By Mohammad Afsharfar

Posted on October 2, 2026October 7, 2026 by Intern DSA

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BY: MOHAMMAD AFSHARFAR

Stockton’s creative community has a local space to bring ideas to life. Alto Studios, founded by Javier Aranda in 2025, is a content production studio offering photography, videography, website creation, and other creative services for businesses, influencers, artists, and community members. For Javier, opening Alto Studios was the result of nearly a decade of experience and a passion for photography and videography.

From a Family Business to a Creative Studio.

Javier’s entrepreneurial journey began long before Alto Studios. Growing up around his family’s tortilla business helped him develop the skills and mindset that eventually inspired him to build something of his own. That experience showed him just how much creative talent exists in the area.

“I really love videography and photography,” Javier said. The skills that I learned from my family business really instilled in me the desire to create something for myself. I understood that there are a lot more people than just me who do the same thing, he said.

His connection to Stockton’s creative community became even stronger while working from an office at Huddle, where he met local photographers, videographers, models, and other creatives. After operating a smaller photography studio, Javier saw an opportunity to create a larger professional space that could serve not only his own business but the broader creative community.

Keeping Creative Resources Local.

One of Javier’s main goals with Alto Studios is to give Stockton creators and businesses access to professional production resources without having to travel outside the region. My objective is just to give the local community a real production studio that they’re able to utilize where they don’t have to travel to the Bay Area or LA,” Javier explained. They can stay at home and have the same resources and access as everyone else does. Alto Studios officially opened under its current name in July 2025, although Javier previously operated the space under the name VXJ. Altogether, he has been involved in photography, videography, and creative production for nearly 10 years.

Herder is passionate about his business: I feel like our shop is very welcoming when you come in; you want to just sit down, hang out, look around, and chat with us…We’re really big on conversating with our clients and making them feel like they’re family versus just a dollar sign.

More Than a Photography Studio.

Alto Studios offers a wide range of creative and marketing services. Businesses can work with the studio on website design and creation, monthly content packages, reels, photography, video production, and other marketing needs. The studio also offers professional headshots, birthday photo shoots, creative shoots, and brand photography. Services can be provided inside the studio or on location, depending on the client’s needs.

Javier also makes the studio available to other photographers, videographers, models, businesses, and creators who need a professional space for their own projects.

Making Professional Studio Space Accessible.

For creators who simply need access to the space, Alto Studio offers hourly studio rentals.

Standard studio rental is $100 per hour. Alto Studios also offers a $59 Creator Pass, which includes one hour of studio time and membership benefits, including 50% off future studio bookings.

For Javier, the idea is about more than operating a production company. It is about building a creative resource that supports the people already creating and growing businesses in Stockton. By providing professional production resources locally, Alto Studios is helping Stockton’s businesses and creators turn their ideas into content—right here in their own community.

A Must Visit During Your Next Downtown Stroll

📸 Boo k Here 📸

Information

📍Address: 526 E Main St, Stockton, CA 95202

📅Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 1:00PM – 8:00PM

📲Phone Number: 209-689-8443

Book Here: https://www.altostudiios.com/book-online

📸Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/altostudiios@thegoldenrosebarbershop

Are you ready for Tequila Fest 2026?

Posted on August 25, 2026August 25, 2026 by Intern DSA

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By Catalina Franco-Gomez

Stockton! Do you know what time it is? It is time to get ready and party hard at this year’s Tequila Fest 2026 at the Weber Point Events Center, here, in Downtown Stockton, CA.

FOOD, VENDORS, TEQUILA, & MORE!

This year is going to get even better. There will be food trucks, merch vendors, live music, family fun, and so much more.

And let’s not forget about the drink vendors(wink). For sure there will be Tequila vendors and other drinks for purchase with of course a valid ID, 21+.

There will be also tequila taste testing and other fun activities to do while in the fest.

AWESOME LIVE MUSIC

Let’s talk about the live music. Have you heard about the line up for this year’s performances?

We have Nacho Martinez, Richard Bean of Malo, D-Shot, Rappin 4 Tay, and to bring it to close, Richie Rich!

But it doesn’t stop there, this year’s headliner performer is…Baby Bash!!!

Do not miss out, save the date, and lock in those tickets.

📍Address: Weber Point Events Center – 221 N Center St, Downtown Stockton, CA

📅 Saturday, August 29th, 2026 | 12PM – 8PM

📸Instagram: @smaentllcbrand

📘Facebook: @smaentllcbrand

🖥️ Website: SMA Entertainment – Live Music, Concerts & Festivals

🎫Tickets: SMA Entertainment

Talk to Downtown Episode 77 Blog: Stanley McFadden, Chief of the Stockton Police Department

Posted on June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 by Courtney Wood

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By: Courtney Wood

Our June 10^th Talk to Downtown episode featured Chief Stanley McFadden of the Stockton Police Department. If you missed the episode, you can watch it here. Read the blog below for just a few highlights from the interview, hosted by Courtney Wood. To hear everything Chief McFadden talked about, check out the full Talk to Downtown episode.

Chief McFadden’s Experience & Background

Having previously served 30 years in the San Jose Police Department, and retiring as Deputy Chief of Operations there, McFadden is now in his 34^th year of policing – serving as the Chief of Stockton PD since 2022.

What categories of service are provided by Stockton PD?

During the interview, McFadden outlined policing services, animal shelter services, and neighborhood services as the key categories of service provided by Stockton PD.

What is the Mission of Stockton PD?

McFadden noted three aspects of the mission of Stockton PD. The first is “making sure our officers are well;” the second is to “build relationships” in all corners of the community; and third is “making people feel safe” by removing criminal elements from the streets.

Let’s Talk About Crime

Chief McFadden shared that violent crime is at decade lows in Stockton! He emphasized during the episode that “we haven’t seen lows like these for 13 to 15 years.” He said that shootings, specifically, were at record lows, with last year seeing only 96 of them. “We’ve never been under 100 in over 20 years…incredible work is being done,” McFadden noted.

McFadden credits some of the crime reduction to the See Something, Say Something campaign, the Parenting with Purpose Program, and members of the community coming forward with information about crimes within our community. He is very proud of the department and the rest of the Stockton community for the work being done “to change the name and the narrative in Stockton that we are getting safer. We’re not going to tolerate these things happening in our town.”

An Example of Stockton PD’s Impact on the Community

When asked to share a story that highlights the impact that Stockton PD has on the community, Chief McFadden spoke about an officer-involved shooting which resulted from an incident of domestic violence in which someone was actively being stabbed while an officer was present. This incident involved a large family with many children. McFadden noted that he “couldn’t be more proud of the connection that came out of that trauma…trauma bonds us and we have truly bonded with this family.” McFadden shared that “One of the children in the family just graduated from 8^th grade…and the officer involved in the shooting was requested by the family to attend a graduation, which he did.” McFadden himself has also spoken with the victim of this incident during his Chief walks, and has “connected her to additional resources that have been needed based on a traumatic incident that she survived.” He views every interaction between police and the community as opportunities to connect and build relationships.

McFadden’s Goals & Priorities as Police Chief

McFadden’s #1 priority is “that every goes home safe…and stays safe. So that goes for my staff, [and] that goes for every community member…I want everyone to make it home…I view everyone as…being…my responsibility.” Another mission of McFadden’s is to increase the mounted police presence throughout the city; since becoming chief, he has tripled the number of mounted police. He also stresses the importance of embracing technology, like the recently acquired drones, to help increase the efficiency of Stockton PD; this is especially important due to the smaller size of the police department.

What Does Chief McFadden love about Downtown Stockton?

“It’s intimate. It’s quiet. I would like to see more businesses open there, but it’s got so much upside, meaning so much more could be there…I know there’s been conversations with Economic Development on how to just reimagine what Downtown could be, and we’re going to continue to make those areas safer because without public safety, there is no economic development…we can help EDD dream their dreams by us helping people feel safe in those areas.”

How can the community help Stockton PD?

Without hesitation, McFadden stated, “Send me a family member that you think would be incredible in public service. They don’t have to be an officer. They could be a dispatcher. They could be a records clerk. They can be a property clerk. They could work in budget. Almost every profession, every college major, there’s an area in this police department that you could work within.” He emphasized that Stockton PD is hiring; so if you or someone you know is looking for opportunities, check out this link with available positions at the Stockton Police Department. Or visit joinstocktonpd.com.

How can someone report information about a crime anonymously?

McFadden says that Stockton PD has a great partnership with Crimestoppers, which is where anonymous tips can be provided. Click here to visit the Crimestoppers website or go to stocktoncrimestoppers.org. Here is the number to call: 209.946.0600

UPCOMING EVENTS

McFadden talked about Public Safety Day, which is coming up on August 8th at Weber Point Events Center in Downtown Stockton. He also touched on National Night Out – this year it will be August 4th and takes place at various location across the City of Stockton. (The Downtown Stockton Alliance will be hosting an NNO event at Banner Island Ballpark.)

What does McFadden love about his job?

“I love the community…the roots run so deep here in Stockton. These are passionate people that are always willing to show up and they’re so in tune with the community.”

In Conclusion

This was a very informative episode of Talk to Downtown, and we encourage anyone interested in the Stockton community to check out the full interview. The DSA thanks Chief McFadden, and all at Stockton PD, for the amazing work they do keeping our community safe. We appreciate the time chief McFadden took to participate in this interview.

Other helpful information

For a crime in progress or emergency, call 9-1-1.
For non-emergency calls to Stockton PD: 209.937.8377
If you need to file a police report, here is the link.
To view the full interview with Chief Stanley McFadden, watch Episode 77 of Talk to Downtown on the DSA Youtube channel!
Stockton PD Headquarters: 22 E. Market Street, Stockton, CA
City Watch notifications: https://www.stocktonca.gov/services/police_department/online_services/city_watch_notifications.php
Community Crime Mapping: https://www.stocktonca.gov/services/police_department/online_services/community_crime_mapping.php

A Reflection on My Internship at Downtown Stockton Alliance

Posted on June 5, 2026June 5, 2026 by Intern DSA

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by Rose Son

In the blink of an eye, it feels as if winter skipped over spring and jumped straight into summer. My last week as a digital media intern at Downtown Stockton Alliance has finally come, and I reflect on the experience I’ve had over the first half of 2026. Coming into the internship one-year post-graduation was a unique experience where I was happily greeted with the empowerment and inspiration from my peers to learn something new every day. From my first day in the Belding Building to my last day, I acquired so much knowledge and experience I didn’t know I could gain.

As a digital media intern, I focused on continuing and improving DSA’s external communications. I managed different portions of our website, such as weekly event spotlights, monthly blogs, and business directories. Those responsibilities pushed my creativity and helped me rediscover my love for writing. I did backend research and interviews to ensure that the information featuring businesses and organizations was accurate and resonated with owners’ visions. Being able to translate the shared conversations I had with community members into the blogs I wrote always filled me with joy as I pressed “publish,” allowing the world to see what Stockton has to offer.

Along with the DSA website, I had the greatest opportunity to tackle social media management and content creation. During the five months I’ve been interning, I was able to produce over 100 videos and still posts for all five of our social media channels. I became well versed in software and platforms like SKED Social, Premiere Pro, and Word Press – continuing campaigns like Intern Adventures, Property Mondays, and so much more. I also helped launch our very own Tik Tok page, reaching over 1,000 organic followers in under 3 months. Recording videos has been a hobby of mine since adolescence, so being able to bring that into the work I do makes my time at DSA so much more exciting and memorable.

Aside from the hard skills I picked up, DSA introduced me to a new side of Stockton I’ve never seen. Despite being raised in this city, Downtown Stockton was a foreign place to me. It always served as a passing landmark when heading south on the Interstate 5 Highway, but now I see downtown for what it truly is – a home and a community of passionate families, business owners, and organizers looking to build and expand the city. I had the wonderful opportunity of conducting in-person outreach, meeting community members, and bringing foot traffic downtown. From every wave of hello and every conversation exchanged, I learned that the love and compassion people have for Stockton is much more than the reputation and judgements people are so quick to label the city with.

Invent maintenance hole cover by Molly Toberer.

As I close out my internship at DSA, I’ll be walking away with not only hands-on experience in the marketing industry, but also a newfound appreciation for Stockton. My internship has taught me a lot about myself and the potential I have for accomplishing the things I put my mind to. My time here has helped guide my career aspirations and build within me the confidence to tackle anything I come across in the future.

The DSA wishes Rose all the best on her next adventure. She has been a wonderful help to our organization over the last 6 months. Thanks for everything, Rose! Cheers and hope to see you again!

You can see some of Rose’s Intern Adventures on the DSA Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, and Youtube pages!

If you are interested in an internship with the DSA, contact [email protected].

AAPI Heritage Night: A Day to Remember

Posted on June 2, 2026June 3, 2026 by Intern DSA

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By Andy Nguyen

On May 29, 2026, The Kommunity Hub hosted its Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Night here in Stockton, California, at the Banner Island Ballpark. This event was filled with local food & retail vendors, cultural performances, community resources, children’s activities, and a baseball game to celebrate our night of heritage. Before the baseball game that occurred later that day, a pregame tailgate was in full effect, hyping attendees for what was to come.

The Tailgate – A Field Filled with Activities

The celebration of the heritage night started with an afternoon tailgate, in which attendees could enjoy various foods, drinks, and entertainment.

Many food vendors consisted of delicious Asian cuisine, such as Casa Pinoy’s pancit-pork belly and Kingsley Eats Korean corn dogs. The retail vendors brought a unique variety to modern-day accessories such as Euphoric Sun’s Chinese-inspired makeup and Marahyo Spirit’s Filipino handmade gifts. Community resources provided ways to enhance our well-being, such as Little Manila Rising’s booth informing attendees of their occasional information workshops that happen at 27 N Grant St, Stockton, CA. This was just the tip of the iceberg of all the amazing vendors & resources offered at the event.

And the star of the tailgate show was the live performances throughout the event, with EMCEE Zeps as our host alongside performers such as Siva Ora’s Polynesian Dance and APEX Arts Academy’s Martial Arts. The array of performances combined with the resources & activities held throughout the tailgate made for an unforgettable experience. The fans who stayed also got to experience a magnificent baseball game of the Stockton Ports vs Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and performances that followed before it, most notably Alisah Bonabra singing the National Anthem.

A Celebration that Continues – Barrio Fiesta 2026

With the revitalization of celebrating Asian culture, it was recently announced that the Barrio Fiesta is coming back to Downtown Stockton. On August 15th, 2026, from 10am-6pm at the Decarli Waterfront Square, expect a day full of live entertainment, delicious eats, cultural performances, merch vendors, family fun, and unforgettable memories. Follow their Instagram and Facebook page to stay up-to-date and mark your calendar for this special celebration.

Event Information – Barrio Fiesta 2026

📍Address: Decarli Waterfront Square – 105 N El Dorado St, Stockton, CA 95202

📅 Saturday, August 15th, 2026 | 10AM – 6PM

📸Instagram: @barriofiestastockton

📘Facebook: @barriofiestastockton

🖥️ Website: https://www.barriofiestastockton.com/

Event Information – AAPI Heritage Night 2026

📍Address: Banner Island Ballpark – 404 W Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95203

📅 Friday, May 29th, 2026 | 1PM – 10PM

📸Instagram: @kommunityhub

📘Facebook: @kommunityhub

🖥️ Website: https://www.kommunityhub.org/

A Bookworm’s Dream turned Reali-Tea

Posted on June 2, 2026June 2, 2026 by Intern DSA

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by Rose Son

What is NovelTea Events and Tea Room?

In a world so entrenched with technology, there is something magical about being able to disconnect from screens, pick up a good book, and sip a cup of freshly brewed tea. At NovelTea Events and Tea Room, they are doing exactly that. This newly opened event and tearoom is transforming the way people view reading and literature.

NovelTea is taking pages of a book and making stories come to life with an immersive high tea experience inspired by classic novels many of us grew up with. Located in Downtown Stockton at the Waterfront Warehouse, NovelTea is much more than just a tearoom – it is a haven for all those who read, dream, and imagine.

A Storybook Experience

Afternoon High Tea

NovelTea’s mission of creating community connection is curated through the literary decor, themed menus, and immersive events that guests are greeted with as they step into this palace. They offer a unique high tea experience to guests as a reminder for folks to slow down and be present with what’s in front of them. There are three different high tea packages to choose from. Whether guests choose to do Table Service, Buffet Style, or the Pixie Dust package, each bite, sip, and conversation exchanged is guaranteed to evoke the sparks we feel in a storybook.

What makes NovelTea unique is its book themed menu. With each course being referred to as “chapters,” it’s easy to get lost in all the magic. All of the menu items are inspired by different classic literature like the Great Gatsby, Little Red Riding Hood, Hunger Games, and more. For little ones that join in on the experience, NovelTea offers a simplified children’s menu to meet their tastebuds.

Along with the tiered menu, the tea blends are also whimsically inspired by literature – making each cup a different journey to another world. For visitors, the experience of pairing pastries and teas becomes a one-of-a-kind adventure and a lifetime memory in the making.

Community Events

NovelTea is on a quest to encourage reading and foster community for all, so they’re opening their space to book clubs, authors, organizations, and even friend groups to come and create an event of their own at the tearoom. Anyone can get their event organized in collaboration with NovelTea with a simple send of a raven on their website.

The Final Chapter

So, if you’re a lover of books, tea, or new adventures, Noveltea is offering you an opportunity to escape from the ordinary. Reserve your slot today to enjoy a world where stories are cherished, conversations are encouraged, and fresh perspectives are celebrated.

Business Details

📍 Address: 445 W Weber Ave, Unit 144A, Stockton, CA 95203

📅 Hours: Thurs – Sun, 11:00am – 6:00pm (reservations only)

📞 Phone Numbers: 209.687.7962

🖥️ Website: https://noveltea209.com/

🎭 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noveltea_209

📸 Instagram: @noveltea_209

Novel Tea Grand Opening

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Grand Opening of NOVEL TEA! 🥳 @noveltea_209

Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of NovelTea — a whimsical literary tea room where stories come to life through tea, pastries, and a touch of magic. Step into a storybook world filled with cozy corners, handmade details, dragons, books, and enchanting surprises around every page.

Enjoy:
✨ Literary themed tea & food samples
📚 Our handmade book wall photo backdrop
🎟 Raffle prizes
👑 A special appearance from a beloved bookish princess in a golden gown from 1–3PM

We cannot wait to welcome you into the world of NovelTea. 🤎

📍Novel Tea, 445 W Weber Ave Suite 144A, Stockton, CA
🗓️ Sunday, May 31st 2026
🕘11AM- 3PM

#downtownstockton #stocktonca #noveltea #grandopening #tea

Website

Talk to Downtown Episode 76 Blog: Gregory Diederich & Jennie Rodriguez, Community Medical Centers

Posted on May 18, 2026May 19, 2026 by Courtney Wood

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By: Courtney Wood

The latest Talk to Downtown episode featured guests Gregory Diederich, CEO of Community Medical Centers, and Jennie Rodriguez, Director of Development at Community Medical Centers. The interview was hosted by Downtown Stockton Alliance’s Courtney Wood. Read on to hear a few highlights from the interview. To watch the full podcast, click here.

What is the Mission of Community Medical Centers?

During the interview, Diederich shared that the mission of Community Medical Centers is “to ensure that people can access care regardless of income, insurance status, language or other individual circumstances.” He explained that most of those who receive care through Community Medical Centers have Medi-Cal or Medicare. CMC has medical care, dental care, behavioral health care, substance use services, and more. CMC strives to see the individual as a whole when creating treatment or care plans.

Background of the Guests

Prior to his time as the CEO of CMC, Gregory Diederich spent 10 years as Director of the San Joaquin Healthcare Services Agency, and 7 ½ years as Associate Director within the Stanislaus County Public Health System. He shared that he has 30 years of experience in the healthcare sector.

Jennie Rodriguez has been with CMC since 2019. She initially joined as a grants manager before coming into her current position as Director of Development. At one time, Rodriguez was a patient of CMC, so she is familiar with the client experience. Prior to CMC, Rodriguez worked in collaborative courts as a part of the SJ Superior Court System. She also spent time at The Record as a reporter.

What makes CMC So Important for Our Community?

Diederich shared “I think we play a stabilizing role in communities. We provide an access point for people who might otherwise fall through the cracks of a complex healthcare system, foregoing preventative care until they’re in crisis and need emergency intervention, or their disease status [has] progressed [to a point] where it’s more costly.”

What is Something You Think People Would be Surprised to Know About CMC?

“We’re not just health care,” Diederich insisted. He recounted a story about a young girl who came to CMC for a routine sports physical; during her exam, the pediatrician discovered an irregular heartbeat, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome. If this had not been discovered and had gone untreated, the disease could have become life-threatening. He asserts that one of the key aspects of CMC is the fact that they can help people who may not otherwise have access to services receive treatment for conditions before they become critical issues. CMC can help with prevention and early detection, which means healthier and longer lives. During the interview, Diederich also shared a success story about a teen who had gone to CMC for counseling.

Rodriguez noted that people may not know that CMC was one of the organizations which “jumped into action” during the pandemic. She stated that “our staff really became… heroes to the community, to… get out there in the front lines.” She stressed that “we had a team of individuals through our Care Link Program that showed up literally every single day, Monday through Sunday… to local shelters to help screen individuals… to contain the situation.”

What Services Are Offered in Downtown Stockton?

As a community-focused organization, Diederich stressed the importance of CMC being located within the community they serve. Here are several of CMC’s locations, most of which are right here in Downtown Stockton:

747 Channel – Primary Care, Pediatrics, Women’s Health
201 N. Stanislaus – Respite Center, Substance Use Withdrawal Services
701 E. Channel – Family Medicine, Pharmacy, X-ray, Substance Use, Mental Health
545 W. Sonora – St. Mary’s

What’s a New Project Coming from Community Medical Centers?

There is a new Adolescent Health Center under construction; it is “designed specifically for teens and youth, ages 18 to 25.” This office, located at 701 E. Weber, Stockton, CA, will include medical care, behavioral services, prevention programs, and supportive services for that age group; it is slotted for completion by November of 2026.

Anything Else That the Guests Would Like People to Know?

Diederich said, “hopefully they understand that community health is fundamentally about dignity. There’s dignity in every human life and we honor and uplift that. At the end of the day, health care is not simply about treating illness, it’s about helping people live healthier, more stable, and… hopeful lives.”

Rodriguez noted, “We’re here to be a part of the community’s… solution to provide and ensure that people have the health care that they need.”

How Can You Access Services?

For medical services: 209.636.5400
For dental services: 209.636.5555
Website: cmcenters.org

Work for CMC:

Cmcenters.org/careers/

Donate to CMC:

https://communitymedicalcenters.networkforgood.com/projects/198038-communitymedical-center-inc-general-giving

Watch the Episode Here!

Ability in Disability: DINO’s Sport Club for Special Needs

Posted on April 23, 2026April 23, 2026 by Intern DSA

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BY: ROSE SON

What is DINO?

DINO, or Disabled Individuals Needing Opportunities, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves both the intellectually and physically disabled community of Stockton. They operate as a sports and recreational center, with the mission to empower disabled people through providing a safe space for them to engage in sports and everyday activities.

How was DINO created?

CEO and Director, Letitcia Thompson, founded DINO in honor of her late son who was a part of the disabled community. Her son, Dino, was a sports fanatic who participated in sporting events all over Stockton, and everyone around town knew him for that. Through basketball, bowling, and more, she saw firsthand how physical activities improved his quality of life, which gave Thompson the realization that there was a need for a community space specifically dedicated to disabled individuals. Thus, Thompson created that space herself called DINO’s Sports Club for Special Needs.

The concept of DINO began in 2019. It started as a small get-together with friends of Dino who were interested in sports like he was. Thompson used community spaces like Victory Park and Seifert Community Center as a spot to host their weekly sporting events. Over time, the DINO community grew, and she realized that expansion was a crucial step to sustaining her organization. In 2022, DINO was finally officially recognized as a non-profit organization and found its permanent location at 400 North El Dorado Street, in downtown Stockton.

What makes DINO unique?

Director Leticia Thompson believes that the members are what keeps DINO alive and well. Each day at the office looks different because their daily program is created with the members’ wants and needs in consideration. Thompson and her team ensure to incorporate activities that expose them to independence, socialization, and life skills education. For instance, on days they go off-site to run errands at the grocery store, her team will teach members how to swipe and use a debit card. On other days that are sports focused, members will be active participants in handing out jerseys before the game. Small actions like that lead to bigger developmental wins in the way members integrate into the world outside of DINO.

DINO Sporting Competitions

Throughout the year, DINO hosts Basketball Regional Competitions, Track and Field Meets, Power Walks, and the Special Olympics for members interested in physical activities. These events involve teamwork and communication, which help members learn and practice responding to change in real time. At DINO, sporting events and physical activities act as an outlet to not only improve health and wellbeing but build self-determination and confidence in individuals too.

To learn more about DINO and their services, visit their website here.

Details

📍 Address: 400 N. El Dorado Street

🖥️ Website: https://disabledindividualsneedingopportunities.org/

💌 Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone Number: (209)-405-4789

📸 Instagram: @dinossportsclub

The Founding of the City of Stockton

Posted on April 13, 2026April 13, 2026 by Courtney Wood

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By: Zachary Hulsey

The City of Stockton was founded by Charles Weber.

About Charles Weber

Captain Karl Maria Weber was born on February 17, 1814, in Germany. At just the young age of 22, Captain Weber made the brave decision to immigrate to America in 1836, where he traveled the nation. He spent some time in Texas, Missouri, and traveled through other states. Weber eventually settled in the state of California with the Bartleson-Bidwell Party in 1841, when California was still governed by Mexico.

After his arrival in California, Karl began calling himself Charles. Captain Weber then went to work for a man named John Sutter, who showed great support for “Carlos Maria Weber” to the Mexican authorities. In 1842, Captain Weber settled in the Pueblo of San José, where he became a trusted business partner of William Gulnac. William Gulnac was born in Hudson, New York, in 1801 and was an experienced blacksmith and fur trapper who had also settled in the Pueblo of San José in 1833. Weber and Gulnac owned and operated multiple businesses, ranging from selling soap and shoes to mining salt, operating a bakery, and more.

First San Joaquin Settlement

Gulnac, a naturalized Mexican citizen on account of his marriage to Maria Cesena, petitioned Governor Micheltorena of California for a tract of land for the benefit of himself and eleven other families who were to assist him in forming a settlement. Governor Micheltorena granted this land to Gulnac – a spread of over 48,000 acres in the area that is now San Joaquin County. The name of this tract of land was Rancho Campo de los Franceses (Ranch of the French Camp). After breaking away from his partnership with Captain Weber in 1843, Gulnac’s attempts to settle the land – in the area still known today as French Camp – failed. Eventually, in 1845, Gulnac sold the land to Captain Weber, who attracted multiple settlers to locate on the ranch a year later. Soon after, the Mexican-American War broke out, and Weber later became a cavalryman for the United States. After becoming a cavalryman for the United States, Captain Weber lost respect and trust from those who sided with the Mexican army.

The Start of Tuleburg

Captain Weber relocated the primary settlement of the grant northward near what is now called the Stockton Channel in 1847; in 1849, he laid out a town that he named Tuleburg. The small town Captain Weber established grew at a rapid rate and gained notoriety for being a gold miner’s supply point.

The Shift to “Stockton” and a History of Commodore Stockton

By 1850, Weber changed the name of the town to Stockton. Why Stockton? He did this to honor Commodore Robert F. Stockton, who had played a major role in the naval success of the American army in the Mexican-American War. Commodore Stockton was born in 1795 in Princeton, New Jersey. Commodore Stockton lived his life with long military service, a short political career, and lots of business experience. On July 23, 1846, Commodore Stockton arrived in Monterey, California, where he took over command of the Pacific Squadron of U.S. naval forces in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California. He eventually gained the high position of senior military commander and military governor. It’s safe to say that Commodore Stockton spent a great deal of time and effort in capturing California during the Mexican-American War. After the war, California became a part of the United States of America largely because of Commodore Stockton.

Commodore Stockton later resigned from the Navy in May of 1850. After his resignation, Commodore Stockton returned to his business and political interests. He was elected to represent New Jersey in the United States Senate but resigned to serve as president of the Delaware and Raritan Canal Company, where he served until 1866. Commodore Stockton was also a delegate to the Peace Conference of 1861 that tried to settle the secession crisis. Although the Peace Conference was unsuccessful, he gained the position to command the New Jersey militia after the start of the American Civil War. During this war, he fought against the Confederate Army as they tried to invade the state of Pennsylvania. After living an adventurous, brave life, Commodore Robert F. Stockton died in 1866 in Princeton, New Jersey, the same city he was born in. Commodore Stockton is buried in the Princeton Cemetery.

Commodore Stockton’s adventurous life caught the eye of Captain Weber, which led Weber to name the small town after him.

Weber’s Family & End of Life

Captain Weber married Helen Murphy in 1850. Captain Weber and Helen Weber later built a house on a piece of land surrounded by water, which is known today as Weber Point. They had three children: Charles Martin Weber, Julia Helen Weber, and Thomas Jefferson Weber. Captain Charles M. Weber later died in May of 1881 due to pneumonia. Captain Weber was buried in the same city he built from scratch, Stockton, CA. He is buried at the San Joaquin County Catholic Cemetery.

A Credit to Weber

As we know, the current city of Stockton has grown significantly. From a small town used for gold mining, settlement, and exploration to the 11th largest city in California (approaching 400,000 citizens), Stockton has grown significantly thanks to Captain Weber’s vision and leadership. As this city continues to grow, we should all remember the rich history that lives here. If it wasn’t for Captain Charles M. Weber and many other leaders along the way, the City of Stockton wouldn’t have grown into the city we know today.