Leadership Stockton class

takes a trip down memory lane

Leadership Stockton
Stockton: History, Arts, and Culture
Sponsor: San Joaquin RTD

NOVEMBER 2008 - Whether you are new to Stockton or have lived here a lifetime, you are sure to learn something during the Leadership Stockton, “Stockton: History, Arts, and Culture” session. Held each year at the Haggin Museum, the day is full of fascinating information spanning from the founding of our great city to the present day, and including a look at our arts and cultural resources.

Tod Ruhstaller, Director of the Haggin Museum (and Stockton history guru) was the guide for the first part of the day, taking the class through a PowerPoint history lesson from the time before settlers arrived to the present day. After our history overview, Tod guided the class through the entire museum explaining the history of the museum and its contents.

Just before lunch, the class boarded a Trolley, courtesy of San Joaquin RTD, for a trip downtown. Joining us on the bus ride was Paul Rapp, with San Joaquin RTD and Chairman of the Cultural Heritage Board and Leadership Stockton Alumni Class of 2005 and Dr. Wesley Swanson, San Joaquin Delta College professor and Vice Chair of the Cultural Heritage Board. Our first stop was a few of the historic buildings and hotels in the downtown area. Then it was off to the Magnolia Historic District. The tour of the district included stops at some of the areas most beautiful homes. The class made various stops during the tour to step outside of the bus to enjoy the many Queen Anne and Craftsman style homes.

Upon our return to the museum we were welcomed by Maestro Peter Jaffe from the Stockton Symphony. Peter spoke of the long history of the Stockton Symphony (third oldest continuously operating symphony in California), and previewed the upcoming season. The class was jazzed to here Peter play a few pieces from the November line up.

The day finished with Stockton Arts Commissioner Deena Heath who reviewed the mission of the Arts Commission, as well as the many events and displays available for the community to enjoy.

A big THANK YOU to the following: Irene Camy (LS Class of 2007) and Tonnie Mallory (LS Class of 2007) for bringing breakfast for the class; Ramon Valez (LS Class of 2006) for being there all day to help manage the session and take pictures; Tina Williams (LS Class of 2008) and Judy Rodriguez (LS Class of 2008) for all their help throughout the day; to the hard working staff of the Haggin Museum (940-6300) for the use of the Museum and the all access tour; Paul Rapp (LS Class of 2005) and Dr. Wesley Swanson with the Cultural Heritage Board; San Joaquin RTD for the use of the Trolley; the Stockton Symphony (951-0196); and our the Stockton Arts Commission and Arts Commissioner Deena Heath.

See us here next month as we look back at our Local Government session. If you would like more information on Leadership Stockton or wish to sponsor a session, please contact Timm Quinn at 547-2960 or visit www.leadershipstockton.com.