Miner Avenue a catalyst to highlight improved downtown Stockton

Posted on April 1, 2022December 6, 2024 by digitalgear

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by Ben Sanchez

Cut your ribbon.

A buzzing sound lingered in the air near San Joaquin Street and Miner Avenue in downtown Stockton. I took a brisk walk from the office to find people gathering for the Miner Avenue Complete Streets ribbon-cutting ceremony. I can hear the sound grow louder as I round the corner off Channel Street. Days before, the Economic Development Department (EDD) dropped a flier on Instagram noting that on Wednesday, March 16, the community was invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The buzzing sound of a drone flying above the streets captured the new roundabout at the intersection. Standing in the middle of the roundabout, The Spire. A historic art fountain that once occupied Hunter Square was designed by Glen Mortensen. The new plaque on the base of The Spire bathed in sunlight. I bet you have seen Mortensen’s architecture in Stockton. More specifically, Burns Tower at University of the Pacific and the School of Pharmacy.

Mayor Kevin J. Lincoln arrived on scene along with several public figures presenting short speeches to the public. A row of easels showcased the before and after photographs on a long time project coming to the finish line.

What a long road it has been for Miner Avenue. Jodi Almassy, City of Stockton Director of Public Works, addressed the crowd explaining the “labor of love” that went into the project. Since 2008, the complexity of the project achieved funding from six separate sources with Siegfried Engineering as the lead design firm.

I navigated the crowd, saying hello to fellow community members and business owners who attended the event. We all stood together watching the mayor grip giant scissors. He lifted them into position awaiting the signal to cut the ribbon. Cue a short pause for the photo op moment. Looking at all the development in this area, I think back to last year when the team and I would film vlog footage near Miner Avenue.

Transitions.

Throughout our walks of downtown, Miner was one of those areas with constant construction over the past winter. We veered and maneuvered our way past construction vehicles and workers who made progress block by block. The crew made us aware of the safety precautions along the sidewalks as they worked around the weather to pave streets.

Part of the footage can be viewed in our vlog episode 4 here (Or you might spot it in a reel on Instagram). You might remember sidewalk construction along Miner or certain cross streets shut down during this process last year. New bike lanes were installed with reduced traffic from four lanes down to two (Siegfried Engineering tells me this is called a road diet or lane reduction).

The impact on commuter traffic in downtown increased at this time as people discovered new ways to navigate their parking spots. Businesses along Miner started to view the transformation roll out over 2021. I know Beas Auto Sales kept customers aware through their popular Instagram stories. Their awareness to the situation at hand assisted customers who ventured downtown throughout construction times (Also their selection of lo-fi music used on Instagram is inspired by yours truly.)

The right time.

With businesses adjusting to downtown development, the question on everyone’s mind is, ”What is happening in downtown?”

A question I am most certain Eric Alvarez, City of Stockton Deputy Director of Public Works, is asked frequently. Alvarez jumped on a Zoom call to talk to the Downtown Stockton Alliance about his role with the city. Several months before the ribbon cutting, Alvarez gave an overview of several projects throughout the city. You can watch his full interview here.

When asked about the Miner Avenue Complete Street Improvements project he said, “It’s taken a long time — Miner is a large project in terms of its length. But with anything, the driver is money. You have to have the money to see it through.”

He noted a lot of minor details (see what I did there?) in his discussion about the project. Timing was everything when applying for funding on this project. Once grant funding was secured they had to find an ideal time to get to work with weather conditions and other challenges ahead.

“It took 10 years to get from the idea to finishing the work,” says Alvarez. Throughout their continued efforts to improve Miner Avenue several agencies were involved in the process to complete the project including Siegfried Engineering, Salaber Associates, and George Reed noted as key consultants and contractors.

Hometown.

During the ceremony, I stood next to Chris Kay, Marketing Manager and Business Development at Siegfried Engineering. I am sure you know of Chris Kay. His accolades within the community speak volumes throughout the city. A family man, entrepreneur, leader, broadcaster, and overall just a wonderful human, he set aside some time to answer my questions about Miner Avenue. He shakes a lot of hands as people come up to greet him. Kay spoke about the key points with this project and how he worked directly with Alvarez and his team. “The city is an extension of our staff — it truly is a collaborative effort,” says Kay.

Over the course of conversation, Kay revealed this was a complex project that started years ago. “Our company was involved from the very beginning,” says Kay, “We assisted with grant writing and preliminary designs, and were the lead design firm on this project.” This is another significant milestone for the company. The northern and central California engineering firm has an incredible portfolio of roadway projects and improvement projects throughout California. Their expertise and insight offered the city a new perspective when designs were finalized (Remember that road diet we talked about).

As we gazed toward the Spire I asked him what his thoughts were with his firm bringing this idea to fruition. “To see it finished is amazing,” says Kay. “The long standing project complete is incredible to see in our hometown.”

Fun Fact:

You might not know this, but the development project on Miner is considered a ten block corridor. From the railroad tracks all the way to Center Street.

*Photo courtesy of Siegfried Engineering.

Check out businesses in previous vlog episodes on our YouTube channel!

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Downtown Stockton Vlog

Caffeine Dreams: Amazing locally roasted coffee on my mind

Posted on March 29, 2022December 10, 2024 by digitalgear

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by Ben Sanchez

This month, I ventured out with my intern to visit more spaces in downtown Stockton. From the Waterfront Warehouse to the spacious Sycamore venue, we wanted to share the local coffee spots here in downtown.

Which one is your favorite?

Did we miss a coffee shop downtown?

How did you hear about the coffee shops?

What is your go-to coffee order?

Inquiring minds want to know!
Here is a quick recap of coffee runs with my team in downtown.

Legendary Coffee & Books.

Always be legendary.

Located inside the historic Waterfront Warehouse, the well-lit, relaxing atmosphere is a great space to visit for Temple Coffee and local pastries. We dropped by during our vlog in episode 3 to try some coffee and taste the wonderful Gunther’s ice cream from Sacramento. You can catch Renee and I sitting at the table and chatting inside their lovely shop on the vlog episode here.

Since then, I have stopped by on a few occasions to get coffee and peruse the books along the shelves. For the unique photo op, the space has a nice wall with the vibrant “Be Legendary” font stretching across a leafy green backdrop. Every customer would snap a picture to share from their favorite spot to support the awesome people who serve us coffee in the morning. I took a photo just outside the side entrance by the fountain. If you are in the area, step inside the warehouse and grab your coffee fix.

Trail Coffee Roasters.

Blazing trail.

A large, open café in the renovated historic Owl Drug Store building on California and Main Street, Trail Coffee is another local favorite with multiple locations in Stockton and Lodi. With large display windows, an outdoor patio, and a well-positioned roaster room, there is plenty of space to sit back and enjoy coffee and scones.

Mentioned on the latest vlog episode, Matt and I recalled the days when Trail roasted beans behind the building on San Joaquin where Huddle started. We would ride bikes on Miner Street and swing around the alleyway with large art murals following the scent of coffee. You can read and watch our conversation on the latest vlog episode here.

You can find their coffee at a small shop on the University of the Pacific campus in Stockton, and a new location in Lodi. I’m more partial to their hot chocolate (good hot cocoa is hard to find), even back during the days of Huddle 1.0. The new spot downtown is spacious with tables, chairs, and a merchandise area to take home those lovely Trail mugs and shirts.

**Bonus:** You can catch us hanging out on the outdoor patio at Trail with Amy Sieffert, owner of Goodstock Productions, in episode 4. Her team will sometimes work out of Trail in downtown Stockton.

Plaza Perks.

Tiny coffee shop.

Tucked away inside the Courthouse Plaza, this small café serves Cat & Cloud Coffee out of Santa Cruz, California. From sandwiches to breakfast burritos, every purchase goes toward helping a foster child in need. Throughout our adventures downtown, we delivered pizza to the staff, visited the arcade, and tried specialty drinks off the secret menu (I added tater tots in the breakfast burrito!)

I end up running into several community members and business owners here in this quaint hub. An iced white mocha is my drink of choice, but I advise heading to the Plaza before the crowds line up inside during the lunch hour. Every time I visit the cafe, their friendly staff always makes me feel welcome.

Empresso Coffeehouse.

Stockton staple.

Empresso Coffeehouse has not just one, but two locations in the downtown area! The longtime “staple of Stockton” serves locally roasted coffee near the IMAX movie theater in Janet Leigh Plaza. If you venture further downtown on N. San Joaquin Street, you will find a second location. Both locations offer indoor and outdoor seating. Empresso offers a variety of specialty drinks. For a quick breakfast sandwich, I stop by for an egg sandwich on a bagel with cream cheese and avocado. Sandwiches are made to order and come with several options. Each Empresso space is great to work out of the office for the day if you like that coffee shop vibe.

Arte del Café.

Art and coffee blend.

The latest coffee spot to open inside the Mexican Heritage Center, this café is a place where people can explore a large, open gallery space displaying local art. My intern and I recently stopped by to check out the space. The gallery behind the cafe rotates art once a month and is open to the public. With vibrant colored art painted across the walls, the cafe specialties are Mexican style lattes and desserts. Visually stunning art encompasses the west wall with stairs leading up to a loft type area. Large display windows embrace a small stage for open mic events they host during the month. If you are curious about this space on Market and Sutter Street, stop in early to grab some fresh pan dulce before it’s gone!

Red’s.

Cozy classic.

The tiny espresso bar on San Joaquin Street is nestled right next to The Golden Rose Barbershop. The large A-frame sign points customers to the red frame door, where you can order fresh roasted, fair-trade coffee. With amazing photography hanging along the walls, many Stocktonians reference Red’s as their “early morning spot.”

If you are up and about in the early hours heading downtown, this is the spot people talk about when it comes to coffee. The owner is incredibly friendly as he serves the community downtown. Cold brew and dark roast are key recommendations from the community members who frequent Red’s. Drop by, grab a cup, and say hello to another local small business.

Coffee spot.

Share your #DowntownStockton experience

While you’re exploring downtown – snap a photo and share it on social media with us! Be sure to tag us in your photos at @Downtownstockton and use the hashtag #DowntownStockton for the chance to be featured on our social channels.

Check out businesses in previous vlog episodes on our YouTube channel!

Subscribe now and catch all new episodes in downtown Stockton.

Downtown Stockton Vlog

Vlog Series: New Year, New Vlog

Posted on February 25, 2022December 9, 2024 by digitalgear

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By Ben Sanchez

This year, we brought Matt Amen to take part in our vlog series for a unique perspective of life in downtown Stockton. I remember meeting Matt at Huddle x Launch Pad to talk about the direction of the vlog for the new year. We discussed the idea for a few episodes based on someone who lives in the downtown area. Matt was instantly onboard with the idea of highlighting his normal routine in downtown Stockton. Whether he rides his bike or walks to work, he allowed us to film and talk about his life experience in downtown.

“Let’s do a walk and talk in downtown!” he says.

Matt Amen.

I joined Matt for a “day in the life” on his travels in downtown. Along the way, we dropped by Trail Coffee Roasters for coffee, dropped off laundry at Riteway Cleaners, made an appointment with The Golden Rose Barbershop, and then visited the new popup spot, DryCleaners. I learned a lot about some of the businesses here from Matt and the amount of knowledge he shares about each one.

He loves downtown. He loves Stockton.

He points to different art murals, filling my brain with information on the artist and concept behind these incredible visuals seen on the side of tall buildings. We stopped at Trail, chatting about scones, cruffins, and coffee. His vibrant red shoes tap against the floor. The unique, owl mosaic art greets our feet while we wait and chat about downtown. The coffee shop now occupies the historic Owl Drug Store building on the corner of California and Main Street. With a couple of warm cups of coffee, we venture off to The Golden Rose Barbershop to get a fresh cut. (Well, Matt gets a haircut anyway!)

A tiny detour.

On our walk down Main Street, across from the Chase building, we wandered into a building undergoing renovation. The dimly lit area stretches far back with random pillars and areas of paint beaming across the walls in vibrant orange, yellow, and purple colors. A business used to be here. “I heard it was called Disco Azteca,” the construction worker explained as we walk across the space. The building had been purchased by an investor with plans to begin work throughout the year.

Every location has a story that Matt keyed in on. His energetic smile is contagious as the worker happily shares information about the project. “It was really great talking with you two investors,” said the construction worker. With a puzzled look on our faces, we both look at each other, sip coffee, and casually head for the door. Matt laughs as we exit the space. “Don’t you love little detours like that?” he exclaimed.

Coats and Cuts.

I compliment Matt on his wonderful, pine colored coat. I drop a pop culture dialogue reference from Frank Miller’s Sin City. As the character Marv would say, “That’s one fine lookin’ coat you are wearin’ there.” Matt smiles, telling me the story behind the coat. His Uniqo tote bag, with a DSA teal beanie inside, hangs over his right shoulder as we enter the barbershop. The vintage shop, complete with several wide mirrors stretching across the walls, capture angles of human faces as they swivel in leather barber chairs. The giant scissor art chases a rose on the display windows lined with bulbs emitting a dimly lit glow into the shop. There is over 100 years of barbering history here. Something old, something new.

The previous customer steps off the chair and spent time chatting with us momentarily about video games before the snipping of blades was heard near the barber’s chair. Matt never missed a beat. His jovial expressions are seen from the mirrors as he talks to Stephen Herder, owner of Golden Rose Barbershop. Between cuts, my intern films the experience on a quiet day in downtown Stockton.

We lucked out with the weather, which can be quite windy as we walk down San Joaquin Street. The Golden Rose Barbershop has two locations, one downtown and another space on Miracle Mile (The latter space used to be Cal-Pine Barbershop on Miracle Mile).

Once Matt finished in the chair, he sprung up to check his hair in the mirror before we ventured off to Shop DryCleaners. Cue the teal beanie reappearing from the Uniqo bag.

Shop Local.

Just one block from the barbershop, the DryCleaners sign is propped on the corner to greet the public. DryCleaners is a vendor popup selling sustainable clothing, plants, jewelry, and vintage items (Also a mini fridge with specialty drinks from Cuco Etc.) Matt is particularly proud of this because of the collaborative efforts between Huddle x Launch Pad, Cast Iron Trading Company, and DryCleaners. Located on the first floor of the historic Belding Building, DryCleaners popped up next door at Cast Iron before moving over into a bigger space.

“This is really exciting! We are bringing some new vibes to the block,” he says.

The first floor is filled with a variety of products and items from vendors across California. With monthly scheduled events, and local musicians stopping by to perform at Cast Iron, the positive energy on the block is a welcome vibe for downtown.

He explained the collaboration with Oliver Opus, co-owner of DryCleaners, is bringing life near his area of downtown. Matt has always been an encouraging individual, inspiring Oliver and many others to continue their entrepreneurial venture regardless of the setbacks. “Sometimes it is easy to give up. I want them to succeed… I want to assist them anyway I can,” he says.

I hope you catch a glimpse of that when you watch the new episode of the vlog.

What’s Next.

Regarding the future of the vlog, I am happy to announce that Matt will come back for another episode to highlight the night life downtown. We had fun exploring some of the businesses he frequents in downtown Stockton. I hope everyone will enjoy the episode when it drops in March 2022. If you like our video, be sure to share it with others to see the amazing places downtown.

Sometimes it is easy to give up. I want them to succeed… I want to assist them anyway I can.
Matt Amen

Businesses

Watch previous episodes on our YouTube channel!

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Downtown Stockton Vlog

Local co-op offers sanctuary for small businesses

Posted on December 18, 2021 by digitalgear

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by Ayaana Williams

In the heart of downtown Stockton lies a hidden gem that is a symbol of local fashion, diversity, and creative influence for the adaptable nomads of the Central Valley.

DRYCLEANERS, is an LGBTQ+/POC-owned co-op store that offers local vendors and creators an opportunity to network, showcase, and sell their goods/art.

“The overall goal is to activate downtown and bring everyone together. We have lots of different communities here,” said Oliver Opus, co-owner of DRYCLEANERS. “We have the queer community, we have POC, we have the streetwear community, we have crafters and creators and musicians and drag queens, and this is a space where all of those people can co-mingle and experience each other’s worlds.”

In terms of activating downtown, DRYCLEANERS aims to invoke liveliness and connection to bring excitement and opportunity to such an underappreciated part of the city.

DRYCLEANERS is locally owned by long-time friends Ruschawn Williams and Oliver Opus, who met in Atlanta prior to moving to Stockton.

“I moved here a while ago and I didn’t really have a place in Stockton for myself,” said Opus. “I didn’t have a place to meet people like me or express interest that I have, so I decided to create it myself.”

Opus and Williams founded DRYCLEANERS after hosting several pop-up shops at Cast Iron Trading Co. and other local entities, using social media as an advertising ground.

A pop-up is a temporary shared retail space where small businesses can sell goods and services.

“Eric (Lee) next-door at Cast Iron was kind of one of the first people to allow me to venture into this,” said Opus. “He gave us the opportunity to do our first pop-up and that was really successful; and then we went on to do a second one here with Launchpad and that was so successful that Launchpad and Cast Iron had this idea to set up shop here, so we did.”

DRYCLEANERS has visitors and vendors travel from all over Northern California.

“Not only does this help us, but this also helps the community,” said Opus. “We do have people from San Francisco, Sacramento, and Oakland setting up shop here, but they don’t have to come here to sell their products; we have a system where we do that for them.”

Vendors pay a booth fee of $5-$15 a day and DRYCLEANERS keeps track of each individual sale with 100% of sales profits going back to the vendor.

Part of their goal is to support and uplift local artists by providing a platform to create passive income and build friendships that strengthen the community.

“We typically have an application in our bio, and we don’t turn people away,” said Opus. “We wanted to create opportunities for vendors to make money during a pandemic and it’s really hard to come across funds.”

People can find DRYCLEANERS on Instagram @shopdrycleaners as well as visit the storefront to meet the owners, vendors and local artists on San Joaquin St. in downtown Stockton.

Coworking Spaces

Posted on October 29, 2021January 16, 2024 by digitalgear

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By Ben Sanchez

On the busy cross street of San Joaquin and Weber, Eric Bodary, Facility Operations Manager for Huddle x Launch Pad, stands at the front of the Belding building expecting packages for clients. As we exchange greetings, Bodary suggests the second floor space for work. “You’ve got everything you need with a break room, bathroom, and conference room on the same floor,” he says. We walk through the lobby and take the elevator up to the main floor of Huddle x Launch Pad.

Conveniently, the mosaic patterned pathway I follow down the hall on the second floor stops at the entrance of the open coworking space. Small painted fingers along the wall point the way to the conference room, lockers, and printers. The large space on the second floor has several tables spread out with chairs, a printer station, and one dark green couch complete with pillows and a coffee table. Geometric painted designs dance across the walls underneath bright dangling light bulbs. This mixture of old and new decor resonate warm feelings that is begging for a rug to “really tie the room together.”

Something Old, Something New.

This month I decided to spend some time working out of a coworking space in downtown Stockton. The Belding Building, built in 1915, is a five-story structure named after Charles Belding, a farmer, businessman, and former mayor of Stockton. Today, the renovated building is quiet on the second floor. I place my backpack on the table and start setting up for work. I find myself at ease when trying to write content, as sunbeams from the window warm my table. Bodary stops by to find out what else I need before I start the day.

The second floor has several windows overlooking downtown Stockton, which only get better as you head to the fourth floor. The photography studio up on the fourth floor offer a room for creatives to capture incredible shots with natural lighting coming from windows along the east and north walls. With a variety of eating spots and coffee shops within walking distance, the location is ideal for running out to grab a quick coffee before heading back to work. Bodary was kind enough to watch my bag as I ventured out to pick up food.

He schedules me into the conference room and within a few minutes, I’m on the calendar for my next Zoom meeting. The large room is more than accommodating for my particular needs. For a team, it is the perfect space to meet with a modern conference table and chairs in the middle of the room. A bright orange bicycle hangs in the corner, as if it wanted to ride up along the wall. White boards have notes scrawled in marker from previous discussions and a large, flatscreen TV can be synced up for digital presentations and Zoom calls. With no one scheduled for the conference room, I had enough time to prepare my set up for a few back to back calls before heading back out to the coworking space.

Flexible.

Each floor offers something unique. I bounced around a few floors to get a feel of what is available. Open space. Private space. Private offices can outfit their space to accommodate their needs. I found lockers in another area for individuals looking to store personal items with their own lock and key. Art and photographs hang on walls on the first floor with a podcast room hiding old vinyl records on shelves and a small neon ‘On Air’ sign. Before the recording studio was developed, I recorded a podcast on the third floor. That episode yearned for a podcast studio, but now the space has one available for individuals to create content. The first floor amenities offer another layer to the already developed space inside Huddle x Launch Pad. The fourth floor lobby greets visitors with art and plant life before the elevators arrive to escort me to the next floor. Buttons light up with a loud ding signaling my arrival back to the coworking space.

Throughout the day, people walk up and down hallways to private offices. Members have keycard access to the building and work out of offices between the 2nd and 4th floors. Delivery drivers and mail carriers drop off items at the front desk. Huddle x Launch Pad can accommodate clients who are not available for pick up and store packages until they arrive on-site.

Did you know?

A new bike rack was installed right outside the Belding Building. This artistic bike rack installation could be the first of many in downtown Stockton.

Award Tour with Matt Amen.

Tours are available to schedule online and most freelancers like to work on the second floor for a day to get acclimated with the space. I’ve only visited a few floors on my visit to Launch Pad, but continue to return for the amenities offered when I need more flexible space or stability on a Zoom call (Dropped calls happen more than you think). Overall, it was a great experience to be back in a coworking environment. Huddle x Launch Pad is relatively flexible with what floor you prefer and I think once the ground floor renovations are complete, entrepreneurs can look forward to working out of another, large coworking space in downtown Stockton.

Huddle x Launch Pad: Inevitable Destination

Posted on September 15, 2021 by digitalgear

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By Ben Sanchez

The first floor of the historic Belding building on the corner of N. San Joaquin and Weber Avenue has large display windows for onlookers who will spot art hanging on the wall, and one small room with vinyl records on shelves. In the corner of the small room window is an ‘On Air’ sign facing the street.

Modern furnishings and plants populate the room to round out the space with a uniquely woven design of the Launch Pad logo placed along the side entrance wall.

Upon my arrival, a woman waited to enter the appropriate passcodes at another entrance to the main floors of Huddle x Launch Pad. I helped her contact Eric Bodary, Facility Operations Director, who maintains the front desk on the second floor.

Eric Bodary, Facility Operations Director.

We keyed in our not so secret codes and a signal was transmitted up to Bodary, who greeted us through the intercom. “I was expecting you. Come on up, I’ll buzz you through,” he says. The door buzzed and we all walked through the lobby waiting for the elevators to carry us up to the main floor.

Elevators ding on arrival and we took a ride up one floor to chat with Bodary about the coworking space in downtown Stockton. Bodary grabs mail for the woman and we say our goodbyes before venturing off on a tour of the second and fourth floors.

When I asked Bodary about Huddle x Launch Pad and how he explains the concept of coworking to people unfamiliar with it, he says, “We are like a rental office on steroids — we offer more than just a rental space.”

What is Huddle x Launch Pad? Watch the video here!

What is coworking?

For anyone unfamiliar with the term, coworking is a shared, professional workspace. However, several cowork spaces offer additional services including kitchens, meeting rooms, photo studios, private offices and more. Huddle x Launch Pad provides all of this within the coworking space downtown making it accessible for entrepreneurs in Stockton.

The unique element about coworking is the people working in the space. During my time in coworking spaces across California, my experience with freelancers opened up a collaborative avenue of information and ideas. It creates a community.

There is something special and meaningful behind it that inspires your work. The people may not be familiar with you or the scope of work you do, but in a short period of time, the conversation is filled with high energy. A vibrant atmosphere encourages any freelancer renting a space for the day. It feels rejuvenating to meet others in the field working on similar problems. The unique interconnection between people creates a wave of positivity to discover solutions to those problems. The entrepreneurial spirit courses through the veins at these facilities with a modern feel, but containing an element of nostalgia within the historic framework of each building. This theme is similar to other cowork spaces I’ve visited from Sacramento, San Francisco, Tracy, and San Jose.

Let’s make magic.

While we waited for the Community Manager, Matt Amen to arrive, Bodary shared his insight on being a part of the space where he met Matt in 2016. “I actually started at the original location on the first month they opened,” he says. “I signed up as a member, shifted over to helping out until finally being hired on.” Bodary is the guy working in the background, where Amen typically handles the front end of the business from tours to speaking engagements. The duo created magic by bringing more people into the space through events and community gatherings.

With the Stockton coworking space gaining national recognition for their work, Launch Pad reached out. The team partnered with Launch Pad over 2 years ago, and their grassroots efforts set the stage for expanding into the first floor of the Belding building. “Launch Pad was created out of New Orleans in a need for small business space after Hurricane Katrina,” Bodary says.

Matt Amen, Community Manager.

We head back down to the first floor just as Amen rides up on a bicycle. The timing was impeccable. “This is exciting,” he says. “I’m excited for what we can do in this place.” The small podcast room is readily available for entrepreneurs ready to dive in and create content on the first floor. While the conference room is still being prepared, furniture is placed and ready for entrepreneurs to start their dream.

Amen has been busy in the background working diligently on providing a comfortable space for small business owners and entrepreneurs. “I wanted to help build a space I felt comfortable in and that the community can feel comfortable in,” he says. “I got to see this place grow and be a pillar in this community, especially our entrepreneurial community.”

Why downtown Stockton?

Downtown has a rich history. There are wonderful buildings and people here.

How can the community support you?

Check out our space. People are looking for something historic and new at the same time.

I wanted to help build a space I felt comfortable in and that the community can feel comfortable in.
Matt Amen

Create.

Did you know Huddle x Launch Pad has a photo studio on the 4th floor?

“We are calling it Studio 419,” Amen says. While the studio has only been open a month, the feedback from people who used the space has been positive. With incredible natural lighting and additional equipment for photographers on-site, the studio and first floor expansions are key milestones for Huddle x Launch Pad.

Address: 110 N. San Joaquin St.
Phone: 209.323.4389
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Feel the Holiday Spirit in Downtown

Posted on December 14, 2020December 9, 2024 by digitalgear

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’Tis the season of twinkling lights, bright decorations, gift shopping and of course- holiday events! The holidays may look different this year because of the pandemic, but there are still many ways we can bring on the cheer! To help you fill up your calendar for the rest of the month, we’ve compiled a list of just a few things you can do in Downtown Stockton this year. Happy Holidays!

1. Vote in the DSA Holiday Contest

WHEN: Dec.14th – Dec. 17th at noon
WHERE: DSA Facebook and Instagram pages
This year, the DSA is hosting a Holiday Contest to challenge our Downtown Stockton businesses owners to share creative holiday photos featuring their business. Even if you’re not a downtown business owner, get involved by viewing the awesome photos and voting to help your favorite businesses win! To vote, head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages and leave a like on your favorite photos. The voting period begins on Monday, December 14th, and will end on Thursday, December 17th at noon. The photos will definitely have you feeling the spirit of Christmas!

2. Virtual Visits with Santa

WHEN: Book now! Available dates: Dec.16,19, 22 & 23
WHERE: Anywhere you want!
This year, the Children’s Museum of Stockton is hosting virtual visits with Saint Nicholas himself. Create a magical moment for you and your loved ones with a visit from the North Pole right into your home (no milk and cookies required!). Imagine how excited the kiddos will be to see and interact with the one, the only, Santa Claus right in their living room for a personalized visit. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Museum of Stockton and Children’s Museum members receive special pricing. End the year with some magic!

3. Gift Shopping

There are two kinds of people: those who get their Christmas shopping done early, and those who scramble for those last-minute gifts! Whichever you are (we fall into the second category), we’re here to give you some ideas. Our local businesses need our support more than ever, and the holidays are the perfect time to shop local to find fun gifts for your friends and family. Walk into the Freckled Moon for unique gifts and trinkets of all kinds or visit FarOut Foliage to pick up a lush plant that can up the aesthetic of any room. Venture into Edible Arrangements to pick out a beautiful (and delicious) arrangement made of your favorite chocolate covered fruits or opt for a more traditional floral arrangement from Alex Floral. Several downtown restaurants, eatieries, and coffee shops, such as The Downtowner and Trail Coffee Roasters also offer gift cards, which can make great stocking stuffers or gifts on their own. Take a look at our complete directory of downtown businesses to plan your gift search and happy shopping!

4. Treat yourself

Anytime is a good time for self care, but its especially nice to treat yourself at the end of a long year- especially this one! Downtown Stockton is full of salons and barbershops, such as Natural Do and The Golden Rose Barbershop, ready to give you a fresh cut or new look for the holidays. If you’re looking for a refreshing skin treatment, head over to The Beauty Base. During the month of December, 20% from all of their sales/appointments will be used to create care packages for the homeless. Enjoy smooth skin and support a good cause. Speaking of skin, why not gift yourself a brand new tattoo for the holidays? We know you’ve been thinking about it. If you’re unsure about a new hairstyle, facial, or new tattoo, just remember these words: treat yo’self.

5. Indulge in sweets

Add sweet treats to the holiday menu by picking up some scrumptious goods downtown. D’lilah’s Cakery is having their end-of-the-year sale from December 23rd to December 24th from 11am-4:30pm! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to score cupcakes, sweet jars, and cheesecake for some insanely low prices. If you’re looking for some homemade pie to add to the table on Christmas Day, look no further than Trail Coffee Roasters. Choose from sweet potato pie, pear crumble, and mixed berry pie (or get all three) and place your order today. Order by December 17th and pick up at the downtown Trail location on Christmas Eve. Delivery is also available.

Now, we hope you’ve made some new plans for the remainder of December. Thank you for your continued support of our wonderful downtown businesses. We wish you Happy Holidays and look forward to seeing you next year!

Enjoy Downtown From Your Own Living Room

Posted on August 21, 2020December 9, 2024 by digitalgear

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In efforts to stay safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many upcoming events have been cancelled or postponed until further notice. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sit at home bored out of your mind during your free time! Today, we decided to compile a list of ways you can enjoy yourself from the comforts of your home- from following tutorials to participating in virtual events, there’s something for everyone!

Events

Virtual FMR
This year, our Full Moon Riders (FMR) event is going virtual! Normally, Full Moon Riders are monthly group bike rides that take place between the months of April and October. The rides typically begin at the Janet Leigh Plaza and end at a downtown restaurant. This year, we will be hosting one virtual FMR bike ride, which means you can bike the predetermined route at your own pace during the month of September! Follow the route, snap pictures along the way (more details to come), send them in to us, and you’ll receive a free FMR face mask and a $20 meal voucher (valid at select downtown eateries)! Additional details will be on our Facebook page soon.

StocktonCon Online
Are you an artist or cosplayer? Are you a fan of all things pop culture? Then make sure to check out this year’s virtual StocktonCon! The event took place August 15th-16th, but all of the livestreams are still available on their Facebook page. Enjoy art tutorials from professional artists and various panels: supreme pro wrestling, cosplay, voice acting panels, and more. Next year’s StocktonCon will take place at the Stockton Area on August 14-15th, so there’s plenty of time to prepare that new cosplay!

Talk to Downtown
Every second Wednesday of the month, the Downtown Stockton Alliance hosts our Talk to Downtown Facebook Livestream. Our goal is to connect you to city, county, and other organizations to answer any questions you may have about our local community. Getting the your questions to us is easy- just leave a comment during the livestream or send an email to our Marketing Director, Jessica, prior to the livestream! This month, our featured guest was Stockton’s City Manager, Harry Black. If you missed the live, you can watch it (and all of our other previous Talk to Downtown livestreams) on our Youtube Channel.

Stockton Strong Marketplace
The Stockmarket is a curated marketplace that features some of the best local crafts, art, and street food. It’s been postponed, but you can still support local artists and makers from home by shopping online at the Stockton Strong Marketplace! Here you’ll find unique earrings to add to your jewelry box, seasoning spice blends to flavor your next meal, aromatic candles to gracefully light up the dark corners of your room, and much more. Happy shopping!

DSA Takeout Challenge
Win a FREE DSA water bottle just for supporting our downtown eateries! It’s a win-win situation for all sides- you get free swag, AND you get to enjoy eating at delicious downtown restaurants. American food, Mexican food, Japanese food, Asian food… so many options, you may struggle to choose! Learn more about the challenge here.

Learn Something New

Advanced Entrepreneurship Online Program
Are you a business owner facing some business challenges? Then this FREE upcoming workshop, hosted by Centro Community Partners, is for you! The best part? You’ll receive over 30 hours of training, coaching, and guidance right from home. All you need is a smartphone or computer, and the dedication to making your business the best it can be! Register before August 27th to reserve your spot.

Show Your Hair Some Love
Just because we’re staying inside doesn’t mean we shouldn’t show some love to our hair! Natural Do, a natural hair care salon catering to individuals with kinky, curly, and wavy hair posts hair tips and tutorials on their Facebook page. The videos feature Valonne Smith, founder and CEO of Natural Do. Her passion and knowledge make following the videos a breeze, so grab your brush and mirror and get started! If you’re up for some reading, Valonne’s E-Book, Girl, Get Your Hair Back Too! The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Hair Healthier, Fuller, and Longer is also available for purchase.

Become a Plant Enthusiast
Plant lovers rejoice! FarOut Foliage, a new plant shop specializing in rare and unique plants, is opening downtown on Monday, August 24th! Netzel Huffhines, plant enthusiast (she has a personal collection of over 300 plants!) and owner, is excited to share her passion and knowledge of plants with anyone who may be interested in becoming a plant parent (or is already one!). Check out her Instagram page to see some of her gorgeous plants and to learn some plant care tips.

Read our Blog
Looking for some light reading? With over 100 blogs on our website (and counting!), you’ll have a lot to choose from! From community member spotlights, local business highlights, and more, keep yourself entertained and learn something new about downtown.

For the Kids

Children’s Museum of Stockton shares Fun Activities to Do at Home
Although the Children’s Museum of Stockton is closed to the public, the learning and fun continues online! Visit the museum’s website and Facebook page to find fun activities for the kiddos- and hey, you can join in, too (besides, do you really trust your kids with that food coloring?)! Partake in crafting popsicle stick pencils, paper roll apple cores, and many other creations that inspire imagination and creativity.

Reading (and Crafting) is Fun!
Drop by the San Joaquin County Public Library’s Facebook page for lively story times, interesting D.I.Y. craft ideas, and fun book recommendations. Perfect for the little ones, and guaranteed to keep their attention! If there’s a book calling your name and you’d like to borrow it from the library, check out their website for more information about their curbside service.

Bonus: Every Thursday, the library also hosts a Chavez Spanish Club over Zoom. If you’ve ever wanted to learn Spanish, now’s the perfect time!

Now that you’ve got some (virtual) plans added to your calendar, we’ve got one reminder for you: have fun!

Here’s A List of Some Good Things Happening Downtown

Posted on July 31, 2020December 9, 2024 by digitalgear

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The past few months have certainly been life changing. Living during an ongoing pandemic spanning the globe means we have to face many challenges as we learn to adapt to these unprecedented times. The future may still seem uncertain, but there’s one thing that is for sure: we’re all in this together. Thank you for doing your best to stay safe and for keeping those around you safe.

In today’s blog, we want to remind you of the good that is still happening in our community- how working together (safely and with social distancing in place) uplifts our local businesses, organizations, and community members. So, we made a list of some of the good things happening downtown.

Stockton Community Kitchen at BellaVista

You may have been to BellaVista for a delicious dinner with your friends and family or you may have attended one of their exciting rooftop events (that view though!), but did you know about BellaVista’s partnership with the Stockton Community Kitchen (SCK)? The SCK was created to assist underprivileged entrepreneurs with dreams of launching food-related businesses. During this pandemic, the SCK at BellaVista prepares and delivers hundreds of meals a day to those in need in the community, including struggling families, the elderly, and the homeless.

The Stockton Community Kitchen will also be holding classes for a few weeks starting in August, where they will provide mentorship, skills and business expertise for aspiring food entrepreneurs. If you’re a food enthusiast looking for help to start your own business, here’s your chance! For information about the classes, visit their website.

Revitalization and Beautification of Chun Wah Lane

This July, the DSA’s maintenance crew began work on the planned revitalization and beautification of Chun Wah Lane. Look forward to seeing fresh coats of paint on the poles, new arches, fresh greenery, and an update to one of the most recognizable features of the lane: the fierce, fire-breathing dragon mosaic! We’re excited to show you the progress on the space as we reach the completion of the project to revitalize Chun Wah Lane, so make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see our progress photos!

Homeless Facility in the Works

The former Alutzia Hotel and Restaurant, a popular downtown spot in the 1920s, is currently undergoing renovations to become a homeless facility for homeless women and children. Once completed, it will be one of the largest housing facilities of its kind in the nation. The Gospel Center Rescue Mission purchased the building in the 1980s and started raising funds for the project in 2016. The facility’s expected completion is in the fall of this year.

Outdoor Dining Available for Some Businesses

Temporary closure of indoor dining operations mean local businesses need your support more than ever! You can help by placing takeout orders and delivery orders though various food delivery services (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.). Additionally, some downtown businesses now offer outdoor seating for visitors to enjoy. Here’s a list of the downtown eateries still open for takeout, delivery, and outdoor dining. Thank you for continuing to support our local businesses!

Outdoor dining area outside of Casa Flores.

Do you have any other good news or stories about downtown to share? If so, please email Jessica Nguyen, DSA Marketing and Communications Director at [email protected]

Be the Beautiful You at Natural Do

Posted on April 29, 2020 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

Natural Do is a natural hair care salon located on 339 E. Weber Avenue in Downtown Stockton that specifically caters to individuals with kinky, curly, and wavy hair. Like the same suggests, Natural Do has a strong focus on “growing hair in the healthiest way possible.” Today, we’d like to introduce Valonne Smith, founder and CEO of Natural Do, share what makes Natural Do unique, and talk about what we all can do to support this business during this pandemic!

Valonne Smith founder, CEO of Natural Do

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to Valonne Smith, the charismatic founder and CEO of the beloved hair salon Natural Do. Originally from the Bay Area, Valonne shared that she and her husband moved to Stockton seven years ago. Prior to the creation and launch of Natural Do, she used her expertise and passion to conduct local hair care seminars that educated and encouraged others about natural hair care. Because she received so many questions about how she maintained her hair, she decided to write her book Girl, Get Your Hair Back Too! The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Hair Healthier, Fuller, and Longer. Interested in all the information this gem has to offer? Get the E-Book here! Writing a book was only the start—Valonne also realized that they weren’t any salons that focused on naturally curly and wavy hair in the area, so she decided to open her own! Thus, Natural Do was born. The salon officially opened in April of 2016, so last month marked their four year anniversary.

Why Downtown Stockton?

There are several reasons Valonne chose Downtown Stockton as the home for her salon. Among them, she shared, is because she’s a “city girl!” and it only helped that “downtown has a lot of buzz and traffic.” In the process of searching for Natural Do’s flagship location, she was introduced to the Downtown Stockton area through the Huddle x Launch Pad, formerly Huddle Co. Curious, I asked if she planned on opening more locations for this popular salon in the future. Valonne is open to the idea, but explains that she is currently giving all her love and attention to the Stockton location. We’re lucky to have her!

What Makes Natural Do Unique?

Natural Do strives to be a place where “curlfriends” (the adorable nickname Natural Do calls its clients!) can embrace, accept and love their natural hair just the way it is. They strongly encourage the use of natural and organic-based products and implement these methods and products into their services. Their hairstyles are 100% natural and hair extension free! Check out their Instagram page to see some of the gorgeous looks that have come out of the salon!

Natural Do is a membership salon, and memberships can be monthly or yearly. Their services are so sought after that they are typically booked 2.5 to 3 weeks in advance! Since opening four years ago, Valonne estimates that they’ve only been able to take 2 walk-ins, since their fully booked schedules make them difficult to accommodate. However, don’t be discouraged! Just call ahead for an appointment (once they reopen, of course).

Visit their website for more information.

How can we support Natural Do during this time?

Although Natural Do, like various other businesses during this time, has temporarily closed its doors, we can still support them! The best way to do this, Valonne explains, is by following them on social media. Valonne creates and posts “How-To” videos for hair so that clients and anyone interested can follow along and care for their hair from the comforts of their own home. Valonne sharing her hair skills for free? Yes, please! Keep that hair beautiful, even during quarantine! Additionally, social media is the best way for them to reach out to clients and keep in touch with the community. Give them a follow to stay updated on news and information:

Facebook: @naturaldo
Instagram: @natural.do
Tik Tok: @natural.do