san joaquin kids march 2013
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San Joaquin Kids March 2013TRANSCRIPT
MAR/APR 2013SANJOAQUINKIDS.com
LATHROP | LODI | MANTECA | RIPON | STOCKTON | TRACY
A FA M ILY M AGA Z INE FO R
PA REN T S
RECOMMENDED READINGSPRING SPORTSGAME NIGHTSAN LUIS OBISPO
2 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
Looking forward to being a new mom? Motherhood is an amazing journey and
the Women & Infants Center in St. Joseph’s beautiful Patient Pavilion is just
the place to start. New moms will enjoy the comfort of their own spacious, private
rooms, and feel pampered with small perks—like garden views, a hostess who takes bedside meal
orders, and freshly baked cookies delivered in the afternoon.
At St. Joseph’s, we are dedicated to your comfort, supplying advanced pain management, including
epidurals. You’ll feel reassured knowing there are new C-section surgical suites and a state-of-the-art
neonatal ICU. St. Joseph’s Medical Center has been awarded prestigious international recognition as
a Baby-Friendly® birth facility! The Baby-Friendly® designation honors hospitals that offer an optimal
level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
The birth of your baby is a story you’ll share time and time again. Choose the perfect setting—
St. Joseph’s Medical Center—where we’ve created a special place for motherhood to begin.
Begin motherhood in good hands.
209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 3
Fun for Kids, Plus a Bunch More to Do!
Follow us for updates and special giveaways on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
D i v i s i o n s
APRIL 26 - 28, 2013
AsparagusFest.com or call 209-644-3740
A Recipe
for Fun10AM - 7PM All Three Days
ASPARAGUS ICE CREAM SEA LION ENCOUNTER SKYY DOGS AND STUNT DOG PRODUCTIONS
ASPARABERRY SHORTCAKEASPARAZONE WITH RIDESVELOCITY CIRCUS
24383_ASP_PrepAd_SJ_Kids_Mag_03.indd 1 2/11/13 4:09 PM
4 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
14 Kids Tidbits Balloon Trees, Little Shop of Horrors
8 Spring Kids Calendar
18 Your Family A new twist on game night
26 Recommended Reading Librarian's Picks
16 Haute Items Getting A-Head
contents SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS & KIDS March | April 2013
20 16 28
8 24 26
24 Your Kids Spring Sports 20 FEATURE: Military Families by Jennifer Thornton
28 San Luis Opisbo Escape Even the most jaded teens can't help but crack a smile at SLO's laid-back sights. by Jennifer Thornton
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209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 5 209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 51-888-936-PLAN (7526) I www.hpsj.com
HEALTH PLAN OF SAN JOAQUIN MEANS...
- Hundreds of primary care physicians and specialists
- Easy access to your personal doctor
- Choice of hospitals and pharmacies
- Local and nationwide emergency care
- Free 24/7 advice nurse
- Serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties
Eligibility guidelines apply and may be based in part on household income. Plan availability varies by county.
6 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
CONTACT USSan Joaquin Kids/Parent Magazine is published
6x a year by San Joaquin Magazine793 S. Tracy Blvd, Suite 230
Tracy, CA 95376 Phone: (209) 833-9989www.sanjoaquinkids.com
ADVERTISING OFFICE: 209.833.9989
PUBLISHER | EDITOR Tony Zoccoli
ASSISTANT EDITORJessica Clare
CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Martinez
EDITORIAL INTERN Michele Bird
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETINGHeather Hilton-Rufo
Advertising Email: [email protected]
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Michelle Cox, Lauren Sturman,
Valerie Zoccoli, Christy Manzeck
ACCOUNTINGMelissa Peralta
EDITORIAL INQUIRIES [email protected]
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenn Thornton
PHOTOGRAPHY Dan Hood, Matthew James Photo,
Kristoffer Heacox, Dani Adams
WEB DESIGNER Violet Whitworth
DISTRIBUTION SERVICESRebecca Ristrim
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without
written permission from this publisher. Photographs, graphics, and
artwork are the property of Inside Magazines Publishing Company.
© 2012 Inside Magazines
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
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{ }ASTHMA
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CANCER SCREENING
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WE’RE RANKED AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE NATION FOR QUALITY CARE.
BY FOCUSING ON THE BIG THINGS,
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From our innovative electronic medical records system to our fully integrated care teams, our unique approach to “total health” allows us to provide top-notch care that encompasses a range of important areas. It’s also why the National Committee for Quality Assurance ranked Kaiser Permanente Northern California among the highest in the nation’s health plans in 2011, including Top Ten in the Nation on 12 quality measures.* By focusing on the things that matter most to you, we’re helping you get the most out of life. Learn more at kp.org/thrive
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8 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
COMPILED BY MICHELE BIRD
Chinese New Year Parade and FestivalMarch 3, Stockton
The CNYC of Stockton is hosting the 35th
annual Chinese New Year Parade and
Festival this March to celebrate the Year of
the Snake. This fun-filled day is the perfect
outing for families, couples, and kids of
all ages. There will be an exciting parade
going through downtown Stockton followed
by a festival featuring activities such as
live entertainment, demonstrations, and
a raffle giveaway. Don’t miss out on your
chance to celebrate history and make new
memories with your loved ones. 10 a.m.
Free. Parade: North El Dorado Street & East
Weber Ave. Festival: Stockton Memorial
Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St.,
stocktoncnyc.org
The Redhead Express & Walker Family at Hutchins Street SquareMarch 14, Lodi
Calling all country, bluegrass, and Americana music fans! The Redhead
Express & Walker Family will be bringing their energetic live show to
Lodi on March 14. Concertgoers are surely in for a night filled with
good music and an unforgettable live performance from both bands.
7 p.m. Tickets $25. Charlene Powers Lange Performing Arts Theatre,
125 S. Hutchins St., (209) 333-6782, hutchinsstreetsquare.com
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10 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
22nd Annual Trivia Bee March 15, Stockton
The 22nd annual Trivia Bee is getting ready
to kick off on March 15. Various trivia teams
will be competing for the Bee Bobble Head
Award and Best Team Name. Audience
members will also have the chance to
walk away with Best Costume and Best
Decorated Table awards. With this year’s
theme as “Bee a Good Sport,” trivia teams
made of three people are encouraged to
enter this fun and educational contest.
Team entry fee including dinner for each
team member $550. Stockton Memorial
Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St.,
(209) 910-4548, sjcliteracy.org
2013 Brubeck FestivalMarch 18 – 23, Stockton
Attention all jazz music fans! The 2013
Brubeck Festival will be kicking off on March
18 through March 23 throughout Stockton.
The six-day festival will feature a variety of
live music performances and educational
lectures. Headlining this year’s event will be
nine-time Grammy winner Wynton Marsalis
and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The festival is a perfect event
for people of all ages and if you’re not already a jazz fan, you’re bound
to walk away one. Event times vary. Ticket prices vary. Events will be
held throughout Stockton, (209) 946-3275, pacific.edu
The Haggin Museum’s 81st Annual McKee Student Art ExhibitionMarch 21 – May 5, Stockton
Do your kids love art? The Haggin Museum will be
featuring a variety of art from students in kindergarten
through 12th grade at the 81st Annual McKee Student
Art Exhibition. Pieces that will be on display include two-
dimensional art, photographs, mixed-media pieces, and
digital shorts. The exhibition is a perfect family outing,
especially for those who artistic and creative. Maybe you
may even see an entry of your own on display! Times
vary. Ticket prices vary. The Haggin Museum, 1201 N.
Pershing Ave., (209) 940-6300, hagginmuseum.org
Catastrophic MMA Cage FightsMarch 23, Stockton
Are you an MMA cage fighting fan? How about health
products and fashion? Presented by “The Fight
For Stockton Project” and MAV Organization, the
Catastrophic Cage Fights will be held on March 23. In
addition to the cage fights, there will also be a fashion
show, fit expo, more than 20 booths, food, and more
at this event! With something for everyone, make sure to
purchase your tickets now so you don’t miss out on this
action packed and mind-blowing day. 2 p.m. Ticket prices
vary. Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St.,
(209) 812-5517, mavorg.org
featuring a variety of art from students in kindergarten
through 12th grade at the 81st Annual McKee Student
Art Exhibition. Pieces that will be on display include two-
dimensional art, photographs, mixed-media pieces, and
digital shorts. The exhibition is a perfect family outing,
especially for those who artistic and creative. Maybe you
may even see an entry of your own on display! Times
The Haggin Museum, 1201 N.
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209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 11
4th Annual4th Annual
SAVE the DATE!SATURDAY May 11, 2013
“Fun for Everyone”
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Food • Entertainment • Farmers Market Cooking Demos • Kid’s Zone • Bocce
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12 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
MARCHAPRIL 2013C
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Hatter’s Tea PartyMarch 30, Stockton
Have you ever wished you could attend a mad hatter’s
tea party? Beginning back in 1993 by the Haggin
Museum Store Auxiliary, the 21st Annual Mad Hatter’s
Tea Party will be held on March 30. Classic characters
from Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland will be making
appearances such as the White Rabbit, the Queen
of Hearts, and much more! There will also be tea,
cookies, and other treats for guests. This delightful tea
party is perfect for people of any age because Alice In
Wonderland is sure to bring out the kid at heart in all
of us. 10:30 a.m. Tickets $15 for adults, $10 for children
under 12. Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., (209)
940-6316, hagginmuseum.org
Dell’Osso Mud Run on the Farm April 6, Lathrop
Does a day full of running, food, drinks, and of course
mud interest you? The Dell’Osso Mud Run on the
Farm will be offering participants a day full of just that!
Participants who enter the race will be challenged to a
5k run full of mud and an obstacle course. Spectators
will also be welcome to the race where there will be
a variety of food, drinks, and an entertaining race to
watch. You must be 12 or older to enter. Additional
race details and rules can be found online. 8 a.m.
Dell’Osso Family Farm, 501 Manthey Rd., (209) 982-0833,
mudonthefarm.com
Vaudeville Festival April 19 – 21, Tracy
Downtown Tracy will be enchanted by the Vaudeville
Festival this April with a weekend full of magic,
illusions, and more! Participants will have an endless
amount of activities to choose from including a street
fair, various workshops on topics from clowning
to juggling, and an animal show. The Vaudeville
Festival will definitely be an entertaining and magical
experience for all! Event times vary. Ticket prices
vary. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central
Ave., (209) 831-6858, atthegrand.org
Stockton Asparagus FestivalApril 26 – 28, Stockton
The Stockton Asparagus Festival will be back for
another year on April 26 – 28. The weekend will be
full of food, rides, live entertainment, and a whole lot
of asparagus, too! Dating back to 1986, the Stockton
Asparagus Festival is a yearly tradition for all San
Joaquin County residents. Don’t forget to purchase
tickets and bring your family, friends, and asparagus
lovers for a memorable weekend this April. 10 a.m.
Ticket prices vary. Downtown Stockton Waterfront,
221 N. Center St., (209) 644-3740, asparagusfest.com
209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 13
Free Public Charter Schools Open to all students in San Joaquin County
Grades K-12International Baccalaureate
ProgramsAuthorized IB Diploma Program
APPlICAtIOnS AvAIlABle At
1 N. Sutter Street, Stockton • 209-390-9861AnD OnlIne At www.stocktoncollegiate.org
354 Lincoln Center • Stockton www.shopsassypants.com
209.451.9775
EastER stoRy timE Saturday March 23 at 11:30. Stories, snacks, and egg hunt.
Special discounts hidden in some lucky eggs!!
Discover the world of reptiles through arts, crafts, and other amazing activities!
Come face to face with reptiles of all shapes and sizes!
A hands-on experience brought to you by local reptile stores and museums!
Saturday, April 6, 2013 10:00am- 3:00pm
14 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
Little Shop of HorrorsBY JESSICA CLARE
Parents, there’s a good chance you already know and love
Little Shop of Horrors; be it the mid 80s Rick Moranis, Ellen
Greene, and Steve Martin version; the ongoing and much
beloved Off-Broadway musical; or the 1960 adaptation that
featured a pre-The Shining Jack Nicholson. If your kids have
reached that magical age where they can appreciate the
nuances of dark humor and heavy sarcasm, it might be time
to show them this cult classic--so why not do it right?
From March 6 through March 30, the Stockton Civic Theatre
will be running this rock opera, fi lling the iconic roles like
Seymour and Audrey with local talents under the direction of
James Reed. Catch a matinee with the family and catch a new
spin on this classic boy-meets-girl-meets-carnivorous-plant
tale. Even the moodiest of teens should be able to appreciate
the brooding humor and close-to-home angst of wanting
someone you can’t have, minus all the reality TV-esque
drama. And of course, with infi nitely more laughs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Stockton Civic Theatre2312 Rosemarie LaneStockton, (209) 473-2424sctlivetheatre.com
Where do BALLOONScome from? BY JESSICA CLARE
The World of Wonders Science Museum will host their very first book signing
on April 13, featuring Lodi native and children’s book author Danna Smith. In her
most recent book, The Balloon Trees, Smith drew inspiration from her husband’s
work running a rubber manufacturing plant. Her rhythmic, whimsical story of a
balloon’s journey from tree sap to birthday party adornment aims to give kids
a bit of insight about where everyday items come from and show a bit of the
science behind manufacturing in a kid-friendly, vibrant, and enthralling way.
In the spirit of her pro-educational style of writing, there are also interactive
activities available online to compliment the story. Smith will do readings of The
Balloon Trees at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for any interested kids and parents.
You can see the rest of Smith’s published picture books on her website,
dannasmithbooks.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:World of Wonders Science Museum2 N Sacramento St., Lodi(209) 368-0969, wowsciencemuseum.com
209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 15
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SanJoaquinT H E P R E M I E R M A G A Z I N E O F C E N T R A L VA L L E Y L I V I N G m a g a z i n e
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16 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
Getting A-Head[HAUTE ITEMS] BY JESSICA CLARE
Golden Plaid Fedora by Fore!! Axel and HudsonAvailable at Sassypants
354 Lincoln CenterStockton, (209) 451-9775
shopsassypants.comStockton, (209) 451-9775
shopsassypants.com
Bittersweet Beanie by Hula Mula
Available at hulamula.com
Shaddow Knit Hat by Hula Mula
Available at hulamula.com
Star Wars Character Plush HatsAvailable at thinkgeek.com
Gunther Fedora by QuiksilverAvailable at ZoopALoop
21 Downtown MallLodi, (209) 367-1444
zoopaloop.com
Linen Driver Cap by Fore!! Axel and HudsonAvailable at Sassypants
354 Lincoln Center, Stockton(209) 451-9775, shopsassypants.com
209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 17
209.478.CAKE (2253)Hammer Ranch Center
7610 Pacific Ave., Suite B6Stockton, CA 95207
www.cupcakemania.net
209.Hammer Ranch Center
7610 Pacific Ave., Suite B6
www.cupcakemania.net
209.
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Birthdays • WeddingsBridal Showers & Much More!
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209.951.KIDS209.951.KIDS
Enhancing Early Education• Affordable Fees • Small Child/Staff Ratio• Outdoor Area • Flexible Hours
50 Years of Combined Experience! Programs for Infants/Toddlers from2 Weeks to 2 Years Old.Preschool Program for 2 to 5 Years Olds
Est. 1992
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50 Years of Combined Experience!
• Affordable Fees • Small Child/Staff Ratio
50 Years of Combined Experience!
Preschool Program for 2 to 5 Years Olds
209.951.KIDS209.951.KIDS
Your one stop for School Supplies, Educational Toys, Games and Fun!
Kumon Study Supplies, Science Projects, Art Kits, Music and so much more!
STOCKTON:5757 Pacific Ave. ( Stonecreek Village )
209-473-3700Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm • Sun: 12pm-5pm
MODESTO:1700 McHenry Ave. Ste. 61 ( McHenry Village )
209-491-2937Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm • Sat: 10am-5pm • Sun: Noon-4pm
www.learninghands-on.com
Art Easelby Melissa and Doug
Melissa & Doug Scratch Art
Calico Critters Adventure Tree House
John Deere Sit and Scoot ATV
Pete the Cat
18 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
FAMILYGame NIGHT For most anyone under thirty, playing games tends to involve electronics and an Internet connection—
but fear not, parents, for board games are making a comeback in a big way. Old favorites like Scrabble and Pictionary (though “Draw Something” may be a more familiar name these days) are popular apps, and savvy
companies like Milton Bradley and Hasbro have given their staples a modern facelift. If you want to talk your kids into trading the controller for some dice every once in a while, try out one of these more contemporary options.
BY JESSICA CLARE
APPLES TO APPLES(12 and up, 4-10 players)You’ve probably already seen, played, or at least heard of this wordy game, but for the uninitiated, here’s the gist: Players take turns matching nouns to adjectives, and take turns deciding which pairings are the most accurate (or funniest, depending on the mood). The sheer randomness of the cards promise that hilarity will ensue in any game, and offers a sneaky brush-up on vocabulary for both you and your kids—this game is one of Mensa’s official favorites, but don’t worry, everyone will be laughing too hard to notice they’re learning anything. Keep an eye out for variants on the original game like Disney Apples to Apples or Sour Apples, in which players pick the worst answers (There’s also a rated R version of the game, Cards Against Humanity, free for download at cardsagainsthumanity.com, but you’ll want to save this one for grown-up game nights). Available at Target and most major retailers.
SETTLERS OF CATAN(10 and up, 4 players)Monopoly may be one of the most well-known board games, but it can also be the most grueling—games often involve arguments about who will be banker, back-handed dealings for the last railroad, and tend to finish when players get bored and move on to something else (seriously, how often has anyone played a game of Monopoly through to the end?). The increasingly popular Settlers of Catan takes the capitalist, cutthroat spirit at the heart of Monopoly and reduces it down to a much simpler (and easier to finish) form—players build up towns, cities, and roads while competing for the raw materials they need to expand. In-game politicking, like trading cards with others or teaming up against the leaders, are encouraged, and the game play is short enough that tempers don’t have time to rise. There are also expansion packs, so if you get bored with the core game, new rules and pieces await.
Available at Gamer’s Path 234 W Yosemite Ave., Manteca, (209) 239-8573
RISK LEGACY(12 and up, 3-5 players)Traditional Risk has been around since the 50s, so chances are, you’ve already played a few tense games of world domination. The latest revamp of this classic game takes cues from video games and adds a unique interactive element—it’s intended to be played as a fifteen game competition between the same players, and the end of each game introduces elements and consequences that affect future games, and secret elements contain game-changing rules and elements that can turn territories into nuclear wastelands or prompt an alien invasion. Stickers are added to the board to make sure any changes are permanent, so your fifteenth game is guaranteed to be very different from your first. Streamlined rules mean that the gameplay is much faster than typical Risk, too, and the ever-changing board and challenges will keep everyones’ interest for all fifteen games. This game is not without a bit of fun dramatic flair—look for the “Do Not Open Ever” envelope at the bottom of the box and carefully consider whether or not to follow that advice.Can be special ordered from Comics Grapevine in Lodi 9 W Pine St., Lodi, (209) 368-1096
209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 19
Giving birth is a special time for you, your baby and your family.
Doctors Hospital of Manteca’s family-centered birthing suites are specially
designed for your special delivery.
To find out more or schedule a tour
call 209-239-8322.
For a Physician Referral: 1.800.470.7229
Great results .
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1205 E North Street • Manteca
www.doctorsmanteca.comDownload a QR code readeron your smart phone.Scan here to visit our site. 209.774.0819
7475 Murray Drive Suite 11 · Stockton, CA 95210www.thezionacademyofmusic.org
Piano · Drums/Percussion · Bass GuitarViolin · Cello · Woodwinds · Brass
Language Arts · Literacy Through PhotographyK-2 Music Fundamentals · Musical Theater
Now enrolling for Summer 2013
Join us for spring Music festMay 29-31, 2013
Please see our website for more details
Winners of the 2012-2013 Stockton Arts Commission Grant
Twitter@ZionAcademy
“Teaching Training & Inspiring Young Musicians Since 1997”
Our mission at St. Peter Lutheran School is to assist parents in the training of their children through Christ-centered teaching and excellence in academic curriculum.
Pre-school and kindergarten-8th grade2400 Oxford Way, Lodi
www.stpeterlodi.com | 209.333.2225
NOW ENROLLING!From Preschool through Grade Eight
We are here for your family!
BY JENN THORNTON
“Hero” is a word too commonly used—a tag carelessly slapped
on to high-profi le athletes, reality TV “stars” and big-screen
caped crusaders. But heroism is a far greater enterprise than
false idol worship. Sometimes, heroes look like you and me;
sometimes they’re behind us in line at the grocery store. Very
often heroes struggle to get through the days, weeks, and
months, with four kids in tow and little support.
20 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 21
22 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
“the moment we help a family member, whether it be with a job, fi ling for fi nancial
assistance or something else. It’s knowing that we’re providing that support.”
209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 23
None of this is a surprise to the countless military
families facing repeated deployments (up to 13
month stretches for California National Guard
members); fi nancial and emotional strain; the missing
of milestones (births, birthdays, graduations, etc);
and temporary single parenthood for non-deployed
parents. The long absences are diffi cult for everyone
involved to endure, but they also build strength
within the family unit, while stressing oft-over
looked and unheralded values of service, purpose
and community above self-interest. Naturally,
these sacrifi cing families are some of the
most hardy around, undertaking the above
challenges and others with the resilience
that is their hallmark.
It is the unique spirit of the enduring military
family that motivates Angelina Morlock to take up
her post with the California National Guard Family
Assistance Program, which, as part of Operation
Ready Families, acts as a resource hub, offering
essential services to Guard families. For her,
gratifi cation comes from “the moment we help a
family member, whether it be with a job, fi ling for
fi nancial assistance or something else. It’s knowing
that we’re providing that support.”
Support extends to all military families and
members (active, retired, or reserved), regardless
of their branch affi liation. This universal undertaking
makes Operation Ready Families a true bridge
serving those who have or continue to serve the
nation. Streamlining the process for all, Family
Assistance—a statewide program operating in
16 counties, including San Joaquin County—
leverages its community partnerships to provide
guidance and fi nancial resources to military families
(members are contacted 30 days prior to, once a
month during, and 90 days after deployment). The
sole responsibility of its sibling, however, the Child
and Youth Program, is to support military children
through camps, leadership training and related
initiatives.
This year, to honor the “Month of the Military
Child,” the youth-centric program’s Teen Council
will host its 2nd annual Child and Youth Ball, April
27, in Sacramento. Although only for National
Guard children, the local community is welcome
to back and/or sponsor the event through the
program’s partner, River City Blue Star Moms
(rivercitybluestarmoms.com).
Both these branches of Operation Ready Families
are particularly important to local Guard families,
who, as part of a reserve component, do not benefi t
from the cohesion that living on a base breeds
and encourages. “One thing we understand as
Guardsmen and reservists,” elaborates Morlock,
“is that families feel disconnected. That’s why the
Guard implemented a reconnection to military life.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OPERATION
READY FAMILIES AND ITS PROGRAMS:
visit calguard.ca.gov
Sports With the spring season right around the
corner, it means the return of warm weather, allergies, and of course, sports. Spring is full of almost any sport you can think of, from cheerleading to baseball. Whether your kids prefer to be in the pool or out on the fi eld, there is a spring sport out there for everyone. Sports are something that interest people of all ages. Whether you start at age two or fi fty-two, the love for a sport is important and the experience you get out of it is unforgettable. From memorable moments in the game to championships, sports offer a unique experience each season. Not every sport is the same game, but they all offer a fun outlet to exercise and be active each day. Sports are not only a great way to stay healthy, but can also be fi lled with friendships. Many of your children’s teammates can
end up being lifelong friendships, which is important during adolescence. Sports can also be a bonding experience because you are learning important qualities such as trust, dedication, and teamwork. For kids who have great hand-eye coordination, they could excel in sports such as softball and baseball. Many teams such as Tracy Express Fastpitch Softball have already begun spring practices to prepare for the upcoming season. Leagues vary based on location and it is best to check offi cial websites, call, or e-mail for additional registration and scheduling information. If you missed registration for those sports, you could also participate in private lessons. It is a great opportunity to improve skill level and prepare for the next season. Other spring sport options include youth football and cheerleading. Registration dates for teams throughout San Joaquin County vary. The Tokay Jr Tigers kicked off registration for the 2013 season on January 20. Registration will continue through May 18. Offi cial details can be found on the offi cial Tokay Jr Tigers website. The Tracy Buccaneers, a youth football and cheerleading team, will begin signing up returning players and siblings starting March 10. New players will be able to sign up on March 17 at Monticello Elementary School in Tracy, California from 1 – 4 p.m. If your kids are like fi sh and would rather be in the water than running on the fi eld, they would be perfect on a swimming or
water polo team. There are various teams located throughout San Joaquin County, such as the Lodi Swim and Water Polo Club as well as the Tracy Triton Swim Club. The Tracy Tritons will begin registration starting on March 2 for returning members and March 24 for new members. No matter which sport you decide to take part in, just remember to have a good time and a lot of fun. Sports are not always about winning, but also for the love of the game. You will walk away with a once in a lifetime experience and a chance to be part of a strong team. You never know, maybe your kid will end up the next Superbo wl winner or Olympic gold medalist!
SportsSpring
BY MICHELE BIRD
24 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 25
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When it comes to vacation, “fussy” is just another thing my family packs. Being parents of a 'tween has a little something to do with it. That, and none of us can agree on anything. My hus-band is a science type (nature centers are huge), I’m creative, and our daughter? Well, let’s just say that unless adventure an-swers to the name Justin Bieber, she’s hard to dazzle these days.
Things as they are, we don’t stray too far from familiar stomping grounds. Though it’s hard to compete with fl ashy provinces like Tahoe and Los Angeles, California’s striking Central Coast holds its own with some of the best scenes in the state. And still, it lurks unforgivably low on the must-go radar. For families like mine, this is particularly pitiful given the region’s bevy of playgrounds—from historic San Simeon and fog-shrouded Morro Bay to beach-house-crazy Cambria and pleasures beyond (inland, Paso Robles buzzes with wonderful wine and in less commercialized Cayucos, a rickety pier delights). But of all these coastal outposts, one emerges with the best of everything: San Luis Obispo (or “SLO” if you’re local). It’s here my “fussy” family converges af-ter a long road trip, much to the chagrin of my daughter, who was not all thrilled when I suggested we stow all technology for the ride. In its place, old-fashioned fun, including sing-a-longs to—her words not mine—“really bad music.” It’s not until we promise to ban U2 that the fi rst round of license-plate bingo commences. By the time we roll into SLO, situated mid-point between San Francisco and Los An-
LUIS LUIS!
SHORE UP FOR FUN IN FAMILY-FRIENDLY
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BY JENNIFER THORNTON
LUIS
209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 29
geles, my daughter is “totally over” the alphabet game. Out of steam ourselves, we luck out. It’s Thurs-day, the day SLO freshens up with a renowned street fair masquerading as a farmers’ market (sanluiscounty.com). Here, downtown comes alive with peddlers of freshly plucked or-ganics, street performers, and garage bands galore. A balloon animal artist soon lifts my daughter out of her funk, I take a shine to jugglers with Cirque du Soleil-level skills, and my husband finds refuge in homemade cheese. And that bike valet? A big hit. No wonder the USA Today anointed SLO “The Happiest Place in the USA.” Two hours in and we’re drinking the Kool-Aid, too. (Truthfully, we’re guzzling it.) Soon enough we agree to skipping rocks at SLO Creek, a stream that snakes through the middle of town, and just when I think things
can’t get more surreal, we’re strolling down Bubblegum Alley, home to 1.7 million pieces of gum, some recast into mindboggling displays of artistic genius. My daughter quickly joins a gathering of other kids who’ve also broken free from the grasp of their embarrassing parents and are now gleefully smacking their gum in a rousing chorus of cool. I blame the balloon guy for alerting my daughter to her newfound Picasso tendencies—for one hour she relent-lessly works at fashioning something that never does provide any clarity. But one thing is totally clear: we’re all hav-ing a much better time than we had in the car. And not just us; everyone is ir-repressibly cheery. But if you lived in a town that’s in the perpetual hug of ver-dant hills just ten miles from the Pacific, you’d be giddy, too. Proximity like this yields endless op-portunity for adventure, from biking and
hiking to fringe recreation like hot-air ballooning. We discuss all possibilities the next morning over breakfast at the Madonna Inn (see sidebar), a legend-ary hotel known for its dizzying array of charming-to-odd interiors. We sift through the surplus of options, giving tractor rides, the Children’s Museum, and Mission Plaza their due consider-ation before whittling down our list to a doable itinerary over a heap of syrup-soaked pancakes. For my daughter, fun boils down to the beach, while my hubby and I are keen to discover what we’ve been told (correctly, in fact) is a worthy wine country. If we had forgot-ten how collaborative we can be—es-pecially when killing time between anti-quated car games—we’re reminded by the time the check arrives. In a fairer world—one with more time, an even-tempered child and endless re-sources—we would do everything, but
30 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013
instead we spend a sun-fi lled day at Avila Beach (visitavilabeach.com). A lo-cal’s secret, most tourists skip this place in favor of more popular pit stops in Pismo and Morro Bay, but don’t make that mistake. Here you’ll fi nd a petting zoo and hayrides at Avila Valley Barn (avilavalleyba-rn.com); abundant aqua-culture at Sea Life Center (sealifecenter.org) minus the Monterey Aquarium-esque crowds, and the Point San Luis Lighthouse (sanluislighthouse.org). And by all means, take time to canvass the area’s vintage points. Almost all SLO wineries are bou-tique producers, meaning
operations are small but accommodating. Among the more family-friendly options are Baileyana (bai-leyana.com), which offers lovely picnic grounds and bocce ball, and Sextant Winery (sextantwine.com). Located at the Old Edna Townsite, this spot gives wiggly kids the run of its expansive grounds (and the deli is fantastic, too). By the time the mid-night strikes on our vaca-tion, we’ve rediscovered our rhythm. I hand over the iPad and Dad gets in a little Joshua Tree. Slowly, we make our way home… and while it’s a lot more peaceful, it’s not quite SLO enough.
DETOUR: HEARST CASTLE Set aside one day to visit Hearst Castle (hearstcastle.com). Call it what it is—a gi-normous, 165-room monument to excess perched high above San Simeon. This his-toric hill-topper, dubbed “the ranch” by its newspaper magnate owner, William Randolph Hearst, hosted luminaries in its heyday, among them his mistress Marion Davies (no word if the ornate theater on-site screens Citizen Kane, Orson Welles’ classic retelling of Hearst, his silent-fi lm actress honey and his expansive homage to opulence). Not having lost a shred of its Spanish-style luster, this wondrous spec-tacle (one of California’s principal draws) stuns with sprawling surrounds—the prop-erty once boasted the world’s largest zoo. Though things have since settled down, you’ll still fi nd bountiful gardens, ancient statuary, and other magnifi cent spoils, plus a unique mix of architecture, most grandly on display in two shimmering pools—the exterior one beckoning unsupervised kids to jump in, especially on a hot day, so keep them close; and its less touted but equally impressive interior counterpart, lavishly de-tailed with Moorish embellishments.
SLUMBER PARTY! If you’ve got kids, then you know that hanging out with the inn crowd must some-how factor into your trip plans. Here it’s at the quirky Madonna Inn (madonnainn.com). Though campy, this Willy Wonka-like won-derland is imaginative times ten, dazzling onlookers and visitors alike with 110 themed rooms (one memorably, if not shockingly, doused in hot-pink paint) and, sometimes, with truly bizarre extravagances—you’re not seeing things, men, that urinal is indeed a waterfall. And yet, for all its wacky splen-dor, the place is a spitting good time. Not only does the centrally located Inn have all possible accoutrements to legitimately earn “resort hotel” status (spa, fi tness center, restaurants, shopping), it also boasts ideal proximity to downtown SLO and the sand dunes of South County. If staying elsewhere, be sure to stop by for the buttery delights routinely coming out of the oven at the Inn’s popular bakery, and do not miss a slice of the grand dame’s pink Champagne cake—it’s legendary.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OTHER LODGING, DINING AND WINERY CHOICES AND MORE INFO:sanluisobispocounty.com
209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 31
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Serving San Joaquin County since 1965, the Central Valley Youth Symphony provides young people ages 8-22 with the opportunity to play great symphonic music while making new friends! Weekly rehearsals at the University of the Pacific in Stockton prepare our student musicians for 3-4 concerts each season in Stockton, Tracy and Lodi. CVYS features two orchestras, and students in both groups receive expert coaching from Music Director Thomas Derthick and Preparatory Orchestra Conductor Shane Kalbach, with assistance from faculty and students from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music.
A Tradition of Excellence...The Central Valley Youth Symphony Association
CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW YOUR CHILD CAN BECOME PART OF THIS OUTSTANDING PROGRAM!
1-888-FOR- CVYSwww.cvys.org | [email protected]
the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music.
A Tradition of Excellence...The Central
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