

Kenny K. Lee 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS

Living in Stockton my entire life, graduating from Edison High School, I have always had a love for cars – and especially love working on them. I think there is motor oil in my blood! Working on cars with my sons is a good way to spend time with them. I have owned this Camaro for ten years. I also have a 1969 Z28, and a ’68 Camaro. I credit the beautiful paint job to Gerald at Mid-Cal Paint, and the engine to Larry’s Auto Repair.

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PHOTO BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ

My love for cars started as a child. My dad was a mechanic, was always tinkering in the driveway, and welcomed me to help. As I got older I decided to make mechanics a profession for myself as well.

I built my first car – it was a sea foam green 1965 Mustang. I sold it just before my wife and I started dating.

➤

Peter Hill 1965 Ford Mustang

She was mad, and convinced me to build another. I knew the exact car I wanted, bought it, and took my time (10 years) putting thought into each piece to ensure that this would be the perfect car. From the keyless entry to the license plate, this car is the dream car that we imagined.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ

FE A T U RE

Larry Lindgren When I got my first car, I had to repair it myself. I could not afford to pay for someone else to do it. That experience gave me an appreciation for cars. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, manufacturers were competing to see who could make the most horsepower. The body designers were coming out with bodies that were sleek and stylish. When you saw a car, you could tell the make and model. Today, cars all look alike. I think that is why they are going retro – Camaros, Mustangs and Challengers – all based on the body styles of years gone by.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LARRY LINDGREN

1974 Plymouth ’Cuda

1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

I have always been a Chevy guy. I like a

This is the car that I would have loved

I purchased this car for my wife Andrea.

long list of other makes and models. I like

to own when I got my license in 1969, but

It was complete and running, but still needed

Mustangs, and have a great respect for the

couldn’t afford it. I bought this one in 1990

some work. I had it repainted in the colors to

style and power of the ’Cuda. So when the

from the original owner. It is the first project

match my 1969 Chevelle convertible. I have

opportunity came around for me to buy this

I was able to completely finish. Funds were

gone through it mechanically and electrically

car, I could not pass it up. Although I did not

always a little short, and I would sell cars

to make it a good, safe driver for her.

build this one, it is a lot of fun to drive and

before they were done. My wife Andrea told

show!

me to max out the credit card and finish this one. We put a couple thousand miles a year on it enjoying the drive and going to shows.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 I bought this Camaro from a friend. It had been parked in his garage for eighteen years, covered by boxes. My son-in-law Peter and I took this car apart down to the last bolt. We restored it back to showroom condition. Every part numbered has been verified. It was a fun project and we are very proud of this car.

FE A T U RE

Coffee Buddies, Porsche Rivals

These two guys, Robert and Vince, can be found most mornings at Noah’s Bagels at Lincoln Center, shooting the breeze with a group of regulars. When asked if they were car guys, their eyes lit up. So did the dialogue and obvious rivalry of who has the better Porsche! Short of taking them both of them out to Kingdon Drag Strip for a “let’s see who can leave who in the dust,” we settled on a nice photo shoot of the dueling duo.

Robert Jensen 2013 Porsche 911

Vince Erardi 1982 Porsche 9115C

I like my Porsche 911 for several reasons. Its design is timeless –

Even though my Porsche is 35 years old, the performance

the current year looks nearly the same as the first model in 1963. The

is still a thrill. This is the last of the air-cooled Porsches, which

feeling of being one with the road – I drive the car, it does not drive

makes it a very special automobile, and part of Porsche history. I

me. The new technology enhances the driving experience. When I

love cars because “car-crazy” people are really fun to be around.

start the motor, I smile because the sound of the engine is amazing.

Overall, considering the history and its style, I think my car is

Finally, it’s a race/sports car that can be used as an everyday driver.

better than Robert’s.

It’s reliable. It’s appointed nicely. It has good fuel economy and if it needs to be, it’s nimble. All around it’s better than Vince’s 1982 Porsche.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ

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Jen Raquel and Ivy Mendoza

FE A T U RED

in the Gold Country

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by Michael Lamm PHOTOS BY RON KIMBALL AND WAYNE CRAIG

he term concours d’elegance is French and dates back to the

17th century. Concours means “competition,” and d’elegance means “of elegance,” so we’re talking here about competitions of elegance.

In 17th-century France, such competitions were held in the public parks of Paris, where wealthy citizens showed off their latest coachbuilt carriages. To add interest, the women riding in each carriage wore their latest designer outfits. Carriages and wardrobes were judged side-byside for elegance, and winning brought honor and prestige to their owners and designers. French concours d’elegance were the fashion shows of the day. ➤

In the early 1900s, as motorcars began to replace horsedrawn carriages, the same types of contests drew attention to Europe’s most elegant automobiles. In this country, automotive concours d’elegance started to become popular with hobbyists around 1960, pioneered by the famous Pebble Beach event.

The first Ironstone Concours d’Elegance took place in September 1997 on the grounds of the Ironstone Vineyards near Murphys, California. The founders were San Joaquin Valley farmers Gail and John Kautz, whose son, Stephen, operates the Murphys winery. All are still very actively involved, aided and abetted by a board of directors made up of serious car enthusiasts.

The Kautzes formed a nonprofit foundation to gather and distribute the proceeds of each year’s concours to organizations that benefit young people in agriculture, notably 4-H groups, Future Farmers of America and State Fair scholarship winners.

Since its 1997 inception, the foundation has donated over a quarter million dollars.

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FE A T U RED

The annual Ironstone concours takes place

than awarding first, second and third places, a

animals and projects for show and discussion.

on the last Saturday in September. For 2014,

percentage of each class receives an “Award of

Plein-air painters from the area set up their easels

the date is the 27th. Typically, over 300 antique

Merit,” and from those the judges choose one

and create artwork based on the beautiful cars

and classic cars, vintage race cars, trucks,

“Best of Class.” At the end of the day, all “Best

and backgrounds. ■

motorcycles, trailers and motorhomes are on

of Class” winners drive to a staging area where

display. Some years the mix includes classic

they receive their trophies and ribbons.

wooden boats.

This year the Ironstone concours will feature

Restored and preserved vehicles are mostly

special classes for Packards, Cadillacs, Lincolns,

driven to the concours, rather than trailered.

Pierce-Arrows, Bentleys and Rolls-Royces. Other

Ironstone entries arrive from all parts of Northern

classes highlight race machines, Ford Model Ts,

California, including the Bay Area and Silicon

Model As and two-seater Thunderbirds. Sports

Valley. In 2013, several owners drove to the

cars like Jaguar, Ferrari, Pantera, Corvette,

concours from Nevada and at least one car, a

Porsche, MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey have

Borgward, came all the way from Minnesota

their own classes. In addition, the concours will

under its own power.

celebrate the 50th birthday of the Ford Mustang

Vehicles are arranged on the terraces and rolling green lawns of the winery. Each

and the 100th anniversary of Dodge cars and trucks.

is assigned to a specific class, and each car

Members of 4-H clubs and FFA arrange

gets judged against others in its class. Rather

displays on the concours grounds, bringing their

EVENT BENEFICIARIES: FFA & 4H PROGRAMS

Admission $20 for individuals or $35 for a family of four.

Children under 14 enter free.

Details, along with discount coupons, are available www.IronstoneConcours.com For more information call 209-269-6950

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Monica Ahumada and Janet Tanaka

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PHOTO BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ

Gary R. Baughman Board-Certified Orthodontic Specialist Age: 66 How long living in SJ County: 34 years People who mean the most to me: My wife, Carol, my family in Ohio and even my deceased parents with whom I talked almost daily until their passing one and six years ago, my patients and staff, my study club (the Peninsula Orthodontic Research Group – PORG), and many nieces and nephews further enrich our lives.

Favorite SJ County place to visit when guest arrive: Lodi wine country and Yosemite (even thought not in SJC), and our second home in the Sierra foothills.

Key event in my life: Graduation from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and commission in the US Navy, which brought Carol and me to California in 1973.

My bucket list: Having the time in retirement (someday) to travel anywhere for more than 1-2 weeks.

Favorite sport teams: Ohio State Buckeyes, Pacific Tigers and the Oakland A’s.

Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii (any island), Europe and especially new and emerging countries like Croatia along the gorgeous Adriatic Sea. Hobbies: Travel, travel photography, car-browsing (not purchasing), learning to cook and sports entertainment.

Sports I enjoy: College football (go Buckeyes!), college basketball (go Pacific & Ohio State), professional baseball. I also have become a regular power-walker.

Favorite food: Anything Italian, my wife’s chili and being adventurous on the barbecue.

Volunteering: I am currently the Speaker of the House for the American Association of Orthodontists, and involved in many more professional organizations related to Orthodontics; the Pacific Athletic Fund and Rotary for more than 30 years.

Other information: I have been blessed with friendships developed through community involvement. I love anything beautiful, from nature to quaint villages in Europe, architecture, sunlight, rain and snowfall, good friends, good wine, energy and good health to enjoy it all.

lifestyles

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Glasses and ledger in the Boone General Store

Bodie,

the REAL California Ghost Town

“G

STORY AND PHOTOS By STEVE SINNOCK

oodbye God, I am off to Bodie,� and with that

ominous sendoff to my family, I threw my camera gear into the Tahoe and headed up Highway 120, and over Tioga Pass, to the eastern Sierras.

(Actually, the quote is attributed to an entry a young girl made to her diary in the late 19th century, after learning her family was moving to the remote and infamous California gold mining town).

TR A V EL

n e a r

Standard Mill overlooking town of Bodie

There are “ghost towns,” and then there are REAL

Several devastating fires and the exhaustion of the veins of

ghost towns. Bodie most certainly falls into the second

gold resulted in a sudden exodus of the town’s inhabitants

category. A booming mining town in the late 1800s and

in the late 1930s.

early 1900s, Bodie is the poster child for how quickly good

Bodie became a State Historic Park and National

fortune can turn south after a couple of fires, and the gold

Historic Landmark in 1962, and is maintained today

runs out.

in a “state of arrested decay” by the California State

Bodie was founded in 1859, 10 years after James

Parks Department and the Bodie Foundation. There are

Marshall discovered gold on the American River near

approximately 100 buildings still standing, including the

Sacramento. At its peak in 1879, Bodie boasted a

Methodist Church, the Boone General Store, the Hollis &

population of 10,000, placing it as one of the 5 largest

Wheaton Hotel, the schoolhouse, the Standard Stamp Mill,

cities in the state of California at the time. The town had

the Dechambeau Hotel and post office, the jail, the morgue

all the amenities and diversions of a large city, including

and the IOOF Hall, along with numerous other businesses

a baseball league, horse racetrack, a bowling alley and

and residences. These remaining buildings represent

a roller skating rink. It also had no less than 65 saloons,

about 5% of the structures that existed during the town’s

brothels, gambling halls and opium dens that provided all

heyday, many of which are in remarkably good condition

manner of entertainment and distraction for the miners, the

considering the harsh environment and climate.

community’s residents and travelers passing through town.

There is an eerie feeling when you first visit Bodie. You

By contrast, the town had but two churches. Murders,

will not find T-shirt stores, phony saloons, ice cream shops,

robberies, stage holdups and street fights occurred with

photo booths or gunfight reenactments in the streets

monotonous regularity. The Reverend F. M. Warrington

that are standard fare in other alleged western ghost

visited Bodie in 1881 and exclaimed that the town and

towns. Instead there is plenty of dust, tumbleweeds and

its residents are nothing but a “sea of sin, lashed by the

sagebrush, just as one would expect in an old spaghetti

tempests of lust and passion.”

western. Many buildings and homes look as though the

It is estimated that approximately $100,000,000 in

residents quickly packed up and left, leaving most of their

gold was extracted from the hills surrounding the town.

belongings behind. It is what one would expect to see

Town of Bodie looking northwest with the Standard Mill on the right

if one were to visit Pripyat, the city that was quickly evacuated following the Chernobyl disaster in Russia.

One quickly gets a firsthand feel for how harsh and difficult life must have been for Bodie’s residents, even during the best of times. In most homes, the only thing protecting a family from a winter storm with 50 mph winds, 0° F temperatures and 8-foot-deep snow drifts were walls made of thin boards, wallpaper and maybe some tar paper.

I was surprised to note that about half the visitors to Bodie on the day I was there were Europeans. Every other family I passed seemed to be speaking German, Italian, or French. One Dutch family asked, in very clear English by the way, if I would take a picture of them and I inquired as to why there was so much European interest in Bodie. They very eloquently explained that Europeans are fascinated by stories of the American wild west, the California Gold Rush, and cowboys and Indians. Like Americans, many Europeans grew up watching movies and TV shows where the wild west was glamorized by American actors such as John Wayne, James Garner and Chuck Connors. Their interest was simple –

Bed in Bodie residence

they just wanted to see what a real wild west town looked like and maybe, just maybe, they hoped they might run into Clint Eastwood.

Bodie is located just north of Mono Lake, between Bridgeport and Lee Vining. Take State Highway 395 six miles south from Bridgeport, turn left onto Route 270 to Bodie (the turnoff is well marked), continue on 270 for thirteen miles (the last three miles of which are a rough gravel road) to Bodie. There is a nominal and well worth it park entrance fee of $7.00 for adults, and $5.00 for children.

Switchboard in the Hollis & Wheaton Hotel

1927 Dodge at Boone General Store gas station

The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are remote and spectacular, especially during the month of October when the weather is pleasant and the fall colors are stunning. If you plan a trip to the area, be sure to include visits to Mono Lake, Tioga Pass, June Lake and Lundy Canyon.

As a bonus, there is fabulous trout fishing in and around Bridgeport. â– For more information, visit www.Bodie.com and www.bodiefoundation.org

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TR A V EL

F A R

Begin Your Italian Adventure In The

CINQUE TERRE

CINQUE TERRE, ITALY Vernazza

Y

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photos and story BY LARRY FRENCH

ou may be asking yourself, just what is a Cinque Terre or where

terrain afforded them safety from invading armies. The steep mountains

is it? The Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places in all of

provided protection and the sea provided food. To further enhance

Italy. It is an area that time passed by and was all but forgotten until

their living, the pioneers of the area started changing the landscape

it was rediscovered in the early 1960s. The Cinque Terre (five lands) is

by building retaining walls on the mountainsides to provide areas for

a collection of five cities in close proximity connected only by water,

agriculture. Thousands of acres of hillside slopes were terraced with dry

train and walking trails. There are no roads connecting these cities, and

stone walls to grow grapes and other crops for the inhabitants of the

they don’t have traffic problems because they don’t have cars (except a

area. The results were the creation of a scenic landscape of exceptional

few in Monterossa). There are five main cities that make up the Cinque

quality and in 1997 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Terre – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

Soon thereafter the Italian government followed suit, creating the

These cities are about one mile apart from each other as they stretch

Cinque Terre National Park in 1999.

out over approximately seven miles of the Mediterranean coast. They

The Cinque Terra National Park was created to help preserve the

are some of the most picturesque cities in the world. The Cinque Terre

terraced landscape, and in addition help manage and control a growing

cities are situated on the Italian Riviera between Pisa and Genoa at

tourist industry. At that time there were only a few hundred acres of

the base of steep mountains right on the Mediterranean Sea. Around

active agriculture, compared to thousands of acres in the past. This

a thousand years ago people started settling here because the steep

was because people had given up on agriculture to take jobs in the

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more lucrative tourist industry. Today the government oversees that the families that live in this area maintain and rebuild the terraces. If they don’t actively work on the terraces, the land is taken away from them and given to others who will help restore this beautiful landscape. This

Cinque Terre Beach

restoration not only reestablishes the scenic landscape, but helps to protect the area from erosion and mud slides. There was tremendous damage done to the hiking trails and the surrounding landscape by torrential rains in 2011. The restoration project is working because today you will see acres of grapes, olive trees and other crops growing

or walk to the next city. If you can take one of the local water taxis, I

again on these magnificent terraced gardens. It is indeed a lovely sight

would highly recommend it. The views of these cities from the water

to behold.

is spectacular. You have the blue Mediterranean, colorful buildings

Because there are no roads connecting these cities the most common ways to visit each town are by hiking/walking and the train.

built on rugged rock outcroppings and spectacular terraced scenic landscaping. It is a very special place to visit.

The trail that connects the cities is very good in many places but in

If you are planning a trip to Italy then the Cinque Terre is something

other areas you are walking through vineyards growing on the steep

you should consider for your itinerary. Of course Italy has the lake

slopes. Many hikers find that some of the trails are much more difficult

district, the hill towns of Tuscany, the Sorrento/Amalfi coast and Venice

to traverse than they expected. I would highly recommend walking the

but the Cinque Terre has the scenic and cultural attributes to make it

trail that connects Riomaggiore and Manarola. It is called the Via dell’

well worth your time. These cities have what I would call the essence of

Amore, or trail of love. It is a little wider than most of the trails and it

Italy. That combination of architecture, food and wine, history, scenic

is paved. If you plan on hiking in this area I would suggest you check

beauty and of course the people all come together to shout out: Now

first to see that the trail you want to hike is open. There is a large

that’s Italian. So if you go, please look for me in Vernazza; I hope to be

reconstruction project going on to improve these trails, and many are

sitting in the piazza under a brightly-colored umbrella having a gelato,

closed while under reconstruction. On many of the trails you can see

watching the world go by. ■

the local people picking their grapes right in front of you during harvest season. At times it can be a little crowded with tourists, but still well worth the effort.

Via Dell’Amore In Cinque Terre, Italy

The one thing that makes these towns so wonderful is their colorful buildings and their old-world charm. These are small medieval-style villages that each have a population ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 people. They all have winding, narrow streets with pastel-colored buildings that seem to have laundry hanging out of every window. I can remember seeing a table and chairs at an outside café that looked so inviting until I looked up and saw someone’s underwear drying above.

Maybe next time! Most of these cities were built and designed around a central church with a piazza, or gathering place. The city of Vernazza has a great piazza with colorful umbrellas that is right on a quiet little harbor full of brightly painted fishing boats. It is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and people-watch. You can browse the local shops for souvenirs, and when you are ready to move on you can catch a train

lifestyles

For more information on travel or accommodations in the town of Levanto and the 5 small villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia and Riomaggiore, visit www.cinqueterreonline.com

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Jolie Harris, Lyn Kirkconnell, Judy McDonnell and Anne Dolan

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F A S HIO N

BEAU TIES

By Laurie Eager

C

FOR ALL AGES

onsider the bow tie

and those who wear them. Dapper, individualistic, stylish, self-confident, conservative,

nerdy,

intellectual,

natty‌ adjectives abound for those men who choose to be among the roughly 3 percent of tie wearers who opt for the bow.

The early history of men’s fashion suggests that the tradition of the neck tie began during the Prussian wars during the early 17th century.

The Croatians tied a silk scarf around their necks to keep their shirt collars closed. Later the style was adopted by

the

always

fashion-forward

French, and became known as a the cravate (somewhat French for Croat).

It is unclear whether this tradition evolved into the bow tie and then to the more common necktie or the other way around. But since early times, men who sported a bow tie were perceived to have a certain savoir faire.

My grandfather always wore a bow tie. Other than days at the beach, I cannot picture a single time when my Papa Neate was not wearing a white shirt and a jaunty

MODEL: JUSTIN BELCHER, STOCKTON PHOTO BY SCOTT MARRS lifestyles

63

F A S HIO N

hand-tied bow. For me, it symbolized a proper

Locally, gentlemen of all ages can be seen

gentleman, comfortable in his own personal

donning a bow. Lincoln High School graduate

style. At his eightieth birthday party, each of

Nick Hardin chose a teal, polka dot tie for his

the centerpiece vases was tied with a bow

graduation photos – a stylish casual look.

from his collection.

This fashion trend is showing up with young

While often thought of as the accessory of

professionals and students alike. Michael

choice for comedians like Peewee Herman and

Duffy, CEO of Financial Center Credit Union

Groucho Marx, the bow tie has been de rigeur

in Stockton, recalls his first bow tie, a hand-

for iconic film and television personalities as

me-down from his brother that he begged to

well. Picture the Godfather, Marlon Brando,

wear for picture day in elementary school. At

NICK HARDIN

age 16, while serving as a Congressional page in Washington D.C., Michael’s grandmother bought him a bow tie, remembering how much he had loved the look as a child. Duffy purchased a few more, including a black one to wear to the Inaugural Ball. These days he enjoys wearing classic regiment stripe, or paisley bow ties with his summer suits. He has even passed along a few to his 13-year-old son.

Bob Foy, retired CEO of Cal Water, recalls PAPA NEATE

growing up near Stanford University and being influenced by the conservative, classic style of

or the epitome of suave and debonair, James

dress of many professors. Today his personal

Bond, in his classic dinner jacket and bow

trademark is just that – cuffed pants, wing-tip

tie. In the British sci-fi series, Dr. Who, Matt

shoes, a button-down shirt, a three-button

Smith portrays the Eleventh Doctor, who has

coat, and an ever-present bow tie. Most

been credited with renewing interest in bow

of them he has ordered from Beau Ties of

ties and coining the phrase, “bow ties are

Vermont, a purveyor of handmade bow ties,

cool,” which is now emblazoned on T-shirts,

and his personal collection numbers over 140.

etc., and has even spawned its own website.

Most bow ties are made of silk. Originally

Sir Winston Churchill, fashion designer Karl

they were sold in specific lengths according to

Lagerfield, former president Harry S. Truman,

the size of the men’s neck, but today it is more

Supreme Court justice John Paul Stevens

common to find bow ties that are adjustable.

and news commentator Tucker Carlson are

And an authentic bow tie aficionado would

all bow-tie fans. In recent years, the bow tie

never dream of wearing a pre-tied version. If

has staged a comeback, largely fueled by

you need help learning to tie one, you need

hip younger guys like Jude Law, Chris Brown

look no further than one of the many videos on

and Ashton Kutcher, and bow tie retailers are

YouTube. You just might discover that you, too,

seeing a surge in sales.

find that "bow ties are cool!" ■

MICHAEL DUFFY PHOTO BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ

BOB FOY 64

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MICHAEL DUFFY & norman shumway

PHOTO BY HELEN RIPKEN

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Bob Foppiano

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L o ca l

S p o t l i g h t

Like a fine wine

it’s all about the flavor

I

Story and Photos by Charleen Earley

f there’s one thing you can say Virginia Graves is not loyal to – it’s

cigar flavors.

life. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s doctor and stunt double came in once,”

“I’m constantly changing which ones I like. Smoking cigars is like

said Virginia. “It’s fun, and every day is different.”

drinking wine; you wouldn’t have the same wine over and over again,”

With over 300 flavors to choose from, Virginia said her cigars

said Virginia, owner of Tobacco Leaf in Stockton’s Lincoln Center. “I’m

come from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras, and cost

not loyal to any of them. I’m constantly trying new cigars for taste, and

anywhere from $2.25 each to as much as $30 for top brands. If that

my customers are the same way.”

doesn’t tempt you to step inside her quaint shop, perhaps her custom,

Virginia, who has never smoked a cigarette a day in her life, and

40-foot walk-in humidor will.

doesn’t sell them in her store, enjoys a flavorful cigar once a week. She

“Cigars are perishable and have to be kept at a constant temperature

took ownership of cigar and pipe store in 1982, and loves everything

of around 70 degrees, with humidity at 70, too,” said Virginia, who

about the business – mostly her customers.

gives her customers a complimentary humidification packet to keep

“You get different people and personalities from different parts of

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the country. My customers are fun to be with, and you get all walks of

newly purchased cigars fresh for up to seven days.

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L o ca l

She warns, “Never store cigars in a refrigerator that doesn’t require defrosting – that’s what our grandparents did!”

Not everyone has room in their home for a walkin humidor, so she sells portable units ranging from $25 to $300.

Born in Tulare, CA and raised in Mission San Jose (now called Fremont), Virginia moved to Stockton in 1957. She has a son, granddaughter and greatgranddaughter, and says when she’s not working, she’s reading, gardening or cooking for others.

Virginia enjoys educating her customers, of which 15% are female, about all things cigars. She hosts vendor events, run specials, and advise virgin smokers to start with mild cigars.

“There’s mild, medium and strong – also called full-bodied – cigars. Some people start with mild and stay with mild,” said Virginia. “It’s tasty to smoke cigars, and if we don’t have the one you’re looking for, we can order it, or show you something comparable, or possibly better!” ■

Tobacco Leaf 209 Lincoln Center • Stockton 209-474-8216

Tobacco Leaf 209 Lincoln Center • Stockton M-F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sat: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed Sundays 209.474.8216

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Debra Wenger, Paul and Barbara Allen-Diaz

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John Freeman, Jr. Age: 46 Occupation: After attending St. Mary’s High School and San Joaquin Delta College, I went to work for California Water Service Company, where I’ve now been 27 years, and currently serve as District Manager.

How long I’ve lived in San Joaquin County: 46 years – I am a second-generation Californian.

The people who mean the most to me: My wife Jamie and our four children, Andrea, Valerie, Victoria and John, and my parents, John & Stella Freeman.

Favorite SJ County place to take friends when they come to visit: The Delta A key event in my life and the impact it had on me: Having survived a horrible vehicle accident in 1985 My bucket list includes: Climbing one of Cal Water’s elevated storage tanks, learning to play the guitar and owning another boat.

Favorite sports team: San Francisco Giants Favorite vacation destination: Lake Tahoe Hobbies: Coaching baseball, golf, fishing Sports I enjoy: Baseball / softball, football, basketball, golf Favorite sports team: San Francisco Giants Favorite food/dessert: Mexican food / chocolate cake with no frosting I “give back” by volunteering with: California Water Service Company encourages its managers to be actively involved in the communities it serves. I currently serve as a Board Director to the San Joaquin County Chamber of Commerce, Delta Little League, and past Chairman of the Tri Valley Water Retails Group. I am actively involved in my children’s school and athletic activities. Most recently, I assumed the role of coach for my 13-year-old son’s baseball team. In my free time, I enjoy golf, fishing, baseball, and playing poker.

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Lillian Pierce, Sandy and Kin Gainza and Joan Brisco

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Linda Christopherson, Lauri Felice and Rita Busalacchi

Carolyn Filpi, Cathy Eilers and Suzy Wilkinson

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Lois Billigmeier, Brent Williams and Robin Morris

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Austin

Wag Tales I am a: Hound/pit mix

Where I was rescued from: The street Favorite place to hang out: The front lobby Most recent accomplishment: Opened my kennel door Amazing dog trick: Smiling Favorite place to walk: Along the Rose Garden Guilty pleasure: Eating bacon treats Naughtiest deed: Jumped the fence and ran away Obsession: Eating bacon treats Where I go to get beautiful: The nearest mud hole Other interesting info about me: I like constant companionship.

Adopted parents: I am awaiting my forever home at The Delta Humane Society

DON’T MISS THE DELTA HUMANE SOCIETY’S SECOND ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER!

SATURDAY, JUNE 21 $100 Registration fee includes green fees, cart, lunch on course & dinner.

Trophies, contests & lots of prizes!

Sign-up sheets are available at the following locations: Delta Humane Society Shelter 4590 S. Highway 99 • Stockton Thrift & Gift Boutique 6830 Pacific Avenue • Stockton Call 209-466-0339 • 209-466-0331

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Stockton Opera Guild Yesteryear Treasures

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Tricia Martucci, Courtney Harrel and Sue Sherrow

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Water Under the Bridge Restoring the decommissioned USS Lucid (MSO 458) minesweeper

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BY DENNIS HALL PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ

hrough her local friend David Rajkovich, who farms his own

orchards in San Joaquin County, yielding apples, walnuts, and

rendezvous at the museum. From my home, I shoved off and headed out for the Port of Stockton at full steam.

cherries, Carrie Sass, my editor for Lifestyles magazine, heard about

Spying a somewhat discreet sign announcing the museum, I

a fascinating historical restoration project at the Port of Stockton.

glanced over toward the port’s waterway and took in an informal

Rajkovich, it turns out, serves at the helm as the President of

parking area of grass and gravel next to a building. Beyond it there

the Stockton Historical Maritime Museum, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit

floats an imposing bluish-gray, wooden ship docked at the shoreline

organization. His wife Karen serves alongside him as Chief Financial

not much bigger, or so it seems, than a tugboat. After a few minutes of

Officer, and his brother Garrett, who also farms, volunteers in many

looking for an entrance to the Stockton Historical Maritime Museum,

incredible ways. Both are sons of a World War II veteran, and made it

the welcoming voice of a tall gentleman named John Van Hustee

their mission to preserve naval history.

greeted me as he walked toward me from the docked ship. Being an

As any topic of nautical mystery intrigues me, I immediately reached Rajkovich by telephone, whereupon he suggested that we

employee of the museum, he put to rest my preconceived notion that there is a physical, stationary museum building per se. ➤

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Instead, he smiled and gestured toward

pocket watches and compasses, and further

the ship on the shoreline only yards from us. He

the wall mountings of historical photography

explained that the Stockton Historical Maritime

capturing life and state-of-the-art decades ago

could see the mysterious Google Barge moored

Museum is actually a floating museum, a

in marinas and ports, anchors, oars, flags, bolts

on the opposite shore, off in the distance. We

decommissioned Navy ship, the U.S.S. Lucid

of sail cloth, and polished antique propellers.

headed inside the Lucid, but not before I took

(MSO 458) minesweeper.

The U.S.S. Lucid floating museum will offer

in two teenagers working that morning to help

similar exhibits with tours, and tourists will

restore the Lucid. They appeared curious about

enjoy actually being on the water.

me, and Rajkovich took time to introduce me

Whereas the Lucid is designated MSO 458, which probably meant in its day Mine Sweeper

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Operations, current minesweepers in the US

Van Hustee welcomed me aboard the

to them. One offered to take pictures for me

Navy inventory, for example the U.S.S. Pioneer

Lucid, which was buoying up on the high tide

with my camera, a kind gesture I appreciated

(MCM 9), have designation MCM for Mine

during the early morning hours. He cautioned

immensely.

Countermeasures.

me to always look down at the deck as I moved

Rajkovich explained as we made way

Maritime museums abound in Northern

about, as it’s a minefield of small trip hazards.

through the passageways to tour the

California, what with our immediate proximity

Dave Rajkovich came forward from inside the

bridge, sick bay, galley, berthing quarters,

to waterways leading to vast, vital commerce

vessel, greeting me with a hearty handshake

commanding officer’s quarters, ward room,

ports, bays, rivers, lakes, the Delta, and the

and smile. He first had us take in the grandeur

chief petty officers quarters, and radio room

shorelines of the Pacific Ocean. Typically

of the Port of Stockton from the vantage point

that the Lucid will be a floating museum and

maritime museums include docents giving

of the stern, under which were concealed the

tourist attraction at The Port of Stockton. There

walking tours directing tourists to transparent

propulsion propellers. A gigantic supertanker

currently is no attraction right there on the

display cases showing logbooks, antique

filled with liquid fertilizer passed by us quietly.

waterway. He forecasts the selling of tickets for

black-and-white snapshots, knotted ropes,

Further, Rajkovich walked me to the bow so I

maintaining staff and utilities. Over 200,000

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rainmaker of securing donors’ financial contributions when he, too, is not busy farming. Donations, grants, and volunteers’ and students’ sweat equity keep the restoration underway and afloat.

Van Hustee is an employee of the museum who oversees involvement of San Joaquin youth enrolled in the Building Future Academy to help with the restoration, affording them education in vital construction trade skills, including woodworking, plumbing, and painting, growing their self-esteem to become respectful adults needed in the community. Currently the students involve themselves with refinishing vehicles daily pass over the Deepwater Channel via Interstate 5, so there

and sealing the upper decks, working on electrical systems,

is plenty of enticing access and visibility to draw in tourism.

panels, lighting, and fixtures. The process further strengthens their

Anchoring restoration for this the team of employees, volunteers, and students is usage of official, original blueprints consisting of

knowledge and experience with communication, time management, and organizational skills.

over 500 sheets of detailed drawings and specifications. Funding the

The US Navy provides in-kind donations by allowing qualified

restoration of the Lucid, on the other hand, requires a cargo hold of

museums to scavenge decommissioned vessels, extracting all sorts

monetary donations, but fortunately affords a local opportunity for

of vital bygone era, antiquated hardware and electrical items. They

youth involvement, and for our US Navy to preserve some of its rich

completed multiple work party excursions to Bremerton, Washington,

history as well. So far about $150,000 of the almost one-and-a-half

where the Navy stores decommissioned ships. Explains Garrett, “Our

million dollars has been raised. Dave’s brother Garrett is so far a major

needs have been substantial, due to scrappers who removed most ➤

of our original fixtures and equipment from the

an emergency program of building minesweepers.

U.S.S. Lucid.” Restorers removed a mother lode

They had to constructed of materials and fasteners

of original fixtures, tables, cabinets, electrical

of nonferrous composition such as wood, brass,

wiring, lights, and switches from ships headed for

bronze, and aluminum so as not to be magnetic

scrapping, and then hauled it all the way back to

in nature. At least without magnetic attraction,

Stockton.

mines would not be attracted to minesweepers,

The U.S.S. Lucid is the last remaining restorable

tripping their fuses, then exploding, piercing

vessel of this type. Whereas it was not built in

hulls, destroying critical warfighting systems, and

Stockton, it is the sister ship of three similar vessels

injuring and killing sailors. Older vets come to visit

built by the Colberg Boat Works on Fremont Street

the ship and say, “These are wooden ships for iron

near the current Stockton Arena, which opened

men.”

in the 1800s and closed in the 1990s. The Navy

At the time, minesweepers were the most

christened the Lucid during the early 1950s,

expensive vessels to construct due to compact

and it was many years later decommissioned.

size, nonferrous special hard, durable woods,

The vessel is a veteran with a distinguished

and expensive bronze bolts, nuts, and screws.

service record spanning the Korean and Vietnam

The Packard V12 diesel engines assemblies

conflicts, playing roles far greater than just

are comprised only of aluminum and stainless

minesweeping.

steel. Shipyards built 101 vessels, with a third of

During the early 1950s, new types of

them going to foreign allies. Minesweepers had

engineered Soviet mines set out into waters

very shallow draft, causing them to ride high in

during the Korean Conflict theater and later

the water with light submersion and rounded

Vietnam, mandated Congress move to implement

bottoms of their hulls. This design mitigates risk

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of detonation of proximity mines that explode

to eight months long, and it took a month and

if the ship’s surface passes too closely for safe

a half just to transit the ocean to the Far East

passage.

at just twelve nautical miles per hour or about

Countermeasures to locate and dispose of

288 per day, and then again back to homeport.

submerged mines included the pulling of pods

With her rounded hull, the Lucid was prone to

behind the Lucid interconnected with cables

dramatic rolling action with sea swells and

to snare the mines, exposing them. Crews

waves; hence everyone strapped themselves

sentimentally referred to these pods as “pigs”

into their berths to sleep, and hence the saying

due to their resemblance to swine. Once the

“sleep tight.” Once on station, service included

mines popped up, either the cabling triggered

“market time,” or looking for ships and boats

them to explode well clear of the vessel itself,

smuggling contraband. The 40-millimeter

or sailors fired 50-caliber guns and 30-caliber

cannon mounted on the bow was originally for

rifles at them until they detonated. That process

defensive firing, but found useful offensively

was immensely dangerous, rife with suspense,

as well, to fire shots over the bow of a vessel

but exhilarating all the same, night and day.

refusing to stop as ordered.

In the galley under renovation, Rajkovich

Memorial Day having just sunset, and

introduced me to retired Navy Commander Gary

being in the presence of a minesweeper, I was

Howells, who served on a similar minesweeper

taken in by what a vital role this ship and their

during the Vietnam Conflict, and who serves as

type played in saving the lives of thousands of

a volunteer. Commissioned an Ensign through

our Navy sailors and allies, fostering victory

the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at

at sea. The crews and those that are alumni

Oregon State University, he served thirty years,

of this unique community proudly assert their

both in active duty and in the Navy Reserve.

vital, unseen roles in stating, “Where the fleet

He is a treasure trove of knowledge regarding

goes, we’ve already been.”

life and service aboard the Lucid. He served

What a wonderful outing visiting the

on a sister ship in the same class, the U.S.S.

Stockton Historical Maritime Museum will be

Firm (MSO 444), as Operations Officer while

for current and future generations to come.

holding the rank of Ensign and then Lieutenant

Anchors aweigh! ■

j.g. (junior grade) in his early years. On average, he was among five officers aboard leading 65 enlisted sailors, with everyone cross-trained to assure continuity and efficiency of operations.

He might be Officer of the Deck up on the open-air bridge for hours, but then later in the daily cycle find himself in the radio room doing “crypto,” or decoding messages. With that many personnel aboard, shifts varied, but typically were eight hours on and four hours off

For more information Stockton Historical Maritime Museum www.stocktonhistoricalmaritimemuseum.org

around the clock. A typical excursion was seven

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Rod Jonhson family and friends

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Mary Ramsey, Stevi Cicero and Joe Vani

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Barbara McGinnis and Beverly Antle

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Simple solution to improve indoor pollution W

By Rod Johnson HEATING AND AIR

e tend to think of air pollution as something outside –

pets, you’ve probably got pet dander,” He tells WebMD. “It’s become

smog, ozone, or haze hanging in the air, especially in summer. But

what we call a community allergen – pet owners carry it around on their

the truth is, the air inside homes, offices, and other buildings can be

clothes and shed it throughout the day. You can’t get away from it.”

more polluted than the air outside. The air inside your home may be

Children, people with asthma, and the elderly may be especially

polluted by lead (in house dust), formaldehyde, fire retardants, even

sensitive to indoor pollutants, but other effects on health may appear

volatile chemicals from fragrances used in cleaners, or a coat of paint on

years later, after repeated exposure.

the walls.

Indoor allergens and irritants have become much more important in

In that mix, you’ll also find microscopic dust mites, a major allergen,

recent decades because we’re spending more time indoors. And because

plus mold and heaps of pet dander, says David Lang, MD, head of

modern homes are airtight, these irritants can’t easily escape. We’re all

Allergy/Immunology at the Cleveland Clinic. “Even if you don’t have any

exposed to a greater degree than we were three or four decades ago. ■

Simple steps to improve indoor air quality 1. Source Control: We cannot stress enough the importance of reducing and/or removing the source of the indoor air pollution. This may be contaminated carpet, walls, or even ventilation (HVAC system).

2. Ensure proper air filtration/cleaning: The EPA provides a comprehensive list of air cleaners ranging from small table-top versions to sophisticated whole-house models.

3. Replace old filters: Old filters in heating and air conditioning units (HVAC) can be a major cause of indoor air pollution, and must be monitored, and replaced if necessary.

4. Smoke Outside: We don’t have to tell you the endless list of contaminants and resulting adverse health effects caused by smoking.

5. Remove and reduce moisture: The simple fact is that mold needs moisture to live. Control moisture and control mold.

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PHOTO BY HELEN RIPKEN

Tim Ulmer

T

he San Joaquin Merit for Servant Leader

Award is given to the person or persons who through their own volition, character and giving nature choose to serve their community at their own expense of time and resources. Their passion is for making a difference in the community and in the lives of individuals, avoiding self-promotion, fame or reward, charitable acts and (quiet) humble sacrifice to better mankind.

The First Annual Merit for Servant Leader Award was awarded to Tim Ulmer at the 24th San Joaquin Leadership Prayer Breakfast. The SJ Leadership Prayer Breakfast is an annual breakfast held to reaffirm our nation’s Christian faith and heritage. The committee unanimously agreed Tim Ulmer encompasses all of the attributes of a Servant Leader. Tim is seen as photographer at nearly every non-profit event in Stockton.

The award is a Towel and Basin sculpture as a reminder that Christ instructs us to serve others as He has done. The sculpture was engraved, “Your example of servant leadership illuminates the community in which you serve.” ■

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BaseballBling F A S HIO N

Local baseball enthusiast crafts bracelets out of vintage baseballs

By Charleen Earley

C

orrie Barbara likes bling just as

much as the next gal, but what she enjoys more is making one-of-a-kind bracelets out of vintage baseballs and seeing the joy on the faces of new owners once they put them on.

“I started making them a year ago when I saw something similar, and thought, ‘hey, I could make those!’” said Corrie, a born-and-raised Stocktonian and owner of BaseballBling31. “Once I started making them, my friends kept saying, ‘I want one!’ and it snowballed from there.”

Selling medical devices by day for Hollister Inc. as a senior sales consultant, Corrie makes bracelets by night, and says baseball and sports are the center of her world.

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F A S HIO N

Corrie was the Certified Athletic Trainer

baseball wives who follow and tweet my

for college baseball for two years at California

cuffs, and craft bloggers, too,” said Corrie,

State University, Long Beach. Her clinical work

who received her master’s degree in sports

was done at Stanford University for two years,

medicine from San Jose State University.

and she was the Athletic Trainer at UCLA,

Each cuff is made out of a used, no-

where she worked with Olympic athletes such

longer-wanted baseball. While she does not

as renowned Bruin coach Lisa Fernandez and

use major league baseballs with logos, each

gold medalist Joy

ball has unique

Fawcett.

scuff

grass and dirt

Sports is the center

of

marks,

stains,

her

making

world,

each ball one-

too. Husband Don

of-a-kind. Each

Barbara coaches

ball renders two

it, their daughter

bracelets, unless

McKenzie,

there’s a tear in

family’s

age

the leather.

12, plays travel softball,

Prices range

and

from $28 to $45, depending on custom

Madison, 14, plays soccer.

“Obviously we have a love for the game

designs; however, when it comes to duplicating

[of baseball],” said Corrie. “I came from the

a bracelet, prepare to be turned down no

athletic world, and as a trainer, it’s in my blood.

matter what dollar figure you pitch her way.

We are passionate about it as a family. And I

“I’ve had people ask me to reproduce,

just wanted something fun and unique to wear

but I can’t, because that’s what makes me

to the ball field, something that says who we

different – plus knowing that no one else is

are and what we’re about.”

wearing that same bracelet,” said Corrie, who

Her ball cuffs, centered with one-of-a-kind jewelry bling, are available to purchase online

donates cuffs to Kriste Merin’s Kids Taking a Stand fundraisers.

through various websites listed below, and her

“It’s not about the money for me," added

customers range from friends to spouses of

Corrie. "It’s the pure joy to see the excitement

professional athletes.

from getting the bracelet, is what it’s all about

“I have 5300 likes on Facebook, including

for me.” ■

BASEBALLBLING31 Corrie Barbara www.etsy.com/shop/BaseballBling31 www.facebook.com/BaseballBling31 www.twitter.com/corriebarbara

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Pheon Devison and Evia Moore

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Diane Correia, Bonnie Lew, Sylvester Aguilar and Shannon Ding

David and Veronica Wells

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Chris Walker and Helen Sung

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P EE K

A

B O U TI Q U E

Treasure in an

Unexpected Place

P EE K

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A

B O U TI Q U E

Photos by ASHLEE BLACKARD

alk about a hidden gem. Once you drop your car off for a well-needed

wash and head inside to pay, you will wonder if you walked through the wrong door. Canepa’s Car Wash Gift Shop is an eclectic treasure trove of unique gifts and handmade trinkets for him, for her, for grads and dads, for kids, for your pets – you name it. Chances are, you won’t be able to walk out without picking up something for yourself as well! ■

Canepa’s Car Wash Gift Shop 6230 Pacific Avenue • Stockton 209-478-5515

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HE A LTH

&

Caring for Dad: Keep the Man in Your Life Healthy

W ELL N E S S

Know His Heart: When it comes to heart health, a good place to start is to know your risk factors. If your man uses tobacco or has diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, he is more likely to have heart disease. His chances of heart disease are also increased if he has a family history of heart attack or heart disease, if he is obese, if he is inactive or if he is under stress. If your husband has one or more risk factors AND he is experiencing symptoms of heart disease (shortness of breath, chest pain, drop in energy), then he needs to see his doctor soon. He should also see his doctor if he has multiple risk factors but is not yet having symptoms.

His doctor can determine if he needs additional testing or a referral to a cardiologist.

Heal Those Bones & Joints: As we age, our joints and bones begin to show signs of wear and tear. Unfortunately this is especially true for men who continue to stay active into their forties and beyond. Their joints begin to fail and other orthopedic injuries can occur. If your husband is convinced that his injury

I

By Samira Jahangiri, MD

is just another strain, let him rest it for a couple days. If it does not respond to rest and ice and it continues to impede his mobility, then

t’s an unfortunate but typically true fact of life – getting men to go

he needs to see his doctor. For knee injuries, if the injury is recurring

to the doctor is hard. Whether the man in question is your dad or your

with swelling and pain, or if the knee locks in place, then he should see

husband or your brother, chances are he will ignore his symptoms until

his doctor. For any orthopedic injury, if the injury is affecting his sleep,

the last possible minute. As both a physician and a woman, I know how

making it painful to walk a block, hurts more than once a week and is

this male-pattern stubbornness can cause the women who love them

no longer responding to pain medication – then it is time to see a doctor.

endless worry – and for good reason. Men have a shorter life expectancy than women; they experience more illness and fall ill at a younger age.

Be Aware of Prostate Problems:

And although women visit the doctor more often than men, men cost

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 6 American men. You can help your man

our society much more in medical care beyond age 65 (Harvard’s Men’s

by encouraging him to know if he is at higher risk for prostate cancer and

Health Watch, January 2010).

also by encouraging him to get screened when appropriate. Risk factors

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your man know

for prostate cancer include having a family history, being obese, being

when it’s time to see his doctor. This Father’s Day, make a promise to

65 or older, and being African American. Men are encouraged to begin

help the man in your life take control of his health.

annual screenings for prostate cancer in their 40s or 50s, depending on their personal risk factors. Prostate cancer does not typically cause

Dr. Samira Jahangiri is a family practice physician with Dignity Health Medical Group Stockton. To make an appointment with Dr. Jahangiri or one of the other primary care physicians, call 209-475-5500 or visit StocktonMedicalGroup.org.

many symptoms during its earliest stages, so screening is key to effective treatment. Symptoms of more advanced prostate cancer may include trouble urinating, blood in urine, blood in semen, and pelvic pain.

Helping the man in your life know when to see his doctor – and then making sure he follows through with an appointment – can have a big impact on his health. ■

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June ~ Mark the date

4 inConcerts the Park

Bring your own picnic dinner and enjoy great music as the Concert in the Park series continues at Victory Park. The free concerts begin at 6 p.m. every Wednesday, June 4 through August 20.

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Wine Tasting at Micke Grove Park

Stockton Sunrise Rotary Club presents their 29th Annual Wine Tasting at Micke Grove Park on Friday, June 6 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The event includes live jazz music, over 20 restaurants and wineries and a silent auction. For more information, call 209-931-4009.

Stockton .com

STOCKTON 14-15 AUTOSHOW

Bring your dad to the Stockton Autoshow Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont Street. A $5000 prize giveaway towards the purchase of a vehicle will be held.

Bring the whole family. For tickets and information visit Stocktonautoshow.com or call 209-546-8385.

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Steve Winwood at the Bob Hope Theatre

Come to the Bob Hope Theatre Wednesday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m. to see legendary rock ‘n’ roll artist Steve Winwood. For more information, call 209-373-1400.

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17-21

The San Joaquin Junior Show & Auction Council presents the new San Joaquin AgFest from June 17 through June 21. The AgFest is a celebration of youth agriculturists in San Joaquin County featuring a traditional livestock competition, educational projects and a livestock auction. For more information, contact info@sanjoaquinagfest.org or call 209-481-0843.

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Join the Lodi Memorial Hospital Foundation as they host the 30th Annual SummerFest on Thursday, July 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. The event takes place at Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Winery. Enjoy winetasting, food from local restaurants, raffle prizes and a live auction at this wonderful event.

For more information, please call 209-339-7833.

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20 Wine Stroll

Taste wine, enjoy savory hors d’oeuvres and live music, shop and dine… all while supporting the Child Abuse Prevention Council. The Lincoln Center LIVE! Wine Stroll takes place on Friday, June 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. Come out and shop, stroll and sip your way through the boutiques at Lincoln Center, with more than 20 wineries in attendance. For more information, call 209-477-4868.

Wine Tasting at Pixie Woods

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Pixie Woods is hosting their 28th Annual Wine Tasting event Friday, June 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. Taste excellent California wine, sample hors d’oeuvres, enjoy live music and participate in a silent auction at this fun event. Tickets are available at Fine Wines in Lincoln Center or Wine Wizards Restaurant. For more information, please call 209-969-6048.

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Festa Italiana

Sunday, June 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. the Festa Italiana will be taking place at the Waterloo Gun & Bocce Club. This celebration of everything Italian includes live music, Italian dancers, bocce, Italian vendors and of course local Italian food! For more information, visit www.festa-italiana.com or call 209-983-4375.

Bring the entire family out Saturday, June 21, to run or walk through beautiful Micke Grove Park on a paved 5k loop, finishing inside the zoo. Entries to the Zoo Zoom include a race bib, commemorative T-shirt, pancake breakfast, refreshments, giveaways and free park and zoo entry. For more information, please contact zooed@sjgov.org or call 209-331-2138.

July ~ Mark the date 18 26

Lincoln Center LIVE! Shopping Bazaar and Family Fun

Bring the entire family to Lincoln Center Friday, July 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. for their Shopping Bazaar and Family Fun night. There will be fun for the whole family including live music, face painting, a jumbo slide and corn hole games. For more information, please call 209-477-4868.

The 4th Annual Blues Festival and BBQ Competition will take place Saturday, July 26 at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds. There will be live music from Shane Dwight, Maxx Cabello Jr. and the Breakdown, Jeramy Norris and the Dangerous Mood, Wingnut Adams, and more. For more information, visit www.bluesandbones.com.

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2nd Annual Let’s Face It Together Spring Renewal Affair

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Rosie and Angel Dixon

Annette Knowles and Kathy Rishwain E

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Kathy and Amber Bender

Dr. Harry Zeiter, Kimberly and Glenn Cockerham, Traci Young and Lynette Zeiter

Aline Strickland, Mark Garcia, Barbara Corr and Keile Strickland Photos bY HELEN RIPKEN

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