Things to Do at Home

Posted on April 13, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

Per CDC guidelines to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are staying home. As a result, our world is increasingly becoming even more digital. In Downtown Stockton, businesses and organizations have turned to virtual events and many restaurants and eateries have remained open to serve you delicious meals through pick up or delivery. In these unique and unprecedented times, our local businesses need our support more than ever! This is why we’ve compiled a list of downtown eateries that are still open for take out. A couple also offer Door Dash or Postmates (delivery services), meaning you don’t have to leave the comforts of your home for a tasty lunch or dinner! But first, we’ll be sharing a couple of virtual activities hosted by downtown organizations.

Fun and Educational Activities (yes, these exist) for Kids

Now that the kids are home from school, it might be a little challenging to find some educational activities that will entertain them. Luckily, downtown has two solutions: Visit The Children’s Museum of Stockton and the San Joaquin Public Library’s Facebook pages! The Children’s Museum of Stockton’s Facebook feed is full of fun, educational activities. From scavenger hunts, science projects, to easy and fun recipes, these hands-on activities are bound to keep the young ones entertained for hours! In addition, the San Joaquin County Public Library has live book readings. Kids will love these lively stories and will be captivated by the animated storyteller bringing the characters to life! The library will be announcing a live storytelling schedule soon on their Facebook page, so make sure to be on the lookout for that.

Virtual Activities/Events You Can Enjoy From the Comfort of Your Couch

Have you tried Walk With Weber, our virtual tour of Downtown Stockton? Narrated by knowledgeable and retired DSA Ambassador, Manuel Laguna, the tour takes you through downtown’s rich history by highlighting some of downtown’s oldest buildings! Learn about downtown and be prepared to be fascinated in the process!

Centro Community Partners works to provide aspiring and current business owners with advisory services and leadership programs that will help launch or grow their businesses. Interested in getting involved? There are two upcoming virtual events! First is Centro Community Partners Entrepreneur Bootcamp, where entrepreneurs can create their business plan in one weekend. Register by April 20th! In addition, there is a Centro Community Partners Basic Entrepreneur Workshop, where entrepreneurs will learn how to develop and improve upon their business plan while analyzing key aspects of their business. More details on how to register coming soon.

Don’t forget to follow your favorite downtown businesses on social media to stay in the know! Facebook and/or Instagram pages are great ways to find news and virtual activities or events.

Don’t Forsake Your Cravings

Craving Mexican Food? Chinese food? Greek food? Looking for a good burger or chicken sandwich? These don’t even cover all the variety downtown has to offer! Take a look at our list of open eateries and plan your meals for the day… or the week! We’ve also added a word search at the bottom if you’re looking for something to do! 🙂

Alfalfa’s – Take out/delivery
Downtowner – Take Out/Delivery
Moo Moo’s Burger Barn – Take Out/Delivery
Nash + Tender – Take out/Door Dash Delivery
Orlando’s Market and Deli – Take out only
Subway – Take out/Door Dash Delivery
Casa Flores – Take Out
Foo Lung Deli – Take Out
Misaki – Take Out/Door Dash
Papa Urbs – Take Out/Post Mate Delivery
Thai Thai – Take Out
Sunshine Hawaiian BBQ – Take out/Door Dash Delivery
Empresso – Take Out
Yasoo Yani – Take Out/Delivery for 10 or more
Kabob and Gyro House – Take Out/Door Dash Delivery
Cancun – Take Out
El Zarape – Take Out
Irma’s Place – Take Out
Maria’s – Take Out
Nena’s Restaurant – Take Out/Door Dash Delivery
Tio Pepe’s II – Take Out/Door Dash Delivery
Xochimilco – Take Out/Door Dash Delivery

WORD SEARCH: OPEN DOWNTOWN EATERIES

Kabob and Gyro House

Cancun

El Zarape

Irmas

Marias

Nenas

Tio Pepes

Misaki

Papa Urbs

Thai Thai

Sunshine Hawaiian BBQ

Empresso

Yasoo Yani

Alfalfas

Downtowner

MooMoos

NashTender

Orlandos

Subway

Casa Flores

Foo Lung Deli

If you are a downtown restaurant offering take out but are not listed above, please contact our Marketing Director, Alex McBride, at [email protected]. She will add your name to the list!

COVID-19 Resources

Posted on March 20, 2020 by digitalgear

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Courtney Wood, our Economic Development Director, participated in a webinar addressing the resources available for small businesses during this public health crisis. The information has been condensed into the following list!

Disaster Relief

Resources to consider during this COVID-19 emergency (organizations who specifically have offerings to deal with this particular crisis/or crises in general):

SBA Office of Disaster Assistance
- The sooner businesses apply, the better, as there will be many businesses seeking out this resource
  - https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
  - 1-800-659-2955
  - [email protected]

IBank California Small Business Finance Center, which among other things has a Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program
- California Capital is one of the FDCs who participates in this loan guarantee program; [email protected] is the contact
  - https://www.ibank.ca.gov/small-business-finance-center/
Kiva
- 0% interest and offering a special grace period of 6 months due to the COVID situation
  - https://www.kiva.org/about
California Treasurer’s CALCAP
- https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/sb/index.asp

Capital Resources

Here are additional loan programs/funding programs which are available (not specifically handling the COVID-19 scenario, but offering potential capital resources during this difficult time):

Downtown Stockton Enterprise Loan Fund (DSELF)
- Prime interest rate + 2%
  - https://www.downtownstockton.org/dself/
City of Stockton MicroLoan Program
- $3,000 – $30,000
  - http://www.stocktongov.com/files/Small%20Business%20Micro%20Loan%20Brochure.pdf
Main Street Launch
- Richard Morris
  - [email protected]
  - 209.637.5589
Opportunity Fund
- loans $2,600 – $250,000,
  - their interest rates are a bit higher than some of the other resources
    - 866.299.8173
    - [email protected]
Stockton Impact Corps
- loans $1,000-$5,000
  - http://www.stocktonimpactcorps.org/start-ups.html

Additional Resources

For other COVID-19 related information, please visit StocktonStrong.org.

Update: 3/27/20

DSA has launched a COVID-19 Disaster resource page, where we will continue to add new resources as we learn about them.

Attention

Posted on March 13, 2020 by digitalgear

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By DSA Staff

On Thursday, March 12th, the City of Stockton released a Public Health Emergency notice informing the public that the city is adopting the State Mass Gathering policy, which states:

Postponing or cancelling large gatherings that include 250 people or more;
Social distancing of six feet per person for smaller gatherings; and
Limiting gatherings of individuals at higher risk for severe illness from coronavirus to no more than 10 people.

Venues such as the Stockton Arena, the Bob Hope Theatre, and Banner Island Ballpark have suspended and/or postponed all events for the time being. Visit the Stockton Live website for more information. http://www.stocktonlive.com/tickets-events/event-updates

If you won tickets for either a Stockton Heat game or Stockton Kings game via our social media accounts, please contact us directly at [email protected].

Doing our part

The health & safety of our downtown visitors, businesses, and property owners are our top priority. We are continuing our maintenance efforts by pressure washing at a heat between 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Currently, our CEO, our Operations & Office Manager, and our Safety Ambassador Supervisors are the only staff in the office. Our other office staff are currently working remotely, or have been furloughed for the time being.

Our Maintenance techs are continuing their daily routes, but are not allowed to drive two to a vehicle to comply with social distancing.

We are closely monitoring those who are coming in to work for any symptoms of COVID-19.

Additionally, we have updated our events calendar to reflect cancellations and postponements.

For the latest info on the Coronavirus (COVID-19), sign up for text updates. Text Covid19 to 211211 to receive updated information provided by Public Health and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Via Ventures

Posted on March 6, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur hoping to launch your dream shop in Downtown Stockton, a current business owner in need of a workspace, or looking for the perfect space to hold your next program or event, Via Ventures can help you do just that! One of downtown’s most recent additions, Via Ventures is a coworking office and community event space dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all members and visitors. To learn more about Via’s vision and services, we spoke with Jasmine Leek, Co-Founder and CEO of Via Ventures.

How Did Via Ventures Start?

Jasmine Leek, a Stockton native, has always been very involved in the revitalization of the downtown community. The former Executive Director of the Huddle Cowork and founder of the Third City Coalition, Jasmine continued her passion for uplifting the community by working together with co-founder Leonel Castillo to bring Via Ventures to life. Jasmine and Leonel envisioned a community space, “where you can come to explore ideas,” that also addressed the holistic needs of entrepreneurs. Thus, Via Ventures isn’t just a physical space, but also a welcoming atmosphere that fosters community connections and provides tools to help members’ reach their community-based goals and dreams (and of course, the office is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi!). Curious to know how Via got its name? Jasmine explains that the letters represent Values and Envision, Ideas and Initiatives, and Assets and Action, respectively.

Interested in Becoming a Member?

Via Ventures offers several services and memberships (community and coworking memberships), each with unique offers and opportunities. There are even concierge services, which their website states can, “help you tackle life with personal task and referral services.” Via is armed with passionate and knowledgable staff who can answer your questions and help you design and launch your ideas. Additionally, the flexible space is available to rent for events. Its bright, airy, and modern-styled interior is the perfect setting for seminars, business meetings, workshops, or anything in between. Sound too good to be true? Come see the space for yourself! Your first visit to Via Ventures is completely free and you can get all your questions answered by any of Via’s team members who will be more than happy to assist you.

On March 20th (which also happens to be the International Day of Happiness and first day of spring!), Via Ventures is hosting a formal launch event. The event is open to the public, and they’d love to see you there!

Why Downtown?

Via Ventures is located right next to downtown’s beloved Trail Coffee Roasters, who they have a great working relationship with. After all, like Jasmine says, “good coffee and coworking go together!” She also reveals that Downtown Stockton was prioritized in discussions concerning Via’s location, as the area provides a, “great opportunity to make your mark!” Although Jasmine shares that they would eventually like to expand to more locations, Downtown Stockton will always be Via’s original home.

Quick Three with Jasmine!

Favorite Lunch Spot and Coffee Shop?

Xochimilco Café for lunch, and of course, Trail Coffee for coffee! (She gives high praise to the Golden Milk — now I’ve gotta try it!)

Describe Downtown in One Word:

“Blooming.”

What is Downtown Stockton’s Spirit Animal?

Jasmine and Leonel both agree on a Phoenix, because of its, “spirit of renewal and resilience, but also because of its symbolism of balancing light and darkness.”

To learn more about Via Ventures, visit their website at: yourvia.co.

Changeist

Posted on February 28, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Nissi Guiao

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Ghandi

Changeist, a local movement comprised of incredible, young individuals based in downtown Stockton, truly embodies their name and rightly represents the famous quote above. As an integral part of the new growth and ever-increasing development downtown, Changeist exists to empower the younger generations to “be the change they want to see in their community.” Their vision and programs aren’t one-hit wonders. The work they do internally and externally causes real impact. Everything they stand for they represent well. And their actions speak even louder than their words. As they instill the importance of being the change instead of simply hoping for it to magically happen, they build positive belief systems that organically influence culture. Whether you’re local or not, Changeist is 100% the program to get behind.

We had the honor and privilege of interviewing Changeist’s very own Program Manager, Austin Steinhart, to catch a glimpse of the inspiring work they do as a whole.

How would you best describe Changeist and what’s the heartbeat of the organization?

“Our heartbeat is our young people. They guide every aspect of our work and show us that it is possible to live in a more just society.

At our core, Changeist is a community of young people that want to make Stockton a better place. We are a Little League for civic action, helping youth build change-making muscles from an early age. Changeist mobilizes youth, ages 11-26, from all different walks of life, places them on diverse teams and takes them through a 6-month civic action experience, exploring the issues they care most about. While cultivating curiosity, gratitude, teamwork, and adventure, we’re helping young people develop important change-making skills while allowing them to exercise their agency and ultimately change the world.”

What is Changeist’s goal?

“Changeist is building a community of diverse young people that utilize their personal agency to create a more just society. We want young people from across Stockton to come together to talk about the challenges our community faces, think about creative and innovative solutions to these programs, and then be the change they want to see in their community.”

Where is Changeist located and why?

“Our office space is at Huddle, a location that has been the starting point for so many amazing non-profits in Stockton, and aligns with our organization’s emphasis on collaboration. While our office is at Huddle, our program takes place at the Teen Impact Center. We were very intentional with hosting our program in Downtown Stockton. For young people in Stockton, Downtown is a place that you would only visit to go to the movies. However Downtown Stockton is a place with amazing history and significance. With the recent reinvestment in Downtown Stockton, we want the young people of our city to reclaim their downtown. At the Teen Impact Center, we are just blocks away from the Cesar Chavez Library, City Hall, MLK Plaza, the Civic Auditorium, Janet Leigh Plaza, and Weber Point, to name just a few landmarks. Downtown Stockton used to be an entertainment hotspot for the state and we want to play our part in putting young people at the center of reimagining what Downtown Stockton could look like and be.”

When did Changeist come to downtown?

“Changeist came to Stockton, specifically downtown Stockton, in the summer of 2019. In mid-August, we had 13 full-time AmeriCorps members join us for a year of service, alongside over 100 service fellows that will be serving in Stockton as part of the Stockton Service Corps.”

What would Changeist like the people of Stockton to know?

“Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but they are the leaders of today. Only by investing in them and truly listening to them will we be able to see the changes we want to happen in our community. We will either have to support the young people in our city or get out of their way!”

Can people in the community get involved?

“To stay up to date on events and happenings, people can follow us on Instagram @changeiststk or visit our website at Changeist.org. We are looking to fill the last few spots we have available in our 2020 cohort for 6th through 12th graders. To apply, visit bit.ly/applytochangeist. Apply TODAY as we will close our application once all openings have been filled!”

What is your role as Program Manager and what is your favorite thing about Changeist?

“As Program Manager, I’m helping to build relationships and establish the organization within my hometown, while also creating the Americorps Member experience and helping to ensure we build meaningful, inclusive, and youth-led opportunities for the young people of Stockton. Changiest allows me to give opportunities to the youth here that I could have never imagined growing up in Stockton.”

Changeist may be new, but its positive impact on both young people and the downtown community by no means has been light. Changeist strongly believes the younger generations are our future and they are impressively doing their part in teaching them well and letting them lead the way. And it’s groundbreaking, especially in our world today. Follow along on the journey of inspiring change through the youth of our city and/or get involved however you can, even if it’s simply spreading the word!

The Heart of the Community

Posted on February 21, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jordan Rosales

It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where families gather around the warm room for conversation and traditions. The kitchen is more than just a room where food preparation happens, its where bonding happens. Nothing brings people together quite like food. Downtown Stockton is no different because here, the kitchen is now the heart of the community! As of earlier this month, BellaVista is now home to the new Stockton Community Kitchen.

The Perfect Ingredients

Stockton Mayor, Michael Tubbs had long wanted a place where low-income folks with big goals could have their dreams realized, he just never had all the right pieces. Originally he tried to start the program from scratch by guiding a commercial kitchen downtown but that would’ve cost millions of dollars. Since he was never able to find the right person to lead the project, it never got off the ground. That’s when Rima Barkett came in to save the day. She had all the ingredients for the projects success, not only is she an accomplished chef, restauranteur, and author, but she also has an extensive history of philanthropy. Her main passion is giving women who lack opportunities and resources access to them in order to have a fair shot. Rima’s record of working with other non-profits made her the perfect fit to helm this proverbial ship. Rima was able to offer her commercial kitchen for the program’s use. Through her connections, she was able to build a team of experts from the business world and the food industry to volunteer and teach about all aspects entrepreneurs will need to run a successful business.

Cooking up a Brighter Future

The Stockton Community Kitchen is a local non-profit partnership that aspires to help underserved communities achieve entrepreneurial success. It is a food incubator enterprise that provides its chefs and future business owners all the tools they will need to start a new local business. The goal of the Stockton Community Kitchen is to offer mentorship, support, and business expertise to under-resourced communities in order to help them succeed in the competitive world of food service. Essentially, the offer people who already have the skills in the kitchen, the skills to run a business as well.

A recipe for success

Anyone who wants to apply for the program must first meet the five qualifications. First and foremost, they must be a low-income individual as specified by the Housing and Urban Development guidelines of San Joaquin County. Since their mission is to help elevate those with the highest barriers to entry in the food industry, the Stockton Community Kitchen also takes access to opportunities into consideration. Second, you must have a business idea ready. Once in the program, a mentor can help you refine and build upon your idea but when applying, you must have an idea that is wholly your own. Third, you need to have product viability. When entering a highly competitive industry like the food industry you need to have a unique and innovative concept that sets you apart from other products on the market. Fourth, you must possess an entrepreneurial spirit. Starting a new business can be very demanding and without passion or a strong drive, it can become incredibly overwhelming. Applicants need to show they have a strong work ethic and the grit it takes to start a business from scratch. Lastly, the applicant must have community spirit. Because Stockton is an incredibly diverse community, participants must show that they are able to work with and serve people from all backgrounds.

Application process

Once you have met the qualifications you can go to an application workshop where you’ll be taught how to properly complete the application, while this step isn’t necessary it can be helpful. The program itself consists of four distinct steps. The first step is application and enrollment. The Stockton Community Kitchen accepts applications year-round but the program only runs three times a year. The second step is the pre-incubation. The pre-incubation period is a four-month process where participants will receive hands-on training from industry professionals. They will focus on business basics like product development, marketing, financing, and managing daily operations. During this period participants create their own schedules to meet with their mentors. The third step is the incubator. After a successful first four months, participants will continue their previous training and start to develop skills more specific to their individual business objectives while having access to the affordable commercial kitchen facilities to support their business. The fourth and final step is graduation. After successfully reaching all program benchmarks participants become graduates of the Stockton Community Kitchen.

The goal of the Stockton Community Kitchen is to help underprivileged and underrepresented groups achieve business success and shape the landscape of Stockton’s diverse culinary future

For more information about The Stockton Community Kitchen call them at (209) 608-5455 or visit their website https://stocktoncommunitykitchen.org/

Samples from the Grand Opening of the Community Kitchen

Dreaming of Warmer Days? Here Are Some Outdoor Downtown Events to Look Forward To!

Posted on February 14, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

Even though it’s still winter, days are shorter, and you can’t leave home without a jacket (even if its a light one), it’s never too early to start thinking about warmer, sunnier days, and the events they bring with them to Downtown Stockton! Trust me, you’re not the only one daydreaming about enjoying a walk by downtown’s waterfront, ordering an iced coffee at Empresso’s and relaxing in their outdoor seating, attending Ports games, or going for a Full Moon Riders bike ride in the evening! Below, we’ve put together a list of several outdoor events coming up in Downtown Stockton, just to get you even more excited about what’s to come and to give you a head start in planning! Make sure to visit our website’s Event’s Calendar and stay social with us on Social Media to receive updates on new events as soon as they’re added!

El Concilio’s Cinco de Mayo Family Festival

Love families? Love festivals? And love to have a good time? You’re in luck- El Concilio is putting on their annual Cinco de Mayo Family Festival at the Weber Point Events Center on Sunday, May 3rd! The largest Cinco de Mayo Family Fiesta in the Central Valley, the celebration will feature Hispanic culture, dance, and music and will honor and recognize diversity. Various food, beverage and arts and crafts vendors will be present for you to enjoy. Oh and of course, there will also be a children’s activities area for the little ones. Admission is $5, and children 12 and under are free!

Feast at the Fox

Feast at the Fox is a highly anticipated five-course dining experience located on Main Street in Downtown Stockton, right in front of the iconic Bob Hope Theater. This year, Feast of the Fox will take place on May 8th. Put on by Visit Stockton and the Delta College Culinary Arts program, the event will feature a menu of delicious creations by local chefs, made exclusively with fresh ingredients that were harvested from local areas. Not only would you get to indulge in an extraordinary dinner, but you’ll also get to enjoy live entertainment and a silent auction. Check out Visit Stockton’s website for ticket information and availability.

West Coast Conference Baseball Championships

What better way to spend warm evenings than by viewing America’s favorite pastime and cheering on the red, white and blue of our Stockton Ports? The West Coast Conference Baseball Championships take place between May 20th and May 23rd. There will be a Kids Clinic on the 20th, several baseball games on the 21st and 22nd, and finally, the championship game on Saturday, the 23rd. Check our events Calendar later for more details!

CRAVE Food Festival

We heard you’ve been craving something new, so we found plans for you on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend: Stockton’s newest food festival, CRAVE! From 2pm to 7pm, stroll through four entire blocks to order at tasty food trucks, eat at the irresistibly-smelling street food stalls, savor artisan drinks, and enjoy foodie related surprises. When you need a break after trying the 4th food truck (no judgments here, only encouragement), play some games, or listen and dance along to the live music. Not only do you get to bring your friends, family, and even your enemies if you want to, the event is pet friendly. Free admission, food trucks galore, alcohol and free admission?! Say no more. See you there!

Valentine’s Day Weekend in Downtown

Posted on February 11, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jordan Rosales

Just as the Christmas decorations have finally been taken down, their places have been filled with pink and red hearts, fat babies equipped with bows and arrows, and rows and rows of candy as far as the eye can see. February is here and love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is THIS Friday with plenty of things going on Downtown! While we’re sure you made plans for the special occasion months ago, we know there are some procrastinators out there. Luckily, for those late to the game (and their significant others) we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 ways to spend your Valentine’s Day in Downtown Stockton!

Top 5 Ways to Spend your Valentine’s Day in Downtown Stockton:

Go dancing: Salsa Night
- Although Chitiva’s usually reserves Salsa Night for Thursdays, they are extending it to Friday too for Valentine’s Day. From 8:30-9:30 PM they offer dance lessons and from 9:30-1:00 AM you can dance the night away. Admission is only $10!
See stand up comedian, Frankie Quiñones, at the Bob Hope Theatre
- You may recognize Frankie from Comedy Central, HBO, TBS, Nickelodeon, and his viral YouTube sketches. Not only will you get to see Frankie but his famous characters like Creeper and Juanita Carmelita too! Tickets are only $22 and available through Stockton Live.
Watch the Stockton Heat
- Turn up the heat with the Stockton Heat hockey team. They’ll be playing the Ontario Reign at the Stockton Arena 7:00-10:00 PM you can buy your tickets online or at the arena box office. Tickets range from $15- $38.
Release your inner child
- Let your inner child rule the night at The Deliberation Room. The Deliberation Room will be selling special heart-shaped pizzas and Valentine’s Day cocktails but most importantly, they will be offering FREE pool, air hockey, and arcade games. They’re even inviting Stockton Floral so you can buy some last-minute flowers on site.
Enjoy a romantic evening at the Mexican Heritage Center!
- Friday night at 6PM, head to the Mexican Heritage Center located at 111 S. Sutter St in #DowntownStockton, for Sopas de Amor! An evening featuring EIGHT soups showcasing different regions in Mexico. Cost is $25 per person. To reserve your spot, call or text (209) 969-9306.

Placemaking Award Program

Posted on February 7, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

Need Funds for a Downtown Project? Apply For Our New Placemaking Award Program!

If you want to bring a Downtown Stockton project to life but are a little short on funds, consider applying for our Placemaking Award Program! Discussions took place between the DSA Board of Directors last year about potentially creating a grant program, and this year, it’s going live! Courtney Wood, DSA’s Economic Development Director, shares that this program was created because, “businesses and events might need a little extra help to get going.” Examples of projects include (but are not limited to) organizing an educational and fun cultural event downtown, adding a small but charming outdoor patio to your restaurant, putting on rewarding workshops or seminars, and adding vivid art installations downtown.

How to Apply

Applications for the Placemaking Awards will be available on the DSA website starting February 1st, and the deadline to turn them in will be April 1st at 4pm. The applications are open rather than restrictive, because we want you to get creative! What would you like to bring to downtown that will attract more visitors? Pop up stores? Musical performances? A butterfly garden? A statue of Danny DeVito? (Okay, probably not that last one).

Criteria

Along with the requirement that the project must take place in Downtown Stockton, there are several other criteria the Board of Directors will consider to determine whether or not you are eligible for a grant:

Does your application demonstrate that you have a clear vision for your project?
Does it seem like you will be able to complete the project within a certain timeframe?
How much will the proposed program or project benefit the downtown community?
How much revenue will the proposed program or project bring to downtown?
How much enthusiasm do you have for your proposed project?

After review by the Board of Directors, final funding discussions will take place in May. On the 1st of June, the DSA will announce the grant recipients. Recipients will receive 50% of the funds upfront, while the other 50% will be in the form of a reimbursement, provided once the project has reached completion. Overall, you can apply for up to $10,000. The Placemaking Award Program has $20,000 of available funds in total.

Excitement for the Future

Courtney, who helped DSA Board Member Jared Rusten design the program, shared, “I’m looking forward to seeing all the creative ideas that people can bring downtown and seeing the DSA having a role in making this happen through the grant.” In addition, she’s excited to see how the community will respond to the implementation of new projects and the economic growth the projects will bring to downtown.

Don’t forget, you can start the application for the grant on February 1st! Start thinking of those ideas, we can’t wait to see them!

2020: The year of the Library

Posted on January 24, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jordan Rosales

It may already be 2020, but 90’s nostalgia is at an all-time high and right now no other after school cartoon is remembered quite as fondly as Arthur. Arthur was always there to make us laugh and teach us valuable life lessons. Among the lessons on how to spell your name and how to be a friend, one of the most important things that Arthur taught us was that having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card! Luckily for us, there’s a fantastic library right here in Downtown Stockton and getting a library card is incredibly simple! All you need to do is walk into the Cesar Chavez branch with your ID. If your current address is different than the one listed on your ID simply bring something with your correct ID and if you are under 17 years old an adult needs to come with you to sign up.

Fun for Everyone!

Without a doubt, you will find traditional shelves of books on every subject imaginable at the Cesar Chavez Library, but you will also find that they offer fun programs and activities for the entire family! To view the programs simply go to the San Joaquin Library website at SSJCPL.org. From there you’ll want to click on the events calendar page in the dropdown menu labeled “programs.” Once you’re in the calendar, click limit by location and select the Cesar Chavez library! Just click go and you’re in!

The library offers multiple events almost every day of the month for every age range. Regular activities include free computer classes for seniors, genealogy helpers’ events for adults, teen SAT/ACT prep workshops, and preschool playtime/storytime for kids!

One upcoming program the library is especially excited to offer throughout the month of February is the Volunteer Income Tax Association (VITA) Free Tax Services offered every Tuesday from 10 am ‑ 7 pm. VITA helps people prepare for tax season! All you need to do is call them at (209) 483 – 4190 and book an appointment.

The library provides a wonderful sense of community through its many clubs: chess club, book club, coloring club, Lego club, and more! Not only that, but you are BOUND to make lasting family memories by attending one of their craft nights, where you can make things ranging from valentines to mugs! They also offer a bilingual storytime called Vamos A Leer. The best part of it is that all these programs are completely free with your library card!

The World at your Fingertips

While the staff at the Cesar Chavez Library would love to see you in person, they want to remind you that there a ton of online services they offer too. With just your library card, you have access to educational tools across the internet. Thousands of magazines await you with Flipster. You can stream critically acclaimed blockbusters like Lady Bird and Moonlight along with educational documentaries on Kanopy. Hoopla offers free e-books and free audio e-books perfect for long car rides like commutes and road trips. Tutor.com offers one on one chat to help kids with their homework in every subject all the way through their senior year of high school. Having a library card even grants you access to Rosetta Stone which will help you tackle that New Year’s resolution of learning a new language or prepare for a trip overseas.

If you thought libraries were a thing of the past, welcome to 2020. The Cesar Chavez library is so much more than a building with books – it offers community, education, and fun. So, if you’re ever bored and looking for something to do, just remember what your old pal Arthur said, “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card!”