Manteca Monthly Magazine 0313

MARCH 2013 | VOL. 2 | ISSUE 3

ADDRESS 94 W. Castle St., Suite #B Stockton, CA 95204

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PUBLISHER Shawn Crary

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENTMitzi Stites

Managing Editor

Alan Naditz Staff Writer & Copy Editor

Gene Beley Contributing Writer

Bernadine Chapman-Cruz Contributing Writer

Paul Grant Contributing Writer

Kim Horg Contributing Writer

Francis Novero Contributing Writer

Gayle Romasanta Contributing Writer

Keith Wilcox Contributing Writer

CREATIVE DEPARTMENTShawn Crary Art Director

Louie Ambriz Junior Graphic Designer,

Photographer & Web Development

Matt Vincent Graphic Designer & Web Development

SUPPORTING STAFFCameron Crary

Circulation

Alec Fielding Circulation

MARKETING DEPARTMENTNoel Fielding

Advertising Director

Rachel Castillo Marketing Consultant

Memri Johnson Marketing Consultant

Boo Mariano-Junqueiro Marketing Consultant

Crystal Salvador Marketing Consultant

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/PAYABLE Ernie Gallardo Office Manager

CONTACT US To submit advertisements & artwork

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Big Monkey Group PublicationsManteca Monthly | Brookside Monthly Lodi Monthly | On the Mile Magazine

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The Manteca Monthly magazine is published once a month and direct-mailed to homes in the Stockton community of Weston Ranch, and the cities of Lathrop, Manteca and Ripon. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of copy or comments submitted to Big Monkey Group LLC., and/or Manteca Monthly magazine. Contents may be edited for clarity and length. ©2013 BIG MONKEY GROUP LLC

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manteca monthly magazine | MARCH 2013 | 3

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>>editor’s note

Saying Goodbye to Winter and Hello to Spring

The birds are singing, the sun is shining and it is getting just a little warmer outside. Indeed, spring is knocking at the door. It is time to shake off the wintertime blues and get ready for the new season. Don’t get me wrong: I love

to read a good book by the fire, and I absolutely love to watch the sports teams that the fall and early winter bring, but I am ready for a change.

When seasons change, I air out the house and clean it all from top to bottom. Not really sure why I do this. The best answer I have is that my mom did it and my grandmother did it before her. There is something to say about the feeling of accomplishment I get when all the drawers and closets are cleaned out; and everything is pulled out from under the bed. Your entire house is organized and smells really fresh. The trick is to see how long it will actually stay this way.

When the inside is done, we move to the outside: sweep up

any leaves and power wash the patio. Then we move to the soil that needs to be turned into the garden. The family decides what colors and type of flowers to buy, and what vegetables we want to plant. I normally plant fresh herbs in pots and place them right under the kitchen window. Then, when you have your windows open not only do you get the gentler breeze, you get the smell of herbs. All that is left is to fluff the patio furniture and give the BBQ a good scrub.

After months of being cooped up inside, we are all anxious to enjoy outside activities. When my children were smaller, my husband and I would sit outside and watch our kids ride bikes and do tricks for us as they went past. The boys would even play a little hoop in the driveway. Those days have moved on to Parkour and skateboarding now.

Children all over the county have begun spring sports, joining little leagues, soccer

or even getting ready for swim team tryouts. Parents will be spending long days cheer-ing their children and their teams on as they play their games. Sports are important, but remember that it is also fun to spend time at the numerous fairs and festivals that various cities offer right here in San Joaquin County.

This month’s feature story is on the 17th Annual Crossroads Street Faire. This is the per-

fect event for families to get out and enjoy a weekend of food and fun. At this unique faire you will be able to enjoy entertainment, a car show and visit more than 300 vendors. Take a closer look at this festival as you read this month’s story.

Mitzi Stites | Managing Editor | [email protected]

4 | MARCH 2013 | manteca monthly magazine


>>feature story

A Party in the StreetsBy Keith Wilcox Contributing Writer

Most people recognize springtime by melting snow,

swelling streams, bloom-ing flowers and longer days. But Mantecans know it by the smell of BBQ in the air, the endless line of booths on Yosem-ite Avenue, the swarm of shoppers packed into downtown and museum-worthy automobiles dis-played on Main Street.

It’s all part of Manteca’s biggest event of the year—the 17th annual Crossroads Street Faire, which is Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“It’s a kickoff spring event for festivals in the Central Valley,” said Suzanne Clemons, the marketing director for the Manteca Visitors Center, which organizes the event.

For vendors, this is “opening day,” the first chance of the year to showcase their goods. Once so small it could be contained in Library Park, the fair has grown im-mensely, now stretching five blocks down Yosemite and various side streets. Organizers expect to draw more than 300 exhibitors and as many as 50,000 people.

Unlike so many other street fairs in the region, admission and park-ing are free, making it a truly family friendly event. For many families who have moved away, the fair mo-tivates them to return to Manteca.

“It really is a homecoming event,” Clemons said. “For many people who have lived here, they come back once a year for the fair and to see friends.”

Many also come back for the tasty treats—from Kettle Korn and crepes, to funnel cakes topped with strawberries and whipped cream. You can just follow your nose to the corner of Yosemite and Main, where you’ll find endless selections of BBQ’d meats. And of course, Lockeford sausage is back, a meat so popular the line typically runs 40 people deep.

Folks also come for specialty items they can’t find anywhere

Continued on page 6

Photos C

ourtesy of Manteca C

onvention & V

isitors Bureau

else: Imported olive oils infused with tongue-tickling flavors (free tasting!), Australian hats straight from the outback, plus countless artisan items like handcrafted jewelry, stained glass décor, and scented soaps and candles. One local vendor even offers furniture fashioned from wine barrels. Many of the stores in downtown will also be open for business, offering discounts and specials.

Another staple of the fair is the antique car show, a judged competition that features trucks on Saturday and cars on Sunday. Just as popular is the Kid Zone, which year includes jump houses, dizzy-ing teacups, pony and train rides, plus carnival games with prizes

and more.In keeping with the family theme,

organizers have invited local talent from the community to provide the entertainment. This will feature everything from jazz music and dancing to action-packed karate demonstrations. Their talent will be on display on the gazebo stage in Library Park all weekend long.

New to the fair is the Home & Garden zone on Main Street and the Health & Wellness zone on Maple Street. A stroll down these streets could yield anything from home improvement tips and new patio furniture, to discounted braces, a personalized fitness plan

Try your luck at the traveling carnival games in the Kid Zone or keep on the lookout for clowns, mascots and more throughout the fair.

Crossroads Street Faire Kicks Off Spring


>>feature story

and a relaxing massage.“That is what people are interested in—their

personal health and their home health,” Clem-ons said.

So while meat lovers are off enjoying high-calorie treats like burgers and hot dogs, their counterparts can stop by a health and wellness booth to learn more about a vegetarian diet. And the thrill seekers who have just come from wild carnival rides can sign up for chiropractic care on their way out.

Essentially, the fair gives healthcare provid-ers and businesses a chance to get to know consumers on a personal level, and vice versa. “People want to know who they’re doing busi-ness with,” Clemons said. “Here, they can do that face to face in a casual environment.”

Another new participant in the event is the San Joaquin Regional Conservation Core, which will not only provide recycling services, but give the funds they earn back to youth programs in

the city. It is just one way the organizers are trying to make the fair more eco-friendly.

Proceeds raised from the event go right back into the city of Manteca. “It is our one major fundraiser that car-ries us through the year,” said Juliene Flanders, executive director of the Visitor’s Center. She and her team are hoping the tried-and-true event will bring out more people than ever before. “Our goal is to have every hotel filled up that weekend,” Clemons said.

And they just might reach their goal, since the event coincides with the annual Mud Run at Dell’Osso Farms, as well as the Fun Run (5K walk/run) that is co-sponsored by the Visitor’s Center and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Organizers are also trying to draw in bigger crowds by featuring more exhibitors with hand-made arts and crafts items (per the request of fairgoers). To attract more of those vendors, the booth fee has been reduced to $150.

“We’re always looking for new vendors,” Flanders said. “And street sponsors!”

Spaces are still available, but prime locations are filling up fast. Booth fees range from $190 for a standard space to $365 for a space with one corner, plus a $40 late fee for applications received after March 1.

For more information or to register, go to www.visitmanteca.org or call the Manteca Visitors Center at (209) 823-7229.

Continued from page 5

Over 300 vendors come each year offering everything from clothing and toys to specialty items.

SAVE THE DATESaturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 | Downtown Manteca


>>around manteca

Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 | Downtown Manteca

At Your Local Library...Manteca Library

Income Tax Assistance. The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Libraries are partnering with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to bring free 2012 income tax assistance to the residents of San Joaquin County. The VITA program offers free help with taxes to families earning $54,000 or less a year. This program will be offered at the Manteca Branch Library on Mondays (noon to 5 p.m.) and Saturdays (noon to 4:30 p.m.). Assistance is offered on a drop-in basis; no appointment is required.

All About Baby. Even the youngest babies will benefit from this 20-minute combination of simple picture book stories, rhythmic music, and fingerplays with motion and movement. This story time is offered Tuesdays throughout the month of March. Doors open at 10 a.m., stories and songs are at 10:30 a.m. Playtime is available before and after the formal activities.

Preschool Story Time. This story time is for preschoolers and their parents/caregivers and fea-tures stories, poetry, songs, finger plays and movement. The fun is every Thursday throughout the month and begins at 10:30 a.m.

Master Gardener. Lovely to look at, delicious to eat. You can have a sustainable landscape by converting ornamental land-scaping into an edible one that is beautiful and nutritious. This event is Saturday, March 16 at 10:30 a.m.

The Manteca Library is at 320 W. Center St. in Manteca. Business hours are Monday, closed, Tues-day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Satur-day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday. For more information, call (866) 805-READ.

Ripon LibraryEasy Reader and Step-Up

Book Clubs for Children. Kids, come share your love of reading at the Ripon Library. The Easy Reader club meets 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and The Step-Up club meets at 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Each week we will provide participants with the book which they will be discussing. Come prepared to talk about the book, share a craft and a snack and have

lots of fun. Readers who attend each week will receive a special prize at the final session. Be sure to sign up in advance. This club will meet Wednesday, March 6 and March 13 at 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Beginning Yoga and Pilates. Relax and unwind at this class designed to introduce partici-pants to the health benefits and practice of yoga and Pilates, led by instructor Sue McClanahan. This class meets every Wednes-day at 6 p.m. throughout March.

Book Discussion Group for Adults. This book discus-sion group is a thoughtful and lively exchange based on what we have read that month. The discussion takes place on Thurs-day, March 14 at 6 p.m. The group is led by the librarian and lasts about an hour.

Income Tax Assistance. The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Libraries are partnering with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to bring free 2012 income tax assistance to the residents of San Joaquin County. The VITA program offers free help with taxes to families earning $54,000 or less a year. This program will be offered at the Ripon Memorial Library from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 and Friday, March 22. Call Ar-netta Lee-Gray at (209) 483-4190 to schedule an appointment.

Fantastic Film Nights. Visit the Ripon Branch Library for “Fantastic Film Nights” every second Tuesday of the month, at 6 p.m. This program features award-winning, critically ac-claimed, or just off-the-wall films that you might have missed, or want to see again. Please contact the Ripon Branch Library to inquire about this month’s title. Refreshments, including fresh-popped popcorn, will be served. Please be advised: some of these films are rated R and are not intended for younger viewers.

The Ripon Library is at 333 W. Main St. in Ripon. Business hours are Monday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday. For more information, call (866) 805-READ.


>>around manteca

You Can Make a Difference Court Appointed Special

Advocates (CASAs) are trained community volunteers who are ap-pointed by a judge to advocate for children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned and find themselves, through no fault of their own, in foster care. San Joa-quin County has more than 1,100 children in foster care.

The statistics for children in fos-ter care are dismal. A child placed into foster care has less than a 50 percent chance of graduating high school. More than one out of five youths that arrive at a shelter have come directly from foster care. Studies show that 45 percent of kids leaving foster care become homeless within a year. Children placed in out-of-home care are also at higher risk of developing alcohol and drug problems. One study shows that in California, at least 19 percent of prisoners sur-veyed were imprisoned within two years, and 56 percent in prison within five years, of “aging out” of foster care.

The need is great for advocates in San Joaquin County. CASAs provides a stable, trustworthy adult who will listen to the youth about their needs and keep their best interests front and center in the court:

• CASAs work toward finding a safe, permanent home and lifelong connections for kids in foster care.

Currently, less than 6 percent of San Joaquin County children are in foster care. CASAs do this work as volunteers.

• CASAs of San Joaquin County see their kids at least once a week. They receive no reimburse-ment for mileage or the activities they do with their youth. The kids have social workers who do the best job they can in a very over-whelmed system.

• Social workers see the kids about once a month. The kids’ at-torneys, equally as overwhelmed, see them about once every six months. CASAs see the kids every week. They gather information and report to the judge their opinion as to what is in the best interest for the future of their CASA child.

CASA of San Joaquin County hopes to have up to 100 volun-teers by the end of June. That would mean almost doubling the number of kids in foster care they can serve. To be a CASA, a volun-teer must pass a stringent back-ground check and interview, then take a 30-hour pre-service training class. Once this is completed, the volunteer is sworn in and becomes an officer of the court. They then match the volunteer with a child to advocate for, who has been referred to the program by dependency court judges. And the CASAs begin to make a differ-ence, one child at a time.

Mark These School Dates DownManteca Unified School District

Elementary schools will have Parent Teacher conferences Monday, March 4 through Friday, March 8. During this week the schools will be on a minimum-day schedule. High schools will have a minimum day on Friday, March 8. All schools will be on Spring Break beginning Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29. Open enrollment for all schools is Friday, March 1 through Friday, March 22.

Great Valley Elementary SchoolCharacter Counts Pillar for the

month is “Caring.” Please talk to your child about the importance of not only caring for family and themselves, but for their peers, other adults, and the planet they live on.

Tuesday, March 5 is STAR test writing for grades 4 and 7. Please make sure your child has plenty of sleep the night before and a good breakfast the day of this important test.

Showcase Awards for grades first through third and seventh grade will take place on Tuesday, March 12. Award ceremonies are 8:40 a.m. to 9 a.m. for third grade; 9 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. for first grade; and 2:10 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. for seventh grade.

Wednesday, March 13 will be the Showcase Awards for fourth through sixth and eighth grade. Award ceremonies are 8:40 a.m. to 9 a.m. for fourth grade; 9:10 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. for fifth grade; 9:40 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. for sixth grade; and 2:10 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. for eighth grade.

George McParland Elementary School

Second trimester Character Café will take place the second week of the month. Monday, March 11 at 11:45 a.m. will be for the first grade, and Tuesday, March 12 will be for the second grade at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 at 11:45 a.m. is for third grade, with the seventh grade following at 1:10 p.m. Thursday, March 14 will be the fourth grade, at noon, and the eighth grade at 1:10 p.m. The fifth grade Character Café is Friday, March 15, and the last Character Café will be held for the sixth grade class on Monday, March 18 at 12:25 p.m.

There will be an advanced band combined concert on Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. The Community Club will meet on Thursday, March 21 at 4 p.m. The second grade egg drop is Friday, March 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Joseph Widmer Jr. Elementary School

The Multi-Cultural Show is Friday, March 15. Tuesday, March 19 there is a junior high dance from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Kindergarten registration is Monday,

April 11, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Golden West Elementary School

Kindergarten registration is Mon-day, April 3 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sequoia Elementary SchoolThe Star Bowling Trip for third

through fifth grades is Tuesday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to noon, and for sixth through eighth graders on Fri-day, March 15 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Shasta Elementary SchoolKindergarten registration is

Wednesday, April 3.

Stella Brockman Elementary School

Kindergarten registration begins Wednesday, April 3.

Walter Woodward Elementary School

Kindergarten registration is Wednes-day, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ripon Unified School DistrictSpring Break is Monday, March 18

through Friday, March 22. There will be no school on Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1 to observe Easter.

Colonial Oak Elementary School

There is a parent faculty club meet-ing on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. The sixth grade program is Thursday, March 28 at 9 a.m. and the Spring Concert is Thursday, April 4 at Park View Elementary School.

ParkView Elementary SchoolMonday, March 4 is a special

assembly for “Skate Board Science,” at 8:30 a.m. The Parent Faculty Club will meet in the Park View Library on Tuesday, March 5 at 6 p.m. Free childcare provided. The seventh grade will have its field trip on Friday, March 8. The sixth grade science camp trip begins Monday, March 11 through Friday, March 15. The Science Olym-piad is Saturday, 23 and Spirit Day is Thursday, March 28.

Ripona Elementary SchoolOn Thursday, March 14, there is a

first grade flag promotion at 8:30 a.m. At 6:30 p.m. there is a Parent Faculty Club meeting.

Weston Elementary SchoolThe sixth grade science camp is

Monday, March 11 through Friday, March 15. Thursday, March 14 is the first grade Berkeley trip.

Ripon High SchoolEighth grade orientation is Tuesday,

March 5. The Spring Sports Rally is Friday, March 8. Dodge ball spirit week is Monday, March 11 through March 15. Prom tickets go on sale beginning Monday, March 25.

Breakfast with the Easter BunnyParents and grandparents, bring your children ages 10 and under to

this festive breakfast. Each child will have a photo taken with the Easter Bunny, make a craft, and receive a gift.

Only 125 children’s tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis. This event is 9 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane. Tickets are $6 per person. For more information, call (209) 456-8650.


>>around manteca

Get Down and Dirty at Dell’Osso Family Farm

Dell’Osso Family Farm in Lathrop is hosting another 5K Mud Run on Saturday, April 6. Over 15,000 runners participated in the Mud Runs in 2012. This year’s event will be another chance to crawl, slip, slide and get muddy. Dell’Osso Family Farm has a reputa-tion of getting better year after year. Mudders want more mud and challenges, and that’s just what they plan on doing. A portion of the proceeds goes to the fight against cancer. “Come for the Chal-lenge, Stay for the Party.” Big Monkey Group readers will be given a free ticket to the Corn Maze at Dell’Osso Family Farm for October 2013 (a $10 value) with each Mud Run ticket they purchase. After you purchase your ticket, go to the event wall and post “I LOVE Big Monkey and I’m going to Get Down & Dirty at Dell’Osso Farms.” For more information and to register, visit www.mudonthefarm.com.

Contestants will muddle over obstacles as they race to the finish line.

Local Companies Join Forces to Launch Mobile App Supporting Global Charities

With the design help of Big Monkey Group LLC, Pacific Development Group launched its inaugural mobile app for iPhone, Thrones, a strategic multiplayer card game released on Jan. 25. Developed as part of an extended business venture, Thrones is based on luck of the draw with a hidden twist of strategy.

Thrones is unique in that it has built into the game the option for players to choose a charitable cause to play for and win points for that cause during game play. Thrones will track the points players win and will provide dona-tions from game proceeds to finding the cure for breast cancer, saving lives of the malnourished, and providing aid for disaster relief.

PDG provides quality housing for low income families and seniors, and takes bold steps to revitalize neighborhoods through creative projects that create community value and quality of life for future generations. “We strive to create a positive impact in local communities by improving hous-ing, health, and education for our residents,” said PDG Vice President Joe Michael. “In our new business endeavor, we were inspired to create some-thing fun that would continue to give back to the causes close to our hearts.”

Local full-service marketing company Big Monkey Group is respon-sible for designing the mobile apps’ graphics as well as the website. “We’re excited and proud to be a part of this exciting new venture with PDG,” said BMG Publisher and President Shawn Crary.

Thrones is now available for download for free on the App Store. For more information visit www.thronesapp.com.


>>community briefs

Weston Ranch Library Information

Income Tax Assistance. The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Libraries are partnering with the Volunteer Income Tax Assis-tance (VITA) program to bring free 2012 income tax assistance to the residents of San Joaquin County. The VITA program offers free help with taxes to families earning $54,000 or less a year. This pro-gram will be offered at the Weston Ranch Branch Library on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call Arnetta Lee-Gray at (209) 483-4190 to schedule an appointment.

Homework Helpers. Homework Helpers are available for kinder-garten through sixth at the Weston Ranch Library every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This is a free program and is available on a first come, first served basis. Students should bring homework assignments with them. Students 10 years of age and younger must have a responsible guardian with them at the library at all times.

Preschool Story Time. Come join us as we enjoy finger plays, stories and songs every Friday, at 10:30 a.m. Story time is followed by a simple craft or play time.

Zumba. Get fit while you have fun. Exercise/dance to Latin rhythms like salsa, cumbia, samba, and merengue music. Zumba is held every Friday throughout the month at 4 p.m.

The Weston Ranch Library is at 1453 W. French Camp Road

in Stockton. Business hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Thurs-day, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call (866) 805-READ.

Last Chance Crab Fest Ripon Aquatic Boosters will host

their St. Patrick’s Weekend 10th Annual Crab Fest. This event is Saturday, March 16, at the Ripon Community Center. The evening begins with no-host cocktails from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and dinner begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person and will benefit the Ripon Aquatics Swim Programs. For more informa-tion, visit www.riponaquatics.com.

Pop Star Party Tour

Are you between the ages of 6 and11? Do you love listening to music by Justin Bieber, One Direction and Big Time Rush? Then you’ll love this Pop Star Party Tour. Come join the fun in making lip gloss, body glitter, and other rock-star crafts! Play games, get a mini makeover and have a blast with this pop-star party. The evening will conclude by decorating super-star cupcakes. Come dressed in your favorite funky pop-star attire. This event is Friday, March 22, at the Manteca Senior Center, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will be hosted by the Manteca Youth Advisory Commission. The cost is $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents.

No spectators are allowed. Parents are asked to return to the

Spring into a New HomeIn January, the Weston Ranch housing market had 13 active homes for

sale, 61 pending, 11 cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 17, median square footage price was $86.31, median sold price was $150,000 and the median size was 1,798 square feet. Properties available are $129,000 to $217,651.

The Ripon housing market had 19 active homes for sale, 38 pending, 11 sold and 5 expired, withdrew or cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 44, median square footage price was $137.83, median sold price was $285,000 and the median size was 2,134 square feet. Properties available were $145,000 to $585,900.

Manteca’s housing market had 71 active homes for sale, 217 were pending, 54 sold and 18 expired withdrew or cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 25, median square footage price was $114.33, median sold price was $237,403 and the median size was 2,107 square feet. Properties available were $99,900 to $1.2 million.

The Lathrop housing market had 22 active homes for sale, 53 pending, 15 sold and 7 expired, withdrew or cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 32, median square footage price was $97.53, median sold price was $194,000 and the median size was 2,052 square feet. Properties available were $109,500 to $899,000.

Current market data taken from Metrolist, courtesy of Eric Quillinan, real estate Realtor, Help-U-Sell Alpha Realty, (209) 888-8800.


>>community briefs

party at 7:15 p.m. to attend the certificate ceremony.

A Day in Golden Gate Park

Come and join the Lathrop Senior Center on a fun-filled trip to San Francisco! The trip is scheduled on Wednesday, March 6. Please plan to depart from the Lathrop Senior Center at 6:30 a.m. You will arrive in S.F. at approxi-mately 8 a.m.

Upon arriving at Golden Gate Park, you will have a wide variety of places to choose to visit. A picnic lunch is scheduled for noon and then you will be free to explore all the sights of Golden Gate Park until you depart at 4 p.m. Partici-pants will arrive back in Lathrop at approximately 6 p.m. The fee for this trip is $20 and the trip is open to all seniors age 50 and over. This trip is non-refundable. For more

information, call the Lathrop Senior Center at (209) 941-7380.

Is Your Child College Bound?

If the answer is “Yes,” then you have a school choice avail-able within the River Islands at Lathrop Community. The River Islands Technology Academy is opening this August, serving K-6, while taking names for seventh and eighth grade students. The school will provide a safe, sup-portive, character-building, orderly educational environment in which each student can achieve his/her potential through specialized technology-based curriculum and experiential learning opportunities. Limited enrollment. Anyone inter-ested should visit www.riverisland-sacademy.net for more information and complete an interest form, or call (209) 337-7994.

Dolphins Take to the WaterManteca Dolphins will resume practice daily as of April 1 until

mid-July. They have approximately 200 swimmers from the ages of 5 to 18 that compete weekly in local swim meets. Practices are conducted at East Union High School. During the months of April and May practice times are 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and are based on a child’s ability level. During June and July they offer a morning and evening practice, times to be determined.

Tryouts for new swimmers begin Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East Union. Tryouts resume on Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m. to noon and Sunday, March 24, noon to 2 p.m. During the week of Monday, March 25 through Thursday, March 28, tryouts will continue at East Union pool from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tryouts will also take place on Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. to noon.

Tryouts resume on Monday, April 1, 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. only. Parent meetings for returning swimmers are Monday, March 4 and

Wednesday, March 6 at Joshua Cowell School, room 3, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Additional returning swimmer meetings are Tuesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 14, at Joshua Cowell School, room 3 from 5 p.m. to 6: 30 p.m.

New parent meetings are Monday, March 18 and Thursday, March 21. Again, these meetings will be Joshua Cowell School; room 3 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Additional parent meetings will take place during the week of Monday, March 25, with the date and time TBD.

Manteca’s fees continue to be one of the lowest, if not the low-est in the Mid-Valley Swim League. Enrollment fees for the 2013 season are $140 for one swimmer. If a family has two swimmers, the second swimmer will be $130. Any additional siblings are $120 each, meaning a family with three children will pay $390 in enrollment fees.

Enrollment fees will include one team cap and one team t-shirt. In addition, this year all invitational fees are included in the enrollment fees. No additional fees for invitationals will be asked or collected.

Interested families may visit www.mantecadolphins.com for ad-ditional information or call Lori Brubaker at (925) 451-2333.

Discover the world of reptiles through arts, crafts, and other amazing activities!

Come face to face with reptiles of all shapes and sizes!

A hands-on experience brought to you by local reptile stores and museums!

Saturday, April 6, 2013 10:00am- 3:00pm


WE’RE HIRING!The Manteca Monthly—the premier magazine for

Manteca, Ripon, Lathrop and Stockton’s Weston Ranch community is seeking several

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES to prospect, build relationships and sell advertising

programs to help local businesses grow.

Candidates with advertising sales experience can step to the

front of the line!

We offer 50% commission for the first 60 days, then a generous commission structure and quarterly bonuses and the ability to sell

advertising in all 6 of BMG’s magazines.

Resumes can be sent to Advertising Director Noel Fielding at [email protected]


>>beautiful lathrop

These Are Not Your Parents’ Senior Centers (Yet They Are)By Gene Beley | Contributing Writer

If you think senior centers are the same now as in 1993, guess again. Christopher Lawrence, manager of Lathrop Senior Center, said today’s senior centers are evolving with different needs than 20 years ago.

When he was doing Meals on Wheels, Lawrence observed there are different generations within the senior population.

“The WWII group, which is rapidly declining, is the meat-and-potatoes group who want to eat a meal, swap old stories, then leave the center,” Lawrence said. “The Korean War era group is pretty much the same, but wants more activities from the senior center. The Vietnam War era, or the baby boomers, want it all, like Wi-Fi, the spaghetti feeds and bus tours to places like Golden Gate Park.”

Lawrence knows the scene. With a background in management in non-profits and failing businesses, he was hired in 2008 especially for producing special events at the center.

The most successful one has been the BBQ Festival, created by Lawrence and The Rev. Lou Davis in 2008. “This event is aimed at families and it has worked out well

for everyone,” Lawrence said. “Last year, [the festival, held behind the Senior Center in Manuel Val-verde Park] attracted about 1,000 people.”

There are also regular events like the country breakfast every first Friday of the month, where pancakes, eggs, orange juice, and coffee are served for only $4. On March 15, there is the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast special event. And on May 18, the spaghetti feed will feature Lawrence’s own Coby Gill acoustics band. Comedian and magician “Magic Dan” will be the headliner.

And there are personal services. Seniors are invited to get free help on their taxes by AARP from 9 a.m. to noon every Monday through April 8. The Lathrop Senior Center also provides free legal services

to anyone 60 or older, or to their caregivers; the Council for the Spanish Speaking provides this program by appointment only. And there are com-puter classes, craft classes, and even a mobile farmer’s market with free healthy fresh fruit and vegetables on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Lawrence has partnered with many businesses in the community to help seniors. Some of the biggest donors are Diamond Pet Food, Simplot, and Milan’s Pizza, which donates pizzas for three-minute eating contests. The center also gets day-old pastries from Save Mart Supermarket and Food 4 Less.

A new sponsor is Go Bananas, which will provide water slides, an ob-stacle course, and a Laser Tag attraction for future events. Scott Brooks Gym will soon be in the adjacent park. And Sunrise Rotary has provided an all-you-can-eat soup kitchen.

The Veteran’s Memorial was approved by Lathrop City Council on August 15, 2006 and dedicated Nov. 15, 2008. Currently, the following veterans are honored in the memorial: Pvt. James Joseph Chio, Cpl.

George R. Calloway, Staff Sgt. Donald V. Rieger, T/Sgt. Roscoe Carnes, Jr., Cpl. Alvin R. Mendes, BM3 Charles M. White, Sr., LCPL Brock D.

Elliot, WO Gale Butcher, Jr. PFC Joseph Tafoya, 1st Lt. Michael W. Vega, and CWO David Angelo F. Alvarez.

The Lathrop Senior Center is in Manuel Valverde Park at 15707 Fifth St. Newsletters with a list of activities are available, or call (209) 941-7382.

PHOTOS BY GENE BELEY

“The WWII group, which is rapidly declining, is the meat-and-potatoes group who want to eat a meal, swap

old stories, then leave the center.”Christopher Lawrence | Senior Center Manager


>>411 in 209

WHERESt. John’s Anglican ChurchStockton Master and Youth Chorales: “The Voice of Nature”2 p.m., Saturday, March 23

The Master Chorale, under Artistic Director Magen Solomon, welcomes in spring with Thomas Morley’s “Now is the Gentle Season,” Samuel Barber’s “To Be Sung on the Water,” and Piotr Tchaikovsky’s “Golden Cloudlet.” These three songs recognize the visual changes that come after the storms of winter are left behind. Then, Peter Schickele will present “After Spring Sunset.” The Youth Chorale, under the direction of Joan Calonico, will also sing of spring with John Rutter’s song, “For the Beauty of the Earth.” Bring your family—especially the children—to this diverse program that will uplift listeners of all ages. Single tickets are $20 in advance for adults, or $25 at the door, and $5 for students. Tickets are available at Stockton Chorale office, (209) 951-6494, online at www.stocktonchorale.org, or at the door.

WHENMarch 21 to May 5

82nd Annual Robert T. McKee Student Art Contest/Exhibition

The Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, will feature student artists from kindergarten through 12th grade in the 82nd Annual

McKee Student Art Contest and Exhibition. Founding patron Robert T. McKee’s vision was to encourage students by providing a public venue

for their artwork. Every year, teachers select approximately 1,000 pieces of art for public display. The walls of two galleries are covered from top to bottom with two-dimensional art works. In addition to photographs

and mixed media pieces, there are works created in crayon, colored pencil, pastel, watercolor, oil and acrylic paint. This year, a new category

will be short (three-minute or less) digital films by high school students. These films will be shown in the gallery and compete for special prizes. For more information, contact Curator of Education Lisa Cooperman at

(209) 940-6315 or [email protected]. Check the museum’s website for time and admission costs.

WHATHippology10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 23

Don’t let the title of this exhibi-tion fool you: The Greek word for horses is “hippo,” and this is all about horses. The World of Won-ders Science Museum, along with All Seasons Carriage Company of Lodi, is giving you an opportunity to learn all about horses. The admis-sion price includes pony rides, pony painting, and western goodies to take home. Admission to this day at the museum alongside real po-nies and horses is $20 for World of Wonders Museum members, and $25 for non-members. For more information, call (209) 368-0969 or visit www.wowsciencemuseum.org.


Autumn DelightsBy Anne Rose | Contributing Writer

I’m dreaming of autumn. Sure, the calendar says almost spring, but to travel and travel well, you have to think ahead to get the most options, the best promotions, and the best rates. This means planning six to 12 months ahead. It does you little good to hold out for a last-minute discounted airfare if the Presidential suite at $7,000 per night is the only room left available. Hence, my clients and I are planning for autumn.

Up the coast, a three-to-four-hour easy, but scenic, drive from San Joaquin County, is the rugged and craggy Mendocino coastline. The region has numerous wineries, luxury resorts, quaint inns, and bed and breakfasts with fireplaces, spas, an array of restaurants (casual to gourmet), and of course, that dramatic coastline with thundering waves and starry nights.

Mendocino is a very artsy little village: artists, handcrafters, boutique stores and delis. I love its main grocery store—unique foods, a huge olive bar, a wonderful housewares section, and an entire aisle of locally roasted coffee. Sorry, Hawaii, but I think Mendocino coffee is one of the world’s best. When I savor a cup of Mendocino coffee at home, I am transported to the Mendocino coastline and can almost smell the air and feel the salt spray.

I was driving home from Mendocino once when a lunar eclipse began. Mesmer-ized, I had to pull over to watch the entire event with the surf crashing below me, iridescent in the dimming moonlight. Unforgettable.

For autumn travelers, you’re also treated to a seasonal parade of the humpback whales as they swim south from Alaska en route to Hawaii or Los Cabos. Bring your binoculars if your accommodations don’t already include a pair.

We really are blessed to have so many resources available here in California. But let me suggest an incredible destination further afield. It requires a plane ride, but there are numerous flight options from Sacramento and San Francisco. I’m talking about the Big Island, Hawaii, culinary and wine mecca of the Pacific. Seri-ously, the Big Island attracts numerous James Beard award-winning chefs and is the birthplace of Pacific Rim cuisine.

Exquisite wines paired with locally sourced foods are the ultimate Farm-to-Table gourmet dining experience presented at some of the Kohala Coast’s luxury resorts. Spectacular food, spectacular wine, spectacular resorts with the most spectacular spas in the world amid spectacular vistas, and you have a…well…spectacular vacation.

Definitely allow a week to fully experience all the Big Island has to offer—be-sides eating and drinking and spa-ing, there is amazing hiking through rainforests. Not to mention an unparalleled diversity of landscape and microclimates, and the starriest sky on our planet, active volcanoes, dormant volcanoes, black sand beaches, pink sand beaches, green sand beaches, a wealth of marine life, tropical gardens, and waterfalls twice as tall as Niagara.

The two vacation spots are a feat for all the senses! You can’t go wrong – one is a short drive, and the other a manageable plane ride away. Don’t forget to start dream-ing of your autumn vacation now, so you can lock in your deals ahead of time!

Anne Rose is president of Cameron-Park-based Celebrate-Travel Inc., a pas-sionate traveler, and an enthusiastic expert of custom-designed vacations to select regions. She welcomes your feedback and questions, and can be reached at [email protected] and (530) 677-6454.

>>travel passport

Mendocino Presbyterian Church overlooks incredible cliffs. PHOTO BY NELSON MINAR


Up, Up and

AwayBy Bernadine Chapman-Cruz Contributing Writer

Sky Drifters hot air balloon rides are one of the best-kept secrets in Northern California. According to owner Tim Nelson, the sport – around for more than 200 years – is a perfect way to capture the scenic beauty of the area.

Riding in a hot air balloon is a real adventure. Seeing a balloon in the air is awesome, but the real thrill is flying in one. And there’s nothing to fear, as Sky Drifters has an excellent safety record, according to Nelson.

“We fly under F.A.A. rules and regulations, and radios are required for constant ground contact,” he said. “Each balloon carries fire equipment and a quick shut-off system for fuel tanks. [And] one of the incredible things about a balloon is that even without a pilot, [it] will still descend safely as it becomes its own parachute.”

Hot air balloon construction con-sists of a colorful, specially treated material balloon bag designed to handle high heat and sunshine, attached to a sturdy wicker basket containing a burner and fuel system. In addition to F.A.A.-certified pilots, ground crews include several people involved in the flight, some following the balloon in a chase car, others tearing down the balloon at flight’s end, and reloading the balloon. “It’s a team effort,” Nelson said, “and passengers can also participate in some ballooning duties.”

Sky Drifters offers one-hour bal-loon rides suitable for any occa-sion. Flight time may be extended if wind and weather allow. Small baskets accommodate one or two people in addition to the pilot. Larger baskets carry up to seven guests. As passengers float over Northern California, flying altitude ranges from just above treetop to 2,000 feet. Depending on air currents, balloons cross the region’s lakes, rivers, vernal pools, and oak preserves. “Deer Creek Hills Preserve is nice,” Nelson said. “Coyote, deer, and mountain lions can easily be seen from above.”

Private-chartered balloon rides

floating over the Sacramento Val-ley create unforgettable romantic memories. A hot air balloon ride for couples is the perfect setting for engagements, anniversaries, or weddings. With prior arrangements, pilots can perform civil ceremonies. Price is $650 per couple for a one-hour ride.

Group balloon rides for up to seven people sharing a basket are fun and exciting. Skilled pilots interact with passengers, pointing

out landmarks, sharing stories, and answering questions. Price range is $175-195 per person depending on group size. Private charter and group flights depart from the Sky Drifters Balloon Port in the foothills 30 miles east of Sacramento, on the corner of Jackson Highway and Stonehouse Road.

A unique attraction for an outdoor event, corporate party, grand open-ing, church, club, or social function is a Sky Drifters stationary tethered

hot air balloon. Five-minute rides take passengers over 100 feet above ground activities. Price is $850 for the first hour and $650 per hour thereafter, with a two-hour minimum.

Hot air balloon rides are restricted passengers to age five and over. The rides are not for pregnant wom-en and are not handicapped ac-cessible. Reservations are required but same-day standby flights are sometimes available. Call Sky Drift-ers for reservations and specifics.

>>beyond 209

Sky Drifters7000 Stonehouse Road | Rancho Murieta

888.359.0484 [email protected] | www.skydrifters.com

Open by appointment weather permitting


>>taste of manteca

The Gods have Spoken—Athens Burgers is Best Value in MantecaBy Kimberly Horg | Contributing Writer

Fast food is defined as food that can be prepared and served quickly. Athens Burgers in downtown Man-teca fits that description but steps outside the box by using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Its home-made menu items are thoughtfully prepared by owner and cook Steve Taxidis for customers on the go look-ing for freshness.

“Food has a better flavor when it is fresh,” he said.

Taxidis opened the business in October 2008. Before then, he had the same restaurant in Dublin, near the Bay Area, for 12 years. After it was sold, he searched for the perfect location to reopen his upscale fast food establishment.

There are more than 90 items on the menu, ranging from mushroom-topped hamburgers, feta burgers or the infamous Athens burger, made with a juicy homemade patty consisting of ground beef mixed with onion, pepper and garlic for a Greek twist. Other specialties include Athens chicken, salads, and the American-Greek Gyro sandwich.

Regular customers from the Dublin location have sought out the restau-rant to enjoy personal favorites. Everything is the same as at the old locale: nothing changed, not even the name. “We were well-known in Dublin, so a lot of people were happy when we opened here,” Taxidis said.

Some regular customers come in twice a day looking for quality fast food or something new. Taxidis ensures his food’s good taste by using high-caliber products that are never frozen. Often working up to 100 hours a week, Taxidis labors relentlessly to make sure the restaurant’s home-made chili, soups and dressings are prepared by hand. Every morning, he makes fried zucchini and onion rings from scratch, and he dices his potatoes into freshly prepared hash browns.

Taxidis hails from Greece. He arrived in Anaheim (Southern California) in 1972 as a performer, making a living playing the Greek bouzouki (a Greek guitar). He moved to the northern part of the state in 1991 shortly after a friend sparked his interest in food.

Athens Burgers306 W. Yosemite Ave. | Manteca | 209.825.7111 | Open daily

Taxidis and employee Fernando. PHOTOS BY LOUIE AMBRIZ



>>buzz on bizz


By Bernadine Chapman-Cruz | Contributing Writer

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Owners Vinnie and Annie Bhan opened their business in 2008 “because we thought Manteca needed a candy shop.

It was the perfect place.”

Inside, delicious assortments of freshly made chocolate candies are neatly arranged behind see-through display cases. “Approximately half the candy we sell is made on site,” manager Jayne Panigada said. “We make our candy by hand and it is an interesting process to watch. There is noth-ing more exciting than to see fudge flipped on a granite table.”

In addition to old-fashioned fudge, decadent candies including truffles, nut and caramel clusters, soft centers, chocolate mints, Rocky Road, divinity, and sugar free candies are available. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory also dips just about anything in delicious chocolate. Licorice, marshmallows, strawberries, cherries, gummy bears, pretzels, fortune cookies, and even potato chips can be immersed in chocolate. “There’s not much we don’t do in chocolate,” Panigada said. “We can even dip wine bottles, because wine and chocolate go extremely well together.”

Another favorite at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is the caramel

apple. The store features 25 differ-ent combinations of fresh Granny Smith apples on a stick, covered in caramel and dipped in choco-late. Tasty toppings include candy sprinkles, nuts, M&Ms, and Rocky Road, adorned with various choco-late drizzles.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory’s customer service is unequaled. “We cater to our customers and go the extra mile if someone needs something different,” Panigada said. “Gift wrapping, birthday presents, party favors, wedding and baby shower baskets are our specialty.”

With Easter around the corner, ready-made candy baskets are on the shelves. “Lots of people like to pick their favorite candies in a basket assortment,” Panigada said, “and we are already accepting special orders for the holiday.”

The shop recently introduced a Gourmet Coffee & Espresso Cart. Enjoy a drink at a courtyard table or convenient coffee to go.

“Words can only describe our candy,” Panigada said, “but to get the real enjoyment of the experi-ence, visit the store and get a free sample.”

Manteca’s queens of sweets—Pamela Padillo, Melinda Reyes, and Jayne Panigada. PHOTOS BY LOUIE AMBRIZ

“We are an old-fashioned candy shop with excellent customer service

and excellent products.”Jayne Panigada | Manager

The Sweet Taste of Chocolate

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory303 E. Yosemite Ave. | Manteca | Phone 209.823.6500

Open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sundaywww.rmcfmanteca.com

Avalanche apples are dipped in homemade caramel then dipped in tiger butter, Rice Krispies, marshmellows, a semi-sweet chocolate and then

drizzled with milk chocolate.

MANTECA MONTHLY MAGAZINEBig Monkey Group LLC

94 W. Castle St. #B

Stockton CA 95204

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