Where to Perform Downtown?

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By Nissi Guiao 

As fun as it is to enjoy live music, it’s also quite thrilling to be the one jamming and performing on stage. Recently, we shared the best live, local spots downtown to listen to great music (click here for all the juicy “deets” in our previous blog!). This time around, we’re covering how to book some of these places if you’re an aspiring musician. In addition to venues, we’re sharing other special resources and opportunities you’ll want to take advantage of downtown, along with a few stories to leave you inspired.

EMPRESSO COFFEEHOUSE 

For years, Empresso has struck the right chords within our community. They’ve always harmonized with the music scene, naturally creating “vibey” atmospheres whenever they host local musicians/artists. Continuing this tradition, they hold open mics every other Thursday at their El Dorado location (pending holidays, of course). This is a great location to begin branching out, especially if you’re just wanting to get your feet wet and test the waters. What are you waiting for? Share your music; don’t be shy. Pop in and talk to Juan Espino or any other manager, or call (209) 451-0788, to get something set up for the next open mic. The line-up won’t be complete without you. 

TERRA COFFEE  

Speaking of open mics, Terra holds their own on the last Friday of each month! Mark your calendars because this is a growing scene you want to be a part of. There’s such a strong and steady heartbeat for the artist community here. Evidently, their desire to highlight and support local artists sings a resounding “welcome.” They eagerly invite artists and musicians of all kinds to sign up. All you have to do is show up and perform! Stepping out also gets you inadvertently plugged in to the realm of other artists that decide to show up, too. Don’t hesitate—add to the hustle and buzz under Terra’s creative umbrella by making yourself known. Do it for the people, but most importantly, do it for your soul. Show up, sign up, and sing an original or two! 

CAST IRON TRADING CO. 

Home of the eye-catching (super aesthetic), mouth-watering eats and great pairing brews and drinks is Cast Iron Trading Co., where local artists are welcome to perform live on a consistent basis. Really, we’ve got nothing but great things to say about this downtown fave! They really know what they’re doing, and the momentum keeps building. That should encourage you to get plugged into their steady stream in the local music scene. With a great variety of live performances every month, they don’t skip a beat. Be part of their tribe and grow yourself as a musician/artist. Call (209) 227-8585 for more details on booking. 

CHANNEL BREWING CO. 

Channel is the place to be, with great vibes guaranteed! Their brews are next level; and what takes them over the top is the way that they support the music scene downtown. You can tell they take pride in showcasing local artists. So if that’s you, pick a good sample to send over (preferably via SoundCloud or YouTube) and reach out to Brandon at (209) 373-6483. 

DELIBERATION ROOM 

Known for more than good eats and great drinks, Deliberation Room creates the kind of atmosphere you want to settle into, especially on the nights they showcase local bands and musicians. Check their IG page: @deliberationroom; there’s always something happening at this local favorite. If you want to add to the excitement with your live music, call (209) 910-9477 to contact Melanie for booking opportunities. 

STOCKMARKET (+ GOODSTOCKCA) 

Stockmarket is the talk of the town, every time Weber Ave. is graced by this highly-anticipated event. Shopping—#supportlocal. Good eats and drinks. Live music! To join in on the fun is a no-brainer, but have you thought about being showcased as one of the local bands/artists? As this event is only growing more and more popular over time, it’s an ideal place to share your music with the community that eagerly wants to support you.  

They’re booked through October, but there are still slots for the holiday market come December. They say, “We keep all applications on file for future opportunities!” and “We are always looking for new talent to highlight at many different types of events. All genres of music are welcome to apply. . .Any artist who is interested in playing Stockmarket or any of our other events can do so by visiting www.stockmarketca.com or goodstockca.com.” 

THE VIBE WORLDWIDE 

The Vibe Worldwide “is for every artist that is passionate about their craft whether they’re a celebrity or a first-timer,” says founders Brandon “Tiger Owndabea” Wiggins and Andrea “Kitten” Perry. It’s truly a powerful movement that promotes artistic growth and unity in the creative community in Stockton, especially around downtown. How do they do that? One of the ways is through the Your Voice Singing Competition they host quarterly. Each one, featuring the talent within the community (hopefully including you next time), is packed thick with high doses of inspiration. 

Both Tiger and Kitten share the same passion, as they’ve “committed [their] time and resources to putting on 40 open mics, competitions, showcases, workshops, and cultural events.” “We set out to be for artists the people we would have wanted to be there for us,” they share. “When we started The Vibe Worldwide in 2017, our mission was to provide a platform for talented performing. . .artists in Stockton. . .[since then,] The Vibe Worldwide shows have become a melting pot of talent, passion and inspiration…and although we have awakened the arts in the Central Valley, we want Stockton artists to know that their crafts are universal. . .” 

TVW as a whole is a tremendous resource in the downtown community. They also provide “other workshops. . .throughout the year [which are geared to] help artists with their creativity, stage performance, breathing techniques, memorization, and creative writing.” One of the most powerful workshops they provide (in my opinion) is all about the inner voice. The duo explains “The inner voice is something that we all possess, whether we internally say something as small as ‘I’m gonna go fix a sandwich’ or something as big as ‘I believe I can do it.’ We like to focus on how to help people (specifically creators) utilize that inner voice as a benefit.  

In doing so, we teach creators to trust their inner voice and to apply daily, positive practices. . .The inner voice is like the master key to the soul, but it will only work when one notices it and uses it.” Is your inner voice telling you to jump into the next event? Feed that thought and stay in the loop by following their IG account: @thevibeworldwide. And send them an email to [email protected] to sign up when the next event is posted. An encouraging community, of aspiring artists where you can truly express yourself, awaits. 

THE PRESS RECORDING STUDIO  

It’s one thing to create a work of art. It’s a whole other beast getting to the stage of recording your music. Thankfully, downtown Stockton is home to The Press Recording Studio. With professionals that seriously care about developing quality sound (out of their own passion for music), you can guarantee you’ll be in the best hands every time you book a session with them.

We asked the man himself, Matt Young (The Press owner/engineer) “What words of encouragement would you give to an aspiring musician/singer/songwriter who’s maybe nervous about the recording process?” 

He says, “Don’t be! When opening the studio, one of my biggest goals was to make sure people feel comfortable and inspired when recording at The Press. (I had some bad experiences when I was coming up as a musician and working in other recording studios.) When you’re here, you will not encounter any ego, negativity, judgement, etc. All of the engineers working at the studio are easy to work with and will help make the recording process as smooth as possible. Our goal is the same goal as yours: making awesome music! We will help (or just push buttons and keep our mouths shut if that’s what you want) you get an awesome product even if you come in a little unsure because you’re new to recording. Everybody has to start somewhere and we are the perfect place for that.” 

And he’s right—you’ve gotta start somewhere. If recording your music is a dream you’ve been hanging onto, we encourage you to not give it up before you even give it a try. Book a session at The Press; feel things out. Let them walk you through the process and help you create the sound you’re hoping to achieve.  

GRACE NOTES MUSIC PROJECT (@ THE PRESS) 

Next is a golden nugget for all of our young, aspiring artists. Grace Notes, founded by Brandon James and made possible by Matt Young, is a phenomenal program aimed towards the fresh batch of creative youth in Stockton. “But what is it exactly?”

We asked Matt, “Can you please share how Grace Notes has helped young artists spread their wings a bit? In other words, have you seen their confidence in their own music build because of the opportunity you’re giving them at Press?” 

He shares, “First of all, I’m so lucky to be in a position that allows me to give back to my community. Shoutout to Brandon James (Piasecki) for creating Grace Notes. I love being able to inspire younger artists and help the local music scene thrive in any way I can. To answer your question… Most of the young artists we have given studio time to, have been high school age.  This is a good time for them to get in the studio because a lot of them will go onto college, or get a job and put music on the back burner. Catching them when they’re still young and passionate could literally help them realize a dream. Also, it might not be financially feasible for some and allowing them to get the experience as sort of a trial creates an awesome opportunity. I mean, they get to record on the best equipment in the world for free! But yes, they definitely come in to the studio a little nervous. On one occasion, a young songwriter took about an hour before they were even comfortable enough to play their song. But, after hearing the playback, they were a lot more confident and inspired.” 

Yes, you read that right! Free! Students get an opportunity of a lifetime to record for free at The Press to give them a real taste of what it’s like to create their sound in a high-quality studio. As Matt said, catching them young could make all the difference when it comes to deciding which dreams to hold onto as they finish high school.  

According to their website, “Students who apply must fulfill the following requirements: 

  • Be a Stockton resident.
  • Be a student no older than 18. 
  • Post a video of yourself playing an original song on Instagram and tag @gracenotesmusicproject
  • In the caption of your post, answer the following question: 
    • How will you use your music to positively impact the community?”

Just hearing about this project is inspiring, to say the least. If you or someone you know would be a great fit, apply and/or spread the word. Visit www.thepressrecordingstudio.com/gracenotes for more details and to peep the incredible backstory on how it all came to life. 

Lastly, we asked Matt, “Is there a Battle of the Bands in the near future?” 

He states, “Absolutely. The first Battle of the Bands was a success and I’m anxious to do more of them. It’s another way to give back to the music scene and say thank you for all support we’ve received. I also have contests for rappers and singer/songwriters in the works as well. I don’t have dates locked in yet but I’ll be sharing them when they’re available. Follow @thepressrecordingstudio on IG or join our mailing list at www.thepressrecordingstudio.com to stay in the loop.” 

Music makes the world go round—we all know this. What’s so incredible is that there’s room for everyone, and every genre. If you’re an aspiring artist in the area, we’ve given you a mother lode of options to spread your wings and grow your craft. Own your creativity; we hope to see you recording your originals. And keep filling up these restaurants, bars and stages as you take advantage of the booking opportunities that are waiting for you in the heart of downtown. 

Espresso Extravaganza

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By Nissi Guiao

Our four, local coffee shops downtown are nothing of the ordinary. Each with their own feel, flare and vibe, they all stand out for various reasons. Unique tastes, atmospheres, and flow of people significantly set these locations apart. What they do have in common, however, is a heartfelt mission to serve the community that they’re proud to call home.

Once you’ve visited one spot, you definitely can’t say you’ve seen (or tasted) ‘em all. Every place tells a different story, especially with the distinctly different flavor profiles of espresso they offer. There’s nothing wrong with having a favorite or a preference…just trust us,  though, as we rave about each and every one of these coffee havens. You’re not doing downtown Stockton justice without getting all the local, espresso feels. So please, let your tastebuds take a flavor tour and #treatyourself to these gems we’re so lucky to have nestled on our blocks.

EMPRESSO COFFEEHOUSE 222 N. El Dorado St. + 22 N. San Joaquin St.

Two locations strong in the area, Empresso Coffeehouse has a very solid clientele. Known for being “the spot,” most faithful customers remember the good old days on Miracle Mile and have been committed ever since. This is even true for newer barista, Janice Cervantes, who reminisces about when she first became a fan of the coffee shop. When asked what made her want to start working there, she shares, “. . .I used to go to the one on Miracle Mile before it closed down—that was like ‘the spot.’

“Just the vibe” of Empresso has been enough to keep Janice coming back to visit, and now work for, this well-known hotspot. It’s only been a few weeks for her behind the counter, but she says “I really enjoy it; I learn a lot about coffee.” Like one would expect, she particularly enjoys the perks of drinking coffee “every day at work,” with her go-to being a Dirty Chai. She’s pretty certain it’s not just her personal fave either as she states “It’s, like, the most popular drink [we offer].”

Juan Espino, on the other hand, has been serving Empresso customers for a few years now. He’s that friendly, familiar face behind the counter; if you frequent any location, you’ve definitely encountered him. Making sure things run smoothly as a manager, what he enjoys best and “what keeps [him there]” (besides the coffee) is “meeting the people—serving the community.” Not only can he serve you latte art – he’s got a big heart. He continues to share, “You know, you get to meet great people comin’ in and out every day. . .and it’s good to see that you can make a difference in their day. . .” What better way to get your delicious espresso, than with intentional and exceptional customer service? Wow…

Their theater location focuses on “serving the people of the plaza” and Juan explains that they “get more of, like, the police force and Stockton PD that comes in towards the morning…afternoon for lunch.” But he does say that they also “get a lot of [other] people as well, like moviegoers,” while “the county building that [they] have on San Joaquin. . .pretty much takes care of a lot of the county workers and those that are in the area.”

Whichever location of Empresso you choose to enjoy, you really won’t be disappointed. And if Cold Brew is your thing, throw one back with Juan. He tells us he likes “drinking the Cold Brew.” Like most coffee fanatics, he says “I drink the coffee for the caffeine and taste. And our Cold Brew, it’s less acidic. It’s more of a smoother taste, and it’s strong coffee.” Whatever your preference is, Empresso is ready to happily serve you.

Check them out on Facebook.

RED’S 13 S. San Joaquin St.

Earlier this year, we got to know Michael Brooking in another feature post about his tiny but mighty shop, Red’s. (If you haven’t read it yet, pause real quick and check it out, then make your way back here ;)) Mike’s a great guy who sincerely appreciates a great blend of beans. He confidently says, “I love real good espresso. I drink black coffee, and I drink espresso. I’m a hot [coffee drinker]. I have it in the morning. . .plus, everyday [to adjust my machine] I have to pull a few shots. . .” so he always has a steady flow of “black magic.”

Along with his healthy relationship with good coffee, Mike is passionate about serving his loyal community. Fun fact: he predominantly serves people working for the government. And he tells us, “When I got this place before. . .it was a hangout for a lot of public defenders—it was more known for that. A lot of the people that were here were public defenders…and other attorneys, district attorneys. Now, there’s more than there was. But it’s always kind of been a legal hangout, even before I had it. I think [that’s] just because of proximity to the courthouse.”

Coffee, as we all know, pretty much makes the world go ‘round. The love of this liquid gold transcends a lot, including occupation. Though mostly courthouse employees are known to keep this spot running, if you’re not government employed, don’t hesitate to make face and meet the cool, community-serving man himself. Mike says, “The people who come here—everybody knows each other. It’s got that feeling. . .there are some really cool conversations that happen in here.”

We need more opportunities to connect, so what better place to spark up great conversations than at Red’s with great coffee in your hand. All that said, don’t be shy; swing by and try a signature drink off Mike’s menu. He keeps it simple, and his Cold Brew is the summer fave. “That machine never stops. I sell the heck out of it,” he shares. Lastly, another favorite that people can’t get enough of is his take on a Cubano, with “raw sugar, some cinnamon, two shots of espresso and a little steamed half & half.” Take his word for it and try one—he says “It’s real good. I sell a lot of ‘em.”

Check them out on Facebook.

TERRA COFFEE 111 S. Sutter St.

If you have a little extra time on your hands, take your espresso cravings to Terra Coffee. With a fresh rotation of art on the walls of their gallery each month, there’s always an extra reason to try a few specialties on their menu (to be revamped very soon, FYI). (Just like I did the other day) It’s easy to get lost in the euphoric experience of enjoying a delightful, iced coffee while being mesmerized by creativity everywhere you look. This place is extremely eclectic and interesting. And no worries—you don’t have to be an artist to enjoy one of their concoctions, but you can pretty much count on their baristas to be hyped to chat about anything artsy.

Akeen Smith, newbie barista of Terra, couldn’t rave more about the arts when discussing all things coffee. It was inspiring to hear how his passion for art bleeds into his time making drinks behind the counter. He’s still learning the ropes, but he says “It’s fun! I enjoy it, really. I’m really into art, so anything that has an art to it, I’m into it.” He’s in the training process of pulling shots and with his love for creating things, he’s sure to get the hang of the art of pouring in no time. He was specifically enthusiastic when he shared about getting to learn from one of the partners/owners. It’s “a privilege in itself,” he states, “‘cause I just get to learn so much that I didn’t even know existed within the coffee world.” Clearly invested and thankful for the environment he’s now planted in, he humbly shares, “I told them in my interview, ‘You guys could probably pay me $9.25/hr. and I wouldn’t even care…’ That’s how great the vibe is here.” That statement alone speaks volumes of the positive impact of this vibrant space.

A coffee shop is an authentic breeding ground for community. Akeen explains “It’s really fun to. . .meet new people too. Like, I meet so many people here—so many people embrace me. It’s so fun. You know, my work is not really work.” Speaking heavily to Terra’s heartbeat for the community, Akeen elaborates the way they go the extra mile for every person that walks through their doors. He says, “We’re genuine, you know. We really care about our customers. We care about your experience. . .we just really want it to be fun. We [take the time to] learn our customers, and learn about their day. [We] literally have customers that come in here and get coffee (that have to get back to work), and they’ll…sit there and talk to us—have a full conversation before they [head] back. That’s the organic vibe that we bring, you know?”

Terra understands the importance of connection. They make it a point to “just listen to someone’s day,” Akeen explains, “… half of the people that come in are. . .dealing with business people all day or are dealing with customers who weren’t so nice to them. So to come in [there, they] want you to feel welcome, and chill…” He even goes as far as to say “vent if you need to.” It’s a clear invitation—come as you are to Terra! They’ve got your back; they’ve got your art fix, and of course, they’ve got all your coffee needs covered.

If you’re indecisive, wondering what to try next, maybe start with Akeen’s favorite—the Dulce de Leche Latte. It also happens to be a customer fave, along with the Blank Canvas (white chocolate, toasted marshmallow, vanilla and espresso) and the Viva Mocha (their take on a Mexican hot chocolate with coffee). (Mmm…I’m not drooling, you’re drooling!!) Really, there’s no reason to not frequent this place, especially knowing there’s “free 30 min parking at F lot” per their bio on Insta. Sooo, get that coffee, see that art.

Check them out on Facebook.

TRAIL COFFEE ROASTERS 501 E. Main St.

Last but not least is the ever so aesthetically pleasing Trail Coffee Roasters. With one of the best workspaces downtown, they know how to keep you coming back with their addictive creations like the Honey Lavender Latte paired with one of their infamous scones (freshly baked in house every morning, might I add). They stand out in their own, stunning way, but we’ll let their espresso speak for itself (especially in their “to die for” affogatos…ugh, so yum). Gosh, if you have yet to visit this iconic spot, you are truly missing out. What drew Gianna Vicari, part owner/café manager, downtown is that, “There are so many different people that are down here on any given day,” she says. “And there’s a lot of space to do, you know, what we’re doing down here with the roasting room and the bakery and this size café. I really don’t see [a benefit in] opening up anywhere else in Stockton.” She “comes up with all of the recipes,” says Zach Bailey, roasting guru/manager. They “make all of [their] own syrups in house” because they are serious about putting their best, espresso foot forward. Gianna says, “Gotta do the coffee justice. That’s why. . .I don’t feel comfortable adding store-bought sweetener [to our coffee].” Trail puts great effort into blending in organics as much as possible in their recipes. They pretty much make everything there. And Zach jokes, “Obviously, we don’t milk our own cows, but” they use organic milk and the tastiest options for the alternatives.

While Zach’s caffeinated cup of choice is Cold Brew, he tells us that he “usually defaults to a Cinnamon Caramel Latte” when someone says “Surprise me!” while he’s on bar. It’s not on the menu, but you can have it—just ask! Gianna, on the other hand, shares with us, “My favorite drink to make and enjoy is the Cortado. It’s my go-to.” Per Zach, she has one every day. “I love serving it to customers,” she states, “‘cause I think the presentation is just so cool. And, I love drinking it…”

If you didn’t already know this fun fact about Trail, Zach enlightens us by sharing, “Most of our beans are all from our farm; we have our own farm in Nicaragua. That’s really special. . .I would highlight [that] as something that’s unique about us. We’re probably one of [about] five or so places in the country that actually have direct connections to their own farm.”

Next time you pop in, if roasting intrigues you, ask Zach about it while you wait for your order. He “love[s] the science of it.” Hearing about his experience over the years, you can trust the coffee beans that make up your delicious cup have been in good hands. “Honestly,” he says “I kind of ‘nerd out’ with that a little bit. It’s—it’s interesting to me. I like stretching roasts different ways and then looking at the profile that we get from our computer program. And then, like, tasting it…”

Whatever brings you in to this location, just make sure you’re walking out with a liquid pick-me-up in your hand. We encourage double fisting too, so next time you’re there, consider putting a smile on someone else’s face by sharing the love (laced espresso). They’re doing it right at Trail. We know first-hand and we’re super thankful for the flavor of happiness they bring to our community.

We are crazy about every single one of these spots. We’re entirely grateful for how they each serve downtown Stockton a unique flavor. Since we can’t live without coffee, we definitely can’t live without them! We’re so fortunate to have such loyal, local shops who are just as concerned with serving our community well as they are with serving quality coffee. Keep downtown thriving—avoid feeling “depresso” by staying hydrated on their addictive espresso 😉 Happy caffeinating! #espressyoself

Check them out on Facebook.

Red’s Coffee

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You know that when you wake up on a Monday morning, you just need a cup of coffee to get you through the day. In fact, you probably need a cup of coffee everyday before diving into the hustle and bustle of life and work. In Downtown Stockton, there are a lot of hard working people and they have plenty of places to choose from when they need their coffee. One of those places is Red’s Coffee, a small shop located at 13 South San Joaquin Street. 

Serving the Downtown Community

Red’s Coffee has been located downtown for about ten years and as downtown Stockton thrives and prospers, Red’s has done the same. Michael Brooking started Red’s Coffee because of his passion for the caffeinated beverage. “I fell in love with coffee when I was really young and I always wanted to have a coffee shop when I was about 18 or 19.” Eventually, that dream came true and Red’s has been serving the community ever since. 

What makes Red’s Coffee so special? Brooking explained what sets Red’s apart from other coffee shops. “I’m definitely a local coffee shop. I have a local roaster out in Vallejo and he’s been roasting for about 28 years, all organic, fair trade coffee. The coffee I have is always within ten days of being roasted. I rotate it fresh. I know how to pull a proper shot of espresso and I don’t do blended drinks. I’m not really a sugar shop.”  

Neighborhood Shop

“This is truly a neighborhood shop. I’m not a destination coffee shop. To come to my shop you have to work for it. That being said, every building around here, the county building, city hall. the court house, that’s who I’m working for.” Brooking knows his customers and he’s ready to serve them their coffee before they start their day. “I have new customers all the time, but I have a regular base and this is their home. It’s been a hangout for attorneys and judges for a long time. A lot of public defenders hang out here. It’s kind of a home and I know almost everyone.” 

And even with so many other places available for people to get their coffee, Brooking doesn’t see Red’s in competition with anyone. “The more the better. I don’t have a famine mentality. It’s great to have this community growing here. I’ve watched all these businesses come and I know there are more coming. Stockton is primed right now for a lot of good stuff.” 

So if you’re in the area and you need a bit of a caffeine boost, you should definitely pay a quick visit to Red’s Coffee. They are open Monday – Friday from 6 – 11 AM. It’s a unique part of downtown Stockton – you won’t find a place like it anywhere else. 

Kimberly Warmsley’s Therapeutic and Trauma Services

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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

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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.

Elisco’s Chicken Tostadas

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

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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.

Press Recording Studio

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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

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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.” 

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 Write Place

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By Andrew Rocha

Reading and writing are not only valuable to a person’s education, but they are skills that promote imagination and foster an understanding between people of varying backgrounds and cultures. Downtown Stockton is a place that is teeming with diversity and creativity and the Write Place at the Tuleburg Press is helping to spread the message of the value of literacy to the community. 

Community Effort

Studio manager Katelynn Castaneda knows the purpose of Write Place and is a witness and participant to the work they do for the community, sharing that “The point of the Write Place is to help get literacy across the board to everyone, so those that who are low income or cannot afford to get an education, we want to be able to bring in everyone from all walks of life so that they can get that general understanding that literacy is important.” 

Workshops and Classes

More than just a mission statement and a dream, the Write Place is actually taking action to make a difference in the community and help all kinds of people. The Write Place hosts many events throughout the year and teaches classes that are both educational and fun. According to Castaneda, one of the more popular classes is paper-making. “It tends to be really popular with kids especially. They like to come in and go through the process because it is something that we don’t do very often and it’s a very niche-y thing to do. It’s very fun for people to go through the process and be like ‘Oh, this is so much fun. I had no idea that this was something that I could do at home.’” 

And the Write Place has even more to offer. Their coptic binding class could always use some more participants. “It’s a fun thing to do. It’s very tedious and very time-consuming, but you can do really creative art with different spines and stitches.It’s really fun to learn and once you learn it, you know it for the rest of your life.” 

Impacting #DowntownStockton

The Write Place is doing so much in downtown, that it is sometimes hard to believe and almost sounds like magic. “We have stuff that people can tangibly use for books, but we also take those books and we also make things out of them. We recently done some old reader’s digest books. We’ve taken those, gutted them pretty much, and we’re taking them, using the covers, and we’re going to be holding classes where people can come in and make coptic bound journals. They’ll have like really cool top cover pages that are made from those old reader’s digests and all the insides were taken from old paper pulp that were made into paper. So for like the holidays, we made some really cool envelopes out of that paper and stationary sets that we are now selling to people.” 

While sometimes it is hard to see the use of writing and literature and many people find those to be their least favorite subjects from school, the Write Place makes the world of books and writing fun and exciting. Located at the Tuleburg Press at 343 E. Main Street and open from 1pm-5pm, the Write Place is helping to make a positive change in Downtown Stockton.

 

The Freckled Moon

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By Andrew Rocha

Have you heard of the Freckled Moon? You might have seen them as a vendor at farmers markets and events like the Stockmarket, but now the Freckled Moon has a location in Downtown Stockton. The Freckled Moon is a shop that sells handmade artwork, dreamcatchers, and similar crafts created by a local collective of artists The shop is located at 219 East Weber Ave, owned and managed by a family of creatives.  

Marie Pease, the owner of The Freckled Moon, runs the shop with her daughters and started selling handmade crafts five years ago. Before having a physical location downtown, the Freckled Moon was popular at events with repeat customers frequently asking about if there was a physical location where they could shop or when Marie Pease would open a store. “This has always been our dream to have our own little shop. We do events and stuff like that, but we’ve always wanted to open our own shop where people can come and get unique items that they can’t get at the big box stores.” 

Why Downtown Stockton?

So why did a craft store like the Freckled Moon choose downtown Stockton? According to Marie Pease, a need for an expressive shop was felt, as well as a small but talented artistic community. “I knew that if I opened a shop I would want it to be here, because I know that there is not a lot of this here and I wanted to bring it to Stockton because I know that there are a lot of creative people here.” 

A lot of the art and crafts that are sold through the Freckled Moon are from artists and friends of Marie Pease and her family, as well as from artists from Sacramento. Now that they are located in downtown Stockton, local artist are encouraged to work with the Freckled Moon to not only share their work but also to make the downtown areas future brighter and beautiful. 

More Than Just Adding Aesthetic

Besides bringing a new aesthetic to downtown Stockton, Marie also runs the Freckled Moon to be an example to her daughters. “I’ve always wanted to teach my daughters that they don’t need anybody to help them, that they can do things on their own. I’m a product of that, being a single mom with four children. It doesn’t matter where you come from or your background, it matters how bad you want your dream and what you’re willing to do to make that obtainable. You don’t need other people to help you, you can do it yourself. So that was really a big drive for me.” 

They have only been open for a few weeks and the Freckled Moon has already been well received by the community. Hopefully with continued support, Marie Pease and the Freckled Moon will make a larger and larger impact on the community as time goes on. To learn more about the Freckled Moon, check out their website, www.thefreckledmoon.com