The Man About Town - Manteca

Brought To You By Souza's Heating & Air. This week on the show, Episode 51, is a message from the host, Aaron Goodwin/Bubba Black

This week on the Manteca Podcast, a 3rd generation HVAC specialist, and to hear the story told back to me, my guest was in the local Manteca area family heating and air business. By the time he was old enough to make decisions in life, he was leaving this town Manteca to get away from the family business and heating and air, it was all he knew from a young age. So, this Manteca patriot decided at the time, which was around the 9/11 attack that he wanted to go to college. The way to do that inexpensively was to do it, by entering the Armed Forces and that is where the Air Force grabs a young Manteca man headed for a new career in the military.. Mark was headed for a new career, that was in the nuclear missile silos in Cheyenne Wyoming, the job? HVAC / Heating and Air Conditioning, you heard me right. Mr. "I'm tired of Manteca and I'm tired of HVAC' goes into the military… That is where he had an epiphany and that was to go with what you know and to appreciate what he had learned at home and what he was learning in the military.. After his service Mark comes home and ends up at some point carrying on the family name that has grown to be such a big name in the Manteca and Ripon area over multiple decades in the HVAC trade. From his grandpa, Tony to his uncle and dad, Tony and Mark Sr. this MHS graduate, last name Souza, has built a very successful heating and air business continuing the family legacy and this week he's on my show.. Mark Souza-Souza's Heating & Air

Brought To You By Souza's Heating and Air - Manteca. @souza360.com for Mark Souza. There is a parcel of land on the corner of Louise and Union road in Manteca. That piece of ground is Manteca's only cemetery and most of the pioneers and settlers of Manteca, it's military heroes from Manteca, all if not most, were, and have been laid to rest, there, on that parcel known as the East Union Cemetery. It has been run for a century here in Manteca. There have been lots of people taking care of this private property/parcel/non profit and for the past few decades, some of the business practices were being taken into question, and rules weren't necessarily being followed as they should if you are going to be an accredited cemetery and its future was up in the air. It was not looking too bright for the day-to-day of this Manteca Historic Landmark. There were some ladies that have, and had, ties to people buried there and family members who were on the cemetery board luckily these 3 ladies did some homework and learned what was happening at the cemetery and were worried, about its issues and possible fear of a very realistic closing. They thought that's out of the question, we have generations buried here. while inquiring about the place that houses so many resting Mantecans. 3 ladies who met at a small meeting decided to dig around and do some learning and in the process resurrected it and now preside as fully accredited cemetery operators. These are three ladies that were inducted into the Manteca Hall Of Fame for what they have done to save this place and they don't want any notoriety for it that's too bad.. I am here and you're going to hear why so many people love them and with a father whose final place happens to be that address, I sleep well now knowing who is responsible for fixing up the cemetery's issues and making sure That I still have a spot to visit to see what I have to remember him by along with many generations of Manteca buried there.. It's a small stone in the East Union Cemetery. He has a home because of this week's guest they call em the 3 Amigos. I am going to say Amigas as that would be proper for their gender. Anyways tighten em up here we go on the podcast about Manteca and its heroes still living. Gloria, Janet, and Janice are on.. from the East Union Cemetery.

Brought to you by Souzas Heating & Air at souza360.com This week I jumped on an airplane to go see my son and grandkids and his family who live just outside of Austin Texas.. The podcast was weighing heavy on my mind as I made a promise to do 52 weeks without a hitch putting on a show weekly without fail. With just a few shows left, and some changes in the roster of interviews sort of shifting around it's been a little. Tough to get these things done in 7 days quite a task and throw a week's vacation into the mix it was all weighing heavy on my mind I thought to myself " wait a second there is possibly one of the BIGGEST success stories to come from Manteca , he was a short kid who lived way out on 120/Yosemite west near what used to be called the R CLUB and he went to Nile garden grammar school and graduated from Manteca High. Maybe the most popular name in all of professional sports to come from here, and he lives in TEXAS even though you may think he was from Oakdale, the cowboy capital of the world as we've been told all of our lives here on the west coast and in the central valley of California. To hear this week's guest, who is an American rodeo ICON tell it. He used to think that too. Until he moved away and traveled around cowboyin' and eventually found himself in Stephenville Texas and found this is where all of his idols and fellow riders live… he now has a little ranch in Gustine Texas near Stephensville where he and his wife homeschool their boys and dad gets up early to teach his sons the ways of cowboyin'. I would normally do a lil bio thing here but its coming in the first part of the show and you may know exactly who I'm talking to here live in Texas.. his name is TED NUCE American sports champion Olympic medal winner the inaugural first champion at the inception of the PBR and so many more accolades, if you look closely in the Amarillo By Morning video by George, Ted Nuce is a majority of the footage rodeoing' there for America to see and this was back in the '70s and '80s. Such a colored life he has led and now I am in Texas he's in the hottest here at his ranch/compound in Texas i got lost coming here as you'll hear me talk about

Brought to You by Souza's Heating & Air - This week's guest started teaching martial arts after returning home from Vietnam in 1969 and is now a 7th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do professor 8th dan in go shin Jitsu kai. he started teaching police officers combat tactics at the San Joaquin delta college in 1970 by 1974 he opened a martial arts school teaching until 1982 when the Manteca boys and girls club opened its doors. in the 80's he married Janis Delaney. Robin wanted to give back to his community here around Manteca where he was born and raised. He started volunteering at the club in 1983 as a martial arts instructor giving free classes to the youth of Manteca for almost 40 years, teaching thousands of youth from age 6 to 17 In 1987 he was given the volunteer award from President Ronald Reagan in 1992 inducted into the Black Belt Hall Of Fame by the International Martial Arts Competitors Federation In 1995 awarded his second Presidential Volunteer Award from Bill Clinton, In 1996 my guest was inducted into the Manteca Hall Of Fame for athletics, and given the 15-Year Volunteer Award from The Boys And Girls Club Of America. In 2002 he received a volunteer award for 20 years of service to the youth of Manteca. In 2004, inducted into The World Martial Arts Masters Hall Of Fame. also that year, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from Grandmaster Leo Fong. In 2007 Robin was put in the Manteca Sports Hall Of Fame Voted Manteca's Best Athlete. In 2008 he was certified as a master instructor by the United Martial Arts Association in 2009 he won 2 Gold medals in the California Senior Olympics in martial arts events, sparring, and traditional weapons forms. In 2013 my guest was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall Of Fame, n 2019. The USA National Martial Arts Association made him The Grandmaster Of The Year, no longer a Sabonim, he also is a father to two great adults as well. this week he is also a guest on my show about the greats of Manteca California that I do every week. Robin Taberna is Mantecas martial artist…and a guest on the Manteca podcast that I call the Man About Town- Brought To You By Souza's Heating And Air  Contact Mark for great service he's also about to release a new book. See this 3rd generation family Heating & Air company in Manteca and their story at Souza360.Com

Brought To You By Souza's Heating & Air - souzashvac.com In 1972 at the age of 4, his parents Rick and Judy, and sister Kristen moved to Manteca. This young Manteca boy, always had an interest in athletics; taking up the game of golf at age 7, with his father and grandfather Everett. I am going to continue to read this but my personal addition to this guy is "The best all-sports athlete ever and all of the athletes will tell you the same that have ever played against him on a ballpark field or a real sports competition game etc…. Let me continue. my guest continued to play and began with the Northern California Golf Association at age 10 and continued to age 18. He participated in approximately 50 golf tournaments during this time. He attended Manteca High School (1983-1987). He played football and basketball for Manteca High, but where he really shined was in the game of golf. Playing for Manteca High he was named all VOL 1984-1987; Section Champ 1986-87; VOL Champ 1984-87; Nor-Cal Individual Champ in 1985 and State Champ 1986. During this time he also played in the U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championships 1984-87. He attended Oklahoma State University 1989-91; Winner of 7 College tournaments; Ben Hogan Award and the Dave Williams Award for Top Senior in College Golf in 1991. joined the Professional Golf Association (PGA) 1992-2003.  was the winner of 10 professional golf tournaments, most notably the 1998 Philippine Open; Finished in the top 17 on the Asian Tour Money List from 1993-96. In 1996 finished top 10 in 15 of 25 events and qualified and played in the 1993 US Open. He no longer swings that often now he does his hometown well with is business and doings with his church is married to Diane; they have a son named Tyler. His hobbies are family, basketball, fishing and of course golf. Well catch up with him, now on the podcast about my favorite place MANTECA California.. I'm born and raised His name is Kevin Wentworth 

Brought to you by Souza's Heating and Air - Manteca This week on the Man About Town Podcast - My guest and the entire family with a dad who wasn't around and a mom who made ends meet by moving into most of the low-income neighborhoods in South Stockton. Mom ended up bringing her family to Manteca a little impoverished area of town north of the town's P.G+E Station. I think of Mini-Park and all the families that lived on Greenbriar. There was one Mexican kid with a chip on his shoulder, why? This young man stuck out like a sore thumb when he was with other Mexican kids or black kids. Out of their family, this young man had red hair and freckles and none of the other children in the family had red hair or freckles and in downtown Stockton at that time Crow Valley, Sierra Vista, Boggs tract, these areas were Black Neighborhoods Mexicans were already having trouble in those communities due to the ways of race and the streets. Let alone, a redheaded Mexican. So he learned to fight and boy could he fight. That red-headed boy in the 80s, introduced himself and Manteca to the fights that would happen at the Stockton Civic.. If it wasn't for a career-ending injury his name would have been on the top of everybody's mind and lips in the boxing community for years to come there's no doubt. But that hand injury sidetracked Red as they called him and instead of the world champ he is Manteca's champ. He said to me why me? I didn't win the belt. Well. he's bout to find out why people love him like I do a treasure to Manteca. I'm going to interview this young boxer who in those days brought this place Manteca to his fights in Stockton the Stockton civic and other places putting the world of boxing on notice. He's going to tell the story about never being knocked out never hitting the canvas and more as I highlight a big name from my days growing up and just a great human and great example Tony Dominguez is my guy this week. The Manteca champ.

The Willis family got their start in Stockton California where dad Jerry Dean Willis the first was a bar operator. His young sons were trained in the fine art of lawn care. Detailing cars and others by himself. Years later friends would talk of the skills those young men learned so many years ago. I say that in jest.. My guest played under all of the great football coaches at MHS and he then went on to play college ball. And then a business marketing class sent home an assignment to start a business on paper For this college student/MHS graduate, he did that homework and on paper designed a sports bar. Which were the new type of bars being built in the late eighties. Now there are a lot of em, that seem to be on steroids. Compared to one of the originals I am sure in the state, that is the reason I picked this gentleman to be on the show.. He and his father scouted out many locations and were doing research on taking that dream from a piece of paper and making it work bringing it to fruition. This club in Manteca was named ROCKO's based on a nickname given to the owner by some college friends. It stuck and all these years later after a terrible fire gutted and killed the place. The owner, you'll hear re-invented himself and is nowhere near bringing a bar back at his age now. You'll find out in the show here what he has been up to the story of its inception and the life of my guest Jerry Dean Willis JR. or as they call him JD Willis he was the proprietor of Rockos sports bar and he has put in the time here, that's the reason I am here with JD he will tell us about his life and I know I am a little jaded but this gonna be great podcast so settle in adjust your headphones and here comes the story of JD WILLIS and the legend of Rockos on the Man About Town Podcast

Brought To You By The TRUSTED SONS- Handyman Company 209 269-2727 trustedsons.com Right next door, south, to the Manteca Post Office there is a small shop still in day-to-day operations and about to be transferred to a new set of owners. They will be continuing a new family set of traditions which is great news. Redi-Mark is a family-run business that has been going since the mid-'70s at a variety of small buildings downtown. Far from the old days from a small room in a house on Airport Way where mom and dad were starting a rubber stamp business. That business flourished into where Diane Givens continues the Lamar family tradition of rubber stamps trophies, plaques and so much more to this day. This gal has got ants in her pants…. You'll hear that story because we're digging in and scratching the surface at the same time. Like an audio tug of war in your brain and in the lives of the Lamar tradition and family shadow Diane at Redi mark operates in today. She is the guest she will tell her story and the story of Redi Mark on this week's show

Brought To You By The Trusted Sons- America's Handyman Company 209-269-2727 Mike Mallory, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties (SHFB) located in Manteca, will tell you “it takes an army to accomplish their mission”, and it does. Fighting Hunger-Feeding Hope! It is a daily challenge accomplished by a committed and dedicated group of stakeholders led by Mike. He will tell you “others make it happen”. Others will tell you “Mike makes it happen”. The reality is with Mike's guidance and leadership, and with the dedication of staff and the commitment of community-minded individuals, together, they accomplish this monumental feat every day.
 Mike began as a member of the Board of Directors in 1998. Mike was invited to become the new CEO in 2008. At this time the economy was experiencing significant challenges, and the food bank was faced with equally significant organizational and operational issues.
 Mike's leadership led to a restructuring of the board and increased the effectiveness of the food bank. The food bank has grown to include many additional communities including Merced and the Mother Lode that rely on the food bank for food. There is a collaboration of over 100 non-profit agencies that distribute over 15.8 million pounds of food to food pantries and after-school programs serving 365,000 adults, seniors and children that suffer from food insecurity.
 Current programs that have expanded or were created under his leadership include: Food 4 Thought, Senior Brown Bag, Mobile Fresh, Green Bag (Go Green for Seniors), Chef Program, Farm to Family and events such as The Chili Cook-Off, Hit the Streets for Hunger, Empty Bowls and Turkeys R Us.
 Mike has become the face of Second Harvest Food Bank, but his service continues by being involved and serving on the Wells Fargo Advisory Board, California Food Bank Association, Mountain Valley Express Board and Stanislaus County Healthy Aging Association. Because of his involvement, he has been able to expose the food bank and garner additional support and resources that extend the impact of the agency. Mike and the staff at SHFB are tireless and innovative, working every day to eliminate hunger. 
 Mike attended and graduated from Sacramento City College in 1975 and Cal Poly-Pomona in 1977. He is married to his best friend Suzanne and is a proud father and grandpa

Brought to you by the Trusted Sons - America's Handyman Company 209 269 2727 - When Dino Cunial started his career as an educator for Manteca schools, it was a one-horse town. Manteca High School, where he taught orientation and world history to freshmen, was the only high school in the town of roughly 7,000 people – the same population as the Northern California town of Susanville where he grew up and graduated from Lassen High & for the next four decades, Cunial served the youth of the community as a teacher, a coach, and an administrator – earning him the honor of having his name on the stadium at the high school where he worked for 34 years. East Union. But before he achieved legendary status for his time at East Union – where he is a part of the school's Hall of Fame – Dino Cunial was a Manteca Buffalo. In the fall of 1961, Cunial started teaching geography and orientation to freshmen at Manteca High School recruited by Don Reed and Joe Handy to help coach basketball. He became an official coach the following year when he took over the freshman football program and would hold that position until East Union High School opened up – effectively splitting Manteca, and its high school loyalties, in half. While the opening of East Union High School split the town in half – and led to some very tense opening years where rivalries got out of control – Dino never lost touch with his Manteca High School colleagues or lost sight of where he came from. Over the years he has worked with a who's who of local coaching and education legends – Vern Gebhardt, Rick Arucan, Dick Durham, Bill Stricker – and the same year that he walked away from coaching and assumed the role of athletic director at East Union, longtime friend Walker Vick assumed the same role at Manteca High School. Dino is An avid traveler and now relishes watching his grandchildren play sports both locally and in other parts of California. While he misses the town that he knew when he first arrived more than 50 years ago, Cunial said he still loves Manteca and those that call it home. He and his wife Sharon live here still and now I am going to scratch the surface of the life of DINO CUNIAL

This week's guest, for four decades came into your home primarily on a piece of paper. His entry to your mind was in ink and black and white. Ron did this by reporting the local sports scene and keeping his hometown of Manteca in the minds of people who were part of the Modesto Bee circulation. He went to school at MHS for a year and wore the green, but was then transitioned to the new high school in town back in the late 60's East Union High school where he graduated and got his love for people, sports, and writing, now here we are 40 years down the road. It was a road that started in Selma after Fresno state, with duties at local newspapers in Merced and Manteca over the years. Ron's pushed No. 2 pencils and pens, for many a gateway into the media from a small city where his name is synonymous with sports writing. He loves golf, his wife, daughter brothers and sisters, Manteca, and sports. Ron is a great family man and loves keeping the tradition of his lineage, by working hard, doing service work around town and his church. This was all handed down from the Agostinis, his parents, who farmed this land so many years ago.. I bet he and I, are the same. I think it's about time to get him into the Manteca Hall of Fame what an honor that would be, to be there with his Dad who holds the honor already.. Ron Agostini is on the Manteca Podcast.

From his high school days as president of the Hanford High Future Farmers of America, through his college years at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, to presently serving his second term on the Manteca City Council, most of Steve DeBrum's life has been spent serving his community. After arriving in Manteca in 1984, Steve immediately became involved in his church, the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis Club and several other activities. He has been a tireless worker in these groups, having served the Kiwanis as president, later being named Super Distinguished Lieutenant Governor of the Cal-Nev-Ha District and named to its Hall of Fame. Other past presidencies have included those of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce (2002-03) and the Boys and Girls Club of Manteca (2004-05). He is the current president of the Manteca Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is a past board member of the San Joaquin County United Way and the American Heart Association. At present, he serves on the boards of the Manteca Unified Student Trust and the Boys and Girls Club. For the past 25 years, Steve has been employed as Northern Area Manager for the California Cooperative Creamery/Dairy Farmers of America. He and his wife, Veronica, are parents of two children, with four grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys being an auctioneer, traveling, hunting and being with his family.

Brought to you by the TRUSTED SONS @ 209 269 2727. This week I chat with a man that started his career in Manteca. After schooling at Delta and CSU Turlock or Stan state as it's known, he landed in Manteca. This fan of Bill Walton and all sports rather "rotated like seasons" to a young son of a Delta College football coach and his Stockton friends in the Colonial Heights area of the Port City. No one thought he'd stay when he came to Manteca in 1985 and here we are. 2022 and he is still doin' his thing as a Lathrop high principal these days at 62 years old, he says retirement isn't a thing for him yet.. Let's talk to him and see what makes him tick and the life of GREG LELAND he is this week's guest on the Man About Town Podcast. I ask you to subscribe, share, and listen to the labor of love that I do weekly for the heroes of my Manteca youth and modern-day… The mantecapodcast.com

This week on the Man About Town Podcast brought to you by the Trusted Sons Handyman Company call em at 209 269 2727.. My guest was born in Bakersfield, 1934.  His family then moved to Manteca as you will hear, when he was young. The 1952 Manteca High graduate was hired as a sixth-grade teacher for the then-new K-8 - New Haven School.  After a two-year stint in the Army at White Sands in New Mexico Marion was awarded a medal.  Later on, you will hear us talk about it.  The Fresno State graduate who obtained his master's degree in education from Stanislaus State in 1979, was employed for 37 years in the Manteca Unified School District.  He taught at New Haven, Golden West, and Lathrop. His administrative career included stints as vice principal at Lathrop School and Manteca High and 17 years as Lincoln School principal when he retired in June of 1995. He was a part-time recreation director for the City of Manteca, responsible for starting the adult softball league.  He was involved in the first Manteca Babe Ruth Baseball League and has served as a district, state, regional, and international commissioner for the baseball organization. He was a high school baseball umpire and has officiated basketball and football in previous years. He is a big fan of Manteca history, writing the "Backward Glances" and "Sports Yesteryear" columns for the Manteca Bulletin. He is already a member of the Manteca High Hall of Fame.. This week he is my guest. Thanks to Marion for being here online, his first piece of social media.

This week on the Man About Town Podcast brought to you by the Trusted Sons Handyman Company call em at 209 269 2727.. 30+ years at one school.. Leaving Manteca High School better than it was when he started. This teacher schooled in Oakdale during his youth years. Then onto play football for and lift weights at UC Davis. He did all this while establishing his degree, to put him in the identical footsteps of his father Leroy. Who along with two other generations. The 4 of these family members inducted into the Oakdale hall of fame. And then all these years later at retirement time, he ends on a nomination and was put into the Manteca Hall Of Fame for Teaching Art to 30 years of students.. He is a well-loved MHS football coach, who also started the new decade called the 80's. My art teacher from the MHS 40 wing. A man who only taught at one school and coached at one school. He is proud to bleed green even though he comes from the cowboy capital, its time to peak into the life of a great coach, teacher, and mentor, who devoted his working years to the youth of Manteca and its time now to tell the story of Kurt Giovannoni as he is this weeks highlight on this podcast I call the man about town Manteca or the Manteca Podcast lets get the headphones Kurt is here and its time. Let's goooo

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE TRUSTED SONS 209 269 2727 - This week's guest is a schoolmate of mine and was one the baddest players and coaches to ever do it at Guss Schmidt field. An offensive lineman whose name is Manteca royalty. His family might've just developed the land or built the house you live in this day.  Dan's dad and his grandpa spent their life developing and building in this area, and now it's his generation's time for the Eavenson to remain true to TECA town and to make sure everything runs right for you. These things could vary from sewer and drainage and things to do with building and land etc. things I am just not paying attention to he does it all. This all, while maintaining a family life. He is a philanthropist and the head guy at an engineering firm in town that he runs along with coaching taking care of wayward kids he comes into contact with. His hobbies are many including playing piano scuba diving and traveling.. he's one of the nicest guys ever he's a big ol' boy who is just looking out for Manteca. As you will hear today he is a treasure and there just isn't enough time to tell it all, but I am gonna try right now to highlight the Eavenson tradition in town and my buddy Dan Eavenson is this week's guest, brought to you by the Trusted Sons every week where ever you get your podcasts. Please subscribe so this show shows up in your inbox every week. Thank you

Art Perry was born in 1944 to George and Violet Perry. He has always lived in Manteca, where his passion for agriculture began at a very young age. He attended Manteca High School and graduated in 1962. During high school, he was very involved in the Future Farmers of America. He attended California Polytechnic State University from 1962 to 1966, where he majored in Dairy Science. He was Agriculture Council President, Vice President of the Alpha Zeta Honor Agriculture Fraternity, and was a member of the dairy judging team that competed at the national level in Waterloo, Iowa. Although Art went to college to become an Agriculture teacher, his passion for farming and his love for his family kept bringing him back to the family farm. Working alongside his dad and family members, the family farm grew into a sizable farming, and produce marketing company, George Perry and Sons, Inc. The various crops grown and marketed by George Perry and Sons include watermelons, pumpkins, hard-shell squash, tomatoes, beans, alfalfa, grain, and some seed crops. Art had been instrumental in the development of higher quality and sizing standards in both the watermelon and pumpkin industries that is now used across the country. Art and his wife Diane have two sons and one daughter. Art carries on the family tradition of being involved in the community, donating watermelons and pumpkins to various organizations and events. And he will tell you they have a creed at Perry and Sons.. Jesus First Then Family well he'll tell you about as we get into the life of Art Perry and the story of Perry Sons starting now. On the show that spotlights the greats of Manteca, I call it the man about town

This week on the man about town podcast the story starts in South Stockton with a young Latino boy who idolized his father a musician as in households where there is music being introduced you start picking up things here and there and in that home on hunter st. where you could hear any kind of noise from a gunshot to siren to who else knows in the '60s.. But it is there that one of Manteca's most beloved music teachers was imitating dad practicing and noticing he had the talent and feels for instruments to where he could pick them up and play them. I always say savant when I see those types, I have a friend like that. Just hear and play.. Moving all over the valley as a traveling music teacher in Tracy. Lathrop Manteca and landing at the home of the lancers for the next two decades teaching music. he was Director of activities/administration. This guest is “East union”.. and along with a couple of guests are the reason the lancers became the lancers and a certain amount of respect built up to the school by these folks. He now travels around with one of Stockton's oldest mariachi bands after retiring and RV'ing and traveling all around. Nowadays he's been married 60 years he's a grandpa to many and still a shining example for the community and I am sure he would want me to say or include him being Latino Hispanic whatever word you use. I still say, Mexican..A shining example of a young kid from the barrio who made good and has affected thousands of kids over numerous years by just using that horn and experience to make the lancer kids better all the way around.. He is one of the originating members of Los Elegantes a popular band who has had many reincarnations and to be quite honest, I don't have too many lancer friends. Or know a whole lot of em, But I consider him a pal, now and as you will see He is a treasure to the town and is in the EAST union hall of fame put there last week. He was already in the city of Manteca's hall of fame. so here comes Jose Barron. this week's guest On the man about town podcast that I call the Manteca Podcast Let's go..

Brought To You by The Trusted Sons at 209 269 2727, America's Handyman Company.  This gal has made sure this place ends up on a tourist map when traveling through the golden state.  Her name is Linda Abeldt, and she does that through the tourism arm of town, which we call Visit Manteca.  Before that, there was no tourism office, there was one star of the show, OAKWOOD LAKE. Linda started working at the Manteca parks and rec dept. then opened Lynda's Dance Studio she owned the travel agency in town then they created Visit Manteca to promote the place we call home.. Linda was the first person hired for that job.  Linda is semi-retired now lives with her decades-long "other" Rex Osborne, they have a ranch in Modesto along she has new grandma duties..  They operate Graffiti Dogs in Modesto and each of them has their hands in many pots. I will now talk to my disco teacher when I was a young man. That is a true story and we'll barely scratch the surface today with this member of the Manteca Hall Of Fame she is the reason people haven't forgotten about Manteca.  All the new businesses that come here. From the Big League Dreams Ball Park to the hotels, and Bass Pro, the Promenade and now Great Wolf and you name it. Linda has had a hand in it, and she is on today's show.

Brought To You by TRUSTED SONS-America's Handyman Company 209 269 2727. When I was a young man growing up here in Manteca there were so many adults involved in the teen programs here and the Park and Rec dept.'s Coaching staff for flag football, city league, basketball, baseball, babe ruth, swimming. There are certain Manteca individuals that were always a part of my growing up due to their involvement in the lives of kids. Making a difference by donating their time or working their job.. or working their job and then coming to coach. It takes a special person. Deciding at a young age that you were gonna be what would be known as a civil servant.. because you wanted to help uphold the law and tote around a weapon as a policeman. Or a fireman. Those are the titles bestowed but I am unsure that when people sign on that line they learn that they are a civil-servant and to devote all of their time to a city and its youth programs or fire program only to retire, and become the good guy on the city council of the town you grew up in. Some people are on those types of programs and this weeks guest is right there in the pocket for all the reasons I just mentioned Family lines run deep in Manteca, dad was a businessman in town. My guest is a Nile garden kid a standout at all things at Manteca High then on to be a dad, grandpa, and continuing to this day serving Manteca in politics after protecting this great hometown of mine as a fireman all these years later still a great guy, interesting and oh the stories.. this week on the Man About Town I am talking to David Breitenbucher it's his turn up on the Manteca podcast that I call the Man About Town.

Brought To You by TRUSTED SONS-America's Handyman Company 209 269 2727.. This week's guest is an American motorcycle dirt-track racer THE seven-time winner of the A.M.A. Grand National Championship who has also competed as a motorcycle road racer at the national level and was the motorcycle land speed world record holder. Chris Carr started on a motorcycle at an early age. living only a few miles from the Lodi Cycle Bowl, which spawned the racing career of many top riders. His parents were members of the Lodi Motorcycle Club and their (only child) practiced countless hours on the track and began racing at the age of 6. His first racer was a 38cc Moto Villa. He progressed through the junior ranks and By the time he was 17, had earned numerous Northern California and national amateur championships and was already turning lap times comparable to the top pros. He began his racing career as an amateur in 1983. He turned professional in 1985, finishing seventh in the Grand National Championship earning him the A.M.A. Rookie of the Year Award. Then his first Grand National in August 1986 He slowly climbed the points standing each year. In 1989, he became a member of the Harley-Davidson factory racing team. After finishing second to his Harley-Davidson teammate, Scott Parker in 1990 and 1991, my guest finally claimed the Grand National Championship in 1992. He ran the Grand National Series full-time until 1995 where he finished third while winning rookie of the year in the AMA Superbike road racing series. And then left the dirt tracks to go road racing for two years (1996 and 1997). He won the 1992, 1999, and 2001-2005 AMA Grand National Dirt (Flat Track) championships, the 2000 Formula USA Dirt Track Championship, and the AMA 600cc Dirt Track championship seven times (1988–1993, and 1995). This Manteca Buffalo was inducted into the A.M.A. Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2004 Then On September 5, 2006, broke the motorcycle land speed world record at the Bonneville Salt Flats (Utah), with a two-pass 350.8 mph average. He was the first motorcyclist to break the 350 mph barrier. His fastest run was at 354 mph (567.8 km/h). . On September 28, 2008, Rocky Robinson broke the land speed record that was set by my guest with an exit speed of 394 mph. Chris wants to try again soon to see if he can top his partner for that record and he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America last year Manteca knows this guy if you didn't. You're about to. Here comes my buddy Chris Carr

Brought To You by TRUSTED SONS-America's Handyman Company 209 269 2727. Sean Mahoney is one of these guys that has just kept it real for so many years. With that being said, if you don't know about him I might have to check your “Manteca-ness”. Sean grew up in north Manteca off of Louise which means he schooled at Golden West and East Union. Sean's vast knowledge of music, coupled with the giving spirit and time spent here in town keeping true to himself keeping really means the world to me why. You figure it out.. I remember so many years ago Sean at the local festivals where most musicians get their chops and as I listened I hear those most knowledgeable of his musical abilities, tell me that he's at a genius level at certain disciplines. This week features a guy who I have known since we were very young, playing recreation league flag football, a Manteca guy flat out. His name is Sean Mahoney. Enjoy the show!

We are brought to you weekly by -TRUSTED SONS- America's Handyman Company 209 269 2727 You ever heard of someone who has done so much that you could never squeeze even the basics into nothing less than a two-hour show? Me neither. Until now. Back in June, I sat down with my old friend to discuss a podcast that will just feature him and his stories. From School to Recruitment into the Marines, and off to serve his country lotta people right? Ok now include just people who have protected the president, sure some people have also done that.. then off to war.. the number shrinks doesn't it, so.. serve your time in the military come home. Take up bullridin' and rodeoing and then decide there more. Enlist in the army and fly helicopters at war the smaller the number becomes.. serve your country come home to enlist in the national guard and start working for the local police department in one of Californias most beautiful but dangerous cities and live just a few miles from where you grew up which is what this guy is doing today and the city had to bring an entire helicopter program to a city that didn't have one based around him the only guy that can fly the darn thing. There is a podcast to come here featuring my pal who is known by shadow 1-0 in the. Military world, in the Stockton Police Department he is known as Falcon 1-0. His call sign. He's done Swat I can't even get into it. But in June I got this audio…. And was saving it… No more saving..

Brought To You by TRUSTED SONS-America's Handyman Company 209 269 2727. This week's guest has a Manteca name known for generations, with his dad being the Mayor of Manteca for about twenty years back in the seventies. He grew up on Sycamore street playing tennis on the courts across from the Manteca library that are still there today. Golden West then to MHS he was a Youth League Coach, Umpire, many youth athletic positions in those days, He would take that tennis skill to the tops of High School Tennis and also a standout Football and Baseball player Then to school, the Police Officer Reserves and home to protect his community from the mid 80's to mid 90's as a Manteca Police Officer.. Narcotics Division Big Time Rock and roll kinds narc if you will...Then he started a health club and would eventually sale and that became his jump-off.. Along with more than a decade of coaching through the nineties and 2000s.. He loves to coach football and is doing so now with the Bay Area Panthers a Pro football team in the Bay Area that he has financial interests in with the Beast Mode Marshawn Lynch the league will start in Early 2022. Until then, he is a grandpa and loves his hometown Manteca as I do and that's why Jon Shaefer is up on the Manteca Podcast

Brought To You by TRUSTED SONS-America's Handyman Company 209 269 2727. Hey gang, another week in Manteca where I talk to the great people who have been serving their town for a majority of their life.. This will be the second time that I will put an explicit lyrics checkmark on the show, you've been warned from the get-go. Right down to the intro song which if you are not aware, the guests pick, which song I done on their introduction. So apologies from the jump. The last time I checked the box, his daughter was waxing poetic in what is now her native tongue, I guess, on his wife/her moms' podcast. He and his wife are both in the Manteca Hall Of Fame. They serve the community like no other pair around… This podcast will talk about petty larceny, there's gonna be a lil sex talk, I guess. I did edit some of the stuff here, I promise.. But why? This is not the FCC and I am sure that we are all adults here. And there are no rules on the internet so I figured let's let her rip.. Arrests, drunken stupors, but all kidding aside, in the middle of all that, he is one of the most giant-hearted guys in town. He's been operating Mountain Mikes Pizza for years and years AND.. The free Thanksgiving meal in town to the tune of 3000 people or traveling to Central America and elsewhere to give the gift of sight. He looks like Santa and plays the part wherever needed including the town's Santa Trailer in Downtown Manteca. He's now a papa and his story is on.. Did I warn you about the language? Aww,, it's not that bad, Jeff Liotard's crazy ass is on my show.

Here comes another Manteca Podcast about my hometown and I am greased up and ready for this guy.. You wouldn't think by hearing this guy, for being so quiet, that he loves to 4 x 4 in Pismo. Rock his Harley.. and play them cards while taking short romps to Reno, with his wife Rachel.. and why not. He works hard 6 sometimes 7 days a week because that's what a local business does. His dad John brought his interest in Printing coupled with his printing business experience and desire to finish a project to completion and of quality and to be diligent in returning your work. Enter Poor Johns Press where his dad landed his business in Manteca soo many years ago in the mid '70s serving the quick turnaround print needs of Manteca. Here we are, almost 50 years down the road and Poor Johns press has moved down the road south half a block and a quick alley's width and you'll find what's now known as J and J printing Manteca's one-stop local print shop for all your needs. You wanna hear about local business and service to. The city. Yes? Then turn It up as the I the Manteca Man About Town talk J and J printing with Dad John's Son who now runs the place. Shawn Nussbaumer is here with me but you'll have to listen close.. As you'll find out he's not very animated.. Hang on I gotta sing song

I've known this guy for a lot of years, and you can't have grown up, and not known the family name. Mom got her license many years ago to do real estate. A spunky lady who managed a couple of beautiful kids. Dad drove a truck. The family had a trucking business out behind El Rancho Mobile home park. If you look you can see the barn there today. Having a hard-working man away from home comes with its own challenges for a mom. That didn't stop her from creating an empire. Her business first was in the back of the the building facing Main. Think Strop Shop. Now the family business is run by her son, it is, and always has been a treasured business, not just a real estate and property management company. That was shown recently during the COVID-19 shutdown. Throw people out? No.. A small-town business "should help its town" says, my guest. He will tell the story of his mom, Linda Aksland and Aksland Real Estate Linda lives out of state and out of the limelight.. I talked to his Dad who is between Idaho and home for him and his longtime roots to Manteca there's a few friends and family and I thanked him for staying in the family business and continuing to grow things their way at the corner of Yosemite and Main. He's Jeff Aksland and he is on my show about the Manteca "heavy-hitters"

This week on the Man About Town Podcast. There is a small business in Manteca, that for almost 50 years, has been operating silently, fixing lawnmowers, bicycles, and even generators. This business, a lawnmower and bicycle shop on W. Yosemite Ave, you may not know about. You also may not know its owner. He's a very quiet unassuming gentleman, who knows how to twist a wrench. My guest was born in Stockton with a military dad, who moved the family to Bogotá Columbia. Mr. Anderson then landed back in Stockton and then Manteca to start the family business, Anderson's Mower and Bike Jon Anderson has been taking care of people for over four decades along with his brother Chris. To this day, they are a Manteca constant, for the locals. Local bike enthusiasts, riders, and BMX'ers from back in the day, know Jon, he is a World Champion and has been a bicycle blessing to the kids in Manteca by championing and building the Manteca Spreckles Park BMX track, from scratch. Hear just a small bit of his life , the bicycle ambassador to Manteca and the world.

On this week's man about town podcast. As a High school senior just over the hill in Livermore, this son of an FBI agent, did something that these days would get you killed, definitely get you put in prison, it has to do with the mob, police cars skidding, the media showed up. bank robbery and end up in the newspaper for all to see. Well, Jack “Babyface” Miller always wanted to keep his nose clean, that's why when I heard that story I was like no way.. I found it to be yeah way.. imagine being in a Small little cafe off the beaten path and be so popular in your hometown of Manteca that these folks recognize you. It happened to todays guest And what type of gift did he give his closest friends, for their weddings Manteca people will find out He's a Cancer survivor,, 4 decades of teaching and coaching in Manteca Unified starting at Lincoln and ending at MHS. He was my history teacher in 1982 and just retired a few years ago.. He's in the Manteca Hall of Fame and the Manteca High School HOF. This is a small part of Jack Miller's story...

Today's guest on the Manteca Podcast is a captain in the Manteca Police Department and a life long Mantecan. He graduated from Modesto Christian in 1991. Where he went to play sports. got his BS from Sac State in Government and a Life Loyal Sigma Chi. He graduated from South Bay Public Safety Training Consortium – Gilroy Campus, he has been with the Manteca Police Department since 1996. Our guest has held numerous positions and assignments with MPD (FTO, SRO, Traffic Officer, Delta RATT Detective, CASA/Robbery/Homicide Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant and now Captain.) In 2010 was awarded Police Officer of the Year, 2012 was awarded the Meritorious Medal and 2017 I was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year. At 48 years he's devoted his life to Manteca he realizes its allure is the special location in relation to the ocean and snow.

It's not often that a young man with strong ties to downtown Manteca gets moved to the Austin Rd countryside. But, today on the show my guest tells me that, he could hear the Friday night lights at Guss Schmiedt Field every Friday from his family home on Sheridan St. The noise, the sights, the grandeur of small-town Friday night high school gridiron action. Enough to evoke all kinds of thoughts from a young 12-year-old boy and that's why he was shocked to be displaced when his family moved to the country and that meant a change from Lincoln elementary to New Haven school and then to high school, East Union high school. The red and blue stronghold on Union road, this student, whose family has MHS Buffalo roots in sports history at MHS is now a Lancer. A big 6 foot 4-inch lancer who continued serving EU long after his time there. 29 years in fact and 31 years total and coaching. He is cherished to all, and is a memory to any Lancer in the past three decades. That is why this coach and teacher athlete standout is featured this week because he is a Manteca heavy-hitter. And if you don't know him. I question your Manteca hood. It's my honor to have this guy on the show, he's earned the right in this town to be inducted into our great Manteca Hall Of Fame as I believe it is guys like him who are a perfect example of what you would want your child to aspire to be. This week on the show East Union legend Rick Inderbitzin.. Show NOTE apologies early he picked the song.

This week on the Man About Town Podcast, Born at Dameron 1969, Lived in Raymus Village went to Lathrop Elementary, then the whole Shasta, Lincoln, connection in the '80s. Loved BMX and skateboards like any other west coast kid with dirt fields near the house. in those days Edison St had some expansion his family moved in, a proud Filipino family, strong in culture. A culture so strong, that my guest was a runway model at Filipino fashion shows in his teen years and started turning into a weights and fitness nut who was inspired by his dads and uncles muscle and fitness magazines along with their exercise regimens he was hooked He's a Buffalo an MHS Graduate Worked summers at Oakwood Lake as security, UC Davis, UC San Francisco dental school where he completed his studies in dentistry and came home to Manteca to marry his sweetheart from high school Melissa Cowan. at that time his Mom bought him his membership at 24 Hour Fitness. He worked at a couple of dental practices in Modesto and Stockton in 1999 he took over the dental business he was working at, at his current location on North st. the Stress of having a dental practice left him then needing to go to the gym to work off the stress from 2000-2001: his physique began to change and gym members noticed and started urging the good dentist to try competition. From 2002-2016: Competed in NPC bodybuilding competitions known to some as MR Muscle. Today he is trying to live in the present and enjoy life with the family he's built, says the dad of teens about to leave the nest… while his daughters are still relatively young and still living at home.. this good dentist and his practice are known to elderly people some as old as 101.. aside of getting an established Dental Practice at its same location Time has its tricks. Anyone that goes to this practice does not get sold services from used car salesmen. The services are moderately priced. And for having such big strong hands they're very soft…. His name is Dr. Sean Sangalang. Known as the honest dentist..

This week on the Man About Town Podcast, his father passed away at an early age. Mom decided a better life was to be had in America… Mom and her son were leaving the Azores Islands knowing no English. His recall when I asked what do you remember. coming here at age 8. He said the lights. When we flew into Boston. The lights They were at the airports there were so many of them, (editor note -in the late '60s) In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in the Azores there were no utilities.) After being sponsored by some family they had here in America, they landed in Hilmar, then to Stockton. Frank schooled at Pulliam Elementary, his mom Eduina met Amerigo Fagundes, they were married. Frank learned more English. His stepdad Amerigo and his Uncle Gil, bought the land behind what was called the Short Stop market at that time, on Jason street right off of main. 40+ years later, Amerigo's stepson Frank Teixeira, Frank goes by his biological fathers' last name, he reminds us his, name is not Frank Fagundes but he won't correct you. He is proud of his stepdad's name and business, and he is also proud of his late fathers' name. You will now hear the story of Frank and Manteca's only all-service meat shop, Fagundes Meats and Catering still going after all these years and no sign of stopping.

This week's episode of The Man About Town - Manteca, stars legendary coach and educator Steve Winter.  His friends and family say he bleeds green. After talking to coach, I just might believe it.  Steve will cry at the drop of a hat, according to some friends and family.  To me, and my era, he is as important to sports in Manteca High School as any other legendary coaches name you might hear. Coach Steve Winters, is an MHS basketball coaching legend and another great teacher and administrator who is in out town's Hall Of Fame.  I caught up with Steve at his home in Southwest Manteca

Ken Huckaby, or as he's been known around the way “Huck” is a Manteca Buffalo, he loves the sport of baseball and he was an MHS All-League standout football player until an injury that ended any chance of Football again. Once involved in the MHS sports program, mentors like Jack Thomson and Jack Miller saw Kenny rise to Delta college and then a full-ride to Texas to play on the diamond, and he didn't take it… nope instead he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and went from Delta Community College to being coached up by the great Tommy Lasorda. For decades Ken Huckaby has played in the major leagues he is in the Manteca Hall Of Fame, and is now at home waiting for the next phone call for “work” as he calls it. He resides in the baseball hotbed, Arizona. Huck is married to Leslie who never heard of Kenny until he brought her home. Here comes a great podcast from a great Mantecan. He has brought back so much to this community and I am proud to have him here on my podcast about Manteca.

Bob Lee was born in Sacramento , raised in the Isleton-Rio Vista Area, he attended UC Davis and graduated in 1975. He came to Manteca starting at Golden West elementary, eventually being a teacher, athletic coach with both east union and Manteca high. Bob served as head football coach and principal at Manteca high and eventually rose to administrator positions with the Manteca unified school district. After 34 years, Bob spread his wings and went to Rocklin unified, and then retired from Fremont Unified after a total of 39 years serving kids in public education. Bob also served as president of the Association of California School Administrators which is comprised of school administrators and superintendents. Bob has five children all products of Manteca unified schools. He also has 7 grandkids. In retirement, Bob serves on the CIF board of appeals which oversees high school athletics, and is a cochair this year for realignment in 2021. He resides at Spring Creek in Ripon where he golfs.. Bob works out at Ride 209 and loves to travel with his wife Kathryn and play with them grands.. That's the life.. and here coms the life of Bob Lee on my show about Manteca I call it the "Man About Town Podcast"

Dr. Mick Founts is a legend in Manteca, the county, the state of California, some say the nation, an actual "living visionary". On this week's episode, you'll hear about a guy who bleeds green, even though he didn't grow up in Manteca. Mick's been living here since he was 21 years old. Dr. Founts has had an impact, across all age groups in Manteca. He was a standout English Teacher some say the “best” they've seen. In addition, Dr. Mick Founts is a legendary MHS Coach. You'll hear a fully diverse list of guests speak about Dr. Mick Founts. Who was the San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools when he finally retired in 2015. Hear his friends, students, players and peers, as I speak to this great guy. it will be a bit of an extended episode of the MantecaPodcast.com with my buddy Mick. anchor.fm/mantecapodcast

Gordon Kennedy has been teaching music lessons since 1985. He has performed in numerous bands in Northern California and his students have won numerous awards at big events like the Battle Of The Bands at Slims in SF and more. Gordon was born in Lathrop went to grammar school in Manteca and attended East Union. He has operated the GK School Of Music, for many years, staying true to his community.

A horrible tragedy happened 20 years ago. Today Manteca Remembers. Join me as I speak to coworkers and family, friends and more about that terrible day in 2001, September 11 a day that will live in infamy

Way back when, in a time far, far away that we call the 1980's. There was a young ten-year-old girl, who didn't mind grassy feet, sweating, or playing like the boys. In southeast Manteca, on Powers tract she was jotting down 5 goals she wanted to achieve and shared them with her mother Sharon. She told herself, I will go to college. I will return to Manteca. and I will make a difference in my community by being a teacher of P.E, A coach, and even an administrator, to many. I will raise a family with all my heart, and I will serve the town I love, Manteca. Not too many at that age know so clearly their path in life, all these years later. Her goals have been met and shattered.. She continues to reach for the stars.. She has fortified herself in generations of Mantecan's and their mental history, from taking tickets at the local swimming pool, McDonald's manager, world-class athlete, a success at everything she does and you may not know she has also played women's pro tackle football. There are lots about this great Manteca Female who has been breaking boundaries for as long as I can remember. She is a Manteca Hall of Famer and I've known her for more than 40 years as a friend. This podcast is searching for these types of women from the past, still around doing what they have always done and this interview hits the target on the bullseye for me. Join me as I welcome Tevani Liotard. Her maiden name was Tevani Scott, she is on my tribute to Manteca that I call the Man About Town Podcast. Follow.. Share.. Support monetarily if you'd like to help with costs? Hit me up!

Dave Soeth came to Manteca in the late '60s to be a school teacher he and his wife Betsy made a home here in Manteca. Betsy and Dave married for 53 1/2 years with three kids, 6 grandkids, and an entire career have passed for this educator, coach, Kiwanian st Anthony's parishioner and so much more, some people are just there and that is who Dave Soeth is to me, someone who has always been here. A comfortable face if you will. After sitting with him for an hour I told Dave he missed his calling as an interrogator, a sense of humor yes it's there and I'm guessing a very dry flavor of comedy for this man. He is very cerebral, intelligent, his kids will tell you he sacrificed many things for them and his family and to hear him tell it that was the plan all along his brother will tell you the same. I hope this podcast brings some light and laughter and recognition to Dave as at this time in his life any comedy will do his wife died in June. Where will he go, what will he do. I know he'll be here in Manteca until the end and whatever the end is for Dave Soeth he has lived a life of service and is a 2012 inductee into our Manteca Hall Of Fame.. Here comes another great story about a city hero, just because. And his name is Dave Soeth on the Man About Town Podcast

Mike Kelly is a police officer in Manteca California. Mike went to St. Anthony's and Shasta school and joined the Manteca Police Explorers at a young age, it paid off on his dream to serve Manteca. He's got sisters and one time got into a huge fight when someone said the wrong thing his sister Tricia. He'll tell you don't talk about her or his mother, there are stories in Mexico, Mike's coached pop Warner for years in the city, he was a k-9 officer most of his police career and now serves as the community resource officer that works mainly with Manteca's homeless and the neighborhood watch. He has gotten over 300 people safely into drug and alcohol rehabs and reunification with their families after braving the streets. To hear him tell it, he leads a pretty boring life. As you'll learn, it's anything but boring and the story of Manteca's own Officer Mike Kelly is on this week's show.

Chuck Crutchfield is a treasure to our youth and charities in Manteca, CA. Chuck knows that if you build it, they will come. He has spent his entire life helping kids and making his life about community service, the time he has spent and given to Manteca can't be measured in any terms. As you will hear, he actually is the Man About Town, I just thought I was. Listen now to Chuck Crutchfield and his story on this weeks podcast.

Ken's great-grandfather, Pearson Leroy Fry, and grandfather Paul Fry Sr., founded the P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home in Manteca in 1932, Ken has faithfully served as the fourth-generation Funeral Director and now as Managing Partner of the Funeral Home. Ken began working for his grandmother, Lucille Fry, part-time during high school. His part-time job turned full-time in 1986 and he later became the manager in 1997 when Lucille retired. Ken has served thousands of families and always regarded the goodwill and reputation of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home as second to none. His guiding principles are honesty, integrity, and quality in everything he does. This was instilled in him by his family at a young age. Ken received his AA Degree in Business from Delta College in Stockton and is a California Licensed Funeral Director, Cemetery Manager, and Crematory Manager. Ken also served as past president of the Valley Lode Funeral Directors Association. Besides being active professionally, Ken is also very active in the community. He is a former board member of the Manteca Historical Society and Museum, a past Committee Member of the Manteca Prayer Breakfast, and a past Manteca Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. Ken has been married to his wife, Lynne for over 37 years. Ken and Lynne are both East Union High School Graduates and have lived in Manteca their entire lives. They have two children, Kara Teach (and her husband Jeff) and Kenny Summers. Ken was very involved in competitive softball programs. Ken also coached and sponsored many basketball teams that his son, Kenny participated in. Ken continues to sponsor various High School and Youth Sports programs throughout the community.

Dick Cross was the owner of the Manteca Bowling Alley when I was growing up, in the '80s. That IS the place where I started seeing street dancing up close on Manteca's infamous Teen Night Party. He also hired me for my first ever club gig deejaying for a room of people. Prior to that, you'll hear about Dick and after serving a few years in Germany realized the Army wasn't for him and came home looking for something outside of the service He started at Libby Owens Ford in Illinois and was transferred to Manteca to work at the LOF Plant in the '70s. Lots of ups and downs, Life changes, careers, and still on “top” to a young Manteca boy of the '70s and '80s, .. me….. I owe a debt of gratitude to this guy who is the star of this week's Man About Town also known as the Manteca Podcast. The one and only Dick Cross

Coach Jack Thomson is an integral part of Manteca with his connections to teaching and coaching. Join me as I talk to Jack/John who grew up in Manteca, worked, raised a family and coached at Manteca and Sierra High at various times coaching football, girl's golf, and basketball. His first love is baseball, coaching a total of 41 years. Jack's a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association. Jack was also chairman of the ABCA/Rawlings High School All-American Committee for 13 years and is a member of 3 Hall of Fames; The Sierra High School, California Baseball Coaches Association, and the City of Manteca Hall of fame 2015, the same as Aaron. Listen now to Jack Thomsonon the Man About Town podcast

Joann Tilton, (MMC) Master Municipal Clerk is the retired City Clerk for the City of Manteca, California for 32-plus years, before retiring in March 2016 with a 35-year career in local government. Joann continues to work with, and train, City Clerks and others in local government as the Northwest Clerks Institute Director and also proudly serves as a core member of California's Master Municipal Clerk Academy training team. Joann is a reformed aerobics instructor, a current CrossFit fanatic, Level 1 CrossFit trainer, Joann has trained for and completed nine marathons with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. Ms. Tilton considers being G-Ma (Gramma) to Beckett 8, Eloise 5, and Lucas 3, her favorite role yet. Joann Tilton is a Manteca legend in the local government of Manteca, and is NOW on The Man About Town Podcast - Celebrate Joan and Manteca!

Former Manteca Chief Of Police and current 2021 City Council member, Charlie Halford is featured on this week's Man About Town Podcast. Charlie will give insight on Downtown Manteca, his life here in town, and concerns that folks have about the City of Manteca. Manteca is Great, take a listen!

Jim Anderson has been in Manteca most of his youth, and all of his adult life. Jim graduated from East Union, went on to the Navy, then to local law enforcement, all the while pursuing the dream of being a singer and an actor. You may have seen Jim as a local Elvis "tribute artist", not an Elvis impersonator at many local festivals over the years. He has landed many tv roles and in the recent Netflix Series 13 Reasons Why, along with Deadwood The Movie, and many more. Listen to the Man About Town Podcast to hear about Jim and his life which he never takes for granted and all about Manteca, Ca.

My first guest and childhood pal Eric Reis Manteca High School's winningest football coach will be on the Man About Town-Manteca Podcast. Eric Reis has always been a great guy a man of faith and somewhere in the midst of living and teaching he set coaching records at the high school named after the city of Manteca. Join me as we recollect the old days and Manteca and the things that make it great. Take a listen!