The DSA’s Community Ambassador Team serve as “eyes and ears” in the downtown area. Although they are not downtown security, they are here to make the community feel safer. Back in February, we introduced the Community Ambassador program in a blog article. Now, we’d like to give you an update on the program by featuring an interview with one of our community ambassadors: Dejon Underdue! His enthusiasm and positive energy throughout the interview was infectious, and his passion for the downtown community shone through his words. We’re proud to have him on our team. 

MEET DEJON

Born and raised in Stockton, Dejon pridefully shares, “I like doing things for people any way I can- especially for the community.” Along with his current role as DSA Community Ambassador, Dejon also operates the Baby Bottoms Diaper Bank, an organization that supplies free diapers for babies and infants for families in need. In the past, Dejon also worked with his family to run and operate a safe haven for victims of domestic violence. When he isn’t helping others, Dejon spends his time making music. In fact, he’s a three-time Grammy nominated musician and producer! Whether he’s patrolling downtown areas, lending a helping hand to others, or even working on producing music, one thing is clear- Dejon is passionate about giving back to the community.

WHY HE BECAME A COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR 

Dejon first heard about the Community Ambassador program earlier this year from his mother, and landed the position in early February. After completing his first training during a shift, he reflects, “I loved it.” Dejon expresses that the role can be challenging at times, yet fulfilling, as he’s, “always down for things that make me [him] think; things that require judgment calls.” 

Communicating with those in the community is another reason Dejon is so passionate about his role, as he enjoys, “dealing with different people.” He explains that Community Ambassadors work to connect individuals in need to various resources, such as shelters or food banks. They also help in other ways, including but not limited to helping fix flat tires or escorting people to their cars at night. The assistance they offer, “takes a lot of stress off of people…makes life easier for people.”

IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

From when the Community Ambassador Program was first implemented in February to now, Dejon shares that the difference is like “night and day. Now, people are coming up to us all the time saying, ‘we can actually walk around at night now!’” He’s happy that the Community Ambassadors are making a difference, and wants everyone in downtown to know, “I’m here to assist and I’ll be here every single shift.”

In addition to helping community members feel safe, Community Ambassadors also work closely with the Stockton Police Department. Officers are grateful to have their help, as the ambassadors can take care of smaller matters (loitering, escorting, etc.) and can also quickly alert and inform the police when a situation arises.

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE

When asked what he’s most excited to see in the future, Dejon answers that he wants to see a decline in loitering and hopes to continue, “guiding people in the right direction.” In regards to the program, he says there is, “so much we have planned and so many ideas for the future. I’m excited for the future.”

So the next time you’re downtown, you may see Dejon during one of his shifts, or you might catch him grabbing a bite at Port City Sports Bar & Grill (after all, he says, “I find myself spending half my paycheck there!”). If you do run into him, don’t be afraid to say hello!

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

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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.

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.

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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).

By Jessica Nguyen

Meet Tina McCarty, downtown’s Parking and Venue Manager in the City of Stockton’s Economic Development Department! She is dedicated to the progress of the downtown community, passionate about Downtown Stockton, and is hopeful for what the future brings to the resilient community. As Parking and Venue Manager, Tina oversees parking operations for all five of downtown’s parking garages as well as street parking spaces. Her other duties include but are not limited to managing the operations and policies of the Downtown Marina, Bob Hope Theater, and other large downtown event venues. In addition to her role as Parking and Venue manager for the past four and a half years, Tina also currently serves as an active board member for the Downtown Stockton Alliance. This upcoming March will mark her one year anniversary at the DSA. Why does she do it? Tina enthusiastically shares, “I love it downtown!”

What changes have you seen in downtown over the years?

For the past couple years Tina has worked and spent in Downtown Stockton, there were a couple changes in the area that really stood out to her. For instance, she’s noticed more development in the downtown area and enjoys seeing the projects that rehabilitate and repurpose downtown’s historic structures while, “still maintaining the historic vibes of the buildings.” She notes the Medico-Dental building as an example, as it is being repurposed for future use as Downtown Stockton housing. Tina also mentions the recent changes in downtown’s streetscape — for instance, the change from traditional parking meters to the more effective and modern payment machines. These machines were fully implemented onto downtown’s streets in May of last year. In addition, Tina adds that the downtown schools, such as Stockton Collegiate International Schools and the TEAM Charter School, are great features of downtown Stockton, as it is, “very nice to see the liveliness of the kids.”

What are you most excited to see in downtown’s future?

Currently, Tina is excited about “so much change and development in our midst,” as she is proud of the current efforts to revitalize Downtown Stockton. In the future, she would love to witness the continued evolvement of downtown buildings and the addition of new retail businesses to the area that will help to draw more people and positive attention to the downtown area. One day (hopefully in the near future), she hopes Downtown Stockton will be a vibrant space and favored destination, even after 4 or 5pm! Downtown’s nightlife scene has definitely improved in recent times, as new businesses have worked to draw more business during later hours of the day.

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Quick Three!

Where is your favorite spot to have lunch downtown? Favorite place to grab a coffee?

After some slight contemplation, Tina ultimately decided that she couldn’t pick just one go-to lunch destination (I mean, you can’t blame her- there are so many tasty eateries downtown!), so she revealed her top three: Cast Iron Trading Co., the Downtowner, and Nena’s Mexican Restaurant — yum! Have you been to all three yet?

In terms of her preferred spot to grab a cup of joe, Tina explains that she isn’t much of a coffee drinker. However, she does love tea! She shares that luckily, there are also spots to pick up tea downtown. For instance, Trail Coffee makes great tea and is very conveniently located for her to make trips whenever she needs a refreshing cup!

What is downtown’s spirit animal?

“A tiger, because there is so much to be excited about and the rest of the area will hear Stockton roar!”

How would you describe Downtown in one word?

With no hesitation, Tina chooses,“Evolving.”

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Join us for our Talk with Tina on where we will be sharing all things Parking in #DowntownStockton!

January 8th at 10 AM, Facebook live (click here)

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Faces of Downtown

By Jessica Nguyen

Mahala Burns is an active member of the Downtown Stockton Community. A dedicated realtor for Cort Companies, a strong advocate for the revitalization of downtown, and an active board member for the Downtown Stockton Alliance, Mahala has witnessed Downtown Stockton’s evolution firsthand over the twenty-six years that she’s worked in this community. It was a pleasure to hear from her perspective.  

How It All Started

This year marks Mahala’s 26^th year working in Downtown Stockton! Wondering what the downtown area was like back when she first started? She shares, “It was very different…kind of a ghost town. There wasn’t a lot of activity and there were many boarded-up buildings.” Since then, downtown’s recent influx of local businesses, events, and other significant changes make it a much more vibrant community. Mahala adds, “It’s getting better every year!” We agree!

DSA Involvement

Dan Cort, CEO of Cort Companies, was one of the DSA founders and served on the board until Mahala later took over. She’s now been a DSA Board Member Mahala for 15 years! While reflecting on her time here, she points out that the DSA office hasn’t always been at its current Bridge Place location: “It’s [the DSA] been in a couple different locations, but the mission has been the same- to support property owners.” She’s proud of the DSA’s work in serving local businesses and its dedication to bringing people downtown to support local shops and events.

What Contributed to Downtown’s Change?

When asked about the specific changes that have positively impacted downtown, Mahala answers with “economic vitality.” The price per square foot for downtown property spaces haven’t increased dramatically over the past several decades, but much of the change comes from the energetic business owners who decided to set up shop downtown. Mahala commends these millennials for bringing in trendy businesses such as coffee shops and living/work spaces.

However, she credits the Stockton Collegiate International Schools charter school for being the highest agent of transformative change in Downtown. Eleven years ago, the k-12 school made Downtown Stockton its home and, “introduced children to the downtown area.” This was quite significant, for Mahala shares, “seeing kids injected so much life and vitality to the area… it gave us hope that there was a future.” This helped to quell myths that Downtown Stockton was a dangerous area that should be avoided at all costs. The school (along with the Team Charter School that opened later) proved to adults that if kids were safe in Downtown Stockton, they would be too.

What Are You Most Excited To See In Downtown’s Future?

Mahala explains that Monday through Friday within the hours of 9am to 5pm, Downtown Stockton’s streets are pretty active with workers, shoppers, and visitors. Unfortunately, the evenings are significantly less lively. Therefore, Mahala is most excited for the 81 new market-rate residential spaces/units that will soon be added in various buildings around downtown. There will be live/work spaces as well as regular loft apartments in areas such as across the street from Trail Coffee. She believes that having people live in downtown is the next step to breathing life into those quiet evenings.  

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Favorite Place to Have Lunch Downtown?

Without hesitation, Mahala shares that her go-to destination is the Thai Thai Restaurant, where she orders chicken noodle soup with broccoli.

Favorite Coffee Spot Downtown?

Mahala’s favorite spot is Trail Coffee, and she highly recommends the Coffee Milkshake! (Honestly, I’m now convinced to try it)

What is Downtown’s spirit animal?

“A beaver, because of the water and because beavers are persistent- they build their lodges and someone destroys it- next day, it’s back up again…they don’t give up.”

By Courtney Wood

Intro

Have you ever wondered who is behind Downtown Stockton’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or maybe who designed the Downtown Visitor’s guide you’ve seen around town?

Look no further than Alex McBride, DSA’s Marketing & Communications Director. This week we sat down with Alex to learn more about the role she plays in making Downtown tick.

Background

If you ever visit Alex’s DSA office, you’ll immediately notice Downtown memorabilia peeking out at you from every direction – a Stockton Kings towel nestled on the exposed brick wall, an Amgen Tour 2019 pass dangling from a thumbtack, a Stockton Heat poster mounted on corkboard, a Downtown Stockton beanie perched on the desk corner, a Stockton Ports promotional lunchbox wedged into her bookcase –  all clues alluding to her role at the center of Downtown marketing.

For the interview, Alex settles into her desk chair, which is backlit by a window overlooking Di Carli Square and the glittering Downtown waterfront. She has her phone within arm’s reach, poised to take advantage of impromptu Downtown photo opportunities and keep tabs on the latest Downtown social media alerts.

A Stockton native, and recipient of a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of the Pacific, Alex began working at the DSA in September of 2018.

She sums up her role as follows: “I oversee all social media scheduling and content, promote businesses and events…[work on] the blog, create marketing campaigns for new events, [and create plans] for new projects.”

When asked how she feels about her position, Alex shares, “I really enjoy it because I have a lot of freedom choosing the direction of projects. It’s refreshing – it’s a lot of work but I appreciate the chance to be creative.”

Social Media

With social media at the heart of Downtown’s marketing strategy, Alex has developed unique tactics for each platform. “On Facebook, I mainly focus on event promotion,” she reveals, while on Twitter, “I take a light-hearted approach, with memes,” to keep people engaged in the Downtown conversation. When it comes to Instagram, she shares interesting or beautiful things that may be lesser-known: “For example, in the California Building, if you look up [the ceiling is really pretty] – it’s not something you [typically] notice walking around.”   

When it comes to promoting new businesses on social media, Alex notes, “If it’s more of a professional services business, [I’ll use] Facebook.” She also likes to promote new businesses via Instagram Stories; if the business has their own Instagram handle, she’ll share their profile or one of their posts with DSA’s many followers.

Graphic Design

While a significant portion of Alex’s time is spent juggling DSA’s social media accounts, another portion is focused on graphic design, allowing her to make use of her UOP degree and to exercise her creativity.

“When I first started, they[the DSA] had created a new logo, which was great, but there wasn’t cohesive branding across all media,” she shares thoughtfully, “what I’ve enjoyed most is just…developing the brand of DSA.”

Since arriving, Alex has re-designed the Downtown Visitor’s Guide and Annual Report, while also creating new logos and materials for Walk With Weber, Full Moon Riders, various internal documents, and several upcoming campaigns, including National Night Out 2019.

Her number one tip when it comes to graphic design? “Don’t use too many fonts,” she states firmly, “also, balance is key.”

Perspective on Downtown

When asked to describe the condition of Downtown today, Alex shares emphatically, “I love Downtown.”

“A lot of times people just see the weeds – there are still flowers here.”

She’s excited to see the way members of the Downtown community are strengthening and supporting each other. “They’re coming together, like the group of businesses on San Joaquin Street,” who have been hosting outdoor markets with music. She says this kind of community building is what will help Downtown to thrive.

Additionally, Alex notes that the new wave of live/work spaces coming into Downtown has brought excitement and energy to the area.

Looking Forward

Alex sees a clear vision for the future of Downtown and DSA’s role in it.

“In the future, I see more retail, more shops like Freckled Moon and Rainbow.” With the expected influx of downtown residents, she believes that retail will become very important for Downtown’s economic development.

As for DSA’s part, she offers, “We are working to create a walkable, beautiful Downtown – making sure it is a place people want to be, a branded Downtown with life in the core.”

Food For Thought

When asked to offer one closing statement to our readers, Alex glances thoughtfully out of her window toward the scenic waterway, and then imparts, “Be open to the positives.”  

If you’re seeking promotion of a Downtown Event or Business, contact [email protected] or visit this link on the DSA website. To learn more about Downtown happenings, be sure to follow DSA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Q&A – FAST FIVE WITH ALEX MCBRIDE

What’s your go-to Downtown lunch spot?

“Orlando’s Deli, but if it’s a Tuesday, then Flako’s Tacos, ‘cause they’re $1.”

What’s your go-to Downtown coffee spot?

“All of them, but due to proximity, Empresso on El Dorado sees my face the most. When I want a dirty chai, though, if it’s iced, I’ll go to Reds – if it’s hot, I’ll go to Trail.”

What Downtown summer event are you most excited about?

“Movies At the Point. They have Aquaman and Captain Marvel in the line-up – I’m a huge Marvel fan.”

What is Downtown’s Spirit Animal?

“A Chameleon.”

Describe Downtown in one word.

“Unique.”