sabra stafford/209 Business JournalBlue Diamond Growers recently announced the expansion of its Turlock and Salida facilities. BY ANGELINA MARTINBlue Diamond Growers marked its 110-year anniversary … Read Full Article about Blue Diamond expands Central Valley facilities
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New Oakdale sandwich shop invites customers to a challenge
Owner Vicky Rosaia and store manager Shawnte Storment proudly display the Clydesdale sandwich which weighed in at about three-and-a-half pounds.
BY AUTUMN NEAL
Vicky and Daniel Rosaia have lived in Oakdale for about two years and their newest business – The Corral Sandwich Shop – captures the city’s essence perfectly.
With cowboy accessories hanging from the walls, tables set up on barrels, a charming brick and wood interior, and country music playing from its speakers, the shop figures to be a great addition to Oakdale’s slew of eateries.
The Corral Sandwich Shop has officially been opened amidst the pandemic and the owners are excited about the new orders that restaurants in Stanislaus County are now allowed to welcome dine-in customers, albeit with several social distancing protocols to enforce.
Dalton Vargas poses with his newly won shirt, after an hour and a half of eating. He also made sure to dare some friends to compete in this challenge .
With restrictions loosening, the sandwich shop was able to host its first “Clydesdale Challenge” in May. Its first contenders were Dalton Vargas and TJ Grubb; the pair heard about the challenge through Dalton’s sister Kyndall, one of the Corral’s employees. Vargas and Grubb are both football players at Oakdale High School and between the two of them also play baseball and basketball.
“It’ll probably take 15 to 20 minutes,” Grubb estimated for eating the sandwich, “maybe a little longer.”
It’s important to note that Grubb guessed this before he saw the sandwich. The Clydesdale sandwich is about the size of a football, and is packed with turkey, ham, roast beef, salami, bacon, pepper jack, cheddar cheese and has “all the fixings” as the menu puts it. Owner Daniel Rosaia estimated the Clydesdale, which ended up weighing in at just under 3.5 pounds, could feed a family of four.
“We wanted to do something fun, we thought the high school students would get a kick out of it,” Vicky shared.
The challenge in itself is relatively simple: the person needs to finish the challenge by eating the entire sandwich in one sitting (with no expressed time limit). If they do so, they win a free T-shirt from the restaurant and get their picture on the Wall of Fame.
It’s fitting that two local football players were the ones to first take on the challenge, as the sandwich shop is themed with Oakdale and Oakdale High School spirit.
TJ Grubb had a method to his madness – though onlookers encouraged him to eat the meal as a regular sandwich, he tackled it by layers.
“We’re big fans of the Mustangs and we kind of wanted to take that lead and just go with it,” Vicky said. She and Daniel have two kids of their own who are in local elementary schools and will eventually end up at OHS. The pair shared that they have been thankful for such a supportive community and great feedback on the sandwich shop.
“We discovered Oakdale and fell in love with it,” Vicky said.
The family moved from the San Mateo area to Oakdale about two years ago and with their new endeavor are now an active part of the community.
“It’s the best place to raise kids. My goodness, the sense of community, and my neighbors … everyone’s just amazing,” she said.
While workers at the eatery shared how thankful they are for the community, the boys worked hard to complete the challenge. Eventually, Grubb and Vargas finished their sandwiches after about an hour and a half of eating.
“Those poor boys will never eat bread again,” Vicky joked and assured that they will hold another challenge again soon. The pair of boys called out a few of their friends to encourage them to try the Clydesdale Challenge as well.
Currently, the Corral Sandwich Shop is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and has a wide menu available with breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, paninis, and frozen yogurt. It is at 730 W. F St., Oakdale and now customers are able to dine-in.
Access the online menu at http://thecorralsandwichshop.com/ or call (209) 322-3512.
Congressional candidates talk priorities during forum
BY ANGELINA MARTIN
Whether Republican or Democrat, the six candidates vying to replace Rep. Jeff Denham in Congress all agreed on one thing during a recent debate: It’s time for a change.
The Central Valley race is listed as one of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s initial targets in their mission of flipping Republican-controlled districts over to Democrats, and what began with a competition that saw 13 challengers ready to face Denham has now fallen to six. With less than two months until the June 5 Primary Election, Democrats Mike Barkley, Michael Eggman, Josh Harder, Virginia Madueño and Sue Zwahlen and Republican Ted Howze on Wednesday answered voter questions and shared why they believe they are the best candidate to represent California’s 10th District.
The candidates were forced to think logically rather than politically thanks to the first question of the night, which asked if Congress is irrelevant now. Congress isn’t irrelevant, they all agreed, but Eggman wondered if the concept has become irrelevant for the working people of the country as big corporations fill the pockets of representatives with campaign money. He and the others took the opportunity – and many more throughout the event – to criticize Denham, who was not present at the event, for taking money from corporations and for voting against the wishes of many of his constituents.
“I don’t think (Congress) has become irrelevant, but I certainly think it’s become ineffective in the issues that matter most,” Harder said, pointing to Denham’s “yes” vote on the American Health Care Act, which would have stripped health care from many District 10 residents including his younger brother, who was born with a preexisting condition.
Howze agreed with Harder, stating that Congress has become irresponsible and Denham unreachable.
“I’m a fellow Republican and when you can’t have a conversation with your representative about what you feel are hotbed issues and what you need to work on, it’s become completely irresponsible,” Howze said.
Issues like water, immigration and gun control were hot topics during the discussion, and the candidate’s similarities in these areas were made evident through their similar answers. All would like to increase access to safe and reliable water in the district, and all agree that comprehensive immigration reform is needed.
While the Democratic candidates agreed on other issues like accepting refugees and commonsense gun control, the lone Republican Howze made his differing opinions known, stating law-abiding gun owners should have the right to bear arms and that refugees of “young, fighting age” coming from Syria should be screened.
More differences between all of the candidates came to light when they were asked to name legislation that would most benefit the area.
For Madueño, the daughter of immigrants, immigration reform is her top legislative priority.
“How many people are being adversely affected right now? Knowing that farmers right now in the community, employers in the community, can’t find enough workers…right now our economy is on the brink of suffering some major, major repercussions that we’re not going to be able to repair,” she said. “We also have over 800,000 youth – rising star kids – that should be and need to be allowed in this country.”
Both Zwahlen and Eggman believe that our health care system is in great need of a fix.
“The costs are exorbitant and out of hand for most of us in this room, I’m sure,” Zwahlen said, adding that she would like to see “Medicare for all” turn from a slogan into a reality. “After 40 years in the emergency room, I have seen a lot through my window of the world and I have a heart and have empathy for the patients that I see everyday and their pressing needs.”
Barkley’s first move, if elected, would be to repeal the GOP tax bill, while Harder hopes to work for better-paying jobs in the Valley through investment in infrastructure and Career Technical Education.
“Part of that program is federally-funded and it’s getting zeroed out in the Trump budget,” Harder said. “Those are the sorts of solutions that we need a Congressman who’s going to invest in them, not just somebody focused on creating more tax cuts for a handful of wealthy corporations.”
Howze said that fundamentally, the most important thing that Congress will do next is restructure “entitlements,” like Social Security, to “ensure their longevity.” If elected, he would like to work to see Medicare and Medicaid split completely, with Medicare working at the federal level to cover elderly and Medicaid becoming a state program to cover poor children and the disabled.
“America is headed on a path of bankruptcy whether we like it or not, and no one wants to touch it or talk about it because it’s a political hot potato,” Howze said. “I will.”
Promotions, Appointments, Honors, Etc.
Stockton’s KTJ Design Co. named Retail Star for 2020 by Home Accents Today
Home furnishings and design source KTJ Design Co., in Stockton, has been named one of Home Accents Today’s Retail Stars for 2020 by editors of the premier trade magazine for the home accents industry. KTJ Design Co., is owned by Stocktonian Kathleen Jennison. The showroom is located in a newly designed industrial space at 404 N. Harrison Street in Stockton.
Now in its 16th year, The Retail Stars list, sponsored by AmericasMart Atlanta and Las Vegas Market, recognizes independent brick-and-mortar retailers of home accents — including furniture stores, home accessories boutique stores and interior design showrooms — that merchandise creatively, have a positive presence in their local communities and stand out from the competition.
“In our first full year in our new location, we could not be more thrilled to receive this recognition. We work hard to meet the individual needs of each of our customers and strive to be educated on the latest trends in the industry,” Jennison said.
KTJ Designs is one of only five California design centers being recognized. This year’s class comes from 32 states. Four are based in Illinois and three each are from Texas and Florida. Missouri, Utah, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Indiana and Washington lay claim to two Stars’ hometowns.
“Home Accents Today’s 2020 Retail Stars list showcases some of the best independent home décor and home furnishings retailers in the country,” said Thomas Lester of Home Accents Today. “While retail faces severe challenges due to the coronavirus crisis, we believe these stores are among those that will step up and up with safe and creative ways to revitalize their business as shutdown restrictions gradually lift. This honor recognizes their skills, hard work and dedication, and should serve as a reminder to us all to support local businesses.”
Jennison is affiliated with the American Society of Interior Designers. As an allied member of this organization, she is qualified by education and experience and pledge to adhere to a strict code of ethics and professional conduct. ASID members are required to take continuing education courses to receive the most current information on developments in design, and new information on materials, technology, building codes, government regulations, flammability standards, sustainable and green design, product performance, design psychology, occupant populations, and more.
She is past president and current member of the ASID Central California/Nevada Chapter. Additionally, she is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association Sacramento chapter.
Oak Valley Community Bank director retires
Oak Valley announced the retirement of Michael Q. Jones from the Bank and Company’s Boards of Directors, effective May 31, 2020.
Jones has served as director of the Bank since 2004 and the Bancorp since its formation in 2008. He has been involved in land development and commercial real estate for over 40 years. Jones is a retired Chairman of California Gold Development Corporation and Prudential California Realty in Sonora.
Prior to joining the board, Jones played an instrumental role in helping the bank establish a foothold in the Sonora region. Throughout his directorship, he provided substantial insight regarding land development and commercial real estate growth opportunities in Tuolumne County as well as other parts of the bank’s footprint.
“We are happy for Mike in his retirement. His governance and support through the years is deeply appreciated and we wish him all the best,” stated President and CEO, Chris Courtney.
Oak Valley Bancorp operates Oak Valley Community Bank and its Eastern Sierra Community Bank division, through which it offers a variety of loan and deposit products to individuals and small businesses. They currently operate through 17 branches: Oakdale, Turlock, Stockton, Patterson, Ripon, Escalon, Manteca, Tracy, Sacramento, two branches in Sonora, three branches in Modesto, and three branches in the Eastern Sierra division, which includes Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes and Bishop.
For more information, call 1-866-844-7500 or visit www.ovcb.com.
Stan State president named to higher education commision
Stanislaus State President Ellen Junn of Turlock, has been appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Junn has been president of California State University, Stanislaus since 2016. She was provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University, Dominguez Hills from 2014 to 2016. Junn was provost and vice president for academic affairs at San Jose State University from 2012 to 2013. She was associate provost at Fresno State University from 2008 to 2011.
Junn is an executive steering member of the Millennium Leadership Initiative — part of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, a member of the board of directors of California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, an executive committee member of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium, and a member of ITHAKA Higher Ed Insights, American Psychological Association, and Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society.
She earned Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts degrees in cognitive and developmental psychology from Princeton University.
This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation.
Entekra wins 2020 Ivory Prize for housing affordability
Entekra, the California off-site construction startup in Modesto, was named a winner of the 2020 Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability during a livestream presentation today by the award’s sponsor, Ivory Innovations.
The Ivory Prize recognizes businesses, foundations, non-profits, community leaders, and others that are working to lower the cost of housing, spotlighting awardees in three categories: construction and design, finance, and public policy and regulatory reform.
Entekra was one of three finalists in the Construction and Design category.
With its Fully Integrated Off-Site Solution – FIOSS – the company leverages advanced technologies and automation to address construction productivity. Specifically, FIOSS boosts framing productivity for most single-family homes by more than 500 percent in terms of man-days, while typically reducing overall build time by more than 30 days. Even greater productivity gains can be achieved with the construction of multi-family dwellings.
“To improve the affordability of housing, home builders have to increase their productivity, which has steadily declined in the United States for more than a quarter century,” said Gerard McCaughey, Entekra’s CEO. “As Entekra was founded to change the way houses are built by improving construction productivity, the entire Entekra team is honored to receive this award.”
The three winners of the 2020 Ivory Prize were determined by Ivory Innovations’ Advisory Board, which include some of the country’s top minds in housing and was chaired by Kent Colton, Senior Research Fellow of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies and president of Colton Housing Group.
“Entekra was chosen as the winner of the Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability in the area of Construction and Design because of its ability to reduce the time it takes to build housing, and therefore the cost. With its innovative off-site solution, Entekra can improve both quality control and the time and cost to build a home,” notes Colton.
2017 California walnut acreage report
STAFF REPORT
California’s 2017 walnut acreage is estimated at 400,000 acres, up 10 percent from 2015. Of the total acreage, 335,000 were bearing and 65,000 were non-bearing.
Of the walnut acreage reported, Chandler continues as the leading variety with 121,524 bearing acres, followed by Hartley with 30,172 bearing acres. Chandler also accounted for 59 percent of the non-bearing acreage.
Butte County shows the largest acreage with 16 percent of the total, followed by San Joaquin with 14 percent and Tulare with 10 percent each.
The Pacific Regional Office of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts an acreage survey of California walnut growers. The purpose of this survey is to provide walnut acreage information on new plantings and removals. It is a continuation of a long series of industry-funded walnut acreage surveys.
The major source of the walnut detailed data was a questionnaire mailed to all walnut growers included in the NASS database. The mailing was made to approximately 4,900 walnut growers in early November. The questionnaire contained previously reported crop, variety, and acreage information preprinted. Producers were asked to update the information with new plantings, removals, and any other corrections; new growers were mailed a blank questionnaire. Producers were given six weeks to respond by mail. A telephone follow-up was then undertaken. Field personnel personally visited large growers who did not respond by mail or telephone.
To arrive at the estimated walnut acreage, the NASS walnut acreage database was compared with pesticide application data maintained by County Agricultural Commissioners and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. In addition, NASS looked at data collected on the Walnut Nursery Sales Reports.
Promotions, Appointments, Honors, Etc.
Stockton’s KTJ Design Co. named Retail Star for 2020 by Home Accents Today Kathleen Jennison Home furnishings and design source KTJ Design Co., in Stockton, has been named one of Home Accents Today’s Retail Stars for 2020 by editors of the premier trade … Read Full Article about Promotions, Appointments, Honors, Etc.
Central Valley residents overcome barriers to build new tech careers
Local company jumpstarts tech economy with free software training program As record-breaking layoffs force many Central Valley residents to seek new job skills, a local tech company is now offering its seven-month computer programming class for free. … Read Full Article about Central Valley residents overcome barriers to build new tech careers
JC Penney will keep Manteca location open
The JC Penney stores in Manteca, pictured here, as well as Modesto, Stockton and Lodi will remain open. BY DENNIS WYATTTracy and Turlock are losing their JC Penney stores but not Manteca.JC Penney said it would start closing 154 stores as it starts … Read Full Article about JC Penney will keep Manteca location open