209 Magazine - Issue 6

F E B RUARY/MARCH 2015 – ISSUE 6

HAVE A

WHALE

OF A TIME

on MONTEREY

LADY LUCK

LIVES IN THE 209

BAY

YOUTH RUNNERS who inspire

4 NEW HOME NEIGHBORHOODS

NEW MODELS!

FREE RANGE CHILDREN

COMMUNITY PARK AND PLAYING FIELD NOW OPEN! FOUR NEW HOME NEIGHBORHOODS IN A MASTER PLANNED SETTING FROM THE LOW $300,000’S. We’re creating a place where kids can roam free at River Islands! This spectacular new community offers big, beautiful homes plus sparkling lakes, walking and bicycling trails, parks and access to the Delta waterways.

Innovative schools, a future Town Center and a state-of-the-art business park are all part of the community plan. Own a great home – and a great life – at River Islands.

I-5

RIVER ISLANDS ST EW AR TR

Welcome Center is open daily 10 – 5 at 301 W. Stewart Road in Lathrop. (209) 808-5168.

EY

LATHROP D.

.

RD

TH

AN

M

A

SD

I-5

OS

M

LE

By Van Daele Homes

4-6 Bedrooms 2,859 - 3,601 sq. ft.

Priced From Low/Mid $400,000’s

WINDRIFT

By Brookfield Residential

3-5 Bedrooms 2,100 - 2,800 sq. ft.

Priced From Mid $300,000’s

EDGEWATER

By DeNova Homes

3-5 Bedrooms 1,841 - 2,568 sq. ft.

Priced From Mid $300,000’s

DRAKE’S BEND

.

RD

N

1-205

RIVER ISLANDS

WATERPOINTE

By DeNova Homes

Model Grand Opening 3-5 Bedrooms 1,886 - 2,450 sq. ft.

Priced From Low $300,000’s

RiverIslands.com LIVE LEARN BELONG

All amenities and features are subject to change without notice. Map not to scale. Prices effective as of deadline of publication.

Finest Mexican Food in Town

The Bulletin

• Catering • Appetizers • Seafood • Breakfast • Combination Plates • Tacos and More

Open Daily 7am-10pm Mon.-Thurs. m un., 7am-11p S & t. a S ., ri F

NOW OPEN U R H T E DRIV T. ‘TIL 2AM A S .S R U H T tion only)

SUNDAYS CHI LIVE MARIA pm 0 1:30pm-3:3 nly)

a

(Main St. loc

ve. o (Yosemite A

1361 E. Yosemite Ave. Manteca, CA 95336

1226 W. Lathrop Rd. Manteca, CA 95336

7521 W. Stockton Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95823

1110 N. Main St. Manteca, CA 95336

(209) 823-8481

(209) 824-2111

(916) 691-0233

(209) 823-9000

www. laestrellataquerias.com

Drive Thru Now Available!

Serving Generations of Families Since 1876

State of the Art Funeral Home.

All funeral and cemetery

Traditional Chapel with 400 seat Capacity.

arrangements are cared for

Lush and Scenic Grounds.

Call today for your FREE

In House Flower Shop.

planning guide.

in one convenient location. www.turlockmemorialpark.com

425 North Soderquist Road, Turlock, CA 95381 • 209.632.9111 • Lic # FD1843 CML# COA114

a o t s e ’ r He g n i r u l l a y r ve ! y a D s e ’ n i t n e Val

bubbly sweet moscato

fresh R fun R lively .

allure winery, ceres, ca www.allurewinery.com

A llure B uBBly

209.538.3131

@ A llure B uBBly

FEATURES Las Vegas may have been where Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack went to find lady luck, but residents of the 209 needn’t drive into the desert to find a hot game or loose slots. The 209 is flush with casinos, bingo halls and card rooms that offer gaming entertainment.

What started out as a bingo hall in 1985, has since grown into the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort. The 1,500 acre property includes 1,700 slot and video machines, 36 gaming tables and a poker room — not to mention four restaurants, a hotel and ballroom.

Turlock Poker Room series champion Todd Machado went from playing for fun to getting series about winning.

PAGE 42

PAGE 50

Over the past decade, Turlock’s small card room has not only grown in size but also in audience. It’s now known as a Valley destination for gamers of all skill levels.

Manteca’s Casino Real offers poker plays big time action, fine dining and a bar — all in the Valley.

PAGE 44

PAGE 51

With its recently opened hotel, Black Oak Casino is a full-fledge gaming resort.

Black Oak, owned by the Me-Wuk tribe, employs over 1,100 people to work in the casino, its restaurants and hotel.

There’s even a place for the kids to enjoy their games of bowling.

Bingo still reigns at Chicken Ranch Casino, however, players now have the option of trying their luck at slot machines.

PAGE 52

The West Coast Poker League was created to help build players, without the pressure — and expense — of entering multiple tournaments.

“B-4” can once again be heard in the town of Turlock, as bingo made a long-awaited return to the town in January. Eagle Pride now offers games three days a week at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.

PAGE 49

PAGE 54

PAGE 46

209MAGAZINE

6

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 – ISSUE 6

DEPARTMENTS 8

NAVIGATOR

Publisher’s Letter

36

Whale watching on Monterey Bay

IN THE KNOW

10 14 16

36

Ripon Almond Blossom Festival

BOOK REVIEW

Celebrating Mardi Gras

40

Crab feed season

“Based on a True Story”

FULL OF LIFE

16

56 58 60

Fitness and Beyond with Teresa Hammond Sharing the love of running Teens Run Modesto

A PLACE CALLED HOME

62 64

Spring Home & Garden Show Expert gardening tips

CHARITY CORNER

20 22

66 70

Color of the year Get your Irish on

American Red Cross Sierra Vista Family Services

LOOK BACK

FLAVORS

72 Knights Ferry Covered

26 Lincoln Cellar 28 Midgley’s Public House 32 Galletto Ristorante 34 Recipes

Bridge

MARKETPLACE

76 80 209MAGAZINE

7

Ghirardelli Factory Outlet The Tiger Collection

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

70

Vol. 2 No. 6 ■ February/ March 2015 PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen

GENERAL MANAGER Jennifer Marek Drew Savage

EDITOR Kristina Hacker

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAHERS Elizabeth Arakelian Alysson Aredas James Burns Jason Campbell Dennis D. Cruz Teresa Hammond Melissa Hutsell Marg Jackson Richard Paloma Hime Romero Virginia Still Chhun Sun Jon Michael Terry Photography Jon Terry Dennis Wyatt

ART DIREC TOR Harold L. George

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mackenzie Alameda Jaime Ramirez

ADVERTISING DIREC TORS Chuck Higgs Taylor Phillips

SALES & MARKETING Beth Flanagan Maureen Jerner Tara Levy Krista Messer Vicky Norman-Eddy Corey Rogers Melody Wann Doreen Wynn

SPECIAL CONSULTANT Larry Dovichi

To advertise in 209 Magazine, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 • Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141 209 Magazine is published 6 times a year 138 S. Center St. •Turlock, CA 95380 Comments: hvanderveen@209magazine.com www.209magazine.com ©Copyright 2015. 209 Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of 209 Magazine is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in 209 Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of 209 Magazine mangament or owner. 209 Magazine assumes no responsibnility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

Welcome back and thank you for checking out another edition of 209 Magazine. I hope you had a safe and fun-filled holiday season and are ready to embark on new adventures in 2015. As we veer out of the cold winter season into spring, we invite an assortment of new experiences. Locally in the 209, we often fail to take advantage of all the recreational activities we have available to us in our backyard, literally and figuratively!

There’s a well-known expression, “winter showers bring spring flowers.” Although we haven’t experienced many showers, this issue of the 209 Magazine offers tips and suggestions for home gardeners looking for some green inspiration. We also invite you to check out the Home and Garden show based out of Modesto where you can experience a wide range of vendors.

The 209 is home to multiple casinos and resorts including foothill destinations like Black Oak Casino, Jackson Rancheria, and Chicken Ranch Casino, which provide the community the opportunity to play all day and still make it home for dinner. In the Valley, there are plenty of places to find a hot game of poker, such as the Turlock Poker Room and Casino Real in Manteca, or play a round or 10 of bingo.

In addition to the casinos, this issue of the 209 Magazine also enlightens readers on the local celebrations in our region such as the ever popular Ripon Almond Blossom Festival, Mardi Gras Party in downtown Modesto, and a variety of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that draw crowds of visitors into the place we call home!

Thank you for taking the time to read 209 Magazine.

We welcome your comments, calendar events, and stories.

We hope you will support the businesses and charities that have chosen to partner with us. We appreciate them and look forward to being the most relevant magazine in your home, a place called 209.

Hank Vander Veen Publisher hvanderveen@209magazine.com

Community corner

Easton Galuppi of Oakdale takes a look at the December/January issue of 209 Magazine.

His mom said sent in the picture and wrote, “Young readers matter!”

—Adam Christianson, Sheriff-Coroner President, California State Sheriffs’ Association Stanislaus County Sheriff ’s Department

Send us your comments and suggestions at khacker@209magazine.com

Watch.

209MAGAZINE

209magazine.com

9

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Thank you for highlighting the best of Stanislaus County As Sheriff, I’m always looking for a positive, uplifting way to share information with the people of Stanislaus County. 209 Magazine is perfect! The content, stories, and other features are a true reflection of the many wonderful things happening throughout our communities. Your magazine provides us an opportunity to promote the great work being done by our law enforcement professionals who are dedicated to a chosen profession of service and sacrifice. Thank you for a publication that promotes all of the good things about Stanislaus County!

intheknow

Almond

Blossom

Festival

Three days of nutty, wholesome fun in Ripon

By DENNIS WYATT

209MAGAZINE

10

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

N

ever been to the Ripon Almond Blossom Festival?

Then you’re missing a chance to savor a wholesome community-based celebration that for 53 years has served as the kick-off event for an annual calendar full of festivals celebrating the Northern San Joaquin Valley’s bounty from asparagus to zucchini.

It takes place the last weekend in February at the cusp of winter fading into early spring.

The fact the weather can be gently warm accompanied sometimes by a blustery touch only enhances the experience.

You will be hard pressed

to find another festival in the entire valley that takes place in such clean air while at the same time the intoxicating scent and sight of billions of delicate pink and white almond blossom delights the senses.

The festival portion of the event — Ripon’s version of a street fair — takes place at the expansive Mistlin Sports Park on River Road Feb. 20-22 (Friday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. each day). Everything from carnival rides to vendors hawking almond brittle, Lockeford Sausage and artistic creations to live music takes place in the shadow of the gigantic water tower while

surrounded on three sides by almond orchards.

Simply driving to the Almond Blossom Festival grounds is a treat in itself. You will pass miles upon miles of almond orchards bursting with blossoms often with bright green carpets of grass between rows upon rows of trees.

And while Mistlin Sports Park is abuzz with activities for three days, there are a ton of events in and around downtown Ripon ranging from breakfast, a fun run, and an art show to a diaper derby.

(Go to www.riponchamber. org for entry forms and more information.) CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 

209MAGAZINE

11

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

intheknow

To see a Studio209 video segment of the 2014 Almond Blossom Festival, visit 209magazine.com

It is all offered around the main event — the Almond Blossom Festival Parade that’s 1 p.m. Feb. 21.

The route is a combination of residential streets and the traditional downtown district complete with a street lined by pavers set off with entrance arches and other touches.

The parade is a celebration of the good life, small-town style. There are youth entries, marching bands, JROTC units, horses, antique cars and more.

It also doubles as a community reunion.

It isn’t unusual to see chairs lining the parade route at the crack of dawn. Walk the route through the residential neighborhoods and you will see front yard after front yard teeming with gatherings of

friends and families.

The Ripon Almond Blossom Festival is a true hometown celebration that openly welcomes long lost friends and strangers. ■

The parade is a celebration of the good life, small-town style.

Schedule of Events Feb. 19

4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner, Community Center 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Almond Blossom Court Coronation, Community Center

Feb. 20

6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Grange Breakfast, Grange Hall

IF YOU GO

Feb. 21

WHAT: Almond Blossom Festival

6 a.m. to 10 a.m. American Legion Auxiliary Breakfast, American Legion Hall

WHERE: Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 River Rd., Ripon

8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fun Run, Stouffer Park

HOURS: Noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 20-22, Carnival: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 19 ($1 night); 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 20; noon to 11 p.m. Feb. 21; noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 22.

For more information: Go to www.riponchamber.org for entry forms and more information.

209MAGAZINE

12

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Diaper Derby, Ripon High School 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Quarterback Bratts & Beer, Community Center 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Parade, Downtown Ripon

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

MONEY

IN YOUR POCKET American AgCredit members earned $39 million in cash dividends for 2014, for a total of more than $250 million since 2006.

Our business is agriculture. Our business is finance. Our business is you.

Call 800.800.4865 today or visit AgLoan.com A part of the Farm Credit System. Equal Opportunity Lender.

intheknow

Festive TRADITION 

Tuesday

CONTINUES

By VIRGINIA STILL

T

The party has grown each year and has expanded even more with a parade in traditional Mardi Gras style with a few multicolored floats, decorative masks as well as the highly desired beads.

he modern day masquerade ball continues at Tresetti’s World Café in Modesto for the 21st Annual Mardi Gras Party for 2015.

Being a huge fan of Mardi Gras, Tresetti’s President and Owner Tammy Maisetti decided to bring the colorful carnival to the streets of downtown Modesto 20 years ago and it was so well received that it spilled out into the streets. This is where the idea for an annual Fat Tuesday celebration began and has continued over the years.

The popular cultural paradox is celebrated all over the globe and people can get a taste of the carnival from 6 p.m. to closing on Feb. 17. The party has grown each year and has expanded even more with a parade in traditional Mardi Gras style with a few multicolored floats, decorative masks as well as the highly desired beads. The addition of the parade began last year with only one float, a marching band and garishly dressed walking participants. The parade will be on the streets starting at 9:30 p.m. on Fat Tuesday. There will be various stages including a main stage with local artists performing rock and blues on three stages along with a house DJ after 10 p.m. to energize the crowd and get the dance party started.

209MAGAZINE

14



The festivities will take place on 11th Street between I and J streets in Modesto, with live music, speed bars, beer trucks and much more.

The traditional celebration was at one time moved from Tuesday to Saturday since it was hard for people to get out on a Tuesday. This year it has been brought back to Tuesday.

Tickets are available for purchase in advance for $15 at Tresetti’s, TiKi, and other locations or at the door for $20. There are also VIP tickets available for $50 which includes a traditional Mardi Gras buffet at Tresetti’s of authentic New Orleans style cuisine including gumbo, jambalaya, red beans, rice, cornbread and bourbon bread pudding, just to name a few selections.

The celebration that is Mardi Gras dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It is celebrated in many countries around the world on the day before the religious season of Lent begins. Brazil, Venice and New Orleans play host to some of the holiday’s most famous public festivities, drawing thousands of tourists every year.

Mardi Gras season is the prelude to Lent, the 40 days of penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Traditionally, in the days leading up to Lent, merrymakers would binge on all the meat, eggs, milk and cheese that remained in their homes, preparing for several weeks of eating only fish and fasting. In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.”

“Mardi Gras is really about bringing Bourbon Street to Modesto,” said event promoter Andrew Thomlison. ■

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

January 2015 An Open Letter to the People of Stanislaus County In the last several months, we have been inundated by constant media coverage of law enforcement incidents around the country. Starting with the incident in Ferguson, Missouri and spreading to the latest incident in New York, we have seen some of our elected officials and others suggest that our law enforcement professionals are abusive, corrupt, and in some cases, even racist. From our perspective, nothing could be further from the truth.

Preserving freedom and democracy, in a society as complex as ours, takes dedicated professionals.

What we don’t see in these repetitive media cycles are the stories of heroic men and women who stand between good and evil, ensuring all of us stay safe. They are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters; family members all working under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, committed to a profession that is based upon service and sacrifice.

And despite the onslaught of negative media reporting, the men and women of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office enjoy widespread community support. For that, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Knowing we can count on your support makes a tremendous difference in our ability to carry out the duties and responsibilities you have entrusted to us.

Our highest priority is to protect the public’s trust and confidence in us. We do that through communication, collaboration and cooperation. We abide by our guiding principles of honesty, integrity, professionalism and respect. We abide by the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics without exception and we are accountable to the people we serve. If we make a mistake, we will own up to it. We realize our success in the community is only as good as the relationships we develop.

Without those relationships and our work together, we will fail.

While we all face many challenges, our commitment to you remains unchanged. We will always do our very best, with the resources we have, to protect the people we serve and we will do that to the very best of our ability in partnership with the community.

Thank you all for your support of your Sheriff’s Office and the men and women who serve in law enforcement. Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

ADAM CHRISTIANSON Sheriff – Coroner Stanislaus County

209MAGAZINE

15

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

intheknow

BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN

T

he new year is often a time for fitness resolutions, but it can also be the sign of expanding waistlines as people across the 209 tuck into annual all-you-caneat crab feeds.

While patrons may walk away more uncomfortable than when they walked in after a full night of eating and drinking, they can rest assured that their consciences will feel good even if their stomachs don’t. The proceeds from local crab feeds all go towards good causes including school programs and local fire department needs.

So warm the butter, grab the special utensils and prepare to help local organizations fulfill their year-round goals by tucking into a feast this crab feed season.

■ Mike Grohl Memorial Crab Feed ■ Father Silva Foundation Crab Feed

When: Feb. 6 Where: The Reata, 160 N. Third Ave., Oakdale

When: Feb. 6 Where: St. Stanislaus Community Center, 1416 Maze Blvd., Modesto

The Mike Grohl Memorial Crab Feed to benefit the Oakdale Family Resource and Counseling Center will be held Feb. 6 at The Reata. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. for this 21 years and older only event. There will be a hosted beer, wine and well bar, a DJ and dancing. Tickets are $50 each or $500 for a table of 10. Tickets can be purchased at the Oakdale Resource Center, 631 W. F St., 209. 847.0420, or Maddox Resources, 161 N. Second Ave., Oakdale, 209.847.1025.

209MAGAZINE

The Father Silva Foundation Crab Feed will be held Feb. 6 at the St. Stanislaus Community Center, 1416 Maze Blvd., Modesto. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, salad and bread meal. Entertainment, cocktails and wine will also be available.

Adult tickets are $50 and children 12 and under are $25. For more information, call 209.484.4370.

16

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

■ Howard Training Center 21st Annual Crab Fest

■ East Union Crab Feed

When: Feb. 6 and 7

When: Feb. 7

Where: Howard Training Center, 1424 Stonum Rd., Ceres

Where: MRPS Hall, 133 N. Grant St., Manteca East Union High School Athletic Boosters is holding its 43rd annual Crab Feed on Feb. 7, at the MRPS Hall, 133 N. Grant St Manteca. No host cocktails begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7. Dinner includes salad, bread, baked potatoes, all you can eat crab and dessert. Dancing to follow at 9 p.m. Tickets are $45. All proceeds benefit student athletes of East Union. For more information and tickets call 209.858.7270

Howard Training Center will host its 21st Annual Crab Fest on Feb. 6 and 7 at the Center’s hall, 1424 Stonum Rd., Ceres. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Live music will be performed by Livin’ starting at 9 p.m. There will also be a no-host bar and raffle. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 209.593.5618.

■ Turlock Pentecost Association Annual Crab Cioppino When: Feb. 7 Where: Turlock Ball Room, 528 N. Golden State Blvd., Turlock Each year the Turlock Pentecost Association purchases thousands of pounds of crab and fresh seafood for their crab cioppino. Tickets are $50 and festivities begin at 5 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Turlock Ball Room. There is a no-host bar and dancing. For more information, call 634-3425.

Current Turlock Pentecost Association President Michael Silva, Nick Antrim and Martin Cunha look over hundreds of pounds of deveined shrimp for the annual cioppino feed 2014.

■ Lathrop High School Athletic Booster Crab Feed/Tri Tip Dinner

■ Greater Modesto Kiwanis Crab Cioppino Dinner

When: Feb. 21

When: Feb. 21

Where: FESM Hall at 220 N. Main St., Manteca

Where: SOS Club, 819 Sunset Ave., Modesto

209MAGAZINE

17

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN/ 209 Magazine

The Greater Modesto Kiwanis Club will host its annual crab cioppino dinner on Feb. 21 at the SOS Club. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no-host cocktails and a silent auction. Tickets are $45 each and can be purchased by calling John Fields at 209.480.1824.

The 4th annual Lathrop High School Athletic Booster Crab Feed/Tri Tip Dinner is on Feb. 21, at the FESM Hall at 220 N. Main St., Manteca. No host bar opens at 5 p.m. with all-you-can-eat dinner, raffle and dancing from 6 to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $45 per person if you purchase them before Jan. 31 and $50 per person after this date. You must be at least 21 years to attend. For tickets please contact any member of the LHS coaching staff or call Karen at 209.938.6357, Elena at 209.629.9579 or Chuck at 510.928.7849.

intheknow

â– Rotary Club of Ceres

â– Warrior Athletics Crab feed

17th Annual Crab Feed

When: Feb. 21

When: Feb. 28 Where: California State University, Stanislaus Main Dining, 1 University Circle, Turlock

Where: Ceres Community Center, 2701 4th St., Ceres

A crab feed to benefit the Warrior Athletics Scholarship Fund will take place on Feb. 21 at the CSU Stanislaus Main Dining. There will be a social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner will commence at 6 p.m. including all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, salad and bread. Tickets are $55 per person and 10 person tables can be reserved for $650 and include a bottle of wine. There are VIP sponsorships available for $1,500 and includes a table for 10, a cioppino sampler, a hosted bar and electronic logo projection throughout the evening. For more information and additional sponsorship opportunities call 667-3016.

The Rotary Club of Ceres will hold its 17th Annual Crab Feed on Feb. 28 at the Ceres Community Center, to benefit the youth of Ceres and various community projects. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 each and include two drink tickets. To purchase tickets, contact the Ceres Chamber of Commerce at 209.537.2601.

design group

D

esign and construction professionals that provide services in architectural and interior design, installation of all finish materials, along with general construction of residential or commercial projects. These projects can range anywhere from custom homes, kitchen and bath design/remodels, commercial/retail space or creating your perfect outdoor living area.

DESIGN PURCHASING CONSTRUCTION SPACES BMW Development Progressive Designs Perez Cabinets D.E. Russell Painting RWS Tile

208 W. North Street 209MAGAZINE

18

Interior Design/Flooring/Window Coverings General Contracting/Finish Carpentry/Plumbing Residential/Commercial Building Design and Planning Residential/Commercial Custom Cabinets Painting/Specialty Finishes Residential/Commercial Custom Installation

www.design-SPACES.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Manteca, Ca 95336

intheknow

MARSALA COLOR OF THE YEAR

I

PANTONE 18-1438 PANTONE 18-1438

MARSALA

wardensworks.com

209MAGAZINE

20

8 0 0 . 6 6 9. 6 3 2 1

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

33305_1

M MARSALA

t’s the season of love, roses and box of chocolates and if you’re looking for a new color to match the mood, look no further than a bottle of wine.

Pantone, the color guide corporation, has selected Marsala, a naturally robust and earthy wine red, as the Pantone 2015 color of the year for décor, fashion and beauty.

Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.”

Marsala was a hit on the Spring 2015 runways with fashion designers using it to make for an elegant statement color when the color is used on its own or as a compelling accent when paired with many other colors.

With the ever-growing popularity of floral prints and striping, variations of this hue will undoubtedly carry into men’s and women’s clothing throughout next year. Marsala is also a popular choice for jewelry and fashion accessories, including handbags, hats, footwear and the burgeoning market of wearable technology.

This highly varietal shade combines dramatically with neutrals, including warmer taupes and grays. Because of its burnished undertones, sultry Marsala is highly compatible with amber, umber and golden yellows, greens in both turquoise and teal, and blues in the more vibrant range.

The Color of the Year selection requires careful consideration and, to arrive at the selection, Pantone combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the fashion and entertainment industries – including films that are in production, the world of art, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, the availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention. ■

209MAGAZINE

21

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

intheknow

By VIRGINIA STILL

St. Patrick’s Day holiday was originally a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland.

The shamrock, a native Irish clover was said to be a symbol that St. Patrick used to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

209MAGAZINE

22

W

hether you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just celebrating Irish heritage, the Central Valley has a variety of celebrations to choose from this March like Murphys Irish Day or P. Wexford’s annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities among many others. Celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a sea of green is certainly something you can find right in our own backyard.

St. Patrick’s Day holiday was originally a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland. The shamrock, a native Irish clover was said to be a symbol that St. Patrick used to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain where he was kidnapped by Irish marauders and taken to Ireland as a slave when he was 16 years old.

Later on he escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited for bringing Christianity to its people.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17, which is thought to be the day St. Patrick died.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

MURPHYS IRISH DAYS in Murphy will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. March 21, rain or shine. This annual event in the Mother Lode is to celebrate the Irish. On the third Saturday in March, thousands of people from Northern California and beyond gather in the historic gold rush town of Murphys to honor its Celtic heritage and to celebrate as only the Irish can. Main Street will be filled with booths offering hand crafted items, original art, photographs, tasty food, wine, and other beverages.

The day begins with a pancake breakfast at 11 a.m., the swirl of bagpipes then heralds a parade of marching bands, classic cars, horses, community organizations, novelty entries, and some of the finest children in the land.

Throughout the day, there is continuous entertainment featuring singers, dancers, musicians, and jugglers.

The young ones can enjoy pony rides and Renaissance actors will be encamped in the park. A raffle will be held where some lucky ticket buyer will win an exciting trip for two to Ireland.

All this in addition to the charming shops, fine restaurants, and tasting rooms that line historic Main Street help create what is nationally recognized as one of the finest small towns in America.

P. WEXFORD’S PUB at 3313 McHenry Ave., Modesto, will throw its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration starting at 11 a.m. March 17. The Pub’s biggest event of the year will bring hundreds of people out on a weeknight to partake in the festivities.

There will be vendors, live bands, games and giveaways.

The restaurant will be serving up a traditional St. Patrick’s Day menu of corned beef and cabbage and a variety of other items like fish and chips.

Guests can wash the food down with a variety of spirits like green beer, Irish car bombs or other drink specials that will be offered for the celebration. All beers will be discounted that day only.

The party will officially kick off at 2 p.m. and there will be a cover charge of $10.

Entertainment will include Celtic music, bag pipes and Irish jigs. Guests are welcome to dress up in their best festive green St. Patrick’s Day gear.

“It is a great time, a real authentic Irish St. Patrick’s Day celebration,” said Stephanie Dillon, restaurant manager.

“Our party has a good hometown feel. We are a local bar celebrating the day.”

209MAGAZINE

23

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

HELMS, 600 Central Ave., in Tracy is a family pub and restaurant that will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a full menu as well as corned beef and cabbage.

They will offer green beer to wet your whistle and a full bar as well. For entertainment the pub will have live music and drink specials to celebrate the day. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 

Celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a sea of green is certainly something you can find right in our own backyard.

The whole week we will have a special Irish food menu. Last year we had over 1,200 attendees.

It was an all day party for all ages.

—Tony Finnegan

FINLEY’S BAR AND GRILL is at 10477 S. Airport Way in Manteca and will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day celebration starting at 11 a.m. The small roadhouse serves up steak sandwiches to hamburgers, pastas and chicken. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, they will be offering corned beef and cabbage all day with lunch being served between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and dinner being served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the bar open throughout the day on March 17. There will be no cover charge to attend the party at this historic building that was built in 1903 and said to be haunted, according to manager Stacie Collin.

Having some national attention, the building that is over 100 years old has also been featured on A&E’s “My Ghost Story” for being a haunted establishment. They have had several paranormal investigators visit with witnessed accounts of strange activity.

If the paranormal activity does not suit you, then enjoy the bagpipe performer and festive cocktails like green beer, Jameson and Bushmills.

209MAGAZINE

24

FINNEGAN’S at 6002 Pacific Ave., Stockton, throws a huge St. Patrick’s Day celebration every year with live music which will begin with a “St. Practice Day” party on the Friday and Saturday night prior to the annual St. Paddy’s Day party on March 17.

“The whole week we will have a special Irish food menu,” said owner Tony Finnegan. “Last year we had over 1,200 attendees. It was an all day party for all ages.

“Our mascot, Seamus Finnegan, will be there during the day time hours to take pictures and hand out goodies to the kids.”

For the 21 and over crowd, the party will begin at 9 p.m. with three live bands and two DJs to get the celebration under way.

Green beer will be on tap all week long and the restaurant will offer an Irish menu with specialty cocktails during the week as well.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

NOW THAT OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR YOUR HEALTH COVERAGE IS OVER

IT’S TIME FOR

VISION DENTAL

Phone: (209) 634-8911 | Toll-Free: (800) 400-0930 Fax: (209) 634-8848 | 132 S. Center St., Turlock, CA 95380

CA Lic #: 0G81319

45584_1

We have over 25 plans to pick from!

We will find a plan that your dentist or optometrist is on!

flavors

By RICHARD PALOMA

R

ecently opened in Stockton’s Lincoln Center with its appetizing cuisine, incredible wines and stylish atmosphere is Lincoln Cellar, a wine bar featuring not only gifts of the vine but the extraordinary fare of executive chef Alex Moreno.

Though named a “wine bar” featuring an extensive wine list available by the glass, bottle or even with the 209’s first WineEmotion – a self-service dispenser that allows customers to savor various wines in two, three or fiveounce pours – Chef Moreno creates tranquil ambiance with an enticing menu of entrées or shared appetizers with a focus on local ingredients.

Moreno prides himself on going to local farms for his ingredients.

“My menus are focused off what’s growing here and right now,” said Moreno, who added the buying from local growers and farms cuts out the middleman. “It’s ideal to utilize what’s available to you locally. The San Joaquin Valley is a major agriculture producer for not only the nation, but the world.”

Also, Moreno uses 90 percent organic produce.

“Because I use local, my menus change seasonally,” Moreno said.

209MAGAZINE

26

Moreno, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, uses his experience to artistically fashion a menu of American, French, Italian, and Asian fusion cuisine.

This time of year Moreno features a savory bone-in pork chop. Satisfying with a touch of sweetness, this chop is grilled and topped with a honey and ancho chile marmalade.

Also on the dinner menu are boneless short ribs braised in old Zinfandel served with a Fiscallini Farms of Modesto white cheddar and cranberry demi-glace and polenta.

“It’s the ultimate comfort food,” said Moreno.

On the lighter side, Lincoln Cellar offers a pancetta and spinach salad with caramelized onions, Chèvre goat cheese, candied almonds with white Balsamic vinaigrette topped with grilled prawns.

“I try to keep the seafood as local as possible too,” Moreno added, buying from Aloha Seafood of San Francisco with deliveries daily.

Selections include halibut from Half Moon Bay, Monterey calamari, Point Reyes oysters, and when available, salmon off the San Francisco coast.

On the seafood side, Moreno pres-

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

CHEF PHOTO BY RICHARD PALOMA/ 209 Magazine • FOOD PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINCOLN CELLAR

Lincoln Cellar features the Central Valley’s first WineEmotion – a self-service dispenser that allows patrons to savor various wines in two, three or five-ounce pours.

ents seasonal favorites of pan-seared grouper with couscous and Mediterranean grilled vegetables, winter leek risotto with grilled prawns and garlic cream sauce, or grilled yellowtail with sesame jasmine rice, braised bok choy, and spicy orange sauce.

Carefully curated wines at the establishment are first and foremost. By the glass or bottle, vintages not only from local wineries of Napa, Sonoma, and Paso Robles but also Argentina, Spain, and Italy are available.

With the WineEmotion, self-serve, wine dispensing system patrons explore 16 different varietals of wine by sampling various sized pours at the touch of a button.

If beer is desired, Lincoln Cellar delivers there too.

Moreno offers plenty of beer selections, including several locals on tap such as Hops of Wrath IPA, Baltic Porter and Dust Bowl Brewing Company’s Stockton Session Amber Ale. Alicia Moreno is the restaurant manager and the partnership team of Maria Mills, Sue Arismendi and Joe Phillips all share their passion for great food and a relaxing atmosphere to make Lincoln Cellar an enjoyable experience. ■

Chef Alex Moreno, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, uses his experience to artistically fashion a menu of American, French, Italian, and Asian fusion cuisine at Lincoln Cellars, just opened in Stockton.

IF YOU GO HOURS: Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

LOCATION: 357 Lincoln Center, Stockton, CA. CONTACT: 209-594-1691

209MAGAZINE

27

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Lincoln Cellar’s popular grilled pork chop.

Savory and a little sweet, this chop is grilled and topped with a honey and ancho chile marmalade.

flavors

A MODERN DAY CHOPHOUSE

By RICHARD PALOMA

PHOTOS BY RICHARD PALOMA/ 209 Magazine

A

“LINCOLN CENTER IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR US TO REALIZE THIS DREAM” ­—Chef Midgley.

fter competing in the second season of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” and coming out the victor during his appearance on the reality TV series “Cutthroat Kitchen” on Food Network, Chef Michael Midgley has realized his life-long dream of running his own restaurant by opening Midgley’s Public House located on the Brickwalk in Stockton’s Lincoln Center.

“Lincoln Center is the perfect place for us to realize this dream,” stated Chef Midgley. “The location, ambiance, and décor are the perfect backdrop to blend with the menu choices that we offer.”

Midgley, a graduate of San Francisco’s California Culinary Academy, is known locally from preparing fare at Lodi’s Wine and Roses and more recently as the executive chef of Ernie’s in Manteca.

In the renovated space featuring an atmosphere with stone, dark woods, lanterns and a copper topped bar along with a beautiful dining patio, Midgley brings an exciting culinary experience to his patrons, serving a range of American-fusion entrées featuring beef, pork, chicken and seafood dishes paired with spirits and fine wine.

Opened in November 2014, the restaurant is a 209MAGAZINE

28

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Cooking since the age of 14, Chef Michael Midgley has made a name for himself in the culinary world, competing in the second season of Bravo’s Top Chef, and winning on the reality TV series Cutthroat Kitchen on Food Network. He attended California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and has realized his lifelong dream by opening his own restaurant.

The Midgley’s chicken sandwich is filled with chicken crackling, pepper jack cheese, onion rings, jalapeno, lettuce, pickle, bacon and ranch served with a side of fresh cut fries.

Certified Angus Beef licensed steakhouse that butchers on site.

Appetizer selections are a gathering of Midgley’s travels in the culinary world.

“They’re traditional items with a spin,” Midgley said. “Everyone finds them tasty and unique.”

The vegan wings are a cauliflower creation that taste like a boneless buffalo wing. His Snails & Tails is an escargot and lobster tail innovation served with garlic butter and toast.

Also on the menu is the Tomahawk ribeye, a 40 oz. bone-in steak with the rib protruding at least a foot.

“It reminds me of a Fred Flintstone steak with its bone sticking out,” joked Midgley. “It’s definitely a great steak to split with someone.”

Beef filets are select tenderloin center cuts that are barrel cut, equal in height and width.

This style of cut is the most tender and is one that appeals to discriminating chefs, providing a superior quality choice for restaurants.

Whether it’s a fine red to go with the beef or a rich aroma white for the seafood or chicken, Midgley offers a selection of wines that he describes as “fun and affordable,” featuring varietals of wineries from Lodi, Napa and Paso Robles.

For dessert, their banana pudding has been making a hit with regulars. The creation features sautéed bananas in banana pudding, graham cracker crumbs with whipped topping and caramel sauce.

Other desserts include a bread pudding made with maple doughnuts and bacon or a fried Twinkie that, when presented, is sliced and looks nothing like a Twinkie.

“I love carnie food,” said the down-to-earth chef. (In the same spirit of “carnie food” he also offers a lobster corn dog on the lunch menu.)

For groups of 10 or more, Midgley can craft

“I DON’T THINK OF MYSELF AS A CELEBRITY, I’M JUST A COOK IN STOCKTON. MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY KEEP ME GROUNDED.”.

209MAGAZINE

­—Chef Midgley. dinners of a whole roasted pig, having the only U.K. hog roaster in the U.S., or even sides of beef, lamb or a large turkey, depending on prior arrangements for the group.

“I don’t think of myself as a celebrity,” said Midgley, playing down the status he’s gained from national television exposure and his local reputation. “I’m just a cook in Stockton. My friends and family keep me grounded.”

Midgley’s Public House is at 296 Lincoln Center in Stockton. Call 209-474-7700 for more information.

The restaurant is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Breakfast is available from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and Midgley’s is open every day for drinks and appetizers from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ■

Chef Michael Midgley, center, shown here with the rest of his staff, used a butcher knife to cut the ribbon of his new restaurant located on the brickwalk in Stockton’s Lincoln Center.

29

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

We’re More Than Just Tomatoes!

Made and Served With Pride In Oakdale, CA

886-5112 • 25550 E. Hwy 4 Valentine’s Day Dinner

Since 1906

6 pm – 9:30 pm • 2 for $40 ½ dozen oysters, tri-tip, salad, pasta & dessert

St Patrick’s Celebration

Saturday, March 14 9 pm – Midnight Music, dancing & drink specials

Full Lunch & Dinner Menu Pasta Fagioli

A tasty soup recipe made with Chef Boyardee Mini ABC’s & 123’s, canned vegetables and Italian sausage for a pasta fagioli anytime with on hand ingredients Ingredients 1/2 pound Italian pork sausage 1 can (15 oz each) Chef Boyardee® Mini ABC’s & 123’s 1 can (14.5 oz each) Hunt’s® Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano, undrained 1/2 can (15 oz each) mixed vegetables with potatoes, undrained 1/2 can (15 oz each) red kidney beans, undrained 1 can (14 oz each) lower sodium beef broth Directions: Cook sausage in large saucepan over medium-high heat 4 minutes or until crumbled and no longer pink, stirring occasionally; drain. Add all remaining ingredients to saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 30 minutes

Slow Cooker Vegetable Pork Stew

PAM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray 2 cups baby carrots 1 pound small red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled, quartered 1 can (14.5 oz each) Hunt’s® Diced Tomatoes, drained 1-1/2 pounds thick cut boneless pork chops, cut into 24 pieces 1 can (24 oz each) Hunt’s® Garlic & Herb Pasta Sauce 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 can (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained 6 servings (1-2/3 cups each) Directions: Spray inside of 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add carrots, potatoes, drained tomatoes, meat, pasta sauce and sugar to slow cooker. Cover; cook on LOW 8 hours or until pork is tender.

Stir in green beans just before serving.

ConAgra is part of the rich history of the Oakdale canning industry and is proud to continue the tradition of excellence in food manufacturing.

RIPON PIZZA PLUS down on Main st. since 1984

110 west main st. , ripon, ca

209-599-6161

209MAGAZINE

554 So. Yosemite Avenue, Oakdale • CA 95361 • 847-0321

38383_1

Call ahead we will have it ready

30

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

SMART. SERVICE. SOLD!

Proudly Serving the 209 area for 6 Years! Specializing in Residential Real Estate Transactions in Stanislaus and Merced Counties. I strive to go above and beyond your expectations for customer service, integrity and competency.

VOTED READER’S CHOICE BEST REALTOR. Kelly Beaman, Realtor, CDPE, CNE cell: (209) 596-5920 5 E. Main Street, Turlock, CA 9 5380 BRE #01857266 45691_1

www.Red-Headed-Realtor.com

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat-Sun by appt only

Mention this ad in the 209 and we’ll extend contractor’s pricing.

209MAGAZINE

31

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

flavors

An unsurpassed

Valentine’s Day dinner

By RICHARD PALOMA

F

“For Valentine’s Day, I recommend couples share; each choose something different.

This way you’ll be able to experience more of what the restaurant has to offer.”

—Chef Goularte

or a truly unique and special Valentine’s Day evening in the 209, Galletto Ristorante Executive Chef Michael Goularte has put together a signature menu, featuring local ingredients and using his farming and culinary background.

The fixed menu, priced at $70 per person, features four courses, starting with either a house-made clam chowder, Brussel leaf salad or beet salad followed by a second course of a rock shrimp risotto, sun-dried tomato and pesto pasta or a filet mignon ravioli with creamed leeks, gorgonzola cheese and a porcini mushroom sauce.

The entree for the evening features a choice of a Superior Farms of Dixon lamb T-bone, a Certified Angus Beef 12 oz. bone-in steak, a Mary’s Organic of Pitman Farms of Sanger boneless chicken thigh cacciatore, or wild Creative King salmon.

Dessert is a pick of a very popular chocolate Gelato sandwich, mile high carrot cake or a crunchy vanilla meringue.

“Local is very key to us,” said Chef Goularte, who in addition 209MAGAZINE

32

to the above farms, works closely with Ratto Brothers for vegetables and Nicolau Farms for cheeses, both of Modesto. “Everything is made in-house – soups, bread, pizza dough, gelato – it’s all fresh.”

For the Valentine’s Day menu, the chef recommends that couples each choose something different in order to share and experience what the restaurant has to offer.

An extensive wine list (and impressive cellar in the basement) is available at Galletto Ristorante. A wine lover himself, Chef Goularte proposed his suggestions for pairing of wines by the glass with his dishes.

For the Brussel leaf salad, Goularte suggested their William Hill Sauvignon blanc. He suggested tasting the 2008 Gallo Chardonnay with the risotto and with the entree selections, the chef recommended their 2011 MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir and their 2012 Buena Vista “The Count” red for those having the New York Steak.

The restaurant will be open from noon to 10 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, which falls on a Saturday.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

PHOTOS BY RICHARD PALOMA/ 209 Magazine

With its 1930s-era art deco in the former Wells Fargo Bank, Galletto Ristorante is located in Modesto’s renovated downtown. It provides a variety of dining settings offering a rustic Northern Italian menu specializing in inspired cuisine.

The Galletto’s regular menu changes several times a week based on what’s available and what is fresh, according to Chef Goularte.

“I’m constantly on the phone with vendors to see when particular seasons start,” Goularte said.

Originally from Gustine, growing up on his family’s farm, Goularte went to Fresno State University to study agriculture. After a year at Fresno State, he enrolled in the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.

“I decided I wanted to be on the other side of the restaurant, cooking in the kitchen,” said Goularte.

After graduating, Goularte did an internship at La Maisonette in Cincinnati, boasting the longest running streak of five-star awards. Other fine restaurants he’s worked at include Café Boulud where he studied under well-known Chef Daniel Boulud, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, and Club XIX in Pebble Beach before coming to Galletto Ristorante in 2010 and working his way to Executive Chef.

Galletto Ristorante resides in a 1930s-era art deco former Wells Fargo Bank located in the heart of Modesto’s renovated downtown. Offering a rustic Northern Italian menu specializing in inspired cuisine, they provide a variety of private dining settings, and an unparalleled wine selection.

Galletto Ristorante is a truly unique experience. ■ 209MAGAZINE

The Brussel leaf salad at Galletto’s features orange zest, toasted walnuts, house-made croutons, beets, shaved fennel, arugula, toasted almonds, feta cheese with a honeyoregano vinaigrette.

Located in downtown Modesto, Galletto’s features an extensive wine list and an amazing cellar below the facility.

IF YOU GO HOURS: Everyday from11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Bar opens at 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Main Dining at 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Restaurant opens at 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Daily Weekday Happy Hour from 2 p.m - 7 p.m.

WHERE: 1101 J St., Modesto PHONE: 209.523.4500

33

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

flavors A Perfect Pair For Patio Dining (Family Features) The weather is warming and your patio is calling. It’s time to make the grill your go-to for everyday dinners and entertaining alike. Add variety to your grilling fare by including American lamb. From burgers to chops, fresh lamb is a fast, delicious and simple weeknight option.

A flavorful pair Experts recommend pairing grilled lamb with a rich, structured pinot noir.

“Aim to match the distinct flavor of lamb with a full flavored wine,” said Steve Peck, red winemaker at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, the California coast family-owned winery established in 1974. “Our Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with lamb. Made from grapes grown in the Arroyo Seco region of central Monterey County, a cool climate region with a reputation for producing world-class pinot noir, this wine features aromas of wild strawberry, cherry, rose petal and dried herbs, with a deep, earthy character - perfect for summer sipping with tender, grilled lamb.”

Devoted locavore, Chef Jesse Griffiths of Austin’s Dai Due Supper Club, recommends marinating lamb chops overnight with yogurt and citrus. This tenderizes the meat and adds a bright flavor that complements the smoky char from the grill. Here’s his recipe for an easy grilled American lamb loin chop dish. For more

recipes, visit www.AmericanLamb.com.

Grilled American Lamb Loin Chops with Yogurt, Orange and Olives Serves 4 to 6 1-1/2 pounds American lamb loin chops, 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 tablespoons plain yogurt, low fat or whole milk Juice and zest of one orange, divided 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped and divided 1 small red onion, finely chopped 3/4 cup finely chopped green olives 1/4 cup coarsely chopped flat leaf parsley 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for grill Directions: The day before serving, pat chops dry and season with salt and pepper. Lay chops in shallow non-reactive pan such as 8-inch square baking dish. Combine yogurt, half of orange juice and zest, and half of garlic in small bowl. Whisk ingredients together and pour over chops, turning once to coat both sides with marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Remove chops from refrigerator 30-45 minutes prior to grilling to allow meat to come to

room temperature. Heat gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. Remove chops from marinade and allow most of it to drip off. Lightly oil grill and arrange chops over heat. Grill three minutes, turn each chop 90 degrees, and cook for another three minutes or until chops are nicely charred.

Flip chops and cook on other side for about six more minutes, turning halfway through. They should still be pink inside. Remove chops from grill and let rest while making sauce.

Combine remaining orange juice and zest, chopped garlic with onion, olives, parsley and olive oil in small bowl. Stir well to combine; spoon sauce over each chop and serve immediately. Enjoy with glass of pinot noir. per pound. (For individual chops, use medium hot grill, 4 to 6 minutes per side.)

Before slicing, allow meat to rest, loosely covered with foil, for 15 minutes to bring the internal temperature to 145°F (medium rare).

Serving tip: Serve on a bed of Carrot & Coriander Mash, topped with Puree of Grilled Ramps. Find the full recipe and others at www. americanlamb.com.

The way to anyone’s heart on Valentine’s Day: Homemade baked goods “Sweets for the sweet” will always be appropriate for Valentine’s Day, but what if your sweetheart isn’t a fan of boxed chocolates? Or perhaps you want to give an extra special gift by making it homemade? Baking a treat for your loved one is a great way to give a personal — and costeffective - gift this year.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a pastry chef or even an expert home baker to create something delicious and full of love. With an easy-to-make recipe and a few baking tips, even the cookingchallenged can create something special.

Keep these simple baking tips in mind: * Follow recipes as precisely as possible. Seasoned bakers may succeed with experimentation, but if you’re new to baking or not confident of your improvisational skills, sticking to the recipe should yield the best results. * Measure all ingredients carefully. A tablespoon too much or too little of any ingredient can make a big difference in a recipe. * Be careful with oven temperature settings.

Don’t try to speed baking with a temperature higher than what the recipe calls for. If the recipe specifies different temperatures for different types of baking dishes, be sure to choose the setting that matches your type of bakeware. * Resist the temptation to remove baked goods

from the pan, dish or sheet right away. Allow baked goodies to cool for the amount of time prescribed in the recipe. Rushing it could result in crumbling or cracking.

Armed with these tips, try surprising your sweetheart with these easy, delicious recipes from Pillsbury.com: Toffee and Almond Fudge Cookie Cups

By AMY ANDREWS Macomb, Michigan

Prep time: 25 minutes Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes Makes 48 servings 2 pa ckages Pillsbury Ready to Bake refrigerated sugar cookies 1/4 cup milk chocolate toffee bits (from 8-ounce bag) 1 ca n (14 ounces) fat free sweetened condensed milk 1/3 cup creamy almond butter 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 cup sliced almonds, finely chopped 1 ca n (6.5 ounces) whipped cream topping (in aerosol can) Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. Spray 48 nonstick mini

209MAGAZINE

34

muffin cups with cooking spray. Place one cookie-dough round in each muffin cup. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the toffee bits evenly over cookie-dough rounds. Bake 13 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Loosen with tip of knife and carefully remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.

While cookies cool, heat sweetened condensed milk and almond butter in a 1-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Cool 2 minutes. Spoon one heaping teaspoon of condensed milk mixture into each cookie cup.

In small bowl, mix remaining two tablespoons of toffee bits and the almonds. To serve, top each cup with about one tablespoon of whipped cream topping and about 1/4 teaspoon of the almond mixture.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

209MAGAZINE

35

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

navigator

By JON TERRY

Chris’ Whale Watching is one of the oldest companies on the wharf and one of the premier means to getting up close and personal to whales en route.

209MAGAZINE

36

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

C

PHOTOS BY JON MICHAEL TERRY/ 209 Magazine

alifornia is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, particularly in the Monterey Bay. The bay is home to the Monterey Submarine Canyon, a valley cut into the sea floor and a perfect habitat for many whale species to come close to shore and feed as they migrate along the pacific coast.

Gray whales migrating along the shores of Monterey swim their way toward the beaches of Southern California and Mexico during their fall migration where they enter winter birthing and mating grounds.

This migration, one of the longest migrations known for any mammal, is destination to an estimated 29,000 gray whales this winter.

Located at 48 Fisherman’s Wharf, Chris’ Whale Watching is one of the oldest companies on the wharf and one of the premier means to getting up close and personal to whales en route.

Chris’ Whale Watching finds its origins as apart of a popular Monterey fishing community in 1948.

Having to cut back on fishing due to regulations made in later years, a boom in the whale watching market was ushered in.

“People from around the world come to Monterey for whale watching,” said Keith Stemler of Chris’ Whale Watching. “They’re staying at our hotels and eating at our restaurants, literally employing people.

It’s a fun, rewarding thing to be able to market.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 38  209MAGAZINE

37

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

PHOTO BY JON MICHAEL TERRY/ 209 Magazine

navigator With rates at $37 for adults and $22 for children, fully narrated three-hour tours depart from the Old Fisherman’s Wharf at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily. An eco-friendly company, Chris’ Whale Watching makes sure visitors get ample viewing time of a number of whales and porpoises through the seasons — humpback whales in the summer and gray whales in the winter.

The Monterey Bay is home to an abundance of sea life including sea lions, sea otters and dolphins, all which can be seen on a whale watching adventure. Because of regulations enacted in the 1980s, gray whales have become the only whale removed from the endangered species list.

“You’ll find whales and dolphins here year round,” Stemler said. “It’s a magnificent place, you won’t find anywhere else like it.”

The most up to date boat in the fleet, the Star of Monterey, is a 70 ft. passenger boat perfect for chasing pods of whales that travel through the bay, though regulations keep watchers from impeding on the whales’ path, keeping boats at a safe, 100-yard distance. The boat’s captain, Capt. Nick Lemon, is one of the most experienced sea captains on the West Coast.

All of Chris’ boats are USCG approved and include life saving equipment, marine radios, sonar, radar and twin engines that are fast and environmentally clean, but whale watching is mostly done technology free through line of sight, keeping best interest in the whales.

Whale watching can be both an unpredictable and awe-inspiring experience, with potential new encounters each and every trip.

Stemler said that while the wharf has its competing whale watching crews, they all work for the whales out there together and communicate to one another. Because of the nature of the habitat and supply of food, “there are more whales in Monterey Bay than any other place in the world.” ■

The Monterey Bay is home to an abundance of sea life including sea lions, sea otters and dolphins, all which can be seen on a whale watching adventure.

209MAGAZINE

38

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Chris’ Whale Watching Tours chriswhalewatching.com

www.edwardjones.com

Daily departures for a family friendly, once in a lifetime experience!

$37/Adults $22/Children

You’ve Spent a Lifetime Preparing for Retirement.

Now What?

If you’re recently retired or planning to retire, you’re probably concerned about making the right financial decisions. Together, we can find the answers.

We’ll sit down, face to face, to develop a strategy designed to help your finances meet your needs over the long haul.

To develop a retirement income strategy that works for you, call or visit today.

48 Fishermans Wharf 831-375-5951 • Monterey, CA

Michele E Weber, AAMS® Financial Advisor .

202 East F Street Oakdale, CA 95361

209-848-4496

$2 per person off ticket price w/ this ad. Mention at time of purchase.

Member SIPC

IRT-4513A-A

Specializing in residential, foreclosures, short sales, exchanges, and ranch properties.

Simply

Put Susan to work for you!

•She is never too busy for your referrals •A proven track record in marketing and promoting your properties •A wealth of knowledge and trusted resource for both buyers and sellers

Meant to be...

And… a heart for our community

Susan Santucci

The Home Pro

Century 21 M&M and Associates 1414 East F St. • Oakdale CA 95361

209 614-7957

susan@susanhomepro.com www.susanhomepro.com e-Pro, SFR, CRS, AHWD, CDPE, SRES, GRI Lic.# 01299350

105 W. Main Street • 599-2100 Winter Hours: Tues-Fri 10-5 Sat 10-3

209MAGAZINE

39

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

bookreview

Defining his path

Prison sentence turned purpose for local journalist

Jagada K. Chambers, author of the newly released “Based on a True Story,” a book recounting one bad decision made during Spring Break from college in his senior year. It was a decision that altered the course of his entire life.

By TERESA HAMMOND

J

I was a senior in college.

That’s a victory right there, but I still made a bad decision that almost threw me a whole other direction.

while in Florida for spring break. A crime he does not recall committing and was stunned by photos of what ‘he’ had done. Like many young people, he was just a carefree kid having fun during spring break. Living life without a care in the world.

“I was a senior in college,” he said. “That’s a victory right there, but I still made a bad decision that almost threw me a whole other direction.

“I knew the book would be nothing unless I stayed out of prison,” Chambers said. “God just really put on my heart; it’s got no subJagada K. Chambers stance unless you stay out.”

Chambers’ first book takes the reader through the days and nights of a young man living the life, falling in love and potentially ruining his life.

agada K. Chambers has a message.

A message he intends to share with as many young ears as he can capture and provoke. A message he hopes the parents of middle and upper class students sit up and listen to.

A message broken down into one powerful quote, “Don’t use your second chance.”

It is a message not without warrant or fact. It is a message of hope. It is a message he not only lived, but has documented in his first book “Based on a True Story” – the first of a three part series.

A book he began writing long hand, while in the middle of serving a prison sentence for attempted murder. He was 23 years old at the time.

From January 2002 to September 2003 Chambers sat down in prison (Taylor Correctional Institution) and wrote this book. The author was incarcerated from January 2000 to August 2004.

At that time statistics stated 78 percent of black men between the ages of 18-35 return to prison within 36 months of release.

“I sat down and wrote all weekend, 12 different times,” Chambers said of looking to use his time in prison for something good.

Chambers was sent to prison for a crime committed while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

A crime committed during his senior year of college, 209MAGAZINE

40

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

“Based On a True Story” is available at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play or Barnes and Noble.

The beauty is the reader knows the outcome. The reader knows he fares more than well and goes on to tell and teach his lesson to thousands. Chambers does not want to see another young person live this first book.

As a result of his book signings, the journalist by day has been asked to speak with students, in high school, college and at risk teens, about his journey. He shares the valuable lessons of how one bad decision not only changed his life but his family’s and countless others.

“One kid asked me what would you have been if you hadn’t gone to prison,” Chambers offered.

“I really don’t know why God never allowed me to give up on myself. He (God) wrote a play for me and now I’m seeing it come to fruition.”

Chambers admits the transition back into society after 1900-plus days behind bars, is not an easy one. He noted the love and strength

of his wife Dawn, whom he met shortly before the incident, family, valuable friends and mentors as his strength.

“People want me to tell this story,” he said of the book and speaking engagements. “They truly don’t know how to warn them. It’s a great teaching tool.

“Even the Class A kid, is still prone to making a bad decision.”

Time in prison, time utilized well, have helped Chambers keep his mission in sight.

“Through it all, every step,” Chambers said of his journey, “you’ve got to walk humbly and trust God. These kids don’t have to walk that path. One bad decision can change everything. They don’t want to see where I’ve been or what I put my family through. This book can do that.

“Through this book and reaching these people, I see …

I’ve got purpose.” ■ 209MAGAZINE

41

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

People want me to tell this story. They truly don’t know how to warn them.

It’s a great teaching tool.

Even the Class A kid, is still prone to making a bad decision.

Jagada K. Chambers

PHOTOS BY HIME ROMERO/ 209 Magazine

In addition to promoting his book, “Based on a True Story,” area resident Jagada K. Chambers spends much of his time now at speaking engagements addressing teens and sharing hard lessons recounted in his book.

feature

PHOTO BY JON MICHAEL TERRY/ 209 Magazine

“Math plays a big part in it, figuring out your odds, and trying to read people, how they play ... their betting pattern”

209MAGAZINE

42

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Merced farmer knows when to

H LD ‘EM , F LD ‘EM

when to

By KRISTINA HACKER

T

odd Machado has been playing poker most of his life.

The Merced native has fond memories of playing seven-card stud with his family during their Easter get-togethers.

"I loved doing it. We used to have family stuff and do it and then I started noticing I could be pretty good at this. I stepped up my game and started reading books and figuring out what you need to do to be good at this," said Machado.

The life-long walnut grower — who said poker and farming are similar as they're "both gambling" — has been taking the game seriously for five years now and reaping the rewards.

The largest pot he ever won was at a tournament in Lake Tahoe, where he brought home $18,000 for second place. While a large stack of cash is always nice, Machado said he prefers the trophies that you can only get by winning.

"Money only lasts so long, but that trophy or that ring or whatever you have, it lasts forever so you can brag about it — 'hey, look at what I've got,'" he said.

Machado will have bragging rights for the entire year at the Turlock Poker Room after winning the 10th Anniversary Series Championship title in October. He was the top performer across the 10-day series, making four final tables including a victory in the All-In-Or-Fold Event 2 and a runner-up finish in Event 6, a $125 Bounty tournament.

The title came with a commemorative jacket, trophy, his banner being hung from the poker room's rafters — and daily tournament entries for a year, valued at more than $14,000.

Throughout his success, Machado has learned a few things about poker.

"Math plays a big part in it, figuring out your odds,

209MAGAZINE

43

and trying to read people, how they play ... their betting pattern," he said.

Playing in a tournament with a title on the line is different, however, than when he's at a table with family and friends.

"When you're playing for fun sometimes you do things you shouldn't do just to try and beat the person you're playing against.

But here (at the poker room), the chips and the money you bring in...that's just how we keep score in this game, and you don't want to give your chips to someone unnecessarily. So here, I'm a little bit more conservative. When I'm playing against my family, I just want to win," he said.

Machado can be found four to five days a week at the Turlock Poker Room, continuing to work on his game and prepare for the next big tournament.

His tip for those just getting into the game: "Win. Win and everything's good." ■

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

feature

RAISING THE STAKES Turlock Poker Room & Casino expands gaming options

By KRISTINA HACKER

PHOTOS BY JON MICHAEL TERRY/ 209 Magazine

C

ard rooms are not what they used to be, just ask Turlock Poker Room co-owner Joe Fernandez.

“I’ve been working in this business for a long time,” said Fernandez. “Card rooms have been considered seedy, unprofessional or located in a slum. It had that reputation because it deserved that reputation.”

That was before the State of California began regulating gambling ordinances. Today, card rooms are legitimate places of entertainment where professionals, farmers, homemakers and anyone interested in testing their luck and skill at a game of poker go for a few hours of fun.

Visitors to the Turlock Poker Room will find a resort-like atmosphere where regulars come to play for fun and big action.

Since opening in 2004, the card room has moved locations — from a cozy downtown site to a spacious building in the Turlock Cinema Center — and expanded its gaming options.

209MAGAZINE

44

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Over the past decade, the Turlock Poker Room & Casino has earned a reputation that compares to the top gaming destinations throughout California and Nevada.

Mario Alvarez

The Turlock Poker Room started with the standard games of Texas Hold’em, Blackjack and Pai Gow Poker and now offers the biggest variety of Las Vegas style gaming and live action in the area, including 3 Card Poker, Spanish 21, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Fortune Pai Gow Poker, limit and no-limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Mexican Poker.

The card room also offers tournament player enthusiasts the opportunity to play multiple tournaments daily. Starting in January, live game players have an opportunity to win a brand new Chevy Camaro and a Kawasaki Brute Force in the establishment’s Win a Car promotion.

The variety of gaming is impressive, however, the Turlock Poker Room & Casino prides itself for having the friendliest and most professional staff in the industry.

“Over the past decade, the Turlock Poker Room & Casino has earned a reputation that compares to the top gaming destinations throughout California and Nevada.

Partnering with elite brands in our industry like WPT/DeepStacks, successfully hosting $100,000 tournaments, employing 120 plus and a continuing commitment to community are some of the contributing factors to the poker room’s success,” said Mario Alvarez, director of casino relations.

In November, the poker room added another amenity for its customers with an adjoining bar. The Rail — named for its many connotations: it’s a poker term for those surrounding and watching a poker game; it’s a reference to rail drinks and the large rail that often surrounds a bar counter; and it harkens to the nearby train tracks. The bar is located next door to the casino, but has

To see a Studio209 video segment of the Turlock Poker Room & Casino, visit 209magazine.com

DON’T KNOW HOW TO PLAY?

open doorway from the poker room.

The Rail has a laid back atmosphere with its rustic decor that may include live music in the future. There are also multiple televisions that will showcase games and specials.

The Rail is not the only amenity the Turlock Poker Room hopes to offer its patrons in the near future.

“Mr. Fernandez and I have long dreamed of operating our gaming facility in a setting that includes a greatquality restaurant, a bar and to be colocated with a fine hotel,” said co-owner Phil Rheinschild. ■

209MAGAZINE

45

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Turlock Poker Room & Casino has held some of the best poker training classes with top tier poker players in the world including Mike “ The Mouth” Matusow, Tristan “Cre8tive” Wade and Tom McEvoy.

Classes are now are being offered upon request.

Interested beginning to novice players may contact Director of Casino Relations Mario Alvarez at MarioA@turlockpoker. com to schedule free classes.

feature

By VIRGINIA STILL

One of the main ceremonial dances that was and still is celebrated today is in respect to the black oak acorns, which inspired the casino’s name.

209MAGAZINE

B

lack Oak Casino is one of the newer casinos in the area with approximately 14 years of service to the community and the Me-Wuk tribe. The profits from the casino have not only put the tribe on a sound financial footing, but it also has improved the education, housing and the infrastructure on the Rancheria and also developed other businesses like medical and dental clinics.

The Tuolumne band of Me-Wuk Indians was established in 1910, and is one of seven federally recognized Miwok tribes.

One of the main ceremonial dances that was and still is celebrated today is in respect to the black oak acorns, which inspired the casino’s name. The black oak acorn was one of the staple foods for the Me-Wuk’s nourishment. This food was eaten daily and it was known that one could live off the acorn if nothing else was available. For that reason, the tribe collected acorns every year in abundance and stored the acorns in silos that were called ‘chuckas.’

Today’s people still collect acorns every fall and prepare and cook the acorns, making a soup called nupa. The soup is still cooked in the traditional manner using hot basalt rocks, but the baskets that were once used to cook in have been traded for stainless steel pots.

Nupa is considered a delicacy today as new foods have taken the place of this once important traditional food. The Me-Wuk still celebrates this important food by hosting the

46

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Acorn Festival on the second weekend in September.

When the Gold Rush descended upon the Central Sierra, homeland of the Me-Wuk, havoc broke loose. Prior to the gold rush over 14,000 estimated native people lived in the Central Sierra Me-Wuk territory; after the Gold Rush this number was reduced to a mere 700.

Many of the Me-Wuk were killed either because of greed or by disease that the nonnative settlers brought with them. This was also the time that many Me-Wuk fled the area in hopes of finding a safe place to live.

The Tuolumne Rancheria was established in 1910. Initially the Rancheria was set up as a reservation for homeless natives. The Tuolumne Rancheria became the home for many of the Me-Wuk from different neighboring villages. Many of the children from this area were sent away to government boarding schools, such as Sherman Government School in Southern California or to Stewart Government School in Stewart, Nevada.

The main purpose of sending children to government schools was to assimilate them into a non-native society. As a result of these schools, much of the tradition and language was taken away.

Today within the California homelands, there are programs to help revive the native

Black Oak offers guests a variety of gaming, entertainment, restaurants and a very unique family fun center on the bottom floor.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 

209MAGAZINE

47

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

feature

The casino has made a very significant economic impact on Tuolumne County.

The hotel and conference facility is helping tremendously to develop the business further. ­—Ron Patel language and the traditions that are a very important part of the Me-Wuk and other tribes throughout the state.

The small casino opened in 2001 and the property has since grown including the addition of a hotel and conference center that opened in 2013.

The hotel has 148 rooms and a state-ofthe-art conference facility that will accommodate up to 300 people. The hotel is the largest in the county and is the first to be built in 27 years in the county.

Today, Black Oak employs a total of 1,100 team members that come from primarily from the Sonora, Jamestown, Columbia and Tuolumne areas, and a few that are further out. They are the second largest employer in Tuolumne County including employees at the casino, hotel, clinics and tribal administration.

“The casino has made a very significant economic impact on Tuolumne County,” stated General Manager Ron Patel. “The hotel and conference facility is helping tremendously to develop the business further.”

Black Oak offers guests a variety of gaming, entertainment, restaurants and a very unique family fun center on the bottom floor.

There are 1,300 slot machines, 26 table games, two-table electronic poker and an entertainment lounge that will seat over 250 people.

People can enjoy comedy or live music at 209MAGAZINE

48

the Willow Creek Lounge and Bar or enjoy fine dining at the Seven Sisters restaurant where they cook up gourmet specialties.

The family floor has a 24 lane Brunswick bowling center, 60 arcade games, a sports bar and grill, fast food, burgers, fries and pizza type restaurants.

The casino is 21 and older; however the all ages welcome family floor is separate from the casino.

There are also plenty of sites to see in the surrounding area and the new hotel offers YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) bus transportation to Yosemite National Park. The bus will pick up guests at the hotel early in the morning and then return back to the hotel in the evening.

Dodge Ridge Ski Area is also about 45 minutes up the road from the hotel in case you want to hit the slopes.

And don’t forget about the historic surrounding gold country and old town charm that Sonora, Jamestown and Columbia have that are all minutes away from the hotel.

“We are not just a casino, we have so many facilities here from fine dining to bowling, family restaurants, a hotel and conference center as well as all the tourist attractions all around us,” said Patel. “This is a very central place to come and locate yourself and enjoy everything that is inside and enjoy everything that is outside.” ■ FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

By Chhun Sun

E

ver imagined sitting at a poker table with thousands, even millions, of dollars near your fingertips?

Don’t dream too big just yet. Learn the game first.

At West Coast Poker League, one of the organization’s goals is to build players into elite ones, one hand at a time with peer coaching in a non-serious, just-another-night-out-withfriends kind of environment. Some players are already advanced and just need more practice.

But if someone just wants to have a good time, WCPL can offer that, too.

“The league is one of the best ways to learn the game,” said Efren Juarez, owner of WCPL. “We’re considered a learning league. You play by sitting down, playing hands and we take the time to instruct people about what they should have done after the hand is over.”

The league started on Jan. 1, 2011, with the intention of helping “people who would like to strengthen their poker skills without the expensive investment of entering numerous tournaments. Each player has the opportunity to practice strategy while learning to read tells.

These are all skills that are important to learn and experience if playing in a high-stakes poker game. The opportunity to play several events at no cost is just what you might have been waiting for,” as it states on the WCPL website.

In order to compete in the various WCPL tournaments in cities like Modesto, Manteca, Riverbank and Escalon and other places within driving distances, players must only pay for food and drinks at the establishment holding the poker event. The league is referred to as the “batting cages of poker.”

“It costs zero,” Efren said. “You have absolutely nothing to lose.”

At present, WCPL has about 2,000 members between the ages of 21 and 85. Each season is three months, with the latest season — which is No. 17 — having started on Jan. 1. At the end of each season, three big events take place called the Main Event, Spartans and Masters.

In order to participate in the latter two events, players must produce 10,000 and 15,000 points throughout the season, respectively. Players can earn between 5 and 1,000 points at various poker nights.

In the end, a WCPL champion will be determined.

Another incentive to participate in the WCPL is the chance to compete at the Carnegie Hall of poker: Las Vegas. It’s called the World Bar Poker Championships. WCPL sent 30 members to represent its league in last year’s inaugural championships — which had a $25,000 guarantee.

This year, Efren hopes to take 75 members to participate at the event.

“Because we are free to play and because we don’t charge anything, a lot of people don’t know about us,” Efren said, adding that members play with professional chips and on “beautiful (poker) tables.” “We don’t have a huge ability to advertise. We rely on our players to spread the word. People need to know about this. It’s a great way to learn how to play poker.”

For more information on West Coast Poker League and its upcoming events, visit www. westcoastpokerleague.weebly.com. WCPL also can be found on Facebook at www.facebook. com/westcoastpokerleague. ■

209MAGAZINE

49

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

“We’re considered a learning league. You play by sitting down, playing hands and we take the time to instruct people about what they should have done after the hand is over.”

— Efren Juarez

feature

Play ✧ Stay ✧ Dine at

JACKSON T

RANCHERIA

he federal government first recognized the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians in 1898. Over 100 years later, the tribe now enjoys self-sufficiency and self-reliance due to the hard work and vision of Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort Founder Margaret Dalton. Born in Tuolumne, Margaret married Earl Dalton Sr. in 1956 when she was only 16 years old. Together, they moved to Jackson Rancheria. Margaret knew the tribe must form their own government to strengthen themselves. In 1979, she was elected Tribal Chairperson — a position she held uncontested for 30 years.

In 1985, Jackson Rancheria Bingo Hall opened its doors. It wasn’t until California voters approved Proposition 5, the Tribal Gaming and Economic Self-Sufficiency Act, that the humble bingo hall transformed into a casino.

Today, Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort encompasses over 1,500 acres. The casino boasts 1,700 slot and video machines, 36 gaming tables and a poker room. Four restaurants are on the premises and include the famous Friday and Saturday night all you can eat lobster Fisherman’s Wharf Buffet.

Located upstairs, Lone Wolf Restaurant and Lounge provides luxury and comfort combined with delectable entrées including the finest steaks, hearth oven pizzas, and house made pastas.

Guests may relax and stay in the resort’s luxurious AAA 3 Diamond, 3 Star Hotel that provides a gourmet coffee bar, 24-hour room service, and all the other amenities one would expect from a first-class resort. Although the casino is only for guests 21 and older, children are welcome to play at the Minor’s Camp Arcade located adjacent to the hotel lobby. Mobile travelers can also choose to stay at Good Sam’s top-rated RV Park with a 24-hour shuttle to and from the casino.

In addition, the newly renovated Grand Oak Ballroom hosts some of the best entertainment options in Northern California. Whether it’s 800 people for a concert or 100 people for a wedding or business luncheon, Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort can make it happen. ■

209MAGAZINE

50

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

ACEIN THE HOLE

CASINO REAL NO LONGER AN ‘OLD CORNER’ CARDROOM

By JASON CAMPBELL

General Manager Dennis Williams poses for a picture on the casino floor at Casino Real in Manteca. Casino Real has become a popular destination for card players across the Central Valley.

Y

ou look down at your hole cards.

Ace. Ace. Some might say they’re the unluckiest cards you can be dealt. But they’re also the best starting hand that you can have, and the guy to your left just pushed all of his chips into the middle of the pot.

This is it. At this point, right now, you’re putting all of your money into the pot with the best two cards.

And a lot of poker-playing takes place next door.

Under the watchful eye of General Manager Dennis Williams, players receive perks for hours played like entry into free-roll tournaments and cash options as well as table jackpots that can reach as high as $50,000. Any time a straight flush is beaten the amount is split amongst the players at that table, and hands, from that level all the way down to a full house, equate to a payout to the table – known colloquially as a bad beat. The losing hand gets the majority of the amount.

Casino Real is located at 1355 N. Main Street. For more information visit www.thecasinoreal.com or call 209.239.1455. ■ 209MAGAZINE

51

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Casino Real has become a legitimate destination for Central Valley poker players and has grown from an old corner card room into a full-service facility.

PHOTO BY HIME ROMERO/ 209 Magazine

Ain’t Manteca grand?

No more trips to Jackson or Reno or Tahoe or Vegas just to get a few good hands of poker anymore. Casino Real has become a legitimate destination for Central Valley poker players and has grown from an old corner card room into a full-service facility that offers fine dining and a full bar as well as blackjack, three-card poker and baccarat.

How much of a destination?

When Ernie’s Food and Spirits opened, chef Michael Midgley attracted a daily lunch and dinner crowd that filled the parking lot and made the spot a top dining option for people not just in Manteca but surrounding cities as well.

Midgley has since gone on to open his own restaurant, but Ernie’s still thrives as the city’s only fine-dining establishment and an augmentation to the poker-playing that takes place next door.

Chicken Ranch Casino: All about winning

T

he Chicken Ranch Casino has been nestled in the Sierra foothills for over 25 years and has undergone some significant changes since that time. The friendly little casino started out as a bingo hall and has grown ever since. The Chicken Ranch Rancheria band of Me-Wuk Indians adapted to the changing of the gaming industry and migrated over to slot machines to add to their business.

“We still keep the bingo today, it is still prevalent to our tribe,” said General Manager Randy Clark.

“The slot machines are the most dominant part of our industry.”

Three years ago the casino underwent a remodel and their Ranch House Restaurant was included. The restaurant offers burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, appetizers, salads, a variety of entrées, dinner specials and sweets.

“The Ranch House, it is not large but it is very good and very well done,” said Clark. “This is a friendly local’s casino.”

There are 349 modern slot machines to choose from and, according to Clark, they are the loosest slots in the area.

People from all over have visited the Chicken Ranch and guests as young as 18 years old are welcome.

If slot machines are not your thing, then you may want to try your hand at the high stakes bingo that can include approximately 400 people.

209MAGAZINE

52

“We have a lot of promotions like car giveaways,” added Clark.

The Chicken Ranch Casino is in historic Jamestown just minutes from Sonora and is open seven days a week. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and the casino is open 24 hours a day Thursday through Saturday.

“We have a great atmosphere and are like a family,” said Clark. “We aren’t a big company so you can come in and talk to any of us at any time.

“Come visit us. I think people will be very surprised how unique we are and how modern we are.” ■

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

By VIRGINIA STILL

feature

PEACE OF MIND FOR YOU, FOR YOUR FAMILY, FOR LIFE.

Curtiss DeOliveira, CFP®, ChFC®

WesternValley.com

Turlock Office 209-634-9031 • Los Banos Office 209-286-5667

38608_3 gstinglabs.com

Life • Long term Care • Retirement • Fixed Annuities

feature

B I N G O MA K E S A R E S O U N D I N G R E T U R N I N T U R LO C K

By ALYSSON AREDAS

PHOTOS BY CANDY PADILLA/ 209 Magazine

T

o the delight of enthusiasts throughout the region, bingo’s long hiatus from Turlock drew to a close with Eagle Pride Bingo’s triumphant grand opening in January.

Formerly known as Paradise Bingo, the hall’s grand opening—which saw an influx of close to 200 players—unfortunately proved to be too successful in one aspect.

“Everybody was clapping and happy that bingo is back in Turlock, so that’s good,” said Eagle Pride Bingo chairman and Assyrian American Kids Foundation vice president Sam Bebleh. “However, we did have a problem with noise because the ceilings aren’t soundproof.”

Bebleh attributes the resulting drop in attendance from 183 people on Friday to 73 people on Monday to the overwhelming volume in the hall that accompanies larger crowds.

“We’ve talked to the fairgrounds and they are planning to replace the ceiling tiles,” reported Bebleh. “Hopefully, they will be soundproof tiles.”

Despite the overwhelming babble that arguably discouraged a number of guests from returning, Turlock residents Cathy Alex Ovro have continued visiting the bingo hall for the popular game.

“This is the only bingo hall in Turlock and we like playing bingo,” explained Alex Ovro. “We also like to support our own community.”

“The volunteers are also very friendly if we ever need help,” added Cathy Ovro.

Word of bingo’s return to Turlock also proved to have extended beyond city limits, as Los Banos resident Anthony Casillas traveled to Turlock just to play the game with his grandparents for the second time.

“This has been fun, and it’s a great

Rene Garza prepares his Bingo cards in hopes of winning at Eagle Pride Bingo.

“Everybody was clapping and happy that bingo is back in Turlock, so that’s good.”

—Sam Bebleh

way to just chill,” said Casillas. “It’s also a hobby of mine.”

Bebleh hopes that the temporary lull in attendance proves to be just that— temporary.

With an estimated $5,000 worth of prizes paid out every night, the chairman was dispirited to report that the game has not raised any money so far.

“We have to have at least 150 people every night to just break even,” said Bebleh. “That is just covering the prizes— it does not include rent or supplies.”

Once the bingo hall begins to raise attendance numbers and money, Bebleh plans to use funds to benefit local schools and children’s hospitals—the specificity of which will be decided when the game becomes profitable.

Eagle Pride Bingo is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the E-5 building of the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. Doors open at 4 p.m. and games start at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 573-3195 or 605-8418. ■ BELOW: Eagle Pride employees Carolyn Bebleh, Liz Garza, Andre Garza and Ninip Bakoz take a moment to pose before a fun night of Bingo at the fairgrounds.

ABOVE: Bingo goers Patty Ramos and Erika Segovia enjoy a night of playing Bingo at the fairgrounds.

209MAGAZINE

54

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

A you family can rely on.

The Allen family has been providing family-centered care for more than 61 years. We are proud to be the only family-owned funeral home in the Turlock area.

209-634-5829

FD 432

247 N. Broadway-Turlock 209.634.5829 www.allenmortuary.com

fulloflife

Breaking Down

“Just her zeal for life keeps us going. She really lives life.

She knows in that little heart of hers that she is blessed.”

PHYSICAL BARRIERS

—Jenni Jimenez

By TERESA HAMMOND

T

he novelty of being a two-time marathoner at age 11 is one lost on Jiya Jimenez. Add on to that living with spina bifida since birth, the first four years of her life spent in an orphanage crib in India and now living life in a wheelchair ... still no big deal.

Eleven-year-old Jiya is the living definition of inspiration.

As I look to new opportunity for challenge and continue to work on physical and mental growth, it’s hard not to be inspired by those who surround me.

Young Jiya is the adopted daughter of Jesse and Jenni Jimenez of Stockton. She is the youngest of four and their only daughter. Among the many things she enjoys, Jiya loves to race.

So much so she completed the LA Marathon in 2013 and 2014 as a member of Team Spina Bifida, raising money and awareness for a cause close to her heart.

“I felt like kinda nervous,” she said of her first full marathon (a 26.2 mile distance), “but now I get excited.”

“They were the first children on Team Spina Bifida,” mom Jenni shared of Jiya and her older brother Enrique, their biological son who also has the developmental disorder. “They were also the first on the team with spina bifida and in a wheelchair. It worked out well because they had parents who could run with them.”

Jiya began ‘running’ at age 7. Both of her parents are avid runners.

“That was very long,” Jiya said of her first LA Marathon, which she completed with her family in just a little over six and a half hours.

As mom Jenni made sure her daughter stayed properly fueled, hydrated and comfortable, Jiya was busy taking in Jiya Jimenez, 11, with mom Jenni as they discuss future goals for the the beauty of her ability. wheelchair athlete. The avid ‘runner’ The 11-year-old is what the has completed dozens of races including the LA Marathon in 2013 purist would call a ‘true’ runand 2014. ner. She does not use music, 209MAGAZINE

56

e-books or any electronics when she races. In her words she “just keeps wheelin.”

“People would get on their knees to high five her,” Jenni shared. “It was the energy exchange that kept her going.”

This was not the life many might have envisioned when the India native was born and turned over to the Ashraya Orphanage in Bangalore, India. A child with challenges too big for many to face, but not the Jimenez family.

As a result of her condition, trips to the hospital and extensive stays are not foreign to Jiya. Much of her care is dependent on her family.

“She’s been on her deathbed I don’t know how many times,” her mom said.

“Just her zeal for life keeps us going. She really lives life. She knows in that little heart of hers that she is blessed.”

For Jiya, the dreams are simple. Like most children she wants to run and run fast. Physically for her that will always be from a chair, but that does not restrict the dream.

“It feels good to push all by myself,” she said. “Sometimes I go out ahead of my mom. That feels pretty good. I feel pretty happy by myself.”

“It won’t be much longer before she’s going to out pace me,” Jenni confessed.

“I’m having a good time,” Jiya continued. “Being there with my friends, we’re all just having fun.

“I can do anything. I can run races with my parents and my brothers. You can’t just give up. You have to try harder so you know you can do it.”

Jiya’s next big goal is to run the Avenue of the Vines Half Marathon in Lodi this May. “She doesn’t want me pushing,” mom said of the assistance she sometimes offers.

“Nope,” Jiya confirmed. “I’ll just be wheeling along.” ■

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

As an Artist...

...the only frame shop I trust with my art is First Street Gallery & Frame Co. They offer quality custom framing and they stand behind their work. They also support local Central Valley artists by carrying their original works.

Nothing Says Spring Like…

California Fresh

—Roman Loranc

FIRST STREET GALLERY & FRAME CO. 226 North First Street, Turlock, CA 95380 Jewerly • Ceremics • Unique gifts (209) 667-7332 / (800) 766-5126 info@firststreetgalleries.com / firststreetgalleries.com

Almonds!

44920_1

Pantone 374 C

Pantone 343 C

Stop in today and explore our wide variety of almond products from seasoned to chocolate or glazed, as well as gourmet almond gift baskets for any occasion!

VALENTINES SPECIAL For the Month of February Get $3 off Any RED Dry Cleaned Garment.

Looking for a Practical Valentine Gift?

Nothing Says “I Love You” Like a Gift Card from Carr’s Cleaners

Stewart & Jasper Co., Retail Logo Prepared 06.30.06

Celebrating 70 Years in Business this February!

Visit Our Modesto Company Store in McHenry Village

Readers Choice Winner 10 Years In a Row

Store Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10-6, Thursday & Friday 10-8 Saturday 10-6 • Closed Sunday

Martinizing: Modesto/ 2401 E. Orangeburg Ave., #690 / 209-527-0099 Carr’s Cleaners: Turlock: 500 E. Main Street / 209-667-5300 Turlock: 2924 Geer Road / 209-634-0870 Atwater: 531 Bellevue Road /209-358-5505

1700 McHenry Ave., Suite 58 • (209) 577-NUTS Newman

3500 Shiells Road

(209) 862-0555

209MAGAZINE

Patterson

2985 Renzo Ln., Suite D

(209) 895-9463

1-877-ALMOND-8

38390_3

carrscleaners.com

Pantone 469 C

57

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Monterey

400 Cannery Row, Suite C

(831) 375-NUTS

www.StewartandJasper.com facebook.com/StewartandJasper

fulloflife

in love of running

By TERESA HAMMOND

V

isit an elementary school playground on any given day and look to the faces of the children running. More often than not, one will find the child subconsciously grinning as they do so. Whether running to reach a friend or chase a soccer ball, children run for fun.

Fleet Feet Sports Stockton owner Tony Vice is passionate about many things, among them kids and running.

A passion for running so strong, that he became the owner/operator of the 277 Lincoln Center, Stockton, Fleet Feet location 10 years ago. He has been actively engaging with both the local business and running communities ever since.

As testament to this, the local business sponsors a number of annual races.

It would also only seem fitting that he supports Youth Run Clubs in the Stockton area, as well.

“Any school that has a youth running program, we’ll help them out. I don’t care if they run,” Vice said of the youth club members. “Just that they’re out there moving and having fun.

“These kids are great,” he added. “You get them out for running club and they don’t care who’s the fastest or who finishes last. They just have fun.”

John Muir Elementary School mom and running club parent coach Jenni Jimenez echoed Vice’s sentiments.

“It’s just cool to see the kids active,” she said. “They’re so dedicated and they really enjoy it.”

Jimenez pioneered the John Muir Elementary Running Club in 2013. Since its inception it has grown to 150 student participants, with more still expressing interest.

“We meet once a week before or after school depending on the season,” Jimenez said of the student runners.

“This is 100 percent voluntary for the students. They run two to three miles

beginning at Anything that the levee.”

Jimenez helps them noted the lostart a healthy cal Fleet Feet lifestyle. We as the only just happen to running affiliated store. love running.

“We would The most not have important thought to reach out, had thing is having he not been so fun. active in the community,” — Tony Vice she said.

As part of his partnership with schools and their running clubs, Vice visits the campuses to measure each runner’s feet, then returns with the appropriate shoe for their individual needs. Significant discounts are offered for any student interested in purchasing shoes through the running club and Fleet Feet Stockton.

“They have the option to be fit,” Jimenez said of the Fleet Feet service.

“On average he fit about 50 of our runners this year. He also offers discounted entry fees for the run club kids to run races.

“It just feels good to watch your kids do something they love,” Jimenez said of the youth runners and their dedication.

John Muir running club had a large presence at the 2014 Run and Walk Against Hunger.

“Kids are always what grabs my heart,” Vice stated, “all the time. This is why we’re so involved with that race and the food bank.

“It’s about complete not compete,” Vice said of the philosophy he shares with young runners. “Anything that helps them start a healthy lifestyle. We just happen to love running. The most important thing is having fun. That they’re all out there and with families, that’s all the better.” ■

209MAGAZINE

58

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Fleet Feet Sports/ Stockton owner Tony Vice sizing a few of the John Muir Elementary Running Club members.

Clockwise from left: Elliot Fry, 11; Maia Wallace, 8; Sammy Jimenez, 12; Aiden Wallace, 11; and Jiya Jimenez, 11.

PHOTOS BY JON MICHAEL TERRY/ 209 Magazine

209MAGAZINE

59

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

fulloflife

TEENS TRAIN TO COMPETE AT MODESTO MARATHON

By TERESA HAMMOND

ike Araiza and Heidi Ryan will be among a small army of volunteers toeing the line on March 29 as they cheer on close to 250 teen runners at the Sixth Annual Modesto Marathon.

Twenty-six weeks, six months, countless hours covering an unheard of amount of miles will all come to a head as the Teens Run Modesto participants step to the race course and take on the distances they have trained for.

A big part of our program is teaching students almost anything is possible if you believe in yourself and work for it. ­—Mike Araiza

209MAGAZINE

60

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Setting goals and slowly working toward them. We are proud to teach this to students at such an early age. —Heidi Ryan Whether it’s the coveted 26.2 full marathon distance or the 13.1 half marathon Araiza, Ryan and close to 50 mentors representing 14 Modesto area schools have provided the students with the tools and training they need to succeed.

“We developed a longer than usual marathon training schedule based on what we felt would be a manageable schedule for a student who has not competed in sports and is living a sedentary lifestyle,” Araiza shared. “We build up miles very slowly, starting with walking 25 minutes the first week to running a 22 mile long run the month prior to the marathon.”

There are varying reports and studies on when and if a teenage mind or body should take on the mentally and physically challenging distance of a full marathon.

Both Araiza and Ryan acknowledge the arguments, however, they both feel the environment of the Modesto Marathon and its seven-hour cutoff time is ideal for a young marathoner.

“A student can run-walk a 16 minute pace and still finish under the seven-hour time limit,” Araiza stated. “As junior high students, because of the emotional and mental immaturity, we allow them to choose along with their lead mentor. I fully believe any student who faithfully follows our training program could complete the marathon.”

The training program used by TRM includes three after school practices and one Saturday long

run over the course of the 26 weeks.

The TRM Program was established in 2010 by Shadow Chase Running Club, in conjunction with the Modesto Marathon.

Members of the running club had become inspired by the running program founded in the late 1990s, Students Run LA (in conjunction with the LA Marathon), targeting at-risk youth.

According to Araiza, studies showed SRLA students experienced a significant increase in academic performance, confidence levels and achieving goals.

“This is life changing for them,” Ryan said of the student runners.

“Setting goals and slowly working toward them. We are proud to teach this to students at such an early age.”

“The mentors are the heart and soul of the whole program,” Araiza stated of the program support. “They ferry students to and from practices and at times are surrogate parents to their students. I believe this adult/ student connection is one of the most valuable services out mentors provide.

“A big part of our program is teaching students almost anything is possible if you believe in yourself and work for it,” he shared.

The Modesto Marathon will be hosted on March 29 in downtown Modesto with an anticipated 3,500 participants. Full and half marathons begin at 7 a.m. The family friendly 5k race begins 7:20 a.m. ■

Students of varying ages from junior high to high school gather each week at La Loma Park to train with the TRM group in preparation for the Modesto Marathon on March 29.

Students of all physical make-ups and ability levels are encouraged to participate with the Teens Run Modesto training and push beyond a level they once thought possible.

A total of 250 students from TRM ranging in age from junior high to high school are expected to be among the 3500 participants in the Modesto Marathon on March 29.

PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY JON MICHAEL TERRY/ 209 Magazine

209MAGAZINE

61

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

placecalledhome

Many plants can be found at the upcoming 2015 Spring Home and Garden Show set for March 6-8 at Modesto Centre Plaza in downtown Modesto. Here, California Poppies are seen at Morris Nursery in Riverbank, the state flower on display at the local nursery and one of the varietals likely to be available at the Modesto show.

ANNUAL HOME AND GARDEN SHOW

FLOURISHES IN MODESTO

By DENNIS D. CRUZ

S

pring will soon be here and with it the urge to renovate.

The annual Spring Home and Garden Show, set for the Modesto Centre Plaza in March, offers inspiration for those with a desire to create something new for 2015.

“This event is the largest in the immediate area. We take great pride in it and the community looks forward to it each spring,” said event coordinator Stacey Bean.

Although many cities throughout the area have home and garden shows, Modesto’s spring event caters to every home improvement

and garden aficionado’s needs, Bean said. Whether you are looking for information on heating or cooling systems, turning a backyard into an enticing getaway, or perhaps making the jump to solar power, there likely will be someone there to provide just the expertise you need.

The show will feature dozens of local vendors setting up their booths for the three day event and offering advice and discounts for the public. Also, set up outside are food trucks to help keep shoppers fueled up.

209MAGAZINE

62

“There are five to seven food trucks that park outside to satisfy the cravings of the people who come out. The great thing about it is that there is a variety of food at each truck so the people have options and don’t have to settle for one thing,” shared Bean.

The show will be held from noon to 6 p.m. March 6, and 10 a.m. to 5 pm. March 7 and 8. The Modesto Centre Plaza is located at 1000 L St., downtown Modesto.

For more information, contact the Modesto Centre Plaza at 209577-6444. ■

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

celebrating 32 years of business

THE REAL ESTATE BOYS Owner GRI Broker Lic. #00852409 209-484-4216 Lndrumbeck@aol.com

Turlock Realty Group

LLOYD BLACKMAN Owner Realtor Lic. #01408011 209-531-4853 Lrblackman@earthlink.net

41420_2

LARRY RUMBECK

V inyl F ence &

B uilding P roducts ,a i nc .

Don’t gamble with her heart… when it comes to love,

our diamonds always hit the JACKPOT!

duraBle, low Maintenance Vinyl Fencing , gazeBos & Patio coVers

OLDEST JEWELRY STORE IN THE AREA FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

1113 carVer road, Modesto (209) 892-5729 • (209) 846-9457 VinylFenceModesto . coM 209MAGAZINE

340 e main street, turlock, ca 95380

geigersfinejewelery.com 63

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

45619_1

(209) 668-4653

placecalledhome

By CHHUN SUN

“Because of the hot summer sun and the cool winter, we can grow perhaps the widest range of plant material that exists anywhere in the world.”

—Martin Hildebrandt

W

ant better tasting veggies and fuller, healthier gardens?

You don’t need to be born, as they say, with a green thumb.

You don’t have to have fancy and expensive tools and magical soil to have a successful gardening season in the spring.

An interest is enough.

Expert advice helps, too.

According to Martin Hildebrandt, the garden specialist at California State University, Stanislaus, “you should have most of the winter leaves and weeds under control.” The gardener’s focus should be on the sun, water and time, to grow the plants you want to grow, to provide for the plants basic needs and for the plant to preform, either to bloom or produce a crop.

Having a garden that properly accents the home is important, he said, but it’s not only design that matters but also the quality of care. The other issues, like where to plan, what to plant and how to care for the plants, can and do change as needed. One thing, however, is the most important: your commitment to care for the plants for the entire season.

This care needs to be when the plant needs it, not on your schedule, not only on weekends or during perfect weather.”

Some other things to consider are weather-related issues and materials.

For weather in the Central Valley, Hildebrandt said, it is “large and unique. Because of the hot summer sun and the cool winter, we can grow perhaps the widest range of plant material that exists anywhere in the world. By controlling the blessing of irrigation water, you can have a good 209MAGAZINE

64

dry summer for crops, like almonds, or, by adding more water, grow a tropical crop like corn or perhaps a flower like Begonias. The cooler months are much like northern Europe and are great times to grow cabbage, kale, carrots and peas, as well as flowers, such as pansy and foxglove.”

As for materials for the garden, Hildebrandt said, soil is “something that is changeable and serves a purpose.”

“Soil amendments, like compost, and organic fertilizers, like cottonseed meal, can keep your soil biologically active and healthy,” he added. “A good mulch of wood chips or finer compost is a great help in preserving soil health and reduce weeds. In terms of tools, I use an old steak knife and a 5-gallon bucket for daily weeding, harvest, pruning, moving soils, etc.

“In addition, I find a Hula Hoe and a 7-tine bedding fork to be very useful.

And every gardener needs a collection of plant supports, stakes, trellis or tomato cages that can be quickly put into place when needed.”

Hildebrandt has one last piece of advice.

“You need to match the sun to the desired plant,” he said. “Proper water is critical, and historically excessive water use kills more plants than drought. Now this may seem silly to you, but please take your plants out of the car and plant them. A lot of good intentioned plant purchases simply die in a hot trunk or on a dry porch. Don’t buy more than what you can tend to either the first day or thru the entire season.” ■

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Come Visit!

PYLE

Absolutely Gorgeous Jewelry & Gift Boutique & Furniture Annex

LEGACY FLOORS

Five Generations of Hardwood Craftsmanship

Hardwood, Laminate, Tile Concrete Polishing Custom Designs, Borders & Inlays Floor Restoration & Repair Professional Dust Control System Installation, Sand & Finish

Hidden Treasures in Every Corner!

pylelegacyfloors.com 209-483-2699

3460 Oakdale Road, Modesto Corner of Oakdale Rd. & Sylvan behind Stop N Save 209-404-9483 myabsolutelygorgeous.com Tue-Sat 10am-6pm Mention this ad & receive a free gift with $30 purchase N o Tra w cy Op en !

Lic. # 808190

Call Us About Your Next Project Today!

1.866.844.7500 • www.ovcb.com

Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock • Patterson • Escalon • Ripon • Stockton • Manteca • Tracy 209MAGAZINE

65

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

charitycorner

AMERICAN RED CROSS A MISSION OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By MARG JACKSON

L

ike clockwork, tragedy strikes.

Whether it is a house fire, a natural disaster or some sort of domestic terrorism … there is an almost constant need for response and the American Red Cross is there.

Jordan Scott, Regional Communications Director for the Gold Country Region, said it is the mission of the Red Cross and its countless volunteers to be there to help.

“We cover 24 counties,” Scott said of the expansive region that includes counties in the 209 and stretches up to the Oregon border.

Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Tuolumne counties are part of the Modesto-based Sierra

WE ALSO TRY TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GET INVOLVED. IF THEY HAVE BEEN SEEKING AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY,

BY VOLUNTEERING, DONATING OR OTHERWISE, THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO HIGHLIGHT THAT.

Delta Chapter, one of two chapter offices that are part of the overall Gold Country Region.

March is observed as Red Cross Month and while Scott said that’s a good time for people to become more aware of the organization and what it does, the Red Cross is an integral part of life and its unexpected emergencies.

“Really what the focus is, we celebrate our everyday heroes. Everybody who makes the work of the Red Cross possible,” Scott explained. “We celebrate those who give time and resources to help people in need, also our donors because we are not a government organization, we don’t receive 209MAGAZINE

66

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

OUR REGION HAS THE REPUTATION FOR HAVING SOME OF THE BEST TRAINED VOLUNTEERS. HURRICANE SANDY, WE SENT 178 VOLUNTEERS FROM OUR REGION ALONE.

government funding. Thanks also to our instructors, those who teach classes.”

Every year since 1943 there has been a presidential proclamation of Red Cross Month, Scott said, with President Roosevelt the first to recognize the organization.

“We also try to encourage people to get involved,” Scott noted. “If they have been seeking an opportunity to give back to the community, by volunteering, donating or otherwise, this is a good time to highlight that.”

The American Red Cross is active in multiple areas, from CPR Saturdays and swimming lessons to blood drives (they partner here with Delta Blood

Volunteers are trained in disaster response and basically are ‘on call’ to respond when the need arises, even if it is 2 a.m. on a cold, foggy Central Valley winter morning.

“Training is a huge part of the organization, we want to make sure people going out to these situations have the knowledge they need,” Scott said. “A lot of classroom training is required before people go out on these teams and there’s also an element of mentorship from the more senior members of the team.”

The organization provides a critical service to the Armed Forces, and it was that support of the nation’s military that was a foundation for the

Bank) and disaster response.

“When a hurricane hits the East Coast or there’s a tornado in the middle of the country, we are there,” Scott said of the organization. “What always surprises me, though, is many people don’t realize that we go out to home fires.”

The 24-county Gold Country Region sees its share of those local needs, he said.

“Somewhere, once every 11 hours, there is a home fire in those counties we serve,” Scott explained. “We are there to help the families, with shelter, food, clothing, to help with that emotional support, counseling. We get them connected to services, get that recovery process started.”

209MAGAZINE

67

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

organization in its infancy in the 1800s.

“Emergency communication is far and away the biggest service, if we have a deployed service member, and an emergency happens at home, we are chartered by Congress to help communicate the message to that family member and in some cases bring them home,” Scott said. “The other side of that, we also aid with pre- and post-deployment briefings for military members and their families. Especially when they come back home, we help them adjust.”

On a daily basis, the work of the Red Cross can be seen throughout local communiCONTINUED ON PAGE 68 

charitycorner

GET INVOLVED

DONATE

The Red Cross is a non-governmental agency and relies on the generosity of the American people for its financial support to serve the more than three million people in our 11-county area. We strive to make the donation process as easy and rewarding as possible. http://www.redcross.org/ca/ sacramento/ways-to-donate

VOLUNTEER

Committed, compassionate volunteers are the heart and soul of the American Red Cross. As a volunteer, you play a vital role in fulfilling the Red Cross mission.

No matter your interests, skills or schedule, you can make a significant contribution to the community.

Across the country, every eight minutes Red Cross volunteers respond to a home fire. Make sure to routinely check your smoke detector and practice fire drills at your home.

This staging area for firefighters and volunteers was set up at the Rim Fire during the summer of 2013; the American Red Cross had some 200 volunteers near the site as well, operating a shelter for displaced residents.

A rainbow curving over the top of this American Red Cross office is a symbolic reminder that highly trained volunteers are always there, ready to respond when disaster strikes.

ties. And they are ready whenever needed, such as when the Rim Fire struck the region in the summer of 2013.

“I think we had over 200 volunteers down there helping and for two weeks we had a shelter,” Scott said.

Volunteers are always needed and Scott said they can choose what type of training they want to take.

“They are the heartbeat of the organization,” Scott said. “Our region has the reputation for having some of the best trained volunteers. Hurricane Sandy, we sent 178 volunteers from our region alone.”

Potential volunteers will go through an orientation process and then select specific training. Scott said the organization routinely has training sessions and anyone can get involved.

“I think I am right 209MAGAZINE

68

Sign up for a free volunteer orientation session by calling (916) 993-7070 or fill out an application at: http://www.redcross.org/ca/ sacramento/volunteer

TAKE A CLASS

The American Red Cross offers a wide variety of training courses in first aid, CPR, AED, life guarding, swimming, babysitting, care giving, and other areas for both individuals and organizations. We are the most trusted training provider of health and safety training that meets OSHA guidelines and many other professional and regulatory standards. Many selfstudy classes are available online and you can also register for classroom courses.

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) or register online: http://www. redcross.org/ca/sacramento/take-aclass there with everybody else, I love the mission, what we are all about,” Scott added. “To be face to face with someone going through the hardest time of their life, and making a difference, making some sort of a positive impact … to see just a brief glimmer of hope, those are moments I just don’t forget.

“I am really honored to be a part of the organization.” ■

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

THE CLOSEST COURSE IS THE ONE RIGHT OUTSIDE YOUR FRONT DOOR.

When golf is your passion, the more time you can spend on the course the better. And when you live in Saddle Creek Resort, the course is right outside your front door.

Saddle Creek Resort is located in Copperopolis and offers a stunning collection of new Castle & Cooke homes surrounded by 18 holes of some of the best golf in northern California.

To learn more, call or visit Saddle Creek Resort today.

New homes now available from the high $300,000’s.

BEAR VALLEY

SUTTER CREEK

BAY AREA

60 min.

STOCKTON

20

45 min.

HWY 4

10

Y4

HW

MURPHYS

ANGELS CAMP

n.

mi

COPPEROPOLIS 3

5 min .

HWY 108

SONORA

999 Saddle Creek Drive • Copperopolis, CA

YOSEMITE

SaddleCreekSales@castlecooke.com

90

20

n.

Y1

mi

HW

BRE # 01401120

n.

mi

n.

mi

800-611-7722

www.SaddleCreekNewHomes.com

40172_1

40 min.

SAN FRANCISCO

HWY 49

45

charitycorner

S

ierra Vista Child & Family Services has one longstanding goal.

To care for people in need.

The agency has been committed to caring for Stanislaus County since 1972, when a dairy farmer and volunteer member of the county’s Mental Health Advisory Board envisioned a group home that could provide a high level of care for children.

These days, it provides services to 22,000 children and families each year through 21 programs in 19 locations and at every school in the Stanislaus and Merced counties. The services aim 209MAGAZINE

70

to meet the needs of people who are overwhelmed with mental illnesses, child abuse or substance-abuse.

On Feb. 7, Sierra Vista Child & Family Services will celebrate a milestone with its 15th Annual Hearts for Children Gala at the Assyrian American Civic Club in Turlock. The theme of this year’s fundraiser will be from the story of “Mulan,” which, according to the event’s press release, is about helping and supporting “those in our community who are the most doubtful at having the strength to believe in themselves to accomplish their full

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

By Chhun Sun

potential, and find their place in society.”

The annual event will also recognize the work of Judy Kindle, the executive director who has been with Sierra Vista for 30 years. Her administrative team has members with 15-25 years of experience at the agency. She says her time at the agency “does not feel like I have been here for 30 years.”

“Every year is new and brings new challenges and new opportunities,” Kindle added.

Michele Speich, the director of marketing and fund development, said the agency is still standing because of Kindle’s leadership.

“Those 30 years, we’ve seen the changes that are happening within the community and also the economy, which affects the children and families that we serve,” Speich said. “[Kindle] has just been that kind of guiding light for Sierra Vista that kind of just has carried us through.”

Kindle and her team at the agency were awarded early this month The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Behavioral Health Care Accreditation after demonstrating a commitment to providing safe and effective care.

“I had the vision and [our leadership team] carried most of the workload,” Kindle said about the accreditation. “Our other goals for this year are to continue to increase the awareness of the need for mentors for the children and youth in our county and to provide mentors with the necessary training through our Mentoring Resource Center. The other goals are to continue to meet the needs of our

communities by continually improving our services and expanding where needed.”

Sierra Vista is the largest nonprofit mental health agency in the Central Valley. It provides programs that include mental health services, early childhood services, special education, therapeutic residential treatment, adoption, foster care, clinical and family support in homes and schools, perinatal substance abuse treatment and community counseling.

The agency is looking forward 209MAGAZINE

71

to its annual gala event, with past themes including “Finding Nemo” and “Peter Pan.” “I had the pleasure of helping to start the very first fundraising event for Sierra Vista when it was known as Therapeutic Homes,” Kindle said.

“It was a wonderful country evening event … Our guests are treated to an enchanting evening in the world of a children’s story.”

For more information on Sierra Vista Child & Family Services, call the main office at 209-523-4573 or visit www.sierravistacares.org. ■

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

lookback

By MARG JACKSON

The Knights Ferry covered bridge is a focal point of the small rural community outside Oakdale, a historic span across the Stanislaus River.

EST. 1864 CA 209MAGAZINE

72

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Now a National Historic Landmark, the Knights Ferry covered bridge is the longaest such span west of the Mississippi and is a favorite spot for hikers, history buffs and photography enthusiasts.

As the Stanislaus River flows beneath it, the Knights Ferry covered bridge remains a constant, the historic structure one of the area’s most photographed tourist attractions.

Sunlight peaking in through the wooden slats, the Knights Ferry covered bridge now has a central walkway and hosts plenty of foot traffic, visitors coming to tour the site throughout the year.

H

“I love walking across and being able to look at the view from it.

The river, the water below.

Beautiful!”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 74 

—Jonyce O’Neill

209MAGAZINE

73

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

PHOTOS BY MARG JACKSON/ 209 Magazine

istoric. Subject of countless photographs. National landmark. Tourist attraction.

The Knights Ferry covered bridge is many things to many people, and it remains a popular destination in the 209 for residents looking for a relaxing day away.

A centerpiece in the small hamlet of Knights Ferry, just east of Oakdale, the covered bridge spans the Stanislaus River and was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, in 2012.

Originally constructed in 1864, the bridge is 330 feet long and is at the north end of Knights Ferry, where it provides a protected crossing over the Stanislaus River. The covered bridge was built as a replacement for one that had been previously washed away by floodwaters along the Stanislaus. The wooden truss bridge, the longest of its kind west of the Mississippi River, was originally a toll bridge. Knights Ferry was once the county seat and the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors set fees for the river crossing, ranging from just a couple of pennies for sheep to as much as $5 for horse or mule teams. Once horse and buggy gave way to automobiles, those were also able to originally utilize the bridge to cross the river as well.

Heralded as “an exceptionally fine display” of 19th century covered bridge construction, the National Park Service notes, the structure is also described as an “outstanding example” of a Timber Howe Truss, a specific design in bridge building that served as the basis for later steel truss designs.

In recent years, the bridge has had some portions of the span declared off limits as age and conditions have taken a toll. Pedestrian traffic – the only type allowed to cross now (with pets and/ or baby strollers in tow as well) – is funneled along a walkway.

lookback

Many visitors to the bridge yield to temptation and cross over the temporary barriers to look out the small openings spaced at intervals along the structure and photograph the Stanislaus River below, but the bulk of travelers stay within the guided path.

For many, it is a chance to take their children to a site they remember from their youth, with scenery and history both a part of the equation.

“I love the history behind the Knights Ferry Bridge,” said area resident Jonyce O’Neill, who visited the site recently for an afternoon walk and a photo shoot with her daughter Katie and granddaughter Kaili. “I love walking across and being able to look at the view from it. The river, the water below.

Beautiful!”

An inspection several years ago uncovered some structural issues with the span, not enough to close it down, but enough to limit the foot traffic while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designs and prepares a plan to address those problems. Whatever form the repairs eventually take, according to the U.S. Army Corps, the integrity and “historical aspect of the bridge” will be maintained and preserved.

Part of the attraction of the bridge, visitors say, is feeling like you have taken a step back in time as you walk across.

Not only the bridge, but an old flour mill, remnants of stone buildings and hiking paths along the banks of the Stanislaus River transport you to a simpler place and time. Weekend visitors can spend a day in the hamlet, also taking advantage of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Stanislaus River

Parks Visitor’s Center, which offers information on the river, the area surrounding Knights Ferry and the wildlife that calls the region home.

The ‘Ferry’ itself is home to river rafting companies, serves up an ice cream parlor, has a deli and saloon, a couple of restaurants, unique shops, a reportedly haunted hotel, campground, community park and some undeniably beautiful scenery when the flowers bloom and a lush green returns to the hills from the winter’s rain.

Classes from nearby schools visit each year during the Salmon Run, to learn about the life cycle of the salmon and the spawning process on the Stanislaus.

Knights Ferry has also served for many years as the host site for the Civil War Days in late March, a weekend of activity that sees North vs. South, with living history offered through tours of Union and Confederate encampments, the battles complete with musket and cannon fire as reenactment groups stage the realistic skirmishes.

Longtime Knights Ferry resident and community historian Lee Shearer often leads school tours through the community and the bridge is a favorite stopping point.

“The fact that it’s a covered bridge, it’s an unusual building,” Shearer said of the allure of the structure, which was designed by civil engineer David Locke.

“We did a tour of it with ‘California Gold’ (TV show),” Shearer added. “It’s just a thing to see.”

A unique bit of history, 150 years strong. ■ 209MAGAZINE

74

IF YOU GO WHERE: 17968 Covered Bridge Road Knights Ferry, CA CONTACT: (209) 881-3517

KNIGHTS FERRY Stanislaus River Parks Visitors’ Center

Next to the covered bridge, this visitors’ center is located east of Manteca, 35 miles via CA 120.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visitor center offers information on the parks and wildlife located along the Stanislaus River, along with fishing, rafting and canoeing opportunities.

Civil War Days

The American Civil War Association, along with The Army Corps of Engineers present Civil War Days March 21-22. Visitors can watch the re-enactment of the Union and Confederate battles several times throughout the weekend. There are also ongoing living history demonstrations depicting the lives of soldiers, women and children during the Victorian Era and Civil War. Most of the events take place near the covered bridge which is a short walk from the parking lot.

Battle Times: Saturday, 1p.m. and 4p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Gates open at 9 a.m. The event is free; parking is $5 donation per car.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Our Services: Funeral Service Burial • Cremation Free Veterans Planning Guide Military Funeral Honors CA. FD. Lic. #1392

TENANT HEADACHES? WE CAN HELP. Evaluate your property Maximize your investment Market your property Rent collection Property maintenance Inspections

We are proud to be a member of the Dignity Memorial® network of more than 1,800 funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers.

New Bridge Management

is the premier property management company in the central valley!

Voted Favorite Property Management Two Years in a Row

newbridgemanagement.com

900 Santa Fe Avenue Hughson, CA 95326

209.668.6700 – BRE Lic #01731848 45627_1

843 E. Main St. – Turlock, CA 95380

Lakewood Memorial Park and Funeral Home were built on a basic belief in community responsibility and service. In 1982, a funeral home was added to the cemetery, now called Lakewood Funeral Home.

209-883-0411 www.lakewoodhughson.com

       ,  ,    ,    ,            TUFF recognized TUFFBOY BOY,, long long recognized as an as an innovative manufacturing innovativeleader leader ininmanufacturing for for thethetransportation industry, nowa adds a transportation industry, now adds newnewgeneration products and services generation ofofproducts and services to existing out today to existingcapabilities. capabilities. FindFind out today howhowTuff canhelphelp business.

TuffBoy Boy can youryour business.

LEASE • R•ENT RENT, ,SSELL ELL ORORLEASE • Ag• AgFlatbeds Haulers Flatbeds &&Haulers • Produce & Field • Produce Trailers Trailers & Field DolliesDollies • Hay Trailers • Hay&&Freight Freight Trailers • Perm.

Hoppers • Perm.&& Convertible Convertible Hoppers

• Lathrop, (209) 858-4134       •• Manteca Lathrop, California • (209)•858-4131      • California Lathrop, California

209MAGAZINE

75

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

•

(209) 858-4131

By JAMES BURNS

marketplace

The Ghirardelli ice cream shop attracts chocolate lovers of all ages.

Here, McKeane Beier (lower right) celebrates his 8th birthday with milkshakes and sundaes.

C

hocolate lovers near and far come to Lathrop to indulge in Ghirardelli’s sweet treats.

Located along a frontage road, amongst the snarl of truck depots, gravely yards and other warehouse facilities, the Ghirardelli Factory Outlet and Ice Cream Shop rises like an oasis.

It is easy to access for those traveling Interstate 5 – and with its enormous building-top light bulb sign, it’s hard to miss even on days when the tule fog is at its thickest.

The ice cream shop in Lathrop features an international flair to match its world-class chocolate.

There is the shop’s supervisor, Constatin, and the counter clerk, Luis, who on this slow holiday morning greets each customer with a complimentary Peppermint Bark square.

That said, Ghirardelli is distinctly San Francisco. The menu pays homage to the company’s Bay Area roots.

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was founded by an Italian immigrant, Domingo Ghirardelli, in 1852 and eventually settled into its brick-and-mortar home in Ghirardelli Square, amongst San Francisco’s piers. Ghirardelli began marketing his chocolate delicacies to the miners of California’s Gold Rush, and before the turn of the century the company had established itself as a must-have household product.

Ghirardelli boasts that its chocolates are “moments of timeless pleasure,” and after more than 160 years of operation, an international footprint and 23 locations across the nation, it’s tough to beat. CONTINUED ON PAGE 78  209MAGAZINE

Ghirardelli boasts that its chocolates are ‘moments of timeless pleasure,’ and after more than 160 years of operation, an international footprint and 23 locations across the nation, it’s tough to beat.

77

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

The shelves at Ghirardelli’s ice cream shop in Lathrop are lined with chocolate treats.

marketplace

The ice cream shop in Lathrop features an international flair to match its world-class chocolate.

The Ghirardelli Factory Outlet and Ice Cream Shop in Lathrop is one of 23 locations nationwide.

Today, patrons can enjoy an Earthquake, eight scoops of ice cream with eight toppings, sliced bananas, whipped cream, chopped almonds, chocolate chips and cherries.

There’s also the Presidio Passion, vanilla ice cream slathered in hot fudge and lined with sliced strawberries.

The Golden Gate is Ghirardelli’s take on the banana split; Treasure Island with its double chocolate brownie; and the Cable Car, featuring Rocky Road, chocolate chip and chocolate ice creams.

However, the signature sundae remains the namesake – the Ghirardelli Square. It’s simple by design, but perhaps that’s the allure.

The Ghirardelli Square won’t overwhelm you with too many toppings or ice creams. It is combines the very best the chocolate factory has to offer in a cup or waffle bowl: Vanilla ice cream, homemade hot fudge, whipped cream, chopped almonds and a cherry.

The Lathrop location also has a large outdoor seating area and wide selection of chocolate treats for sale. For more information, contact 209.982.9304 or visit www. ghiradelli.com. ■ 209MAGAZINE

GHIRARDELLI WHAT: Ghirardelli Factory Outlet and Ice Cream Shop WHERE: 11980 South Harlan Road, Lathrop, Ca. 95330 HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

CONTACT: 209.982.9304 ABOUT GHIRARDELLI: Incorporated in 1852, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company boasts that it has the richest heritage of any American chocolate factory. Through a few shrewd marketing maneuvers in the 1800s, Ghirardelli established itself as a household staple and must-have treat. Founder Domingo Ghirardelli marketed his chocolate delicacies to the gold miners during California’s Gold Rush. Ghirardelli later employed “artists and advertising experts to saturate the West with the Ghirardelli name and logo,” according to the company’s website.

78

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Secure Your Property Automatic Gate & Access

We specialize in controlling access to your residence or business property.

Commercial Residential

Gate Operators Telephone Entry Card Reader Access

License Plate Recognition & Tracking Capabilities

2015 Chevrolet Silverado

www.gatesbyremote.com

(209) 847-7800

1-866-888-GATE (4283)

Lic. # 835495

2015 Buick Enclave

40 Years and Counting

1974-2014

1285 East F Street • Oakdale Rated A+

www.steveschevrolet.com

Shop online: leboucherieboutique.com

FIND NEW ROADS

Follow us on all social networks for our latest trends!

209MAGAZINE

847-2261

79

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

TM

marketplace

THE MAN BEHIND THE TIGER COLLECTION hen Mar Gibbs landed in California to begin his freshman year at University of the Pacific in 2005, he realized he had no outerwear. The Sunshine State native from Southern Florida, who found himself getting cold fairly easily, needed a sweatshirt. So he headed to the university bookstore.

As he browsed through the merchandise, he noticed the high prices.

“I ended up buying the lowest priced sweatshirt that I could find; roughly $40. It was decorated with a three-color artwork that read ‘University of the’ on the first line

and ‘Pacific’ on the second line,” he added. “I thought to myself, ‘I can do better.’”

Although he didn’t think much of it at the time, Gibbs would soon be inspired to create his own line of Pacific clothing.

Though he’s always had an artistic skill and an entrepreneurial spirit, it wasn’t until later during Gibbs’ sophomore year that he created his first piece.

“My roommates and I were getting ready to attend Midnight Mania,” an event in which they introduce the men’s and women’s basketball teams, play games and give out free stuff. “I wanted to dress differently, so I purchased

209MAGAZINE

80

By Melissa Hutsell

a blank white fitted baseball cap with thin black pinstripes. When I got back to my dorm, I pulled out a sharpie and went to town on that poor cap. I drew the Powercat on the front and the Pacific ‘P’ initial on the back.”

He wore his homemade cap to Midnight Mania and to his surprise, fellow students began to ask him where they could get their own.

“I didn’t even like the cap because I drew the Powercat slightly crooked, but they loved it. I didn’t think much of it.”

After graduation from UOP in 2010 with a degree in graphic design, Gibbs relocated back to

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Now the owner of The Tiger Collection, Gibbs stays motivated when he sees the positive ways students, alumni and fans react to his works of art.

“I love seeing the frenzy-like mentality that takes over every student when campus organizations distribute my apparel on campus for free. It’s beautiful. I’m also motivated to keep designing because I’d like The Tiger Collection to be recognized as one of the top fashion-forward collegiate apparel brands, especially among smaller universities.”

Gibbs’ products are distinctive and stand out from other Pacific gear because of the concept and

209MAGAZINE

81

ideals that his brand is built upon.

“I don’t like cookie-cutter apparel. You shouldn’t be able to go to another university bookstore and see the same apparel designs bearing different colors and a different name,” he said. “Everything we design is designed with a purpose. From the first preliminary sketches to the final product; we’re always focused on a goal. We don’t design it just to look good.

We design it to compliment you.

We design it to feel comfortable on you. We design it for you.”

For more information and to get your own piece from the Tiger Collection, visit: thetigercollection.com. ■

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

PHOTOS BY LA MOTHKIS

Florida.

“While unpacking in my parent’s house, I came across my hat that I drew on in 2006,” he said.

Being a harsh critic, Gibbs could not figure out why his cap was so popular among other students.

“I decided that it was because it was different. In 2010, I was a better graphic and apparel designer than I was in 2006 when I drew on the cap. I decided to create a tiger T-shirt design for fun.”

From there, Gibbs has continued to design and print the majority of his apparel, which is now officially licensed through the Collegiate Licensing Company since March 2013.

GOLDEN STATE INSPECTIONS

2113 EAST F ST. OAKDALE

209-988-7200 • TERMITE INSPECTIONS • REPAIRS & TREATMENT • HOME/COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTIONS • HOSPITAL IOR SERVICES • GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Bring in this Coupon to receive

25% OFF Any Regular Priced Item (Excludes Uggs) Not to be combined with any other offer.

Expires 3/31/2015

209-664-9737

GOLDENSTATEINSPECTIONS.COM

36564_5

306 E Main Street – Turlock, CA

CL# 946000

Thank you for voting me, “Turlock’s Favorite Insurance Agent!”

209MAGAZINE

82

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

Your ad could be

Here.

Contact your local sales rep.

Manteca 209.249.3500 Oakdale 209.847.3021 Turlock 209.634.9141

Providing you with confidence, knowledge and skills to use your firearm safely and accurately

CCW Permit Classes

Hand Gun #1 Train like a Pro, even if you’re a beginner.

Training by Jeff Reed, National Rifle Assc. Firearms Instructor for Handguns, Shotguns, Rifles and Carbines 800-44-Mocse www.Mocse.org

132 N. Yosemite Avenue, Oakdale, across from Oakdale Feed FredsFirearms.com

209-322-3730

209MAGAZINE

83

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

50-PLUS? Check it out!

Your chances of developing colorectal cancer increases considerably after reaching the half century mark.

In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, about 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are at least 50-years-old. So if you are 50-plus, or at high risk, you should undergo colorectal cancer screening. So check it out with your doctor. Your life may depend on it!

Other risk factors that may increase a person’s chance of developing colorectal cancer include: · Having a personal history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease · Having a personal or family history of colorectal cancer · Being African-American or an Ashkenazi Jew · Eating a diet high in fat · Being physically inactive · Obesity · Smoking and heavy alcohol use · Type 2 diabetes People at increased risk for colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about being screened for the disease before the age of 50.

880 E. Tuolumne Road, Turlock | emanuelmedicalcenter.org/cancer