Keeping Downtown Safe and Welcoming: Community Ambassador Program

Posted on March 31, 2025March 24, 2025 by Intern DSA

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By Sungyeon Park

Downtown Stockton is a vibrant hub filled with businesses, visitors, and residents. Ensuring the area remains safe and welcoming is the mission of the Community Ambassador Program of the Downtown Stockton Alliance, which is a team working to support businesses, property owners, and the local community, 24/7!

At the head of this effort is Chevell Simms, who is the program supervisor and has been with the program for four years. His role involves keeping eyes and ears on the downtown area but also training new ambassadors and equipping them with the tools to succeed in the field.

The primary goal of the Community Ambassador Program is to create a positive environment in Downtown Stockton. The team, consisting of about ten ambassadors, conducts a regular route to check in on Downtown’s businesses; assists visitors; and helps connect unhoused individuals with resources like shelters and medical facilities. A typical day for an ambassador includes responding to calls for service, keeping the area clear of trespassers and panhandlers, and even providing small but valuable services like jump-starting vehicles or escorting visitors to their cars.

This job comes with its challenges. Community Ambassadors often have to handle difficult situations, such as addressing loitering and panhandling, or reporting criminal activity. Despite these challenges, Chevell takes pride in his work, especially when he sees new ambassadors grow into their roles. “It’s been very rewarding when new ambassadors receive information and apply it to daily activities, finding new ways to help the community,” he shared.

Looking ahead, with a committed team and a strong vision, the Community Ambassador Program will continue to enhance the safety and atmosphere of Downtown Stockton—one day at a time.

If you would like an escort to your car; need to jumpstart your car; or want to deter trespassers or loiterers from your business, call 209.451.7775!

Information

Who: Downtown Stockton Alliance Community Ambassador Team
Where: Downtown Stockton PBID
Hours: 24/7; accepting calls 24/7
Services: escorts to your vehicle, wayfinding, car jumpstarting, trespass deterring, visitor assistance
For Service Calls: 209.451.7775

Bearpaw Equities

Posted on March 27, 2025March 24, 2025 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

In recent years, major progress has been made toward Downtown Stockton revitalization efforts, and Bearpaw Equities is one of the key players making it happen. Read on to learn more about Bearpaw’s market-rate, residential developments in our community.

About Bearpaw

The Bearpaw brand was originally founded in 2001 by Tom Romeo, whose goal was to redefine casual footwear through the use of sheepskin. After finding great success with the company’s original vision, Bearpaw added real estate development to its portfolio. As a part of this endeavor, the company purchased several historic buildings in Downtown Stockton in 2018.

Why Stockton?

Tom Romeo has personal ties to Stockton. His brother attended the University of the Pacific, which gave Romeo a deeper interest and connection to this city. He believed Stockton was a city with great potential, and by investing in its downtown area, Bearpaw could help make it a vibrant, thriving place once again.

Getting Started

The first two properties purchased by Bearpaw were the Tretheway Building and the Mansion House. Bearpaw saw huge potential in these properties. The company planned to renovate the building interiors into modern residential and commercial units.

The Tretheway Building, located at 229 E. Weber Avenue, was built in the late 1800s. The building was originally a lodging house and served as a hotel from the 1920s through the 1970s. When Bearpaw purchased it, the upper stories of the building had been neglected for several years. With Bearpaw’s investment, the Tretheway Building’s upper floors were transformed into the Tretheway Live/Work Lofts, offering 12 residential units. The company worked hard to maintain the building’s historical features while updating the interior to fit today’s needs. (For a brief history of the Tretheway Building, click here.)

The Mansion House – located at 106 N. Hunter Street and built in 1873 – was converted by Bearpaw into the Hunter Square Lofts, which injected 26 newly renovated residential spaces into Downtown Stockton’s housing inventory and preserved a piece of Stockton’s rich history. (For a brief history of the Mansion House building, click here.)

After the success of the Tretheway and Mansion House projects, Bearpaw continued their Downtown Stockton investment streak by purchasing and renovating 500 E. Main Street – formerly the Avon Theatre and built in 1860 – into the CalMain Lofts. This new development added nearly 30 much-needed, market-rate, residential units to Downtown Stockton, bringing the area even closer to being a true 24-hour downtown.

What’s Next?

Bearpaw’s next Downtown Stockton project will involve conversion of the upper floors of the California Building – 11 S. San Joaquin Street – into 35 residential units! Keep an eye out for more information as this exciting project comes to fruition.

Impact

By pairing respect for the city’s history with exciting, contemporary development, Bearpaw’s projects have made Downtown Stockton a more exciting and appealing place to be. These projects haven’t just changed the look of downtown — they’ve also brought economic benefits to the area. New businesses are opening up, and local shops are seeing more customers as a result of the increased number of residents. Bearpaw’s developments also create job opportunities, particularly in construction and retail, which help boost the local economy. The company creates developments that combine homes, businesses, and public areas, making downtown a place where people can live, work, and enjoy themselves. With each new project, Bearpaw contributes to the growth of Downtown Stockton. We hope that Bearpaw will continue to be a part of downtown’s progress for years to come.

If you or someone you know is looking to live in a beautiful, freshly renovated space in Downtown Stockton, check out the links to Bearpaw’s apartments below to inquire about availability! If you are looking for a commercial/retail space, check out this link to a space available on the ground floor of the Tretheway Building.

Information

Who: Bearpaw Equities, Downtown Stockton real estate developer!
Where:
- Residential Units:
  - Tretheway Live/Work Lofts at 229 – 231 E. Weber, Stockton, CA
  - Hunter Square Lofts at 106 N. Hunter, Stockton, CA
  - CalMain Lofts at 500 E. Main, Stockton, CA
  - and more in the works!
- Commercial Unit:
  - Tretheway Building at 229 – 231 E. Weber, Stockton, CA
Contact Regarding Spaces: Mahala Burns, [email protected]

Morning Heroes: How the Downtown Stockton Alliance Maintenance Team Keeps Downtown Beautiful

Posted on March 24, 2025March 17, 2025 by Intern DSA

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By Sungyeon Park

The Downtown Stockton Alliance maintenance team members make every Downtown morning cleaner and brighter. They are kind, hardworking, and diligent. They perform their tasks with joy and a deep sense of responsibility. Downtown Stockton wouldn’t be the same without them.

There are seven general maintenance crew members and one pressure washing crew member. The team services the Downtown Stockton PBID Zones 1 & 2, which span from the ACE train station to Banner Island Ballpark. Their goal: a sparkling clean Downtown Stockton.

A typical day starts with Bobby, who begins pressure washing at 3 AM, rain or shine, 5 days a week. The rest of the team starts work around 5 AM. They hop on their mules and head out to pick up leaves; clean sidewalks and gutters; empty Downtown garbage cans; remove graffiti; and, in the spring, cut down and spray weeds. Each crew member is responsible for a specific route, and they take great care in maintaining their designated areas. They remove human waste, litter and trash of all types, paraphernalia, and many other things that might make the average person queasy. While the rest of Downtown is sleeping or just waking up, our guys are stealthily obliterating overnight grime.

Picking up trash might seem like an ordinary task, but it is essential to keeping Downtown Stockton pleasant for those who live and work here. Many residents and visitors have shared positive feedback, noting how much they appreciate the emptied garbage cans, freshly pressure-washed sidewalks, and the overall cleanliness of the streets and walkways.

Moreover, the team members themselves find great satisfaction in their work. I spoke with some of them about their experiences; their stories reflect the pride and enjoyment they get from being a part of the maintenance crew.

Allen reflected on the rewarding nature of his work: “It feels great to clean the city and make a difference. I also enjoy working outdoors, getting some sun, breathing fresh air, and collaborating with my amazing coworkers.”

Similarly, Jesse expressed his appreciation for the role, saying, “I love this job because there’s more freedom to work, and I’m thankful to be doing something I truly enjoy.”

Ricky shared, “I’ve learned so many new things from this job, like how to use power tools, meet new people, and get to know the Downtown Stockton area better.”

Charisse, who manages the team, also shared her thoughts: “I’m very proud of our maintenance team. They work very hard and take a lot of pride in their work. I hope we can continue to keep the downtown area [looking] as well as we do.”

Looking ahead, the DSA maintenance team plans to expand by hiring more staff in January 2026. I’m excited to see the team grow and make an even greater impact on our downtown community. I truly appreciate all the hard work and dedication the maintenance team brings to Downtown Stockton every single day. If you see the maintenance team around downtown, take a moment to say hello or thank them for their efforts. A small gesture of appreciation can brighten their day as they continue to make Downtown Stockton shine!

If you need to request removal of sidewalk human waste, litter, or weeds; garbage can emptying; spot pressure-washing; or graffiti removal in Downtown Stockton, call 209.464.5246, Monday – Friday, and Chariss will get one of our amazing crew members dispatched as soon as possible!

Information

Who: Downtown Stockton Alliance Maintenance Team
Where: Downtown Stockton Zones 1 & 2
Hours: 3 AM – 12 PM, M – F; service calls accepted starting at 8:00 AM
Services: sidewalk human waste and trash removal; sidewalk pressure-washing; trash can emptying; sidewalk weed abatement; and graffiti removal.
For Service Calls: 209.464.5246
View the Maintenance Team Ninja Video to see the team in action!

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.”

Downtown Stockton Parking Guide

Posted on April 3, 2024April 3, 2024 by Shaun Chatrath

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By Shaun Chatrath

Downtown Stockton General Parking Information

Downtown Stockton is made up of 3 types of parking options: MONTHLY LOTS, DAILY LOTS, AND HOURLY SPACES.

HOURLY SPACES, also known as STREET PARKING, are along the curbsides throughout downtown and can be paid at the parking meter nearest to the space.

You may also use the ParkMobile Parking App to pay for these meters.

NOTE: Payment is only required for hourly street spaces and curbsides in downtown Stockton on Monday – Friday from 9 am to 6 pm.

STREET PARKING IN DOWNTOWN STOCKTON IS FREE ON.

Downtown Stockton Parking Lots

Downtown Stockton has 7 garages/lots open to the public to use for daily parking. This does not include the arena and ballpark lots that are open only during events at these specific venues.

Various businesses such as the movie theater, validate parking. So, we recommend asking the business that you are visiting if they do so. The lots that are open to the public are below:

Coy Parking Garage

Stewart-Eberhardt Parking Garage

Lot F

Lot J

Lot K

Lot L

Lot O

Downtown Stockton Parking Map

Below is a map of all the lots in Downtown Stockton, with each public parking lot marked with a RED DOT:

Downtown Stockton Parking Cost

Cost varies per lot and event. For example, Fourth of July parade parking might be slightly higher than your average cost on another day.

Most parking lots range between:

$1.50 – $3.00 for hourly parking

$5.00 – $12.00 for daily parking

$10.00 – $25.00 for special event parking

Card, cash, and the ParkMobile Parking App are all accepted as payment. However, we recommend having 2 out 3 of the options ready to pay on the rare chance the payment system is down.

Downtown Stockton Parking Recommendations

Regal Cinema and nearby restaurants/shops – Coy Garage and Stewart-Eberhardt Parking Garage

Bob Hope Theatre, Courthouse Plaza, and nearby – Lot F

RTD, Cort Tower, and nearby restaurants/shops – Lot J

Trail Coffee, The Razr, and nearby restaurants/shops – Lot K

Businesses and locations with onsite parking lots:

7-Eleven
BAC Community Bank
Bank of Stockton (301 E Miner Ave)
Chase Bank
Children’s Museum of Stockton
Dutch Bros
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Filipino Plaza

McDonald’s
PNC Bank
Robert J. Cabral Ace Train Station
Saint John the Evangelist Episcopal Church
Sonic Drive-In
Starbucks
Stockton Marina
Stockton Police Department

Studio 6 Suites Stockton, CA – Waterfront
Sunshine Hawaiian BBQ
The Store Bar
University Plaza Waterfront Hotel
Valley Strong Credit Union
Waterfront Warehouse
Weber Tech.
Wells Fargo Bank

Arena, Ballpark, Civic Center, and Weber Point

Adventist Health Arena – Arena Garage and Fremont East Lot

Banner Island Ballpark – North Lot and West Lot

Stockton Memorial Civic Center – Civic Center Lot

Weber Point Events Center – Coy Garage and Stewart-Eberhardt Parking Garage

Downtown Stockton Parking Links

ParkMobile Parking App | Find & Pay for Parking | On-street & Reservation

Talk to Downtown Episode 1 – Understanding Downtown Parking with Tina McCarty!

City of Stockton parking webpage

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]!

Sometimes It’s The Simple Things

Posted on August 12, 2022March 15, 2023 by digitalgear

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by Gynae Davalos

A refreshing, warm shower is sometimes the only thing one wants to recharge, rejuvenate, and relieve the body, mind, and spirit. For those in our community with no home in which to shower, Downtown Stockton Alliance provides a free Portable Bathroom Shower Unit (PBSU) right behind St. John’s Episcopal Church on El Dorado Street.

^{A simple shower can make a huge difference}

Monday through Friday starting at 8:30am, anyone needing a bathroom or warm shower can sign up, reserve a time slot, and freshen up. Through generous donations, food, beverages, and clothing are often also available, as well as access to a washing machine and dryer.

SJ Public Health is also on site once a week providing free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, in addition to other health services.

The PBSU shuts down at 4pm.

“I’m disabled and it has a shower for the disabled,” said Jesse Tora who frequents the PBSU.

DSA staff member Shirley Griffith and her team manage and maintain the unit, providing not only an essential need to the unsheltered community, but social support as well.

“A lot of them are appreciative; they’ll thank us over and over,” Shirley explained.

_{Music by S.T.A.T.I.K.}

“The people are always so nice and respectful – love the fact we have longer time and they don’t play favoritism. They treat everyone the same,” commented Lisa Yoder.

In 2021, the PBSU served 887 individuals who took about 7,444 showers. The unit is funded through a combination of ESG-CV and CDBG grants obtained from the City of Stockton and San Joaquin County. Since 2020, over $350,000 total grant dollars have been secured and devoted to PBSU operation.

“It’s available 5 days a week and it’s convenient for afternoon showering. They feed you and they make sure everyone gets in the shower,” said Yujmon Charles.

It’s easy to take the simple things in life for granted, until they are no longer easily accessible. The Portable Bathroom Shower Unit is just one action Downtown Stockton Alliance takes to support and uplift everyone in our community. Do you have ideas to help make Downtown Stockton the best it can be for everybody?

Best. Job. Ever

Posted on July 11, 2022March 15, 2023 by digitalgear

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by Gynae Davalos

Getting paid to do what you enjoy is a lifelong goal for many. But what happens when you actually DO reach that goal? Well, I just got this job and I’m freaking out.

What’s this place? Who owns this building? What was this before? Is it for lease? So many questions. . . .

I have to show and tell how awesome Downtown Stockton (and subsequently the whole city) is. I have to give reasons why everyone should come downtown more often. I have to encourage entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to open or expand their companies downtown. I have to reassure the public that downtown is safe. I have to shine some light on businesses and services that may be on the brink of going out in hopes of possibly saving them. I have to inspire and motivate ideas to fill all the empty buildings and spaces speckled throughout downtown. I have to harness enough energy through my adventures to help revitalize all of downtown as soon as humanly possible.

But I only get 5 hours a day.

Good thing I’m on skates.

I’ll do the best I can do Downtown Stockton, but let’s help each other out! Events, meetings, celebrations, announcements, specials – I need to hear about ALL of it. PLEASE send me an email, a direct message, call me at the office, hand a DSA Safety Ambassador a flyer to give to me – however digitally or physically I can retrieve info, the sooner I can share and let everyone know about all the cool happenings downtown and continue to show and tell how awesome downtown is and is becoming.

I was born in Stockton and I’ve spent the majority of my life here. The grass is NOT greener on the other side. Everything we need to grow and flourish is right here. And I hope everyone rolls right along with me to help Downtown Stockton and the rest of our fine city continue to blossom and thrive. Because this is the best job ever and I love it here!

The Waterfront. From here, you can go anywhere.

Downtown Stockton’s “Bourbon Street”: Dreaming Tomorrow’s Downtown

Posted on July 8, 2022 by digitalgear

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by Shaun Chatrath

Throughout the 21st century, Downtown Stockton has improved substantially, in large part due to the many businesses, people, and organizations who have helped revitalize this area.

Since the 1990s, the Downtown Stockton Alliance has played a massive role in marketing, informing, and giving life to Downtown. Through this effort, many projects, such as musical events and the restoration of Mun Kwok Lane, have seen the light of day.

With that said, we have only scratched the surface of Downtown Stockton’s potential.

We believe that Downtown Stockton one day can become one of the premier landmarks in the state of California.

This belief is due to the picturesque port that flows across Downtown, the convenience of Stockton’s geography, and the vast amount of land Downtown suited for businesses and entrepreneurship.

To reach Downtown Stockton’s full potential, why not look at the following American cities for inspiration: New Orleans and Reno?

Like Downtown Stockton, New Orleans has rich architecture and history, many of which oversee a body of water that cuts through the city (Mississippi River).

According to the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, 58% of tourists to New Orleans tour these historic sites and architecture.

In that same study, they found that tourists to the city of New Orleans spent an average of $50 more than the average tourism spending in the United States.

Thus, growing the economy of the local area. elements of New Orleans into its urban planning, we’d be drawing from a proven foundation of success and establishing a tourism-friendly culture for Downtown.

Now obviously, the area size of Downtown Stockton is significantly less than New Orleans, but that’s where a town such as Reno comes in. Reno, Nevada, is billed as “The Biggest Little City in the World.”

Like Las Vegas, the city has several casinos and shows such as Circus Circus Resort or Atlantis that draw visitors each year. According to a study by Travel Nevada, Reno has seen a $95 increase in average tourism trip spending between the years 2016-2019. Las Vegas has seen an $88 increase in the same time period.

Reno is a successful mini–Las Vegas.

To entice tourists, Downtown Stockton needs its own mini–Bourbon Street or North Virginia Street. A stretch of road where food, history, music, and most importantly, people gather at every corner together to celebrate.

What features would make Downtown Stockton the next tourist hotspot? Which street could be our Bourbon Street?

SOURCES

Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism 2019-2020 Study: https://crt.state.la.us/Assets/Tourism/research/documents/2019-2020/2019%20Louisiana%20Visitor%20Profile.pdf

Reno 2016 -2020 Travel Nevada Study:

Reno-Tahoe-Territory-CY16-20.pdf (travelnevada.biz)

Las Vegas 2016 -2020 Travel Nevada Study:

Las-Vegas-Territory-CY16-20.pdf (travelnevada.biz)

Diversity Plaza: Downtown beautification adds new color and art in Stockton

Posted on April 27, 2022May 15, 2024 by digitalgear

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by Ben Sanchez

Brighter days.

When I boxed up the buttons my intern designed in preparation for the diversity ceremony this month, I realized the work my team developed for this project would be coming to a close.

My intern, Ayaana Williams, wrapped up button and flyer designs for the project during her final week at the office. I picked up the camera for the first time in a long time. The camera felt heavy in my hands as I walked past the new Superior Court of California downtown. There is a small walkway between the old and new courthouse buildings on Weber Avenue. I heard swishing water past the steps where people were walking in and out of large, windowed doors of the courthouse. The bustling crowds moved swiftly through the walkway to approach the building.

Skies were clear today with sun rays beaming down on the open space behind the courthouse. The ceremony was scheduled before noon. I slip past the crowds, preparing my attempt to capture moments with the camera.

I have made this walk numerous times with my team in downtown. Jason and I filmed downtown shots of the Fox theater and the old Bank of Stockton building. We snapped photos a few blocks away at the redeveloped Chung Wah Lane. But today, at that moment, I am the one looking down the lens this time. This space is different now. Ayaana compiled before and after footage of this outdoor area. We both watched this outdoor space transform over the past four months from Hunter Square to Diversity Plaza.

City of Stockton team members pose for the selfie.

Diversity Plaza.

Once called Hunter Square, the new space is now named Diversity Plaza. The Spire, an art piece designed by Glen Mortenson, was originally located in this outdoor space (Passerbyers will now see the Spire at the newly developed Miner Avenue roundabout).

Michael Huber, Executive Director of Downtown Stockton Alliance, explained he wanted to celebrate Stockton’s diversity for this project, hence the name change for the area. “For our 2021 beautification project, we chose the back half of Hunter Square, which is now Diversity Plaza,” says Huber.

During the winter months last year, our maintenance team assisted with the landscape development. Flag poles were painted and placed across the plaza. Each flag is designed by Ayaana with these words: Unity, Equity, Pride, Inclusion, Diversity, and Respect.

The short video footage she put together will give you a sense of the work and transformation over the past year.

You can watch the video below.

Behind the lens.

The camera felt heavy today. Heavier than usual. The crowd walked across the lawn into the sunlight where rows of chairs waited to seat their visitors. I look through the camera lens to capture the art on utility boxes near Diversity Plaza. The outdoor space was utilized in our other video when we introduced Ayaana on our YouTube channel. I went ahead and operated the camera when we captured video of her walking past the flags during construction. You also can watch that video on our YouTube channel.

Ayaana was a great photographer. She captured a lot of the Diversity Plaza photos you see on social media. The material she developed was an integral part of the design process for marketing going forward.

Speaking of design and art, Sam Majeed (@dopaminecolors) created the art you see at Diversity Plaza. This collaborative effort toward this project is not his first project in downtown. He created a mural in the Courthouse Plaza parking lot along the east wall of the building. People approached him in the crowd. His large coat had a colorful art design across his back. When he turned to address the people acknowledging his artwork, I squeezed the button on the camera to capture it.

Celebrate Diversity.

Two large polished art statues stand behind a circular, iron gated area. These statues and gates round out the art ensemble at the plaza. City of Stockton officials, public figures, and community members gathered for the presentation of Diversity Plaza. When Huber addressed the crowd introducing Harry Black to the microphone, everyone took a seat. Each speaker approached the microphone to say a few words about the work being done in downtown before presenting a certificate to Huber.

Chamber representatives were asked to approach the microphone to speak. The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Central Valley Asian American Chamber of Commerce offered their appreciation for the beautification efforts in downtown. People lined up for photo ops by Tim Ulmer as they exchanged greetings before the camera clicks to snapshot the moment. Majeed took a candid photo standing in front of his work (Striking a pose to capture his coat in the shot). With people saying their goodbyes, I pop the cover back on the lens before I head off to the next venture.

The crowd dispersed with a snapshot of Diversity Plaza. I hope the public can make their way to visit this hidden space. Hopefully, this will be one of many upcoming beautification projects within downtown Stockton.

Fun Fact:

Ayaana Williams designed the flags and buttons for Diversity Plaza. She also created the highlight video and captured photos during the development process downtown.

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