Business News 32

A PUBLICATION OF THE TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FALL 2017

ISSUE 32

SHOP THE BLOCKS

IN DOWNTOWN TURLOCK

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C O N T E N T S W.A.C.E. AWARD WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.turlockchamber.com

115 S. Golden State Blvd.

Turlock, CA 95380 209-632-2221 Hours: Mon. - Fri. • 10am - 2pm info@turlockchamber.com

BOARD CHAIR

Robert Rodarte

Cover Story Downtown businesses gear up for holiday shopping

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MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

Irene Holmes

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Sharon Berry

Our Purpose The Turlock Chamber of Commerce is the business advocate for its members by focusing efforts on promoting a positive business environment, economic development, a legislative voice and costeffective programs and services.

On the cover Downtown Turlock Photo provided by: Turlock Mayor Gary Soiseth

Published by The Turlock Journal 138 S. Center St., Turlock, CA 95380 209-634-9141

BUSINESS NEWS

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6 Chamber Board of Directors 7 Chamber Ambassadors 8 Turlock Young Professionals 9 Eggs, Issues & Economics 10 Chamber Mixers 11 Ribbon Cuttings 14 Keys to Success 15 Member Showcase: Farm House 16 Members Showcase: JKB Energy 17 Members Showcase: On Broadway with Two Guys 18 Dancing With the Turlock Stars 19 Traffic Safety Campaign 20 Legislative Scorecards 22 New Members and Members for 20-25 Years FALL 2017

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CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR

ROBERT RODARTE

CHAIR, TCOC BOARD US BANK AVP / BRANCH MANAGER

The season is changing, a chill is back in the air, so grab a cup of warmth and enjoy your Fall edition of the Business News.

In this edition, please find the enclosed articles: Great things are happening in Downtown Turlock (Cover story, page 12); tips from local business leaders can be found in “Keys to Success” (pg. 14); “Member Showcase” highlights some of our members and the value they find in membership (pgs. 15-16); and mark your calendar for our annual Holiday Mixer coming up on Dec. 6 at the Turlock Golf & Country Club. Please join us for this fun evening of fellowship with opportunities to purchase from a wide variety of silent auction items for your holiday shopping.

Our annual tradition is a party you don’t want to miss.

I especially want to thank our Eggs, Issues & Economics sponsors, speakers, James Brenda our Chair and our staff for making this year’s annual event a huge success. Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to seeing you at next year’s event (pg. 9).

To stay informed of our upcoming events and many activities, please like/follow our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram / Twitter and be sure to check out our bi-monthly emailed newsletter for more information with details on where you can join the fun.

We look forward to seeing you at our annual Holiday Mixer on Dec. 6!

May you have a blessed Holiday season, Robert Rodarte Chair, TCOC Board of Directors US Bank AVP / Branch Manager

For the community that believes in itself, there’s a bank that does, too.

At U.S. Bank, we’re dedicated to helping improve the lives of those in our community, because when people come together with a common goal, the impossible suddenly becomes possible.

Our support means funding and volunteering in the programs and organizations that make our community a better place to live.

U.S. Bank is proud to support the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.

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Member FDIC ©2016 U.S. Bank/ 170249c

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FALL 2017

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CHAMBER

2017 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ROBERT RODARTE CHAIR US Bank

JAMES BRENDA JKB Living / JKB Energy

SUE MICHELETTI VICE CHAIR Emanuel Medical Center

SAM DAVID Assyrian American Civic Club

ANOKEEN VARANI Varani Smile

PAUL PORTER TREASURER Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

DEVINDER SINGH BAINS Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

JOY BIDDLE Creative Alternatives

EILEEN HAMILTON Hamilton Farms

CRAIG PITAU Thorsen’s Inc.

JERRY POWELL The Udder Place

NICK ANTRIM HONORARY TYP President

STEVE GEMPERLE HONORARY Gemperle Enteprises

LYNETTE POQUETTE HONORARY Ambassador Co-Chair

2017 TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF

IRENE HOLMES MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

SHARON BERRY EVENTS COORDINATOR

2017 DESIGNATED SUPPORTERS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Assyrian American Civic Club Berger & Company CPAs Emanuel Medical Center Hamilton Farms JKB Energy Kirkes Electric Piro Trading International The Udder Place Thorsen’s Plumbing Heat & Air Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram US Bank Winton- Ireland ,Strom & Green

Turlock Young Professionals meet from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. the 4th Thursday of every month at Hauck’s Grill Mixer Tower Health & Wellness Center - October 17 Mixer Geiger’s Fine Jewelry - November 21 Annual Holiday Mixer Turlock Golf & Country Club - December 6, 2017 BUSINESS NEWS

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FALL 2017

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TURLOCK CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Jilbert Gevargizi

Lynette Poquette

Camille Austin

Co-Chair Steele Insurance Agency (209) 684-9999

Co-Chair EXIT Realty Consultants (209) 417-4534

Rabobank (209) 632-9954

Brandi LoForti insureCal Insurance Agency (209) 250-0269

Melissa Nunnemaker

Kathy Hobby

Jim Liberto

Ambassador of the Year

Integrity First Financial Group (209) 602-7028

The Education Foundation of Stanislaus County (209) 238-1701

Derek Snider

Denny Silva

Ambeck Mortgage Associates (209) 633-1730

US Bank (209) 585-6183

Umpqua (209) 656-5763

It is the mission of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Team to promote member commitment and relationships by: • Raising awareness of Chamber activities and benefits • Informing and involving new Chamber members to promote strong continuing membership • Encouraging meaningful and beneficial participation in the Chamber’s programs • Serving as a liaison between the Chamber staff and membership

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AMBASSADOR FOR 3RD QUARTER DENNY SILVA

Denny Silva has been a Chamber Ambassador for nearly a year and his commitment to the Chamber, its members and the Ambassador committee earned him the recognition of Ambassador of the Quarter.

Born and raised in Turlock, Denny moved to Sacramento after graduating from Turlock High to attend California State University, Sacramento, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. Recently, he moved back to Turlock to be closer to family and friends. For the past five years, he has worked for US Bank as a Small Business Specialist, who works to meet the financial needs of business owners. From business lines of credit to commercial building refinances and purchases, Denny provides the necessary lending to help develop, grow and sustain businesses in our community.

BUSINESS NEWS

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FALL 2017

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CHAMBER

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

Turlock Young Professionals (TYP) provides people who live and/or work in Turlock with a setting to build relationships and develop their careers. The organization also helps cultivate Turlock's future leaders by providing opportunities to engage with political, civic and business leaders to shape the future of Turlock.

HOW TO JOIN

EXECUTIVE TYP BOARD MEMBERS

This dynamic group is open to anyone interested. You can join the program anytime throughout the year. The membership is $100 annually for working professionals and $50 annually for college students.

Nick Antrim, President Jessica Irish, Vice President Kadi Ingram-Porter, Secretary Rafael Martinez, Treasurer Valeria Jimenez, Marketing Chair Dina Copple, Social Chair Ninfa Lopez-Smith, Professional Development

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• Gain exposure in the business community • Connect with like-minded people • Enhance your professional development • Mix and mingle with experienced business professionals in a variety of industries • Opportunity to promote business in quarterly Business News magazine

ACTIVITIES

• Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of each month at Hauck’s Grill @ 4-6 pm and feature a member speaker • Professional development workshops • Social and networking events specifically designed for TYP members • Behind-the-scenes tours of Turlock businesses

TYP MEMBERS

Cassandra Abram Gabrielle Aguilar-Forrest Adrenna Alkhas Michael Allen Ellie Alverion Nick Antrim Dinah Copple Lauren Denton Odis DeHart Jonathan Dravecky

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Alisha Fitzgerald Tyler Flaherty Adrian Harrell Kadi Ingram-Porter Jessica Irish Valeria Jimenez Lacey Kiriakou Ninfa Lopez-Smith Sandra Loza Rafael Martinez

Melissa Nunnemaker Paul Porter Steven Rivera Dennis Silva Irene Silveira Gary Soiseth Danny Thompson Josh Weimer

FALL 2017

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CHAMBER

Eggs, Issues & Economics talks local success, workforce of tomorrow

L

Opportunity Stanislaus CEO David White gives the keynote address at the Eggs, Issues & Economics breakfast.

Photo by ANGELINA MARTIN

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

ocal business, government and education leaders connected over scrambled eggs and hot coffee in August, receiving economic updates that highlighted the growth of Turlock, as well as the need to continue training a skilled workforce for the area.

The annual Eggs, Issues & Economics breakfast hosted by the Turlock Chamber of Commerce at the Turlock Golf & Country Club has, according to Mayor Gary Soiseth, become one of the best economic discussions of the year, and guests were treated to updates from the Mayor, Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors Chairperson Vito Chiesa and Assemblyman Heath Flora, with Opportunity Stanislaus CEO David White giving the keynote address.

Flora shared with the audience his fight to make life easier for small businesses in the Valley during his time in Sacramento, adding that many in the legislature don’t truly know what it means to be a business owner. Last year, he said, there were 53 new bills passed which directly affected small businesses, and only 17 elected officials in the State Assembly have held private sector jobs – a majority, attorneys.

“One of the shocking things I’ve learned is how few people in the State legislature truly understand what it means to run a business, what it means to sign the front of a paycheck,” said Flora. “The regulatory burdens they put on us constantly hamper our efforts to keep our con-

stituents employed…it’s not just one law, it’s the cumulative effect.”

To educate others in the legislature on the small business owners and farmers in the Valley will take a bipartisan effort, he said, and he believes a lot of that responsibility falls on his own shoulders.

Chiesa introduced Stanislaus County’s new CEO, Jody Hayes,

• • EVENT SPONSORS • • Gold Sponsors: California State University, Stanislaus Emanuel Medical Center Thorsen’s Plumbing Heat & Air Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram US Bank Silver Sponsors: Craig Safety Group JKB Living/Energy Turlock Journal Center Pieces: Piro Trading International Event Chair: James Brenda, JKB Living/Energy to the crowd before diving into details about the County’s budget, water and even new marijuana regulations.

Soiseth was quick to point out the variety of new businesses coming to Turlock, before moving on to the City’s budget, roads and water. While the City is deficit spending by about $250,000, Soiseth explained that the City is very BUSINESS NEWS

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conservative with its budgeting and spends less than planned annually, all while working to pay back $6 million in debt.

Measure L and Senate Bill 1, or the Gas Tax, will help fix Turlock’s roads, but purposefully, said Soiseth.

“We don’t want to just pave roads for the sake of it. We want to pave roads and improve infrastructure that’s actually going to retain or attract businesses into our community,” he said, adding that roads all over town need to be taken care of, not just those in the newer parts of town. “We need to make sure that those businesses want to stay in Turlock and aren’t lured away to other communities.”

Keynote speaker White addressed the importance of training a capable workforce for vocational industries that are taking a hit as Baby Boomers retire, and he hopes that Opportunity Stanislaus’ new Valley Occupational and Learning Technical Institute, or VOLT, will do the trick.

VOLT was launched earlier this year with the goal of taking unskilled and semi-skilled workers and turning them into much higher skilled workers with greater earning potential. The program is housed in downtown Modesto in partnership with the Stanislaus County Office of Education.

“This whole idea is to take people who, for whatever reason, have been left behind in this strong economy that need a chance or opportunity to go forward,” said White. “That’s what VOLT is about.” ◆

FALL 2017

10/11/2017 1:04:19 PM

CHAMBER

M

I

X

E

R

S

2016 R I B B O N

C U T T I N G S

REMBRANDT & ROSÉ HOSTED BY REMBRANDT & ROSÉ

JULY

1966 2003

1997

HOSTED BY ASSYRIAN AMERICAN CIVIC CLUB

HOSTED BY EMANUEL MEDICAL CENTER HELD AT THE TURLOCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

BUSINESS NEWS

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CHAMBER

R I B B O N

C U T T I N G S

2016 AMERICAN FAMILY DENTISTRY

2006 GOLDEN VALLEY HEALTH CENTER

2017 HOBBY LOBBY

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FALL 2017

10/11/2017 1:04:51 PM

COVER

‘Shop the Blocks’

in Downtown Turlock

Downtown Turlock Chamber Members:

BY KRISTINA HACKER

W

hile it seems fall just recently arrived, before long the sounds of “Silver Bells” will be heard heralding in the holiday season and the mad dash to check off everyone on your Christmas shopping list.

Downtown Turlock businesses are encouraging everyone to stay local when it comes to Christmas shopping, and many are starting the season off with holiday open houses.

The 2nd annual Shop the Blocks event features open houses at a number of downtown shops and restaurants from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 5. Shoppers will be chauffeured to the participating stores on a limousine bus and be treated to complimentary champagne.

“It was a huge day last year and we’re expecting it to be bigger this year because all the customers had a lot of fun,” said Caley Rutherford, one of the owners Farm House.

For more information about Shop the Blocks, visit turlockdowntown.com or facebook.com/Downtown-Turlock.

The Greenery is hosting its 21st Annual Christmas Open House from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 4. The local nursery will have warm cider, glittering lights and Santa Claus. The Greenery’s gift shop will be fully

decked out for the holidays with fall leaves, pumpkins and Thanksgiving décor, as well as over 16 beautifully designed themed Christmas trees sparkling in the night. The event will also include sampling of products from Gourmet Pantry by Debbie (The Greenery’s resident foodie) and other local vendors carried in the shop’s pantry.

For more information about The Greenery’s Open House, visit www.facebook.com/Greenerynsy/ Along with the unique boutiques, gift shops, jewelry stores and antique markets, downtown Turlock is also known for its eateries.

Latif ’s pies are a tradition at many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Make sure to order early to get a pie, especially for Thanksgiving.

Downtown’s newest bakery, Crust & Crumb, offers many sweet treats and fresh baked breads that will make any holiday get-together deliciously delightful.

Gift cards to favorite downtown restaurants are also a great holiday present.

“There is something for everybody… you can walk down Main Street and probably knock out your whole Christmas list,” said Molly Amant, executive director of the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association. ◆

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the annual Festival of Lights in downtown Turlock from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 24.

Tree lighting will be held in Central Park at 6 p.m.

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10 East Kitchen and Tap House Member since 1999 Bella Forte Boutique Member since 2017 Carnegie Arts Center Member since 2011 Central Park Evening Market Member since 2016 Edith’s Crust and Crumb Member since 2016 Farm House Member since 2016 Footers Member since 1997 Geiger’s Fine Jewelry Member since 1983 Glitz Fine Clothing Member since 2015 Hauck's Grill Member since 2016 Jaureguy's Paint & Decorating Member since 1989 Kraving Kebab Pizza Member since 2016 Latif’s Restaurant Member since 2010 Main Street Antiques Member since 2016 Needful Things Member since 2017 Oak Barrel Ice & Creamery Member since 2016 The Greenery Member since 1997 The Udder Place Member since 2016 Vail Creek Jewelry Designs Member since 2003

FALL 2017

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Open enrollment begins November 1, 2017

600 E. Main Street, Suite 200, Turlock, CA 209-634-9031 • www.westernvalley.com Lic #0649647 BUSINESS NEWS

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FALL 2017

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LEADERS

eys to Success Local business leaders share their keys to success Jack Wilkey

Adrian Harrell

Chief Executive Officer Wilkey Industries

President New Bridge Management

Never stop learning. Aim to make a difference.

Conservative upbringing.

Honesty. Hard Work. Loyal to customers and family.

Commitment to honesty and quality. Team work.

Faith in our Heavenly Father.

Knowledge of industry. Appreciation of employees and customers. And last, but not least: Understanding wife.

Transparency and integrity are keys to my success.

New Bridge Management manages the real estate portfolios of investors. My number one job is to listen with honesty and to perform my job with transparency.

Whether dealing with portfolio investors or singlefamily landlords, it is imperative that I know what their wants are. I must understand the required return on investment that would render their investment a success. I must also understand tenant needs and become their advocate regardless of socio-economic standings. Bridging requisites and necessities of tenants and returns on opportunities for investors is the key secret to my success.

www.wilkeyindustries.com

Brett Tate and Brett Honoré

Dr. Ruth Bonander and Dr. Joyce Ibanez

Owners Dust Bowl Brewing Co.

Generations Family Optometry

Dust Bowl Brewing Co. has always used quality to guide all of our decisions. The craft beer industry is incredibly competitive, so your product obviously has to be exceptional. To maintain that standard, you have to invest in quality equipment and hire people who work with passion and share your dream every day. To do that, we’ve tried to create a culture of collaboration, efficiency and creativity. It’s hard work staying focused on a long-range vision, so it’s important to have some fun along the way, too!

We believe success is accomplished by treating our patients with kindness and respect. We want people to feel excited to visit our office and to feel proud to bring their friends and family members. Amidst all the changes in insurance and reimbursement, we want one thing to stay the same: how we treat our patients. We came up with the name Generations Family Optometry not only because we are two generations of doctors, but also because we want families to return to us for generations to come.

www.dustbowlbrewing.com

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www.newbridgemanagement.com

www.generationsoptometry.com

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FALL 2017

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MEMBER SHOWCASE

Farm House pays tribute to country roots

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

S

ince opening its doors over two years ago, Farm House gift shop has captured the hearts of downtown shoppers who share a love for Turlock’s farming, old country roots.

Farm House focuses on rustic, unique farm pieces, but also a take on modern, new art. Staying local is important to them and a lot of their metalwork and woodwork is done locally, as well. Farm House is the exclusive retailer of Rustic Metal Designs and carries a variety of gift and home décor items, as well as a sampling of local gourmet foods and children’s gifts.

The shop most recently made the jump to the online world with the launch of a new website and extension of their downtown location, FarmHouseExchange.com.

As a new business back in April of 2015, part owner Candace Gonsalves said that Farm House was looking to

not only make a name for itself in downtown Turlock, but also for support. This led Gonsalves, along with other owners Kim Jonson and Caley Rutherford, to join the Turlock Chamber of Commerce, where veteran business owners took the trio under their wing.

“We became members because we were a new store downtown looking to find support and guidance with other businesses that are also Turlock-affiliated,” said Gonsalves. “Now, we have this wonderful support group of other really successful businesses and leaders in the community that at any time we can turn to.”

The Chamber not only gives Gonsalves and the rest of Farm House the chance to network and mingle with other businessminded individuals, but also serves as a helping hand, said Gonsalves.

“The Chamber supports its members,” she said. “It’s just wonderful to have that support and knowledge at our fingertips.” ◆

Stanislaus County Sheriff

1854

Keeping the Peace since

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2016

Farm House owners Kim Jonson, Candace Gonsalves and Caley Rutherford celebrated Farm House’s ribbon cutting ceremony in April of 2016, when they became Chamber members.

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FALL 2017

10/11/2017 1:05:22 PM

MEMBER SHOWCASE

JKB Energy: Valley solar powerhouse

1989

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

A

gricultural and commercial businesses around the Valley able to reduce up to 85 percent of their energy expenses. have benefitted from JKB Energy’s innovative and costJKB Energy has always been committed to supporting effective energy solutions for years, the success of such local businesses, said helping those who go solar save immensely Sales and Marketing Director Chad Cumon their power bills. mings – something that the company has As a local, family-owned solar integrain common with the Turlock Chamber of tor for California agribusiness, JKB Energy Commerce. has completed solar panel installations for “We accomplish that through large-scale companies like SupHerb Farms, Cortez renewable energy installations, and the Growers Association, Smith ChevroletChamber does that by bringing businesses Cadillac and Burroughs Family Farms, together,” said Cummings. among others. Organizations like CGA can JKB Energy President/CEO James Brenda (far left) As a Chamber member, Cummings now expect to save about $110,000 annually and Vice President/COO Bob Hansen (far right) added that JKB is able to participate in on their energy bills, while Smith Chevro- have ensured that agribusinesses throughout special events, allowing the company to be let-Cadillac was able to lower energy costs California, and in Turlock, have access to clean, involved with the community at a granucost-effective energy. by over 56 percent. lar level while at the same time, connecting At SupHerb Farms in Turlock, JKB Energy installed a onewith other local innovators. acre solar farm which features 600 sun-tracking solar panels that “Anytime people and leaders can come together to share produce up to 325,000 kilowatts of electricity annually, which is ideas for the benefit of our community, you can’t help but have enough energy to power almost 30 homes. Some companies are beneficial results,” said Cummings. ◆

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FALL 2017

10/11/2017 1:05:25 PM

MEMBER SHOWCASE

On Broadway with Two Guys

2017

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

W

hen Stephen B ackus and Edmond Samo began their catering business, On Broadway with Two Guys, in 2004, the pair were some of the first business owners to stay open at night, providing the Turlock community with an elegant event venue with meals that satisfy any appetite.

What started as a small catering business has since transformed into one of the city’s trendiest nightspots as well, with the opening of the Red Brick Café – a restaurant and bar – in 2009. In 2013, the restaurant received a complete makeover, becoming the Red Brick Bar and Grill that Turlock residents know and love today.

Backus and Samo became Turlock Chamber of Commerce members this year to help their businesses continue to grow, said Backus.

“We felt with the new leadership in the Chamber this year, there will be more interaction with fellow businesses, better networking and better ideas to promote

Photo contributed On Broadway with Two Guys catering business has continued to prosper, as well as downtown nightspot Red Brick Café.

Turlock and bring other businesses into the city,” he said.

Communication between Turlock businesses through the Chamber of Commerce helps make the community a better place, Backus added.

“The number one goal is to bring more commerce into the city, and more tax dollars,” said Backus. “Through communication, we can create more jobs and

2485 Geer Rd, Turlock, Ca 95382

209.656.9219

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enhance our economy.”

Backus is always looking to give back, he said, and as President of the Turlock Bulldogs Quarterback Club, he held a fundraiser for the organization at Red Brick in August, raising $36,000 for the high school’s football teams.

Thanks to the fundraiser, the Bulldogs were able to purchase new, safer football helmets, new jerseys and radio equipment for their coaches, said Backus.

“It’s that Bulldog tradition. I’m a Bulldog alumnus and I love our Turlock high Bulldogs,” he said. “Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.”

Looking ahead, Backus is eager to see how new leadership within the Chamber of Commerce is able to benefit the city.

“There’s new leadership in place and new Board members coming on board, so there’s a new energy,” he said. “The whole idea is to promote business and make Turlock a place where people want to do business and shop.” ◆

www.yonansjewelers.com

FALL 2017

10/11/2017 1:05:31 PM

EVENT

Chamber dynamic duo dances for charity

T

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

urlock Chamber of Commerce Board member Anokeen Varani and her husband Antoine wowed the crowd with their moves at the fourth annual Dancing with the Turlock Stars event held in September, and raised over $23k for three local charities.

The dancing competition fundraiser, modeled after primetime television’s “Dancing with the Stars,” raised money for local nonprofits Jessica’s House, Salvation Army and Covenant Care Hospice.

Couples had two opportunities to win a DWTTS trophy – by garnering the most votes (which cost $10 each) or by scoring the highest for their routine by a panel of judges. The event raised the most money it ever has, said Bettencourt, surpassing last year’s total of $154,000 and exceeding the Board’s goal of $165,000 for the event. In votes alone, the event was able to raise $113,000.

“It truly takes a village and a community to put something like this on,” said DWTTS Board President Kristin Bettencourt. “When I say Dancing

with the Turlock Stars is a family, I mean it, and it’s one that continues to grow.”

The top two winners of the night were the Varanis, coached by Gabrielle Aguiar-Forrest, and Avkash Patel and Dr. Sunita Saini, coached by Fabian DeLeon, who took home the 2017 Mirror Ball and 2017 Judges’ Trophy, respectively.

Antoine and Anokeen not only wowed the crowd with their sultry waltz, but were also able to raise $23,234 for the three charities of the night, earning them the event’s top prize. After their dance, the pair reflected on the transition from cleaning teeth in town to cleaning up the dance floor with their moves.

“It has been an extremely amazing experience,” said Antoine. “We got to know a lot of people, and we did something that we’ve never done before.”

“That was the scariest thing of my life,” added Anokeen, holding back joyful tears as she also thanked the duo’s coach, Aguiar-Forest.

Chamber Board Vice President and Emanuel Medical Center CEO Sue Micheletti, along with partner Skyler Bazal, won the 2016 Mirror Ball. ◆

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2007 Photo by ANGELINA MARTIN Antoine and Anokeen Varani celebrate winning the 2017 Mirror Ball at the Dancing with the Turlock Stars event, raising $23,234 for the night’s three charities.

FALL 2017

10/11/2017 1:05:35 PM

CITY

Traffic safety campaign

BY KRISTINA HACKER

The Turlock Traffic Task Force has recently implemented a number of strategies to decrease the number of traffic incidents throughout the community. The multi-faceted approach includes:

Education • Radar trailer deployment: At schools, in response to speed complaints, officer observations and through information left through the Traffic Hotline 668-5550 ext. 6680 • Decoy cars: Marked patrol vehicle parked on city streets as a deterrent to traffic violations • Social media outreach: Updates on enforcement, education and interactions

Enforcement • Directed patrols at schools • Crosswalk, speed and red-light stings • Deployment of auxiliary motor officers

Evaluation • Enhanced collision tracking • Share data with engineering • Annually update Traffic Deployment Strategy and School Traffic Safety Plan

Engineering • Look at every development plan with an eye on pedestrian, bicycle safety • Enhance bicycle path network • Looking for warranted stop signs • Expedited safety improvement with new funding

Partnerships • Police and engineering departments working together • Outreach to community groups, schools, university • Funding sources

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FALL 2017

10/11/2017 1:05:39 PM

SCOREBOARDS

GIL ESQUER

AMY BUBLAK

MATHEW JACOB

COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM

BILL DEHART

MEETING

GARY SOISETH

TURLOCK CITY COUNCIL VOTING RECORD

1.

6/13/17 ADOPTING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO REZONE NORTHWEST TRIANGLE SPECIFIC PLAN

Y Y N/A Y Y

2.

6/13/17 ADOPTING A STATUS QUO GENERAL FUND TWO-YEAR BUDGET

Y Y Y Y Y

3.

6/27/17 ADOPTING REVISED TRANSIT FEE STRUCTURE

N/A Y Y Y Y

4.

7/6/17 REJECTING SINGLE BID SUBMITTED FOR WEST MAIN CORRIDOR REHABILITATION

Y Y Y Y Y

5.

8/8/17 ADOPT UPDATED SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR CITY SERVICES

Y Y Y Y Y

TURLOCK CITY COUNCIL VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION 1. Rezoning four properties located at 1812 North Tegner Road, 1598 North Tegner Road, 3000 West Tuolumne Road and 2918 West Tuolumne Road from Agriculture to Community Commercial and one property located

at 2530 West Tuolumne Road from Park to Community Commercial & Medium Density Residential.

2. The General Fund budget maintains status quo operational service levels from

the previous fiscal years with approximately $177,000 in deficit spending forecast for 2017-18 and $86,000 in deficit spending for 2018-19. The City is not expected to end the SEE PAGE 22 

DISTRICT 5 JIM DEMARTINI

DISTRICT 4 DICK MONTEITH

DISTRICT 3 TERRY WITHROW

BOARD AGENDA ITEM

DISTRICT 2 VITO CHIESA

MEETING

DISTRICT 1 KRISTIN OLSEN

STAN. CO. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTING RECORD

1.

6/13/17 ADOPTING THE 2017-18 RECOMMENDED BUDGET

Y

N/A Y Y Y

2.

6/16/17 APPOINTING JODY HAYES AS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EFFECTIVE AUG. 12, 2017

Y Y Y N/A Y

3.

6/27/17 APPROVING ADJUSTMENTS TO MAXIMUM RATES FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES

Y Y Y Y Y

4.

6/27/17 ADOPTING AN 1/8 CENT TAX EXTENSION FOR FUNDING OF THE STANISLAUS COUNTY LIBRARY, UPON VOTER APPROVAL

Y Y Y Y Y

5.

9/26/17 APPROVING A LIMITED COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ALLOWANCE STRATEGY FOR RETAIL, CULTIVATION, AND OTHER RELATED CANNABIS BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF STANISLAUS COUNTY

Y Y Y N Y

STAN. CO. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION 1. The Recommended Proposed Budget totals $1,182,385,239 and reflects an increase of approximately 4.3 percent or $49,161,569 for all funds as compared to the 2016-2017 Adopted Final Budget. The General Fund totals $313,662,951, which has increased approximately 5.2 percent or $15,427,536

from the 2016-2017 Adopted Final Budget of $298,235,415.

3. The Supervisors approved an increase in solid waste fees for those in unincorporated areas by just under three percent.

5. Under the new strategy, businesses operating illegally in the unincorporated

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areas will have a 15-day window, Oct. 2 through Oct. 20, to submit an application for a permit along with a non-refundable $4,359 deposit. Seven dispensaries will be selected by the County, while the other seven will have to shut down shop.

FALL 2017

10/11/2017 1:05:40 PM

18SCORECARD

U.S. SENATE & HOUSE OF REP. AGENDA ITEM

SENATOR HARRIS

REP. DENHAM

SENATOR FEINSTEIN

FEDERAL VOTING RECORD

1.

HR 601 CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT AND SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF REQUIREMENTS ACT

Y Y Y

2.

HR 3003

NO SANCTUARY FOR CRIMINALS ACT

Y

NA

NA

3.

HR 1215

PROTECTING ACCESS TO CARE ACT

Y

NA

NA

4.

HR 23

GAINING RESPONSIBILITY ON WATER ACT

Y NA

NA

5.

HR 3364

COUNTERING AMERICA’S ADVERSARIES THROUGH SANCTIONS ACT

Y Y NO VOTE

FEDERAL VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION 1. Appropriates $7.4 billion to the “Disaster Relief Fund” for major disasters to remain available until expended. Extends the deadline for the federal debt limit by 3 months and specifies that all necessary payment obligations will be made by Dec. 9, 2017.

2. Prohibits disbursement of federal grants to

jurisdictions with “sanctuary city” policies.

3. Limits the damages awarded to plaintiffs in certain civil health care lawsuits.

4. Specifies that water for fish and wildlife purposes flowing from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers will be rerouted from the Pacific Ocean to the Central Valley for agricultural produc-

tion. Requires the Secretary of Interior to conduct environmental studies on groundwater aquifers, water storage, and mountain runoff in California and submit findings to the appropriate committees in both the House and Senate.

5. Provides for counter aggression measures to the governments of Iran, Russia, and North Korea.

1.

SB 54

N

ESTABLISHES A STATEWIDE SANCTUARY POLICY

ASSEMBLYMAN GRAY

ASSEMBLYMAN FLORA

AGENDA ITEM

SENATOR BERRYHILL

SENATOR CANNELLA

STATE LEGISLATURE VOTING RECORD

NO VOTE N

N

2. AB 398 EXTENDS CALIFORNIA’S CAP-AND-TRADE POLICIES

N Y Y N

3. AB 617

ESTABLISHES AIR QUALITY REGULATIONS

N N N N

4. SB 35

AMENDS AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICIES

Y N NO VOTE

NO VOTE

STATE LEGISLATURE VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION 1. Establishes a statewide immigration sanctuary policy.

2. Extends California’s cap-and-trade climate policy until 2030.

3. Allows districts to establish their own emission control measures if they comply with

other state law. Specifies that any individual guilty of violating pollution cap laws or permit laws is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine up to $5,000. Requires the state to begin deploying community air monitoring systems by 2019. Requires the state to create a strategy

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to reduce the presence of toxic air contaminants

by October 2018.

4. Requires guidelines and an approval process in order to increase affordable housing for low-income residents.

FALL 2017

10/11/2017 1:05:41 PM

CHAMBER

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize businesses that have been members for 20-25 years!

We thank you for your continued support!

25 Years

22 Years

20 Years

California Poultry Federation

Edward Jones

American Red Cross- Stanislaus

Hillberg, Ronald W.- Attorney at Law 24 Years

County

Kozy Shack

Assyrian American Civic

Supherb Farms

Greenery Nursery

Thiele, Gary- D.D.S.

21 Years

KCOE ISOM

American Medical Response

Kiwanis Club- Greater Turlock

Prime Shine Express Car Wash

Main Street Footers

Salvation Army Turlock Corps.

Rotary Club of Turlock

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.

Stewart Title

Spectrum Business

Lock-N-Stitch

Turlock Public Library

Umpqua Bank

Turlock Golf & Country Club

United Samaritans Foundation

Wahl, Willemse & Wilson, LLP, CPA’s

Walgreen Center/Cosol

Yonan’s Fine Jewelry

Wilkey Industries

Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 23 Years Custom Locksmith & Alarm Inc.

Thank you for supporting your Business News magazine and for being a Chamber Member since:

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our new 2017 members!

Agis Capital - Jeff Hillberg Arco AmPm Bella Forte Boutique Central Valley Community Bank Forever Loved Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Heart & Sole w/ Gina Marie Hobby Lobby Integrity First Financial Group Leap Carpenter Kemps Insurance Agency Radio Ray Rico, Pfitzer, Pires & Associates - Teresa Silva TSM Insurance Turlock Indoor Soccer LLC Two Guys Catering/Red Brick Bar & Grill The UPS Store #4445 Valley Children’s Healthcare BUSINESS NEWS

Business News Magazine 32.indd 22

Emanuel Medical Center. . . . . . 1966

Western Valley Insurance . . . . . 1970

Smith Chevrolet Cadillac . . . . . . 1958

Assyrian Civic Club. . . . . . . . . . 1997

US Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005

Winton, Ireland,Strom & Green. . 1976

Wally Falkes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1969

Yonan’s Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . 1996

MOCSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007

Sheriff Adam Christianson . . . . . 2013

Lancaster Painting . . . . . . . . . 1998

Allen Mortuary. . . . . . . . . . . . 1970

Balanced Books . . . . . . . . . . . 2014

TURLOCK CITY COUNCIL VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

budgets years in a deficit, however, as over the past several years there has been $300K to $500K in unspent funds or surplus.

3. Establishing a revised passenger fare structure effective July 1, 2017, maintain status quo base fares, introduce reduced fares for passengers traveling together on the Dial-A-Ride service, delegate authority to the City Manager, or his/her designee, to temporarily reduce or eliminate fares for promotional or emergency purposes, and authorize active duty or honorably discharged members of the United States Military to qualify for discount fares for fixed route services.

4. The Council decided to

22

reject the only bid received for the West Main Corridor Project and readvertise the bid in the fall to possible attract better bids.

5. The City went from using a Fully Burdened Hourly Rate to compensate the time staff members spent on working on projects to a Productive Hourly Rate and Planning permit fees increased by approximately 10 percent overall. The deposit amount was increased from $800 to $2,000 on fire hydrant meters for construction-related projects due to the requirement by the State Division of Drinking Water for the installation of backflow devices in order to ensure the safety of the City’s water supply.

FALL 2017

10/11/2017 1:05:42 PM

Hold your Meetings and Events at the

ASSYRIAN AMERICAN CIVIC CLUB OF TURLOCK

We can help you with all of your catering needs!

2618 N. Golden State Blvd.

Turlock, CA 95382

(209) 668-4668

Big or Small!

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FALL 2017

10/11/2017 1:05:48 PM

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10/11/2017 1:05:51 PM