The First-Ever RTD Metro Market is Coming This Friday!

Posted on April 3, 2025April 3, 2025 by Intern DSA

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By Sungyeon Park

A New Community Event Arrives in Downtown Stockton on April 4^th

Downtown Stockton is set to welcome an exciting addition to its local event calendar—the RTD Metro Market, happening this Friday, April 4^th, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM at 421 E. Weber Ave! Hosted at the Downtown Transit Center, this brand-new market is designed to connect transit riders, downtown residents, and local workers with a variety of vendors. More than just a shopping event, the Metro Market is about encouraging community connection and bringing fresh energy to the heart of Stockton.

A Marketplace of Local Goods and Services

Attendees can explore a diverse selection of vendors offering food, wellness and educational services, handmade crafts, and unique products. Whether you’re interested in searching for delicious eats, learning about local resources, or supporting small businesses, the Metro Market has something for everyone. This event will draw more foot traffic to downtown, connect citizens with helpful resources, and help local entrepreneurs thrive.

Check out this list of participating vendors:

Lily Bean Coffee
Mr. B’s American Hot Dogs
Peachy’s Food to Go
Taquizas with Chavajr
Uplift All Foundation
Children’s Choice
Community Medical Centers
Lao Loops
Wellcare by Health Net
Downtown Stockton Alliance
Welbe Health
The Wellness Centers
Digital Nest
Parents By Choice
YMCA
Kipp Public Schools

Team Charter
Family Resource Center (211)
Telecare Youth Wellness Connections
DCSS
PREVAIL
RTD Procurement
RTD First Aid
Ready to Work
RTD Human Resources
Open Innovation Centers
ACE Rail & Amtrak San Joaquins
Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery
Child Abuse Prevention Council
ArtSplash
Turning Point Community Programs
Voices Academy

Be Part of Something New

“This free event is a great way to experience and explore Downtown Stockton,” says Daniel Menchaca, Senior Marketing & Multimedia Specialist at RTD. “Come out and support local vendors by exploring their offerings and chatting with them about their services. Whether you ride with us, live nearby, or work in the area, the Metro Market is here for you.”

Don’t miss out—come and be part of this exciting new community event; be sure to stop by the DSA booth where we will be selling our Downtown Stockton apparel!

Information

Location: 421 E Weber Ave, Stockton, CA 95202
Reasons to Visit RTD Metro Market:
- Local Shopping & Services: There will be a variety of vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to wellness services.
- Community Engagement: This event connects local businesses, organizations, and residents in this lively downtown.
- A New Downtown Tradition: Your support helps shape future Metro Markets, making this the start of something special.
- DSA Info Table: Chat with the DSA staff, pick up resource material, and shop our Downtown Stockton apparel!
Day & Time: April 4, 2025, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM

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!

The House of Pita: Fresh, Flavorful Mediterranean Eats in Downtown Stockton

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

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By Sungyeon Park

The House of Pita is a Mediterranean restaurant located at the Waterfront Warehouse – 445 Weber Avenue, #126 – in Downtown Stockton. Opened in September 2024, this new dining spot is already winning over customers with its flavorful dishes and inviting atmosphere. Known for its popular spicy garlic pasta and chicken shawarma, the restaurant also offers flexible menu options depending on different diets, including vegetarian and vegan choices. All chicken and gyro meat served here are halal, making it an excellent choice for those seeking halal-certified meals. Additionally, they serve a variety of drinks with a stylish bar area, making it a perfect place for dinner.

Bringing The House of Pita to Downtown Stockton was a personal decision for the owner, who is originally from Stockton and wanted to share her love for Mediterranean cuisine with the community. The restaurant’s location at the Waterfront Warehouse adds to its charm, offering beautiful waterfront views. Dining on the patio offers a great view of the Stockton Arena and Banner Island Ballpark, making it a perfect spot to enjoy your meal.

The House of Pita has exciting plans for the future! Live music performances will be held on the patio during spring and summer, making a lively dining experience. Customers can also enjoy weekend specials, happy hour deals every day, and Taco Tuesdays. The owner is also planning to launch Sunday brunch, expanding the menu even further. She encourages the community to explore what Downtown Stockton has to offer, saying, “Support small businesses in the downtown area! Come and visit the downtown waterfront and enjoy Mediterranean food, from kebabs to pasta.”

If you’ve never tried Mediterranean food before, she has one simple message: “Give it a try! Mediterranean food is healthy, and we have something for everyone.”

Information

Location: 445 W Weber Ave #126, Stockton, CA 95203
Reasons to Visit The House of Pita:
- Diverse Mediterranean Cuisine: With vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available, everyone can find something to enjoy.
- Dining Experience with Waterfront View: You can enjoy your meal on the patio while taking in the beautiful waterfront scenery.
- Exciting Events and Specials: The House of Pita keeps things lively with events such as live music, daily happy hour deals, and Taco Tuesdays.
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Instagram: @‌thehouseofpita_stockton

Orlando’s Market and Deli: A Downtown Stockton Staple for Nearly a Decade

Posted on March 7, 2025March 7, 2025 by Intern DSA

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By Sungyeon Park

For nearly 10 years, Orlando’s Market and Deli has been serving the Downtown Stockton community with fresh deli items, snacks, and everyday essentials. The name comes from the owner’s family name, Orlando, which has been recognized in the area for over 50 years through their family-run convenience stores. Wanting to continue the tradition in a new way, Dante Orlando opened Orlando’s Market and Deli in the heart of downtown, providing locals with quality food and a welcoming atmosphere.

When it comes to food, Orlando’s Market offers a variety of popular deli items, including the turkey bacon avocado sandwich, hot link sandwich, and grilled chicken salad. Patrons can tailor their deli sandwich orders to their unique preferences – just choose your bread, meat, cheese, and condiments! The market also sells an assortment of movie snacks, medicine, lotto tickets, and even trading cards. Plus, they take customer recommendations based on the needs of the downtown community. During my visit, I tried the grilled chicken sandwich and customized it to my taste. The freshly grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and perfectly toasted bread made for a satisfying meal—simple, yet full of flavor. On top of that, Orlando’s Deli also offers catering services for events, office meetings, and gatherings, making it a convenient option for both quick bites and larger occasions.

Dante chose Downtown Stockton for his business because of its vibrant community and central location. With many government offices, businesses, and apartment complexes nearby, the deli has become a hub where people stop by daily. What Dante loves most is the sense of connection—getting to know regular customers and being part of the downtown atmosphere. When I visited, I could see this firsthand—Dante greeted customers with a friendly smile and chatted with them as they placed their orders, making the market feel more like a community space than just a shop.

“Orlando’s market has something for everybody. Whether it’s a nice meal, a snack, beverage, or even a quick conversation. We plan to be a staple in the downtown area for years to come.”

– Dante Orlando

Information

Location: 155 N Hunter St, Stockton, CA 95203
Reasons to Visit Orlando’s Market and Deli:
- A Downtown Favorite: Serving the community for nearly 10 years, Orlando’s Deli has become a go-to spot for locals.
- More Than Just a Deli: From freshly made sandwiches to snacks, beverages, and even household essentials, Orlando’s Deli offers a bit of everything.
- A Business That Cares: Owner Dante Orlando values his customers and takes the time to build real connections.
Orlando’s Doorways to Downtown Video:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xcm9vSQMt4&t=4s
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Instagram: @‌orlandos.downtown.deli

Welcome to New Businesses Fo3 Urban Activewear & Yazie Curls for Girls!

Posted on March 4, 2025March 4, 2025 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

Information

Businesses: Fo3 Activewear and Yazie Curl’s for Girls
Location: 522 E. Weber Avenue, CA, 95202
Instagram: @fo3_urban_activewear

The Fo3 Urban Activewear brand is coming to downtown Stockton! It’s a positive Stockton brand that believes in you, with a slogan that represents the mindset of champions—”Not Afraid to Lose, Not Afraid to Win.” The owner, Kimberly Ganner, stated how she wanted to bring athletic clothing to South and South-Central Stockton because the current athletic stores are all up north.

The Fo3 store in downtown will have athletic clothing, accessories, and equipment such as mouthpieces, football cleats, soccer cleats, and much more. This brand has a deeper meaning, made to carry on the impactful legacy of Treyvon “Fo3” Breckenridge, a local star athlete and entrepreneur who inspired our community with his commitment to basketball, football, and his trash can cleaning services.

Treyvon wasn’t just any kid—since he was young, he was always looked at as an inspirational athlete and leader with a magnetic personality. Trey had a strong connection to sports and the mindset of a champion that uplifted those around him to lead with the zero losses mindset, which is also a slogan used by the brand. His nickname, Fo3, was given to him by his coach, Aaron Edmond, because Trey became known for being an outstanding all-around athlete in every position on the basketball court. More specifically, he gained this nickname for making successful half-court shots—so successful, in fact, that the audience would chant Trey for 3, which turned into Fo3.

Trey became the face of the AAU League Lions Truth basketball team. He also became a notable football player, playing as a quarterback and point guard for the Edison football team. Everyone wanted to play with Trey because he wasn’t just a team player on the court or field—he was a team player in everyday life.

Unfortunately, in September 2020, at just 17 years old, Treyvon Breckenridge tragically passed away as a passenger in a car accident that was out of his control in Tracy, CA. Trey’s mother, Kimberly Ganner, created this brand to honor the powerful legacy he left behind while spreading the positive mindset he had. In fact, the slogan “Not Afraid to Lose” originated from a rap song Trey wrote, where he wrote, “Knowing I can die any day, I’m not afraid to lose.”

Now, Trey’s mother, Kimberly Ganner, is continuing her son’s influential legacy through the Fo3 Urban Activewear brand. Beyond that, she also wrote a book titled Not Afraid to Lose, Not Afraid to Live. In this book, she shares how losing Trey affected her physically, mentally, and emotionally. Additionally, a documentary has been created to bring awareness to safe driving and showcase Trey’s passion for life and perseverance.

Kimberly plans to hold a book signing at a later event, but in the meantime, the grand opening of the new Fo3 Urban Activewear store in Downtown Stockton took place last week alongside the opening of Yazie Curls for Girls beauty business, which was launched by Kimberly’s 8-year-old daughter. At the ribbon cutting, The Greater Stockton Chamber shared that Yazie is the youngest business owner for which they have ever held a ribbon cutting!

Kimberly has faced unimaginable grief—losing her son Trey and then, just 15 months later, losing her husband in another car accident. Along with her nine boys and one girl, who look up to Trey’s actions, she has chosen to transform her pain into purpose by building a meaningful brand to keep his legacy alive.

“Trey didn’t believe in division. Instead, he believed in unity. With everyone he came across, he always found the good in them, and that’s what made him so inspirational.”

— Kimberly Ganner

Every year since Trey’s passing, Kimberly has organized a community event called the Trey Day Community Movement Event—a gathering dedicated to bringing together people from all walks of life to spread unity and promote the Drive Safe movement; this day brings the community together to honor Treyvon’s memory and keep his legacy alive. Although the next event is still being planned, it is expected to take place in October. The event will offer community resources to showcase the greatness within Stockton and feature different sports teams and drills. As Kimberly puts it, “Unity is sports, and sports is unity.”

“Trey was rebirthed through the Fo3 Urban Activewear clothing brand, a brand that believes in you because Trey believed in everyone.”

— Kimberly Ganner

This brand is more than just fashion—it’s a movement that inspires people to live with the strength to never give up. That’s what makes Kimberly Not Afraid to Lose.

You can support these two local businesses at 522 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA, 95202!

P.S. Check out Kimberly Ganner’s Safe Driving Tips (Fo3 Mode Saves Lives on the Road)

Wear your seatbelt.
Follow the speed limit.
Don’t use your phone while driving.
Obey traffic laws.
Know the driver who has your life in their hands.

StocktonCon Winter 2025: A Celebration of Comics, Anime, and More

Posted on February 14, 2025February 14, 2025 by Intern DSA

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By Sungyeon Park

Information:

Dates: February 15, 2025 – February 16, 2025
Times: 11 AM to 5 PM
Location: Adventist Health Arena, 248 W Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95203
Tickets: Ticketmaster.com

ABOUT STOCKTONCON

StocktonCon 2025 is just around the corner, bringing together fans of comics, anime, gaming, and pop culture for an unforgettable weekend. The event will be held at the Adventist Health Arena on February 15-16, 2025, running from 11 AM to 5 PM both days. Thanks to overwhelming fan support, StocktonCon has grown from a one-day event at the University of the Pacific in 2012 to one of the top pop culture conventions on the West Coast.

MEET & GREETS

One of the highlights of StocktonCon 2025 will be the chance to meet celebrity guests from the worlds of film, TV, and comics. Special guests this year include wrestling champions, iconic voice actors, and beloved TV stars. Attendees can also look forward to an impressive lineup of over 200 exhibitors and artist booths, offering everything from rare comic books and action figures to Funko Pops and custom art commissions. Whether you’re looking to take photos with your favorite stars or learn from industry professionals, there’s something for everyone.

Check out the awesome list of special guests below:

Special Guests

Joe Hendry (WWE NXT, TNA World Champion- Saturday Only)
Raymond Cruz (Blood In, Blood Out, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul)
Cesar Garcia (Fast & Furious, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul)
Nakia Burrise (Power Rangers Zeo, Barbie: Life in the Dream House)
Karan Ashley (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) Rob Paulsen (Pinky and the Brain, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Animaniacs)
Maurice LaMarche (Pinky and the Brain, Futurama, Rick and Morty)
Shannon Chan Kent (Death Note, My Little Pony, Fairy Tale)

Brian Drummond (Death Note, Dragon Ball Z)
Brandon Potter (One Piece, Attack on Titan)
Sean Hennigan (One Piece, Solo Leveling)
Natalie Rose Hoover (One Piece, Danganronpa)
David Sobolov (Flash, One Piece, Transformers)
Olivia Hack (Avatar the Last Airbender, Bratz)
C Andrew Nelson (Star Wars)

Creator Special Guests

Derek Riggs (Iron Maiden Cover Artist)
Chris Marrinan (Nova, Wonder Woman)
Brad Simpson (Local Man, Feral)
Jessica Fong (Poison Ivy, Scarlet Witch)
Scott Koblish (Deadpool, Captain America)
Melissa Pagluica (Above the Clouds)
James C. Mulligan (Disney, Lorcana)
Brandon McKinney (Harley Quinn, Invincible)
Tone Rodriguez (Simpsons, Stray Dogs, Feral)
Tony Fleecs (Local Man, Stray Dogs, Feral)
Jesse Hernandez (Urban Aztec)
Justin Greenwood (Stumptown, The Butcher’s Boy)

Ramon Villalobos (Secret Wars, Nighthawk)
Dan Brereton (Nocturnals, Batman)
Kai Lun Qu (Upper Deck, Marvel)
Lonnie Millsap (My Mother Was Human, New Yorker)
Lee Kohse (Star Wars, Speed Racer)
Bordin Marsinkul (Hyperbooster)
Mel Smith (Dead Ahead, Becoming Frankenstein)
Michael Calero (Quested, Whatnot Publishing)
John Hageman (Charlie and Humphrey)

COSTUME CONTEST

Don’t miss the StocktonCon Winter Costume Contest, happening at 4 PM in the panel rooms near the main entrance. The contest for ages 13 and above will take place on Saturday, while kids 12 and under can showcase their costumes on Sunday. For gaming enthusiasts, War Torn Front will host Collectible Card Gaming, and Stockton Coin Operated will offer a range of pinball machines in the lobby concourse area.

TICKETS

Tickets are available both online and at the Adventist Health Arena Box Office. For more details, visit StocktonCon Winter Tickets. Plus, a portion of the event’s proceeds will support local charities, making your attendance even more meaningful. Mark your calendars and get ready to enter the vibrant world of StocktonCon Winter 2025.

Spend your Valentine’s Day & President’s Day Weekend in Downtown Stockton at StocktonCon!

🎉 Welcome February with Exciting Events in Downtown Stockton!

Posted on February 6, 2025February 6, 2025 by Intern DSA

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By Sungyeon Park

February is packed with events in Downtown Stockton! Whether you’re looking for live performances, family activities, or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. Check out these highlights:

Bob Hope Theatre Events

📍 Location: 242 E Main St, Stockton, CA 95202

The Great Gatsby by the World Ballet Company
📅 Friday, Feb 7 | 🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🩰 Witness the elegance and drama of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel brought to life through ballet.
🔗 Website
Friends of the Fox Present The Love Bug
📅 Sunday, Feb 9 | 🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎬 A fun and family-friendly screening of the Disney classic The Love Bug!
🔗 Website
Dog Man: The Musical
📅 Tuesday, Feb 11 | 🕡 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
🎭 An adaptation of the popular book series, perfect for kids and adults alike.
🔗 Website
Whose Live Anyway?
📅 Sunday, Feb 16 | 🕢 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
🤣 A live improv comedy show featuring cast members from the hit TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway?
🔗 Website
Brincos Dieras – Mi 30 Aniversario Tour
📅 Saturday, Feb 22 | 🕗 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎉 Celebrate 30 years of laughter with comedian Brincos Dieras during this special anniversary tour.
🔗 Website

Book Binding Series at Tuleburg Press

📍 Location: 343 E Main St #101, Stockton, CA 95202

📅 Dates:

Sunday, Feb 16 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

📚 Learn the traditional craft of bookbinding in this workshop, offered every other Sunday through March 16.

🔗 Website

Sizzle Plays Smooth Jazz With Open Mic at Coach’s Lounge

📍 Location: 126 E Market, Stockton, CA 95202

📅 Dates:

Sunday, Feb 9 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Sunday, Feb 16 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Sunday, Feb 23 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

🎷 Enjoy smooth jazz and an open mic with local talents!

🔗 Website

Disney On Ice Presents Magic In The Stars

📍 Location: 248 W Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95203

📅 Dates:

Thursday, Feb 6 (7:00 PM)
Friday, Feb 7 (7:00 PM)
Saturday, Feb 8 (11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM)
Sunday, Feb 9 (11:00 AM)

⛸️ Experience the wonder of Disney characters on ice in this magical family show.

🔗 Website

The LYTE

📍 Location: 110 N San Joaquin St 1st Floor, Stockton, CA 95202

📅 Date: Thursday, Feb 6 (9:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

🎶 An intimate music event with a vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for music lovers seeking new sounds.

🔗 Instagram

The Golden Villa Farmers’ Market

📍 Location: 255 S Sutter St, Stockton, CA 95203

📅 Dates:

Saturday, Feb 8 (5:30 AM – 9:30 AM)
Saturday, Feb 15 (5:30 AM – 9:30 AM)
Saturday, Feb 22 (5:30 AM – 9:30 AM)

🌾 A vibrant farmers’ market offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and local products. Arrive early for the best selection!

🔗 Website | Facebook | Instagram

Re-Righting Her Story with Deborah Crossland

📍 Location: 343 E Main St #101, Stockton, CA 95202

📅 Dates:

Thursday, Feb 6 (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
Thursday, Feb 13 (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
Thursday, Feb 20 (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
Thursday, Feb 27 (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)

✍️ A thought-provoking workshop series exploring women’s stories through writing and discussion.

🔗 Website | Instagram

Sopas de Amor at The Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery

📍 Location: 111 S Sutter St, Stockton, CA 95202

📅 Date: Friday, Feb 14 (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM)

💖 Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a unique cultural evening featuring art, live music, and sopas of all types!

🔗 Website

StocktonCon Winter

📍 Location: 248 W Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95203

📅 Dates:

Saturday, Feb 15 (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Sunday, Feb 16 (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

🎨 A pop culture event featuring comic books, artists, cosplay contests, and memorabilia. A must-visit for fans of all ages!

🔗 Website | Facebook | Instagram

Stockton Kings vs. Memphis Hustle: Education Day

📍 Location: 248 W Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95203

📅 Date: Wednesday, Feb 26 (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

🏀 Cheer on the Stockton Kings in a special daytime game with an educational twist!

🔗 Tickets | Facebook | Instagram

For more details on these and other events, check out the Downtown Stockton event calendar:

Event Calendar.

Don’t miss out on the fun—see you there!

Start Your Day Right with Fresh Coffee at Cooper’s Coffee!

Posted on January 29, 2025January 31, 2025 by Intern DSA

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By Sungyeon Park

Nestled at 13 S. San Joaquin Street in Downtown Stockton, Cooper’s Coffee (formerly called Red’s 13) is a small and cozy café that has been a daily favorite for locals for nearly 30 years. The café’s name comes from the owner’s grandfather, and the interior shows her family’s love and warmth. In this welcoming atmosphere, customers can enjoy not only exceptional coffee but also the friendly charm of the owner, Belinda. It’s no surprise that Cooper’s Coffee has so many loyal regulars who describe it as a place full of character—a home away from home.

When it comes to the menu, there’s something for everyone, but the most popular item is the Cubano. This drink combines two shots of espresso, raw sugar, cinnamon, and steamed half-and-half, making a creamy and rich flavor that isn’t too sweet—perfect for those who love smooth coffee without too much sugar. Another standout is their cold brew coffee, made with a unique cold brew machine. The difference is noticeable, and fans of cold brew will definitely be able to tell how smooth and refreshing it tastes.

For non-coffee drinkers, Cooper’s Coffee offers other great options, such as Chai tea, which provides mild caffeine, but isn’t as strong as coffee. They also feature seasonal specialties, like peppermint mocha and gingerbread latte during the winter months. I can’t wait to see what exciting flavors will be introduced next season!

Located just across from Courthouse Plaza in Downtown Stockton, Belinda loves running her business in this area. Downtown is home to a diverse mix of workers, residents, and students, and she enjoys staying busy while being part of this dynamic community. Through her café, she not only serves amazing coffee but also spreads kindness and energy to her customers.

It’s this welcoming vibe and dedication to the community that keep regulars coming back to Cooper’s Coffee time and time again. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, a visit to Cooper’s Coffee is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and ready for the day ahead.

Information

Location: 13 S San Joaquin St, Stockton, CA, 95202
Reasons to Visit Cooper’s Coffee:
- Loyal regulars: Cooper’s Coffee has a strong base of loyal regulars, and the owner goes above and beyond to keep these relationships.
- Unique cold brew machine: Their special cold brew machine creates a distinct and exceptional coffee flavor.
- A piece of history: As one of the oldest cafés in Downtown Stockton, Cooper’s Coffee has been serving the community for nearly 30 years.
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Instagram: @‌coopers_coffeeco