Ready To Work

Posted on February 9, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Downtown Stockton is a place that is thriving and improving almost everyday. There are, however, plenty of people that need help that will allow them to live their best life, specifically the homeless. Homelessness is an issue that impacts many in Stockton and it is often overlooked or ignored. In just the span of a few years, from 2013-2017, unsheltered homelessness increased by 115%. Fortunately, Ready to Work of San Joaquin County is helping homeless men earn an income, find employment, and get off the streets.

What is Ready to Work?

Ready to Work is a private, nonprofit organization that helps homeless men get back on their feet by providing emergency shelter, food, case management, transportation, and temporary work. Ready to Work focuses on providing aid to homeless men because single homeless men make up approximately 60% of homeless population. Most of these men are unable to find work for a couple different reasons. One, they are not in a stable position to seek or maintain employment; two, they have a spotty employment history; or three, they have a troubled past that is not attractive to employers.

That is why Ready to Work steps in to help those men find stability, employment, while also helping them develop soft and hard skills that are necessary for the workforce. After being in the program for at least 30 days, 100% of participants have increased their income.

Ready to Work finds employment for clients through different organizations and businesses. For example, the Downtown Stockton Alliance hires some of these clients and provides them with service hours for a temporary time. Sometimes is a full time position opens up, clients have a chance to obtain employment from the Downtown Stockton Alliance.

Just the Beginning

Active since July, Ready to Work has already helped over 60 clients. Despite the success they’ve experienced, there are still some obstacles that the organization has to overcome. One obstacle is transportation. It is not always easy to transport clients to work on a regular basis. Services like Lyft or Uber can be expensive and public transportation does not always work with individuals’ schedules. Another obstacle is that some clients make short sighted choices that hurt themselves in the long run. There are definitely some clients that have changed their habits overtime, but not everyone is able to improve. With time, Ready to Work hopes to be able to completely overcome these challenges so that they can help more men in the community.

Jon Mendelson, the executive director of Ready to Work, explained that the beauty of Ready to Work is that it provides clients with an opportunity to help themselves. Ready to Work lends a helping hand to men who want to improve their livelihoods. Clients are not forced to get a job and they go to work because that is what they want.

With the continued help of partners, Ready to Work of San Joaquin County will make a huge difference not just in the lives of homeless men, but in the entire community.

Learn More

Stockton Restaurant Week

Posted on February 3, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

January is California Restaurant Month and from January 18-27, Visit Stockton presented the 10th Annual Stockton Restaurant Week. Stockton is a city with plenty of culinary talent and unique flavors that can only be found here. Stockton Restaurant Week is an event where restaurants all around Stockton have a chance to show off their best dishes and menus at special fixed prices.

Building Community

Visit Stockton has been organizing this event every year for ten years. Wes Rhea, the CEO of Visit Stockton explained the purpose behind Stockton Restaurant Week, “The main reason that we started this event is to really build a relationship with restaurants. That’s the number one thing people do when they visit a city is to go out and eat. So it really helps us support the restaurant community. We typically work a lot with hotels and attractions but this gives us an opportunity to work with restaurants. And also this is a traditionally slower time of year. January, post-holiday, people are focused on fitness or already ate a lot and cooked a lot, and so we’re trying to shift that business during a particularly slow time.”

Over 30 restaurants participated in this years Stockton Restaurant Week and plenty of restaurant owners and patrons express their delight at experiencing such an event. Especially with so many restaurants now offering vegan and gluten-free options. Some of the participating restaurants are here in downtown Stockton.

Downtown Restaurant Participants

CAST IRON TRADING – 110 North San Joaquin Street

Visit if you’re looking for specialty coffees, housemade breakfast items, sliders and burgers, and much more!

DELIBERATION ROOM – 19 North California Street

They got veggie and meat appetizers to go along with All-American cuisine like pulled pork and corned beef sandwiches.

DELTA BISTRO AT UNIVERSITY PLAZA – 110 West Fremont Street

A great place to have a drink while also enjoying a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches.

MISAKI SUSHI & BAR – 222 North El Dorado Street Ste. M

Enjoy some Japanese cuisine like chicken teriyaki and signature sushi rolls.

PORT CITY SPORTS BAR AND GRILL – 222 North El Dorado Street

It’s hard to beat a plate of ribs, shrimp scampi, or a mixed plate of wings, chicken strips, onion rings, and fries.

THE DOWNTOWNER – 40 North Sutter Street

Does a Prosciutto-Mandarin Salad, a Wagyu BBQ Meatloaf, or a Big 10 Burger sound good? Then maybe visit The Downtowner.

You can learn more about the restaurants that participated in this year’s Stockton Restaurant Week by checking out the event’s page on Visit Stockton’s website.

I think that it’s safe to say that the 10th Annual Stockton Restaurant Week was a huge success and next year’s is sure to be just as great. It is really something special to have an event like this and an organization like Visit Stockton to get so many businesses involved all for the benefit of Stockton and it’s residents.

One Year on to Another

Posted on January 9, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

2019 has arrived, but before diving into all the fun and adventure that the new year has to bring, it is good to take a moment and look back at everything that happened in the year before. Though it may not be obvious, 2018 was actually a great year for downtown Stockton with so many changes and great projects that really made the area an even better place to live and enjoy.

2018 Hires

In 2018, Mike Huber came on as the executive director of the Downtown Stockton Alliance. Before joining the Downtown Stockton Alliance, Mike Huber worked as the executive director of the Habitat for Humanity of San Joaquin County.
Alex McBride became the Marketing and Communications Director for the Downtown Stockton Alliance. A Stockton native, Alex McBride uses social media and design to promote the growth of the downtown area.
Andrew Rocha became the Copywriter for the Downtown Stockton Alliance. Another Stockton native, Andrew Rocha writes blog posts that promote and highlight local businesses and organizations.

Mike Huber
Alex McBride
Andrew Rocha

2018 Marketing Recap

The Downtown Stockton Alliance went through a rebranding after the marketing committee decided to update their logo. The new logo is not just a brand for the Downtown Stockton Alliance, but also representative of the entire downtown area.
An audio tour detailing the history of downtown Stockton and some of the older buildings has been in the works through 2018 and should be complete early this year.
#PropertyMondays became a trend on social media for the Downtown Stockton Alliance. On Mondays, the Downtown Stockton Alliance highlights local properties and spaces for sale or lease.

2018 W.E.B (Walkable, Entertaining, Beautiful) Updates

In collaboration with local business owners, the Downtown Stockton Alliance helped clean up Budd Alley and installed a shared trash compactor with recycling and compost units.
Shopping carts have also been collected, cleaning up the downtown area and making it a more appealing place to live and work. In four months, the Downtown Stockton Alliance has cleared over 260 shopping carts from the streets and sidewalks.
The Downtown Stockton Alliance has also expanded their power washing team and gotten new vehicles for the maintenance team. In June, they also employed Apollo Private Security. Apollo patrols 24/7 in the downtown district and is also available if you would like an escort to your vehicle.
Our Maintenance team planted flowers in 25 planters within the downtown district, which were purchased by the DSA in 2018.

And that is just a small glimpse into all the work and accomplishments that came from downtown Stockton in 2018. Despite the negative stereotype some have of downtown Stockton, it is a great place that is constantly improving. With the help and effort of local residents, organizations, and businesses, the downtown community is sure to continue to grow and thrive throughout 2019 and the years to come.

Christmas Services

Posted on December 23, 2018 by digitalgear

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‘Tis the season to be jolly! It’s December and, even though it can get a little cold and rainy, downtown Stockton is keeping warm through festiveness and the holiday spirit. Christmas is quickly approaching and there are actually a few churches in the downtown area that will be holding Christmas services. For anyone visiting friend and family over the holidays, these are services that might be interesting. Listed below are a few of the local churches that will be holding such services.

Reality Church Stockton

(Non Denominational. Part of the Reality Family of Churches)

235 North San Joaquin Street, Stockton CA 95202

There will be a Christmas service on the morning of December 23rd at 10:30am.

St. Mary’s Church

(Catholic)

203 Washington Street, Stockton, CA 95202

There will be Christmas mass on both Christmas Eve and Day (December 24th and 25th).

Saint John the Evangelist Church

(Episcopalian)

316 North El Dorado Street, Stockton, CA 95202

There will be a Christmas service, “Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist”, on the night of Christmas Eve (December 24th) at 5:30pm.

Pentecostal Church of Jesus

(Non Denominational)

24 South Grant Street, Stockton, CA 95202

There will be a Christmas service on the morning of Christmas Day (December the 25th) at 10:00am.

These services are sure to help anyone have a very Merry Christmas. And to those who do not celebrate Christmas but are still spending their time with friends and family this season, the Downtown Stockton Alliance wishes you a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Downtown Stockton is the Place to be for Artists

Posted on November 5, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Andrew Rocha

Stockton is home to many talented artists who display their work throughout downtown, including the recent murals at the Deliberation Room.

The Deliberation Room is a restaurant and bar at 19 North California Street. It is perfect for anyone who wants to grab a bite to eat or drink with friends. Plus, by adding the murals, there is even stronger presence of artistic culture in the area! There are several amazing murals at the location. Each have a distinct style and tone, showcasing the gifted Stockton artists.

For more information on the Deliberation Room, check them out on Facebook.

1850 Collective

The owner of the building, Jacob Bengeruel, shared that the idea to have murals came to him while on a trip to New York City. “While there, I watched artists painting murals on Houston Street on our way to check out the Houston Bowery wall. Watching murals be painted was a unique experience that I really enjoyed. The Houston Bowery wall is an exhibit that rotates new murals every few months so that a new artists is showcased. I was so impressed by both that I wanted to bring the experience to Stockton.”

In order to bring the artistic experience to Stockton, Bengeruel contacted the 1850 Collective to put together a team of artists to create the murals at the Deliberation Room. The 1850 Collective is an organization made up of a variety of artists and creatives who are on a mission to promote the artistic side of Stockton! The murals are just one example of the talent that they help nurture. They are demonstrating how Downtown Stockton is a place that can inspire incredible beauty.

You can find more about the 1850 Collective on Facebook and Instagram.

Artists Spotlight

Two of the artists that have their work on display at the Deliberation Room are Jeremy Johnson and Derek Hough. Their piece is perfect for the spooky season of October. “I have always been drawn to incorporating nature or nature elements, into my work. I feel like Derek and I are fairly similar in that respect, which is why I think we were a good fit for the piece. For me personally, I get inspired by the use of color and illumination in a piece. Since one of our favorite times of year (October) was on its way, we thought we would go for a more eerie feel.” shared Johnson. “The idea behind our piece was to draw you in to the work, with some fun color choices but then give the viewer this uneasy feeling, with the creepy characters in the background and spooky trees making crazy faces in the foreground. Derek and I just wanted the viewers to wander into this piece and experience the mystery and oddity of this one moment in time and hopefully walk away feeling inspired by our wild imagination.”

To see more of their work, you can follow Jeremy Johnson on Facebook and Instagram, and Derek Hough can be found on Instagram.

Stockton’s Growing Art Scene

The murals are eye-catching with their vibrant colors and imaginative illustrations. One cannot help but stop and admire the time and the effort that was put in to creating such vivid works of art! They truly reflect the charm of Downtown Stockton and are a reminder that Stockton is a city with a growing artist community!

Promoting this talent, Stockton Arts Week is highlighting the art and culture that Stockton has fostered. Stockton Arts Week started last Friday, October 12th, and will continue until October 21st. Enjoy events like art walks, performances, workshops and more!

For more information on Stockton Arts Week, check out the Visit Stockton website at visitstockton.com

More of the Murals Below

Fun, Family-Friendly Summer Activities & Events in Downtown Stockton

Posted on May 21, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

Soon, 90 degree temperatures will be heading our way, and you know what that means- summer is almost here! Luckily, there are plenty of family-friendly summer activities and events for you and your loved ones to enjoy in the Downtown Stockton area. Whether you want to cool off from the heat or stay out of the sun, these Downtown Stockton events and activities got you covered (no pun intended)!

Arts & Entertainment

To start off, the Weber Point Event Center is a family favorite! Throughout the year, the Event Center is home to festivals, concerts, and community celebrations as well as a colorful play area for children. In the summer, there is a free interactive water feature for all to enjoy (edit: unfortunately, the water feature will be closed this summer but will be re-opening next year). If getting wet is not for you, feel free to take a leisurely stroll along the water instead and enjoy the view or have a nice lunch in the nearby picnic site. Starting in June, the Event Center hosts Movies at the Point, where family-friendly films are projected onto the outdoor canopy in the evenings. These events are free to the public, so don’t hesitate to bring blankets, snacks, or even dinner to enjoy while watching movies under the summer night sky full of stars.

Speaking of films, don’t forget to stop by the Regal City Centre Stadium 16 & IMAX with the family to see highly anticipated summer movies such as Hotel Transylvania 3 and The Incredibles 2.

If live performances or conventions are more your style, come relax and enjoy bands and artists scheduled to perform at the Bob Hope Theatre such as The Monkees, Jake Shimabukuro, and Benise. Over at the Stockton Arena, the first ever Kidz Expo will take place on July 21st, and will include vendor booths, inflatable bounce houses, face painting, magicians, and much more – a great opportunity for you and your family to spend time together. Continue making memories with your loved ones at StocktonCon, an event that showcases talented artists in the San Joaquin Valley Area and promotes awareness of popular culture. Come dressed as your favorite movie, anime, video game, or comic book character!

Educational Activities

Downtown Stockton also offers entertaining, educational activities for youth. For example, at the Children’s Museum of Stockton, kids can enjoy over 40 interactive exhibits, including a Reptile Display, an Eye Exhibit, a Magnet Exhibit, and a fort with a slide. Admission is only $6, and children aged 2 and under are free!

Another option is a visit to the Cesar Chavez Central Library, which offers internet access, free classes, and workshops. Programs for children include: Preschool Playtime, Family Storytime, Family Game Time, and a LEGO Building Club.

Sports

And of course, we can’t forget about sports! Don’t forget to come cheer on our Stockton Ports baseball team at Banner Island Ballpark! In addition to spectating, kids can play with games, inflatable bouncers, and a giant slide located past the outfield along the seawall. There are also batting cages along the first base line for those who want to practice their swing.

Also, join us, the Downtown Stockton Alliance, for our free, trademark event, Full Moon Riders! Bring your family and bicycles for casual evening rides along the Downtown Stockton Waterfront. After the event, riders meet at participating downtown restaurants. The rides are scheduled on nights of the full moon, and the first one is coming up on May 29^th! The ride theme is Flower Child Pedal, so wear some flowers in your hair or on your wheels to celebrate the Full Flower Moon!

Each Full Moon Riders event has a different theme, so remember to gear up, decorate your bikes, and have fun!

To keep up on family-friendly summer activities happening in Downtown Stockton, check out our Events Calendar!

Downtown Murals Create Awareness

Posted on April 3, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Sylwia Lipiec-Qualls, DSA’s Communications Manger

“We have a thing about doing murals in partnership with human rights and non-profit organizations,” started his story Andrew Laubie, the founder of Street Art Anarchy. SAA curates and produces high impact public art projects in such cities as New York, London, and Hong Kong. Now they have come to Downtown Stockton, CA.

Art by Astro; Location @ California St. & Miner Ave., Stockton

Laubie reached out to the Economic Security Project last year to suggest creating murals to illustrate the program and to inspire more awareness. ESP supports and funds projects that explore and champion unconditional cash for Americans.

“ESP loved the idea and understood right away the power of reaching people through urban art and gave us complete creative control of the project.”

Soon after, ESP announced at the CASH conference in San Francisco that it would be introducing the program in Stockton, CA. In due time, Stockton’s Mayor, Michael Tubbs, rolled out SEED, Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration. This experimental program aims to provide a group of low income residents of Stockton a guaranteed basic income to help offset the cost of their basic needs.

Art by Brandan Odums; Location @ American St. & Main St., Stockton

“I was particularly inspired by the story of Stockton and the Avant Garde projects of mayor Tubbs. I went to scout Stockton to evaluate the possibility of doing the mural project there, where I met several people,” continued Laubie.

One of the people he met was Matthew Amen, the director of Huddle Co-work, who helped SAA to secure walls for the murals on downtown buildings belonging to Ten Space Development.

Three murals were created over the span of three weekends in Downtown Stockton. Through their creative symbolism each image ties into the philosophy of Economic Security Project and furthers the awareness of SEED in Stockton.

Art by Kia; Location @ Channel St. & California St.

Laubie is excited about the impact SAA’s art has already had on the local community, “Stockton has a lot of potential to host mural projects, and there are already many good works around town. It reminds me a lot of Brooklyn and Wynwood before they became artistic hot spots, and with such a strong artistic culture and innovative leadership I have a feeling that it may be going in the same trajectory.“