DOWNTOWN STOCKTON HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES: December 7th!

Posted on December 3, 2024December 3, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

When: December 7^th, 3:00 – 7:30 PM
Where: Weber Point Events Center, 221 N. Center Street

As the December Christmas season approaches, downtown Stockton is getting ready for the annual tree lighting and boat parade ceremony.

Tree Lighting

Beginning on the first Saturday of December (December 7), the tree lighting ceremony will begin when the gates open at 3:00 pm at Weber Point Events Center, located at 221 N. Center St. This year, Downtown Stockton is going to showcase its holiday cheer, with free cookies and hot chocolate, and a festive event where the community gets to see the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, starting at 5:30 pm – two and a half hours after the gates open.

This festive holiday event will consist of many food trucks and vendors – so you’ll have the chance to either start or finish your Christmas shopping spree!

Lynn Hahn Memorial Delta Reflections Boat Parade

Make sure to wear nice, warm, comfortable clothing, and don’t forget to bring your lawn chair to watch one of the most anticipated parades year-round – the Lynn Hahn Memorial Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade. This boat parade will begin at 6:30 pm along the beautiful and historic waterway of the Stockton Deep Water Channel and McLeod Lake.

Put on by the Stockton Yacht Club, the boat parade has been a treasure for the Stockton community for over 40 years. The Stockton Yacht Club is organizing this boat parade, and every year it seems to get bigger, better, and brighter!

In a statement from the City of Stockton’s Community Relations Officer, Connie Cochran, she shares, “It’s been part of our tradition for decades, and we have many families that return to the tree every year to take a picture.”

That’s true; the tradition of this ceremony is what makes it extra special, given its 40-year annual return. Downtown Stockton is glad to be the home of this ceremony, and with activities like these, it makes downtown’s holiday season truly special.

Oh What Fun!…

Cochran noted of the December 7^th festivities: “We have lots of other activities… We have food vendors and local artist vendors. The kids really love the fact that we have a snow machine.” The news release from the City of Stockton shows us just how much fun and joy we can expect from this event. In addition to the amazing activities mentioned, you’ll be able to take a picture with none other than Santa and the Grinch!

Along with Weber Point, MLK Plaza will have nicely decorated lights on the park trees. The Civic Auditorium, Cesar Chavez Library, and City Hall will all have festive decorations, such as lights and wreaths, that’ll leave downtown Stockton with a Christmas spirit. Families near and far will be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere of downtown, and we at the Downtown Stockton Alliance strongly encourage business owners to decorate their businesses (enter in the Downtown Stockton Business Holiday Decoration Contest!), along with the residents of downtown.

In addition to the Weber Point tree ceremony, various other fun activities will be there. I remember attending this event last year, and they had a carriage ride, festive trees and light poles, a snow machine that sets the mood, and most monumental, when 5:30 PM hits, everyone is staring at the beautifully decorated Christmas tree waiting for the lights to turn on. It was amazing, and it’s a must-see event for all families in Stockton.

Best of all, ITS FREE ADMISSION!

As stated previously, the main tree lighting ceremony and boat parade event at Weber Point Event Center, located at 221 N. Center St., will take place December 7th, beginning at 3:00 pm. The actual lighting of the Christmas tree will take place at 5:30 pm, and the boat parade will begin at 6:30 pm.

Make sure to bring your family and friends downtown for this holiday fun!

Opening Night Thrills: Stockton Kings vs. Salt Lake City Stars

Posted on November 22, 2024November 28, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Sungyeon Park

Reasons to Watch a Stockton Kings Game
- The Stockton Kings game delivers thrilling basketball action with high-level plays.
- There are fun events throughout the game such as halftime shows and giveaways.
- The games are affordable and family-friendly.
Tickets: here

On November 13th, I had the exciting opportunity to attend the Stockton King’s Opening Night for the 2024-25 season at the Adventist Health Arena. The way that fans filled the arena with energy and cheering was amazing!

The Stockton Kings are more than just a basketball team; they are part of the NBA G League, the official minor league of the NBA and affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. It was my first time watching a G League game, and it was quite fast and thrilling. The Stockton Kings faced off against the Salt Lake City Stars in a well-matched competition.

The halftime show was a highlight of the night! Christian and his adorable dog Scooby amazed the crowd with their entertaining tricks and performance. It was a delightful break that left everyone smiling. To add to the excitement, I was lucky to catch a free Stockton Kings mini ball during one of the game’s many fun events. I also received a complimentary Stockton Kings T-shirt just for attending—what a great way to kick off the season!

For those who plan to catch a game, I recommend buying some delicious snacks from the arena. You can also stop for meals or snacks at one of Downtown Stockton’s restaurants before or after the event. Supporting local restaurants while enjoying the game is a win-win!

Sometimes, the players will sign autographs and take photos with fans after the game, so keep a look out for this chance if you are a fan of any of these amazing players. Catch them now before they really hit the big time!

Don’t miss out on the fun at the Adventist Health Arena. Whether you’re a big basketball fan or just looking for a fun night out, Stockton Kings games offer something for everyone. Come experience the thrill and explore everything Downtown Stockton has to offer!

Community Gathers for Peace Monument Unveiling in Downtown Stockton

Posted on September 29, 2024September 29, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Harley Meadows

Designer: HWPL Design Team

On September 5th, 2024, over 100 Stockon and California residents gathered for a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light’s (HWPL) first-ever peace monument establishment in the United States.

*DSA Executive Director Mike Hubor with Stockton city officials and HWPL volunteers cutting the ribbon for a new peace monument in Diversity Plaza. Credit: HWPL Volunteers*

Stockton – a city once plagued by violent crime – has been undergoing a transformation. Recent violence prevention projects have shown promising results in the decrease of crime and violence. Together, the Downtown Stockton Alliance and HWPL established a peace monument to advocate for a world filled with peace, unity, and harmony.

The non-profit peace organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), established on May 25, 2013, by chairman Man-Hee Lee, is rooted in promoting religious tolerance worldwide, mutual respect and love, and cessation of war. Although this new organization is only eleven years old, HWPL has already administered 32 global peace missions and has partnered with over 400 different organizations worldwide in signing MOUs.

A dove (symbolizing the desire for peace) soars over the world, symbolizing a beacon of hope for future generations of a community united in love and mutual respect.

*A closeup of the new peace monument. Credit: HWPL Volunteers*

The event featured many guests including Harry Black, Stockton City Manager, who spoke on behalf of the City:

“This monument holds great significance for our city,” Black explained during the event. “Not only because it marks a new chapter of peacebuilding, but also because it reflects Stockton’s devotion and unity which is reflected here in the audience today.”

*City Manager Harry Black addressing the crowd. Credit: HWPL Volunteers*

Mike Huber, Executive Director of the Downtown Stockton Alliance, and Sandy Huber, Director of the World Peace Rose Gardens, also expressed their support for this work of peace. Justin Nailes, a marine veteran and HWPL volunteer, said, “I’ve seen many other young lives sacrificed because of war and violence. Today the need for peace is clearer to me than ever before, and I believe this monument will remind us all of that.”

Ericiliana Franco, a 5th grader who won the 8th Annual Inspirational Message of Peace Contest, shared her poem, Peace Around the World, during the event:

May the world have peace,

May the world have love,

And make me fearless with help from above.

And I ask again for peace on earth.

Once more, more than once each day.

Thanks to the Downtown Stockton Alliance, HWPL has taken a monumental step towards our shared purpose – to create a city and a world free of war and united in love, peace, and prosperity.

In the words of Man Hee Lee, Chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL): “Love can unite people in purpose, culture, and peace. Ultimately, it has the power to unite the whole world.”

My Internship With The Downtown Stockton Alliance

Posted on August 27, 2024August 28, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

Downtown Stockton is a unique component of Stockton, California, and San Joaquin County. Everything, from its large, beautiful, historic buildings to its amazing, small, and unique businesses – such as Cast Iron Trading Co. and Cooper’s Coffee Co. – contributes to a vibrant downtown business district.

Within the boundaries of Downtown Stockton, there’s a 501(c)(6) nonprofit called the Downtown Stockton Alliance (DSA). The DSA has various departments working to keep downtown safe, thriving, and better, every day; they offer support to downtown businesses and property owners to maximize their profits. For example, they partially reimburse broken business window repair costs and have community ambassadors who patrol downtown Stockton, keeping it safe. Don’t forget about the maintenance team! The DSA maintenance team patrols Downtown Stockton, picking up trash and other objects that detract from its beautiful scenery. With them in place, Downtown Stockton is cleaner and more appealing to visitors and residents.

By working together, we can create a better, more beautiful, and thriving Downtown Stockton for everyone, and that’s why I was excited to join the Downtown Stockton Alliance as an intern throughout the 2024 summer. During my internship, I had the opportunity to write multiple blogs about local events, history, and more – including this one! I wrote about events at the Fox Theater, Independence Day, and the National Night Out 2024 event here in downtown. Additionally, I wrote a submission to Visit California regarding one of Stockton’s best restaurants, Cast Iron Trading Co. I also contacted property owners to inform them about the recertification process for the Downtown Stockton Alliance in the coming years. I got to go out into the streets of downtown to research and update the directory for several large office buildings. Doing so, I was able to discover Cooper’s Coffee (great coffee), just as I checked the directory for the California Building. I also have a great memory of tabling as a vendor for the DSA at the Mexican Heritage Center’s Christmas in July event.

I’ve always had a great love and admiration for Downtown Stockton, and I strongly believe that when any city’s downtown is doing well, the rest of the city will experience prosperity as a result—the domino effect. Like any other downtown, we have our issues, but the more important part is how we are building that bridge to solve our issues – and the DSA works as much as they can to provide downtown Stockton with the support it needs. Repairing and maintaining the reputation of any downtown isn’t easy, but with the “Talk to Downtown” podcast and series by the Downtown Stockton Alliance, people can watch the amazing individuals who contribute to the growth of Downtown Stockton.

If it weren’t for the DSA, Downtown Stockton wouldn’t be what it is today. Without that extra support, Downtown wouldn’t be able to thrive to its fullest extent. The DSA works directly with business owners, the city, and other entities to ensure Downtown Stockton has an advocate and a supporter willing to help mold, restore, and revitalize Downtown Stockton into what we all envision it to be. The Downtown Stockton Alliance and its executive director work hard with various entities to do what’s best for Downtown Stockton. During my internship with this great organization, I’ve gotten to learn more about the structure of the DSA and what exactly they do; interning with the DSA opened my eyes to a new landscape of downtown.

It was a pleasure to help the Downtown Stockton Alliance over my summer break, and I look forward to other projects and programs they will create to continue to support our beloved downtown Stockton business district. I will continue to be active in Downtown Stockton events, activities, new businesses, murals, and other projects just like I have been over the last year.

In conclusion, I absolutely love Downtown Stockton, and I truly believe it is a fabulous place to spend your time, money, and energy to create memories that’ll last a lifetime. I see Downtown shaping into a beautiful place where families across San Joaquin County would want to visit. We have made major progress here, from the newly built Grand View Village 75-unit apartment complex to the brand-new, amazingly well-painted, monarch butterfly mural where we just had the ceremony this morning, my last day as an intern. Downtown Stockton is genuinely a nice place, and I encourage everyone to stop by sometime to visit the great businesses that call Downtown Stockton home. Without the Downtown Stockton Alliance, Downtown Stockton wouldn’t be nearly in the shape it is today, and I’m proud to say that I’ve been able to help them in daily assignments as a DSA intern! I look forward to seeing you all sometime here in Downtown!

Thank you, Zach, for all of your hard work! We wish Zach all the best in his new endeavors, and you may see a few more blog articles from him in the future! Zach founded the organization Save Downtown Stockton – check out his page to follow the work he will be doing through that non-profit.

If you have any interest in serving an unpaid internship at the Downtown Stockton Alliance, please contact [email protected].

Alvin the Intern’s Farewell Blog

Posted on July 31, 2024July 31, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Alvin Cho

This week, we have a farewell blog from Alvin (Youngbeen) Cho, the DSA’s recent Korea WEST exchange program intern:

Hello. I’m Alvin from Korea, and I completed a 4-month internship at the Downtown Stockton Alliance from March 17th to July 3rd. During this time, I had the pleasure of working with amazing colleagues who made my experience enjoyable.

As a foreigner, having the opportunity to work in the United States was incredibly valuable to me. Who else gets to have such an experience?

I worked on various tasks as a marketing intern, including taking photos downtown for social media uploads, modeling company apparel for posters, setting up booths and selling clothes outdoors, and more.

I met wonderful people who made my internship fulfilling: Mike and Courtney who always checked in on me; Johnny and Charisse, who greeted me warmly every morning; Shaun, who I could chat with like a friend; as well as the community ambassador and maintenance teams, who were always friendly. I feel confident that future Korean interns will have a great experience too.

Initially, I was a bit disappointed when I first arrived in Stockton, as it’s not a big city like LA or San Francisco, and I feared it might be boring. However, my perception changed in less than a week. I now see Stockton as a small, but beautiful city. Even now, when I walk along the delta in front of the company, I think how beautiful it is.

I’ll be leaving for New York soon, but I know I won’t forget the happy time I had in Downtown Stockton.

Thank you all.

The DSA wishes Alvin all the best on his next adventure. He was a huge help to our organization. Thanks for everything, Alvin! Cheers!

To learn more about the Korea WEST exchange program, click here: https://www.icceusa.com/programs-in-the-usa/korea-west/

If you are interested in an internship with the DSA, contact [email protected].

👮‍♂️ National Night Out 2024 in Downtown Stockton!

Posted on July 26, 2024July 31, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

National Night Out is back, bigger and better than ever!

Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities that promote unity, love, and community strength. The 2024 Downtown Stockton National Night Out event – hosted by the San Joaquin County Office of Education, Parents by Choice, Stockton Ports, and the Downtown Stockton Alliance — will take place Tuesday, August 6th, from 5:30 – 8:30 PM at downtown’s Banner Island Ballpark, located at 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, CA. There will be carnival games, giveaways, community resources, workshops, music, local mascots, raffle prizes, and much more!

The event takes place the same night of a Stockton Ports matchup against the Lake Elsinore Storm, which starts at 7:05 PM. The first 600 people who attend the event will get in free!

As Stockton continues to grow into an even more amazing city, it is imperative that we actively engage and unite! Some of the organizations which will be represented at this event include: Stockton PD, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Visit Stockton, Stockton Kings, LAZ Parking, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, Youthbuild San Joaquin, SJ Regional Transit District, DCA, Codestack Academy, Head Start San Joaquin, UOP Athletics, YMCA, Ready to Work, Uplift All, Behavioral Health Services, El Concilio, Harvest Home Animal Shelter, Scottish Rite, SJVV, Girl Scouts, SJC Probation, and Children’s Choice. Through events like National Night Out, we engage families across Stockton; bridge community disconnects; and focus on creating a bright future for our youth. By building a better relationship between law enforcement and residents, we can create a greater sense of community and safety.

So, if you’re planning on attending a National Night Out gathering in Stockton this year, don’t miss the chance to come on out to Downtown Stockton’s Banner Island Ballpark to catch a ballgame and enjoy this extraordinary community event! In addition to all of the activities and resources, you’ll have a beautiful view of the Courthouse and the downtown waterfront. You might even see the Stockton Ports mascot, Splash!

I encourage you all to bring your family and friends to this free community event! See you there, Stockton!

When: Tuesday, August 6th, 5:30 – 8:30 PM

Where: 404 W. Fremont Street, Stockton, CA, 95203 | Banner Island Ballpark

Tickets: First 600 attendees get in FREE! First-come, first-served, so get there early! If you aren’t in the first 600 attendees, here is the link to purchase game tickets.

My First Time in an American Movie Theater 🍿

Posted on July 18, 2024July 26, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Alvin Cho

I recently had the pleasure of watching “Kung Fu Panda 4” at the Regal Stockton City Center, conveniently located just a short 3-minute walk from my house in Downtown Stockton. The proximity alone made the experience incredibly convenient and hassle-free.

Upon entering the theater, I was pleasantly surprised by the cozy and inviting atmosphere. The interior was well-maintained, and the layout made it easy to navigate. What stood out the most were the seats—they were exceptionally comfortable. I could easily recline and stretch out my legs, which added to the overall enjoyment of the movie.

The screening I attended was scheduled for 6 p.m., a perfect time slot for unwinding after a day’s work. Despite the theater being smaller than some of the larger multiplexes, the intimate setting actually enhanced the viewing experience. It felt more personal and less crowded, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the film.

Before the movie started, I had a chance to explore the amenities. There was a game arcade and a snack bar offering a variety of treats. I opted for a bag of Cheetos and a drink. The convenience of having snacks available right there was a definite plus!

After the movie, my friends and I were quite hungry; thankfully, there were several Downtown Stockton restaurants nearby offering a variety of dining options. This proximity to dining choices added another layer of convenience to the overall outing.

In conclusion, my experience at Downtown’s Regal Stockton City Center – located at 222 N. El Dorado Street – was positive and enjoyable. The combination of convenience, comfortable seating, and a cozy atmosphere made it a great place to catch a movie. I recommend this theater for your next movie outing!

Click Here to See What’s Playing Now at Regal Stockton City Center

The Most Anticipated Event of the Year, StocktonCon!

Posted on July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

This weekend, visit StocktonCon, presented by Utility Telecom, where you’ll find a huge variety of comics, games, collectibles, anything anime, costume contests, and maybe even meet some great actors from your favorite TV show! The two-day event takes place at the newly named Adventist Health Arena in Downtown Stockton. The doors will be open to the public on July 13th and 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the best part is, kids under 12 are free to enter StocktonCon with a paid adult!

Let’s not forget about our food and drinks now. At StocktonCon, you’ll find many different types of treats, ranging from fresh hotdogs to delicious cotton candy!

Looking for trading cards, artwork, action figures, and other comic memorabilia? This family event has hundreds of small vendor businesses that I know you will absolutely love.

Stockton’s Annual Pop-Culture Convention is aimed at bringing the community together for a two-day festival of anime, comics, and creative costumes! So, get your family and friends together and gear up for one of the most anticipated events of the year, StocktonCon!

If you’re looking to attend StocktonCon for one day, buy the one-day ticket for $15 plus fees, and you’ll be able to attend on Saturday or Sunday. If you’re looking to attend both days, buy the 2-day ticket, which is $20 plus fees. And remember, kids under 12 are free if accompanied by a paid adult!

Enjoy a full weekend of comics and fun!

Buy Tickets Here

Click Here for Parking Information

Independence Day In Downtown!

Posted on July 3, 2024July 12, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

There’s no better way to celebrate our national Independence Day than in downtown Stockton with your beloved family and friends, located at our Weber Point Event Center for the annual 4th of July parade and festival.

Hosted by the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County, this perfect day of festivities and fun will begin with an annual 4th of July parade show in the morning at 11:00 a.m. At 12:00 p.m., the gates of the Weber Point Event Center will open up, where you’ll find a mix of diverse food trucks, creative vendors, a special guest, live band music, constant entertainment, and various other family-friendly activities!

Then later on in the evening, at 9:30 p.m., the amazing firework show will begin and last for approximately 20 minutes. This event is the perfect time to engage with your diverse local community for an entire day of fun, festivities, and the best entertainment activities!

Don’t miss out on this once-a-year opportunity to celebrate our national independence here in downtown Stockton with your family and friends! The weekend after the 4th of July festival only gets better.

The Fourth of July weekend is full of many creative and fun things to do here in downtown Stockton. On Saturday, July 6th, the Stockton Ports have a ball game against the San Jose Giants. From 7:05 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., you can attend this game to cheer on the Stockton Ports! Lots of food and drinks will be available at this game; there will also be a great view of the downtown Court House and the Waterfront.

Later the next day, Coach’s Lounge in downtown has open-mic smooth jazz music with the Sizzle Band. If you love jazz, head on over to the Coach’s Lounge from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7th.

Main Street Market 🎶

Posted on June 11, 2024July 12, 2024 by Intern DSA

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🍔 Happening June 11th at 242 E. Main Street, Stockton, CA! 🍻

By Alvin Cho

Hello!

I’m Alvin, the new intern at DSA from Korea. Today, I’d like to introduce you to the Main Street Market, which has become a cultural staple in our downtown area. This market – held outside the Bob Hope Theater and hosted by the Downtown Stockton Alliance, Parents By Choice, and ASM Global – is incredibly popular among both locals and visitors. Its charm can be divided into three main attractions: lively bands, delicious food, and various business promotions.

Lively Bands

The first thing that captures your attention at the Main Street Market is the live music. Several local bands take the stage to perform a wide range of musical genres. From jazz and blues to rock and pop, you can enjoy music that suits your taste. The passionate performances of the bands and the enthusiastic responses from the audience create a vibrant atmosphere. Walking around the market while listening to the music can make all your daily stress melt away.

Delicious Food

Another major attraction of the Main Street Market is the delicious food. The market is dotted with a variety of food trucks and stalls, offering a diverse array of cuisines. From fresh, locally-made dishes to street food from around the world, the wide selection can make it hard to decide what to eat. The handmade beverages and desserts available here are particularly worth trying. Sharing tasty food with friends and family while having a great time makes the Main Street Market a paradise for food lovers. This year, the market also features a beer garden, serving refreshing drinks from 4:30 – 7:30 PM.

Business Promotions

Main Street Market is more than just a marketplace. It’s also a platform for various businesses to promote their products and services. Numerous small business owners seize the opportunity to showcase their brands and directly interact with customers. There are product demonstrations, special discounts, and various activities aimed at business promotion. This not only helps in selling products but also builds trust with customers and contributes to the local economy.

Dates

Main Street Market is happening TONIGHT, June 11^th from 4:30 – 7:30 PM (featuring music by Nick Elwood)!

Come on Out!

Main Street Market goes beyond being just a place to buy and sell goods. It’s a special space where the local community comes together. With lively music, delicious food, and various businesses coming together, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience. If you’re ever downtown, I highly recommend visiting! You’re sure to fall in love with the charm of the Main Street Market.

This has been Alvin, the intern from Korea. I’ll be back with more interesting and informative news next time.

Thank you!