209 Magazine Issue 26

Coach Leo and his partner Alfredo Perez traveled to Fresno in late January to submit a bid to have Oakdale host the event. President Frank Aleman was impressed with the number of signatures gathered in support and the quick impact that The Boxing Development Center has made in Oakdale and granted approval for the event to be hosted locally in April.

“We were very excited when we got the approval,” Coach Leo noted.

“We want to give back to Oakdale.

We want to support the town, the youth and local businesses. The most important thing for us is to give back to the community.”

The Boxing Development Center in Oakdale is a training facility for fighters of all ages and abilities, from amateur to professional. They have had fighters Marc Castro and Ana Julaton train at the center amongst other boxing and mixed martial

artists. Castro is a five-time Junior Olympic champion. Andre Ward is also a former Junior Olympic champion as well.

Inside the gym they have a regulation size ring as well as speed bags and other equipment. Coach Leo, Coach Alfredo Perez and manger Israel Guardado have 35 years of experience between them. The trio is passionate about the sport as well as the community.

They are currently working on a boxing documentary and programs that will feature up and coming fighters from the 209 area. Some of those fighters include Kenny Lopez and Pedro Juarez, who are competing for Golden Gloves later this spring and train at The Boxing Development Center.

At the event in April, there are 20-plus fights scheduled to fight, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Two categories of boxers will compete;

novice boxers who have had 10 fights or less, and open division, which is for the more advanced and experienced boxers. The qualifiers from these tournaments will advance to the State championship for a chance to qualify to be an official representative of Team USA. Boxers age 16 and under will be eligible to compete.

“Everyone at Oakdale Joint Unified School District has been great to us. We have 20 volunteers from the school and community coming out to support and help with the tournament,” said boxing manager Guardado.

Admission price for the event is $10 a day. Along with boxing action, there will be a special surprise guest, raffles featuring autographed memorabilia, 50/50 drawing and more. For more information on the event and The Boxing Development Center, log onto their website at theboxingdc.com. ■

“The community really took to the idea of Oakdale hosting the Junior Olympics.”

— Coach Leo Pagcaliuagan

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By VIRGINIA STILL

“My five older brothers and my father were all mariachi musicians and they were very good musicians in some of the top groups in the world. They would rehearse at least three times a week in the living room.

I was four years old singing in the projects of East Los Angeles.”

F

amily tradition and culture encompass what Mariachi Sol de Mexico is all about. The 13-piece group that features guitarrón, trumpets, violins, vihuela, Spanish guitar and harmonized singers will perform for audiences in a night of beautiful, romantic melodies to ignite the senses at the Gallo Center for the Arts on May 3.

The platinum-selling Sol de Mexico was formed in 1981 by

— Jose Hernandez 209MAGAZINE.COM

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Jose Hernandez, also known as the Mariachi King. He is a fifth generation mariachi performer and many of his nephews and nieces also play instruments and sing, making them the sixth generation to take on the mariachi tradition. His family roots are in Jalisco, which he expressed is the birthplace of Mariachi music.

“My five older brothers and my father were all mariachi musicians and they were very good musicians in some of the top groups in the world,” stated Hernandez. “They would rehearse at least three times a week in the living room. I was four years old singing in the projects of East Los Angeles.”

With a long family history in the music industry, Hernandez has created mariachi music for several movies including all three “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” movies, “McFarland,” “Seabiscuit,” “Trolls,” “Rango” and he has also finished an arrangement for a new Disney Christmas movie called “Nicole” that will be coming out in December.

Sol de Mexico has six violins, three trumpets, a harp, the Mexican bass which is called a 8

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intheknow

guitarrón, the vihuela and Spanish guitar.

“Mariachi songs are very much like country songs,” added Hernandez. “The neat thing about Sol de Mexico is that they are a very young looking group so it looks very dynamic on stage. The guys are young and all of them sing and they are very good musicians. It is pretty neat when the people hear Sol; it is traditional but it also could be very orchestral almost like a small chamber orchestra and we are very big on music education.”

Hernandez has an impressive résumé with a skillset ranging from playing the trumpet, the vihuela, singing, to composing, writing and producing. He is also involved in music education and teaches master mariachi workshops around the world and helped create the curriculum in schools throughout the United States.

The group has had collaborations with other musicians like Linda Ronstadt, the Beach Boys, Green Day, Roseanne Cash, Vincente Fernandez, Selena, and Sol de Mexico toured with Luis Miguel. Along with performing at the inaugural Latin Grammy Awards, the group has played

concerts in Beijing, China, and Pyongyang in North Korea.

Another highlight for Sol de Mexico is performing for several U.S. Presidents including Ronald Reagan, George H. Bush, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

“We are sort of the go to Mariachis that they call for these special events,” explained Hernandez. “I feel very honored. I wish my dad was here to see it. Thanks to him and my grandfather, they are the ones that really taught us how to work, how to be professional, and how to respect an audience and how to really love our craft and how to do it at a high level.”

Hernandez was honored with the Latino Humanitarian Award at a FIFA game in Los Angeles in March for his work in education and with children. Sol de Mexico performed both the Mexican and American national anthems and played during the halftime show.

The premier Mariachi group

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has a new album that was released at the end of April that has a tribute to six mariachi singers that are the greatest of all time.

Describing their music as world music with some symphony and orchestra similarities, Hernandez and the group sings in trios, solos and perform instrumental pieces that move quickly and bring to mind passion and romance.

“Playing at the Gallo Center is the perfect place to listen to a show,” expressed Hernandez. “We played it before in some years past and we have always done well there. It is an amazing place to go play. It is very intimate. We love it. Sol de Mexico is traditional but it can also be very orchestral.

I think that is the best thing to really bring cultures together and music is so awesome; it really has no barriers. We could play classical, we could play opera, we could play the traditional Mexican music, it is so versatile.” ■

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209 Mag 2018 copy.pdf 1 3/26/2018 8:32:03 AM

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intheknow

By SABRA STAFFORD

S

PHOTOS BY KRISTYN AREDAS PHOTOGRAPHY

pring is upon us and with it all the pretty colors, prints, and florals that showcase the season. And the fashion doesn’t just have to be for grown-ups, as Turlock’s Shabby Addy proves with their line of clothes for little fashionistas.

Shirt and short mixed print set with orange pom-pom trim by Mimi & Maggie. White sandals by Livie & Luca. Shabby Chic floral headband.

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Pastel pink shoulder cut-out dress by Hannah Banana.

Shabby Chic headband.

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intheknow

Floral halter dress with red and white lace pockets by Mabel + Honey.

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Sequined mermaid T-shirt and teal tulle skirt by Hannah Banana. Pink hat by Grom Squad and backpack from Shabby Addy.

All clothes and accessories provided by Shabby Addy at 200 W. Main Street Ste. C in Turlock.

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intheknow

Outdoor AWAITS adventure AT

JELLYSTONE PARK CAMP RESORT

By DENNIS D. CRUZ

T

ower Park of Lodi is channeling the fun of beloved Hanna-Barbera cartoon figure Yogi Bear — along with Boo-Boo, Ranger Smith and Cindy Bear — to be the inspiration for the Jellystone Park Camp Resort.

The resort recently underwent a complete renovation and is ready to provide outdoor adventure and family fun this summer.

“I was asked to come in the summer of 2016 from Pennsylvania to oversee the park,” recalled Park Manager Paul Kraft. “When I got here it was run down and not in the best of shape. I only had a few weeks until Fourth of July weekend to make it presentable for the public again.”

This year the park will feature new attractions for the whole family including the 127,000-gallon Lazy River, a mini golf course, an outdoor theater that will show movies each night and coming this summer the interactive Water Zone featuring 750 gallon hydrostorm, two kiddie and adult

waterslides, 13 water blasters and two water cannons.

The resort offers 300 sites to choose from for tent, trailer and RV camping. Jellystone also has cabins for rent from $154 to $222 per night. Each of the cabins are handicap accessible, include at least two beds, a microwave and mini fridge.

The park opened in early March and stays open until Jan. 31. Throughout the year there are many activities for the family. In April they offer Great Outdoors Weekend as they acknowledge Earth Day with scavenger hunts, recycling projects and more. In May, Dino Weekend (May 18-20) will see the resort invaded by dinosaurs. The kids can join both Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo in paleontology fun as they offer games and crafts.

There are fun activities for the family scheduled year-round.

Check the website for all activities at www.towerparkresort.com.

Camp goers can also relax at the full-service marina. Boating,

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paddle boards, kayaks, fishing are all featured and after a long day in the water, families can enjoy seafood cuisine at the Waterfront Grille. The Waterfront Grille opened in early March and offers both seafood classics and American cuisine. Chef Julio Camberos, who is the executive chef and general manager, has over 20 years of service in the business.

“We pride ourselves on being a family friendly environment;” said Kraft.

This includes family members of the four-legged variety as well. Jellystone offers a new dog park. Also featured on the grounds are attractions including a gem mining station, laser tag field, playground, basketball court, volleyball area, resort style pools, spas and horseshoe pits. Shopping and an ice cream parlor are also onsite.

Along with all the endless fun, Yogi Bear, Boo-Boo Bear and Cindy Bear can also be found at the grounds, adding to the overall experience. ■ 209MAGAZINE.COM

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Stanislaus County Fair Discounted Fair tickets go on Sale Saturday, April 28th at 9 a.m.!

Get your discounted admission tickets, unlimited ride wristbands, and Fair season passes now – July 12th.

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flavors

hotelRESTAURANT leger

By VIRGINIA STILL

PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA STILL/ 209 Magazine

T

here is a unique and historic culinary experience waiting for travelers and adventurers in the Sierra foothills —Hotel Léger Restaurant and Saloon, in the heart of Mokelumne Hill. The destination hotel was originally built in 1851 to house gold prospectors during the California Gold Rush as thousands of people from all over the world arrived in search of their share of the “mother lode.”

This historic location was once the Calaveras County courthouse, jail, and in the back near where a pool is now located is the old hanging tree. There are 13 rooms available to rent with a variety of options that will transport you back to the Wild West like a shared hallway bathroom or balcony access that overlooks Main Street.

The rooms also feature antique furniture.

There is a saloon that at one time was filled with rowdy characters and outlaws and today offers a full bar.

Diners have the option to savor the unique menu with 209MAGAZINE.COM

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three dining areas that have rustic stone walls or, during the warmer months, dine out on the patio that overlooks the backyard and orange trees.

Executive Chef Louis Chiero has handpicked the items that are on the menu which he calls a contemporary American and Southern fusion. Some of the items that are most popular are the creations with the Southern twist like the New Orleans Jambalaya that is said to bring out one’s inner Cajun, a pan roast to die for, and the shrimp and grits, to name a few. The Jambalaya was his mother’s recipe and consists of chicken, sausage and shrimp with black beans, okra, bell pepper and rice in a flavorful red creole sauce. Food quality and presentation is most important to Chiero, noting that people eat with their eyes first.

“I really love being in the kitchen,” stated Chiero.

“I have never had a job that was not in the kitchen.

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I have never done anything else. I work a second job as a DJ…We joke around and say whipping up treats and spinning the beats.”

For those that may be looking for something not so Cajun, Chef Chiero has been given rave reviews on his grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu, which is a marinated chicken breast grilled with melted brie cheese, prosciutto ham, topped by a drizzle of hollandaise served on a bed of purple potatoes and house vegetables. Another item on the menu that is over the top is the apple cranberry 10-ounce pork cutlet seasoned, seared, and served on a bed of cinnamon sugar glazed apples and topped with a cranberry puree.

There is also an assortment of appetizer options like the lobster and crab cakes, honey walnut prawns, balsamic chicken, boudin balls, and deepfried raviolis. The balsamic chicken is a Hotel Léger classic that has garlic marinated chicken dipped in batter and fried until it is golden brown, garnished with balsamic reduction and served with ranch dressing. The avocado toast was recently added to the menu that is made with homemade vinaigrette, sliced grapes, an assortment of heirloom tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese and, of course, a slather of avocado on toast.

For those warmer days, lighter options include a Cobb salad, seafood Louie salad and a beet salad.

There is much more to the hidden gem in the Mother Lode than just the array of delectable options to fill one’s belly; there is also some form of entertainment each week

like comedy on the first Friday of every month, karaoke night, live music, open mic nights, or the backyard BBQs thrown during the summer with live music and a specialty menu like Hawaiian barbecue one weekend, Texas BBQ on another or Kansas City barbecue. There is something sure to delight the weariest of travelers at Hotel Léger.

Hotel Léger has been featured on the Travel Channel along with a few ghost hunter-type shows due to the paranormal activity that has been said to occur at the hotel, which makes this historic location an even more intriguing destination.

“There is just something about this place,” said Chiero. “It was calling me. This is the perfect place for the semi-Cajun menu that I have always wanted to do and to get out of my Italian comfort zone.”

Proprietors Debbie Rangell and Krissy Haderer recently celebrated their one-year anniversary as owners of Hotel Léger. Rangell has been with the hotel for over 30 years and Haderer over five years GETTING THERE: and they are both very Hotel Léger Restaurant & Saloon pleased to have Chiero 8304 Main St., Mokelumne Hill, CA running the kitchen.

CONTACT: Drive off the beaten 209-286-1401 path down the old Main www.facebook.com/hotelleger Street in Mokelumne HOURS: Open for dinner Mondays and Hill to get a taste of the Wednesdays; lunch and dinner available ‘Old West’ and to enjoy Thursday, Friday and Saturday; breakfast a place where the locals buffet, lunch and dinner offered Sundays; and travelers alike closed on Tuesdays. gather. ■

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IF YOU GO

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flavors

By VIRGINIA STILL

PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA STILL/ 209 Magazine

W

ith the warmer weather and longer days, sometimes something light, refreshing, with a little pizzazz sounds good before lunchtime and nothing fills the bill quite like a mimosa. Ironstone Vineyards serves up a California Champagne, also known as sparkling wine, that is made with premium French Colombard grapes, then just add some orange juice, and voilà! The non-vintage champagne has crisp flavors of pears, apples, and a hint of

pineapple with a bit of sweetness on the finish.

Not sure what to have with your mimosa? Then make your way to Ironstone for the annual Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch in the Alhambra music room on May 13.

There are two seating times, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Drinks served for the brunch will include champagne, mimosas, and one of their popular award-winning California Symphony Obsession wines. ■ 209MAGAZINE.COM

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IF YOU GO GETTING THERE: Ironstone Vineyards 1894 Six Mile Road Murphys, CA 95247 CONTACT: 209-728-1251 HOURS: Tastings are held daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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flavors

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ista Ranch and Cellars sits on 20 acres of George Fancher’s Bear Creek Ranch in Merced, which includes farm plots, vineyard, tasting room, outdoor picnic area, and event center.

The tasting room is located in a 1910 farmhouse that has historically housed ranch

Vista Cellars 2015 Pinot Grigio

management throughout the property’s history and is now the ideal setting for an afternoon of drinking wine surrounded by fruit trees and farm plots. The tasting room is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 7326 East Highway 140, Merced.

For more information, visit vistacellars.com. ■

Vista Cellars 2013 Base Camp Zinfandel

A very delicate, crisp wine with aromas of fresh citrus, juicy apples and white pears with floral aromas in the background.

Fruitful nose of dark berries and spice, with a mouthfeel of lingering pepper on the finish.

Both wines pair well with raw almonds grown and farmed by the family who owns Vista Ranch as well as dark chocolate covered almonds.

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flavors

Thai Peanut Buddha Bowl Serves: 4 Ingredients: Olive oil spray 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (12 ounces) Dressing: 1/2 cup peanut butter 3 tablespoons coconut milk 1 tablespoon fish sauce 2 teaspoons hot chili sauce 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 1 tablespoon sesame oil 3 tablespoons hot water 4 cups baby spinach 1 ripe Hass avocado, thinly sliced 1 medium zucchini, cut into noodle shapes 2 carrots, cut into noodle shapes 2 radishes, thinly sliced 8 sprigs cilantro

Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. Coat small skillet with olive oil spray. Add chicken to skillet and cook 3-4 minutes, turning once or twice to brown chicken.

Slide into oven and bake 6- 8 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in center when sliced with a knife.

Set aside to rest 5 minutes then shred.

To make dressing: In large bowl, mix peanut butter, coconut milk, fish sauce, chili sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil and hot water. Whisk well until smooth.

Divide spinach and avocado among four bowls. Top with chicken, zucchini, carrots, radishes and cilantro. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.

Tip: If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can achieve the same effect by using a vegetable peeler to shave thin ribbons. You can also use a mandoline vegetable slicer then use a knife to cut the strips into thinner noodle-like strips.

Recipe courtesy of “Atkins: Eat Right, Not Less”

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Asparagus Tart Ingredients: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed 2 cups Jarlsberg Cheese, shredded 1 pound asparagus 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves salt pepper

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Directions: Heat oven to 400 F. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll out puff pastry into 16-by-10-inch rectangle; trim uneven edges. Place on baking sheet. Using knife, lightly score pastry dough 1 inch from edges. Using fork, pierce dough inside markings at 1/2-inch intervals.

Bake until golden, about 15 minutes.

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Remove pastry shell from oven and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Trim bottoms of asparagus spears to fit crosswise inside pastry shell; arrange in single layer over cheese, alternating ends and tips. Brush with oil, sprinkle with thyme leaves and season with salt and pepper. Bake until spears are tender, about 20 minutes.

209MAGAZINE.COM

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peopleinthe209

INVESTING IN THE

By PAUL ROUPE

W Believe in yourself, and once you invest in yourself, things happen

­—Erica Ayala

hen Erica Ayala saw her picture hanging up in the rotunda of the California State Capitol building, she felt fulfilled yet humbled.

Named Woman of the Year for the Central Valley’s 12th district by Senator Anthony Cannella, Ayala knew it was an honor to be recognized for something that started out under a canopy on back-to-school night.

Four years ago, she had the idea to start a program that would help young women empower themselves and realize their potential in life.

She called it Invest In Me. She handed out flyers and talked to passersby about her agenda to show women that they could do anything they put their minds to, but they have to be confident in who they are in order to make lasting change.

“Believe in yourself, and once you 209MAGAZINE.COM

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invest in yourself, things happen,” she says.

The first meetings were held in Ayala’s living room. The parents who attended knew there was something special happening, so they endorsed it from the very beginning.

Now, the weekend workshops, held one Saturday a month (seven months of the year) at the Patterson Teen Center, are complete with guest speakers and discussion topics pertinent to the lives of young women.

The workshops also teach girls about what is going on right now.

With all of the fervor and heightened awareness swirling around sexual harassment, it is important that they address the topic in school and the community as well as learn to advocate for themselves.

Education and self-growth are both equally important, so it is vital that

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Erica Ayala

the two are balanced in order to have a healthy and productive life.

Ayala says the misconception that the youth are ill-informed or uninterested in the world “is wrong. They just need a chance to have their voice heard.”

Which is exactly what Invest In Me teaches them to do.

Among the range of topics handled are learning to register to vote, mental health, getting involved in city council, women’s history, and even running for office.

They also take what they call “self-exploration trips” and hikes to gain perspective on life.

The participants are girls aged from 7 to 18, but the majority of them are in high school.

The program is also centralized for the Westside communities, such as Patterson and Gustine, because there is a real need for self-preservation and growth in these often neglected areas.

But Ayala admits that even though Invest In Me started with her, it definitely doesn’t end with her. There is a large contingent of people that help keep the program viable and ever-present. Without the

volunteers, the college interns donating their time, and the community members showing their support, it wouldn’t have the foundation it needs to stand strongly.

“It’s been a learning process, and you can’t be scared to ask for help,” Ayala says. “I’m fortunate to have people that believe in the mission.”

But for it to be fruitful, the road to success must begin internally.

“As women, we always want to give, but doors open when you invest in yourself. You need to get to the root of causes to help things get better, and we’re doing our part,” she says.

Ayala did her part by earning a double major from Cal State Stanislaus in Communications and Gender Studies, as well as a Master’s in Leadership from St. Mary’s College.

In addition to helping run Erica Ayala is the non-profit presented with organization a proclamation Invest In Me, for being named Woman she also works of the Year for as a Project California’s Manager 12th district in Juvenile

by Senator Anthony Dependency, Cannella.

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advocating for foster youths’ education rights and success in San Joaquin County.

With nearly all of Ayala’s focus on helping adolescent girls to navigate an increasingly scary and shifting world, it’s no wonder the state government acknowledged her selfless work.

She feels great about the award, but she also accepted it on behalf of the community. There are others who are deserving of it, she admits, but is still very grateful.

“When you do something for love and passion, you don’t expect to be recognized.

When you are, it’s humbling, but there is also a sense that the work isn’t done,” she says.

Ayala is about due to have a daughter of her own, and she wants her to grow up knowing that anything is possible.

She also feels “a sense of responsibility” to her unborn child. “I want my daughter to go to the state Capitol and not feel like it’s a foreign place.”

Another goal Ayala has with the program is to instill in young women pride for their community, so they can return, imbue others with a sense of accomplishment, and keep the cycle of knowledge and drive going.

That boomerang effect is essentially what lies at the heart of Invest In Me, she says.

“When girls graduate (from high school or college) and come back to share their experiences, that’s what makes it all worth it.” ■

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peopleinthe209

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WELCOMES NEW BISHOP

By SABRA STAFFORD

209MAGAZINE.COM

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3/29/2018 10:19:37 AM

O

n March 15, Myron Cotta was installed as the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Stockton, which oversees the majority of the 209 area, but his connection with the region goes back to his childhood in Dos Palos.

Bishop Cotta, 65, was born of Portuguese heritage in Dos Palos and grew up on a dairy farm. He attended public and Catholic schools in Dos Palos and graduated from Dos Palos High School. He later attended West Hills Junior College and entered St. John’s College Seminary in Camarillo, Calif., in 1980 to finish his undergraduate studies and continued at the major seminary, where he finished his theological studies and received his master’s degree in divinity. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Fresno on Sept. 12, 1987.

His parish assignments included: St. Anthony, Atwater; the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Laton; and the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles, Gustine. From July 1999 until his appointment to the Diocese of Sacramento, he served the Diocese of Fresno as vicar general, moderator of the curia, vicar for clergy, director of continuing education of the clergy, supervisor of the Safe Environment Program and director of the Propagation of the Faith. He was named Chaplain to His Holiness on March 23, 2002 and Prelate of Honor in January 2009.

Upon the death of Bishop John Steinbock of Fresno on Dec. 5, 2010, Bishop Cotta was elected by the Diocesan College of Consultors as the Diocesan Administra-

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tor of the Diocese of Fresno.

He served as administrator from Dec. 7, 2010 until Feb. 1, 2012, when Bishop Armando Ochoa assumed leadership of the Diocese of Fresno.

“As a native son of the Central Valley he knows the area very well and in turn is well known for his pastoral leadership,” said Diocese of Stockton spokesman Joseph Dondero in a news release.

He served as Vicar General in the Diocese of Fresno where he was a priest and most recently served as Auxiliary Bishop in the Diocese of Sacramento.

In his statement, Bishop Cotta thanked Pope Francis for his appointment. “It is humbling and an honor to be called by God to this ministry of service to the church, in particular to the Diocese of Stockton. As I prepare to leave the Diocese of Sacramento, I thank God for the call to the episcopacy and for the many blessings that I have experienced over 30 years of ordained priesthood among God’s people within the Central Valley of California.

“I thank God for the opportunity to have served and shared the ministry of auxiliary bishop under Bishop Jaime Soto, along with the clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Sacramento. This experience has significantly contributed to my ongoing pastoral formation.

“I now look forward to this transition and to work with the Pastoral Center Team and Staff, here, in Stockton.” ■

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3/29/2018 10:20:01 AM

bookreview

Author spreads

anti-bullying message

By ANGELINA MARTIN

H

arry Pacheco’s daughter was overcome with excitement for her first day of kindergarten, so when she came home after school filled with fear at the thought of returning, he was heartbroken.

“We were brushing our teeth later that night and she said, ‘If I have to go back, can I leave my glasses at home?’” Pacheco said. “It was horrifying to me.”

Bullied for the new glasses she had to wear, Pacheco’s daughter was facing a problem that he realized wasn’t uncommon. He wanted to help, and after a trip to a book store realized that many books teaching kids not to bully were geared toward older children. Most dealt with issues like cyber bullying and relationships, rather than problems younger children might have.

“When I saw my daughter not wanting to return to school, I thought, ‘How many other kids go through this?’” Pacheco said. “I didn’t see a lot of books on bullying that dealt with kindergarten 209MAGAZINE.COM

44-45 BOOK REVIEW - Author.indd 44

through sixth grade, so I decided to write a book.”

Three books later, the Manteca author is now an accomplished storyteller that has spread the importance of acceptance to children throughout the area.

Inspired by his daughter, Pacheco’s first book was published in 2016. “Gladys Glasses” tells the story of a young elephant that’s teased for wearing glasses, and in 2017 Pacheco released another book with a positive message, “Stanley No Stripes,” which follows a tiger who is different because he has no stripes.

Soon, Pacheco will release a third book about a monkey in a wheelchair titled “Willie’s Wheelchair.”

In total, he plans to release five books in the series.

While each story features the same message of accepting those who are different, all of the characters have unique challenges because the same goes for every child, Pacheco said.

“It’s teaching these kids the importance of acceptance no matter what their race, culture, how 44

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“I didn’t see a lot of books on bullying that dealt with kindergarten through sixth grade, so I decided to write a book.” their parents are or even our own personal quirks,” Pacheco said. “I think that we can change the minds of these kids that are growing up in this age of social media.”

By spreading his anti-bullying message to children when they are younger, Pacheco hopes to stop bullying in its tracks before children become older. The anonymity of the internet and challenges that bullied children face as teens can be a dangerous mix, he said.

“It breaks my heart to see how many teens die in this country from suicides…it’s overlooked,” he said. “I try and talk to these children about bullying right now because their minds are like sponges. They might remember me down the line and it could help.”

Pacheco travels to local schools, reading his books to assemblies of students and spreading messages of positivity in hopes that no one will have to go through the same experience as his daughter.

One lesson that Pacheco teaches in his assemblies, he said, is the impact that students’ words can have on one another. To demonstrate, he has the school’s principal say mean things to him and with every word, he rips a piece of paper. At the end, he tapes it back together again.

“It looks fixed, but if they look closer they can see the tears,” Pacheco said. “I tell them that even if they call each other names but then apologize, what they said is still there no matter if they forgive you or not. So, we have to be mindful of what we say.”

Pacheco’s books have received an overwhelmingly positive response from parents and children alike and are available for sale on Amazon.com and on his website, harryepacheco.com.

“I’m all about teaching acceptance – that’s what my books are about,” Pacheco said.

“No matter your race, culture, appearance or religion, it’s about acceptance.” ■ 209MAGAZINE.COM

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3/29/2018 10:18:33 AM

lookback

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3/29/2018 10:16:12 AM

By MATT JOHANSON

A

map of the Sierra Nevada mountains reads like a fascinating history book.

If you study one, you’ll read scores of names from European American men of the 19th Century, when the Gold Rush attracted them to California. Mountain names honor worthy figures like environmentalist John Muir and geologist Josiah Whitney, as well as more questionable choices like Confederate leader Jeff Davis. But this history book could use some updating because its emphasis on white men leads to the exclusion of nearly everyone else.

Only a few others have won recognition through landscape names but their stories prove the diversity of the region’s history.

For example, settler Mary Austin moved to the town of Lone Pine in 1892, at first finding the Sierra’s jagged peaks quite intimidating.

But the steep mountains grew on the future author, who hiked and camped among them many times during the 15 years she lived in their shadow.

Austin described the “thundersplintered sierras” with reverence and awe: “When those glossy domes swim into the alpenglow, wet after rain, you conceive how long and imperturbable are the purposes of God.” Her sound advice to other prospective visitors still applies: “for seeing and under-

standing, the best time is when you have the longest leave to stay.”

Austin’s writing and activism promoted environmental protection, feminism and the rights of Native Americans. A mountain that honors her in Inyo National Forest is one of but a few Sierra Nevada peaks named after women.

African Americans claim even fewer Sierra place names, but their history is likewise significant.

For example, Army troops known as Buffalo Soldiers played a key role in Sequoia National Park in the early 20th Century. Before thousands of climbers ascended Mount Whitney every year, Buffalo 209MAGAZINE.COM

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47

Soldiers reached the summit in 1903. While today’s climbers hike about 10 miles to top the peak, the soldiers trekked 75 rugged miles.

They were the first African Americans to climb the state’s highest mountain, and they built the first trail to its summit. Captain Charles Young described the scenery as the grandest he had seen.

“Indeed, a journey through this park and the Sierra Forest Reserve to the Mount Whitney country will convince even the least thoughtful man of the needfulness of preserving these mountains,” wrote Young.

Under Young’s command, Buffalo Soldiers protected Sequoia’s big trees, guarded against poachers, and built more road in one summer than other troops had in the previous three combined.

Young wrote of a future in which “overworked and weary citizens of the country can find rest” in the park “where wild scenic beauty cannot be surpassed.” The Buffalo8

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lookback

The region’s first inhabitants have far more history here than anyone and yet it seems that most of us know very little of it.

Soldiers’ service helped made that vision a reality. A century after Young became the first African American national park superintendent, Sequoia named one of its magnificent trees for him.

Chinese Americans also played a key role in Sierra Nevada history, helping to construct buildings, roads and railroads. One who gained attention another way was Tie Sing, an immigrant who became a cook in Yosemite. Cartographers who explored and mapped the park counted on Sing to feed them on backcountry journeys. For 21 years, the affable cook amazed them with culinary offerings fit for the Ahwahnee dining room, like fresh sourdough bread, fried chicken and hot apple pie.

Described by admirers as “the

gourmet chef of the Sierra,” Sing played a special role in U.S. environmental history. Conservationist Stephen Mather took a group of 30 key leaders on a 10-day hike through Sequoia National Park in 1915. Only Sing could produce field meals fine enough to match the High Sierra scenery, serving salad, biscuits, venison, steak and plum pudding with brandy sauce on white tablecloths. The cook even made them fortune cookies with such messages as “Long may you search the mountains.”

So enthused were the influential men that they coaxed Congress to create the National Park Service the following year. Today Sing Peak in Yosemite and climbers who ascend it annually highlight the Sierra history of Chinese Americans.

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Tenaya Peak and other summits and landmarks honor Native Americans. The region’s first inhabitants have far more history here than anyone and yet it seems that most of us know very little of it. Similarly, I explored the Sierra for many years before learning the stories of Austin, Young and Sing.

I’m glad I finally did because knowing about their lives helps me to understand and appreciate these mountains more. This hiker and climber plans to put greater effort into learning about the mountains’ diverse stories in the future. When studying maps or history, it pays to read the fine print.

If you like Sierra Splendor, you can enjoy more of it at facebook.com/ sierrasplendor and instagram.com/ sierrasplendor. ■

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 8

3/29/2018 10:24:25 AM

Thank you Turlock, for Voting Paul’s Glass as your Favorite Window Glass Dealer and Favorite Window Coverings

Quality & Service Since 1941 • Windows • Patio Doors • Mirrors • Shower Doors • Custom Glass • Shutters

• Shades • Drapes • Blinds • Screens • Screen Doors

(209) 634-2993 240 S. First Street, Turlock • PaulsGlassCo.com

209 Magazine 26-100P.indd 49

3/29/2018 10:26:37 AM

The Red Shield is excited for Kidz Day!!

Kidz Day is an annual Salvation Army event for the benefit of our local at-risk youth at The Salvation Army Red Shield Community Center in South Modesto.

Tuesday, May 8th

marks our 22nd annual event. Through the years, we have been able to continue to serve at-risk children in Modesto.

Again this year Morris Newspaper Corp will print a special edition newspaper devoted to The Salvation Army Red Shield programs for youth. On May 8th, these papers will be sold for $1 each by community volunteers.

Kidz Day is an opportunity for local people to help local children. Hundreds of community volunteers are needed to sell papers on street corners throughout Modesto, Ceres, Turlock, Riverbank, Oakdale, and Patterson. You could be one of them.

Individual and corporate donations can also be made in advance 100% of all funds raised go directly to supporting programs for youth at The Red Shield Center.

Your donations on Kidz Day help to support The Red Shield Programs See you on Tuesday

May 8th for KIDZ DAY

Call 209-248-8219 or cell 209-613-5506 (ask for Maria)

Also visit www.redshieldmodesto.org for more information

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3/29/2018 10:26:38 AM

209 MAGAZINE’S PROFESSIONAL NOMINATION

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3/29/2018 10:26:40 AM

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Phillip Ruhl Dameron Hospital, Stockton 209-944-5550 Edward Verde Dr. Edward Verde, Md, Ripon 909-522-4322 Steven Thorup Dr. Steven J. Thorup, Md, Ripon 209-256-1234 Kenneth Imanaka Gould Medical Group, Modesto 209-569-7408 Tamim Wafa Gould Medical Group, Modesto 209-569-7408 Barbara Fong Gould Medical Group Inc, Modesto 209-569-7408 James Ohn Gould Medical Group Inc, Modesto 209-569-7408 Alexander Yang Gould Medical Group Inc, Modesto 209-569-7408 James Barnett JIM BARNETT, M.D., Modesto 209-326-1300 Xudong Luan Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Stockton 209-476-3633

Rodger Wine Memorial Medical Anesthesiology, Modesto 209-526-4500 Eutiquio Imperial Sutter Health Gold Foundation, Modesto 209-524-1211 Ramakrishna Thondapu University Surgery Center, Merced 209-580-3400 Joe Bui Bear Creek Anesthesiology Medical Group, Merced 209-956-7725 Pratap Kurra Memorial Hosptal Los Banos ANS, Los Banos 209-826-0591 Priscilla Morris Sutter Gould Medical Center, Modesto 209-521-6097 Jean Pe Mercy Medical Center, Merced 209-564-5145 Gundala Reddy Interventional Pain Center, Merced 209-724-0316 Alan Sabino Gentiva Health Services, Stockton 209-474-7881 Joel Yerby Doctors Medical Center, Modesto 209-578-1211

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CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY Raman Moradkhan Gould Medical Group, Modesto 209-550-4750

Lawrence Waspe Lawrence E. Waspe, M.D., Modesto 209-522-0600

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CARDIOLOGY)

Steven La Viola Adventist Health Lodi Memorial Medical Office, Lodi 209-339-7825 Peter Lai Briggsmore Specialty Center, Modesto 209-550-4750 Charles Tsai Briggsmore Specialty Center, Modesto 209-550-4750 Shahroukh Bakhshay Dr. Shahroukh A. Bakhshay Md, Merced 209-384-1400 Suchdeep Bains Pacific Heart & Vascular, Stockton 209-464-3615 Richard Waters II Richard Waters, Md, Stockton 209-754-1012

Rajesh Dubey Stanislaus Cardiology Group, Modesto 209-521-9661 John Olowoyeye Sutter Gould Cardiology Medical, Stockton 209-951-9884 Marlon Ramilo Valley Heart Associates, Modesto 209-577-5557 Anant Vyas Valley Heart Associates, Modesto 209-577-5557 Shewit Weldetensae Valley Heart Associates, Modesto 209-577-5557 Walter Chien Walter Chien, M.D., Modesto 209-529-0758 Gholamreza Vafadouste Turlock Heart and Vascular Institute, Turlock 209-634-2600

COLORECTAL SURGERY (PROCTOLOGY)

Dat Nguyen Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Modesto 209-557-1650

Joydev Acharya Stanislaus Cardiology Group, Modesto 209-521-9661

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3/29/2018 10:26:42 AM

DERMATOLOGY

Gerald Bock California Skin And Laser Center, Stockton 209-751-4292 Stuart Jacobs Stuart I Jacobs Md Pc, Stockton 209-957-6662

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

Matthew Ward Gould Medical Group, Modesto 209-550-4755 Matthew Thomson Main Clinic (Modesto), Modesto 209-524-1211 James Summers Main Clinic (Modesto), Modesto 209-550-4755 Scott Alexander Modesto Advanced Imaging Center, Modesto 209-524-6800 Douglas Tait Modesto Advanced Imaging Center, Modesto 209-524-6800

Anil Khosla Saint Josephs Cancer Regional Center, Stockton 209-467-6560 Wesley Root Merced Radiology: Wesley Root MD, Merced 209-722-9729

Poonam Duggal Duggal Poonam Md, Stockton 209-242-8968

Ajit Nijjar Modesto Radiology Imaging Inc, Modesto 209-577-4444 Michael Tekautz Modesto Radiology Imaging Inc, Modesto 209-577-4444 Michael Zeppa Modesto Radiology Imaging Inc, Modesto 209-577-4444 Bradley Glenn Kaiser Permanente Modesto (Radiology), Modesto 209-735-5000 David Wong Radiology Consultants Medical Grp, Stockton 209-944-5550 Clifton Choo Radnet, Inc, Stockton 209-475-9871 Srdjan Djukic Serge Djukic Md, Modesto 209-222-7342 George Khoury Stockton Diagnostic Imaging, Stockton 209-475-9871 Cesar Tumakay Sutter Health Main Clinic, Modesto 209-550-4755 Mark Goldberg Mark Goldberg MD, Inc., Modesto 209-521-7949

David Duncan Kettleman Care Center, Lodi 209-366-2007

Paul Raykov Kaiser Permanente, Modesto 209-557-1650

Maria Elena, Saluta-Ferrer Kettleman Care Cente, Lodi 209-366-2007

ENDOCRINOLOGY

Kulendu Vasavda Kulendu G. Vasavda, M.D., Inc., Stockton 209-941-0149

James Rooke Stockton Medical Plaza, Stockton 209-943-2041 Nedim Cakan Valley Children’s Healthcare, Madera 559-353-3000

FAMILY MEDICINE

Pat May Limpiado Ceres Care Center, Modesto 209-538-1733 Eric Chapa Chapa Eric Md, Stockton 209-466-0831 Christian Gallery Christian Gallery Md, Merced 209-385-3280 David Fuller David G Fuller Md A Professional Corporation, Modesto 209-526-6400

Paul Waters Dignity Health Medical Group Stockton, Stockton 209-546-5200

Saurabh Sharma Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, Modesto 209-521-6097 San Tso HT Family Physicians, Stockton 209-477-5552

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Gaspar Nazareno Briggsmore Specialty Center, Modesto 209-550-4725 Calvin Olson Briggsmore Specialty Center, Modesto 209-550-4725

Michael Ringer First California Physician Partners, Modesto 209-577-3388

Dirk Mous Merced Faculty Associates Medical Group, Merced 209-383-3076

Waleed Ibrahim Modesto 209-577-3388

Michael Shi Michael Shi, M.D., Stockton 209-524-1211

Howard Marks Kaiser Permanente Modesto, Modesto 209-735-7200

Christina Chan Orangeburg Medical Group, Modesto 209-523-8316

Shahin Laghaee Laghaee Shahin Md, Oakdale 209-575-4575

Mattice Harris Jr Orangeburg Medical Group, Modesto 209-523-1884

Lakshma Tiyyagura Lakshma R Tiyyagura Md, Stockton 209-466-4685

Alex Mari Orangeburg Medical Group, Modesto 209-523-1884

Sivakumar Munnangi Merced Gastroenterology Medical Office, Merced, Ca, Merced 209-724-9900 Magdy Elsakr Modesto Gastroenterology Medical Corporation, Modesto 209-338-0292 Pardeep Brar Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, Modesto 209-521-6097

Edwin Wager Jr Stockton Medical Plaza, Stockton 209-524-1211

Gurpreet Singh Central Valley Gastroenerology, Modesto 209-522-6100

Raghunath Reddy Stockton Primary Care, Stockton 209-946-4000

GENERAL SURGERY

Samina Qamar Sutter Gould Medical Group, Lodi 209-366-1990

53

Hort Seng Seng Hort, DO, Stockton 209-477-4380

Jagadeeshwar Reddy Merced Faculty Associates, Merced 209-383-3076

Barbara Rankin Stockton Medical Plaza, Stockton 209-524-1211

Maynard Lang Dignity Health Medical Group Stockton, Stockton 209-466-1980

Raissa Hill HT Family Physicians, Stockton 209-208-9953

Keith Leibowitz Central Valley Medical Group, Turlock 209)656-6800

Kirti Solanki Solanki Kirti K Md, Stockton 209-948-1217

Dinesh Chhaganlal Dignity Health Medical Group Merced, Merced 209-564-3700

Daa Xiao Sutter Gould Medical Fou, Modesto 209-521-6097

Leonard Oestreicher Merced Faculty Associates, Merced 209-383-3076

Russell Porter Orangeburg Medical Group, Modesto 209-523-1884

Delbert Morris Delbert D Morris Md, Modesto 209-558-7000

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Steven Nelson Gould Medical Group, Stockton 209-957-7050

Erik Lacy Doctors Medical Center, Oakdale 209-576-3609

Nirali Patel Main Clinic (Modesto), Modesto 209-550-4705

Robert Simenson Golden Valley Health Centers, Merced 209-383-7441

David Hilburn Gould Medical Group, Patterson 209-892-2081

Robert Kollen Doctors Medical Center, Modesto 209-576-3609

John Martin Modesto Radiology Imaging Inc, Modesto 209-577-4444

Family Medicine Scott Goodreau Family Health Care Medical Group, Modesto 209-527-6900

Jordan De-Paz Gmmsa Plastic, Modesto 209-524-1668

Keith Hughes Keith A. Hughes Md, Modesto 209-846-9848

Maria Del Mar Fernandez-Renedo Dr. Maria Fernandez Renedo, Md, Merced 209-723-0011

Timothy Yeh Timothy Yeh, Md, Stockton 209-242-8968

Giang Lam Modesto 209-577-3388

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Joseph Higgins Jr Modesto Radiological Medical Modesto 209-577-4444

Shiraz Buhari Dr. Shiraz Buhari, Md, Stockton 209-477-4421

Antonio Coirin Antonio Coirin Md, Modesto 209-300-7947

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 8

3/29/2018 10:26:43 AM

Tomasz Gutowski Briggsmore Specialty Center, Modesto 209-550-4788 Patrick Coates Central California Bariatric Surgery, Modesto 209-248-7168 Christopher Arismendi Christopher M Arismendi Md, Stockton 209-466-9694 Alfred Johnson Dignity Health Medical Group Merced, Merced 209-564-3700 Jihan Hegazy General Surgeon, Modesto 209-577-3388 Niamh Seavy General Surgeon, Modesto 209-577-3388 Gina Quaid Gmmsa General Surgery, Modesto 209-577-3388 Steven Goldberg Goldberg Steven Md Office, Stockton 209-948-2001 Lauren Strickland Sutter Health, Modesto 209-550-4726 Adrian Fedele Adrian Fedele, MD, Merced 209-722-8122

HAND SURGERY

Todd Smith Briggsmore Specialty Center, Modesto 209-550-4740 Mohamed Ibrahim Stanislaus Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic, Modesto 209-572-3224 Tracy Bigelow Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, Stockton 209-948-1641

HEMATOLOGY

Neelesh Bangalore Stockton Hematology Oncology Medical Group, Tracy 209-839-9115 John Kiraly Stockton Hematology/Oncology, Stockton 209-466-2626

HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY

Imtiaz Malik Dr. Imtiaz Malik, Md, Merced 209-388-1600 Prabhjit Purewal Prabhjit Purewal Md, Manteca 209-823-0000 Prasad Dighe Stockton Hematology Oncology, Stockton 209-466-2626

Aminder Mehdi Stockton Hematology Oncology, Stockton 209-466-2626

HOSPITALIST

Sohail Gagan Memorial Medical Center Modesto, Modesto 209-569-7408 Christopher Anago Sutter Health Gold Foundation, Modesto 209-524-1211 James Belogorsky Dignity Health Medical Group Stockton, Stockton 209-475-5500

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Razeq Shetab Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Modesto 209-735-7220

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Manuel Orellana Manuel Antonio Orellana Md, Stockton 209-941-8073 Nicolas Dela Pena Nicolas De La Pena Md, Merced 209-722-1205

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Albina Benabaye Albina G Benabaye Md, Stockton 209-467-6820 Robert Barandica California Emergency Physicians, Modesto 209-576-3609 Stephanie Dentoni California Vein & Vascular Institute, Stockton 209-462-8346 Htay Minn Centurion Valley Healthcare Inc, Stockton 209-910-0701 Michael Iocca Doctors Medical Center, Modesto 209-578-1211 Kit Duong Doctors Medical Center Of Modesto, Modesto 209-578-1211 Kwabena Adubofour East Main Clinic, Stockton 209-466-6871 Edmund Yao Edmund C Yao Md, Stockton 209-472-7100 Edward Auen Edward L. Auen, M.D., Modesto 209-529-2052

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Walter Yarbrough Generations Internal Medicine, Stockton 209-957-7050

Gursharan Nahl Trinity Family And Specialty Care Lodi Health, Stockton 209-948-0808

Gervacio Diaz III Gervacio D. Diaz, Iii, M.D., Modesto 209-529-8506

Andreux Chernne Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, Modesto 209-524-1211

Elaine Joy Soriano Golden Valley Health Centers, Modesto 209-574-1030 Veronica David Gould Medical Group, Modesto 209-550-4702 Martin Lim Gould Medical Group Inc, Modesto 209-569-7408 Carlos Ranin Gould Medical Group Inc, Modesto 209-569-7408

Indra De Indra De, MD, Stockton 209-462-9100 Maria Romana Go Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, Modesto 209-550-4702 Renato Yuzon Mercy Medical Center, Merced 209-384-4400

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

Centi Younan Gould Medical Group Inc, Modesto 209-569-7408

Ramin Manshadi Manshadi Heart Institute, Inc., Stockton 209-944-5530

Shu-Hua Lu Kaiser Permanente, Stockton 209-944-5550

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

Max Miller Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Manteca 209-824-5051 Nanying Li Lodi Memorial Hospitalists, Lodi 209-339-7639 Celina Hetnal Main Clinic (Modesto), Modesto 209-550-4705

Richard Haak Dr. Richard Haak, MD, Modesto 209-577-4444

Thomas Rhodeman Modesto Radiology Imaging Inc, Modesto 209-577-4444

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY

Swati Andhavarapu Gould Medical Group Inc, Modesto 209-550-4795

Kevin Knobel Main Clinic (Modesto), Modesto 209-550-4792

Lucio Nobile Emanuel Specialty Care, Turlock 209-250-5320

Steven Mitnick Main Clinic (Modesto), Modesto 209-524-1211

NEPHROLOGY

Marek Skowron Main Clinic (Modesto), Modesto 209-524-1211 Brijinder Oberai Manteca Medical Offices, Manteca 209-825-3700 Yi-Po Wu Pacific Complimentary Mdcne Cnt, Stockton 209-464-4800 Ricardo Brizuela Ricardo Brizuela, M.D., Modesto 209-569-7408 Robert Butler Robert J Butler Md - Internal Medicine, Merced 209-626-8961

Randeep Bajwa Bajwa Randeep S Md, Stockton 209-943-0851 Jagjit Singh Jagjit Singh, M.D., Stockton 209-943-0851 Jose Santos Jose Santos, M.D., Modesto 209-529-2645 Jerry Soung L & G Management, Stockton 209-465-5107 Mallareddy Maddula Maddula & Sagireddy Mds, Stockton 209-546-1868 Purushottama Sagireddy Maddula & Sagireddy Mds, Stockton 209-546-1868

Peter Drummond Jr. Stockton Medical Plaza I, Stockton 209-955-7700

Kishore Kalluri Main Clinic (Modesto), Modesto 209-524-1211

Mita Gordo Stockton Medical Plaza I (Primary Care), Stockton 209-524-1211

Ronak Shah Main Clinic (Modesto, Modesto 209-550-4744

Corey Colla Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, Lodi 209-366-2001

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Mark Fahlen Mark T. Fahlen, Md, Inc., Modesto 209-544-2910

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3/29/2018 10:26:44 AM

Chang Joo Modesto Kidney Medical Group, Modesto 209-526-1606

Jon Pont Briggsmore Specialty Center, Modesto 209-550-4720

Kimberly Cockerham Kimberly Cockerham, M.D., F.A.C.S, Stockton 209-952-3700

Kenneth Liu Modesto Kidney Medical Group, Modesto 209-526-1606

Sargon Bebla Female Pelvic Medicine Institute Of Modesto, Modesto 209-280-0734

Amin Ashrafzadeh Modesto Eye Center, Modesto 209-524-2020

Nirmal Aujla Nirmal S Aujla, Md, Merced 209-723-1020

Susan Ways First California Physician Partners, Modesto 209-577-5005

Tong Sun Tong Sun, M.D., Modesto 209-526-1606 Josephine Baisac Valley Nephrology Associates, Modesto 209-529-2645

NEUROLOGY

Diana Hylton Diana J Hylton Md, Merced 209-723-2132 Dean Karnaze Dugger Gannon And Karnaze Mds, Stockton 209-948-0205 Feng Hua Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Modesto 209-735-4330 Madan Prasad Modern Neurocare Medical Center Pc, Stockton 209-951-8830

OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY

Fred Adams Fred Adams Md Inc, Modesto 209-575-5844

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

PATHOLOGY

Gary Alegre Alpine Orthopaedic Medical Group, Inc., Stockton 209-948-3333

Harvey Palitz Mchenry Surgery Center Partners L P, Modesto 209-575-5885

William Whang Briggsmore Specialty Center, Modesto 209-550-4740

Norman Low Modesto Memorial Hospital, Modesto 209-577-5005

Lenita Williamson Lenita Williamson, Md, Modesto 209-577-1411 William Holmes Orthopaedic Surgeons Of Modesto, Modesto 209-524-4438 Donn Fassero Orthopedics, Modesto 209-550-4740

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Rangram Chandran Advanced Retina Institute, Modesto 209-572-2020

Robert Altman Briggsmore Specialty Center, Modesto 209-550-4750

Stephen Lin Central Valley Eye Medical Group, Stockton 209-952-3700

Larry Erickson Briggsmore Specialty Center, Modesto 209-550-4720

James Gammon James Allen Gammon Md, Modesto 209-522-7362

209MAGAZINE.COM

Michael Temnyk Orthopedics, Turlock 209-632-3901 Marc Trzeciak Stanislaus Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine, Modesto 209-572-3224 John Leicham Wesley Kinzie Md, Modesto 209-578-9505

55

Donald Carter Gateway Hearing Services, Merced 209-724-0501

Thomas Weed University Surgery Center, Merced 209-384-2353

Patrick Snyder Gould Medical Group, Stockton 209-948-5940

Kevin Rine Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, Stockton 209-948-5940

Charles Johnson Charles Sanford Johnson Jr., Md, Stockton 209-957-7050

Spencer Lowe Sacramento Ear, Nose & Throat Surgical And Medical Group, Inc, Stockton 209-952-0483

Alexander Davis Alexander A. Davis, Md, Modesto 209-525-3888

Parampal Gill Gill Obstetrics & Gynecology Medical Group, Inc, Lodi 209-334-4924

Brian Vierra Brian Vierra, Md, Merced 209-725-7560

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Harold Schick Jr Schick Harold L Md, Merced 209-384-2353

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

David Jensen Stockton Pathology Medical Grp, Stockton 209-465-6221 Shijun Cui Yosemite Pathology Medical Group, Modesto 209-577-1200 Emad Kaabipour Yosemite Pathology Medical Group, Modesto 209-577-1200 Harvey Chang Yosemite Pathology Medical Group, Modesto 209-577-1200

PEDIATRICS

Angela Lin Gould Medical Group, Modesto 209-524-0370 Dena Lenser Modesto Pediatrics, Modesto 209-522-0001 Ann Truscello Modesto Pediatrics, Modesto 209-522-0001 Yvonne Brouard Pediatric And Adolescent Care Center, Modesto 209-524-0370

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Steven Billigmeier Pediatric Associates-Stockton, Stockton 209-478-2622

Sanjeev Goswami Stockton Pulmonary Doctors, Stockton 209-464-6422

Michael Allshouse Valley Children’s Healthcare, Madera 559-353-3000

Jagjeet Kalra Stockton Pulmonary Doctors, Stockton 209-463-2000

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

Sunit Patel Sunit Ratilal Patel M.D., Merced 209-384-9400

Madelaine Aquino Madelaine M Aquino Md Inc, Stockton 209-943-6740 Vance Roget Vance Roget, M.D., Modesto 209-571-3525

PLASTIC SURGERY

Hamid Amirsheybani Gould Medical Group, Modesto 209-550-4726 James Hoyt Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Board Certified, Modesto 209-900-4366 Nathan Kludt Plastic Surgery Center Of Stockton And Lodi, Stockton 209-870-7100 Podiatry Jason Hiatt Jason M. Hiatt DPM, FACFAS, Walnut Creek 925-309-5407

PODIATRY

Kenneth Shimozaki Pacific Wound Center, Stockton 209-476-0675 Deepshikha Gupta Schunck Stockton Medical Plaza II, Stockton 209-550-4740

PSYCHIATRY

Michael Smith Michael Smith, Md, Stockton 209-478-1536 Paramjit Gill San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services, Stockton 209-468-8752

LONG M&D SUMMARY. This doctors nomination is a project in which we ask doctors in the area to vote for other doctors in various specialties. We ask the doctors to vote for doctors who exemplify excellence in their specialties.The list is intended to allow patrons to see and celebrate their doctors who make the list. It also gives those seeking medical services a place to find doctors who are most nominated by their participating peers.

Vitune Vongtama St Teresa Cancer Center, Stockton 209-472-1848

How was the list created? To create the list, 209 Magazine contracted DataJoe Research to facilitate an online peer-voting process. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. DataJoe checked and confirmed that each winner in the final list submitted to the publisher had, at time of our review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board.

If we were not able to find evidence of doctor’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined for an infraction by the state regulatory board was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to 209 Magazine for its final review and adjustments.

Jorge Garcia-Young III Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, Modesto 209-572-7237

SLEEP MEDICINE

Ronald Kass Pacific Sleep Disorder Center, Stockton 209-465-5731

THORACIC SURGERY

Lit Fung Oakdale Road Care Center, Modesto 209-572-2736

How are nominations obtained? 209 Magazine and DataJoe Research reach out to individuals in the region, encouraging them to vote and distribute the ballot to other doctors. Our contact database is substantial, but not comprehensive. We encourage doctors who want to ensure they are in our system to send an email to surveys@datajoe.com, so that we can conduct a lookup and add their information if needed.

Rajaratnam Skantharaja Oakdale Road Care Center, Modesto 209-524-1211 Yahya Talieh Yahya J Talieh Md, Modesto 209-522-0600

What information is required to make a nomination? Doctors are instructed to provide a valid, active license number, and basic contact information identifying themselves. Doctors are instructed to submit only one ballot per nomination project per year. DataJoe has established internal review processes to isolate and eliminate ballots for voters who do not follow the rule for submission. Each doctor’s ballot choice remain confidential.

UROLOGY

Prithipal Sethi Golden State Urology, Stockton 209-464-3627

How are the practice areas determined? Although the categories are very broad, they are intended to reflect relevant practice areas in the region. We recognize that there are many specialty areas, but cannot accommodate them all. If there is a strong and consistent request for additional practice areas, they may be considered for possible inclusion in the next year’s nomination.

Victor Arroyo Main Clinic (Modesto), Modesto 209-550-4724 Peter Garbeff Sutter Gould Ortho Medical Group, Stockton 209-957-7050

Final note. We recognize that there are many good doctors who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region and the results of our research campaign. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective doctors may not appear on the list.

Kurt Roemer Sutter Gould Ortho Medical Group, Stockton 209-941-0371 Ian Fauconier Urologist, Modesto 209-577-3388

PULMONARY DISEASE

Uzay Yasar Yasar Uzay Md, Modesto 209-577-3388

Yan Meng Main Clinic (Modesto), Modesto 209-550-4710

PARTNER INSTRUCTIONS: The following (either the LONG M&D or SHORT M&D version must be published, in its entirety, adjacent to, or within, the printed section containing the list of winners. Any changes to this text must be approved by DataJoe before publishing in the magazine.

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Nusrat Malik Doctors Behavioral Health Center, Modesto 209-557-6300

Rama Nandipati Dr. Rama Nandipati, MD, Merced 209-725-1112

209 MAGAZINE’S PROFESSIONAL NOMINATION METHODOLOGY & DISCLAIMERS (M&D)

Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.

VASCULAR SURGERY

David Ellertson David Ellertson, M.D., Modesto 209-524-8346

Kayalvizhi Sambandam Main Clinic (Modesto), Modesto 209-524-1211

Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact Chris Tumbaga, Researcher, at surveys@datajoe.com.

209MAGAZINE.COM

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3/29/2018 10:26:49 AM

GOLDEN BEAR PHYSICAL THERAPY

Shopping for Rehabilitation Is Like Comparing Apples to Oranges

SPORTS INJURY CENTER

Ceres Office Open May 1st !

Modesto

(209) 576-1946 (209) 576-0710

When comparing inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) to skilled nursing facilities over two years, research* concludes that long-term outcomes for IRF patients are superior: • Return home two weeks earlier • 8% lower mortality rate • 5% fewer emergency room visits • Significantly fewer hospital readmissions per year

(209) 667-1729 (209) 585-4100

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Valley Springs

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*Dobson|DaVanzo analysis of research identifiable 20% sample of Medicare beneficiaries, 2005-2009

Stanislaus

Learn more about the difference we can make in your rehabilitation outcome at 209 857-3400.

A Higher Level of Care

Turlock

Calaveras

Ripon

Ceres

(209) 624-1288

Turlock

Tracy

Atwater

(209) 627-1383

Patterson Merced

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(209) 230-5289

®

Valley Springs

Merced

(209) 772-0848

Ceres

(209) 622-4149

1303 Mable Avenue • Modesto, CA 95355 healthsouthmodesto.com

www.goldenbearpt.com

©2017:HealthSouth Corporation:1280723-05

Your family deserves top-notch care.

You want quality care for your loved ones, and Sutter Gould Medical Foundation delivers. Many of our network doctors were honored as 209 Magazine’s Top Doctors. Our network of primary care and specialty doctors makes it easy to find care when and where you need it.

Sutter Health. Proudly caring for Northern California.

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sutterhealth.org

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feature

Hiking the

of Spring

By DENNIS WYATT

F

orget April showers bring May flowers.

If you live in the 209 it’s March rains fuel April wildflowers.

The timing of March rain with mild temperatures has set the stage for what could be the best spring in years for hiking.

The nice thing about living in the Northern San Joaquin Valley is that there are endless day hikes to enjoy the return of spring from low-key affairs of two or so miles with little elevation gain to those that are moderate and even strenuous. The varied terrain from 20 feet about sea level to 13,000 plus feet also offers a smorgasbord of visual and photogenic delights.

Here are three easy to moderate springtime hikes that won’t disappoint.

MERCED RIVER TRAIL This is a moderate 6-mile round-trip excursion that’s mostly flat with some rocky portions that takes you down the Merced River’s lower gorge from the Railroad Flat Campground at the 1,050-foot level north of Mariposa reached by taking Highway 140 to Briceburg.

Much of the hike is along the long-abandoned Yosemite Valley Railroad that ensures a gentle grade for walking.

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With the right timing in the spring, this stretch of the Merced River will be ablaze with thousands of California Golden Poppies clinging to rocky bluffs going from water level at 1,300 feet up to the 2,000-foot level above.

The river below the trail often echoes off the walls of the canyon providing a gentle roar punctured occasionally by the chirping of birds.

The hike should take between two to three hours.

CALAVERAS BIG TREES SOUTH GROVE Another moderate hike, the 5.3-mile round trip to the imposing Louis Agassiz Tree in the South Grove of the Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers yet another take on spring time in the 209.

The hike covers terrain that is relatively flat for the Sierra.

A round trip takes about three hours.

Budding shrubs and a sprinkling of wildflowers can be found in April. But what makes this hike a treat in spring is the smell and the fact you won’t work up a sweat. It’s hard to describe but the scent of giant sequoias shaking off yet another winter under warming skies is a pleasure onto itself.

The goal is to reach the Agassiz Tree. At 250 feet, is the tallest

Flora and wildflowers can be found along the trail to Wapama Falls.

Ryan Lenhart on one of the bridges crossing the base of Wapama Falls at Hetch Hetchy.

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PHOTOS BY DENNIS WYATT/ 209 Magazine

The nice thing about living in the Northern San Joaquin Valley is that there are endless day hikes to enjoy the return of spring…

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feature

PHOTO COURTESY MARIPOSA VISITORS BUREAU

The Merced River canyon out of Railroad Flat Campground has some of the most stunning displays of California Golden Poppies in the 209.

Giant Sequoia in Big Trees and ranks among the tallest 10 trees in the Sierra. It’s 2,000 plus years old. What will really grab your attention is its girth. It has a 25-foot diameter some six feet off the ground.

There is a $10 per vehicle entrance fee to the state park four miles east of Arnold on Highway 4 above the 4,000-foot level.

HETCH HETCHY WAPAMA FALLS Hetch Hetchy is one of those hikes that never disappoints no matter many times you do it or what time of the year.

It is also a moderate hike that is 5.5 miles round trip with a net elevation gain of 200 feet. It starts at 3,728 feet at the edge of O’Shaughnessy Dam in Yosemite National Park.

This hike has a lot going for it, especially in the

spring, a walk across the dam and then through a tunnel bored during the dam’s construction. The trail is along the edge of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir with stunning granite walls rising from its blue waters with plenty of small seasonal waterfalls and a sprinkling of spring flora coloring on the way to the main event — Wapama Falls.

Of all the water falls in Yosemite National Park, this is the best in terms of relative accessibility without a hoard of people. You will likely get a bit of spray once you start descending the stone steps that take you to a series of short bridges running past the falls. Even though the flooding of Hetch Hetchy Valley to provide drinking water for the City of San Francisco effectively buried the last 400 feet of Wapama Falls, the remaining 1,400-foot drop is still impressive.

If you want to make the hike a bit harder and move the dial toward the strenuous side you can continue to Rancheria Falls, a classic cascading ribbonstyle fall. It stretches the trip to 12.7 miles round trip.

To reach Hetch Hetchy, take Highway 120 to Evergreen Road just outside the entrance to Yosemite National Park. It’s a 7.5-mile drive after turning off Highway 120 to the reservoir. You do have to pass through a park entrance station but no fee is collected. ■

Calaveras Big Trees State Park South Grove 209MAGAZINE.COM

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Your Ticke

t

Your Ticket

All Ab

All Aboard!

oard!

LOREM IPSUM eget Aenean commodo ligula dolor. Aenean massa.

LOREM IPSUM Aenean commo dolor. Aenean do ligula eget massa.

Boarding Pass CRUISE

JPD8

DATE

GATE

04AU

03

CRUISE

JPD8

Boarding DATE

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GATE

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Embark on an adventurous journey as each month we hold a themed event as our “Cruise Ship” stops at ports of popular destinations. Enjoy a drink or two with us at our Happy Hour on Fridays at 3:00! Call (209) 526-2053 to

be a part of our events!

Come see what inspired aging is all about.

3900 Dale Road, Modesto, CA | www.dalecommons.com

STOCKTON’S RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD REINVESTMENT PROGRAM A new City program to improve some of the most distressed neighborhoods in our community!

The City of Stockton’s Residential Neighborhood Reinvestment Program forgives City liens for homebuyers and investors who repair and improve blighted homes and neighborhoods.

There are four key points to the program: 1 Only single-family homes are eligible.

2 No person is eligible who has caused or allowed code violations at any property in Stockton.

3 The property must have at least $15,000 in current outstanding code violation fees and penalties.

4 The property buyer must complete the repairs and improvements within one year of the City’s approval.

Call (209) 937-8539 or visit the City’s Economic Development Department at StocktonCA.gov/EconDev to learn more or receive a program application

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feature

Natural Bridge a great short hike

By JEFF BENZIGER

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T

here’s nothing like a short hike in the clear air to clean the lungs and mind.

Natural Bridge affords the perfect short 1.8-mile hike for individuals and families alike. Located near Vallecito in Calaveras County, the twomile round-trip hike takes hikers to spectacular limestone caverns carved out by Coyote Creek, a tributary of the New Melones Reservoir.

The trailhead, which is maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, is located on Parrotts Ferry Road, not far from the entrance to the popular Moaning Cavern. Visitors unfamiliar with the spot should look for the brown “Natural Bridge Day Use Area” sign along the road. Be advised that dogs and bikes are not permitted on the trail but you may see them anyway. Parking is offered along the small road that turns off of the main road. Be sure to visit the “portable” toilet at the parking area before the hike as none are available along the trail. Picnic tables are offered at the creek, however.

Starting at the 1,500 feet elevation, hikers descend 300 feet along a meandering easy-tomanage Bridge Trail.

The way back up takes a bit longer and gets the old heart pumping. But there’s plenty of foliage – such as oaks, toyon, chamise, and other brush – along the way to offer shade for resting.

The reward at the end of the hike is a creek flowing out of a wide dark cave in the ground. During the wet season, a hundred beads of water rain down across the mossy mouth, adding enticing sylvan charm.

A path along the bank of the creek allows one to step

below the overhang for a better look “beneath the bridge.” The ceiling is made up of bumpy, colorful pockets, resembling limestone formations found in a cavern deep below the surface. Within the dark void at the back of the cave, is a small halo of light, barely penetrating from the opposite end of the Natural Bridge.

Instead of the wide gaping hole at the lower end of the Natural Bridge, the other side looks more like a tall, round subway tunnel. Ferns hang down over the arched limestone walls to create another exotic landscape. Coyote Creek spills down a smooth-rock channel and disappears in the tunnel’s darkness. Those who are brave – and wearing a swim suit or shorts – float or swim through the 250-foot natural tunnel out the wider end, all while passing over some dark deep pools.

In the summer the creek is used as a popular swimming hole with people bringing inner tubes, small rafts and floatation devices to ride through the cool of the tunnel.

The trail site was acquired in 1972 as part of the New Melones Lake project.

A plaque notes that the acquisition was made through the “cooperation and generosity” of Tone and Margaret Airola, descendants of a Calaveras County pioneer cattleraising family. Tone’s grandfather, Emmanuel Airola, came from Italy to live in the now gone town of Melones (flooded by the dam) just a few miles from Natural Bridge. ■

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IF YOU GO GETTING THERE: From Highway 4, turn onto Parrots Ferry Road. Go about 4 miles and park at the marked trail head on the right.

TRAILHEAD ADDRESS: Parrots Ferry Road & Airola Road, Vallecito, CA 95222

TRAILHEAD COORDINATES: 38.05201, -120.47138 (38° 03’ 07.2” N 120° 28’ 17”W)

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feature

D

By SABRA STAFFORD

awn breaks across the eastern sky, sending shafts of gold and pink light over the meadow. Early morning wisps of mist are rising off the tall grass just as the Aleutian Cackling Geese take flight across the clearing and embark on their day’s journey. It’s a wonderous sight and one that is repeated each morning in the winter months.

Each new season will bring new birds that will alight and find rest at the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge in Modesto, which makes it one of the preferred spots for bird watchers in the 209 area.

A study in 2016 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that more than 45 million Americans routinely observe the comings and goings of birds in their backyards and farther out, making birdwatching a popular hobby, second only to gardening.

Locally, bird watcher enthusiasts or novices to the pastime have the Stanislaus Audubon Society and the San Joaquin Audubon Society as valuable resources for exploring the myriad of birds the fly in and out of the region.

The first step in birdwatching is learning to identify the birds you see and to do this, Sal Salerno, the president of the Stanislaus Audubon Society, suggests starting with the birds landing in your backyard.

“The good thing about birds is that they are everywhere, so it’s easy to get

acorn woodpecker

started,” Salerno said.

Beginning birdwatchers should practice identifying the birds by taking note of the size, color, shape, and other physical characteristics. Listening is also going to play an important role in birdwatching because more times than not a bird will be heard before it is seen.

Whether the weather is hot, cold, or perfectly pleasant, birdwatchers are going to find some fowl to gaze upon in the 209 region all year long. Fall and winter are popular months because the area becomes a temporary home for numerous migratory birds stopping for a few months’ sojourn away from the colder climates. The spring and summer are great times to watch the diverse bird population hatch and raise their offspring.

The Stanislaus Audubon Society encompasses both Stanislaus and Merced counties, while the San Joaquin Audubon Society covers everything between Lodi and Ripon. Both societies offer information on birdwatching basics, like supplies needed, places to see birds, and lists of some of the more frequent avian visitors. For members, the benefits include regular field trips, guides and opportunities to help protect the birds. Audubon Society members often will conduct surveys and counts on various bird species, which is invaluable information when it comes to conservation efforts. ■

aleutian cackling goose

belted kingfisher

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sites in the 209 VALLEY OAK RECREATION AREA WARNERVILLE, COOPERSTOWN, CRABTREE ROADS AREA WOODWARD RESERVOIR REGIONAL PARK MODESTO RESERVOIR REGIONAL PARK HENRY COE STATE PARK TUOLUMNE RIVER PARKWAY TRAIL BUCKLEY COVE PARK VAN BUSKIRK PARK MERCED NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SAN LUIS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Not a complete listing of the many spots in the area

bird watching tips DON’T BE IN A RUSH. FIND A PLACE TO SIT AND BE PATIENT. KEEP QUIET AND LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS THE BIRDS ARE MAKING. AVOID WEARING BRIGHT CLOTHING OR CLOTHING THAT RUSTLES. THE EARLY MORNING HOURS PROVIDE THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIRDWATCHING. TRY TO AVOID BIRDWATCHING ON HOT DAYS. BIRDS ARE INACTIVE DURING THE HEAT OF THE DAY, AND ARE DIFFICULT TO FIND.

golden eagle

great egret

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identifying birds head – does the bird have a tuft or crest on its head or is the head rounded?

beak – what shape is the beak? is it cone-shaped, curved, or pointy? what color is the beak?

color – what is the predominate color of the bird’s feathers? does it have any unique markings or is it a solid color?

shape – is the bird’s shape short and stout or long and slender?

wings – are the wings long and wide or slender and narrow?

size – relative to other birds is it smaller, larger, or about the same size? movement – does it hop or make quick little runs? does it strut? tail – is the tail long, short, squared off, or rounded? in comparison with the body is it above, below or level?

feet – what shape are the feet? are they webbed?

pie-billed grebe

red breasted sapsucker

spotted sandpiper

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western meadowlark

wood duck

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WILDFLOWER TRAIN The rains in March followed by some sunny days have sent a bevy of blooming wildflowers and one way to take them all in is on the Wildflower Train.

Wildflower Trains take guests on a six-mile, one-hour roundtrip ride through the scenic landscapes of California’s Gold Country. Along the way, trains meander by meadows and rolling hills, with such local flora like meadowfoam, goldfields and other colorful flowers typically in bloom. Train ride guests receive a checklist, wildflower booklet and a packet of wildflower seeds.

Wildflower Trains feature naturalists and Interpretive Park Rangers from the nearby Bureau of Reclamation’s New Melones Lake, answering

questions and pointing out flower groupings along the way.

The tours are only offered on two consecutive weekends in the spring.

This year the tours are set for April 21, 22, 28 and 29. The trains depart at 3 p.m. from the depot at the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown.

Wildflower Train tickets cost $20 for adults, $14 for youth ages 6-17 and children five and under ride free. With some open-air seating available, train ride tickets are available online or at the ticket window beginning at 10 a.m. on the day of the ride (based on availability). Tickets include Park admission, capacity is limited, and advance reservations are suggested.

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FAMILY CYCLING FESTIVAL The first warm days of spring are a great time to go for a bike ride and Modesto is inviting the whole family out to join in the fun.

The Modesto Family Cycling Festival on I Street between 10th and 12th, will transform downtown Modesto into an event like no other. Vendor booths, bicycle helmet giveaways, BMX bike demos, races and other festivities will start at 10 a.m. May 12.

The festival is hosted by the City of Modesto and participating sponsors.

Hundreds of helmets are fitted by healthcare professionals from local hospitals and given at no charge to local children.

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PICK AND GATHER FESTIVAL Riverdance Farms is allowing the public to experience the joys of a bountiful harvest with their annual Pick and Gather Festival, set for May 26 through May 28.

Located alongside the Merced River, attendees of the festival will have an opportunity to pick and taste the river valleys’ best organic fruit. Outdoor activities will include kids’ science and wildlife activities, haybale rides,

camping, swimming, nature walks, crafts, fishing lessons, Geo-catching, and storytelling.

Overnight camping is available, with two nights of tent camping in the orchards.

The Riverdance Pick and Gather Festival is located at 11585 Livingston Cressy Road in Livingston. For more information call 761-0081.

EXPEDITION ADVENTURE TOURS Spring weather can be fickle, which makes some outdoor activities hard to plan. But that doesn’t matter when the outdoor activity is underground.

Those with a daring spirit can sign-up for an underground expedition at Moaning Cavern in Vallecito.

Most areas are undeveloped, so there are no lights, stairs, or walkways. Instead, visitors daringly explore by climbing and belly crawling with lighted helmets to show the way.

HORSEBACK RIDING IN GROVELAND Explore some of the beautiful scenery on horseback by taking a trail ride offered by Pine Mountain Lake Stables.

From spring to fall Pine Mountain Lake Stables offers trail rides Wednesday through Sundays. Also offered are play days, horse shows, and children’s horse camps.

Safety equipment is provided. All

riders must wear closed toe shoes.

Children must be 8 years or older and at least 44 inches in height. Advanced reservations for trail rides is required.

Pine Mountain Lake Stables ask that all riders arrive 15 minutes prior to their riding time.

Pine Mountain Lake Stables is located at 13309 Clifton Way in Groveland. For more information or reservations call 962-8667.

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Expedition trips are offered all year by reservation, and are conducted by experienced, highly trained guides. No experience is necessary and all gear for the expedition is provided.

Depending on the expedition, participants can be as young as 8 years old, but all minors must be accompanied by an adult.

The length of the adventure is between two to three hours. The tours are offered year-round.

Moaning Cavern Adventure Park is located at 5350 Moaning Caverns Road in Vallecito. For more information or reservations call 736-2708.

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navigator

By TERESA HAMMOND

C

ulture, creativity and a beautiful concourse are what one will find at the center of the east side of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

Located just a handful of steps apart, the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences offer visitors hours or potentially days of opportunity in terms of education, entertainment and just plain fun. Separated by the San Francisco Music Concourse and surrounded by the greenery of the Golden Gate Park, both historical locations are well suited for this area of San Francisco.

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Located just a handful of steps apart, the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences offer visitors hours or potentially days of opportunity in terms of education, entertainment and just plain fun.

First established in 1893, the California Academy of Sciences is among the world’s largest natural history museum, covering over 400,000 square feet and occupied by over 26 million specimens. The spacious building includes the Kimball Natural History Museum, Morrison Planetarium, Rainforests of the World and the Steinhart Aquarium in the lower level of the building.

The roof of the building features a living roof that was initially planted with 1.7 million native California plants, as well as a number of environmentally friendly features.

Looking up from the museum’s central piazza one can see the massive glass ceiling of the roof which may open to allow in cool air.

Upon first entering the state of the art facility, one is greeted by two large structures to the right and left sides. The Planetarium to the

left features a large digital dome serving as a gateway to understanding space, the planet and universe.

This must-see attraction offers shows throughout the day in a calm and transformative setting. The Rainforest to the right is an enclosed exhibit allowing visitors to wander through a 90-foot glass dome. Traveling through the space visitors are greeted by macaws, butterflies of varying species, reptiles, tree frogs and more. As one reaches the top of the exhibit an elevator ride to the Lower Level finds you at the entrance of the Steinhart Aquarium.

The Steinhart Aquarium includes coral reef, vibrant marine life of the California coast, as well as an underwater tunnel with fish and turtles swimming overhead. The discovery tidepool area is ideal for visitors interested in an interactive, hands-on experience.

One could easily lose a day in the museum as they meander through these varying areas, as well as a host of others filled with information and fascinating facts.

Just across the music concourse, visitors are greeted by the ultramodern exterior of the de Young Museum.

Just a few years younger than the Academy, the de Young first opened in 1895. The expansive 293,000 square foot building is home to a vast array of permanent 209MAGAZINE.COM

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collections, as well as temporary exhibitions, garden areas and a 2,500 square foot observation tower located at the highest point of the building.

Collections of American art from the 18th through 21st century, Art of Africa, Art of the Oceania and Art of the Americas are permanent showcases of the de Young.

The American Art collection includes over 1,000 paintings, 800 sculptures and thousands of decorative art objects. The works range in era from 1670 to present day. The collection represents the most comprehensive collection of American art.

The de Young is also home to an ongoing rotation of Special Exhibitions, giving the museum a freshness that may prompt one to return for multiple visits. Information on current and upcoming Special Exhibitions can be found on the website https://deyoung.famsf. org/. Hours of operation as well as admission information and special events may also be found there.

For information on the California Academy of Sciences, visit www.calacademy.org. ■

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charitycorner

D Healing hearts and soothing souls

By PAUL ROUPE

209MAGAZINE.COM

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eath is one of the hardest aspects of life, and it can be especially difficult for children to deal with. Many of the feelings attached to the loss of a family member—isolation, anger, confusion, grief— tend to overwhelm even the most stable person, so when the one trying to process those emotions isn’t mentally developed enough to analyze those feelings, they need support.

That’s where Camp Erin comes in.

They take on the challenge of helping kids express themselves and handle their loss with peers who are going through the same thing.

Started in 2000 by Jamie Moyer, the retired 25-year MLB veteran and recipient of the Roberto Clemente award for sportsmanship and community advocacy, the Moyer Foundation is responsible for the birth of Camp Erin.

The camp, which had its first outing in August 2014, is supported by the foundation as well as Community Hospice, a non-profit agency that offers education and care to terminally ill patients and provides compli-

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“One of the realest things is to sit back and watch them interact.

We want them to know it’s okay to cry.”

— C. Desha McLeod, President and CEO of Community Hospice

mentary grief support in the community.

Even though the Moyer Foundation and Community Hospice are involved with the camp, all of the funding comes from generous donations, which enables the children, whose ages range from 6-17, to attend the camp free of charge.

Once an application is filled out, there is an in-person interview with the child’s guardian to see if they would be a good fit for the three-day program.

The evaluation takes into account behavior, openness, and the desire to want a hand to guide them through the grieving process.

C. Desha McLeod, president and CEO of Community Hospice, said that “it takes a village” to make it all possible, but “we strengthen each other so we can take care of the kids.”

Their volunteers are well-trained and, like the children, undergo a rigorous screening process to determine if they possess qualities that will enable them to be a steadfast presence at camp.

If approved, then they will head out with the hundred or so campers to Foothill Horizons in Sonora, Camp Erin’s home.

Before the charter bus departs for Sonora, there is a small ceremony in which silicone bracelets are exchanged between the kids and their parents or family member. The child hands one to the 209MAGAZINE.COM

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adult and says, “I’ll be okay.” The adult returns the favor, gives their bracelet, and tells them “Don’t worry about me.”

This moment allows the children to part ways with the understanding that they will both be mourning in their own way.

Sometimes kids can drown in the adult’s sorrow during a loss, but at Camp Erin it is vital to let them be themselves and navigate the emotional labyrinth that follows death without the added weight of a grieving guardian.

While at Foothill Horizons, the kids are separated by age and gender. HUG (Help Understand Grief) is for ages 6-9. TWIG (Tweens Working in Grief) is 10-12, and TAG (Talk About Grief) is teens from 13-17.

There is a multitude of activities available for the campers, which both address their feelings and provide an outlet to escape from them.

One of the first things the kids do when they arrive is put a picture of their family member on what is called the memory board.

The pictures help them remember their loved ones and assists in forming bonds with each other. When camp is over, they will gather around the board and share stories.

“One of the realest things is to sit back and watch them interact,” says McLeod.

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know it’s okay to cry.”

Kristin Mostowski, public relations director for Community Hospice, knows that Camp Erin is providing these children and teens with a unique experience that a lot of others in their situation don’t have.

“They can express grief for the first time with peers who have been in the same situation,” she says. “It gives them the opportunity to say goodbye.” Camp Erin “provides tools to grow, keep living life, and reinvest in the community.”

But it isn’t all tears and maudlin moments.

What camp would be complete without outdoor activities? There’s swimming, rock climbing, archery, and other active enterprises to balance out the emotionally heavy portions of the excursion.

It’s astounding to know that 1 in 5 kids will lose someone in their family before they reach the age of 18, so to have a bereavement program that can try to guide them all the way to the acceptance stage is something special.

And even when the trip is over, the healing doesn’t end. No death can be dealt with in three days, but Camp Erin makes remarkable strides in helping to begin that process.

They even follow up with the kids after they return home, connecting through the schools, holding additional grief programs, individual counseling, and giving support where it is needed.

“We do this for the kids,” McLeod says. “If we can affect one child, it’s all worth it.”

For more information about Camp Erin, visit: bit.ly/campERIN ■

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fulloflife

NLY AM THER

PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA STILL/ 209 Magazine

By TERESA HAMMOND

209MAGAZINE.COM

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here truly is nothing like the love of a mother, at least that’s been my experience.

My mother has served in numerous roles including both mother and father, warden, my first boss (chores were real), chauffeur, cheerleader, therapist, chef, accountant … well, you get the picture.

The role which she has served in that I value most is that of friend. Actually, that’s a tough call. I love having my mother as a friend, yet I value her as her rightful and most deserving title as Mom. She has proven to be the sounding board I’ve needed in the most critical times, the spine I’ve needed when mine began to fail and the wisdom which has seen me through many of life’s experiences.

As my mother, she’s also the one to look at me sideways on occasion as I bring forward yet another of my crazy ideas or dreams for my life’s adventure.

In truth, my mother and I are very different on many fronts.

What I recognize, however, is that our differences have been fueled most by the lessons and encouragement she has gifted me with throughout my life.

An example of this would be my somewhat unconventional life as a single mother of two earning a living as a writer and yoga teacher. Scheduling travels for yoga teacher workshops, girls’ weekends, race weekends or getaways with my children.

This of course only made possible as my mother has always been supportive of my crazy “what if ” ideas.

Oh, sure, there have been plenty of “this may not be the right time” conversations as I jump into something new and different with both feet and little hesitation.

What I recognize is that I roll this way because of the optimism, faith and hope I was raised with. I’m pretty fortunate in that area. “It could always be worse,” was a regular phrase used by my mother as I grew up. That and the more common “Don’t borrow trouble,” as I entered adulthood and sweated the mail which held bills (aka responsibilities).

In my teens my mother had large dreams of her daughter being a weather girl. Even going as far as arranging an internship for me post high school graduation with a San Francisco based news station. Young and dumb, I passed on the opportunity as it was unpaid (common practice back in the day) and I wanted to earn the money so I could buy things.

Later in life, print media became more my thing. I can still recall my mother’s joy at first seeing my face printed alongside a newspaper column. Now, with the growth of this magazine and the consistency of this column space, she enjoys sharing it with family, friends and yes even stumbling upon an issue while having her oil changed. It’s fun making your mother proud.

So this time around, as we look to May 13 and the honoring of mothers I decided it was time. Time to honor my mother (all mothers, truly) for all they do so their babies can grow up and chase their dreams.

Now a mother myself, I hope for many things. I hope to be blessed by the presence of my mother physically on this earth for many years to come. I recognize the gift in being able to share so much with my mother as we live just a few cities apart. Mostly I recognize the gift of her presence as well as lessons and friendship as the journey continues.

Now, 13 years into this gig of motherhood, I recognize it’s no easy job. The rewards do indeed outweigh the challenges, but it’s far from easy. With each hurdle, setback and victory I have more appreciation for my mother.

So, for the readers who are mothers to adult children, thank you. Thank you for the lessons, the sleepless nights and the meals missed so that we could live fully.

Thank you for putting us first and being ever present even in the moments we did not know we needed you, but we did. Quite simply thank you for being you.

As for my mom, thank you mom. Thank you for being my rock, my peace and my shoulder to cry on when life beat me down. Mostly thank you for loving and supporting me throughout all of this life’s journey.

Happy Mother’s Day. I love you. ■

Thank you for putting us first and being ever present even in the moments we did not know we needed you, but we did.

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By TERESA HAMMOND the community of Coulterville where she was born and raised. The Fearless partner shared that when her community learned of her need, they rallied to offer financial support of her furthering her education.

In so doing, one supporter presented her with the pay it forward challenge. So when Webb shared her dream, Beard made a proposal.

“Susan had mentioned Warrior Yoga,” Beard said of Webb sharing her experience with the Turlock based Baptiste affiliate studio Warrior Yoga. “I walked into Lorie’s (Warrior Yoga) class and that was amazing. I walked out of there on a different cloud.”

Both women credit their experiences at the Warrior Yoga Turlock owned by Lorie and Sean Wilson, as a powerful jumping off point for bringing the dream to fruition.

As result, Beard offered to help with costs for Webb to attend a Baptiste Yoga teacher training in Sedona, Arizona. Webb agreed, but only if Beard went with her.

As the planning for training began, the idea of owning their own studio began to take shape.

As it turned out, the seven-day Sedona training would prove to be life changing on many fronts. It was an experience they were able to bring back to share with CastilloLandrum upon their return.

The third member and personal trainer shared, as the duo

hree powerful women and one simple purpose are what is behind the recently opened Fearless Yoga Studio in Merced.

The one and only free standing yoga studio in the City of Merced opened Jan. 1 of this year. Fearless owners Susan Webb, Hilda Castillo-Landrum and Ashley Beard are proving to be three equal parts to a powerful whole as the studio continues to create buzz and increased membership.

Webb and Castillo-Landrum serve as the “face” of the studio, leading each of the classes, while Beard has utilized a pay it forward promise to be the financial backing for the entrepreneurs, as well as teaching on occasion.

Each of the three brings individual yoga backgrounds, as well as shared experiences to the studio, its clients and the community.

According to the trio, the idea for a studio first began taking shape with Webb at the center of two separate friendships. As CastilloLandrum shared her hope and dream with Webb, Webb was sharing a similar hope and dream with Beard.

Beard, a firefighter/ paramedic, had recently completed paramedic school thanks in part to financial support from

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expanded their training, she scouted locations for the studio. Excited and eager to bring this opportunity to the community, Castillo-Landrum shared she had no doubt in the business success.

“It’s going to work,” she said of her optimism as the trio’s plan began taking shape. “Maybe we were so busy, I never sat down and thought ‘what if?”

And “work” it has. The 79 W. Alexander Ave., Merced location continues to stay steady with yogis of all ages and levels, including a children’s yoga class. A full menu of varying class types are offered at the studio Monday through Sunday. Class times range from as early at 5:30 a.m. to as late as 7:30 p.m.

“It’s been so well received,” Webb said, “and our grand opening far exceeded what we thought was going to take place.”

Each of the partners shared prior to opening the studio their personal yoga practices were restricted to the gym or at home via YouTube videos, noting the beauty of a studio setting that fosters a community which is formed between members.

“It’s really cool seeing the friendships being formed now,” Webb said.

“There are so many benefits to the community,” Castillo-Landrum added. “People are so busy doing

life, they forget to live. When you come here – part of my teaching is to be present.”

Equally sharing the thoughts and feelings of her partners, Beard echoed their sentiments stating, “I never made a connection with anyone (at the gym). I missed what we found in Arizona and it is now here – connection.”

Just a few months in, the three women are each excited for what the future of the studio holds. As the financial backer, fellow yogi and friend to both women, Beard shared the first goal would be for the location to grow to a point empowering Webb and Castillo-Landrum to leave their “day jobs” if they so choose. Both women openly share the idea of teaching yoga, solely, as a potential dream come true.

“I can go to the gym, I can go to a workout studio and get a great physical workout,” Castillo-Landrum said, “but it doesn’t wake me up inside. They (students) come to wake up. As cliché as it sounds ... mind, body and soul. I get a great workout, but it’s not just for my body.”

To learn more about Fearless Yoga Studio, pricing and class times visit www.fearlessyogacali.com, find them on Facebook at Fearless Yoga or call (209) 580-4781. ■

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PHOTOS BY TERESA HAMMOND/ 209 Magazine

Fearless Yoga Studio owners, left to right: Susan Webb, Hilda Castillo-Landrum and Ashley Beard. The trio recently opened the only freestanding Yoga Studio in Merced.

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placecalledhome

The property is a traditional, two-story home, more than 3,700 s.f., built in 1939 for the family of Dr. Sidney Olson. Dr. Olson, a prominent community member, had his office in the home with a separate side entrance for patients. The Olson family owned and occupied the home until 2017.

The current homeowners are a family of five: Dad is a real estate broker and former mayor of Turlock.

Mom is also a real estate agent, a certified yoga instructor and member of numerous charitable boards and committees.

The current homeowners want to preserve the history and traditional character of the home, while updating it to reflect their interest in design and healthy living. They would like to create an environmentally-conscious home incorporating sustainable design elements and green materials wherever possible.

Carnegie hosts Designer

Show House

By KRISTINA HACKER

T

he Carnegie Arts Center has been bringing the works of artists from around the region — and the world — to Turlock since its reopening in 2011.

In its inaugural Designer Show House, the Carnegie is now bringing over a dozen artists to town to work on one project together.

Eighteen designers, landscape architects and local artisans are working to transform a classic 1939 Turlock home into a showplace and the public is invited

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to view their hard work, while supporting the Carnegie Arts Center.

The inaugural Carnegie Designer Show House will be held April 21 through May 6, with a Gala Preview event scheduled for April 20. This will be the first show house fundraiser held by the arts center, but according to event committee member Jeani Ferrari, the project has already received an outpouring of support by the community.

“There are so many local and regional

3/29/2018 10:35:19 AM

“There are so many local and regional artists to highlight…

I’m so impressed with how generous people are.”

— Jeani Ferrari

artists to highlight…I’m so impressed with how generous people are,” she said.

Interior designer Wendy Glaister said she grew up going to the Community Hospice show houses in Modesto and now she has the opportunity for the first time be part of a show house herself.

Glaister and her partner Brenda Groteguth are designing the dining room in the Turlock show house. When deciding what direction to go in, Glaister said she drew inspiration from the architecture of the house itself.

“I wanted to bring the happiness of the house inside,” she said.

Many of the details of the house will be repeated in her design, such as the herringbone pattern of the tile and the bobbin staircase.

Glaister is also drawing upon the expert artisans she works with on a regular basis, such as Hickory Chair and fifth generation family business Kravet Inc. “We have many long-term relationships and everybody we love to work with generously came together to support this project,” she said.

The Carnegie project will also be the first show house experience for designer Dani Boyd.

“I thought it was a very good opportunity to be creative, to design for the fun of it and most importantly to help with the fundraising. I like supporting the Carnegie Arts 209MAGAZINE.COM

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IF YOU GO PREVIEW GALA 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. April 20 TICKETS: $60 for Carnegie members; $75 for nonmembers Sample from some of the region's most unique chefs, winemakers and brewers while you enjoy an exclusive first look at the creative work of innovative and influential interior designers, landscape architects, craftsmen and artists.

Food and beverages provided by Bistro 234, The Grand Cru, Dancing Coyote Winery and more. Music by the Joe Mazzaferro Trio.

HOUSE TOUR 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily April 21 through May 6 TICKETS: $25 for Carnegie members; $30 for nonmembers Tickets will be available at the door or online.

TWILIGHT TOUR 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 3 TICKETS: $40 for Carnegie members; $45 for nonmembers During the one-night only Twilight Tour you are invited to explore the creative designs throughout the show house while enjoying a glass of champagne and light snacks.

Tickets are limited. * The Carnegie Show House is located at 1129 Sierra Dr., Turlock

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placecalledhome

She said she’s excited that people will get a chance to get up close and touch her wallpaper.

Other designers include: Digs, Jeani Ferrari Design, TRC/Torre Reich, Suite 52, Donna Lazar, Chris Johnson, Jaureguy's Design & Construction, Gallery Finesse, The Greenery, Paige Crowell, Ann Endsley and Green’s, Turlock Garden Club, Green Horizon Landscaping, Farm House Exchange, Off Center Thrift and Gift and Pageo Lavender Farm. ■

Center,” said Boyd.

She will be designing a multi-purpose room into a laundry/office/mini yoga studio. Boyd said she chose this room because she thought she could reflect what her life is actually like, juggling kids, work and personal goals.

Her vision for the room is something “easy on the eye, relaxing, but also interesting, with a few elements that will make people talk.”

Sonoma County artist Elan Evans is a show house veteran, having participated in eight show homes in San Francisco and one in Napa. The Central Valley native is excited, though, to have her work displayed in a more accessible home.

She will be decorating the entryway and stairs using her new line of hand painted and die cut wall covering.

“I’m a decorative painter who recently joined the rank of wallpaper manufacturers. I wanted to make wallpaper that is hand painted,” Evans said.

She uses a die cutting and overlay process to create a multi-dimensional product.

Her vision for the Carnegie home entryway is “jewel boxy, but not too serious; playful, pretty and formal.”

“This house has a lot of charm. I’m letting the house be itself and not recreating it architecturally,” Evans said.

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“I’m a decorative painter who recently joined the rank of wallpaper manufacturers. I wanted to make wallpaper that is hand painted.”

— Elan Evans

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placecalledhome

By CANDY PADILLA

K

arina Ramirez was looking for simple and creative ways to decorate her kids’ rooms without breaking the bank and she came up with a number of unique items that really make the rooms pop. ■

PHOTOS BY CANDY PADILLA/209 Magazine

ADRIAN’S ROOM In her son Adrian's room, she went with a dinosaur theme. She repurposed the frame above his bed by spray painting it and buying the letters of his name from Hobby Lobby. She also painted the stripes to give some texture to the room.

Karina's saw an idea for the reading nook on Pinterest and went along with the way Adrian's room is designed. She had her aunt sew the curtains and added a cushion and pillows to make it cozy.

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Adrian's room is filled with quotes from movies and books. Karina purchased the photos and kits from Etsy. She emphasized that most of her ideas come from Pinterest and Etsy and she shops at Hobby Lobby a lot.

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placecalledhome

ALEXIA’S ROOM Alexia’s room is pink and girly.

Karina used a damask stencil on the walls and on the frames.

She bought the purse holders at Michael’s and painted them herself.

In her daughter Alexia’s room, Karina made a bow holder from an idea she saw on Pinterest.

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3/29/2018 9:58:07 AM

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3/29/2018 10:27:03 AM

marketplace

By DENNIS D. CRUZ

209MAGAZINE.COM

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S

ince opening its doors in 1991, Aquatic Dreams Scuba Center of Modesto has helped prepare underwater enthusiasts for diving in to their hobby. Originally on Coffee Road, the Aquatic Dreams Scuba Center now calls 1212 Kansas Ave., Modesto, its home and has been at that location since 1999. The store boasts over 8,000 square feet of space for products, and provides equipment repairs and CPR classes, among other courses.

“We relocated almost 10 years ago because we needed a larger facility to compensate for our growing business as well as our indoor pool,” co-owner Bonnie Vance said.

The large indoor heated pool is 25 feet wide, 50 feet in length and reaches 12 feet deep.

The impressive pool is used for many activities including: diving instruction, swimming lessons, private parties as well as water safety classes.

“Our water safety classes are vital to anyone interested in going in the water. We have several courses that you take, including quizzes, tests on equipment, and open water training.

Open water tests include two formal water dives. Those take place at Tulloch Lake and in Monterey,” Vance explained.

Vance also offered suggestions about how to enjoy the underwater scenery once you are in the water.

“You must respect the animals and nature under water. You have on specific gear and equipment but you can still brush up on coral and jelly fish or even a sting ray,” she said of being mindful of the surroundings.

Every third Tuesday of each month, The Dive Club meets at the store for monthly meetings so they can discus upcoming adventures and events. In 2017 alone, the club ventured out to Indonesia, the Philippines and Hong Kong for 209MAGAZINE.COM

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dives. Future trips planned include going to Cuba and other exotic waters.

“I did not personally like diving until recently. I owned the store but did not really get into it until recently,” said Vance.

“Once you get the whole experience it is one of the greatest experiences you will ever have.”

This spring the club will go to Monterey Bay for an Earth Day Clean-Up Project.

On April 21, 2018 club members will join forces to clean up the waters and shore area of Monterey Bay. Over 100 people will be making the trip to help clean the beautiful scenery on land and in the water.

Scuba can be done in warm tropical bodies of water or you can do diving in cold water. Each body of water is different; thus, you will need specific gear for the different types of water.

“Our bodies of water locally, which is cold water, you will need a thick dry suit and vest. The water takes away the temperature faster than the cool air does,” said Vance.

At their store you will find wall-to-wall scuba diving equipment for beginners to veterans of the water. Equipment includes snorkels, fins, tanks, masks, spears, wet suits, goggles and more. Perhaps one of the most advanced pieces of equipment that they offer is the computer device that allows divers to communicate underwater.

“Technology has come so far and it is really advanced. There are computers that divers use underwater as a way to communicate with each other. This is also a great way to stay safe,” Vance said.

For more information, contact Aquatic Dreams Scuba Center at 209-577-3483. ■ A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 8

3/29/2018 9:55:41 AM

marketplace

Local Nursery COLORS YOUR WORLD

By MARG JACKSON

209MAGAZINE.COM

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usiness is blooming at Morris Nursery in Riverbank.

A well-known full service nursery in the 209, owner Ron Hoffmann said March, April and May are the busiest months for the business, which is situated along Patterson Road (Highway 108) just west of Riverbank.

Hoffmann has been involved in the business for years, starting out as a ‘water boy’ while still in high school and climbing the ladder through multiple positions within the nursery industry before eventually purchasing Morris Nursery.

A graduate of Davis High School, Hoffmann also did some college classes at both Modesto Junior College and Stanislaus State, but said much of his ‘schooling’ came on the job.

He started his career working for Floyd and Betty Zaiger at Zaiger’s Nursery in Modesto, now Westurf Nursery. Originally interested in pursuing a career in mechanical engineering, Hoffmann said that career choice was left behind when he joined the FFA in high school.

“It changed my goals,” he said of his involvement in the agriculture-focused organization.

The nursery covers about 2½ acres along the highway and nearly two acres are covered with plants, trees, garden art, fountains and more. They also have an extensive gift shop with hard-to-find items.

“We carry a lot of unique things,” Hoffmann said.

It hasn’t always been an easy row to hoe in the nursery business, especially when people got used to “going to chain stores” for plant needs but Hoffmann said he is seeing a change.

“There’s such a move on now for

people to grow their own food, they are realizing that fresh vegetables and fresh fruits are good for you,” Hoffmann said.

Morris Nursery is literally a ‘one stop shop’ for those needs, the owner added, with plenty of fruit trees and seeds for the garden available, as well as ornamental trees, flowers and plants to bring that needed curb appeal or to create a custom backyard oasis.

Offering garden and landscape design, master nursery professionals to answer all your questions and featuring classes on topics from planning a summer vegetable garden to orchid care, there are plenty of ways to learn and do at the shop.

Along with Hoffmann as the owner, the professional staff includes General Manager Dave Provost, Assistant Manager/Creative Design Director Cynthia Austin Tanis, Bedding Manger Jaci Ideus, Assistant Giftroom Manager Kathy Stepp and Horticulturist and Landscape Designer Jadwiga Hoffmann.

Ron Hoffmann served as manager at Morris Nursery for several years before purchasing the business from former owners Bill and Sharon Morris in 1996. He still leases the land from them. Along with the retail side of the nursery that Hoffmann purchased, there is also Morris Wholesale Nursery, which he doesn’t own, that deals more with landscape contractors and professional designers. It is adjacent to the retail store but is a separately owned business.

As far as the best part of the job?

“Dealing with the public,” Hoffmann said. “I like to solve problems people are having with their plant issues, I enjoy the blooming flowers and hummingbirds … our busy season started in January this year, that was earlier than normal because of the weather but typically March, April and May are our busiest. Also, October, November and December are

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busy because of Christmas.”

Morris Nursery is turned into a virtual Winter Wonderland for the holidays, making it very much a ‘must see’ on the holiday list with several rooms decorated for the winter season and Christmas.

Hoffmann said he and the staff at Morris Nursery take pride in being able to help customers with a variety of issues, concerns and projects.

Whether it’s someone looking for help designing a small or large yard, getting answers on what plants will fare the best in the Central Valley summers or someone looking to get into gardening, the answers can be found.

“We get a lot of plant questions, bug problems, leaf problems,” Hoffman said.

“We’re about to hit our daily full parking lot time.”

And staying busy is what makes Hoffmann and his staff the happiest, since they know they are helping meet a specific need for each customer that walks through their doors.

“To get good quality, come to a nursery where people know what they’re doing,” Hoffmann said. ■

IF YOU GO GETTING THERE: Morris Nursery 1837 Patterson Road, Riverbank HOURS: Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CONTACT: 209-527-5553

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 8

3/29/2018 9:53:56 AM

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