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.

Downtown’s Wheelie Great Biking Community

Posted on June 16, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

Before we start the article, here’s some bike wisdom for good measure:
A bicycle can’t stand on its own. It’s two-tired.

Downtown Stockton is home to many things: historic buildings, delicious eateries, aromatic coffee shops, exciting events, and a thriving bike community. From Downtown-based groups like the San Joaquin Bike Coalition, Roadfinch, and the HUB, to bicyclists who pass through Downtown Stockton, ride to work, or bike recreationally in the area, downtown is a bustling center of cycle-based activity.

Whether bikers choose to ride along the glittering waterfront, on breezy bike paths lined by popular Downtown hangouts, or anywhere in between, Downtown Stockton attracts bikers of all ages and skill levels. In fact, between the months of April and October, bike enthusiasts gather monthly downtown for casual evening rides. These rides, known as the Full Moon Riders, each follow a different downtown route and conclude at a participating downtown restaurant.

San Joaquin Bike Coalition

The San Joaquin Bike Coalition is one of the founding groups of the Full Moon Riders. Although unsure at how the evening bike rides would initially be received by the community, Kari McNickle, board president of the SJ Bike Coalition, reflects that the Full Moon Riders quickly became “successful, beyond what we ever could have imagined,” and that now, it’s “one of our [The SJ Bike Coalition’s] favorite events to lead and promote.”

The San Joaquin Bike Coalition, a nonprofit organization, advocates for bicycle safety and helps to promote bicycle-related events. Their events and group rides are not only lively, but are also completely free to the public. The Bike Coalition is based in Downtown Stockton’s Huddle, a coworking space located on N. San Joaquin Street. Huddle’s central location and inexpensive fees make it a perfect space for the nonprofit, McNickle explains. Bike Coalition members also hold meetings at popular downtown spots nearby and pop into places like Cast Iron, Trail, and Channel Brewing Co.

Kari McNickle proudly states that the SJ Bike Coalition has been around for nearly 10 years. What makes this board president so passionate about cycling in particular? She shares, “I love that it’s a way to get around that connects you with your neighborhood and community.” Bringing cyclists together for bike rides strengthens the sense of community and helps to promote local businesses in the area. She adds adamantly, “it’s really important we [local businesses and organizations] support each other.”

The HUB

Another well-known and revered figure in the downtown biking community is Deacon Steve, operator of the HUB and Deacon at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist right next door. The HUB provides FREE assistance to those in need of bike repairs (or bikes) and on average, the HUB sees at least 100 visitors a week. Many of these visitors rely on derelict bicycles as their sole means of transportation and lack the funds to replace or repair them. Deacon Steve and the HUB’s 5 volunteers relentlessly work to help: just last year they assisted with 4,000 repairs, and within the past 3 years have given away over 300 bikes!

The HUB also partners with downtown’s seasonal Full Moon Riders events. Annually, Deacon Steve performs a Bike Blessing to “pray that they [the bicyclists] have a safe cycling year“ before leading the cyclists on their downtown journey. Deacon Steve loves the “freedom of movement” and how bicycles provide “access to your own personal freedom.”

It’s time to dust off your old bicycle, grab a helmet, and head Downtown to join this energetic, lively, and passionate bike community. Explore the downtown area with freedom and the feeling of wind through your hair (or on your face, if you have no hair- we don’t judge). You can join the San Joaquin Bike Coalition, participate in an upcoming Full Moon Riders event (June 17^th, July 16^th, August 15^th, etc.), or grab some friends to bike with and as Deacon Steve nicely puts it, “find a route that works best for you.”

Happy Cycling!

Written by Jessica Nguyen

Summer Fun

Posted on May 19, 2019 by digitalgear

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Downtown Stockton is a place where people of all ages can find something for them and have a great time, especially in the summer season! With summer vacation fast approaching, families with kids can consider spending some time together exploring downtown Stockton at the following events and locations.

Regal Cinemas Stockton City Centre & IMAX

Almost everyone in Stockton visits the downtown area when they want to see movies. This summer, there are plenty of films coming soon to the Regal Cinemas Stockton City Centre for families to check out.

If you’ve already seen the much anticipated Avengers: Endgame, you might want to get tickets to see Ugly Dolls, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu, A Dog’s Journey, Aladdin, The Secret Life of Pets 2, Toy Story 4, The Lion King, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, or The Angry Birds Movie 2.

For tickets and showtimes, check out Regal Cinemas Stockton City Centre online: https://www.regmovies.com/theatres/regal-stockton-holiday-cinema/1816#/buy-tickets-by-cinema?in-cinema=1816&at=2019-05-14&view-mode=list

Full Moon Riders

For the families interested in bicycling or enjoy being active over the summer, the Full Moon Riders is the perfect event series. Each ride begins at 6:00 PM on the night of the full moon from May – Oct., and always begins at Janet Leigh Plaza. It’s a great opportunity to ride along with the community and explore downtown Stockton.

For future riding dates and additional information check out,

full-moon-riders

Stockton Ports Baseball

Sports-loving families can get together and cheer on the Stockton Ports. Watch the minor league team take on opposing teams, while spending time together as a family. The Stockton Ports offer plenty of promotions throughout the summer for fans to have even a better time at the ballpark.

Bonus: The DSA also does frequent Ports game ticket giveaways via social media, so if you’re not already following DSA’s facebook, instagram, and twitter, you may want to start this summer!

For more information and the Stockton Ports schedule, check out, https://www.milb.com/stockton

Cesar Chavez Library

School may be out for the summer, but it is still a good time to expand your mind and learn something new everyday. While you can always visit the Cesar Chavez Library, starting on June 1st to July 31st, families can participate in the San Joaquin County Summer Reading Program. Participants can win prizes at the end of the challenge and there are categories for kids, teens, and adults.

For more information on Cesar Chavez Library, check out, http://www.ssjcpl.org/locations/stockton/chavez.html

And for more information on the San Joaquin County Summer Reading Program, check out, http://www.ssjcpl.org/programs/sumReading.html

Downtown Stockton is fantastic and fun place for families to spend the summer. It’s always awesome to explore and take on new experiences, and downtown Stockton has a lot to offer families. So maybe think about calling a family meeting and plan a visit to downtown Stockton.

STOCKMARKET

Posted on April 27, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Stockmarket is a local event that provides an opportunity for friends and families to explore and experience Stockton businesses. This is Stockmarket’s fifth year and they are in a NEW location at the Waterfront Marina at 445 W. Weber Avenue in #DowntownStockton. This past Saturday (April 20th) was the FIRST Stockmarket of the year! If you missed it, don’t worry! You still have an opportunity to check it out on June 22nd, August 17th, and October 19th from 10am to 4pm.

“With each year and location, we encourage attendees to join us to activate areas of our city that need some love! Our festival will feature 70+ vendors of art, handmade items, vintage goods, live music and tons of delicious local food options. We act as a platform to showcase local small business and to boost our local economy through supporting makers in our city. The festival is free to guests, dog friendly, and creates a fun atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy a day at the beautiful downtown waterfront.”

Founder’s Vision

Amy and Katie, the founders of Stockmarket, had a vision for a space in Stockton where businesses could sell their goods while creating a positive atmosphere in the community. Stockmarket first launched in 2015 with around 700 guests, and now in 2019 they’re attracting almost 3000 guests to a fun event for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“As we grow in size, and people spread the word about what the event is, and what it supports— we continue to hear great feedback from guests. Not only do they feel good about supporting local vendors, they enjoy having a space they can go to free of charge with the whole family (dogs included), to enjoy live music, taste local cuisine and meet new people along the way.”

Resource for Local Businesses

Not only is it a fun time for visitors to explore local businesses and enjoy tasty food, but it’s also good for the vendors. “We have had amazing feedback from our vendors. Not only have we had over 10 small businesses go from booths to brick and mortar, but we constantly hear positive feedback from vendors to surrounding cities who had never previously been to Stockton. It is important for us to change any negative perception people may have of our city, and part of Stockmarket is giving visitors a positive experience they can share with others. We hear all the time Stockmarket has a family feel atmosphere and we are all in it together to create a community event to be proud of.”

If you had a good time at Stockmarket before, you need to check out the event now that they’re downtown. And if you’ve never heard of or been to Stockmarket, definitely come out to the Waterfront Marina in #DowntownStockton to check it out!

Full Moon Riders

Posted on April 20, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Bicycling! Whether it’s a hobby, how you get to work, or a way of life, there are a series of events coming soon that you need to be aware of right away! For the fifth year, the Downtown Stockton Alliance is hosting the Full Moon Riders starting TODAY, April 20th. The Full Moon Riders will be gathering to ride every month on the evening of the full moon from April through October. Each ride will be led by various local organizations and be an opportunity to experience the wonder of downtown Stockton. This will also be the first time that the Downtown Stockton Alliance will be donating $1 per rider to a different non-profit organization at each ride.

Courtney Wood, the economic development coordinator for the Downtown Stockton Alliance explained the background and purpose of the Full Moon Riders event. “I think the original goal was that downtown was kind of empty at certain times and [the Downtown Stockton Alliance] were like, ‘wow, this would be great to have bike riding here’ because there aren’t many cars in the evenings when people go home from their offices. So it’s kind of a cool place to bike ride. I think that was part of it: to get people down here to use the streets to promote bicycling.”

Bikes & Bites

Not only is this event an opportunity to give visitors and residents a unique look at downtown Stockton, but also a chance to grab a bite to eat with fellow cyclists. At the end of rides, leaders will direct the riders to some of their favorite restaurants in the area for a filling and delicious dinner or maybe just a quick snack. If anything, it is a chance for people to come together after a fun ride and take pleasure in some downtown Stockton cuisine. Some participating restaurants may even have special deals and offers for the Full Moon Riders.

And if that still doesn’t sound like a good time, there will also be a giveaway at each ride for the first 100 riders. Registration always begins at 5:15pm in Janet Leigh Plaza on the day of the ride.

The Downtown Stockton Alliance Ambassadors will be helping out at the event. Special events ambassador Shirley Griffith explained the role that the ambassadors play during the event. “We have a table set up with giveaways and signup sheets, so at the beginning we get everybody’s name and email. We also take liability forms and give the riders the giveaway prize. And when they leave the plaza to go on their rides, we load everything up, go to the restaurant that is participating that night and put out bike racks.” So while everyone is enjoying themselves on their rides, it’s the ambassadors that are making sure everyone has a great experience.

So if you’re someone who simply enjoys a leisurely bike ride or you’re a passionate bicyclist, you definitely want to join the Full Moon Riders and experience another side of downtown Stockton. Just remember to ride responsibly and that children under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.

Listed below are some more details on each of the upcoming rides. You can also find more information at https://www.downtownstockton.org/play/full-moon-riders-2/

April 20th

6-8:15pm, led by the San Joaquin Bike Coalition.

Non-profit beneficiary: SJ Pride Center

Restaurant: Channel Brewing, Cast Iron, and Kabob & Gyro House

May 18th

6-9pm, led by Deacon Steve from the HUB

Non-profit beneficiary: the HUB

Restaurant: Cancun

Bonus: After-ride bike-in movie!

June 17th

6-8:15pm, led by the San Joaquin Bike Coalition

Non-profit beneficiary: Ready-to-Work

Restaurant: Papa Urb’s & Alfalfa’s

July 16th

6-8:15pm, led by Roadfinch

Non-Profit beneficiary: Mary Magdalene Community Services

Restaurant: All participating Downtown restaurants

August 15th

6-8:15pm, led by Roadfinch

Non-profit beneficiary: Child Abuse Prevention Council

Restaurant: The Downtowner, Subway

September 13th

6-8:15pm, led by Stockton Bike Club

Non-profit beneficiary: Mexican Heritage Center

Restaurant: Nena’s, D’lilah’s Cakery

October 13th

6-8:15pm, led by Robby’s Bicycles

Non-profit beneficiary: HATCH Workshop

Restaurant: participating Janet Leigh Plaza restaurants

Bikes & Blessings: Deacon Steve and the HUB

Posted on June 15, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

What is the HUB?

The HUB, or Helping Urban Bicyclists, provides FREE services for those who need assistance with bike repairs and maintenance. Operated by Deacon Steve, a well-known and respected leader in the Downtown Stockton community, the HUB is a reflection of his relentless love and compassion for members of the Downtown Stockton community.

Why was the HUB created?

Prior to the existence of the HUB, Deacon Steve worked for years repairing and maintaining bicycles. He noticed that people who couldn’t afford bike parts or repairs were turned away. Out on the streets, he knew there were individuals who had squeaky, derelict bikes as their sole means of transportation. Some resorted to theft as a result of lacking funds to spend towards repairs. Deacon Steve felt inspired to help, stating “we needed to be compassionate.” He decided to create a place where people could receive free bicycle assistance, providing them with the ability to continue traveling to their jobs, doctor’s appointments, and community activities. For those who can’t afford cars, Deacon Steve knows that bikes can serve as vessels to increased mobility, independence, and self-improvement.

Bikes & Blessings

The HUB is a neighbor to the Saint John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, where Deacon Steve serves as (you guessed it!) Deacon. It isn’t surprising then, to learn that the church and the HUB both resonate similar values. In fact, the HUB’s sign depicts the gears of a bicycle around the flag of the church, representing their close tie. But don’t worry- the HUB welcomes anyone and everyone – regardless of religious background. The HUB’s main purpose may be to repair bikes, but people find their way in for various reasons. Inside the HUB, weary bicyclists can find light refreshments (including freshly popped popcorn!), water, and a space to find a moment of peace. Often, individuals will come by to seek guidance from Deacon Steve, or to have a talk with him about spiritual matters while he tinkers away.

Why is Downtown Stockton a Great Location for the HUB?

Deacon Steve believes the HUB’s location allows it (as well as the church) to “stretch their hands of love and compassion to reach people” – and that’s exactly what it does. The HUB’s services are entirely free, as the business relies completely on donations and community partnerships to help others. Since its inception, they’ve assisted countless under-employed and homeless Downtown individuals with their transportation needs. Along with Deacon Steve’s visible love of and devotion to his work at the HUB, he also feels strongly about Stockton as a city. In regards to the stereotypes that often shroud the Downtown Stockton area, he asserts that it is “a myth we need to change- [Downtown Stockton] is not a place to be feared, but a place to be celebrated.” In the 20 years that he’s been here, he’s witnessed the continued revitalization of Downtown Stockton as housing, new restaurants, and small businesses have made Downtown Stockton their home.

The HUB & Full Moon Riders

The HUB is very collaborative and involved with community events, and will even be leading an upcoming Full Moon Riders bike ride. Deacon Steve enjoys this event because, “everyone participates, and that’s the beauty of the Full Moon Riders.” At the July 27^th ride, there will be a bicycle blessing with oils blessed by the bishop. There will also be T-shirts for sale, adorned with an image of Madonna del Ghisallo, the Saint of Cycling. All proceeds will go to the HUB in their continued mission to serve the community.

To learn more about the HUB and their events, follow their Facebook page.

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PARK(ing) Day in Downtown Stockton

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

From Installation to Application

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What is Art Splash?

Why Downtown?

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Thursday, July 4th

Stockton’s Fourth of July Parade

City’s 4th of July Celebration

Kaboom 4th of July

Friday, July 5th

Saturday, July 6th

Sunday, July 7th

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San Joaquin Bike Coalition

The HUB

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Regal Cinemas Stockton City Centre & IMAX

Full Moon Riders

Stockton Ports Baseball

Cesar Chavez Library

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Founder’s Vision

Resource for Local Businesses

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Bikes & Bites

April 20th

May 18th

June 17th

July 16th

August 15th

September 13th

October 13th

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Thursday, July 4^th

City’s 4^th of July Celebration

Kaboom 4^th of July

Friday, July 5^th

Saturday, July 6^th

Sunday, July 7^th