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Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 5 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

The NewMarket Services Information Guide is designed as a valuable resource tool for you, the newcomer to Stockton/Modesto. It is our intent in producing this publication to standardize important and helpful information on your new community in a format that is most useful to you. Stores and services are listed by category in the business directory. Stockton/Modesto Important telephone numbers, packing and Welcomes You! moving suggestions, and much, much more useful information is found throughout the Guide pages. Selected area businesses, many offering significant savingsare found in the Business Directory Section, sorted by category.

The Guide can save you both time and money while providing you a continuous resource tool as you become more familiar with the metroplex. We do hope you find our Relocation

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(866) 595-3792 Toll Free From everyone at NewMarket Services Welcome to Stockton/Modesto!

6 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide www.newmarketservices.com Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ Volume 9 [ Number 12

LOCAL INFORMATION The State of California 8 Area Codes, Important Phone Numbers 11 Travel Information 12-13 Driver’s License & Vehicle Registration 14 About Stockton/Modesto 9 Things to See and Do 15-21 Media 22 Publisher: NewMarket Services, Inc. MOVING President: Patrick Morgan Smooth Transitions 24-25 Managing Editor: Rebecca Wallace Choosing a Moving Company 24 Executive Editor: Jason Gerali Packing Tips 24-25 Contributing Writer: Amy Tennant Staying Organized 25 Settling Into Your New Home 25 Executive VP Sales & Marketing: Robert Fischer What’s All The Talk About 27 Regional Sales Manager: Beth Hurley Pre-Move Checklist 28-29 Art Department: Sprague Design. MOVING WITH CHILDREN & PETS Graphic Designer: Dean Sprague Reinforce the Positives 31-32 NewMarket On-Line: Total Web Design, Inc. Choosing a School 31-32 IT and Web Development: Larry Bongiovi Selecting Child Care 33-34 Education 35-36 Research Assistant: Stephanie Cooper, Lora Price Relocating Your Pet 37 Circulation: Little Drummer Boy Dist., Inc.

Phoenix Office: FITNESS & HEALTH PO Box 30534 In the Kitchen 39 Phoenix, AZ 85046-0534 Physical and Mental Well Being 40-42 Volunteering 43 Phone: (602) 923-3415 Fax: (602) 923-0774 HOUSING Toll Free: (866) 595-3791 Making the Right Choice 45-46 Chicago Office: Choosing the Right Home 47 902 North Ashland Housing Options For Growing Active Adults Demographics 48-49 Chicago, IL 60622 Home Inspection Checklist 50 Phone: (312) 226-6288 Homecare Basics for New Homeowners 51 Fax: (312) 226-6290 Security 52 Toll Free: (866) 595-3792 Take Control of Your Energy Costs 53 Home Buyer’s Glossary 54-55 NewMarket currently publishes Information Guides for 95 North American and 32 Who’s Who in Building 56 International Markets. To order your Selecting a Builder 57 NewMarket Information Guides for $3.50 Selecting a Contractor 58 each, please contact NewMarket Services Banking/Mortgage Information 59-62 toll free at (866) 595-3792. BUSINESS DIRECTORY In preparing this publication, every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of Business Directory Listings 63-64 the information contained herein, but authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Listings are subject to omission, error or change without notice.

All material in this publication is copyright protected and can only be reprinted with permission of the publisher.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 7 THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

OR European explorers first began contacting the region in the 16th century; the area was inhabited by a variety of Native American tribes. The coastal areas of the state were colonized by Spain beginning in 1769, but became a part of the Mexico in 1821 because of the Mexican War of Independence. It was part of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, and then was ceded to the United States in the Mexican-American War, which ended in 1848. The California Gold Rush of 1848-1849 brought about 90,000 additional U.S. migrants to the state, and California became the 31st state of the Union in 1850. Reno Sacramento The state’s major predominant industries include agriculture, entertainment, light manufacturing, and tourism. California is also Oakland the home of several significant economic regions such as San Francisco Stockton NV Hollywood (entertainment), the California Central Valley (agriculture), Modesto Silicon Valley Silicon Valley (computers and high tech), and the Wine Country (wine). California’s economy is the largest in the United States, and Salinas Monterey at $1.55 trillion, is larger than all but 7 countries. Per capita personal Fresno income was $33,403 as of 2003, ranking it 12th in the nation. Most of the state has a Mediterranean climate, with rainy winters CA and dry summers. The climate along the coast is mild; cooler along

San Luis Obispo Las Vegas the central and northern coast. Southeastern California is arid Bakersfield desert. Along the cost, the rainy season runs from October to April in the north and from November to March or April in the south. Santa Barbara Record temperaturs of a high 134 °F (56.6 °C at Death Valley on Ventura County San Bernardino AZ July 10, 1913 and a record low of -45° at Boca on January 20, Los Angeles 1937. Average yearly precipitation ranges from under 5 inches in Pacific Ocean south-east to 120+ in parts of the north-west. Orange County Riverside California levies a 9.3% maximum variable rate income tax, with 6 tax brackets and a 7.25% sales tax. San Diego

he State of California covers the southern portion of the United States’ west coast. With a population of 37 million Fast Facts ESTIMATED POPULATION: 37,172,015 Tand an area of 158,402 square miles, California is the largest U.S. state in population and the third largest in area. LAND AREA: 158,302 sq mi California borders the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon to the COASTLINE: 840 miles north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and the Mexican state of CAPITAL: Sacramento Baja California to the south. The state has incredible geographic STATE MOTTO: Eureka diversity. It has both the highest and lowest elevations in the Continental US (within 100 miles of each other), an expansive STATE NICKNAME: The Golden State central valley, tall mountains, arid deserts, and hundreds of miles of LARGEST CITIES: Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose coastline. Most major cities are at or near the Pacific coastline, STATE SALES TAX: 7.5% notably Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Santa Ana/Orange County, Riverside/Moreno Valley, San Bernardino and San Diego. However, the capital, Sacramento, is in the Central Valley, and there are other significant cities on the interior.

8 ] Monterey County Information Guide ABOUT STOCKTON/MODESTO

OVERVIEW

tockton is the seat of San Joaquin County in central California. Stockton is the 13th largest city in California with a population nearing 300,000. Stockton is the fourth Slargest inland city in California, behind Fresno, Sacramento, and Bakersfield. It was founded in 1849 by Captain Charles Maria Weber, who built the first permanent residence in the San Joaquin Valley after acquiring 49,000 acres through a Spanish land grant. Soon, he established this spot as a stop for 49ers on their way to the Sierra Nevada gold rush. Stockton is about 60 miles east of the San Francisco Bay Area and 45 miles south of Sacramento, the capital of California. Stockton is surrounded by the rich and fertile lands of the California Central Valley and is home to the largest inland seaport in California. In and around Stockton are thousands of waterways, canals, and rivers that comprise the California Delta. Rich peat soil and a temperate climate have combined to make the area around Stockton one of the richest agricultural and dairy regions in California. Throughout the 150 years of Stockton's history almost every major fruit, nut and field crop has been grown, some with greater success than others. Current major crops include asparagus, cherries, tomatoes, walnuts and almonds plus many other smaller-production orchard, row and feed crops. The annual Asparagus festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors. Grapes amount to forty percent of the fruit and nut harvest and contribute 18% to the county's agricultural earnings. The famous California Napa Valley is a short drive north from Stockton.

odesto is the 15th largest city in California. It’s population exceeds 200,000 Mpeople and its the seat of Stanislaus County. Modesto, originally a stop on the railroad connecting Sacramento to Los Angeles, was founded in 1870 and was named by William Chapman Ralston, its founder and the financier of many projects in early California. Modesto's official slogan is “Water Wealth Contentment Health,” which is emblazoned on a large arch uptown that has been immortalized in many photographs. A contest was run in 1911 to determine the slogan. The original winning slogan was: “Nobody’s got Modesto’s goat”. The committee (perhaps wisely) decided the second place entry would be the final winner.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 9 NATIONAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION PHONE NUMBERS

National Health Organization Mental Health Simply dial plus the number below 1-800-*… National Alliance for the Mentally Illness (NAMI) 950-6264 Allergy National Down Syndrome Society 244-4444 Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AFFA) 727-8462 National Mental Health Association Resource Ctr 969-6642 Cancer Neurology American Cancer Society 227-2345 National Alzheimer’s Association 272-3900 American Institute for Cancer Research. 843-8114 Christopher Reeve’s Paralysis Foundation 225-0292 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America 955-4572 American Parkinson Disease Association 223-2732 National Cancer Institute (CIS) 422-6237 Epilepsy Foundation of America. 332-1000 Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) 754-6490 United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCPA) 872-5827 Children’s Health Huntington’s Disease Society of America 345-4372 American SIDS Foundation 232-7437 Brain Injury Association of America Family Hotline 444-6443 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) 344-4823 National Headache Foundation 843-2256 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 223-1138 National Multiple Sclerosis Society 344-4867 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance 221-7437 National Stroke Association 787-6537 National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc. 233-7393 Patient Care Spina Bifida Association of American 621-3141 Medic Alert Foundation U.S. 863-3425 or 432-5378 Infectious Diseases National Hospice Organization 658-8898 AIDS Hotline, CDC National, National STD Hotline 342-AIDS Shriner’s Hospital Referral Line 237-5055 (Spanish) 344-7432 Visiting Nurse Association of America 426-2547 (Hearing Impaired) 243-7889 Physical Disabilities Internal Medicine American Council of the Blind. 424-8666 American Diabetes Association 232-3472 American Speech/Language/Hearing Association 638-8255 American Heart Association 242-8721 or 968-1793 National Easter Seals Society 221-6827 American Kidney Association 638-8299 Woman’s Health American Lung Association 586-4872 Endometriosis Association. 992-3636 Arthritis Foundation 283-7800 Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. 221-2141 Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. 932-2423 *This is a Toll-Free Number! Lupus Foundation of America 558-0121 This is only a partial list of national health organizations. National Kidney Foundation 622-9010 Contact the National Health Information Center (NHIC) Spondylitis Association of American (SAA) 777-8189 at (800) 336-4797 for a more complete list.

NOTE: This general information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional as it relates to your specific situation.

10 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

City Area Code(s) Support Networks The area code for Stockton/Modesto is 209. Teen Link (Various Topics) (800) 235-9678 Crisis Pregnancy Center (800) 395-4357 Emergency Services All Emergencies 911 Directory Assistance 411 Crisis Pregnancy Center (800) 395-4357 Fire Department - Stockton (209) 937-8801 Shipping & Postal Services www.StocktonGov.com/Fire Airborne Express (800) 247-2676 Fire Department -Modesto (209) 572-9590 DHL Airways (800) 225-5345 Police Department -Modesto (209) 552-2470 Emery Worldwide (800) 443-6379 Poison Control (800) 764-7661 Federal Express (800) 463-3339 Runaway Hotline (800) 392-3352 UPS (800) 742-5877 Financial Services Utilities Automatic Teller Information Stockton ATM Locator (800) 248-4286 ATT/SBC Phone Service, www.sbc.com (800) 310-2355 MasterCrd ATM (800) 424-7787 California Water, www.CalWater.com (209) 547-7900 VISA Plus System (800) 843-7587 Comcast Cable Service, www.Comcast.com (800) 824-2000 Lost or Stolen Credit Cards Garbage Service - complaints (209) 937-8831 American Express (800) 233-5432 www.StocktonGov.com/PublicWorks AT&T Universal Card (800) 423-4343 Municipal Utilities, www.StocktonGov.com/mud (209) 937-8750 Diners Club (800) 234-6377 Public Works Department (209) 937-8411 Discover Card (800) 347-2683 Pacific Gas & Electric, www.PGE.com (800) 743-5000 JCB (800) 736-8111 Modesto MasterCard (800) 826-2181 Garbage / Recycling Information (209) 577-5494 VISA (800) 336-8472 Modesto Irrigation District (Elect.), www.mid.org (209) 526-7373 Lost or Stolen Travelers Checks Pacific Bell, www.PacBell.com (800) 205-6268 American Express (800) 221-7282 Water-Sewer-Garbage Billing (209) 577-5395 Thomas Cook MasterCard (800) 223-7373 Visitors Information Travelers Check Customer Service (800) 645-6556 Chamber of Commerce (209) 547-2770 VISA (800) 227-6811 www.StocktonChamber.com Government Numbers Voter Registration Stockton City Hall, www.StocktonGov.com (209) 937-8244 It is important to note that if you are registering to vote for the first 425 N- El Dorado Street time, changing your name or political party, or have moved to a new Stockton, CA 95202 county, you must also complete a Voter Registration form to update Stockton Parks and Recreation (209) 937-8206 www.StocktonGov.com/Parks the SOS Elections Division database. Give your completed Voter Registration form to a technician, and DMV will mail it to the SOS Modesto City Hall, www.ci.modesto.ca.us (209) 577-5200 1010 10th Street Elections Division office for updating. Modesto, CA 95354 When applying for or renewing your driver license or identification Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods (209) 577-5344 card at any DMV office, you have the opportunity of registering to vote. Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040 When you have your new address, complete a DMV change of Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 address form, and the Secretary of State (SOS) Elections Division Library will be notified of your address change. You can download the DMV Stockton LIbrary (209) 937-8221, 866-805-READ Change of Address form DMV 14, or you may request a change of http://www.Stockton.lib.ca.us/ address form by calling your local DMV office at 1 (800) 777-0133. The Stockton library system has 5 branches within city limits, and Even if you are not conducting business with DMV, you may pick another 8 spread throughout the county. The library has frequent up Voter Registration forms at any DMV office. Compete the form programs for youth, which can be checked out on their calendar and mail it to the SOS Elections Division preprinted address on the online. form.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 11 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airports Air Canada, aircanada.ca (800) 247-2262 Stockton Airport (209) 468-4700 Air China, china-airlines.com (800) 986-1985 5000 S. Airport Way Air France, airfrance.com (800) 237-2747 Stockton, CA 95206 Air India, airindia.com www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/airport Air Jamaica, airjamaica.com (800) 523-5585 Modesto Airport (209) 577-5319 Air New Zealand, airnewzealand.com (800) 262-1234 617 Airport Way Alitalia, alitaliausa.com (800) 223-5730 Modesto, CA 95354 www.ModAirport.com Asiana, us.flyasiana.com (800) 227-9262 British Airways, british-airways.com (800) 247-9297 Modesto City-County Airport is a small airport south of Modesto. Air service is provided to San Francisco International Airport and Cathay Pacific Airways, cathaypacific.com (800) 233-2742 Los Angeles International Airport by Skywest Airlines, under an China Airlines, china-airlines.com (800) 227-5118 agreement with United Airlines. China Eastern Airlines, chinaeastern.co.uk (800) 200-5118 Egypt Air, egyptair.com.eg (800) 334-6787 Sacramento International Airport (916) 929-5411 6900 Airport Boulevard El Al, elal.co.il (800) 223-6700 Sacramento, CA 95837 Eurofly, eurofly.it (800) 477-6492 www.SacAirports.org Eva Airways, evaair.com (800) 695-1188 The Stockton Airport is a small municipal airport with a very Iberia, iberia.com (800) 772-4642 limited number of passenger flights. Allegiant Air offers non-stop Japan Airlines, jal.co.jp/en (800) 525-3663 service from Stockton to Las Vegas three times per week. KLM Airlines, klm.com (800) 374-7747 Aeromexico Airlines will begin service from Stockton Metropolitan Korean Air, koreanair.com (800) 438-5000 Airport to Guadalajara and Morelia Mexico in late 2006. Sacramento LACSA, centralamerica.com/cr/lacsa/lacsa.htm (800) 225-2272 International is the closest major international airport. LOT Polish, lot.com (800) 223-0593 Los Angeles International Airport (310) 646-5252 Lufthansa, lufthansa.com (800) 645-3880 1 World Way Mexicana, mexicana.com (800) 531-7821 Los Angeles, CA 90045 Philippine Airlines, philippineairlines.com (800) 435-9725 www.lawa.org/lax Quantas, qantas.com (800) 227-4500 Domestic Airlines Singapore Airlines, singaporeair.com (800) 742-3333 AirTran Airlines, airtran.com (800) 247-8726 Skyservice USA, skyserviceairlines.com (877) 485-6060 Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, alaskaair.com (800) 252-7522 Swissair, swiss.com (800) 221-4750 American Airlines, aa.com (800) 433-7300 TACA, taca.com (800) 535-8780 Atlantic Southeast, flyasa.com (800) 282-3424 USA 3000 Y Airlines, usa3000.com (800) 872-3000 Comair, comair.com (800) 221-1212 Cruises/Resorts Continental Airlines, continental.com (800) 525-0280 Disney World Reservations (800) 227-1500 Delta Airlines, delta.com (800) 221-1212 Holland America Cruises (800) 426-0327 Frontier Airlines, frontierairlines.com (800) 432-1359 Princess Cruises (800) 774-6237 Hawaiian Airlines, hawaiianair.com (800) 367-5320 Royal Caribbean Intl. (800) 327-6700 JetBlue Airlines, JetBlue.com (800) 538-2583 Midwest Airlines, midwestairlines.com (800) 452-2022 Highways/Freeways Northwest Airlines, nwa.com (800) 225-2525 Due to its location at the ‘crossroads’ of the Central Valley and a Skywest Airlines, skywest.com (800) 453-9417 relatively extensive highway system, Stockton is easily accessible Southwest Airlines, southwest.com (800) 435-9792 from virtually anywhere in California. Interstate 5 and State Route Spirit Airlines, spiritair.com (800) 772-7117 99, California's major north-south thoroughfares, pass through city SunCountry Airlines, suncountry.com (800) 359-6786 limits. Also, Stockton is just minutes away from Interstates 205 and United Airlines, ual.com (800) 864-8331 580. The I-5 connects Stockton to Sacramento and down to LA. US Airways, usairways.com (800) 428-4322 CA-99 connects to Modesto and Sacramento. To get to the Bay Virgin Atlantic, www.virgin-atlantic.com (800) 862-8621 Area, head south on 5 and then west on 205. International Airlines Travel Times - Stockton Aer Lingus, aerlingus.ie (866) 886 8844 Bay Area:1 hr 15 min Modesto: 45 min Aeroflot, aeroflot.aero/eng (650) 615-9278 Sacramento: 45 min Loa Angeles: 5 hrs 30 min AeroMexico, AeroMexico.com (800) 237-6639 California State Route 99 connects Modesto to Stockton and Aerolineas Argentina, aerolineas.com.ar (800) 333-0276 Fresno. California State Route 108 is seasonal highway that opens

12 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide TRAVEL INFORMATION usually in May or June and closes with the first major snow. 108 is Modesto is served by one of the busiest rail corridors in the the main route into Stanislaus National Forest and Inyo National country. The Amtrak San Joaquin makes six daily stops on the route Forest. between Oakland and Bakersfield, and two stops daily on the route Drive Times - Modesto between Sacramento and Bakersfield. Stockton: 45 min Fresno: 2 hrs The large industrial region south and east of the city is served by San Francisco: 1 hr 45 min Los Angeles: 5 hr 45 min the Modesto and Empire Traction Railroad, a 5 mile long shortline with a web of industry tracks and customers. Hotels/Motels Greyhound Bus, www.greyhound.com (800) 843-2121 Best Western (800) 528-1234 121 S CTR ST Budgetel Inns (800) 428-3438 Stockton, CA 95202 Clarion Hotels (800) 424-6423 (209) 466-3568 Comfort Inns (800) 424-6423 The bus station is located in the heart of Downtown at Center Courtyard by Marriott (800) 321-2211 Street and the Crosstown Freeway Days Inn (800) 329-7466 Doubletree Hotels (800) 222-8733 Public Transportation Econo Lodges (800) 446-4777 MAX (Modesto Area Express) (209) 521-1274 Embassy Suites (800) 362-2779 www.ModestoAreaExpress.com Fairmont Hotels (800) 527-4727 The MAX (Modesto Area Express) buses are part of the city’s Four Seasons (800) 332-3442 public transportation system. Fare for an adult rider is $1.00, and Hilton Hotels (800) 445-8667 monthly passes are available for $39.00. Discounts are available for Holiday Inns (800) 465-4329 certain demographics. Howard Johnson Motor Lodges (800) 654-2000 MAX buses connect to the ACE (Altamont Commuter Express) Hyatt Hotels (800) 233-1234 train station in Lathrop, the BART (Bay Area Transit) station in La Quinta Motor Inn (800) 531-5900 Pleasanton/Dublin, and the Amtrak station in Modesto, so they can Loews Hotels (800) 223-6397 be a starting point to see the region. They also provide a paratransit Marriott Hotels (800) 228-9290 “dial-a-ride” service which specifically caters to seniors and the Meridien Hotels (800) 543-4390 disabled. Omni International (800) 843-6664 San Joaquin RTD (800) 469-8674 Quality Inns (800) 228-5151 1533 East Lindsay Street Radisson Hotels International (800) 333-3333 Stockton, CA 95205-4498 Ramada Inns (800) 228-2828 www.SanJoaquinRTD.org Red Roof Inns (800) 843-7663 The San Joaquin Regional Transit District, the Regional Transit Ritz Carlton Hotels (800) 241-3333 Provider for San Joaquin County, provides public transit services in Sheraton Hotels (800) 325-3535 the Stockton Metropolitan Area, as well as Intercity, Interregional, Stouffer Hotels (800) 468-3571 and Rural Transit Services countywide. Super 8 Motels (800) 800-8000 Rental Cars TraveLodge Motels (800) 578-7878 Westin Hotels (800) 228-3000 Advantage, www.advantage.arac.com (800) 777-5500 Alamo, alamo.com (800) 468-5266 Inter-City Transportation Avis, www.avis.com (800) 331-1212 Amtrak, www.amtrak.com 1-800-USA-RAIL, (800) 872-7245 Budget, www.budget.com (800) 527-0700 Cabral Station Dollar, www.dollar.com (800) 800-4000 949 East Channel St. Enterprise, www.enterprise.com (800) 736-8222 Robert J. Cabral Station Fox/Payless, foxrentacar.com (800) 225-4369 Stockton, CA 95202 Hertz, www.hertz.com (800) 654-3131 San Joaquin Street Station National, www.nationalcar.com (800) 227-7368 735 S. San Joaquin St Thrifty, www.thrifty.com (800) 367-2277 Stockton, CA 95203 Amtrak California San Joaquin trains stop at Stockton eight times daily (four round trips) on their journeys between the Bay Area and Bakersfield. Amtrak Motor Coach service connects the Bay Area - Bakersfield San Joaquin trains to Sacramento and the Sacramento Valley.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 13 DRIVER’S LICENSE

How to Apply For a Driver’s License: To take your driving test, you will need to: If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a • Call a DMV office to set up an appointment. (Driving tests are not California drive’rs license within 10 days. Residency is established given without an appointment. Call 1-800-777-0133 between the by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, to make a driving homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or test appointment.) benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents. • Provide proof of financial responsibility To apply for an original driver’s license if you are over 18, you will • California Insurance Requirements must be met. need to do the following: You have three chances to pass the driving test. If you fail, you • Visit a DMV office may practice for a while, then make another appointment. There is • Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be no waiting period, but you must make an appointment. If you fail to submitted. Copies will not be accepted.) successfully complete the driving test on the first attempt, you must • Give a thumb print pay a $5 fee for each additional driving test that is administered • Have your picture taken under an application for an original or renewal driver license. • Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim Social Security Administration while you are in the office. license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double-check your address before you leave DMV and tell • Verify your birth date and legal presence the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is • Provide your true full name incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call • Pay the application fee (800)777-0133 and they can check on the status for you. Have your • Pass a vision exam interim license with you to provide information when requested. • Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the If your name is different on your birth date and/or legal presence test. You have three chances to pass. document than the one you are currently using, you will also need You will then be issued a permit if you have never been licensed to provide an additional acceptable document to establish your true before. When you practice, you must have an accompanying adult full name, such as; a marriage certificate, dissolution of marriage, who is 18 years of age or older, with a valid California license. This adoption or name change document that shows your current name. person must be close enough to you to take control of the vehicle if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Motor Vehicle Department (831) 649-2935 • A Bill of Sale, Vehicle/ Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form 1180 Canyon Del Rey Blvd (REG 262), if you purchased the vehicle from someone other than Seaside, CA 93955 the registered owner shown on the title. Registering Your Vehicle • Odometer disclosure statement on the REG 262, signed by the The following is required to register a nonresident vehicle: seller and buyer, if the vehicle is less than ten model years old. • An Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) signed by all • A vehicle verification. The vehicle must be inspected by an registered owners, showing the name and address of the authorized DMV employee, law enforcement officer, or a licensed lienholder (legal owner), if any. vehicle verifier employed by a registration service or dealership. • Last issued out-of-state title, unless held by the lienholder/legal These inspections require no additional fee and are most easily owner. obtained by bringing the vehicle to the nearest DMV. • Last issued registration certificate, if the applicant is the same as • Smog Certification, if applicable. the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title and the • Surrender the valid out-of-state license plates if they do not have vehicle entered California with valid out-of-state registration, or if to be returned to the home state. the title has been lost. • Pay appropriate fees and any use tax due.

14 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide THINGS SEE AND DO

Art Galleries For Kids LH Horton Jr. Gallery (209) 954-5507 Gary and Janice Podesto IMPACT Teen Center (209) 937-7170 San Joaquin Delta College 725 N. El Dorado 5151 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95202 Stockton, CA 95207 www.StocktonGov.com www.FineArts.DeltaCollege.edu The center features four bowling lanes, a half-court basketball The Gallery offers excellent exhibition opportunities to both area, stage, meeting rooms, game rooms, classrooms, a computer professional artists as well as annual exhibitions by the school’s art lab, snack bar, climbing wall and more. students. Micke Grove Regional Park and Zoo (209) 953-8800 Reynolds Gallery 209.946.7445 11793 N. Micke Grove Road University of the Pacific Lodi, CA 95240 1071 Mendocino Avenue www.MGZoo.com Stockton, CA 95211 This 258-acre oak tree park features a zoo, Japanese garden, www.Pacific.edu/ReynoldsGallery amusement park, koi ponds, the San Joaquin Historical Museum, The Reynolds Gallery is in the Jeannette Powell Art Center at the softball fields and children’s playgrounds. University of the Pacific. The gallery hosts exhibitions, lectures, and Oak Grove Nature Center (209) 953-8814 classes. 4520 West Eight Mile Rd Stockton Art League/Goodwin Gallery (209) 466-6604 Stockton, CA 95(209) 8701 1902 Pacific Avenue www.SJGov.org/OakGrove Stockton, CA 95204 During the warm months, the nature center has many education www.StocktonArtLeague.org activities for visitors. In the fall and winter the activities are more The Stockton Art League is an enthusiastic group of people who limited, but the trails stay open year round. are interested in and enjoy the world of art. Some of this artwork is Pixie Woods Amusement Park (209) 937-8206 presented in the Goodwin Gallery. Louis Park Tidewater Art Center & Gallery (209) 463-4033 Corner of Occidental and Shimizu 223 E. Weber Avenue Stockton, CA Stockton, CA 95202 www.StocktonGov.com www.TidewaterArtGallery.com Take a ride on the merry-go-round, or board the Pixie Express The Tidewater Art Center & Gallery showcases the talents of 20+ Train traveling through Indian territory in this city amusement park. artists, including sculptors, painters, photographers, and jewelry designers. Golf Courses - Private Stockton is also home to many beautiful private and public golf Flea Markets courses, including the following: Stockton Open Air Mall & Flea Market (209) 465-1544 Brookside Country Club (209) 956-6200 3550 N. Wilson Way 3603 Saint Andrews Dr Stockton, CA 95205 Stockton, CA 95219 6:00 am to 5:00 pm., Saturday and Sunday www.BrooksideGolf.net Delta College Flea Market (209) 954-5100 18 hole, 6720 yds, Par 72 San Joaquin Delta College, Budd Lot 4 5151 Pacific Avenue Elkhorn Country Club (209) 477-0252 Stockton, CA 95207 1050 Elkhorn Dr 6:00 am to 3:00 pm., Saturday and Sunday Stockton, CA 95209 www.ElkhornCC.com Stockton Thursday Flea Market (209) 948-5308 18 hole, 6559 yds, Par 71 San Joaquin County Fair Grounds Charter and Airport Ways Stockton Golf & Country Club (209) 466-6221 Stockton, CA 95206 3800 W Country Club Blvd 6:00 am to 3:00 pm., Thursday Stockton, CA 95204 www.StocktonGolfCC.com 18 hole, 6470 yds, Par 71

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Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 15 THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Golf Courses - Public Stevinson Ranch Golf Club (209) 668-8200 Creekside Golf Course (209) 571-5123 2700 Van Clief 701 Lincoln Ave Stevenson, CA Modesto, CA www.StevinsonRanch.com www.GolfModesto.com Ranked behind only the two Pebble Beach courses by the Diablo Grande readers of Golf Digest for best California course. 10001 Oak Flat Rd. Swenson Golf Course (209) 937-7360 Patterson, CA 6803 Alexandria Pl (209) 892-4653 Stockton, CA 95207 www.DiabloGrande.com www.StocktonGov.com/Golf A golf resort featuring 36 holes and a 40 acre winery. 18 hole, 6407 yds, Par 72 Dryden Golf Course (209) 577-5359 Van Buskirk Park Golf Course (209) 937-7357 920 South Sunset Ave. 1740 Houston Ave Modesto, CA Stockton, CA 95206 www.GolfModesto.com www.stocktongov.com/Golf French Camp Golf (209) 234-3030 18 hole, 6928 yds, Par 72 3919 French Camp Rd. Live Performances Manteca, CA Ballet San Joaquin (209) 477-4141 www.FrenchCamp.com 7632 Larkspur Lane An 18 hole, par 60 course plus an RV park. Stockton, CA 95207 Jack Tone Golf (209) 599-2973 www.Popa.biz 1500 Ruess Rd. This professional has performances throughout the year, but the Ripon, CA highlight for many is the Nutcracker ballet in time for the holidays. www.JackToneGolf.com Bob Hope Theatre (209) 337-4673 18 holes, par 62 course. 242 E. Main Street Lyons Golf Course (209) 937-7905 Stockton CA 95202 Rough & Ready Island www.BobHopeTheatre.com Stockton, CA 95203 The theatre presents live theatre, musicals, concerts, and www.StocktonGov.com/Golf comedy. 9 hole, 2016 yds, Par 32 Modesto Municipal Golf Course (209) 577-5360 Central West Ballet (209) 576 0808 400 Tuolumne Blvd. 3125 McHenry Ave Ste D Modesto, CA Modesto, CA 95350 www.GolfModesto.com www.CentralWestBallet.com Reserve at Spanos Park (209) 477-4653 The ballet presents three productions each season. The 6301 W Eight Mile Rd Nutcracker is the largest of Central West’s productions with over Stockton, CA 95219 130 cast members. www.AmericanGolf.com Dance for Power (209) 937-0343 18 hole, 7000 yds, Par 72 (Semi-Private) 304 E. Main Street, Suite 714 Park Golf Courses (209) 937-7360 Stockton, CA 95202 Swenson Executive Course www.DanceforPower.org 6803 Alexandria Pl, Stockton, CA 95207 MAP Dance for Power is a not-for-profit organization that presents 9 hole, 2760 yds, Par 27 music, theater, and dance performances from throughout the world. River Oaks Golf (209) 537-4653 3441 Golf Links Rd. Delta Center For The Arts (209) 954-5209 Ceres, CA Locke 109 5151 Pacific Avenue An 18 hole, par 58 course. Stockton, CA 95207 St. Stanislaus Golf (209) 538-2828 FineArts.DeltaCollege.edu/dept/dca 5000 Crows Landing Road. The Drama Department of Delta college provides rigorous Ceres, CA www.StStanGolf.com training for it’s students and entertaining performances for it’s audience. 9 holes plus a chipping and putting green and a driving range.

16 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide THINGS SEE AND DO

Gallo Center for the Arts (209) 549-0601 Haggin Museum (209) 940-6300 1030 11th Street 1201 N. Pershing Avenue Modesto, CA 95354 Stockton, CA 95203 www.GalloCenter.org www.HagginMuseum.org An 84,000 square foot center that has a 1,200 and 400 seat The Haggin Museum is an art and history museum with a theaters. The center features regional, national, and global artists collection featuring works many paintings by 19th century greats. and. The Center is the performance home of the Modesto The first Saturday of each month is free admission. Symphony, The Townsend Opera Players, and the Central West McHenry Mansion (209) 577-5344 Ballet. 906 15th Street Mancini Bowl Modesto, CA 401 Needham Avenue in Graceada Park www.McHenryMuseum.org Modesto, CA Built in 1883 by Robert McHenry, the home has been The Mancini Bowl is a 1,300 seat outdoor theatre that hosts local meticulously restored to original condition, complete with authentic concerts and performances. period furnishings. State Theatre (209) 527-4697 McHenry Museum (209) 577-5366 1307 J Street 1402 I St. Modesto, CA Modesto, CA www.TheState.org www.McHenryMusem.org A historic theatre which opened on December 25, 1934; now a Located a block away from the McHenry Mansion, the McHenry recognized Landmark Preservation Site by the City of Modesto. It Museum hosts a collection exhibiting Stanislaus County’s history hosts a variety of live concerts and productions, as well as cutting and culture. edge independent films. San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum Stockton Civic Theatre (209) 473-2400 11793 N. Micke Grove Road 2312 Rose Marie Lane Lodi, CA 95240 Stockton, CA 95207 209.953.3460 www.SCTLiveTheatre.org www.SanJoaquinHistory.org Stockton Civic Theatre is a regional showplace for works of The museum has over 40,000 square feet of exhibit and work performance art that’s been entertaining Stocktonians since 1951. space with 50,000+ artifacts and exhibits that focus on San Joaquin County agriculture and history. Museums Castle Air Museum (209) 723-2178 Music Santa Fe Drive west of Buhach Road Conservatory of Music, University of the Pacific (209) 946-2415 Atwater, CA 3601 Pacific Avenue www.elite.net/castle-air Stockton CA 95211 www.Pacific.edu Currently more than 45 aircraft are on display at this former Air Force base that closed it’s doors in 1994 and was converted into a The Conservatory of Music has been training musicians for more military air museum. than 125 years. The calendar of performances is available on their website. Children’s Museum of Stockton (209) 465-4386 402 W. Weber Avenue Fat Cat Music House (209) 524-1400 Location, Stockton CA 95203 930 11th St www.stocktongov.com/childrensmuseum Modesto, CA www.FatCatModesto.com An educational museum with hands-on, play-based exhibits that will help kids understand just how the world works. A 30’s era music house featuring live music, comedy, and disco bands. Great Valley Museum of Natural History (209) 575-6196 1100 Stoddard Ave. Modesto Symphony Modesto, CA 911 Thirteenth Street mjc.Yosemite.cc.ca.us/GreatValley Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 523-4156 Learn about the animals and plants that live in California's unique www.ModestoSymphony.com Central Valley. For more than seventy years the symphony has been entertaining locals and visitors with their performances.

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18 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide A casino that defies Endless energy. convention. Yours.

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Stockton Chorale (209) 951-6494 Stockton Ports - Baseball (209) 644-1900 P.O. Box 7711 Banner Island Ballpark Stockton, CA 95267 404 West Fremont Street www.StocktonChorale.org Stockton, CA 95203 The Stockton Chorale brings a wide variety of music to the city, www.StocktonPorts.com from full orchestra master words to professional and regional The blue and red Stockton Ports are the high-A affiliate of the soloists. nearby Oakland Athletics. The team plays its home games at Stockton Opera (209) 464-9725 Banner Island Ballpark, a new 5,000 seat facility built for the team 3601 Pacific Avenue in downtown Stockton. Stockton, CA 95211 Stockton Thunder - Hockey (209) 373-1500 www.StocktonOpera.org Stockton Arena The Stockton opera performs in Faye Spanos Concert Hall at the 248 West Fremont Street University of the Pacific Stockton, CA 95203 www.StocktonThunder.com Stockton Symphony Association (209) 951-0196 46 W. Fremont Street The Stockton Thunder play in the AA level ECHL hockey league. Stockton, CA 95202 The team set the ECHL attendance record in the 2005-2006 www.StocktonSymphony.org season. Founded in 1926, the Stockton Symphony is one of the pre- Stockton Lightning - Football (209) 373-1500 eminent performing arts organizations in San Joaquin County, and Stockton Arena the third oldest orchestra in California. 248 West Fremont Street Stockton, CA 95203 Townsend Opera Players (209) 572-2867 www.StocktonLightning.com 605 H St Modesto, CA 95354 The Stockton Lightning play in the Arena Football League’s af2 www.TownsendOperaPlayers.com and wear black and red. They compete in the Stockton Arena in The Townsend Opera Players present four productions a year downtown Stockton. that can be enjoyed by opera newcomers and veterans alike. Shopping Professional Sports College Square (650) 424-8383 North-East Corner of Pershing Avenue and March Lane While Stockton and Modesto doesn’t have major league sports Stockton, CA 95207 team, Their home to plenty of minor league clubs. www.ShopCollegeSquare.com California Cougars - Soccer (209) 373-1550 College Square mall has more than 30 stores, including Mervyn’s, Stockton Arena Office Depot, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Grocery Outlet, Outback 248 West Fremont Street Stockton, CA 95203 Steakhouse and more. www.CaliforniaCougars.com Downtown Modesto The Cougars play in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and Downtown Modesto has pedestrian friendly, tree-lined streets draw fans from across northern California. A new 10,000 seat offering a variety of options. Specialty shops, fine dining, coffee arena, the Stockton Arena, has recently been completed in shops, parks and more are found downtown. 10th Street is downtown Stockton, which houses the California Cougars, pedestrian-only, and hosts a variety of entertainment options. Stockton Thunder and Stockton Lightning. J Street Antique Shops Modesto Nuts (209) 572-HITS J Street in Downtown Modesto 601 Neece Dr This strip of road is lined with more than 20 antique shops. From Modesto, CA furniture to porcelain and home décor items, many treasures are www.ModestoNuts.com waiting to be found. The Modesto Nuts are a high-A class minor league baseball team Lincoln Center (209) 477-4868 for the Colorado Rockies. Benjamin Holt Drive and Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95207 www.LincolnCenterShops.com Lincoln Center is home to more than 100 different merchants. There are retail shops, profession services, grocery stores, restaurants, and more in the complex.

20 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide THINGS SEE AND DO

McHenry Village (209) 523-6473 Zoos 1700 McHenry Avenue Applegate Park Zoo (209) 385-6840 Modesto, CA 1025 W. 25th St. One of the oldest outdoor shopping malls on the west coast, Merced, CA McHenry Village has a variety of shops and dining options. www.CityOfMerced.org Miracle Mile This zoo is home to more than 75 animals native to California Pacific Avenue between Castle Street and Harding Way who have been rescued and are no longer able to survive in the Stockton, CA 95204 wild. www.StocktonMiracleMile.com Micke Grove Regional Park and Zoo (209) 953-8800 The Miracle Mile is known for being a pedestrian-friendly 11793 N. Micke Grove Road shopping district, with a wide variety of specialty shops and Lodi, CA 95240 services. The area also has plenty of dining options. www.MGZoo.com Park West Place This 258-acre oak tree park features a zoo, Japanese garden, I-5 and Eight Mile Road to Trinity Parkway amusement park, koi ponds, the San Joaquin Historical Museum, Stockton, CA 95219 softball fields and children’s playgrounds. Located just off Interstate 5 Park West Place has Target, Kohl’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond and many other national retailers Other Plaza Parkway American Graffiti Cruising Loop 2225 Plaza Parkway 9th & 10th streets (between G & K streets) Modesto, CA Downtown Modesto, CA Parkway plaza has practical department stores like Wal-Mart and The popular film American Graffiti was based on producer Kohl’s. George Lucas’ boyhood experiences in Modesto. The popular cruising loop of the 50’s and 60’s was 9th and 10th streets Sherwood Mall (209) 952-6277 Pacific Avenue and Robinhood Drive downtown. Stockton, CA 95207 www.SherwoodMall.com Remodeled in 2005, the Sherwood Mall is host to Macy’s, Gottschalk’s, Best Buy, Shoe Pavilion, PETCO, and a multitude of other mall shops and restaurants. Vintage Commons Nearby to Vintage Faire, Vintage Commons has stores like Target, Best Buy, and Borders, so it’s a great place for practical shopping. Vintage Faire Mall (209) 527-3401 3401 Dale Road Modesto, CA www.ShopVintageFaireMall.com A 2-level shopping center with more than 125 stores and five major department stores. There’s also plenty of restaurants for when you need to refuel between stores. Weberstown Mall (209) 477-0245 Pacific Avenue and March Lane Stockton, CA 95207 www.WeberstownMall.com Weberstown Mall features four anchor stores and more than 75 traditional mall retailers and restaurants.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 21 MEDIA

Newspapers AM Radio The Record (209) 948-1702 KSTE 650 News/Talk www.Recordnet.com KCBC 770 Religious The Record (formerly the Stockton Record) is the main local KTRB 860 News/Talk newspaper serving Stockton and all San Joaquin County. KVIN 920 Nostalgia Modesto Bee (209) 578-2000 KESP 970 ESPN 325 H Street KATD 990 Spanish Modesto, CA 95352 KHTK 1140 Sports www.ModBee.com KEBR 1210 Religious KWG 1230 Religious Television KUYL 1280 Talk 3 KCRA NBC KFIV 1360 News/Talk 6 KVIE PBS KSTN 1420 Rhythmic Oldies 10 KXTV ABC KABN 1480 Other 13 KOVR CBS KCVR 1570 Spanish 18 KUVS-DT UNI KTIQ 1660 Sports 19 KUVS UNI 25 KOVR-DT CBS FM Radio 27 KEXT-CA Telefutura KEDR 88.1 Religious 46 KQCA-DT MyTV KLVN 88.3 Christian Contemporary 47 KMMW- LP KXJZ 88.9 CSU - Sacramento 49 K49EO TBN KBES 89.5 Ethnic 52 KDTS-CA Daystar KYCC 90.1 Religious 58 KQCA MyTV KADV 90.5 Religious 61 KACA-LP Daystar KYKL 90.7 Christian Contemporary 62 KTFK-DT Telefutura KRVH 90.9 Grade School (K-12) 64 KTFK Telefutura KUOP 91.3 University of the Pacific Public KCSS 91.9 CSU - Stanislaus College KBRE 92.5 Rock KOSO 93.1 Adult Contemporary KBBU 93.9 Spanish KHOP 95.1 Top-40 KSKD 95.9 Spanish KMRQ 96.7 Rock KTSE 97.1 Spanish KWIN 97.7 Top-40 KWNN 98.3 Top-40 KLOQ 98.7 Spanish KJOY 99.3 Lite Rock KQOD 100.1 Rhythmic Oldies KEFC 100.5 Christian Contemporary KMIX 100.9 Spanish KKIQ 101.7 Adult Contemporary KJSN 102.3 Adult Contemporary KATM 103.3 Country KWLK 103.7 Religious KHKK 104.1 Classic Rock KRVR 105.5 Smooth Jazz KQRP 106.1 Variety KHPO 106.3 Classic Hits KSTN 107.3 Spanish

22 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 23 MOVING

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Choosing a Moving Company Have at least three movers come to your home and give estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non-binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. Obtain each company’s assigned Motor Carrier number and call the USDOT at (202) 358-7000 to determine if they are registered and have the proper insurance on file. Ask your prospective moving company for a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. Relocation to Your New City If you’re one of the 40 million Americans planning to move this year, you need a strategy. Starting early and staying organized is the key to a painless move. In general, follow the pre- move checklists provided. These lists will help you track the myriad details needed to facilitate your move. If you are selling your present home and/or buying a new one, refer to the home inspection checklist and the mortgage glossary. If you are planning to rent in your new city, read the article on rental tips. And, if you are undecided, we hope the article entitled “Buying vs. Renting” will help you assess the pros and cons of each. Whatever decisions you face based on your particular circumstances, stay positive, calm and organized. And, don’t forget to make some time just for yourself. It will probably save you a lot of time in the long run! Packing Tips • Sort your belongings. If you don’t use an item, dispose of it. • Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they should be placed. • Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose of all volatile or corrosive chemicals. • After cleaning out the refrigerator and/or freezer, place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew. • Pack important records in easily accessible place. Include medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records. • Use strong, clean containers with lids secured with twine or tape. • Put no more than 50 pounds in each container. • Place heavy items towards the bottom of the containers; lighter items on top. • Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them in paper. • Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to protect belongings in boxes. Remember that newspaper ink can rub off and stain items packed with it. • Pack items tightly to avoid shifting during move. • Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or in special boxes with compartments. • Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances.

24 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

• Make sure liquids and foodstuffs are placed in carefully sealed • Affix colored labels to the moving boxes according to destination. containers. Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent Put the same-color labels or signs on the door of the rooms damage. where these boxes go. This way, movers will be directed to the • Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued correct rooms if you’re not available to tell them where to put furniture joints could collapse. each box. • Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated or moved • Make a detailed floor plan for where you want things to go in your by you and not the movers. Easily crushed items should be new home. Photocopy it so you can tack up copies in every room individually boxed and cushioned. for the movers. • You should not remove home fixtures such as window treatment • Take snapshots of wall units and shelves, so you know how hardware, towel racks and electrical fixtures. Unless your sales things were arranged on them. agreement specifically states otherwise, such items are usually Settling Into Your New Home considered legally part of your residence.Let the moving • Start by making the beds. Bedding tends to be bulky and company pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage. eliminating lots of boxes quickly and easily will be encouraging. Stay Organized • Unpack and organize children’s belonging’s next. Young children Here are some basic tips to help make moving less traumatic: will quickly become restless without familiar things. Remember to • Pack an “Immediate Box” or an overnight suitcase with the position storage hooks and shelves that children will be using necessities you’ll be needing right away. Don’t forget to include within their reach. medicines and a first aid kit, toilet paper, tissue, and paper • Next, tackle the kitchen. This job will go much faster if each box towels. has been specifically labeled as to its contents. Simply labeling • Pack an “Immediate Kitchen” box including trash bags, the “Kitchen” doesn’t help you prioritize which box to unpack first. coffee pot or tea kettle, toaster, plastic silverware, paper plates, • Stay positive. Getting settled into your new home can seem styrofoam cups and some non-perishable snacks, such as overwhelming unless you look at it as a series of small projects. crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit. This way, there will be some instant sustenance while you get organized. • Congratulate yourself! You accomplished a lot today!

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 25 26 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide WHAT’S ALL THE TALK ABOUT. YOU PACK, THEY DRIVE MOVING?

Moving Decisions Save Time and Money Are you faced with an upcoming job relocation? With so many The “you pack, they drive” moving alternative saves you the options for moving your household items, it can be a difficult trouble of driving an unfamiliar vehicle as well as the stress and decision to determine which service best fits your moving needs. difficulty during a long-distance drive. Since the estimates provided Also, with a limited relocation budget from your employer to cover for this service are based on volume (space) and not weight, you will your moving costs, finding a service that complements your avoid unexpected higher moving costs and hidden fees associated pocketbook is important as well. While hiring a professional moving with other full-service moving companies. Unlike a rental truck, the company may be time-saving, the cost for full-service moving could normal moving expenses such as fuel, taxes, tolls, and unexpected be several thousand dollars. A recent trend in the moving industry costs such as flat tires and engine blowouts are covered by the is the do-it-yourself moving option. Most people associate do-it- service provider. yourself with the truck rental option; however, the “you pack, they Loading Service Options drive” moving alternative is becoming increasingly popular. The cost savings of using the “you pack, they drive” service New Moving Alternative largely result from packing and loading your trailer. Some customers With this type of service, you are expected to pack and load your may not have the physical ability or manpower to pack and load items in an adequately-sized commercial trailer. You are given up to their own trailer. This problem is relatively easy to solve—simply two business days to pack and load your goods. The cost of the check with one of the packing and loading companies suggested move is controlled by the customer because this service allows you by the “you pack, they drive” service provider. You can locate to pay for only the spaced used in the trailer. Once you have packing and loading assistance in both your origin and destination completed the packing and loading process, the trailer is picked up cities. By combining the “you pack, they drive” service with local by the local dispatch office. The trailer is then transported by a loading and unloading assistance, you can save money versus professional driver to your destination. You will receive an estimated using a full-service moving company. arrival time for delivery of your goods and will also have the ability to The Choice is Yours track your goods during the transit of your move. Upon arrival at During your search for the best moving option for your upcoming your new home, the trailer is delivered at the appointed time and job relocation, consider the “you pack, they drive” moving option you will unpack and unload your goods. The local dispatch office and know that you are in control of every aspect of your move. You will then come and remove the empty trailer. will not only save time and money, you will experience less stress and headache during an already stressful part of your life.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 27 PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Month Before Two Weeks Before

 Take Inventory. Decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  Notify Phone Company: Your new local phone company should be notified of your move no sooner than 30 business  Reserve a rental truck or select a moving company. Look for days prior to move, and no later than 5 business days before rental trucks and moving companies in local brochures, yellow moving. The service representative will run a quick credit check pages, or through your rental agent/ real estate broker. and assign you a new telephone number.  Make a moving file for important documents, such as family  Notify Utilities: The electric and gas service companies should medical and dental records, school records, legal documents be contacted at least two weeks before your move. The old and titles, banking and financial statements, stock and bond service will need your move out date and you should request certificates, tax returns, birth certificates and insurance the return of any deposits at this time. The new service will documents. Include all receipts – many expenses are tax need your move in date to determine when service will be deductible. turned on or transferred to your name. You can inquire if they  Make any car rental, airline or hotel arrangements. have a billing plan to balance out of season differences by paying a set amount each month. If moving into an apartment,  Gather moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and check with the property manager to see if service was left on paper for wrapping. before you call the utility companies. Write down the emergency numbers to call in event of a problem or outage.  Post Office: A week before you move, you should stop by your local post office to fill out a change of address cards.  Banks: (checking accounts, investments, etc.): Before you Correspondence cards are also available to send to various move to your new city, make sure all existing accounts in your companies such as credit card companies, magazine old bank are closed. Find a new bank to fill your personal publishers and any other organizations that should be needs and open accounts, order checks and obtain direct informed of your move. The mail will be forwarded to your new deposit forms if applicable. home for a full year. After a year, the mail will be returned to the sender with your new address stamped on it. You can get an  Find a new doctor and dentist and have your family’s medical official change form at the local post office or on the Internet at records transferred to them. www.usps.gov/movernet.  Refill any prescription medications which must be taken  Credit Card Companies: Immediately notify all your credit card regularly and arrange to have those prescriptions transferred to companies of your move. Keeping an individual file on each your new city. one makes this process much easier. We suggest using the  Arrange to register your children in their new school(s). Contact correspondence cards offered at the post office in addition to their current school(s) to have their records forwarded. requesting in writing that they send you a letter of confirmation. It is also recommended to make a follow up call.

 Purchase Insurance: If you are moving from out of state and are insured by a fairly large company, they will most likely have an office in the city you are moving to. If you need to find a new company, it is important to get homeowners insurance at least one month before the move. Those moving to an apartment need to contact the insurance company two weeks before the move. If you have large amounts of jewelry and/or furs coats it’s important to contact the agency as soon as possible since you will be needing additional coverage.

 Remember to request the return of any security deposits.

28 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Week Before Moving Day

 Confirm any travel plans or reservations.  Early on moving day, reserve a large place for the moving truck to park. Mark off an area with cones or chairs. If you need to  Finish packing and make sure all boxes are clearly labeled. obtain parking permission from your apartment complex  Subscribe to the local newspaper and visit the Chamber of manager or the city, do so in advance. Commerce in your new city for additional community  Before work starts, walk through the house with the movers information. and describe the loading order. Show them items you intend to  Change of Address Notification: You will need to notify the transport yourself. You should have these items grouped in an Postal Service that you are moving. It is now possible to do so area prior to the movers arriving. Remain on site to answer the without visiting the post office. Go to website listed above. For movers’ questions and to provide special instructions. the fee of $1.00 you may fill out the address change  Walk through your home and make sure that everything was information online and receive an email confirmation. Or you loaded. Make sure you have the keys to your new home. may choose to print the form and mail it to your local post office. US Postal Service, www.usps.com  Remember that professional movers expect to be paid in full before your goods are unloaded. Check for damage, as items  Notify IRS: You will also need to notify the IRS that you have are unloaded and report any problems right away. moved. This will ensure you receive your IRS refund and/or any other correspondence. To change your address with the IRS,  Unless the company’s policy prohibits the acceptance of complete a Form 8822 (PDF), Address Change Request. This gratuities, it is customary to tip each mover. $20 is a good is available on the IRS website. IRS, www.irs.gov amount; you may want to tip more or less based on the service you received. One Day Before  If you are moving yourself and getting help from friends, make  sure you create a task list. Be sure to have everything packed Pick up your rental truck or confirm your move with the moving before your help arrives. It is natural for people to work in pairs, company. but you should consider each person’s physical ability and  Make sure you and your movers have the directions to your health status. Plan to provide beverages and food for your new home. Plan your travel so that you will be there to greet volunteers. Load the truck according to the directions your them and unlock your home. Have a backup plan in case one truck rental agency gave you, and make sure that you of you gets delayed. understand how to operate and drive the rental truck before you leave the agency.  Obtain the driver’s cell phone number and give him/her yours so you can stay in touch in case one of you is delayed.

 Ask what form of payment the movers will accept (check, money order, certified check, travelers checks) and make necessary arrangements.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 29 30 ] Monterey County Information Guide MOVING WITH CHILDREN

REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

Get family members focused on and involved in the process of moving. Hold a family meeting to discuss why, where, when and how the family will move. Encourage everyone to ask questions and express feelings. If possible, drive the family to see the new home and take a tour of the new neighborhood schools, shops and parks. Take photos or videotape the new house and neighborhood. Make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two. For example, they can read and inform other family members about the area history, landmarks, special events and amusements. Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with packing. Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at their new home. Let each family member help plan how to set up his or her bedroom. Have them help select paint or wallpaper. Let them share ideas how to arrange the furniture. When the move takes place, set up the children’s rooms first. Choosing a School One of the most satisfying experiences a family can have is finding a school that fits its needs. That school will “feel right” because its administrators, teachers, and parents are part of a strong community that shares the family’s educational values. Children are eager to go there because the school program stimulates their curiosity and provides them with outlets for their interests. Parents will be pleased because their involvement in their children’s education will be welcomed and encouraged. In order to find the best school for your child, you should begin by observing your child’s learning habits. Even as preschoolers, children begin to develop different approaches to learning. These inclinations provide strong clues about what kind of school would serve them best. In her book Your Child’s First School, educational consultant Diana Townsend- Butterworth offers these suggestions of things to watch for in determining your child’s orientation to learning: • What does your child enjoy doing? • What excites your child and arouses his or her curiosity? • What seems to be frustrating? • Does your child thrive in a structured environment or seem to prefer one that offers more freedom? • Is your child quiet or rambunctious? • Does he or she prefer to work on projects alone or with other children? • Does he or she have any special interests or abilities?

Make a list of answers to these questions as well as taking note of any other characteristics you notice about your child. As you read more about individual schools, and when you visit the ones that interest you, you will be better able to choose a school that suits your child. For high school, parents often choose a new school for their children. This is frequently because their current school goes only through eight grade. As you look for a high school, consider your child’s learning style as well as his or her interests when deciding upon a school. Also keep in mind your own family goals, which may involve preparing for college, in making this important choice. continued on page 32

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 31 REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

What about family expectations? In order to provide a good K-12 Public Education match, a child’s school must also meet a family’s needs. Here again, Modesto City Schools is the school district responsible for public you may want to prepare a list of expectations and use it as a guide education in the city. There are more than 34,000 students in the in the search for the best school for your child: city’s schools. The district’s annual budget is greater than $205 • What goal do you have for your child’s long-term education? Is million to transport and educate these students. college preparation a priority? Modesto City Schools are highly diverse, with one of the highest • How important to you is parental involvement in school activities? percentages of students learning English as a second language in • Do you expect the school to have a role in developing a child’s the state. character by encouraging respect for adults and peers as well as Modesto City Schools (209) 576-4011 others in society, including the disadvantaged? 426 Locust Street Modesto, CA 95351-2699 • How important is it to you that you have a strong relationship and www.MoNet.ca.us share a philosophy with other parents at the school? Modesto also has many schools for continuing education past • How interested are you in providing a home setting that gives high school. Modesto Junior College can put students on the road your child time for homework? to getting their associate’s degrees, and there are a variety of • How important to you is a before-school and after-school vocation schools in the area as well. program? The Stockton Unified School District covers 55 square miles and Before beginning a search for a school, parents should reflect on serves more than 40,000 students. these questions, and their expectations for schools. Parents who Stockton Unified School District (209) 933-7000 choose schools wisely are pleased after their children enroll 701 N. Madison because the family and the school work in harmony with a common Stockton CA 95202 set of expectations for the youngsters. Admissions directors at www.stockton.k12.ca.us schools will gladly connect you with parents of current students so San Joaquin County Office of Education you can make an informed choice for your child. 2901 Arch-Airport Road Most schools believe parents should have a strong role in their Stockton, CA 95206 www.sjcoe.org children’s education. Being involved in a child’s education strengthens the whole family and sends a message to children that education is an important part of their lives. Schools know that the way in which parents choose to become active in their children’s schools varies greatly. They provide many different opportunities for parental involvement. Most schools have strong parent associations that organize social events, help coordinate volunteer activitied, and provide an organizes means of communication between parents and school. Each of these encounters strengthens the life of the schools and creates a community of committed adults supporting the goals of the schools and the students. This feeling of community, with adults and students working together for a common purpose, is one of the distinguishing strengths of a good schools.

32 ] Monterey County Information Guide SELECTING CHILD CARE

When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program Before/After School Programs to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to These programs give children additional time and opportunity to expanding demand, just finding an opening may be difficult. engage in hands-on enrichment activities in reading, science, math, Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most art, drama, and specific “safety” topics that include conflict importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of resolution and drug abuse. Most programs offer homework persistent phoning and visits. assistance and some offer tutoring. Most also provide supervised As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is physical activity and healthy snacks, or even dinner. School age safe and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational, programs are often provided through local schools, child care and nurturing. You will need to consider many questions. But you centers, churches, or youth-oriented community organizations. are not alone — an increasing number of parents rely on quality Quality features include opportunities for children to make individual child care so that they may work. About 70% of parents place their and group choices about activities, opportunity to improve young children in some type of daily care. Knowing in advance that academic skills, spaces for children to relax and rest, well this is not an overnight process makes it a bit less overwhelming. supervised spaces where they can be active, nutritious snacks, and parental involvement. Types of Child Care You might like the home-like feel of a family child care home, or Choosing Child Care maybe you want your child to have opportunity to socialize with In addition to the forms of child care, you want to take into peers in a larger child care center. You might be looking for after account the following factors: school care for your child, a summer camp experience or a program • Age and personality of your child. that can accommodate his or her special needs. It will help you in • Child care needs of all the children in your family. your search to learn more about each type of child care setting. • Location of your workplace, home and child care facility. In home • Hours you need child care. Some parents may prefer the one-on-one contact an in-home • What you can afford. care provider can offer, especially for an infant. The International Nanny Association (INA) recommends that you interview any When you begin your search, start with the telephone. Plan to prospective hire at least twice and that you conduct a criminal spend a few minutes with each call. Describe your needs and ask background check, which is usually done by most placement about the program, staff, location, other children in care, and what agencies. is included in the cost. Make an appointment and visit the center, school or home, and plan on spending at least an hour at each One key to good child care is whether the caregiver can adapt to place. Visit once to observe the children in care and at another time the needs of each child and family. Not all children of the same age outside of regular structured hours to spend time with provider or are at the same level of development; each child has unique director. character traits. A good caregiver understands these personal and developmental differences and creates a program to meet each In any group center, health, safety, and hygiene must be given child’s needs. priority in all settings. All children and staff members should have current immunizations; staff should have clear criminal background Center-Based Care checks. The facility must be child-proof and all staff members The most popular type because there are so many options for should wear disposable gloves when changing diapers. Toys should children of all ages. You take your child to a place that is organized be disinfected on a regular basis and frequent hand washing should and staffed specifically to care for a group or groups of children. be promoted among the staff and children to minimize the spread Some types include day care centers, preschool programs, of infection. before/after school programs. Day Care Center Preparing Your Child for Child Care If you’re considering a day care center or another group setting, Most young infants, up to seven months, adapt to caring adults you should spend some time observing the center and talking to and seldom have problems adjusting to good child care. Older parents with children in the center. You should also expect that your infants may be upset when left with strangers. They may feel child will be assigned to the same caregiver to promote a sense of separation anxiety, which is a normal part of development for some security and consistency. Inquire about the rate of staff resignations; children. They will need extra time and your support to “get to low staff turnover minimizes the need for young children to know” the caregiver. Some children show changes in behavior repeatedly adjust to new caregivers. when they start child care. Toddlers may cry, pout, refuse to go to Preschool Programs or act angry in other ways. Preschoolers may regress and behave Preschool programs are offered through Head Start, child care like a younger child. They may be more wakeful at night. This centers or local public and private schools. They can be offered as behavior usually goes away after a few days or weeks in high-quality a half-day program for three or four days a week or they can be part child care, just be sure to monitor. of a full day program at a child care center. continued on page 34

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 33 SELECTING CHILD CARE

You may help your child adjust to a new child care arrangement. the caregivers and the child deal with any changes in the child's Arrange a visit with in-home caregivers while you are at home or routine at home or child care. High-quality child care helps children when you need child care for a short time. Visit the center or family grow in every way and promotes their physical, social and mental child care home that you have chosen with your child before development. It offers support to working parents. Your pediatrician beginning care. Show your child that you like and trust the caregiver. wants your child to grow and develop with enjoyment in a setting Some children like to carry a reminder of home when they go to that supports you as a parent. child care. A family photograph or small toy can be helpful. Talking In the final analysis, locating a child care provider with whom you to your child about child care and the caregiver is helpful. Being are confident is well worth the searching. Why? Your child benefits prepared makes any new experience easier for children. There also greatly from such an arrangement, meeting and interacting with are storybooks about child care that you and your child can read other children and adults. The child learns and grows from together. (Check with your local library, another great outing for a experience, often times a major step in establishing independence parent and child) and becoming his or her “own person.” And you feel more at ease After a child has been in child care, a sudden change in leaving them. caregivers may be upsetting. This can happen even if the new For more information you may want to visit the following website: caregiver is kind and competent. If you are concerned about your American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org child's feelings, you may want to arrange a meeting with the caregiver or ask your pediatrician for advice. Parents need to help

TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Community Colleges Community colleges exist for two major purposes. The first is to serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Four out of 10 college- bound high-school graduates start their college education this way. The second function of community colleges is to prepare students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills for the workplace. They often offer programs that are not available at four-year schools, like fashion design. Liberal Arts Colleges Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small and personal attention is available. Online Learning Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes— and financial aid is equally available—while the cost to the institution can be much less. There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, online universities out there. only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them.

34 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to Universities Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional programs require students to attend some campus classes or size and some classes may taught by graduate students. orientations, but many are delivered completely online. San Joaquin Delta College (209) 954-5151 Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband 5151 Pacific Ave connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional. Stockton, CA 95207 Public vs. Private www.DeltaCollege.edu University of the Pacific (209) 946-2344 Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state 3601 Pacific Avenue residents. They get most of their money from the state or local Stockton, California 95211 government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and www.Pacific.edu other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can offer more personalized attention and often more prestige. Upper Division Humphreys College and School of Law (209) 478-0800 Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate 6650 Inglewood Avenue study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s Stockton, California 95207 degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division www.Humphreys.edu college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a second year of study at a four-year college.

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Certificate or Diploma Combined Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree (or Joint Degree) These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an Complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or first-professional occupational field. For example, to enter fields such as computer degree in less than the usual amount of time. In most programs, science or teaching, you may first have to get a certificate or students apply to the graduate program during their first three years diploma. of undergraduate study, and begin the graduate program in their Associate Degree fourth year of college. Successful completion results in awarding of You receive an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) both bachelor’s and graduate degrees. These are sometimes degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two referred to as “4 +1” programs. years of a four-year college. After earning an AA or an AS, you may Masters Degree transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a These signify more specialized training in a particular field. They bachelor’s degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree is are competed after the bachelor’s degree, usually over the course awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of of 2 years for the full time student. study. Doctorates Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree These generally signify some significant research in the field, and Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its are an upper level degree. part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 35 PAYING FOR SCHOOL

FAFSA www.fafsa.gov Need-Based FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form Need-based financial aid is awarded on the basis of the financial that must be filled out annually by university to determine their need of the student. The amount of need based aid is generally eligibility for federal financial aid (including grants, loans, and work- based off the criteria on the FAFSA. study programs). In addition, most states and schools use Loans information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid. While included in the term “financial aid” Higher Education Loans The FAFSA consists of numerous questions regarding the differ from scholarships and grants in that they must be paid back. student’s finances, as well as those of his or her family; these are They come in several varieties in the United States entered into a formula that determines the Expected Family • Federal Student Loans made to students directly: No payments Contribution. The amount of the EFC can vary widely, depending on until after graduation, but amounts are quite limited a number of factors; for example, one such factor is whether a • Federal Student Loans made to parents: Much higher limit, but student has siblings in college at the time. payments start immediately The best place to look for help before you start filling out your • Private Student Loans made to students or parents: Higher limits FAFSA is at your school’s financial aid office. and no payments until after graduation. Other Sources FAFSA only scratches the surface of the money available to Getting Your MBA Part-time students for school. There are many state and private scholarships Getting your MBA may be imperative to you and your career. out there. The easiest way to find listings of what scholarships that More than 40% of all graduate students are working adults, so it is you may qualify for is by going to a scholarship database online and possible to balance the rest of your life with your desire to continue doing a search. Some handy sites for this are: your education. Lunch-money.com You’ll generally spend three to four hours a week with the Finaid.org instructor in a 3-credit class. It’s generally recommended that you spend about 8 additional hours a week studying and preparing for Fastweb.com the next classroom session, so 12-15 hrs a week total. Collegeboard.com So where are you going to find an extra 15 hrs a week? It helps It’s not recommended that you participate in any website that to journal how you do spend your time during the week, and then asks you to pay a fee to search for a scholarship; there are many list priorities. Lower priority items, like watching TV, may take up wonderful free sites available. more time than you realize, and can be shelved so you can continue Types of Financial Aid your education. Financial aid may be classified into two types based on the Re-prioritizing your time is the most crucial step in ensuring you’ll criteria through which the financial aid is awarded: merit-based or have success on your path to your degree. Make sure you discuss need-based. your goals with your boss, friends, and family, so they know what to Merit-Based expect as you add this major commitment to your life. Merit-scholarships are typically awarded for outstanding academic achievements, although some merit scholarships can also be awarded for special talents, leadership potential and other personal characteristics. Merit scholarships are sometimes awarded without regard for the financial need of the applicant. Athletic scholarships are a form of merit aid that takes athletic talent into account.

36 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide RELOCATING YOUR PET

Your coffee is finally brewing after what seemed like an endless search through the boxes left by the moving company. The disk jockey on the radio reads the weather forecast and you learn that it is 70 degrees outside with an expected high of 75. Your company doesn’t even have to give you a raise to move here. Just as you start thinking that everything is proceeding smoothly and that your new city really does have a lot to offer, you realize Prince, your four- year old Great Dane, isn’t acting right. Now what? Is he really sick? Homesick? What’s worse is that you don1t know where the closest veterinarian is located and, of course, he or she can’t be as good as Dr. Morris…and Prince just loved Dr. Morris. Farfetched? Not really. Pets are probably most overlooked when it comes to relocating. Most people just expect their pets to wake up completely adapted to their new surroundings as if nothing changed. Although this is true for many pets, just as many find relocating to be traumatic. Furthermore, most people wait until their pet is ill before finding a new veterinarian. What should you do then for your pet when relocating? Actually the place to begin is in your hometown before you move. Speak to your own veterinarian and tell him/her where you are moving and ask his/her advice. In most cases, this alone will be sufficient to find out what is necessary to prepare your pet for transition. Further, people will be surprised how often their veterinarian Information Guide. Location is an important factor, as many pets can recommend someone in the area where they are moving. don’t travel well and, in the case of emergency, distance may be a Whether or not this person will actually become your new factor in receiving timely treatment. veterinarian is not as important as the peace of mind that the recommendation is from someone you trust. After making a list of local veterinary clinics, take the time to go visit them. Talk to the staff. Ask about office hours, fees, whether Finally, don’t wait until your pet is ill before looking for a appointments are required, and what services are available. Also, veterinarian. This is an extremely emotional time and nothing can be ask if it is possible to talk to the doctor so that you can introduce more traumatic than having to find a veterinarian in the midst of a yourself and at least have a first impression to help you make your crisis. It is obvious, then, that you should find a new veterinarian choice. before that first crisis occurs so that when the need arises, you will be prepared. Finally, ask your neighbors which veterinarians they take their pets to and why. Then, of course, it’s your decision, but at least you How do you go about finding a new veterinarian in a new city? have gathered some information on which to base your decision. The best place to begin is simply the New Market Services

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 37 38 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide FITNESS & HEALTH

IN THE KITCHEN

tarting with Thanksgiving, turkey is an important part of many holiday meals. We all look forward to the smell of the turkey roasting for hours in our homes. It is very Swelcoming for guests, and puts everyone in a festive mood. Most of the fat in turkey is within the skin and most of the fat within the meat is in the dark meat. The white meat with the skin removed is a good food source for people on low- fat or low sodium diets. The meat fiber is easier to digest than other types of meat, which makes it a good choice for individuals that may have digestive problems.Turkey is an excellent source of several important vitamins and nutrients such as iron, niacin, zinc, potassium, and B vitamins. And what about blaming the turkey for your after dinner lethargy? Turkey does contain L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid that has a sleep inducing effect. However, L-tryptophan needs to be taken on an empty stomach and without any other amino acids or protein in order to make you drowsy. There’s lots of protein in a serving of turkey and it's probably not the only food you are consuming at the meal. The truth is that you could omit the bird altogether and still feel the effects of the meal! The day after the feast is equally anticipated for those wonderful leftovers. But you can only eat so many turkey sandwiches and may need another use for the scraps. Try the chili recipe below. And after the first of year when all of the treats are gone and the waistband needs shrinking, try the recipe with ground turkey for a low-fat, satisfying meal. Simple Turkey Chili Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 (16 ounce) cans canned kidney beans - 2 onion, chopped drained, rinsed, and mashed 2 tablespoons garlic, minced 1/3 cup chili powder, or to taste 4 cups water 1 teaspoon paprika 4 cups cooked turkey, chopped 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 pounds ground turkey 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 2 (28 ounce) cans canned crushed 1 teaspoon ground cumin tomatoes 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Direction Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until tender. Pour water into the pot. Mix in all remaining ingredients except kidney beans, and garlic.Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Add kidney beans. Serves 16.

Please visit our website, www.NewMarketServices for more recipes. Be one of the first 25 people to enter a recipe this month and receive $10 and automatic entry into our $2500 semi-annual best recipe contest. See website for details.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 39 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Begin your search before you move. Ask your current club for • Does the club offer a variety of high-quality weight equipment? It recommendations or perhaps they even have reciprocity with a club should include free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, and in your new location. If you belong to a national chain, chances are machine weights, you really need both to get a proper workout. good that you will be able to transfer your membership. • Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs However if you do find yourself looking for a new club, use this for you to achieve other goals (stress management, weight check list to help you find the place that will work best for you. management, smoking cessation, social activities, etc.)? When visiting a club use your own observations and question the • Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics staff and current members. Be sure your new club will be able to classes, at the time that you would be using the club? meet your fitness, social, and safety needs. • What are the real costs? Make sure you understand all rates, • Is the club clean and well maintained, especially the locker rooms charges and fees because these can vary widely, and many clubs and the shower areas? require contracts ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. Be • Are staff members friendly and helpful? Make sure there is always sure you’re entitled to use all facilities, such as pools and spas at someone available to answer your questions, to show you a new no extra charge. exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. • Is child care available if you need it? • Does the location for work for you? It’s best to select a club that’s • Is there adequate parking available if you need it? near where you live or work. One way to find out whether a club is right for you is to try it out • Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational for a few days. Some clubs offer a special guest pass for backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized prospective members. But even if you have to pay for a week to try certifying agencies? it out, it’s better to spend the money than to make a long-term • Are new members provided with a club orientation and commitment to a club that doesn’t work out. Try the club during the instruction on how to use equipment? hours you will normally be using it. It will give you a realistic idea of • What age group do you see while visiting? If you are in your 50’s, what the club environment while you are there. do you really want to work out with a group in their 20’s (and vice It’s important to read health club contracts carefully. Don’t versa)? Be sure to visit club at the time you will be normally using assume the club offers classes such as aerobics as part of the the facilities. membership. While some do, others charge extra. If the health club • Does the club have the cardiovascular resistance equipment you requires a long-term commitment, find out whether you’ll be able to want and need to achieve your fitness goals? get a refund if you need to cancel your membership due to a job transfer, an injury or if you simply find that the club isn’t working for • Does the club offer sufficient number and variety of programs for you. you to achieve your fitness goals (aerobic, racquet sports, basketball, etc.)? If classes or group activities help to motivate It’s a fact that of every three people who join a health club, only you and the health club doesn’t offer the classes you need, one will work out there 100 days a year. Find a club that you are sticking with your exercise program won’t be realistic. comfortable with and you will greatly increase your chances of being the one of three people that are there more than 100 days a • Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might year. want to learn (tennis, squash, swimming, etc.)? • Does the club offer a variety of leagues? If you want to compete - is the club affiliated to the right leagues, and does it have teams of the right standard for your competencies? NewMarket Services wishes you good health.

40 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Coping With Change where to go to make new friends can bring feelings of isolation and Did you know that your body and mind sense change as stress? loneliness. Whether you change the place you live or where you work, it all Creatures of Habit adds up to stress. The more changes that come at one time, the Psychologically, most of us are creatures of habit and quickly more stress you experience. develop repetitive patterns that make us feel comfortable and Self-Image secure. Ever notice that most people find the same seat or section Your attitudes towards change often depend on your self image of the commuter train or bus? Drivers usually take the same route and expectations of how difficult it may be. Your self image is the every day. We do this in order to reduce stress. inner vision of who you are. It is the basis of your every thought, The sameness of established behavior develops a sense of word and action. Moving, with the many changes it entails, offers control over ourselves and surroundings. By seeking repetitive an excellent opportunity to modify and/or improve your self image habits, we save our energy for new events that are either through the risks of taking positive action. unpredictable or uncontrollable. When change removes the Some people welcome change as a challenge or an exciting new sameness from our lives, we attempt to relieve the tension experience. Others may resent the inconvenience and extra effort produced by uncertainty and newness. We look for ways to develop they need to make to re-establish a comfortable routine. Still others other familiar patterns. feel overwhelmed by the unknown and are not sure where to go or to whom to turn. Often, stress causes old issues, defeats or concerns to resurface. Perhaps new worries and fears form unexpectedly, or you feel tired and fatigued most of the time. Decision making abilities are affected, and you seem to be having less fun and enjoyment. These are all telltale signs of stress brought on by change. When signs of stress affect you, it may be a time of emotional transition, indicating old behavior patterns are not as effective as they once were. This is often a good time for self-reflection-to look at what you like in yourself and what you do not like. Stress When you relocate to a new city, all categories of your life are changed. Along with the obvious changes listed above, moving to a new community requires finding new sources for familiar services. Finding a new hairdresser, barber, drugstore, food market, doctor, lawyer, cleaner and shoemaker are all necessary. You not only have to locate these services, but you need to determine if you are satisfied with the quality of the services provided. Forming a comfortable working relationship with the service provider adds more stress to the change itself. Perhaps your whole lifestyle changes if you are moving from a Management of Change smaller or larger community. With long-distance moves, you will To manage change effectively, several simple steps will help you have to make new friends and develop a different emotional support adjust to the newness and extra effort needed to establish different system. When these changes are not made through your own patterns in your life. choices, but are the decisions of a boss or someone in your family, then the stress is even greater. Children have to make changes • Organize your time so you can finish the tasks you have planned. because of their parents. They need special help and • Have realistic expectations. Do not plan to complete everything understanding getting settled in school and making new friends. within the first few weeks. Often, they will have difficulties as they adjust to the new • List your priorities and finish each one before you go on to the surroundings. next. Changes produce stress not only within yourself, but also with • Provide your body with recreational time and time to relax. the people with whom you are close. It may cause you to react • Trust your first impressions; they are most often right. differently from your usual behavior. If you are in a relationship or marriage, you may find more tension developing, with less patience Periods of change can offer you an opportunity for growth within or tolerance of the other person. If you live alone, not knowing yourself. Professional consultation may be useful during this period.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 41 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Primary Care Provider Guidelines to Narrow Your Choices One of the most important decisions that you will make in your • Insurance – With the risings costs of health care, be sure your relocation process is choosing a Primary Care Provider for you and insurance will be accepted. your family. Don’t put off the decision until you get sick. Your PCP • Professional credentials - any provider you consider should have will be responsible for approximately 90% of your health care. The graduated from an accredited medical school, and be sure relationship you develop with this health professional can be the key they’re board certified. to keeping illness at bay, and it is your best connection into the rest • Professional affiliations - Your provider should be affiliated with a of the medical system. Your PCP can help you seek appropriate large, well-equipped hospital, either as a staff member or as an consultations with specialists if or when the medical problem is attending physician, a title that carries with it admitting privileges. beyond the realm of his expertise. • Practice arrangements - You may choose a solo practitioner or a A generation ago, people relied on General Practitioners (GPs) for group practice, in which two or more doctors in the same all their medical needs, from treating colds, and backaches to specialty or different specialties share the same office. setting broken arms and delivering babies. The competent GP • Location and office hours - If these aren’t convenient, you may knew the medical histories of every member of a patient’s family have a difficult time making an appointment. because he treated them all. Today, Primary Care Providers are bringing this tradition back with the addition of providing preventive Make a Consultation Visit and Consider the Following health measures. More emphasis is now placed on preventive • Office is clean and the staff is courteous and helpful. medicine. You are now responsible for the health of you and your • You are seen by the doctor within a reasonable time of your family by making informed decisions, improving your diet and appointment or you are given a good explanation for any delay. exercising. A primary care provider (PCP) is a general practitioner • You are not rushed through the visit. The provider listens to you, who sees people of all ages for common medical problems. Your does not interrupt you and encourages you to voice your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important concerns about your health. to select someone with whom you will work well. You will want to • The doctor is well-informed about preventive health measures, choose someone that emphasizes wellness and self-care by giving such as nutrition, exercise and the widely recommended use of you the information needed to make healthy lifestyle choices and screening tests. He should be quick to inform you of healthy health care decisions. lifestyle choices. Below are some guidelines to help you make your decision. • You’re comfortable talking to the doctor and the doctor explains Begin by Gathering Some Choices. things so that you can understand. • Before you move ask your current health care provider for a Most importantly, don’t put off the decision until you get sick. If a referral. You can also ask other doctors you respect and see health care problem arises, and you have not yet chosen a provider, regularly. it is usually best to seek non-emergency care from an “urgent care • If you belong to a managed care plan, find out what doctors are center” rather than a hospital emergency room. This will often save affiliated with it. you time and money. However recent years, many emergency • Ask friends, relatives or business associates. Referrals from rooms have expanded their services to include reasonably priced people you know are usually based on trust and confidence in the urgent care within the emergency room itself or an adjoining area— provider. to find out, call the hospital first. • Hospitals usually offer a referral service that can provide you with the names of staff doctors who meet certain criteria you may be seeking, however they will not vouch for the quality of care.

42 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One of the best ways to become involved in your new community Many people are reminded of their wish to volunteer during is through volunteering. The benefits of volunteering are many, for holiday seasons, but this is when organizations might have an everyone involved. Ask your employer for advice. Many companies excess of help. If you want to volunteer during the holiday, give employees paid time off to volunteer and will often publicize remember to contact the organization in advance. Otherwise, time their employees’ community service. According to the research your work for the lean season. group Independent Sector, the U.S. volunteer sector is equivalent to Volunteering is fun, leads to learning new skills, meeting 9 million full-time workers. Whether you have an hour or a weekend, interesting people, making new friends, sharing your talents, and if you want to help kids or the environment, there are great keeping in touch with the community in which you live. Whether it is organizations that will excite your particular interest, broaden your important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy horizons and fit into your time schedule. cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits Don’t forget to include your family. If your children are school age in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise. chances are there are many opportunities to volunteer at their Once you have chosen an area of interest, how should you go school, or even in their classroom. That is a great way to meet other about involving yourself? See what the Web can do for you. 1-800- parents with children the same age. Clean up a neighborhood park Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & with your children. Spend a morning at a homeless shelter with your Volunteer Center National Network provides listings of local and children. You’ll find that volunteering is not only a fun family-bonding virtual volunteering as well as contact information for Volunteer experience but a great way to teach children the importance of Centers across the nation. Open the classified section of your local giving back to the community. paper. Check out the bulletin boards in your office. Or just start How you get involved with your community depends on your calling the local agencies you’re interested in. interests, skills and time. Choose something that fits well in to your One of the best ways to make these contacts is to walk right into schedule and makes you excited about working together to help the organization—a library, a shelter, training facility, or a political make a difference. Every person has that capability. Each of us can office—and find out who organizes volunteers. You can tell a lot by right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a park, and that meeting the volunteer coordinator and any volunteers who happen does make the world a better place. to be on duty. While you won’t earn a paycheck for volunteering, There are several things to consider when choosing in what to you will earn valuable experience, a sense of accomplishment, and involve yourself. First of all be selective, think about what matters to the satisfaction that only comes from personally making the world a you, and where you wish to spend your time. If you have certain better place to live. social issues that you feel passionate about, it’s a great place to put your energy. You may have particular skills that will steer you toward a certain organization. Are you willing to explore new opportunities? Volunteering can teach you valuable new skills that you may use in other parts of your life. "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give." - Winston Churchill

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 43 44 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide HOUSING

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE…

Rent or Buy? The decision to rent or buy in your new location is dependent upon many considerations unique to your personal situation. Some of the potential factors involve the tax implications, down payment, other investment vehicles, the length of time you are anticipating being in your new location and whether or not your current home has sold. If you decide to buy, should you purchase an existing home or build a new one? Again, many factors have to be considered. Will an existing home need a lot of repair or remodeling to bring it to your standards? What about the difference in the cost of operation and maintenance between new and an existing structure? How should you finance a renovation? Which home will appreciate faster? Will it be difficult to get a construction loan? Is it better to rent for a while to become familiar with neighborhoods in your new city? What about capital gains tax if you don’t close in time? We suggest you seek the advice of a certified financial planner and a realtor to thoroughly clarify your options. These choices can become quite complex. Some Advantages to Renting Whether you’re in your first apartment or a longtime resident, there are many advantages you are afforded by choosing apartment living. Mobility: You enjoy the freedom to move, to accept that better job, to take the vacation you’ve dreamed of. No maintenance: Just relax and delight in the grounds and facilities maintenance technicians keeps attractive for you. Flexibility: You have the ability to increase or decrease your living space without the burden of sales pitches, closing costs, interest rates or the high cost of maintaining a home and property. Location: The choice is yours! Recreation: Chances are, you’ve chosen an apartment community with a swimming pool, tennis court, weight room or sauna. Apartments have the equipment and people to maintain them, which is no small task for the homeowner. No waiting: If you’re like most apartment residents, moving into your apartment was easy and fast. You settled into your new home without lengthy paperwork, a loan approval period or a large financial investment. Your Current Residence As you prepare to move, a big decision may include whether to sell or rent your current property. Ask yourself the following questions as you make this decision. You may also want to ask advice from a real estate agent.

continued on page 46

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 45 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Market Inspect kitchen appliances. Check the stove to see if all burners Is it a seller’s market? Signs include low interest rates and work. Does the range have a hood with a fan? Is the oven self- shortage of homes for sale. How long have similar homes been on cleaning? Is the stove gas or electric? If it is gas, you may have an the market and how long are you willing to let your home be on the extra monthly charge for cooking gas. This would also be true if you market? Or is it a good rental market and do rental units have tenant had a gas clothes dryer in your unit. Check out the waiting lists? Is your property in a trendy area? Desirable areas refrigerator/freezer for storage space. Is there enough counter and typically garner higher rents and seldom have vacancies. cabinet space? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bugs, especially Financial in a high-rise building. Is this property good for rental income? Can you charge more for Inspect the central air conditioning and heating systems. Ask rent than you pay for mortgage, taxes and upkeep? How will selling other tenants if there is enough heat in the winter. It can be costly if affect your federal and state tax situation? Furthermore, if your you have to buy or rent window air conditioning units. property does not sell quickly, can you afford to keep the home Is there enough storage space? Do you have enough closets for vacant while it’s on the market? If not, do you feel you will be able clothes, linens and general items. Are there built-in shelves and to find a renter on a short-term basis? Are you likely to want to move bookcases for books and DVDs? Do you also get a storage space back into the home some day? that is not adjacent to the unit? Rental Tips Does the building have special amenities such as a swimming Apartment experts say that some detective work is needed to pool, game room, barbecue area, and exercise room or tennis conduct a search that finds the most livable rental residence for the courts? Keep in mind that recreational amenities generally will money. After you have weeded out a good apartment complex from increase your rent. You should consider what features you will really many rent signs and/or listings, scanned the neighborhood you like use. for the best rental possibilities, you will be ready to scrutinize each How is the noise level in the complex? Have neighbors been property and landlord for shortcomings. It is easy for a prospective playing music louder than you prefer? Are you located by a major tenant to gather quick clues about the general care, maintenance of airport, freeway or train tracks? the building, and cleanliness of the area overall. Try to talk to the Do you need an apartment that takes pets? If not, do you want tenant who is vacating the apartment you are planning to rent. He to live in an area that does? Do tenants appear to be cleaning up or she can tell you a great deal about the pluses and minuses of after their pets? What is the management policy for pet size and living there. Here are some tips for inspecting the inside of the maintenance? apartment: Rental experts suggest that tenants should tour several Is it clean? Carpet should be cleaned and walls/ceilings should apartment complexes before placing a deposit on a unit. The be freshly painted. Does the apartment have a bad odor? It could minimum deposit to hold a unit is usually $100. Prospective renters be a tip that the prior tenant had a pet or cooked spicy foods. still need to fill out an application and pay an application fee. This Check room sizes with a floor plan. Make sure the furniture that will hold your unit while your employment, credit and rental histories you will be moving will fit. Is the bedroom near the bathroom? Does are being checked out. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days to the dining room adjoin the kitchen? complete.

46 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME

Making a final decision and determining which house to make an Property Taxes offer on shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision should be made Property taxes may vary from one neighborhood to another. This rationally and not guided by emotion. You most likely won’t have the can sometimes affect whether you view a community as a desirable luxury of taking your time on deciding which house you’d like to place to live. Higher property taxes often mean newer and more pursue. However, since it is such a major decision you would like to modern schools, well-maintained roads, and bountiful community base it on factual information. Some broad categories to consider services. are: Schools Appreciation If you have school-aged children and plan to send them to public Ask your real estate agent to retrieve sales of homes in the school, you definitely want to consider the reputation of the neighborhood over the past few years. If one neighborhood shows neighborhood school. If you plan on sending your child to a private an annual average 8 percent increase and another is skyrocketing school, how long is the commute? You will likely spend a lot of time at 15 percent, you may have your decision made. driving your child not only during the school day but for extra- Crime curricular events outside the daily school schedule. Which ever Go to the local police or sheriff department and ask about crime school you decide, you can usually find general district information in your specific neighborhood. You might find theft or vandalism to and state standardized test results online. Always plan a visit to the be more prevalent in one area than another. Also please visit the school and receive the information first-hand from school website, www.familywatchdog.us. When you visit this site you can administrators. You should also talk to teachers and parents. enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the Sellers’ Situations small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your If you don’t know already, ask your real estate agent how long the entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a house has been on the market. Usually the longer a house has been person will appear with an address and the description of the crime listed, the better chance the seller will accept an offer lower than he or she had committed. asking price. Conversely, if the house has been on the market for Drawbacks just a couple days, the sellers will probably wait for a better offer if you offer less than the listed price. Your real estate agent might also Rarely will you be lucky enough to find a perfect place. Think be able to dig up additional information about the sellers, like why about the cons associated with each house and determine to they’re selling. If it’s a job-related move or a divorce, the sellers likely correct them or how much of a negative impact each will have. want to move as quickly as possible, meaning you have a better The House shot at them accepting a lower price. Make a list of the amenities and attributes you want your house Style and Substance to have. Be specific. Prioritize that list. Then, rate how each house The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the measures up to each need on your list. location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor Neighborhoods plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like If you have kids or pets and being close to a park is important, carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with you’ll want to consider that. How close are shopping, restaurants, good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to churches, and other services? Are the streets maintained? How do match your tastes. your prospective neighbors keep up their property? How long will your commute to work be?

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 47 HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING ACTIVE ADULTS DEMOGRAPHIC

The California Department of Aging estimates the growth of vary greatly. “What seniors are really looking for when they’re people age 60 and older will grow by as much as 149 percent by considering a move is choice,” said Murch. “They’re looking for the the year 2020 in Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer Counties. right location, the amenities they want, services they may need, all Home builders are now listening to those numbers. Innovative tied to a provider with a good reputation.” designs and careful consideration of the needs of active adults are Lorna and Howard Hansen recently began looking at the Eskaton now being studied to construct communities that include many Village in Placerville. “Our house is so close that we’ve watched services needed by active adults. Retirement villages now come them building the development from our deck,” said Howard complete with clubhouses for socialization, meal deliveries and Hansen. His wife said they know it’s time to consider “slowing transportation options to just name a few. Seniors will now have to down” and likes the advantages offered at the new development. do their homework to find out which development is right for them. “We want to still be able to enjoy all the programs they offer, and The senior housing trend started with senior apartments where not wait until we’re too old,” said Lorna Hansen. “We’re doing what residents are monitored on a daily basis and have access to in- we wished our parents had done.” home emergency services. That was just the beginning of a now The Hansen said taking care of their parents who stayed in their extensive list of developments that cater to senior citizens. Many homes was very difficult and like the options available to them at the senior communities in the greater Sacramento area include access new development. to pools, gyms and clubhouses and are age restricted. Valerie Condie, director of sales for Lakemont said seniors are The newest developments enable seniors to own a private very savvy when it comes to buying a home. “They’ve done their residence, maintain their independent lifestyles while having many homework and know what they want,” said Condie. “They don’t services available to them when the needs arise. want a sales pitch. They want you to listen to their needs. When One of the newest innovations in senior living has come out of people buy a home at one of the Eskaton Villages, they’ll never have collaboration between Eskaton and Lakemont Homes. Two senior to worry about home maintenance, all that is taken care of for them, communities, one in Roseville and the other in Placerville now offer from cleaning the gutters, taking care of the roof and paint, to a full range of options for seniors. Seniors may choose a single maintaining the landscape.” Condie said this will allow seniors to family home or a duet to buy. Condominiums are also available and travel even for extended trips without any worries. a Lodge is designated for residents with memory loss or for those Emergency needs will be handled on site with pull cords in the who need specialized care. homes and pendants that can be worn around the neck while Eskaton has led the nation by identifying the needs of seniors outside. “When they pull that cord or touch that button, the person since 1968. CEO Todd Murch said the housing needs of seniors responding will know who they are, where they are, and what

48 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING ACTIVE ADULTS DEMOGRAPHIC

medical conditions they suffer from,” said Condie. “All their medical help them through that process. We can refer them to a real estate records will be updated as needed.” agent who understands their needs. Moving is an added burden. Truman and Joanne Gray, also residents of Placerville, visited the Lakemont Homes is currently working on a partnership with model homes and said they were impressed with the development. Eskaton Moving Connections.” Moving Connections meets with “I really like the fact that it’s all seniors living here,” said Joanne Gray. clients and plans what furniture and possessions are going to be “Our house is just too big and it would be great not to have any kids moved. They facilitate what is done with unwanted possessions, in hot rods running up and down the roads.” offer help with furniture placement and interior design. On moving Truman Gray said he liked the fact that it was close to a hospital. day, they pack up and unload all items, placing furniture and “We’re all getting a little older every day,” he said. “You don’t know artwork where the client desires. when you might need some of the services they offer.” Both the Four model homes are available for tours in Placerville. Prices Gray’s said they really appreciated the beautiful view of the start from the high $300,000s and sizes range from 1,175 to 1,611 mountains. sq. ft. All homes feature spacious master suites, elegant entries, Many of the senior developments also include social activities, covered patios and 2-car garages. Three condominium floor plans golf courses, card playing groups, and day excursions. are also available for purchase. Homes at Eskaton Village are constructed with details designed In Roseville, four model homes feature many options for to make daily tasks easier. Sinks and counters are built higher than homebuyers to choose from. Optional 2-story homes are available average, as well as custom height toilets. Showers have extra with roomy guest suites or dens. Prices start from the mid handrails, built-in seats and linen closets located right in the $300,000s and sizes range from 1,163 to 2,171 sq. ft. bathroom Lakemont Homes took many cues from Eskaton when New options for seniors are growing almost as fast as their they drafted their house plans. demographic, so seniors should consider their needs, wants and According to Condie, one of the biggest concerns seniors have possible future needs before signing on the dotted line. For more when considering a new-home purchase is selling their current information about senior housing you may log onto www.aarp.org residence and the problems associated with moving. “Seniors want or www.eskaton.org or phone AARP at (888) 687-2277 or Eskaton to know how to get from point A to point B,” she said. “We try to at (888) 334-3490.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 49 HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Finding faults in a home doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t Interior buy it. But it will help you to know the type of repair costs that The kitchen and baths are the most expensive rooms to should be anticipated, and sellers often will make adjustments in renovate, so check their condition carefully. A newly-painted interior their asking price on the basis of problems discovered in an may look nice, but it could be hiding something. inspection. Plumbing Inspectors look for the following: Turn on the bathroom sink faucet and shower and then flush the Brick and Concrete toilet. When the toilet starts to refill, does the water pressure Check pavement, driveways and horizontal brick surfaces for diminish? Fill sinks and tub with three inches of water. Do they drain cracks. Is there damage from freezing? What is the condition of the properly? Do faucets leak? Lift up the carpeting. Are there any signs mortar between the bricks? Is any pavement buckling from of flooding or decay? spreading underground tree roots? Roof Electrical Are shingles curling and lifting? Find out how old the roof is, and Open the door on the fuse box or circuit-breaker panel. Is the you will have a pretty good idea of when you will have to replace it. electrical service adequate? The average house should have 100- Termites and Carpenter Ants amp service. Is it wired for 220 volts, which is necessary for electric Look for evidence of termites and carpenter ants on basement dryers and ranges? wood framing. Is there saw dust like wood or paper debris? Can Exterior you find evidence of termite tubes or tunnels? Termites live in earth, Is the house well maintained? Does the roof sag? Are the exterior so make sure that there are no places where earth is closer than six walls out of line? What is the condition of the paint, especially on the inches to wood. Like termites, carpenter ants like wood and wood south and west sides, where sun exposure is greatest? Is there products. adequate drainage away from the house? Water Damage Heating & Cooling Look in the basement for signs of leakage. This could be a result How old is the heating/cooling system? Has it been maintained? of poor drainage around the house. Water damage also is caused Ask to see the owner’s cooling bills for the previous year. This will by seepage through porous basement walls and condensation, give you an idea of its energy efficiency. which frequently is caused by inadequate ventilation. Basement Insulation walls painted a dark color may be an effort to disguise a past Check the attic and crawl space. Is the insulation adequate and problem. Beware of chalky white water stains on foundation walls complete? Has it been properly installed? Does the insulation or partitions; stains on wood and drywall; delamination of paneling obstruct the air vents, preventing the house from “breathing” and and lifting or buckling floor tiles; or a damp, mildew odor. possibly causing wood rot? Does the home have storm windows? Windows and Doors Has the glazing putty dried and shrunk, allowing water and air seepage? Is the wood decayed? Are the window and door frames caulked and weather-stripped?

50 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide HOME CARE BASICS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

You’ve finally done it—you’ve just moved into your brand new Appliances home. The smell of fresh paint still permeates the air. You’re likely Remember to read the instruction manual for every appliance in consumed with unpacking, setting up furnishings, rearranging, your new home. The manuals provide recommended cleaning and decorating—energized by the blank pallet you have to work with. maintenance schedules and sometimes your warranty will become But once you’ve signed the thick pile of closing documents, the void if you don’t follow these recommendations. moving trucks have left and everything is neatly in its place, what do Driveways you do next? It’s time to get a handle on the routine maintenance If you have an asphalt driveway, remove oil, gasoline and similar you’ll need to perform in order to ensure that you and your family substances immediately with soapy water. live comfortably in your new home for years to come. Here’s some To avoid holes in your asphalt driveway, refrain from resting patio advice to get you started and help save money while you’re at it: furniture or bicycle stands on it. Maintaining a clean home will ensures it will last longer and works Do not burn anything on your driveway. better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes Gutters and Downspouts on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, Clear away leaves, tree limbs and other debris from gutters and tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it downspouts. with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes. Downspouts should be turned away from your home’s On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and foundation. downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The Every four to six years, paint gutters that are not are made of exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the aluminum or vinyl to help prevent rust. elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, Heating and Cooling Systems in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior Late summer or early fall are the ideal time to do an annual products. inspection and cleaning of these systems. When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty Make sure you change the filters every three months. from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it Keeping your pilot light burning during the summer will help keep does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform the furnace dry and prevent corrosion. routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after Registers help regulate the flow of air and maintain the desired six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would temperature in your home. Keeping registers closed in rooms you cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in don’t use will save on cooling/heating costs. clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not Using heat generating appliances in the evening and reducing the responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may number of lights on will help keep the temperature down and save be covered by manufacturers’ warranties and are not the on costs during the summer. responsibility of the builder. Plumbing You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your Every member of your family should know where the intake warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the valves are located. Label each one. excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have If any of your appliances develops a leak, inspect your drain trap. little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal A partially clogged drain can cause overflow. Use a plunger or a document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty plumber’s snake to unclog the drain. If you need to, use boiling until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights water to help unclog a partially opened drain. Call a plumber if these and responsibilities are from the outset. techniques don’t work. Here are some additional tips for properly maintaining specific A worn washer, a loose part in a faucet or steam in a hot water systems in your new home. pipe generally causes a noisy pipe. Do not hesitate to repair the noise because vibrations can follow the noise and lead to leaks.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 51 SECURITY

Each year more than six million residential burglaries occur Computer Security throughout the United States. That’s one every ten seconds! In Computer security is the process of preventing unauthorized use addition to the worry of home burglaries, we now also need to of your computer. concern ourselves with computer hackers and personal identity • Use of anti-virus software on all Internet-connected computers. theft. Listed below are some things that you can do to reduce your Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. chances of becoming a victim. • Use of some type of firewall product, such as a network Home Security Checklist appliance or a personal firewall software package. • Have home security system professionally installed that offers a • Turn off your computer or disconnect its Ethernet interface when 24 hour monitoring system. Make sure to post the home system you are not using it. An intruder cannot attack your computer if it stickers and window decals: this should alert and deter would be is powered off or otherwise completely disconnected from the intruders. network. • Never stop mail or newspaper deliveries, it signals that you are • Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup away. Have a neighbor pick up all deliveries if possible. disks somewhere away from the computer. • When recording your answering machine message, do not state Identity Theft that you are not home or out of town. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal • When leaving for an extended period, put lights and stereo information without your permission to commit fraud or other /television on a timer to give the appearance that someone is crimes. While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a home. victim, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Exterior/Interior Security • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal • Replace all locks immediately upon moving into your new home information before you discard them. and install deadbolts on all outside doors. • Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social • Secure your sliding glass doors with pins to prevent all horizontal Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number and vertical movement. Also install security film over the glass on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use panes for additional protection. another identifier. • Remember to lock all doors and windows. • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the • Provide remote panic buttons for children and/or elderly mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing residents. with. • Never keep garage door openers in cars that are parked outside • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a of your home. web address you know. Keep Your Valuables Safe • Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your • Keep your important papers, heirloom jewelry and large amounts mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social of cash in a safe deposit box. Security number. • Engrave your valuables with your social security number or drivers license number. • Store jewelry, firearms, furs and like in a small closet with a non- hinged solid core door that has a deadbolt. • When purchasing new electronic equipment, breakdown cartons before discarding them. This way you avoid advertising your new purchase to the entire neighborhood and drive-by observers.

52 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS

The cost of cooling your house continues to rise. There are a • Close doors to rooms that are not being used. number of ways you can save a significant amount of money on • Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use “solar drying” your energy bills. In fact, it’s possible to save up to 25 percent on (clotheslines). your power bill by using the following tips. While your results might • Use energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to vary, you’re guaranteed to find at least a few ways to save money. air dry. The idea behind all our advice, and in fact our entire conservation • If you A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and effort, is to give you the information you need to make the right free of obstructions to maintain air flow. decisions. • Unplug your televisions/VCR when you’re on vacation. Most new These simple steps don’t cost a thing, but can potentially save sets draw power even when they’re turned off. you 10-25% on your monthly energy bill. • Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let computer - it can use as much energy as a refrigerator. Most new lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs computers have “sleep” settings. with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage • In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb. home, and then back to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you • If your dishwasher has a filter clean it. are not home more than four hours. • Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stovetops. • In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you’re not There are plenty of low cost, easy to do projects or steps you can home. do to save another 10-25% on your energy bill. • Do not turn your air conditioning off in the hot months when • Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. you’re not home. Your house will store up the heat and you’re This will typically save $1 per bulb changed out (for bulbs running likely to make the air conditioning run for hours to feel 4-6 hours per day) and reduce heat in your home. Regular bulbs comfortable. use most of the electricity to generate heat so use care when • In the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your changing bulbs. home to take advantage of “free heat from the sun” Close the • Caulk windows and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets. outside air out and the inside air in. • In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to • Install a hot water heater blanket but be careful not to cover vents keep heat out. or temperature settings. • Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and cook • Install hot water pipe insulation. Do keep the insulation at least six as late in the evening as possible. inches away from the flue (exhaust pipe) of gas water heaters. • Barbecue outside if practical, keeping in mind the heat and effect • Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your of sun on your body. By reducing the heat coming into your home residence. The vegetation acts as insulation and provides from any source, will reduce the load on your air conditioning. shading, reducing thermal gain in a building. • Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump • Fix leaky faucets Install low flow showerheads. runs on—eight to twelve hours a day is plenty in the summer • Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of months, less in the winter months. heat in your home. • Set your water heater to 120 degrees. • Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a • Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking don’t obstruct the coils. They need air space to work. spray to help trap dirt in the filter. • Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean. • Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. • Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or • Replace normal thermostats with programmable thermostats. plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces. • Make sure food is cool and covered before it goes into the refrigerator.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 53 HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

As you start shopping for a new home, you may encounter some Contingency Condition that must be met before a contract is binding. unfamiliar words and terms. The following glossary will help get you Convertibility Ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate through the maze of buying a home. schedule to a fixed-rate schedule. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Loan with an interest rate adjusted Covenant Agreement between seller and buyer on a piece of according to movements in the financial market. Many offer lower- property, restricting the use of that property. (Also called deed than-market initial interest rates that rise only gradually for the first restriction.) few years. Deed Legal document representing property ownership. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Annual cost of credit over the life of a Default When a borrower fails to make the required payments of a loan including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage mortgage contract. insurance and other items. Density The number of homes built on a particular acre of land. Appraisal Unbiased, professional opinion of a property’s value based Allowable densities are determined by local jurisdictions. on its style and appearance, construction quality, usefulness and Debt-To-Income Ratio Long-Term debt expenses as a percentage of the value of comparable properties. monthly income; used by lenders to qualify borrowers for mortgage Assessment Tax levied on a property or a value placed on the worth loans. of a property by a taxing authority. Due-on-Sale Clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower to Assumption Transaction allowing a buyer to assume responsibility for pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. property. Broker (Real Estate) Person who receives a commission or fee for Earnest Money Sum paid to the seller to show that a potential bringing buyer and seller together and assisting in the negotiation of purchaser is serious about buying. contracts between them. A license is required in most states. Easement Right-of-Way granted to a person or company authorizing Building Code Local regulations controlling design, construction and access to the owner’s land. For example, a utility company may be materials used in construction. Building Codes are based on safety granted easement to install pipes or wires. An owner may voluntarily and health standards. grant an easement or can be ordered to grant one by a local Buydown Subsidy, usually paid by a builder or developer, to reduce jurisdiction. the monthly payments on a mortgage loan. Equity Difference between the value of a home and what is owed on Buyer’s Agent A real estate agent who represents only the buyer in a it. real estate transaction. Escrow Handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf of Callback Request by a homeowner for a builder to handle a service the buyer and/or seller. request. Escrow Amount Amount set up by a lender into which periodic, Cap Limit to the amount an interest rate or monthly payment can usually monthly, payments for taxes, hazard insurance, increase for an adjustable-rate loan either during an adjustment assessments and mortgage insurance premiums are made. Funds period or over the life of the loan. are held in trust by the lender who pays the sums as they become Certificate of Occupancy Document from an official agency stating the due. property meets the requirements of local codes, ordinances and Fair Market Value Price at which property is transferred between regulations. willing buyer and willing seller, each of whom has reasonable Chain of Title History of all documents transferring title to a parcel of knowledge of all pertinent facts and neither being under compulsion real property, starting with the earliest existing document and to buy or sell. ending with the most recent. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Federal agency that insures Change Order Homebuyer’s written authorization to add, delete or mortgages with lower down payment requirements than change an item specified in a contract. conventional loans. Closing Meeting to sign documents that transfer from a seller to a Fixed-Rate Mortgage Mortgage with an interest rate that remains buyer. (Also referred to as settlement.) constant over the life of the loan. Closing Costs Charges paid at settlement for obtaining a mortgage Hazard Insurance Protection against damage caused by fire, wind loan and transferring a real estate title. storms or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers Commission Agent’s fee for negotiating a real estate or loan to carry it in an amount at least to the mortgage. transaction, often expressed as the percentage of the sales price or HVAC Common building industry abbreviation for heating, ventilation mortgage amount. and air conditioning systems. Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC and Rs) Standards that Index Interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the define how a property may be used and the protections the changes in monthly payments for an adjustable-rate loan. developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision.

54 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

Infrastructure Public facilities and services needed to support PITI Principal, interest, taxes and insurance: the four major residential development, including highways, bridges, schools and components of monthly housing payments. sewer and water systems. Point One-Time charge assessed by the lender at closing to increase Inspection Examination of work completed on a structure to the interest yield on a mortgage loan. determine compliance with building code and other code Presettlement Walk-Through Final inspection of house prior to requirements. closing, conducted by builder and buyer. Joint Tenancy Form of ownership in which the tenants own a property Principal Amount borrowed, excluding interest and other charges. equally. If one dies, the other automatically inherits the entire Property Survey Survey to determine the boundaries of a piece of property. property. Cost depends on the complexity of the survey. Loan Origination Fee Lender will charge a fee for the cost of Recording Fee Charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid to processing the loan, usually calculated as a percentage of the loan a city, county or other appropriate branch of government. amount. Specifications Contractual document describing in detail the work to Loan-To-Value-Ratio Relationship between the amount of a home be performed; method of construction; standards of workmanship; loan and the total value of a property. quality, type and manufacturer of materials and equipment for a Lock-In Rate Commitment from a lender to make a loan at a pre-set particular project. interest rate at some future date, usually for not more than 90 days. Tenancy in Common Form of ownership in which the tenants own A fee may be charged to “lock-in” a rate. separate but equal parts. To inherit the property, a surviving tenant Mortgage Commitment Formal written communication by a lender would either have to be mentioned in the will or, in the absence of agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property, specifying a will, be eligible through state inheritance laws. the loan amount, length of time and conditions. Title Evidence, usually in the form of a certificate or deed, of a Mortgage Origination Fee Charge for the work involved in preparing person’s legal right to ownership of a property. and servicing a mortgage application. Title Insurance Insurance against any title defects that may exist prior Permit Document issued by a local government agency allowing to the time the title is passed from one owner to the next, and which construction work to be performed in conformance with local may come to light in a future transaction. codes. Work may not commence until permits have been obtained, Veterans Administration (VA) Federal agency that insures mortgage and each permit issuing agency must inspect the work at certain loans with very liberal down payment requirements for honorably specified points during construction. discharged veterans and their surviving spouses.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 55 WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING

Architect Lender Building design professional who has completed all required The financial institution that provides construction loan financing university training in architecture and passed state licensing exams; during construction and permanent financing for the home buyer initials A.I.A. and F.A.I.A. indicate membership in a professional after the home is built and there is a property settlement, referred to organization, but not licensed status. in our area as closing. Most lenders make what is referred to as Builder or General Contractor “end loans” which is the loan made to the buyer of a new home, and The buck stops with him or her in construction projects. The others make both the “end loan” and “construction loan financing” general contractor secures bids for all work and materials; hires, which provides funds to pay for costs incurred during construction. coordinates and oversees subcontractors; files for permits and Owner Builder arranges for inspections; and generally makes the final decisions in An individual or family who finances and manages a home all construction-related matters. building project (usually with the assistance of a builder or general Building Inspector contractor who is hired to manage all or a particular phase of the One or more local officials who oversee and regulate every phase construction of the home) with the intention of retaining ownership of residential construction. Regulations vary widely. In most states and residing in the home after completion. area home construction meets standards contained in the Uniform Subcontractor Building Code. In addition, applicable provisions of the Uniform Fire A specialist who undertakes responsibility for one phase or trade & Plumbing/Mechanical & Electrical codes are enforced. Typically, within the project and reports to the general contractor. In a typical permits are issued and inspections are made at key stages of home building project, subcontractors generally include: an construction by County and City building code enforcement excavation contractor who digs foundations and grades the site; a departments. masonry contractor who handles all concrete, block, brickwork and Building Designer paving; a framing contractor who constructs the shell and interior Generally unlicensed professionals (license not required for partitions; a roofing contractor; a heating, ventilation and air- practice) who, by experience, are competent to design homes, conditioning (HVAC) contractor; a plumbing contractor; an electrical prepare drawings and write specifications; they often work in contractor; drywall installers; insulation contractors; finish association with licensed architects. carpenters who generally handle wood flooring, trim work, and Construction Manager/Foreman cabinet installation; and a painting contractor. The general contractor’s right-hand man. A construction Surveyor manager can be on site when the general contractor is not. A professional with the training and equipment to establish or Design/Build Firms verify property lines. The surveyor also plots and marks the An organization that provides both architectural planning and topography of the site, which is crucial in preparing the site plan. He general contracting services, and offers a different approach to the or she may also be employed to stake out the building site, setting conventional arrangement in which the designer and builder are reference marks for foundation excavation, establishing grades for separate entities. roads or driveways and marking the locations for a septic system Interior Designer and water well, if necessary. Specialist in decoration and furnishing; special training and Title Insurance Company licensing not required. Initials A.S.I.D. following individual’s name The entity that conducts a comprehensive search of the public indicate membership in a professional association, for which records to make sure that the title received by a buyer of a new training and passing tests are required. home is “free and clear of any liens and encumbrances”. This Kitchen /Bath Designer assures the issuance of a clear or “merchant able” title in favor of Specialist in designing these rooms; initials C.K.D. and C.B.D. the buyer of a new home at the closing of the sale of the property. indicate certification by a professional association, for which training and passing tests are required. License is not required for practice. Landscape Architect Specialist in landscape and garden planning; primary concerns include site selection, grading, access, drainage and protection of existing plant material. License required for practice.

56 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide SELECTING A BUILDER

Are you shopping for a new home? Start by shopping for a Service After the Sale and Home Warranty professional builder first. Whether you are buying a townhouse, a While you are shopping, ask about the builder’s service after the detached home in a subdivision, or a custom-built house, the sale. Most builders offer some form of warranty. Many builders back construction quality of your new home will be determined by the their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for quality of your builder. one year. Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance Start your builder-search process by calling your local home program. One of the most important criteria for selecting a builder builders association. They can give you the names of reputable is the warranty protection provided on the home. Ask for a copy of builders in your area. Ask friends and relatives about builders they the builder’s warranty. Read the document thoroughly and be sure have dealt with directly, or ask them for the names of acquaintances you understand what protection is provided. If you have any who have recently built a new home. questions about the coverage, talk to the builder prior to finalizing The Interview Process your purchase. Once you have developed a list of builders who are building the Be Thorough type and price range of home you are interested in, research their When selecting a builder, be thorough and ask a lot of questions. reputations and the quality of their work. The best way is to visit Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers homes that they have built and talk to the owners. Ask the builders verbally, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question because you on your list for the addresses of their recently completed houses, are afraid of sounding “stupid” or uninformed. What seems like a subdivisions, or townhouse communities. At the very least, drive by “stupid” question may yield a very important answer. and see if the homes are visually appealing. Buying a new home is probably the biggest and most important Look at homes that are the same style as you plan to buy. A good purchase you will make in your lifetime. By doing your new “home” time to visit is on a weekend morning when people are outside work to select a builder, you will instill in yourself and your family a doing chores. Introduce yourself and explain that you are sense of confidence and knowledge that you have made the right considering buying a home from the same builder who built their choice. home. If you have additional questions about selecting a builder, contact Ask about their satisfaction with the home and whether the your area’s Builders Association. Ask for a builder list that identifies builder delivered what was promised in a timely manner. Ask if they the price categories and subdivisions in which they build. Be sure to would buy another home from this builder. People will generally tell tour the Parade of Homes in the Fall and Spring. It is an excellent you if they are happy with their purchase. way to get familiar with the housing market in this area as well as Quality and Value individual builder’s products. When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features: the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. In viewing a home, you must determine whether it lends itself to the type of lifestyle you want to lead. Look at the amount of interior living space and how efficiently the space is used. Find out if the builder is incorporating state-of-the-art energy efficiency features, both in appliances and insulation.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 57 SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

Every year hundreds of families are taken advantage of by 8. Make sure all required permits are secured and inspections are disreputable individuals or companies who represent themselves to made.The contractor should be expected to secure all necessary be reliable, reputable contractors. If you are planning to hire permits. Beware of contractors who want you to secure the someone to repair or make improvements to your property there are permit as the property owner. It is permissible to do so, but it is safeguards you can take to assure the best selection of a contractor very unusual that a reputable contractor will ask you to do this. for you. 9. Make sure you have a written contract with the contractor that Consider the Following details: 1. Hire only licensed contractors. Contractors are required to be a. A full description of all work to be done. licensed to do certain types of work. When selecting a contractor b. A firm date of completion you should make sure the contractor holds a current, valid c. Total cost of the job. license either issued by your city. d. Contractors license number. 2. All contractors do not possess the same expertise.Ask for e. All warranty information. references and check those references to assure yourself that f. Quality of materials to be used. the contractor is qualified to do the type of work you are wanting g. How and on what basis payments are to be made. done. h. How changes and payment for changes will be handled. 3. Check business references. Ask the contractor for a list of 10. Make sure complete architectural drawings are done and business references that you can call and verify that the agreed upon if you are having a room addition added, or relationships with suppliers and subcontractors are good ones extensive remodeling done. Be certain that detailed material and that the contractor pays his bills. specifications are also provided and made a part of the contract 4. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any you sign. complaints or charges pending against the contractor. 11. Monitor the work being done in accordance with the 5. Call local trade associations for information about selecting a contractual agreement with the contractor. If you have contractor. questions about what is being done or problems with the 6. Ask for proof from the contractor that he has general liability contractor, either ask questions or confront the problem head insurance and workers compensation insurance in order to on when it occurs in order to minimize any conflict and reach a protect you, as the property owner, against any claim in the event satisfactory resolve as quickly as possible. the contractor, his employees, or someone else is injured as a 12. Final payment should not be made until you are satisfied that result of work being done on your property. the job has been completed in accordance with the terms of the 7. Make sure the contractor you are contracting with will be contractual agreement between you and the contractor. personally involved in coordinating the work to be done on your property. “A house is made of walls and beams; A home is built with love and dreams.” - Author unknown

58 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Is Your Bank Meeting Your Current Financial Needs? What Will You Do? This page offers a guide to choosing the right bank for your The fist question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your needs, and offers some ideas for starting your checklist. bank account. Do you want to put money in there periodically and With banks offering an increasing number of financial services at watch it grow? Will you move money in and out quickly? You need widely varying fees, choosing one to handle your particular financial to know what your banking behavior will be like in order to find the needs can seem like a difficult and confusing task. Although there right bank. is much to consider, it is best to select a bank the same way you Next, get an idea of how you prefer to do your banking. If your would choose any product or service—first evaluate your needs schedule doesn’t work with most bank schedules, the best bank and then compare costs. You should also consider what is most might just be the one that’s open at convenient times. important to you in a banking relationship. Do you want to develop Free checking accounts get a lot of hype. They get people in the a personal, long-term customer relationship with a bank? Do you door. However, free may not always be the best thing for you. If you travel frequently and need access to branch offices while you are value certain services or conveniences, you may be willing to pay for out of town? If you prefer to do your banking by telephone or online, them. Once you get ahold of fee schedules from competing banks, you'll want to explore the types of electronic services each bank has consider if it’s really going to bother you to pay a few bucks each to offer. Once you have identified your needs, evaluating and month for that “gotta have it” feature or service. Maybe it is, maybe comparing the services and fees is a much simpler task. it isn’t. But you have to do your research, because not all banks offer At first glance, fees might make you favor debit cards in the debit free checking, and if they do, they won’t always tell you about that vs credit competition. The worst fee you'll find in a typical debit card option unless you ask. is a POS fee — charged when you use your debit card at a retailer So go online or make a few phone calls. Find out if the bank has using PIN number. While the tide is shifting away from banks a lot of ATM locations. It doesn’t do you any good to have free charging these fees, they're still around. More importantly, there are checking if you have to spend $2 a pop to use another bank’s ATM more factors than fees to the debit vs credit debate. because you bank only has one branch and it is all the way across Hidden fees are becoming increasingly popular in the banking town. industry. If you're not careful, you might end up wasting significant You may be eligible because of where you live or what type of job amounts of money each year on things that can be easily avoided. you have to join a credit union. Many people like credit unions One place that's full of hidden fees is the ATM. While it is an easy because they offer a lot of free services (like maybe free Money way of obtaining your money quickly and efficiently, ATMs are Orders). But keep in mind that credit unions are often few and far notorious for their service charges. You can end up being charged between, so you may end up with the ATM surcharge problem. every time you use the ATM, if you're not careful. Some banks will charge extra fees if you do not meet certain requirements or do your banking with them. Banks can even charge you to check your balance at the ATM. It depends on the bank. You need to understand the terms of your bank and find the best plan for you. You can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills, all from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. Internet banking may also have a price. Depending on the bank, you may have to pay a service charge for this service. It also may not be available at all banks.

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 59 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

You may have a difficult time deciding which type of home feature was designed to provide housing and assistance for mortgage is the best for your needs. The world of home finance veterans and their families, and the dream of home ownership offers so many variables and options that it’s often hard to keep became a reality for millions of veterans. VA will guarantee a them straight. The following may help you better understand the maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, differences and find a home loan that’s right for you. which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the Fixed-Rate Mortgages are very popular because the interest rate and reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever monthly payments are constant. Fixed loans are generally is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must amortized over ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty years. Property taxes qualify, for they are not automatically eligible for the program. and homeowners insurance may increase, but generally your Interest-Only Mortgage is really an interest-only option that works monthly payments will be very stable. During the early amortization with various mortgage types. This option has regular payments, period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for typically monthly, for a fixed period of time; however, payments paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly consist of one hundred percent interest. No principal is paid during payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate the interest-only period. When that period ends, the borrower is mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the obligated to make payments of principal and interest. Because the original loan amount. You may also opt for “biweekly” mortgages, time remaining in the loan term to repay the principal is shorter than which shorten the loan by making a payment every two weeks. it would have been, payments will adjust upward, sometimes (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 substantially. The appeal of interest-only payments is savings. When “months” worth, every year.) principal is not being paid, monthly payments are dramatically Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a loan which allows for the lower. On the risk side is potential for loss. If the need to sell arises adjustment of its interest rate according to the terms of the note and and the property value has stayed flat or declined, a borrower might as market interest rates change. With this type of mortgage loan be in a position where the mortgage loan balance is higher than the program the interest rate and payments may be adjusted as market value of the property. frequently as every month. The purpose of the program is to allow Balloon Mortgage Loan generally has a short term, commonly mortgage interest rates to fluctuate with market conditions. The anywhere from 3-7 years. During that term, borrowers make regular initial interest rate for an ARM is usually lower than that of a fixed equal payments of principal – the amount of money borrowed – plus rate mortgage, where the interest rate remains the same during the interest. At the end of the loan term, a “balloon” payment is due for life of the loan. A lower rate means lower payments, which might the entire loan balance. Options for handling the balloon payment help you qualify for a larger loan. Also if you do not plan to keep your include paying off the balance when due or refinancing before the home for more than a few years, the possibility of rate increases payment comes due. Balloon mortgages are usually offered at isn’t as much of a factor. But no one has a crystal ball to predict the lower interest rates than other fixed-rate loans. In addition, fluctuation of interest rates, so it is somewhat of a gamble. payments are calculated using a period longer than the term of the FHA Mortgage Loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. loan. As a result, balloon loans offer affordability for short-term FHA is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban circumstances. Borrowers do need to plan ahead so they are not Development (HUD), one of its chief purposes is to help people caught unprepared when the balloon payment is due. obtain financing to buy their homes. The FHA doesn’t make the Choosing a type of mortgage is not the only decision you must face. loans, but insures loans made by banks, savings and loans, Several other criteria are listed below. mortgage companies, credit unions and other approved institutions. Hybrid Mortgage combines features of both fixed-rate and FHA does not originate loans. FHA insures the mortgage and pays adjustable-rate mortgages. A hybrid mortgage loan may start with the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the a rate that is fixed for a period of time. When that fixed-rate period loan. Almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough expires, the loan then converts to an ARM. The initial rate for a cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make hybrid mortgage loan is typically lower than prevailing fixed rates. monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured The lower rate enables more buying power up front. On the risk side mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level is the uncertainty of how high interest rates will be when the fixed- required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. rate period expires. VA Mortgage Loan is similar to the FHA mortgage. The U.S. Lending Institution are used When you’re looking for a home loan, Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans made by you might work with an officer at a bank or other lending institution, institutional lenders to eligible veterans. The guarantee helps protect or you might choose to work with a mortgage broker. The loan the lender in the event of the borrower’s default. The VA Loan was officers at a bank, credit union or other lending institution are initiated in 1944 through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more employees who work to sell and process mortgages originated by commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed into their employer. They often have a wide variety of loans types to law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with draw from, but all originate from that specific lender. a federally guaranteed home loan with no down payment. This

60 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Brokers are professionals who are paid a fee to bring improvement in the market or improvements made by the owner. together lenders and borrowers. The mortgage broker working to Balloon Mortgage is a loan that acts like a fixed rate but is due in secure your loan is earning a fee for that transaction—and the three, five or ten years. At that point you must pay the outstanding better deal they achieve for a lender, the more they are paid. Don’t balance in one lump sum. be too anxious to disclose the interest rate you would be willing to Buydown is the process of buying a lower interest rate by paying accept, let them tell you what terms they can secure. Shop around more points at closing. to make sure the terms are reasonable. Conventional Mortgage is a loan that is under $ 240,000 and meets There should be little difference between obtaining a loan from a Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, the largest purchasers of broker or a local lending institution. Maybe none, but you should be home mortgages on the secondary market. aware of the differences between the two positions. A mortgage Convertible Mortgage is an ARM with the option to convert to a fixed broker may find you a lender in another part of the country. The loan rate mortgage as specified in the contract. office will likely be able to offer more personal service while your loan FHA Loans are issued by FHA approved lenders. The FHA insures its is being processed and once you are an established customer. loans so that borrowers can get them with only 3 to 5% down Discount Points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to lower payment. The FHA has certain criteria to qualify for these loans. your mortgage interest rate. While buying points is sometimes a Fixed-rate Mortgages are self amortizing loans with a constant rate of good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it interest. These loans are commonly for 10, 15. 20 or 30 year saves. The cost of each point is equal to one percent of the loan periods. amount. For instance, for a $100,000 loan one discount point equals $1,000. Each discount point paid on a 30-year loan typically Interest Rate is what the lender charges for the use of their money. lowers the interest rate by 0.125 percent. That means a 5.5 percent Expressed as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed before rate would be lowered to 5.375 percent if you purchase one point. financing expenses. Paying for points lowers your interest rate, because the lender Initial Interest Rate is what lenders charge on an ARM until the first receives the income in a lump sum at closing rather than collecting adjustment is made. This rate is usually much lower than fixed rate the interest as you make payments on your loan. Whether or not mortgages. paying points makes sense for you depends in part on how long Jumbo Mortgages are loans greater than $ 227,150 with an interest you plan to keep the loan. rate that is a quarter percentage higher than conventional loans. Helpful Mortgage Terms Lifetime Cap is the same as an annual cap except there is limit on how high the interest rate can increase over the entire life of the Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a loan with a rate that adjusts to market mortgage. conditions. The rate of adjustment will be stated in the contract. Loan Commitment is a promise by the lender to provide the agreed Adjustment Index is a guide lenders use to change ARM interest amount of money stated on the mortgage to close on a home. The rates during the life of a mortgage. The specific index to which your commitment also states the interest rate, term of loan, and usually ARM is tied to will be listed in the mortgage contract. expires within 60 days. Annual Cap is a limit on how high the interest rate on an ARM can Loan Servicing is the institution that handles the administrative rise in a single year. Annual caps are specified in the better ARM processing of your loan such as billing and collecting payments. programs. Loan-to-Value Ratio is the proportional relationship of the mortgage Annual Percentage Rate Equals the true cost of a loan including loan to the value of a home, expressed as a percentage. financing charges and fees. Amortization is the process that reduces the amount owned in a loan. It can be made in a lump sum or periodic installments. Appraisal Value is estimating the property’s worth which is based on comparable properties. Appraisals that are completed by certified professionals, and are used by lenders to verify the home’s value and justify the mortgage commitment. Appreciation is the increase in the property’s value, either by

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Mortgage Calculator You can obtain your property taxes from the local township office How much do you qualify for based on typical lender and you can contact your insurance agent for homeowner rates. requirements? Generally, the lender will require that your monthly Now, while shopping for your mortgage, you probably have payments not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Lets take discovered the current interest rate. Use the chart below; find the a look at how a lender would typically determine your ability to meet column, which applies to that rate. Follow the number down until monthly house payments. you find the number that is closest to your principal and interest First, determine your gross monthly income from all sources. payment. To the left of that you will find the loan amount for which Then multiply that amount by 28% to determine an approximate you probably qualify. If you intend to apply for a 90% loan, divide the allowable monthly payment. This payment includes principal, loan amount by .90 to calculate the price of the house that would interest, taxes and insurance. From this amount subtract taxes and require this monthly payment. insurance to arrive at your allowable principal and interest payment.

The example below illustrates this procedure: Gross Monthly Income $2,500 X 28% = $700 Less: Monthly Taxes & Insurance (100) = $600 12% Interest Rate for 30 years for $600= $60,000 $60,000/.90 (Loan to Value) =$66,667 = Estimated Maximum Home Price For Qualification

$ 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7% 7.5% 8% 8.5% 9%

100,000 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 150,000 750 825 900 975 1050 1125 1200 1275 1350 200,000 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 250,000 1250 1375 1500 1625 1750 1875 2000 2125 2250 300,000 1500 1650 1800 1950 2100 2250 2400 2550 2700 350,000 1750 1925 2100 2275 2450 2625 2800 2975 3150 400,000 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400 3600 450,000 2250 2475 2700 2925 3150 3375 3600 3825 4050 500,000 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500 550,000 2750 3025 3300 3575 3850 4125 4400 4675 4950 600,000 3000 3300 3600 3900 4200 4500 4800 5100 5400

650,000 3250 3575 3900 4225 4550 4875 5200 5525 5850 700,000 3500 3850 4200 4550 4900 5250 5600 5950 6300 750,000 3750 4125 4500 4875 5250 5625 6000 6375 6750 800,000 4000 4400 4800 5200 5600 6000 6400 6800 7200 850,000 4250 4675 5100 5525 5950 6375 6800 7225 7650 900,000 4500 4950 5400 5850 6300 6750 7200 7650 8100 950,000 4750 5225 5700 6175 6650 7125 7600 8075 8550 1,000,000 5000 5500 6000 6500 7000 7500 8000 8500 9000

62 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide AIRLINES NATIONWIDE TRAVEL

Airlines service. Other programs include an Diamond Award-winner Picasso. excellent sports program, extensive American Airlines • “O” by Cirque du Soleil, an extraordinary computer curriculum and optional flight fusion of water, dance and aerobics. Reservations call (800) 433-7300 training and SCUBA certification. Flights at your fingertips. For passenger • Via Bellagio- a collection of the worlds reservations and information call us or your Florida Air Academy is located on most sophisticated boutiques from travel agent. Florida’s Space Coast and is fully Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Tiffany, and accredited. Contact our Admissions Hermes. Continental Airlines department for more information on Fall, Reservations call (800) 523-3273 • The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Spring, and Summer enrollments. For charms guests with its natural beauty. Want to be treated with respect, fly the additional Information contact: Donna • Dancing Fountains cavort on an eight safe and courteous skies with Continental Stratford Director of Communication acre lake. Airlines. (321) 723-3211, Extension 30028 Fairmont Hotels United Airlines Home Builders/Developers Reservations call (800) 241-6522 Toll Free (800) 527-4727 Serving more of the nations top 100 Standard Pacific Homes SAC www.Fairmont.com business centers than any other airline. 2240 Douglas Blvd Suite 200 Boston, Las Vegas, Dallas, New Small package dispatch, same-day airport Roseville, CA 95661 Orleans, New York, San Francisco & San to airport. (916) 746-7000 Jose America’s Grand Hotels since 1907. www.StandardPacificHomes.com Car/Truck Rental Hilton Hotels Standard Pacific is one of the nation's Worldwide Reservations Avis Rent a Car largest and most successful homebuilding Toll Free (800) 845-8667 Reservations call (800) 331-1212 companies with shares traded on the New www.Hilton.com Offers low-mileage quality maintained York Stock Exchange. We take pride in Hilton Hotels, Resorts, Suites, Hilton GM and other cars. Computerized for fast having created more than 105,000 homes Garden Inn, Conrad International Hotel. service & low rates for day, week or long in California, Florida, Arizona, the MGM Grand term mini lease. Carolinas, Texas, Colorado and Nevada over the past four decades. This pride 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South Budget Rent a Car comes from knowing that home ownership Las Vegas, NV 89109 Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 is a cherished American tradition. A new (702) 891-1111 Right now, Budget has great rates on home is also the largest single financial Searching for non-stop action and equally great cars. So don’t let them pass commitment that most families ever make. pulse-pounding excitement? “The City of you by. For your local or one-way rental All of us at Standard Pacific are dedicated Entertainment” awaits your arrival. choose from Budget’s World Class Fleet at to offering the utmost in new home choice, • La Femme-the sensual French sensation the airport or in your neighborhood. quality, and value. New home direct from the original Crazy Horse in Budget Rent a Truck developments that bear the name Paris. Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 Standard Pacific carry a signature of our • Tabu - The ultra hip lounge designed to Right now, Budget has great rates on long-standing commitment to excellence in stimulate and arouse your senses. equally great trucks. So don’t let them design and craftsmanship that has earned • Live the nightclub lifestyle at studio 54sm. pass you by. the trust and respect of homeowners year • Sixteen masterpiece restaurants including Hertz Car Rental after year. The Company provides celebrated chef Tom Colicchio’s Reservations call (800) 654-3131 mortgage financing and title services to its Craftsteak and Michelle Mina’s NOBHILL. homebuyers through Standard Pacific Still The biggest, still the best. Biggest • The king of the jungle overlooks the Lion Mortgage and SPH Title. Selection of low mileage cars. Customer Habitat. service is the most important thing we do. Moving Supplies • The Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood Theatre feature top name entertainment. Education 6-12 Dial-A-Box Florida Air Academy White Plains and The Bronx, NY Mirage Hotel & Casino 1950 South Academy Drive TOLL FREE: (866) 4-DIAL-A-BOX / 3400 Las Vegas Blvd South Melbourne, FL 32901 (866) 434-2522 Las Vegas, NV 89109 (321) 723-3211 www.dial-a-box.com (702) 791-7111 Immerse yourself in this tropical South www.flair.com Nationwide Travel At Florida Air Academy, Cadets at have Sea oasis filled with luxury and excitement! the opportunity to get a first-rate education Bellagio The Resort • Experience the elegance and geared to the learning styles of young men 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South sophistication of our newly redesigned and make friends from around the world. Las Vegas, NV 89109 guest rooms. The school accepts young men in grades (702) 693-7223 • Dive into interconnected lagoon and 6 through 12. The Academy boasts a 16- Experience a world unto itself at “the thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage student average class size and college most romantic hotel in the world.” pool. prep curriculum taught by accredited staff, • AAA Five Diamond Award winning resort. • Ten international restaurants including many with advanced degrees. Cadets at • Nine world-renowned restaurants AAA Five-Diamond award winner Renoir. Florida Air Academy receive leadership including Aqua, Prime, and AAA Five • Exotic White Tigers, Lions and a family of training and an emphasis on community

Stockton/Modesto Information Guide [ 63 NATIONWIDE TRAVEL NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in Seigfried • A tropical pool area and lavish spa and in Manteca offers beautiful new homes and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin salon. with solid craftsmanship, intelligent floor Habitat. plans, and lifestyle-friendly features that New Home Developments • A fire-erupting volcano sparkling lagoons inspire activity in every room. A wide array and tumbling waterfalls. Montage at Tesoro of floor plans perfectly fit your family, while • Dive into interconnected lagoon and 1094 Danilo Court Standard Pacific Homes’ more than 40 thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage Modesto, CA 95357 years of homebuilding experience ensures pool. (209) 239-2500 quality you can trust. www.StandardPacificHomes.com New York-New York Villagio The BEST home buying opportunity in 4281 N. Berkeley Avenue 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South years is now! 4 Floor plans available! Walk Las Vegas, NV 89109 Turlock, CA 95382 through the streets of Manteca, and you’ll (209) 632-1190 (702) 740-6969 understand what a warm, welcoming place The best of New York City meets the www.StandardPacificHomes.com it is. Where else can you find this kind of Like a charming Village, Villagio is an best of Las Vegas in one exciting location. bedroom community so close to the Bay Be a part of it. enclave of 124 homes creating an inviting Area and Yosemite? Known as the new neighborhood located within the • ESPN ZONE sports-themed dining and gateway to Yosemite, it is centrally located peaceful, rural setting of Turlock. This entertainment. with easy access to the San Francisco Bay collection of artfully designed, spacious • Live performances nightly from the Area, Peninsula and Silicon Valley. The single family homes is enhanced by the Award-winning comedy of Rita Rudner. commuter-friendly ACE train station caliber of featured appointments you would • The thrilling Manhattan Express Roller provides an alternative to driving. Manteca expect to find in a home built by Standard Coaster. is a young town steeped in the traditions of Pacific Homes. Personalizing design • COYOTE UGLY Bar and Dance saloon the past, but with an eye on the future. It is options enable you to further tailor your and the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at the perfect place to put down roots. And new home to the lifestyle of your family! Times Square. there’s no better way to do that than Turlock’s historic downtown exudes small Standard Pacific Homes’ new community • New York City’s original Gallaghers town charm welcoming you to discover the of Tesoro. Built in the classic Americana Steakhouse. many restaurants, antique shops and tradition, and inspired by the contemporary • Be the toast of the town in the Big apple boutiques. Cultural art experiences, sophistication of the California West, theatre, as well as sports and recreation Bar with live entertainment nightly in “The Tesoro features the two great Greatest City in Las Vegas.” opportunities are abundant. Turlock offers neighborhoods of Tapestry and Montage. top-notch healthcare and medical facilities • ZUMANITY, Another side of Cirque du Each of them offers homes with a wide with Emanuel Medical Center. The Turlock Soleil, the creative climax of sexuality, array of floor plans to suit any size family. Unified School District provides humanity and art. Come take a look at what we’re building at outstanding academic and extracurricular Pan Pacific Resort Hotels Tesoro because there’s no nicer place to programs. Turlock is home to California Worldwide Reservations build your future. State University, Stanislaus which has Toll Free (800) 327-8585 Montage at Tesoro II provided exceptional higher education Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts. North 1625 Sereno Drive programs for over 40 years. The campus America, Japan, Southeast Asia. Manteca CA 95337 hosts open air concerts, arts and Treasure Island (209) 825-9548 entertainment activities, games and 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South www.StandardPacificHomes.com tournaments. The Turlock Community Las Vegas, NV 89109 Where home is in the heart of California. Theatre offers regular performances by big (702) 792-5627 This charming new community features 3 name entertainers. Enjoy the adventure and romance of this unique single story floorplans ranging in engaging resort filled with new-world size from 1,384 to 1,751 square feet. Walk amenities. through the streets of Manteca and you’ll understand what a warm, welcoming place • AAA Four Diamond Award® winning resort. it is. Steeped in the traditions of the past but with an eye on the future, this young • World-famous pyrotechnic sea battle bedroom community welcomes you home between the pirate ship, Hispaniola, and while encouraging you to get out and play. the British frigate, H.M.S. Britania in the From carving jack-o-lanterns at the annual middle of the Buccaneer Bay. Pumpkin Festival to picnicking at one of • Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, a the 30 municipal parks, you’ll find an mesmerizing mix of powerful acrobatics, abundance of local and regional attractions circus skills and dance. for your enjoyment. Drive West to visit the • Eight exciting dining options including coast, North to the state capital, or East to Kahunaville and Buccaneer Bay Yosemite Valley. Traveling to San Francisco Restaurant-fine dining overlooking the and Silicon Valley is also easy due to explosive battle in Buccaneer Bay. Manteca’s convenient highway access and • A beautifully appointed wedding chapel. commuter-friendly ACE train. Built in the tradition of classic Americana, Montage II

64 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS

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66 ] Stockton/Modesto Information Guide