Business Highlight: Parents by Choice

Posted on April 26, 2023April 27, 2023 by Courtney Wood

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By Shaun Chatrath

Parents by Choice is a non-profit organization located in Downtown Stockton, CA. Founded in 2006 with a mission “to bring hope and healing to children, youth, and their families,” this remarkable organization provides adoption, foster care, and parent education services to our community.

Parents by Choice believes that every child deserves a safe and loving home. Through their adoption program, they provide comprehensive services to children who are waiting for a permanent family. They work with adoptive parents and children to ensure that the adoption process is a successful and positive experience for everyone involved.

In addition to their adoption services, Parents by Choice offers foster care services. Their foster care program aims to provide a nurturing environment for children who are not able to live with their biological families. They work with foster families to provide the training and support needed to care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.

Parents by Choice also provides parental education services to families in the Downtown Stockton area. Their parenting classes and workshops aim to equip parents with the skills and knowledge needed to raise happy and healthy children. Their classes cover a range of topics including parenting techniques, child development, and communication skills.

The organization is committed to providing high-quality services to children and families in the Stockton area. They have a team of experienced and compassionate staff members who are passionate about their work; their adoption and foster care programs are highly successful; and their parent education services have helped countless families grow and thrive.

Parents by Choice relies on the support of the community to continue their important work. They accept donations from individuals and organizations who are committed to helping children and families in need. They also offer volunteer opportunities for those who want to get involved and make a difference in the lives of children.

In conclusion, Parents by Choice is an invaluable resource for children and families in the Downtown Stockton area. Their commitment to providing adoption, foster care, and parent education services has helped countless families grow and thrive. To learn more about the organization, check out our Doorways to Downtown video featuring Parents by Choice Executive Director, Tony Yadon. If you want to get involved or support their work, visit their website for more information!

Sources

Parents by Choice 2023 Website:

https://parentsbychoice.net/home/

Business Highlight: Yasoo Yani

Posted on April 18, 2023April 18, 2023 by Courtney Wood

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By Shaun Chatrath

Yasoo Yani Restaurant is a hidden gem in Downtown Stockton, California. Located at 326 E. Main St. and established in 1975, this Greek restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in traditional Greek cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In this blog, I will tell you all about the restaurant’s fabulous dishes, its unique ambiance, and why you should visit this charming downtown staple.

The Food:

Yasoo Yani Restaurant has an extensive menu of authentic Greek dishes, from appetizers to desserts. Whether you crave freshly grilled lamb chops, a classic Greek salad, or mouth-watering souvlaki, this restaurant has it all; but what makes Yasoo Yani stand out is its exceptional seafood dishes. The calamari is cooked to perfection, the garlic shrimp is divine, and the grilled octopus is a must-try. Don’t miss out on their signature dish, Yiouvetsi, a delicious combination of lamb and orzo pasta that melts in your mouth. You can also indulge your sweet tooth with traditional Greek desserts like baklava or galaktoboureko.

The Ambience:

Yasoo Yani Restaurant provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a small taverna in Greece. The walls are adorned with beautiful Greek art pieces, and the muted lighting adds to the ambiance. The outdoor seating area transports you to the Mediterranean, giving you the feeling of dining by the sea.

The Customer Service:

The staff at Yasoo Yani is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm smile, and the staff is more than happy to offer recommendations based on your preferences. The service is prompt and efficient, ensuring that you’re not kept waiting for long.

Why Visit Yasoo Yani Restaurant?

If you’re looking to experience the flavors of Greece, Yasoo Yani Restaurant is the perfect place to do so. The food is delicious, the ambiance is inviting, and the customer service is exceptional. Whether you want to impress a date or enjoy a night out with family and friends, Yasoo Yani is an excellent choice. So what are you waiting for? Head over to Yasoo Yani Restaurant and treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience.

Yasoo Yani Contact Information:

Yasoo Yani Restaurant | Stockton CA | Facebook

ALL ABOUT DSA’S NEW, ARPA-FUNDED PROGRAMS!

Posted on March 15, 2023April 18, 2023 by Courtney Wood

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By Courtney Wood

The Downtown Stockton Alliance has four new ARPA-funded programs to benefit Downtown Stockton businesses and property owners. In the last year, DSA staff have received over $2M in American Rescue Plan Act funding for projects and programs to benefit our Downtown stakeholders.
Learn more about these programs below!

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Does your Downtown building or business exterior need a subtle glow-up, or maybe a full-on facelift? Our Business Façade Improvement Program, funded through City of Stockton ARPA money, has no-strings-attached cash for those makeovers. This program offers up to $25,000 of improvements per building for:

New Awnings
New Paint
Window & Door Replacement
Outdoor Dining Enclosures
Façade Repairs of Stucco/Tile/Brick
Other Street-facing, Façade Improvements

To be eligible, your business or property must be located in Downtown Stockton, have an up-to-date business license, have no active code violations, and not be a publicly traded company. For a step-by-step guide on how to apply, click here. Let this program give your downtown space a youthful glow!

*_{We have funding available to repair and update Downtown building facades!}*

DOWNTOWN ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT PROGRAM

Are you a Downtown business owner who has always been curious about joining a chamber of commerce, but hesitated due to the fees? Or a long-standing chamber member who would jump at the opportunity to have someone cover this year’s dues for you? Or maybe there’s a Quickbooks class you’ve been eyeing that would help you up your business’s bookkeeping methods, but felt that investing in that course would take away funding from another important aspect of your business? Well, the DSA has the answer to your prayers this year!

*_{February’s Talk to Downtown featured representatives from local chambers!}*

Our San Joaquin County ARPA-funded Downtown Stockton Entrepreneur Support Program offers to reimburse Downtown business owners for up to $1,000 per business for EITHER a chamber membership at any of the local chambers, such as the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, the African American Chamber of SJC, the SJC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, or the Central Valley Asian-American Chamber of Commerce; OR a business development workshop, class, or course that would help you improve your business or train your staff! To learn more about the benefits of joining our local chambers, check out February’s Talk to Downtown.

We can reimburse you for memberships or workshops occurring from December 2022 onward through the submission of this form. Let the DSA help you network, up-skill yourself or your staff, and grow your business into the best it can be in 2023.

DOWNTOWN STOCKTON WINDOW REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

Have you recently had a window broken at your Downtown business, and struggled to find the funds to repair it? You already have enough to worry about as a small business owner. Our new SJC ARPA-funded Downtown Stockton Window Repair Reimbursement Program can help! Through this program, we can reimburse Downtown business owners for up to $800 per window for window repairs. All you need to do is fill out this form, which asks you to upload the window repair invoice and your proof of payment, and the DSA will send your reimbursement check to you within 10 days!

DOWNTOWN STOCKTON WINDOW WRAP PROGRAM

Does your downtown business or building have empty windows or faded window wraps that are screaming to be updated with colorful artwork or customized branding? Let our SJC ARPA-funded Downtown Stockton Window Wrap Program brighten up your space and attract clients to your business. Through this program, the DSA will pay for up to $2,500 of window wrapping per business. Just submit this form to apply – the DSA can help you with a customized design OR use artwork you already have. Once you’ve approved the design, we work with the installer and pay them directly. It’s that easy to completely upgrade the look of your business!

*_{Check out one of our Window Wrap Program beneficiaries, Alex Floral!}*

APPLY NOW!

These four programs are all running on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts; as of the writing of this article, we still have approximately $44,000 remaining in the Entrepreneur Support Program, $47,000 left in the Window Repair Reimbursement Fund, $47,000 to spend in the Window Wrap Program, and 40 spots left in the Business Façade Improvement Program. Click here to learn more or to apply today, contact [email protected] with any questions, and please share this article with every Downtown Stockton business owner or property owner you know.

Staff here at the DSA are thrilled to be able to offer these one-time programs to our stakeholders, who we know have waded upstream through adversities in the past few years. We hope for this funding to provide support, improvements, enhancements, and momentum which will propel Downtown Stockton toward a steady river of success.

P.S.

In addition to the programs mentioned in this article, we still have funding for the digital media promotion of Downtown Stockton events and job listings through COS ARPA money; if you are hosting an event or have job openings at your Downtown location, send them our way by emailing [email protected]!

Do you know Downtown? Here’s a Chance to WIN a Swag Bag!

Posted on February 7, 2023March 15, 2023 by Courtney Wood

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by Gynae Davalos

Which downtown building is the oldest, according to the City’s registered Historic Landmarks?

B & M Building – 125 Bridge Place
Fox California Theatre – 242 E. Main Street
Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium – 525 N. El Dorado Street
Tretheway Building – 229 E Weber Avenue
Medico-Dental Building – 242 N. Sutter Street

Which downtown religious facility was built in 1892?

First Church of Christ Scientist – 801 N. Center Street
St. Mary’s Church – 203 E. Washington Street
St. John’s Episcopal Church – 316 N. El Dorado Street

Who is Weber Point named after?

Weber Stephen
Chris Webber
Ingeborg Weber-Kellermann
Carl Maria von Weber
Captain Charles Maria Weber

Which businesses in Downtown Stockton have been operating for 10+ years?

Frank’s Shoe Shine
Alfalfa’s Pizza & Deli
Xochimilco Cafe
Martinez Tailor Shop
Mary Magdalene Community Services
Empresso

Subscribe to our eNewsletter towards the bottom of our website to receive correct answers and to be entered for a chance to win a DSA bag o’ swag!!

Murals Making Moves in Downtown

Posted on October 17, 2022August 3, 2023 by Courtney Wood

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by Gynae Davalos

New Mural! Find it on the side of 707 E. Main St

It’s the colors and size of a mural that easily captures our attention roaming anywhere downtown. And the latest installment up at the side of 707 E. Main St. is no exception.

This giant work of art is to honor Devone Boggan, CEO of Advance Peace, an organization dedicated to ending cyclical and retaliatory gun violence in American urban neighborhoods. For all his endless work enriching young people’s lives, he was named an Ashoka Changemaker in 2021 and was named a recipient of an Irvine Foundation Leadership Award this year. The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards recognize individuals advancing breakthrough solutions to critical issues facing California.

John Horton is the multidisciplinary artist selected to create and produce the mural. He’s titled it: Transforming Lives. A resident of Sacramento, John’s Instagram profile showcases his awesome artistry of digital graphics, canvas work, and other commissioned projects. He’s been creating murals all over the state for about 6 years and he really likes our downtown.

“I like the architecture and the pace of it here. It’s pretty cool.”

John has very simple advice on how to put your art out there and have your work commissioned: “Be involved in your community and opportunities will arise from that.”

With so much work to be done to keep our downtown moving, John had a great suggestion, “Everything starts with the youth. So any programs that can inspire the next generation, that’s the only way you can get good change for longevity.”

Want more murals in Downtown Stockton? All you have to do is ask. [email protected]

Revised 3/15/2023