Community Gathers for Peace Monument Unveiling in Downtown Stockton

Posted on September 29, 2024September 29, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Harley Meadows

Designer: HWPL Design Team

On September 5th, 2024, over 100 Stockon and California residents gathered for a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light’s (HWPL) first-ever peace monument establishment in the United States.

*DSA Executive Director Mike Hubor with Stockton city officials and HWPL volunteers cutting the ribbon for a new peace monument in Diversity Plaza. Credit: HWPL Volunteers*

Stockton – a city once plagued by violent crime – has been undergoing a transformation. Recent violence prevention projects have shown promising results in the decrease of crime and violence. Together, the Downtown Stockton Alliance and HWPL established a peace monument to advocate for a world filled with peace, unity, and harmony.

The non-profit peace organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), established on May 25, 2013, by chairman Man-Hee Lee, is rooted in promoting religious tolerance worldwide, mutual respect and love, and cessation of war. Although this new organization is only eleven years old, HWPL has already administered 32 global peace missions and has partnered with over 400 different organizations worldwide in signing MOUs.

A dove (symbolizing the desire for peace) soars over the world, symbolizing a beacon of hope for future generations of a community united in love and mutual respect.

*A closeup of the new peace monument. Credit: HWPL Volunteers*

The event featured many guests including Harry Black, Stockton City Manager, who spoke on behalf of the City:

“This monument holds great significance for our city,” Black explained during the event. “Not only because it marks a new chapter of peacebuilding, but also because it reflects Stockton’s devotion and unity which is reflected here in the audience today.”

*City Manager Harry Black addressing the crowd. Credit: HWPL Volunteers*

Mike Huber, Executive Director of the Downtown Stockton Alliance, and Sandy Huber, Director of the World Peace Rose Gardens, also expressed their support for this work of peace. Justin Nailes, a marine veteran and HWPL volunteer, said, “I’ve seen many other young lives sacrificed because of war and violence. Today the need for peace is clearer to me than ever before, and I believe this monument will remind us all of that.”

Ericiliana Franco, a 5th grader who won the 8th Annual Inspirational Message of Peace Contest, shared her poem, Peace Around the World, during the event:

May the world have peace,

May the world have love,

And make me fearless with help from above.

And I ask again for peace on earth.

Once more, more than once each day.

Thanks to the Downtown Stockton Alliance, HWPL has taken a monumental step towards our shared purpose – to create a city and a world free of war and united in love, peace, and prosperity.

In the words of Man Hee Lee, Chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL): “Love can unite people in purpose, culture, and peace. Ultimately, it has the power to unite the whole world.”

The Most Anticipated Event of the Year, StocktonCon!

Posted on July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

This weekend, visit StocktonCon, presented by Utility Telecom, where you’ll find a huge variety of comics, games, collectibles, anything anime, costume contests, and maybe even meet some great actors from your favorite TV show! The two-day event takes place at the newly named Adventist Health Arena in Downtown Stockton. The doors will be open to the public on July 13th and 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the best part is, kids under 12 are free to enter StocktonCon with a paid adult!

Let’s not forget about our food and drinks now. At StocktonCon, you’ll find many different types of treats, ranging from fresh hotdogs to delicious cotton candy!

Looking for trading cards, artwork, action figures, and other comic memorabilia? This family event has hundreds of small vendor businesses that I know you will absolutely love.

Stockton’s Annual Pop-Culture Convention is aimed at bringing the community together for a two-day festival of anime, comics, and creative costumes! So, get your family and friends together and gear up for one of the most anticipated events of the year, StocktonCon!

If you’re looking to attend StocktonCon for one day, buy the one-day ticket for $15 plus fees, and you’ll be able to attend on Saturday or Sunday. If you’re looking to attend both days, buy the 2-day ticket, which is $20 plus fees. And remember, kids under 12 are free if accompanied by a paid adult!

Enjoy a full weekend of comics and fun!

Buy Tickets Here

Click Here for Parking Information

Main Street Market 2024

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Looking for amazing local eats, vendors, and great live music performances? Main Street Market is your go-to event.

April 9th (Music performance by Bananafish (Cover Rock))

May 14th (Music performance by Touch of Magic (Latin))

June 11th (Music performance by Nick Elwood (Cover rock))

The Stockton Lantern Festival: A Central Valley Wonderland

Posted on November 30, 2023December 1, 2023 by Shaun Chatrath

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By Shaun Chatrath

There’s a magical event taking place at Banner Island Ballpark in Downtown Stockton, California this year. The Stockton Lantern Festival is a celebration of culture, art, and storytelling that illuminates the city and creates an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Each display at the ballpark is hand-crafted by lantern artisans using the ancient technique of Chinese lantern merged with the technological evolution of LED lighting.

Walking through the Lantern Festival, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Koda, a fearless adventurer as he journeys through a magical forest in Caballococha, Peru. Each sculpture and light fixture is strategically placed within Banner Island Ballpark’s playfield to further the story of Koda’s quest. Some of these art displays include butterflies, owls, and even a smoke-breathing dragon. In addition, live stage acts including a wide range of musical talent, dance, and acrobatics complement the visual experience of the Magic Forest.

“This was all about creating a safe, fun and family friendly event that would welcome the Stockton community and beyond” said Jason Perry, General Manager ASM Global. “From the moment one walks into the ballpark we want them to feel transformed to a magical place that is filled with bright lights, interactive lanterns and something awing at each turn. It is all about new traditions being made, life long memories that we can share for years to come.”

Moreover, for those looking for delicious specialty meals and drinks at the festival various Peruvian-inspired dishes are available for sale at each food stand around the Ballparks concession stands. These dishes include Peru Tacos made with seasoned ground chicken, tomatoes potatoes, green olives, jack cheese, and onion cilantro mix all on a flour tortilla. Top this dish off with delicious fruit spears covered in Tajin and Chamoy and you have yourself a recipe for an immersive experience. Don’t forget to also keep an eye out for souvenirs ranging from miniature art displays to festival merchandise available for sale around the ballpark.

The Stockton Lantern Festival is an extraordinary celebration that blends artistry, culture, and community spirit into a dazzling display of light. From the captivating lantern displays to the immersive cultural experiences, this festival offers a little something for everyone. So, mark your calendars and prepare to be mesmerized by the enchanting beauty of the Stockton Lantern Festival. It’s an event that will leave you feeling inspired, connected, and in awe of the power of illumination and artistic expression.

Tickets:

Children ages 2-12 start at $19

Adults start at $23

Special Discounts:

Military/Veterans: Save $5 with Valid ID with Proof of Service at Box Office.

Students: Save $3 at the gate on Wednesday’s only with your student ID at Box Office.

Groups: A $3 per ticket discount is available for groups of 10 or more. Call 209-373-1400 or email [email protected] to purchase.

Ticket Locations:

Adventist Health Arena Box Office – 248 W Fremont St. on the North Side of the building.

Monday 11am- 2pm

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 11am- 2pm

Thursday: Closed

Friday: 11am- 2pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Stockton Ballpark Box Office – 404 W Fremont St.

11/25 – 1/14: 2pm to 9pm

Online Tickets are available at stocktonlive.com.

Festival hours/times:

5PM to 10PM daily, last ticket sold at 9PM. Please give yourself around 1 hour and a half to enjoy the phenomenal view.

Acrobatic Stage Performance Times:

Mon to Thurs – 5:30, 7pm and 8:30pm

Fri-Sun- 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30pm

Location: Stockton Ballpark, 404 West Fremont, Stockton, Ca 95203

Parking: City Lots $15

Wheelchair Access: Yes. Please take note that the event is on grass and dirt.

Website Links / Sources:

http://www.stocktonlive.com

https://www.downtownstockton.org/businesses/banner-island-ballpark

www.visitstockton.org/events/stockton-lantern-festival

ALL ABOUT DSA’S NEW, ARPA-FUNDED PROGRAMS!

Posted on March 15, 2023April 18, 2023 by Courtney Wood

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By Courtney Wood

The Downtown Stockton Alliance has four new ARPA-funded programs to benefit Downtown Stockton businesses and property owners. In the last year, DSA staff have received over $2M in American Rescue Plan Act funding for projects and programs to benefit our Downtown stakeholders.
Learn more about these programs below!

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Does your Downtown building or business exterior need a subtle glow-up, or maybe a full-on facelift? Our Business Façade Improvement Program, funded through City of Stockton ARPA money, has no-strings-attached cash for those makeovers. This program offers up to $25,000 of improvements per building for:

New Awnings
New Paint
Window & Door Replacement
Outdoor Dining Enclosures
Façade Repairs of Stucco/Tile/Brick
Other Street-facing, Façade Improvements

To be eligible, your business or property must be located in Downtown Stockton, have an up-to-date business license, have no active code violations, and not be a publicly traded company. For a step-by-step guide on how to apply, click here. Let this program give your downtown space a youthful glow!

*_{We have funding available to repair and update Downtown building facades!}*

DOWNTOWN ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT PROGRAM

Are you a Downtown business owner who has always been curious about joining a chamber of commerce, but hesitated due to the fees? Or a long-standing chamber member who would jump at the opportunity to have someone cover this year’s dues for you? Or maybe there’s a Quickbooks class you’ve been eyeing that would help you up your business’s bookkeeping methods, but felt that investing in that course would take away funding from another important aspect of your business? Well, the DSA has the answer to your prayers this year!

*_{February’s Talk to Downtown featured representatives from local chambers!}*

Our San Joaquin County ARPA-funded Downtown Stockton Entrepreneur Support Program offers to reimburse Downtown business owners for up to $1,000 per business for EITHER a chamber membership at any of the local chambers, such as the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, the African American Chamber of SJC, the SJC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, or the Central Valley Asian-American Chamber of Commerce; OR a business development workshop, class, or course that would help you improve your business or train your staff! To learn more about the benefits of joining our local chambers, check out February’s Talk to Downtown.

We can reimburse you for memberships or workshops occurring from December 2022 onward through the submission of this form. Let the DSA help you network, up-skill yourself or your staff, and grow your business into the best it can be in 2023.

DOWNTOWN STOCKTON WINDOW REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

Have you recently had a window broken at your Downtown business, and struggled to find the funds to repair it? You already have enough to worry about as a small business owner. Our new SJC ARPA-funded Downtown Stockton Window Repair Reimbursement Program can help! Through this program, we can reimburse Downtown business owners for up to $800 per window for window repairs. All you need to do is fill out this form, which asks you to upload the window repair invoice and your proof of payment, and the DSA will send your reimbursement check to you within 10 days!

DOWNTOWN STOCKTON WINDOW WRAP PROGRAM

Does your downtown business or building have empty windows or faded window wraps that are screaming to be updated with colorful artwork or customized branding? Let our SJC ARPA-funded Downtown Stockton Window Wrap Program brighten up your space and attract clients to your business. Through this program, the DSA will pay for up to $2,500 of window wrapping per business. Just submit this form to apply – the DSA can help you with a customized design OR use artwork you already have. Once you’ve approved the design, we work with the installer and pay them directly. It’s that easy to completely upgrade the look of your business!

*_{Check out one of our Window Wrap Program beneficiaries, Alex Floral!}*

APPLY NOW!

These four programs are all running on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts; as of the writing of this article, we still have approximately $44,000 remaining in the Entrepreneur Support Program, $47,000 left in the Window Repair Reimbursement Fund, $47,000 to spend in the Window Wrap Program, and 40 spots left in the Business Façade Improvement Program. Click here to learn more or to apply today, contact [email protected] with any questions, and please share this article with every Downtown Stockton business owner or property owner you know.

Staff here at the DSA are thrilled to be able to offer these one-time programs to our stakeholders, who we know have waded upstream through adversities in the past few years. We hope for this funding to provide support, improvements, enhancements, and momentum which will propel Downtown Stockton toward a steady river of success.

P.S.

In addition to the programs mentioned in this article, we still have funding for the digital media promotion of Downtown Stockton events and job listings through COS ARPA money; if you are hosting an event or have job openings at your Downtown location, send them our way by emailing [email protected]!

Murals Making Moves in Downtown

Posted on October 17, 2022August 3, 2023 by Courtney Wood

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by Gynae Davalos

New Mural! Find it on the side of 707 E. Main St

It’s the colors and size of a mural that easily captures our attention roaming anywhere downtown. And the latest installment up at the side of 707 E. Main St. is no exception.

This giant work of art is to honor Devone Boggan, CEO of Advance Peace, an organization dedicated to ending cyclical and retaliatory gun violence in American urban neighborhoods. For all his endless work enriching young people’s lives, he was named an Ashoka Changemaker in 2021 and was named a recipient of an Irvine Foundation Leadership Award this year. The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards recognize individuals advancing breakthrough solutions to critical issues facing California.

John Horton is the multidisciplinary artist selected to create and produce the mural. He’s titled it: Transforming Lives. A resident of Sacramento, John’s Instagram profile showcases his awesome artistry of digital graphics, canvas work, and other commissioned projects. He’s been creating murals all over the state for about 6 years and he really likes our downtown.

“I like the architecture and the pace of it here. It’s pretty cool.”

John has very simple advice on how to put your art out there and have your work commissioned: “Be involved in your community and opportunities will arise from that.”

With so much work to be done to keep our downtown moving, John had a great suggestion, “Everything starts with the youth. So any programs that can inspire the next generation, that’s the only way you can get good change for longevity.”

Want more murals in Downtown Stockton? All you have to do is ask. [email protected]

Revised 3/15/2023