James Patterson, the internationally renowned author, literacy advocate and philanthropist, will be the commencement speaker for the May 13 graduation ceremony at University of the Pacific.

This December, the Micke Grove Zoo Education Department is offering full day (10:00 AM-3:00 PM) Winter Zoo Camps for children ages 5 through 10. These adventure-packed, single and 2-day camp sessions offer campers a chance to experience traditional zoo camp activities with a longer day. This gives parents a chance to schedule in some time for their busy holiday plans.

Presented by Capital Ballet Company - December 17, 2016, Delta College

Tis the season of giving and the Children's Home of Stockton (CHS) is honored to be a recipient of the Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive, which provides customers the opportunity to donate books to locally designated non-profit organizations. Customers are invited to visit the Barnes & Noble Weberstown location listed at 4950 Pacific Ave., Suite 319, Stockton, CA 95207, to give the gift of reading to children in need by donating a book from now through January 1, 2017.

Thanksgiving is over…but the holiday feasts are just getting started! Join Delta College’s Culinary Arts Department as they present their Annual Winter Feast Scholarship Dinner, Wednesday, December 7, 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Delta’s  Danner Hall. This year’s flavorful theme: Italian!

The Stockton Auto Mall is hosting the 3^rd Annual "Drive Out Hunger" Food Drive to benefit The Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin.  Dealer ownership/management will be at the Food Bank on Wednesday, December 7^th at 11am to deliver over 100 turkeys.

Every day, St. Joseph's Medical Center's ER sees over 232 patients, a 30% increase over just last year. This is at least twice the volume of any other facility in San Joaquin County, and twice the volume of UCSF.

Severe weather can be alarming and hazardous for drivers. The best defense is not to venture out on the roads during stormy weather, but if you must drive, use caution, common sense, and always be prepared.

The Education Department at the Micke Grove Zoo was just granted $92,000 from the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors of one-time funding in support of its education programs. These funds will enhance the education department’s efforts to provide low and no-cost animal conservation education to the surrounding communities.

The 12th Annual Thanksgiving Run and Walk Against Hunger, November 24, is expected to draw 4,000 participants to the Stockton Ports Baseball Park. (Fremont and Lincoln Streets in downtown Stockton.)  The Michael David Family Foundation Run & Walk Against Hunger is a 5K run/walk, a 10K (run only) and a Kid's 1/4 mile run.  It's an annual event for the whole family!  The flat, fast out and back course takes participants through Stockton's Weber Point and Waterfront area.  Walkers have their own scenic course along the waterfront.  Strollers and wheel chairs are welcome, however, please start behind the runners to help avoid a possible collision.