Twice a year, artists, fandoms, celebrities and the Stockton community come together for the weekend long event, StocktonCon. Held inside the Stockton Arena near downtown, you can expect to find handmade merchandise, retro novelties and, of course, loads of cosplayers. You’ll also meet the vocal talents from some of your favorite cartoons and anime. It’s the perfect excursion in town for Pacific students of any fandom.  

StocktonCon also packs an impressive lineup of famous guests that competes with larger cons. This year boasted Maggie Robertson, who voiced and mo-capped Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil Village, Marty Grabstein the voice of Courage the Cowardly Dog, Amy Allen from the Star Wars prequels and a handful of acclaimed anime voice actors. Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob will make an appearance at the winter StocktonCon, February 24-25. 

Pacific Tigers, Lana Heartfield, a biology major and Nadyia Rivera, an English and political science major, were able to visit the summer StocktonCon, held July 13-14, and caught a few easter eggs while they were there. Watch the video of their day at StocktonCon. 

Siamese Street Thai Restaurant 

Siamese Street is one of the best Thai food restaurants in Stockton. The menu features a variety of delicious Thai curries, noodle and salad dishes. Inside, it’s beautifully decorated and dimly lit, making it a great date destination. The restaurant is also vegetarian friendly so there’s something for everyone. No car? No problem, it’s also only a five-minute walk from campus. 

Cocoro Bistro  

If your date loves sushi you may want to take them to Cocoro, a popular destination on the Miracle Mile south of campus. It has a sleek interior and outdoor seating. Its sushi is some of the best and most creative in town. You can also get a 10% Pacific student discount to round things out.  

La Palma Méxican Cuisine 

Also on the Miracle Mile, La Palma is an excellent spot for Mexican cuisine. Its rustic aesthetic makes it an ideal destination to bring your date. The 10% student discount is also a plus. 

The FED 

Located right next to Stockton’s downtown movie theater, The FED is a great place for those of age to grab drinks at the bar and order some tasty bites. It offers a 15% discount for Pacific students, making it another ideal location for a date night. 

Cast Iron Trading Co. 

This lowkey downtown spot has live music, craft beer and coffee, vegan friendly dishes and more. Also located near the movie theater, Cast Iron is a great spot to add to date night. From tacos to burgers, you can expect new and creative spins on dishes every time you go. 

Expand the map below to view each location. Click the red icons to learn about each restaurant.

• Browse the world-renowned art exhibits at the Haggin Museum. (Psst! Keep an eye on their calendar for events and free admission days – the first Saturday of every month!) 

• Grab a few friends and challenge yourselves to an exciting escape room at Limitless Escape Games, located in Lincoln Center.

• Visit Wat Dammhararam, an active Cambodian Buddhist temple located right here in Stockton.

_{Photo: Travis Estell, Flickr (2020)}

• California’s Central Valley is famous for its rich soil and farm-fresh produce. Visit one of several local farmers’ markets for in-season fruits and veggies and other local goodies! 

• Catch a movie at the City Center Regal IMAX theater, just two miles from campus!

• Do some shopping then grab sushi, burgers, pizza or Hawaiian barbecue at Park West Place!

• Spend a day on the ice at the Oak Park Ice Rink. Check their online calendar for public skate times!

A five-minute drive south of Pacific’s campus will take you to a charming street full of quirky and unique shops. Yosemite Street Village is home to a variety of mom-and-pop stores. You can indulge in central-Texas style barbeque at Smoke & Meat BBQ or get a sweat in at Tibon’s Goju Ryu martial arts class. I visited Yosemite Street to check out a few of these hidden gems: 

Coffee run at Terra Coffee

Ube-flavored treats are my weakness, so when I saw that Terra Coffee offered an ube latte, I had to order it. The drink was the definition of aesthetic with swirly latte art and a pretty purple color from the house made-ube syrup. Its flavor reminded me of vanilla but with a nuttier profile.  

The shop itself was artsy and hipster with a wide variety of art adorning the walls. Terra also offers food made in-house and treats from local bakers in Stockton. It is the cool hipster cousin in Stockton’s top-notch coffee shop family. Unsurprisingly, they were voted No. 1 coffee shop in San Joaquin County in 2022 and 2023. 

Terra Coffee also hosts open mic poetry readings, drag shows and more! You can follow the shop on Instagram @terracoffee209 to stay up to date on future events and monthly drink specials. 

Good vibes at Yosemite Street Music

Yosemite Street Music is an oasis for all lovers of music! The whole arrangement is a musician’s dream. Walls are lined with guitars of all shapes and colors, and drum sets adorn the floors. Soft rock or jazz is playing in the background as you wander around and marvel at the different musical instruments. Here you can buy, sell, trade and repair instruments.  

Inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, owner, Chad Dorado, is creating a similar set up for local musicians and bands to perform and record their work. More information is to come, but it is a great opportunity to create fun content just a few minutes away from campus. 

They will also host outdoor concerts over the summer for the whole community to enjoy. So, whether you make music or simply enjoy listening to it, check out Yosemite Street Music for all your musical needs! You can follow them on Instagram @yosemitestreetmusic for new product updates, sales and events. 

Twilight Flow yoga session at The Catalyst

The Catalyst is an arts and wellness studio dedicated to serving the community. It offers various classes and workshops, ranging from theater to meditation. The space can also be rented out for meetings, community events or art exhibitions. 

I participated in a Twilight Flow yoga class with Jenna Lipkin. It was the perfect end to a long and tiring school day. As we transitioned through the poses, I could feel the tension and worry in my body subsiding. The sessions are very affordable at $15 an hour, and you can purchase value packs at a discounted rate too.  

The Catalyst also offers drawing classes on Wednesday evenings. If you need a mid-week pick-me-up, this is a great bonding activity to do with your roommates and friends. And it’s FREE, so it’s perfect for that college budget If drawing is not your thing, you can also be their muse and go home with free portraits of yourself. Complimentary drinks are provided for those 21 and older. Reach out to The Catalyst for more information.  

All classes (including yoga) can be booked online and ahead of time through its website. You can also follow The Catalyst on Instagram @catalyst926 for information on upcoming events. 

Merchants and neighbors of the village are committed to revitalizing and growing the community. The people are friendly and genuine, and it truly feels like everyone knows everyone. I encourage you to head over to Yosemite Street Village and check out all that it has to offer.  

Additionally, Yosemite Street Village hosts community-wide events like block parties, tree planting and neighborhood clean ups. You can follow it on Instagram @yosemitestreetvillage to stay connected!  

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.

Looking for something fun to do off-campus this fall? Grab your friends and carpool over to Del Osso Family Farm! The Lathrop farm is just a 20-minute drive from Pacific’s Stockton campus and hosts a corn maze, pumpkin patch and other autumnal activities every October. 

Tiger Team members Lana, Murad and Pravishti recently spent the day hanging out at the farm—here are their top recommendations for what to check out.  

Murad’s picks: Haunted house, mini golf and train ride  

“Del Osso is someplace I’ve been visiting since I was in high school. There are so many activities to do, my favorite being the haunted house, mini golf and the train ride. The haunted house is very quick and surprisingly a little scary. Mini golf is so fun and involves little to no skill; it’s all precision. Last but not least, the train ride across the whole park allows you to see the outskirts of Del Osso with a little history lesson in the background.” 

Pravishti’s picks: Corn maze and train ride  

“This was my first time visiting Dell’Osso, and I had an amazing time! I loved all the different varieties and sizes of pumpkins they had in their pumpkin patch, and my favorite activities were the corn maze and the train ride. I enjoyed hearing about and seeing all the different things the farm offers and grows, as well as its history.” 

Lana’s picks: Food, haunted house and mini golf 

“It was my first time visiting a pumpkin patch! My favorite parts were the food, the horror house and the mini golf. It was nice to celebrate fall and the upcoming Halloween in such a fun way.” 

Other fall activities near campus 

Lodi Zombie Walk & Halloween Faire 

When: Saturday, October 21 

Where: Parade starting at Idol Beer Works, 100 S Sacramento St, Lodi 

Watch Downtown Lodi, just a 25-minute drive from campus, transform into a Halloween Town of monsters, ghosts and of course, zombies! You can participate in or watch the parade for free. There will also be optional special events, vendors and food.  

Symphony Spooktacular  

When: Sunday, October 22 

Where: Atherton Auditorium, 5151 Pacific Ave Stockton 

Enjoy a concert filled with your favorite spooky tunes performed by the Stockton Symphony (right next door to Pacific on Delta College’s campus)! You’ll hear selections from Rocky Horror Picture Show, Phantom of the Opera, Ghostbusters and more.  

Dia de Los Muertos Street Fiesta  

When: Saturday, October 28 

Where: Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery, 111 S. Sutter Street, Stockton 

Stockton’s Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery will host their annual Day of the Dead celebration in Downtown Stockton on October 28. Throughout the month of October, families build altars to honor their loved ones who have passed away. At the celebration, you’ll be able to see the tributes on display, as well as enjoy mariachis, Aztec dancers, cultural food and vendors and more.  

Do you find yourself calling home every night, rethinking your decision to move away for college? Maybe you miss your old friends, or you’re having an especially hard week at school and feel overwhelmed without your parents. 

Homesickness is a common experience

Although you may feel alone in the experience, feeling homesick is more common than you think. A 2016 UCLA study found that almost three-quarters of first-year college students “occasionally” or “frequently” felt homesick, leading to increased isolation and loneliness. 

It was difficult to comprehend that my outgoing and secure friends were unhappy and missing home. Some people are better at concealing their feelings and emotions than others. I’m an introvert who dislikes showing negative emotions, so I fell into this category. 

Although I am entering my third year of college, I still feel homesick from time to time. I’ve learned that certain events trigger the feeling. For example, when my college friends drive home for a weekend. Or when my high school friends meet up for brunch and post pictures on their Snapchat stories. These scenarios used to leave me feeling empty and withdrawn, but I’ve learned to overcome them by keeping myself busy and working through the feelings. 

Get involved on campus to fight isolation

Joining organizations, clubs or intramural teams is a quick way to find friends and join a community. I understand it can be difficult and uncomfortable to put yourself out there but do it for the plot. Think back to kindergarten when you could be best friends with anyone you wanted because you were unapologetically yourself. Embrace that same energy in college and take risks. 

Once I started branching out of my athletic bubble by attending events, joining organizations and working for the university, I instantly felt more connected to the school and the Pacific community. 

Establish a routine

You can improve your mental and physical health by establishing a routine. Routines create structure, which is beneficial for first-year college students living away from home. When events are repetitive and predictable, you don’t have to worry about what to do next.   

During my first year, having a strict routine with volleyball practices, class and study hours helped me adapt to life on my own. It helped alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with new environments. There was always somewhere to be and things to do, and I was too busy to think about missing home.  

Use support systems to combat homesickness

You’re going to have rough days; it’s inevitable. Before panicking and making rash decisions, take a few deep breaths and figure out what you need in the situation. Maybe you need someone to vent to, or you need to take the night off from all your responsibilities.    

There are many resources at Pacific that can help you cope with homesickness. Talk to your roommate or reach out to your RA, who has already been through the transition to college. I found comfort in talking to my friends who were in similar situations and couldn’t just drive home. Knowing that I wasn’t the only one experiencing homesickness, made me feel less alone. 

If you need more assistance, reach out to student support resources like CAPS, Care Managers and Student Life. You can make a CAPS appointment online or contact them by calling their front desk at 209.946.2315 x2.  

Find a support system that will be there for you through the highs and lows. Recognize and tackle your homesickness as soon as possible. You will have an easier transition to college and flourish in your newfound independence! 

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.

Welcome to college! Whether you were the class president or the shy bookworm in high school, you are once again the little fish in the big pond. And that is exciting! Over the next four years you will have the opportunity to start fresh and grow into whoever you want to become. 

College will, without a doubt, be a journey. As a junior, I’ve come to appreciate the independence I’ve developed. I have grown much during my first two years at Pacific, and I anticipate learning and growing even more during my next two.

I have a bit of experience under my belt, so here are nine tips to help you survive (and thrive!) during your first year away from home.

Get involved on campus

There is a plethora of ways to get involved and meet new people at Pacific. You can join a club, rush a fraternity or find an on-campus job. I’m a member of Pacific’s volleyball team and a student copywriter for enrollment marketing at Pacific. Both positions have allowed me to meet and befriend various types of people from all across campus and the world. My experience at Pacific would not be the same without the relationships I’ve formed with my peers, my professors and the university.  

Go to class

Although it can be tempting to skip class, take my advice and just go. Many professors will include attendance credit in their final grades, so you don’t want to miss those free points. A good attendance record also informs professors that you are a committed student and care about their class. It might help you get extensions on assignments or boost your grade at the end of the semester. 

Stay organized

Whether you prefer to write things down on paper or digitally, keep track of due dates, exam dates and all other important events. Organization helps you stay on top of your assignments and alleviate unwanted stress. I track all major assignments and exams on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and use the Notes app as my weekly planner.  

Always check Canvas

Canvas is your home base for all school-related activities, so familiarize yourself with the platform and constantly check it. You can find your syllabus, access assignments, send messages and more all within this one application. Professors will often send announcements via Canvas, like cancelled classes or extra-credit opportunities. 

Ask for help

First, understand that it is normal to feel homesick or overwhelmed or just a little off at times. Discuss your feelings with a friend, a parent or someone who you trust, and reach out for more help if needed. There are many resources at Pacific, including free Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Remember, your mental health is equally as important as your physical health. 

Take time for yourself

Balancing school and a social life are by no means easy. Give yourself a break and ensure you are taking care of your mind and your body. In addition to eating, drinking water and sleeping, treat yourself to self-care and partake in activities that bring you joy. I like taking evening walks and watching the sunset at Knoles field while listening to Lizzy McAlpine.  

Use your meal plan efficiently

Since it’s mandatory for everyone who lives on campus to be on meal plan, consider using it to best benefit yourself. There are several places on campus to use them, and I recommend checking each of them out. Before using your own money to buy groceries from off campus, check if they have the items at the Grove. I like to pay for my Starbucks with meal plan and scan the app so I can rack up stars. It’s also convenient to link meal plan to Grubhub, so you can order ahead your 11 p.m. sweet potato fries craving from the Lair. 

Explore outside of Stockton

Stockton is great because there are so many cool places to explore just a short drive away. If you’re craving the outdoors, there’s Mission Peak, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park all less than 2.5-hours away. Take a day trip to the Bay or attend a professional sports game. One of my favorite memories was watching Stephen Curry play for the first time at Chase Center in San Francisco.  

Embrace the change

You are going to undergo so much change in the next four years, physically and emotionally. Looking back, I am not the same person I was when I first came to Pacific three years ago, and looking forward, I know I will leave a different person than I am now. Be open to new opinions, make your own educated decisions and discover what you truly value.  As cliché as it may sound, college is where you find yourself. 

I hope this advice replaces your worries with confidence and excitement. Enjoy the process, live in the moment and have a great first semester of college! 

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.

As part of Pacific’s Week of Welcome festivities, all students are invited to give back to the Stockton community during Pacific’s Day of Service from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, August 26.  During the event, you’ll get to participate in a wide range of community projects throughout the city.  

Here’s what you need to know about how to sign up and what to expect day-of.  

What community service projects are available? 

During the Day of Service, Pacificans will come together to participate at over 20 community partners sites in Stockton. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in many areas of service, including: 

• Agriculture and support 
• Community care and family aid 
• Animal advocacy 
• City improvement and beautification 
• Cancer patient support 
• Education and art 

Can I volunteer if I’m differently abled?  

Yes! There will be a variety of roles available during the event so all students can participate. If you require accommodations to attend this event, you can email the Volunteer Center at volunteercenter@pacific.edu.  

How do I sign up?  

To secure your volunteer spot, RSVP by Thursday, August 24. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to create an account and sign up: 

Create a profile on our volunteer portal. Here is a quick guide on creating your profile.  

1. Create a profile on our volunteer portal. Here is a quick guide on creating your profile.  
2. Register for Pacific Day of Service  
3. Download and sign the waiver 

Once you’ve reviewed and signed the waiver, drop it off in the Sears Hall lobby (located in the Morris Chapel building) any time before the event begins on Saturday, August 26.  

What should I bring/wear? 

Be sure to dress in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirt or paint on. Closed-toe shoes are required. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are recommended.  

You’ll receive a hat at check-in to protect yourself from the sun, but you should bring your own sunscreen or any other type of sun protection you’ll need.  

You should also bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. You can refill your water bottle at your volunteer site. Don’t worry about food—you’ll receive a snack at check in.  

What can I expect day-of?  

On Saturday, August 26, please plan to arrive at Knoles Lawn at 8 a.m. to check in. Transportation to your volunteer site will be provided through a bus service. Be prepared for a fun, rewarding day of service! 

If you have any other questions about Pacific’s Day of Service, email the Volunteer Center volunteercenter@pacific.edu. You can also follow the Volunteer Center on Instagram @PacificVolunteerCenter to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Pacific.  

When you join the Pacific family, you also get to join one of the most diverse communities in the nation. Stockton, located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, is a vibrant waterfront city with a variety of neighborhoods, restaurants, shops and even historical sites to explore.  

We invite you to watch this video to meet Stocktonians from all over the city and check out some of our favorite local spots to eat, shop and hang out. Welcome home! 

You can explore more stories and videos about Stockton here on the People of Pacific blog.  

A quick 15-minute walk or five-minute drive from Pacific’s campus will land you at the iconic Miracle Mile. The palm tree-adorned neighborhood is home to more than 150 retail, dining, service and professional businesses. Markets and events are hosted year-round for the Stockton community.

I spent a day on the Mile, walking around and exploring eateries and shops. It was the perfect one-stop spot to study, indulge in retail therapy and grab a bite to eat. 

Here are the stores I visited, but I recommend exploring the strip yourself to support local and find your favorites. Be on the lookout—some merchants even offer discounts for PacificCard users!

First stop: House of Shaw Café & Bakery, 227 Dorris Place

Fresh pastries and Taylor Swift on the radio – sign me up! My Americano and warm strawberry muffin fueled me for an intense study session. 

Second stop: The Lush Studio, 2218 Pacific Ave.

Are we in Stockton or a tropical oasis? The aesthetic is perfect for pictures, and they have a variety of plants for all levels of plant parents. I purchased a snake plant, perfect for newbies like me!

Third stop: Bellissima Boutique, 2230 Pacific Ave.

From jewelry to dresses to sandals, there is much to explore and many racks to sift through at this fashion lover’s dream. I loved their earring section, and everything was reasonably priced!

Fourth stop: Hidden Gem, 2110 Pacific Ave.

A true hidden gem right next to Gian’s, the shop is the perfect place to find a gift for a friend or yourself. They feature items from more than 30 small businesses, and their pink interior is just too cute.

Final stop: Gian’s Delicatessen, 2112 Pacific Ave.

Nostalgic and homey. We finished the day with a #9 signature sandwich and cherry-lime Italian soda whipped up by owner and son of the O.G. Gian, Jeffrey Bolognini.

Miracle Mile is full of so many gems, and I hope you have a chance to check them out yourself. Don’t forget to bring your PacificCard or ID, and happy exploring!

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.