Diversity Plaza: Downtown beautification adds new color and art in Stockton

Posted on April 27, 2022May 15, 2024 by digitalgear

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by Ben Sanchez

Brighter days.

When I boxed up the buttons my intern designed in preparation for the diversity ceremony this month, I realized the work my team developed for this project would be coming to a close.

My intern, Ayaana Williams, wrapped up button and flyer designs for the project during her final week at the office. I picked up the camera for the first time in a long time. The camera felt heavy in my hands as I walked past the new Superior Court of California downtown. There is a small walkway between the old and new courthouse buildings on Weber Avenue. I heard swishing water past the steps where people were walking in and out of large, windowed doors of the courthouse. The bustling crowds moved swiftly through the walkway to approach the building.

Skies were clear today with sun rays beaming down on the open space behind the courthouse. The ceremony was scheduled before noon. I slip past the crowds, preparing my attempt to capture moments with the camera.

I have made this walk numerous times with my team in downtown. Jason and I filmed downtown shots of the Fox theater and the old Bank of Stockton building. We snapped photos a few blocks away at the redeveloped Chung Wah Lane. But today, at that moment, I am the one looking down the lens this time. This space is different now. Ayaana compiled before and after footage of this outdoor area. We both watched this outdoor space transform over the past four months from Hunter Square to Diversity Plaza.

City of Stockton team members pose for the selfie.

Diversity Plaza.

Once called Hunter Square, the new space is now named Diversity Plaza. The Spire, an art piece designed by Glen Mortenson, was originally located in this outdoor space (Passerbyers will now see the Spire at the newly developed Miner Avenue roundabout).

Michael Huber, Executive Director of Downtown Stockton Alliance, explained he wanted to celebrate Stockton’s diversity for this project, hence the name change for the area. “For our 2021 beautification project, we chose the back half of Hunter Square, which is now Diversity Plaza,” says Huber.

During the winter months last year, our maintenance team assisted with the landscape development. Flag poles were painted and placed across the plaza. Each flag is designed by Ayaana with these words: Unity, Equity, Pride, Inclusion, Diversity, and Respect.

The short video footage she put together will give you a sense of the work and transformation over the past year.

You can watch the video below.

Behind the lens.

The camera felt heavy today. Heavier than usual. The crowd walked across the lawn into the sunlight where rows of chairs waited to seat their visitors. I look through the camera lens to capture the art on utility boxes near Diversity Plaza. The outdoor space was utilized in our other video when we introduced Ayaana on our YouTube channel. I went ahead and operated the camera when we captured video of her walking past the flags during construction. You also can watch that video on our YouTube channel.

Ayaana was a great photographer. She captured a lot of the Diversity Plaza photos you see on social media. The material she developed was an integral part of the design process for marketing going forward.

Speaking of design and art, Sam Majeed (@dopaminecolors) created the art you see at Diversity Plaza. This collaborative effort toward this project is not his first project in downtown. He created a mural in the Courthouse Plaza parking lot along the east wall of the building. People approached him in the crowd. His large coat had a colorful art design across his back. When he turned to address the people acknowledging his artwork, I squeezed the button on the camera to capture it.

Celebrate Diversity.

Two large polished art statues stand behind a circular, iron gated area. These statues and gates round out the art ensemble at the plaza. City of Stockton officials, public figures, and community members gathered for the presentation of Diversity Plaza. When Huber addressed the crowd introducing Harry Black to the microphone, everyone took a seat. Each speaker approached the microphone to say a few words about the work being done in downtown before presenting a certificate to Huber.

Chamber representatives were asked to approach the microphone to speak. The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Central Valley Asian American Chamber of Commerce offered their appreciation for the beautification efforts in downtown. People lined up for photo ops by Tim Ulmer as they exchanged greetings before the camera clicks to snapshot the moment. Majeed took a candid photo standing in front of his work (Striking a pose to capture his coat in the shot). With people saying their goodbyes, I pop the cover back on the lens before I head off to the next venture.

The crowd dispersed with a snapshot of Diversity Plaza. I hope the public can make their way to visit this hidden space. Hopefully, this will be one of many upcoming beautification projects within downtown Stockton.

Fun Fact:

Ayaana Williams designed the flags and buttons for Diversity Plaza. She also created the highlight video and captured photos during the development process downtown.

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Downtown Stockton Vlog

Miner Avenue a catalyst to highlight improved downtown Stockton

Posted on April 1, 2022April 25, 2022 by digitalgear

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by Ben Sanchez

Cut your ribbon.

A buzzing sound lingered in the air near San Joaquin Street and Miner Avenue in downtown Stockton. I took a brisk walk from the office to find people gathering for the Miner Avenue Complete Streets ribbon-cutting ceremony. I can hear the sound grow louder as I round the corner off Channel Street. Days before, the Economic Development Department (EDD) dropped a flier on Instagram noting that on Wednesday, March 16, the community was invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The buzzing sound of a drone flying above the streets captured the new roundabout at the intersection. Standing in the middle of the roundabout, The Spire. A historic art fountain that once occupied Hunter Square was designed by Glen Mortensen. The new plaque on the base of The Spire bathed in sunlight. I bet you have seen Mortensen’s architecture in Stockton. More specifically, Burns Tower at University of the Pacific and the School of Pharmacy.

Mayor Kevin J. Lincoln arrived on scene along with several public figures presenting short speeches to the public. A row of easels showcased the before and after photographs on a long time project coming to the finish line.

What a long road it has been for Miner Avenue. Jodi Almassy, City of Stockton Director of Public Works, addressed the crowd explaining the “labor of love” that went into the project. Since 2008, the complexity of the project achieved funding from six separate sources with Siegfried Engineering as the lead design firm.

I navigated the crowd, saying hello to fellow community members and business owners who attended the event. We all stood together watching the mayor grip giant scissors. He lifted them into position awaiting the signal to cut the ribbon. Cue a short pause for the photo op moment. Looking at all the development in this area, I think back to last year when the team and I would film vlog footage near Miner Avenue.

Transitions.

Throughout our walks of downtown, Miner was one of those areas with constant construction over the past winter. We veered and maneuvered our way past construction vehicles and workers who made progress block by block. The crew made us aware of the safety precautions along the sidewalks as they worked around the weather to pave streets.

Part of the footage can be viewed in our vlog episode 4 here (Or you might spot it in a reel on Instagram). You might remember sidewalk construction along Miner or certain cross streets shut down during this process last year. New bike lanes were installed with reduced traffic from four lanes down to two (Siegfried Engineering tells me this is called a road diet or lane reduction).

The impact on commuter traffic in downtown increased at this time as people discovered new ways to navigate their parking spots. Businesses along Miner started to view the transformation roll out over 2021. I know Beas Auto Sales kept customers aware through their popular Instagram stories. Their awareness to the situation at hand assisted customers who ventured downtown throughout construction times (Also their selection of lo-fi music used on Instagram is inspired by yours truly.)

The right time.

With businesses adjusting to downtown development, the question on everyone’s mind is, ”What is happening in downtown?”

A question I am most certain Eric Alvarez, City of Stockton Deputy Director of Public Works, is asked frequently. Alvarez jumped on a Zoom call to talk to the Downtown Stockton Alliance about his role with the city. Several months before the ribbon cutting, Alvarez gave an overview of several projects throughout the city. You can watch his full interview here.

When asked about the Miner Avenue Complete Street Improvements project he said, “It’s taken a long time — Miner is a large project in terms of its length. But with anything, the driver is money. You have to have the money to see it through.”

He noted a lot of minor details (see what I did there?) in his discussion about the project. Timing was everything when applying for funding on this project. Once grant funding was secured they had to find an ideal time to get to work with weather conditions and other challenges ahead.

“It took 10 years to get from the idea to finishing the work,” says Alvarez. Throughout their continued efforts to improve Miner Avenue several agencies were involved in the process to complete the project including Siegfried Engineering, Salaber Associates, and George Reed noted as key consultants and contractors.

Hometown.

During the ceremony, I stood next to Chris Kay, Marketing Manager and Business Development at Siegfried Engineering. I am sure you know of Chris Kay. His accolades within the community speak volumes throughout the city. A family man, entrepreneur, leader, broadcaster, and overall just a wonderful human, he set aside some time to answer my questions about Miner Avenue. He shakes a lot of hands as people come up to greet him. Kay spoke about the key points with this project and how he worked directly with Alvarez and his team. “The city is an extension of our staff — it truly is a collaborative effort,” says Kay.

Over the course of conversation, Kay revealed this was a complex project that started years ago. “Our company was involved from the very beginning,” says Kay, “We assisted with grant writing and preliminary designs, and were the lead design firm on this project.” This is another significant milestone for the company. The northern and central California engineering firm has an incredible portfolio of roadway projects and improvement projects throughout California. Their expertise and insight offered the city a new perspective when designs were finalized (Remember that road diet we talked about).

As we gazed toward the Spire I asked him what his thoughts were with his firm bringing this idea to fruition. “To see it finished is amazing,” says Kay. “The long standing project complete is incredible to see in our hometown.”

Fun Fact:

You might not know this, but the development project on Miner is considered a ten block corridor. From the railroad tracks all the way to Center Street.

*Photo courtesy of Siegfried Engineering.

Check out businesses in previous vlog episodes on our YouTube channel!

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Downtown Stockton Vlog

Enjoy Downtown From Your Own Living Room

Posted on August 21, 2020 by digitalgear

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In efforts to stay safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many upcoming events have been cancelled or postponed until further notice. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sit at home bored out of your mind during your free time! Today, we decided to compile a list of ways you can enjoy yourself from the comforts of your home- from following tutorials to participating in virtual events, there’s something for everyone!

Events

Virtual FMR
This year, our Full Moon Riders (FMR) event is going virtual! Normally, Full Moon Riders are monthly group bike rides that take place between the months of April and October. The rides typically begin at the Janet Leigh Plaza and end at a downtown restaurant. This year, we will be hosting one virtual FMR bike ride, which means you can bike the predetermined route at your own pace during the month of September! Follow the route, snap pictures along the way (more details to come), send them in to us, and you’ll receive a free FMR face mask and a $20 meal voucher (valid at select downtown eateries)! Additional details will be on our Facebook page soon.

StocktonCon Online
Are you an artist or cosplayer? Are you a fan of all things pop culture? Then make sure to check out this year’s virtual StocktonCon! The event took place August 15th-16th, but all of the livestreams are still available on their Facebook page. Enjoy art tutorials from professional artists and various panels: supreme pro wrestling, cosplay, voice acting panels, and more. Next year’s StocktonCon will take place at the Stockton Area on August 14-15th, so there’s plenty of time to prepare that new cosplay!

Talk to Downtown
Every second Wednesday of the month, the Downtown Stockton Alliance hosts our Talk to Downtown Facebook Livestream. Our goal is to connect you to city, county, and other organizations to answer any questions you may have about our local community. Getting the your questions to us is easy- just leave a comment during the livestream or send an email to our Marketing Director, Jessica, prior to the livestream! This month, our featured guest was Stockton’s City Manager, Harry Black. If you missed the live, you can watch it (and all of our other previous Talk to Downtown livestreams) on our Youtube Channel.

Stockton Strong Marketplace
The Stockmarket is a curated marketplace that features some of the best local crafts, art, and street food. It’s been postponed, but you can still support local artists and makers from home by shopping online at the Stockton Strong Marketplace! Here you’ll find unique earrings to add to your jewelry box, seasoning spice blends to flavor your next meal, aromatic candles to gracefully light up the dark corners of your room, and much more. Happy shopping!

DSA Takeout Challenge
Win a FREE DSA water bottle just for supporting our downtown eateries! It’s a win-win situation for all sides- you get free swag, AND you get to enjoy eating at delicious downtown restaurants. American food, Mexican food, Japanese food, Asian food… so many options, you may struggle to choose! Learn more about the challenge here.

Learn Something New

Advanced Entrepreneurship Online Program
Are you a business owner facing some business challenges? Then this FREE upcoming workshop, hosted by Centro Community Partners, is for you! The best part? You’ll receive over 30 hours of training, coaching, and guidance right from home. All you need is a smartphone or computer, and the dedication to making your business the best it can be! Register before August 27th to reserve your spot.

Show Your Hair Some Love
Just because we’re staying inside doesn’t mean we shouldn’t show some love to our hair! Natural Do, a natural hair care salon catering to individuals with kinky, curly, and wavy hair posts hair tips and tutorials on their Facebook page. The videos feature Valonne Smith, founder and CEO of Natural Do. Her passion and knowledge make following the videos a breeze, so grab your brush and mirror and get started! If you’re up for some reading, Valonne’s E-Book, Girl, Get Your Hair Back Too! The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Hair Healthier, Fuller, and Longer is also available for purchase.

Become a Plant Enthusiast
Plant lovers rejoice! FarOut Foliage, a new plant shop specializing in rare and unique plants, is opening downtown on Monday, August 24th! Netzel Huffhines, plant enthusiast (she has a personal collection of over 300 plants!) and owner, is excited to share her passion and knowledge of plants with anyone who may be interested in becoming a plant parent (or is already one!). Check out her Instagram page to see some of her gorgeous plants and to learn some plant care tips.

Read our Blog
Looking for some light reading? With over 100 blogs on our website (and counting!), you’ll have a lot to choose from! From community member spotlights, local business highlights, and more, keep yourself entertained and learn something new about downtown.

For the Kids

Children’s Museum of Stockton shares Fun Activities to Do at Home
Although the Children’s Museum of Stockton is closed to the public, the learning and fun continues online! Visit the museum’s website and Facebook page to find fun activities for the kiddos- and hey, you can join in, too (besides, do you really trust your kids with that food coloring?)! Partake in crafting popsicle stick pencils, paper roll apple cores, and many other creations that inspire imagination and creativity.

Reading (and Crafting) is Fun!
Drop by the San Joaquin County Public Library’s Facebook page for lively story times, interesting D.I.Y. craft ideas, and fun book recommendations. Perfect for the little ones, and guaranteed to keep their attention! If there’s a book calling your name and you’d like to borrow it from the library, check out their website for more information about their curbside service.

Bonus: Every Thursday, the library also hosts a Chavez Spanish Club over Zoom. If you’ve ever wanted to learn Spanish, now’s the perfect time!

Now that you’ve got some (virtual) plans added to your calendar, we’ve got one reminder for you: have fun!

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

Posted on February 14, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

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

El Concilio’s Cinco de Mayo Family Festival

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

Feast at the Fox

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

West Coast Conference Baseball Championships

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

CRAVE Food Festival

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

‘Tis the Season in #DowntownStockton

Posted on December 3, 2019 by digitalgear

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’Tis the season to string up Christmas lights, nimbly wrap gifts, enjoy the company of family and friends, and plan a trip to Downtown Stockton to celebrate the holidays! From the Tree Lighting Ceremony to the many Christmas shows featured at the Bob Hope Theater this month, there is something for everyone — both young and old — this holiday season.

Cort Companies Holiday Open House

December 5th, 2019
10 AM – 2 PM

We know you probably hardcore feasted for Thanksgiving, but the holidays aren’t over yet! Kick off the last month of 2019 with food, music and crafts provided by various Downtown Stockton merchants and businesses. Hosted by Cort Companies, the Holiday Open House will be held on the ground floor of Cort Tower, located at 343 E. Main Street. Enjoy some holiday cheer and prepare to indulge in some last minute shopping- come early though, because the Stockton Chorale will be sharing their harmonious vocals to kickstart the event! Cort Companies is excited to feature some of downtown’s finest businesses: JoDavi music, Tuleburg Press and the Write Place, In Season, Heinzen Studio, Squire and Co,. The Bead Fool, GFAF Bakery, and Trail Coffee. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out all of these businesses yet, now’s your chance! Wondering what other treats and surprises are in store at the Holiday Open House? Come and find out!

Navidad en el Valle Tamale Dinner

December 6th, 2019
11 AM – 8 PM

One of the best parts of the holiday season is the opportunity to give back to the community. Join El Concilio on Friday, December 6th for their annual Navidad en el Valle Tamale Dinner and Drive-Thru Lunch at the Stockton Civic Auditorium. The event is free to the public, and will include live music, local entertainment, dancing, and photos with Santa for the little ones! Also, for just $10, you can get a Tamale Dinner of two tamales, Mexican rice and beans! All proceeds will help fund Christmas food baskets for families in the community who are in need. Getting a tamale dinner while simultaneously donating to those in need during the holidays? What a great way to spend the holiday season!

Smiling father and two daughters shopping in a vendors booth during the Holiday Stockmarket — 2018 Holiday Stockmarket. Photo by @une.femme.drea

Holiday at the Point

December 7th, 2019
Starts at 3 PM

The Stockmarket has partnered with the City of Stockton to bring exciting events to downtown this holiday season, all on the same day! Stop by the Weber Point Water Front on December 7th to enjoy the 5th Annual Holiday Stockmarket, Stockton Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the 37th Annual Lighted Boat Parade by the Stockton Yacht Club! There’s no fee to attend so come by to purchase local gifts, listen to local bands, and eat and drink from local eateries and breweries. The festivities don’t stop there- there will also be free horse carriage rides, crafts, and a visit from Old Saint Nick himself! Doors open at 3pm, the Christmas tree will be lighted at 5:30pm, and the Boat Parade will arrive at 6:30pm.

Bob Hope Theater Events

There are a lot of shows during December, so we did the work of compiling a list of them all for you here:

Cirque Dreams Holidaze — 12/06 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- The Cirque Dreams Holidaze is both a Broadway musical and new Cirque adventure spectacular! Buy your tickets today to see these critically-acclaimed and unforgettable performances with the entire family.
Classic Movie: White Christmas — 12/08 2 PM – 4 PM
- Need some of the classics to complete your holiday season? The Bob Hope Theater will be showing White Christmas, a 1954 American musical film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. Nothing beats the oldies!
Johnny Mathis Concert — 12/12 7:30 PM – 10 PM
- Catch Johnny Mathis performing his iconic Christmas Concert, featuring classic holiday favorites and some of his greatest hits, like “Chances Are”, “It’s Not for Me to Say”, and “Misty”. Sure you hear Christmas songs on the radio, but there’s something much more satisfying about hearing them live!
Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey Celebrate Christmas Tour —
12/15 6 PM – 9 PM
- More Christmas performances? Yes, please! Natalie Grant, a seven-time Grammy nominated Christian and Gospel artist and Danny Gokey, a Grammy nominated artist and a top 3 finalist on season 8 of American Idol, will be gracing the Bob Hope Theater for their Christmas Tour! Don’t miss this talented duo.
The Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks! Tour — 12/17 7:30 PM – 10 PM
- Rock into the holiday spirit with iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, and three-time Grammy Award winner Brian Setzer and his 19-piece orchestra! Prepare to be entranced by some retro holiday cheer and sing along to some of his various hits.
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2019 — 12/22 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Jazz music is great all year, but it’s even better during the holidays! Come see nine-time Grammy nominated saxophonist Dave Koz and his friends as they continue their annual holiday tradition and celebrate the magic of the holiday season.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage — 12/28 6 PM – 9 PM
- Everyone’s favorite Peanuts television special comes to life on stage at the Bob Hope Theater this holiday season. Bring the kids to see Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang from the timeless television classic in a stage adaptation that the entire family can enjoy.

Mexican Heritage Center Events

There are also several events at Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery, be sure to check them out!

Nacimientos at the Mexican Heritage Center — 12/9-12/27, M – F, 7 AM – 4 PM, Closed Christmas Day.
- Stop by the Mexican Heritage center to see the nacimientos (nativity scenes) on display from various parishes and individuals from the community.
Posadas y Nacimientos (Nativity Exhibit) — 12/20 at 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Join the Mexican Heritage Center for a night of singing around Downtown, a blessing & viewing of the nacimientos, and a short singing program. There will be Mexican Hot Chocolate, and pan dulce (sweet bread) for free for all participants. There will also be tamales available for purchase. $2.00 each or $20.00 a dozen.

Thanksgiving Run & Walk Against Hunger

Posted on November 1, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Nissi Guiao

Spooky season felt short-lived, wouldn’t you agree? Candy bowls are emptying and now we’re settling into November and all things festive for the quickly approaching holidays. A sense of gratitude and thankfulness fills the air as full as the turkeys fill our freezers and we’re beginning to plot the best way to fill our plates with all the faves. Families all around are ramping up their annual traditions or starting new ones, and some people are already decked out for Christmas! But, let’s not be so quick to skip over Thanksgiving and a very special tradition held in our own downtown backyard—the annual Thanksgiving Run & Walk Against Hunger!

Flyer for 15th Anniversary of the Thanksgiving Run & Walk Against Hunger. Thanksgiving Day. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St.

Crisp Morning in #DowntownStockton

Each year, people look forward to this 5k or 10k run. It’s the perfect break away from the hustle and bustle of prep and cooking where thousands of people come together to join in on the fun during the crisp, cold “Turkey Day” morning in support of a treasured cause. Even if you’re not quite a morning person, this one is worth getting up for—keeping in mind the joy it brings to the families this whole this is all about! As the leaves fall, so does a lot of the stress and anxiety for the individuals the fundraiser supports.

Behind the Scenes

According to Tim Pasisz, Director of Sports & Tourism Development at Visit Stockton, who’s running the Turkey Trot, “The event is a fundraiser for the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin. The event serves not only the dedicated runners who are here to compete in the 5k and 10k runs, but also families and friends who have made the Run and Walk Against Hunger their Thanksgiving morning tradition. A large contingency of the anticipated 5,000 participants is made up of families participating in the 5k walk. The event has continued to evolve over the years, initially the finish line was at home plate on the Stockton Ports Baseball field, however as the Run and Walk Against Hunger grew, it became to difficult to manage the finish line in that small of an area.”

Get Involved

There are so many reasons to get involved with this once-a-year experience: QT making memories with family, friends and loved ones, time enjoying the beautiful outdoors running (or walking!!), and last but not least supporting a great cause. Pasisz shares that it all started out because “Emergency Food Bank Board Members and Community Volunteers wanted a memorable way to not only have an event for the community but also to serve as a fundraiser for the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin.” They nailed it, hitting multiple needs in our community.

Pre-race Activities

And this year, as “the 15^th Run and Walk Against Hunger,” Pasisz tells us that “the event is expanding to a larger lifestyle festival pre-race with tons of vendors and area businesses showcasing their products in the ballpark parking lot. Interested parties can always bring canned food on race morning to donate to the Food Bank as well.” All of the changes add to the excitement and only make this day better. If you haven’t experienced it yet, this would be the year to check it out.

Sign Up NOW!

Per Pasisz, “Registration is easy – it can be done online at www.runagainsthunger.org, or people can show up on Thanksgiving Morning at the start location (Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W Fremont St) beginning at 6:00am to register.” Though many have already been counting down the days till 2019 Turkey Trot, there is plenty of room for you and your family. In fact, it won’t be the same without you 🙂 Sign up, it’ll be such a great opportunity to start the holiday off on the right foot and to work up that appetite for the rest of the day’s delicious festivities.

Let’s Get Spooky Downtown

Posted on October 18, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

It’s October… you know what that means: SPOOKY SEASON! Time to carve those pumpkins, buy Halloween candy, indulge on pumpkin pie, turn up Thriller on your speakers, and find the perfect costume! And yes, a white sheet with eye holes counts if you’re pressed on time — we understand! Looking to do more this month? We’ve compiled a list of several Halloween events happening around downtown in the upcoming week! Make sure to check our social media pages to stay updated on any new Halloween events that may be added.

Freak Night

This 21+ event is perfect for an exciting night out with friends. And the best part? You get to come dressed in a Halloween costume! Adorn yourself with sleek cat ears, fake blood splatter, or a high-necked cloak and get ready to party (but don’t come as a skeleton, or you’ll have no BODY to dance with!). This upscale Halloween event will take place at the Stockton Area in The Record Press Club on Saturday, October 19^th from 9pm to 12:30am, and will feature DJ Manuel C, DJ Monstermack, and drummer Ken ‘Kumbia Kenny’ Crosby. Bring your friends and dance through the witching hour!

Boozy Pumpkin Carving

It’s Halloween, what better excuse to carve pumpkins and get tipsy? Trail Coffee is hosting Boozy Pumpkin Carving on Tuesday, October 29^th from 6pm to 9pm. There will be pre-gutted pumpkins ready to be carved up to your wildest imaginations (Trail will also have stencils, so no pressure). Your ticket also includes a complimentary alcoholic apple cider and there will be small bites such as freshly roasted pumpkin seeds to snack on. If pumpkin carving with friends, alcoholic cider, and munching on treats aren’t enough of an incentive, the most creative pumpkin of the night will win a free bag of coffee! Don’t forget to RVSP to this event and maybe find some pumpkins to practice on.

2019 Dia de los Muertos Street Fiesta

Although this event isn’t exactly Halloween related, it’s one of our October events that you wouldn’t want to miss! This colorful, lively, and family friendly Fiesta hosted by the Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery will take place Saturday, October 26^th from 11am to 5pm. They’ll be shutting down 4 blocks of Sutter Street and Market Street just for this event! There will be art exhibits, live bands, food vendors, kids activities, a car show, and much more. ¡Feliz día de los Muertos!

Turning Parking Spaces into Social Spaces

Posted on September 16, 2019 by digitalgear

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PARK(ing) Day in Downtown Stockton

By Jessica Nguyen

Just like it sounds, PARK(ing) Day is an event dedicated to parking spots, but probably not in the way you’re thinking- these aren’t spaces you’d want to back your car into! PARK(ing) Day is a one ⁠— day event that encourages people to rethink parking spaces as public places by temporarily transforming them into unique installations and social spaces. Instead of occupying land with vehicles, PARK(ing) Day explores the plethora of possibilities the space could instead be transformed into when it’s not being occupied by a car- a mini lounge area, gaming space, succulent garden, outside library, art corner, golf course, outside yoga studio, or playground just to name some examples! The goal is to utilize these spaces to activate our streets and create new opportunities for social interaction between members of our community.

The idea of PARK(ing) Day originated in 2005 by an architecture group based in San Francisco. Since then, the annual event has been adopted by cities worldwide and is always held annually on the third Friday of September. First established in Downtown Stockton by the San Joaquin Bike Coalition (SJBC), this year will be downtown’s third annual PARK(ing) Day event. This year, it will take place on Friday, September 20^th, and spaces will be set up throughout the day between the hours of 10am and 2pm.

Why is Park(ing) Day held in Downtown Stockton?

Kari McNickle, Board President of the San Joaquin Bike Coalition, explains that downtown, “offers a great density of businesses, employees strolling on their lunch hour, and an opportunity to really rethink how we use our streets.” In addition, organizations, local artists, and other Park(ing) Day participants get the chance to showcase their creativity when converting the parking spaces into more interactive experiences. In past years, downtown spaces have been turned into art lounges, game rooms, and there was one year where a DJ setup was featured! Don’t miss the opportunity to spend your Friday taking in the experiences born from Downtown Stockton’s creative energy. As Kari says herself, “the creativity is pretty impressive.”

There is so much to get excited about when visiting downtown, and Park(ing) Day is definitely one of them! Kari loves, “seeing people stop on their walk around downtown and engaging with the spaces. It’s a friendly and fun way to disrupt the routine and help people think differently about a street they may stroll down every day.” Parking spaces take up quite a bit of space (think of all the public spaces taken up along entire streets, parking lots, and even garages!), so it will be refreshing and interesting to see some spaces conceptualized in completely new and unique ways. The creativity adds color and excitement to parking spaces that otherwise exist solely for functional purposes.

From Installation to Application

There is even potential for permanent transformation: some Park(ing) Day installments find their forever home. For example, since Downtown Stockton’s first Park(ing) Day, downtown has had its first parklet installed in front of Trail Coffee. The space now serves as a vibrant outdoor seating area (if you haven’t seen it already, you should really check it out, it’s adorable!). Offering these outdoor spaces, such as outdoor seating for restaurants or cafés, make the entire street feel safer and much more lively- hopefully this is the start of a new trend! These outdoor spaces would be a great way to foster social interactions. This year, there will be at least five transformed spaces downtown. Interested in knowing what they are? We’re not telling you, because as Kari says, “you’ll have to come see to find out!”

Downtown’s Art Walk

Posted on July 12, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

“Art is too important not to share.”
– Romero Britto, famous Brazilian artist, painter, serigrapher and sculptor

Everyone has a little bit of an artist in them. You might disagree, and think to yourself, “I don’t paint,” or “HA. I can only draw stick figures.” What we often forget is that art is a form of expression– and you can express yourself any way you want to. You may not be the next Picasso, Shakespeare or Beethoven, and sure, your piece of artwork probably won’t become as famous as the Mona Lisa, but this doesn’t change the fact that you expressed yourself – your thoughts, feelings, and/or emotions you may not have necessarily been able to put into words.

What is Art Splash?

Appreciation for art expression is not lost on Joy Neas, Coordinator of Downtown Stockton’s ArtSplash, a FREE, self-guided tour of various downtown venues that display local art of all shapes, sizes, color, and variety. Being a photographer, crocheter, and sidewalk chalk art enthusiast herself, Joy encourages artists of all skill levels to display their work in ArtSplash events, stating, “we have everybody, we accept everybody. We give an immersive experience.” She continues, “It’s one thing to make art, but to feel like you’re a real artist, you need to show your art.” And show art they do- past ArtSplash artists have showcased everything from photography, music, weaving, sculpting, drawing, painting, ceramics, animation, and more!

From toddlers to senior citizens and all stages in between, ArtSplash has proudly displayed art from artists of all ages. It reminds us that art has no age limit- all that’s needed is the passion to create (some paintbrushes or musical instruments would probably help, too). Some unique art displays featured in past ArtSplash events included a local filmmaker who showcased her original short films and a Renaissance Group who wove and made ceramics while adorned in their renaissance-styled attire. Some displays are even interactive, allowing visitors to join in on the painting or model for an art piece (if you’ve always wanted to model and never had the chance, this is your opportunity!).

Why Downtown?

Why is Downtown Stockton the perfect location for ArtSplash? Joy shares that there are many reasons, including the simple fact that she loves the downtown area. “Downtown to me is the heart of the city. Downtown has so much character with the historical buildings, beautiful waterfront, and all the different cultures that make up Stockton.” Another reason Downtown Stockton is the ideal location for ArtSplash is that it helps people to “get to know these buildings.” Having art displayed in various downtown venues means that visitors get to view the inside of buildings they otherwise would have never had the chance to see. For instance, RTD was an ArtSplash venue, and visitors were able to experience the inside of its beautiful conference room.

Currently in its 8^th year, ArtSplash takes place on the second Fridays of months May through October from 5 – 8 PM at various downtown locations (check our events calendar for more information). There are only a couple ArtSplash events left this season, so what are you waiting for? Get in touch with your creative side and grab some paint, a guitar, a camera, Renaissance gear, flowers- anything! And while you are creating, remember Joy’s words, “Anything can be art.” Check it out TONIGHT!

Joy is always in search of new artists and venues! If you would like to participate in an upcoming ArtSplash event(s) or if you are interested in offering a downtown venue, please contact her at [email protected] she’d love to hear from you!

Celebrate 4th of July Weekend in Downtown Stockton!

Posted on June 30, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

If you’re scouring the Internet and scrolling through Facebook event pages in search of things to do 4^th of July weekend, look no further! Close those tabs, sit back, relax, and put on some patriotic tunes ‘cause we’ve put together an itinerary for your entire weekend! Whether you choose to do everything listed below or can only make a few events, you’re sure to have a fun, family-friendly (and wallet-friendly) Fourth of July (or, you can leave the kids at home- hey, it’s your weekend too).

City of Stockton’s 4th of July Celebration, Weber Point

Thursday, July 4^th

Stockton’s Fourth of July Parade

Parade begins at 10am and starts on Weber Avenue and El Dorado Street, travels north on El Dorado, left on Oak Street, and left on Center Street. The grandstand (main viewing area) will be located in front of the Stockton Civic Memorial Auditorium.

Start your 4^th of July celebration early and attend Downtown Stockton’s Fourth of July Parade hosted by the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County. The parade will honor Gold Star Families, or immediate family members of fallen service members who died while serving in a time of conflict. Bring the entire family and enjoy lively music, colorful floats, and other eye-catching entities while adorned in red, white and blue attire and patriotically waving your miniature American flags. If spectating is not your thing, you can sign up to participate in the parade! Build that float or ready your trumpet and you’re good to go!

City’s 4^th of July Celebration

5:30pm-10:00pm at the Weber Point Event Center, fireworks begin at 9:30pm

How can it be a 4^th of July without fireworks? Bring your loved ones to view a spectacular fireworks show at the Weber Point Event Center! Take along blankets or lawn chairs to settle in before the start of the spectacle; and if you didn’t opt for an early dinner at one of Downtown’s tasty restaurants, then bring a picnic-style dinner to enjoy (turkey sandwiches sound great, but they don’t beat fried soft shell crab followed by a delicious Dynamite Roll from Misaki’s- just sayin’). Bring your mini flags and good vibes, but leave the alcohol, personal fireworks, hard coolers, barbeque grills and pets at home.

Kaboom 4^th of July

6:00pm-10:00pm at the Downtown Stockton Marina, fireworks start at 9:00pm.

Not only are there fireworks, but this FREE event includes face painting, music, and a bounce house- perfect for kids (and adults -if face painting is your thing…)! Food will also be available for purchase. At 9pm, once you’re full and the kids’ faces are covered with drying paint, you and your family will have an excellent view as you bask in the thunderous booms of fireworks and watch them light up the sky with their brilliant hues.

The fireworks will be- as the kids say- lit.

Stockton Ports Baseball

6:10pm-9:00pm at Downtown Stockton’s Banner Island Ballpark

What’s a more patriotic sport than baseball? Join the Ports and fellow fans for the ballpark’s biggest firework show of the year! But first, cheer on our local team as they play against the Modesto Nuts. Grab some ballpark snacks (chomp down on some nuts and show the Modesto Nuts who’s boss) and enjoy the Delta breeze as you view America’s Favorite Pastime on the day we celebrate America’s Independence.

Friday, July 5^th

Regal Cinemas Stockton City Center 16 & IMAX

Hooray, it’s Friday! After an exciting Independence Day, catch a movie and head to the downtown cinema to sink into reclining seats with a refreshing drink in one hand and a bag of popcorn in the other. With so many great movies hitting theaters, it’s almost too hard to choose the film for Friday movie night. Do you go with the highly anticipated Toy Story 4? The action-packed Spider-Man: Far From Home? Or others that are also probably really great but not mentioned because the author of this article is so focused on waiting for Toy Story 4? Good luck deciding!

Mama Coon Live

7:30pm-9:00pm at Channel Brewing Co.

Local favorite Mama Coon will be performing at Channel Brewing Co., playing originals and covers on her guitar. Come by, purchase one of Channel’s delicious craft beers, and revel in the camaraderie of one of downtown’s hottest spots and the energy of the live music.

Stockton Ports Baseball

7:10pm at Downtown Stockton’s Banner Island Ballpark

Why not make it a baseball weekend? Come to downtown’s ballpark Friday night to cheer on the Stockton Ports. The first 1,000 fans to arrive will receive a free pair of American Flag socks- talk about patriotic! But that isn’t the only thing that’ll knock your socks off (pun intended)- come dressed as your favorite superhero, ‘cause it’s Super Hero Day! And yes, He-Man counts.

Saturday, July 6^th

Farmer’s Market

6:00am to 10:00am under the Cross Town Freeway

Get up early to pick up some fresh produce from the open air Asian farmer’s market under the Cross Town Freeway! The market offers fresh seasonal produce of all kinds – herbs, fish, eggs, sweets, and other tasty Asian treats from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China, and India. Grab the best ingredients for your family lunch and/or dinner!

Brit Floyd

8:00pm to 10:00pm at the Bob Hope Theater

You know what else you need for this 4^th of July weekend? Rock music! Come see Brit Floyd at downtown’s Bob Hope Theater! Brit Floyd is widely regarded as the world’s greatest live tribute to rock band Pink Floyd, complete with a stunning multi-million dollar light show, large circular screen, projections, lasers, inflatables and theatrics. Playing hit songs from Pink Floyd’s classic albums such as Wish You Were Here and Animals, you’re sure to enjoy this performance- besides, you’re probably going to need a break from Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA”.

Sunday, July 7^th

Mimosa Sunday Brunch

10:00am to 2:00pm at the Delta Bistro and Lounge in the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel

Sunday is for brunch! And mimosas, of course. If you’ve never been to the Delta Bistro for brunch, Fourth of July weekend is the perfect excuse to try it! Stuff yourself with country potatoes, sweet cream pancakes, house cured and smoked salmon, and some carved to order prime rib! Relax in this chic atmosphere and get your brunch on.

Rooftop Brunch

10:00am to 2:00pm at Bella Vista

If you want to enjoy brunch on a rooftop during a beautiful sunny morning, this is the place for you. Every Sunday, Fleur Bistro partners with Bella Vista Rooftop to bring you a delicious brunch experience in a beautiful setting. This Fourth of July weekend is only the second Sunday of this new collaboration! Come check it out.

Walk With Weber Walking Tour

Since the 4^th of July is all about honoring our nation’s history, why not conclude your weekend by learning the history behind Downtown Stockton’s oldest buildings on the Walk With Weber self-guided tour? All you need is your smartphone, a stocked snack bag, and comfy walking shoes to step back into the early days of Stockton.

Walk With Weber is available on the DSA website for FREE, and since it is self-guided, can be taken at your leisure (though we recommend late afternoon to enjoy the colors of the setting sun as the weather begins cooling down). To take the tour, walk yourself to 125 Bridge Place (where the tour begins), and open the tour menu on your smartphone to view the tour stops, in recommended order. As you walk to each stop, click on the name of the building to enjoy a slideshow of historic photos and insightful narration by historian Manuel Laguna.

With 24 video clips, this tour takes 2 hours to walk, so we recommend a snack break between stops #6 and #7 – sit on a bench facing the peaceful waterfront and observe the row of gently waving American flags along Weber Point. Once you’ve completed the tour, you’ll be ready to reward yourself with something nice and cool, like a thick chocolate milkshake from Moo Moo’s Burger Barn or a fresh fruit smoothie from Edible Arrangements! Indulge and enjoy!

Now that you’re in-the-know about these Independence Day weekend possibilities, we hope you’ll choose Downtown for your red, white, and bluing! Happy celebrating!

To keep informed about any other events going on Downtown this weekend, visit our events calendar. To receive monthly updates on what’s happening in Downtown, sign up for our newsletter.