STOCKMARKET

Posted on April 27, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Stockmarket is a local event that provides an opportunity for friends and families to explore and experience Stockton businesses. This is Stockmarket’s fifth year and they are in a NEW location at the Waterfront Marina at 445 W. Weber Avenue in #DowntownStockton. This past Saturday (April 20th) was the FIRST Stockmarket of the year! If you missed it, don’t worry! You still have an opportunity to check it out on June 22nd, August 17th, and October 19th from 10am to 4pm.

“With each year and location, we encourage attendees to join us to activate areas of our city that need some love! Our festival will feature 70+ vendors of art, handmade items, vintage goods, live music and tons of delicious local food options. We act as a platform to showcase local small business and to boost our local economy through supporting makers in our city. The festival is free to guests, dog friendly, and creates a fun atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy a day at the beautiful downtown waterfront.”

Founder’s Vision

Amy and Katie, the founders of Stockmarket, had a vision for a space in Stockton where businesses could sell their goods while creating a positive atmosphere in the community. Stockmarket first launched in 2015 with around 700 guests, and now in 2019 they’re attracting almost 3000 guests to a fun event for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“As we grow in size, and people spread the word about what the event is, and what it supports— we continue to hear great feedback from guests. Not only do they feel good about supporting local vendors, they enjoy having a space they can go to free of charge with the whole family (dogs included), to enjoy live music, taste local cuisine and meet new people along the way.”

Resource for Local Businesses

Not only is it a fun time for visitors to explore local businesses and enjoy tasty food, but it’s also good for the vendors. “We have had amazing feedback from our vendors. Not only have we had over 10 small businesses go from booths to brick and mortar, but we constantly hear positive feedback from vendors to surrounding cities who had never previously been to Stockton. It is important for us to change any negative perception people may have of our city, and part of Stockmarket is giving visitors a positive experience they can share with others. We hear all the time Stockmarket has a family feel atmosphere and we are all in it together to create a community event to be proud of.”

If you had a good time at Stockmarket before, you need to check out the event now that they’re downtown. And if you’ve never heard of or been to Stockmarket, definitely come out to the Waterfront Marina in #DowntownStockton to check it out!

Full Moon Riders

Posted on April 20, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Bicycling! Whether it’s a hobby, how you get to work, or a way of life, there are a series of events coming soon that you need to be aware of right away! For the fifth year, the Downtown Stockton Alliance is hosting the Full Moon Riders starting TODAY, April 20th. The Full Moon Riders will be gathering to ride every month on the evening of the full moon from April through October. Each ride will be led by various local organizations and be an opportunity to experience the wonder of downtown Stockton. This will also be the first time that the Downtown Stockton Alliance will be donating $1 per rider to a different non-profit organization at each ride.

Courtney Wood, the economic development coordinator for the Downtown Stockton Alliance explained the background and purpose of the Full Moon Riders event. “I think the original goal was that downtown was kind of empty at certain times and [the Downtown Stockton Alliance] were like, ‘wow, this would be great to have bike riding here’ because there aren’t many cars in the evenings when people go home from their offices. So it’s kind of a cool place to bike ride. I think that was part of it: to get people down here to use the streets to promote bicycling.”

Bikes & Bites

Not only is this event an opportunity to give visitors and residents a unique look at downtown Stockton, but also a chance to grab a bite to eat with fellow cyclists. At the end of rides, leaders will direct the riders to some of their favorite restaurants in the area for a filling and delicious dinner or maybe just a quick snack. If anything, it is a chance for people to come together after a fun ride and take pleasure in some downtown Stockton cuisine. Some participating restaurants may even have special deals and offers for the Full Moon Riders.

And if that still doesn’t sound like a good time, there will also be a giveaway at each ride for the first 100 riders. Registration always begins at 5:15pm in Janet Leigh Plaza on the day of the ride.

The Downtown Stockton Alliance Ambassadors will be helping out at the event. Special events ambassador Shirley Griffith explained the role that the ambassadors play during the event. “We have a table set up with giveaways and signup sheets, so at the beginning we get everybody’s name and email. We also take liability forms and give the riders the giveaway prize. And when they leave the plaza to go on their rides, we load everything up, go to the restaurant that is participating that night and put out bike racks.” So while everyone is enjoying themselves on their rides, it’s the ambassadors that are making sure everyone has a great experience.

So if you’re someone who simply enjoys a leisurely bike ride or you’re a passionate bicyclist, you definitely want to join the Full Moon Riders and experience another side of downtown Stockton. Just remember to ride responsibly and that children under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.

Listed below are some more details on each of the upcoming rides. You can also find more information at https://www.downtownstockton.org/play/full-moon-riders-2/

April 20th

6-8:15pm, led by the San Joaquin Bike Coalition.

Non-profit beneficiary: SJ Pride Center

Restaurant: Channel Brewing, Cast Iron, and Kabob & Gyro House

May 18th

6-9pm, led by Deacon Steve from the HUB

Non-profit beneficiary: the HUB

Restaurant: Cancun

Bonus: After-ride bike-in movie!

June 17th

6-8:15pm, led by the San Joaquin Bike Coalition

Non-profit beneficiary: Ready-to-Work

Restaurant: Papa Urb’s & Alfalfa’s

July 16th

6-8:15pm, led by Roadfinch

Non-Profit beneficiary: Mary Magdalene Community Services

Restaurant: All participating Downtown restaurants

August 15th

6-8:15pm, led by Roadfinch

Non-profit beneficiary: Child Abuse Prevention Council

Restaurant: The Downtowner, Subway

September 13th

6-8:15pm, led by Stockton Bike Club

Non-profit beneficiary: Mexican Heritage Center

Restaurant: Nena’s, D’lilah’s Cakery

October 13th

6-8:15pm, led by Robby’s Bicycles

Non-profit beneficiary: HATCH Workshop

Restaurant: participating Janet Leigh Plaza restaurants

Easter Weekend

Posted on April 19, 2019 by digitalgear

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Before the April showers bring May flowers, it’s the season of chocolate rabbits and hidden eggs. Easter is this Sunday! Many of the local churches in downtown Stockton will be hosting special Easter services, which we have listed below! Or if a service isn’t how you spend Easter, we’ve also provided some of the restaurants that have brunch or are open for lunch on Sunday!

Services

Stockton Sunrise Service

(Non-Denominational)

Weber Point Events Center, 221 North Center Street, Stockton CA 95202

6:00 AM to 7:00 AM

Reality Church Stockton

(Non Denominational. Part of the Reality Family of Churches)

235 North San Joaquin Street, Stockton CA 95202

There will be two services on Easter Sunday, April 21, at 9:00am and 11:00am

St Mary’s Church

(Catholic)

203 Washington Street, Stockton, CA 95202

There will be mass on Easter Sunday. Exact time TBD.

Saint John the Evangelist Church

(Episcopalian)

316 North El Dorado Street, Stockton, CA 95202

There will be services on Maunday Thursday, April 18, at 5:30pm; Good Friday, April 19, at 12:10pm; and Easter Sunday, April 21, at 10:30am

Pentecostal Church of Jesus

(Non Denominational)

24 South Grant Street, Stockton, CA 95202

There will be service on Easter Sunday, April 21, 11:15am

Brunch or Lunch

And if you’re going to be spending your Easter Sunday eating brunch or lunch with friends and family, there are plenty of options to choose from downtown.

RoRo’s

20 North California Street, Stockton, CA 95202

Seafood, burgers and barbeque.

Sunshine Hawaiian BBQ

11 North Center Street, Stockton, CA, 95202

Hawaiian cuisine and barbeque.

Flakos Takos

222 N El Dorado Street, Stockton, CA, 95202

Mexican cuisine.

Mimosas Gourmet

30 South El Dorado Street, Stockton, CA 95202

Cocktails, breakfast, brunch, and burgers.

The Downtowner

40 North Sutter Street, Stockton, CA 95202

Wraps, salads, and sandwiches.

Tita’s Ihawan

6 West Main Street, #K, Stockton, CA 95202

Filipino cuisine and desserts.

Photo from The Record

Kimberly Warmsley’s Therapeutic and Trauma Services

Posted on April 14, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Self-care and mental health are highly important to living a happy and fulfilling life. No matter where you work or what you do, it is imperative that you take into consideration your mental and emotional well being.

Kimberly Warmsley is in downtown Stockton to help those in emotional distress. Her business, Kimberly Warmsley’s Therapeutic and Trauma Services (KWTTS), is located at 31 North San Joaquin Street and provides a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to those seeking help and healing.

Services

So what does Kimberley and KWTTS do to help those in need? “I am a licensed clinical therapist and I provide clinical services, like one-on-one individual counseling, group counseling, and to businesses [I provide services for] emotional distress, stress management, relaxation tactics and techniques, and team building dialogues. I do ‘lunch and learns’ where I go to hour meetings, so if you have a business training, we will provide a lunch and we will talk about whatever topic you would like us to explore with your team.”

In addition, “I also do a free service for the community called “Coffee with Kimberly”. So community members who may not have insurance… can come into the clinic to talk about any topic that they want to.” Kimberly Warmsley is a member of Stockton community who recognizes that there are people who genuinely need help and cannot be ignored. With KWTTS, she is offering a helping hand to anyone in distress, regardless of their background.

Why Downtown?

When asked why Kimberly chose the district for her business, her response was, “Downtown is centrally located. You have the bus routes that come from every element of the city, so that people who may not have cars can get here. The atmosphere, the vibe of downtown, being connected to other resources and agencies, to be able to work collaboratively, was important to me. I would not have it in any other area. Even if you look at the population of kids downtown. Downtown is home to a lot of schools, so I’d like to be available to the youth.”

Kimberly Warmsley and KWTTS wants to demonstrate that kindness and optimism will make a tremendous impact on downtown Stockton. She and many others have the same goal to make the community a better place to live and play, and as long as everyone plays their part and puts in the effort, downtown Stockton will never be the same. To learn more about Kimberly Warmsley and KWTTS, visit www.kwtts.com

Elisco’s Fresh Mexican Grill

Posted on April 6, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

There are so many food options to choose from when hanging out in downtown. No matter what you are in the mood for, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for here.

If you are ever craving some authentic Mexican food, pay a visit to Elisco’s Fresh Mexican Grill. They are a newly opened business located at 125 Bridge Place, near the movie theater; they bring a unique flavor to the downtown area that is hard to beat and you are sure to enjoy.

Whether it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you will be able to find something on their menu to satisfy your appetite. If you need a filling breakfast, get a breakfast burrito stuffed with eggs, potatoes, bacon, ham, and chorizo. Or maybe you are in the mood for huevos rancheros: two over-easy eggs with sauce over a tostada with rice, beans, and cheese. You will be sure to finish breakfast happy and stuffed.

When it is later in the day and you are looking for something to eat for lunch or dinner, there are even more options. Maybe a burrito with your choice of meat, beans, rice, sour cream, pico de gallo, and salsa. Or a super BIG taco with your choice of meat, beans, pico de gallo, salsa, avocado, and cheese. They even have vegetarian tacos, burritos, and salads if meat is not your thing. No matter what you are in the mood for, you will find something tasty on their menu.

So if you are looking for authentic Mexican food from a family-owned restaurant that puts so much love and care into the food that you can taste it, visit Elisco’s Fresh Mexican Grill, where the food is so good, that it’ll almost bring you to tears.

Stocktown Nutrition

Posted on March 30, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Downtown Stockton is a place where everyone can find a little corner that fits their needs or interests. If you’re interested in fitness, healthy treats, or just enjoy a tasty shake, then Stocktown Nutrition might become your new favorite place.

Stocktown Nutrition is brand new to downtown Stockton, located at 211 East Weber Avenue, and it is a fun little shop that is a go-to place for those looking to live a healthier lifestyle. As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted by smiling faces, uplifting music, and a menu of delicious and refreshing teas and shakes.

Tami Tennis, owner of Stocktown Nutrition, explained to us the services that they provide to new customers. “Stocktown Nutrition is a high-energy positive place where we help people be healthy. We offer a service here that is three different products for a total of $8. We give a shot of aloe, that is good for absorption of nutrients, we also do a green tea that has antioxidants and is good for burning fat and speeding up the metabolism. And then our protein smoothies are complete meal replacements.” Those protein smoothies are all less than 250 calories with 24 grams of protein, and come in a variety of flavors from Cake Batter and Caramel Macchiato, to Orange Julius and Raspberry Cheesecake.

Another one of the services that Stocktown Nutrition provides to clients is a weight loss program. Stocktown Nutrition has trained coaches that are available for 3-day trials (that start Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays), and a 6-day trial (that starts on Mondays). The weightloss program is a package that includes 6 meal replacement shakes. The program can help with meal-prep or weight loss.

Stocktown Nutrition and Tami Tennis are dedicated to making a difference in the community and people’s lives. “I was called down here to …[become] a positive place in our community and I honestly believe that,” shared Tami Tennis, “I’ve seen the difference in people who don’t have hope and don’t have light, and … when they start getting good nutrition and they start feeling better, then their whole world starts to change.”

Through a bright outlook on life and flavorful shakes, Stocktown Nutrition is on the path to make people’s lives happier and healthier. As time goes on, Stocktown Nutrition will definitely make downtown Stockton a better place to live and play.

DSA Ambassadors

Posted on March 24, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

The mission of the Downtown Stockton Alliance is two-fold. One, it’s to promote businesses, housing, and events in downtown Stockton; second, is to create a vibrant and comfortable community for all residents and visitors. One of the ways that the Downtown Stockton Alliance fulfills this mission is through their downtown ambassadors.

Patrolling the downtown area; escorting visitors to their cars; maintaining a good relationship with local business owners; promoting businesses and events; and creating a welcoming presence are just a few duties performed weekly by the DSA’s ambassadors. The DSA currently has two on staff, Shirley Griffith and Johnny Palacios; if you see them out on the Downtown streets, be sure to stop and say hello!

Johnny Palacios has been an ambassador with the Downtown Stockton Alliance for 12 years. Some of his current responsibilities include maintenance of DSA’s online event calendar and business directory. Palacios provided some insight into the ambassador role at the DSA: “We are the people-persons for the Alliance.” He explained, “What we do is work with downtown businesses. We try to get to know them on a first named basis…they know who we are and we know who they are. We go in there to visit and say hello. We ask them if they have any flyers…especially when they first open.” By forging and maintaining a strong and friendly relationship with local businesses, the ambassadors help make new businesses feel welcome and are able to give visitors places to go when they come downtown.

Shirley Griffith has been an ambassador since day one of the Downtown Stockton Alliance’s inception in 1997, and has been a witness to how much the community has grown and changed overtime. “It was bad…there was nobody down here at that time. Now we’ve come a long way because there are people all over,” shared Griffith, who currently oversees beautification projects, like bollard and curb painting. Through the efforts of local businesses, community leaders, and individuals who love downtown Stockton, the district has cleaned up and become a place where people can work, play, and eat.

There may not be many of them, but the Downtown Stockton Alliance ambassadors are integral to the Downtown Stockton Alliance’s functions. They help maintain a close-knit community where businesses support each other and where visitors can leave with a pleasant experience. Through their efforts and the efforts of others in the district, the ambassadors know that Downtown Stockton has a bright future.

Press Recording Studio

Posted on March 9, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Downtown Stockton is home to many talented artists. It is a place full of innovation and productivity, with resources to help budding creatives take their work to the next level. For artists interested in music, or engaged in projects requiring an audio component, the Press Recording Studio is ready to record.

Located at 11 South San Joaquin Street, #206, next to the historic Bob Hope (the Fox) Theatre, the Press Recording Studio is a full-service commercial recording studio. It’s relaxed, yet professional, environment features experienced engineers and world-class recording equipment. The Press Recording Studio has been in the downtown area for over five years; this hidden gem attracts a broad spectrum of clients, from here in town to as far as Germany!

Matt Young is the owner of the Press Recording Studio; being from Stockton, he wants the studio to give local musicians a place where they can record and get a professional sound for an affordable price. The origin of the Press Recording Studio is an example of how one passion can lead to another. “I was a musician and I would record at other studios, but I liked to record my own stuff at home. So I started doing home recording first and people liked the way it sounded so then people would ask if I could record them, and I just fell in love with the recording process,” explained Young.

The Press Recording Studio is already making a difference for many local artists and organizations, but Matt Young has even more planned for the future. “Me and another songwriter from Stockton…just started something called Grace Note, which gives students free studio time. I definitely want to do more stuff for the community like that, like I’m doing a Battle of the Bands which also gives local artists free studio time. But I really just want to continue to give Stockton a really nice studio and just keep improving on that as much as I can.”

The Downtown Stockton Alliance’s (DSA) audio tour, Walk with Weber, was actually recorded at the Press Recording Studio. With a project like Walk with Weber, the process was simple for Matt and his team. First, Manuel Laguna recorded his historical knowledge in just a few takes, and then it took the engineers at the Press Recording Studio two to three hours edit and mix. After sending a rough draft to the DSA, minor adjustments were made before the final product was completed. All of this was accomplished for just $45/hr!

Matt Young and The Press Recording Studio wants clients to be satisfied with their recordings. It’s important for clients to be prepared before coming in to record so that they can make the most of their time at the studio. For those who are new to the process and have no idea what to expect or how to prepare, Matt Young suggests asking questions. “Ask as many questions as you can before you get into the studio because that will help you prepare the most. Every project is a little different and it’s hard to know what to be prepared for if you’ve never been in the studio, but the biggest thing is to just ask questions.”

So for local artists who are looking for a professional, affordable place to record, the Press Recording Studio is the place to go. To learn more about them or to book a session, check out their website, www.thepressrecordingstudio.com

Most Modest

Posted on March 2, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Downtown Stockton’s atmosphere attracts entrepreneurial people both near and far. Many business owners from other cities are recognizing downtown Stockton’s value and potential, and they are taking the steps to not only grow their businesses in the area, but also to help downtown Stockton thrive. Most Modest is the latest evidence of increasing outside interest in downtown Stockton.

Product Design in Downtown

Most Modest is a product design, manufacturer, and accessory brand that has opened a studio on E. Weber Avenue in downtown Stockton. Most Modest produces unique and minimalistic products that are perfect for any office or work space. This includes products like: Cody, a desktop organizer that combines a pencil cup with a wood tray; Niko, a wood form power strip combined with a knitted mesh power cable; and Simon, a cable organizer that’s simple but keeps cables from making a mess and tangling. These are just a few of their products; there are more coming soon.

Founder of Most Modest, Justin Champaign, explained the meaning behind “Most Modest” and the origins of the business. “Most Modest, the name, comes from the Emily Post Book of Etiquette, which I found at a flea market. There is a chapter on how to be a most modest host, and that really fit with what I was trying to create for the brand and types of products we make and design here. MM brand is about making meaningful products and experiences for our customers and the users of them, not about us ‘the designers.’ But we do want to be the best at it, hence being the MOST Modest.”

Cody
Niko
Simon

Moving to Downtown Stockton

Originally located in San Francisco, Champaign decided to move Most Modest to Stockton to escape the absurd rent increases and stressful commute. While Most Modest could have moved anywhere, like Austin, Seattle, or Sacramento, Champaign realized that Stockton was the best choice.

“On one of my commutes from San Francisco to the Sierras I decided to check out Stockton. I was immediately interested. A beautiful location on the water, cool old downtown and surrounding neighborhoods and directly half way between SF and the Sierras. I began doing research and stumbled upon Jared Rusten though Instagram. I saw he had left SF and setup in downtown Stockton; I got in contact and he showed me around. It was then that I made the decision I was going to try and setup in Stockton. I planned on trying to buy a building and be part of restoring downtown Stockton to its former glory.”

Now that they are settled in downtown Stockton, Most Modest can focus on growing and improving. “The future is exciting – we have partnered with some great domestic manufacturers and are ramping up our production, expanding our lines and categories into lighting, furniture objects, and of course power.”

Downtown welcomes Most Modest wholeheartedly, and is eager to see this unique business flourish.

The Commissary

Posted on February 23, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Didn’t have time to make breakfast in the morning? Want a burger like no other for lunch? Check out the newest downtown restaurant, the Commissary, to satisfy your appetite.

It’s only been open for a few weeks, but the Commissary is already commanding attention from the downtown Stockton community. Located at 357 East Market Street, the Commissary serves delicious breakfast and lunch foods that you’ll have trouble finding anywhere else. Owners Johnny, Alex, and Andrew, aim to serve the community with convenient, filling, morning and midday meals. The new establishment’s lunchtime rush is evidence of freshly sparked customer love and support which will help the Commissary quickly become a choice downtown eatery!

Using the freshest ingredients, the Commissary has savory breakfast choices like a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, tater tots, American cheese, and a choice of meat like spam, ham, bacon, sausage, or hot link. Their burgers range from a classic cheese burger with American cheese, to a juicy turkey burger, to a “Mad Cow” burger boasting bacon, fried egg, pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, and grilled onions. Happily, the Commissary is also willing to customize menu items to ensure each customer has a satisfying meal.

Location

“We want to be a staple in the downtown community.” shared the owners of the Commissary, “We’re not copying anyone or trying to take over the scene and trying to do what everyone else is doing. We’re offering stuff no one really has. We keep it simple so that people can just come in and order.”
The Commissary’s employees and owners truly want to make people happy; they put in the effort to make sure everyone has a good experience and wants to come back.

Being from Stockton, the owners of the Commissary also want to support downtown Stockton and other businesses in the area. They don’t see themselves as competing against other restaurants or shops, but providing another option for people needing to grab breakfast or lunch.

Looking to the Future

The Commissary has plans to expand their selection. As they get comfortable in the area and attract more customers, they’ll be experimenting with their menu and choices to please as many people as possible. To keep up to date with everything they do, follow them on

Instagram: @eat_at_commissary

So if you work downtown, or if you happen to be in the area, consider the Commissary – open Monday to Friday, 8AM to 2PM – for your next breakfast or lunch. They have great bites for fair prices and are passionate, not just for food, but for the community. As downtown Stockton grows, the Commissary will grow with it.