Every dad chooses to spend his special day in different ways. Some golf, others shop, and if they’re feeling adventurous, maybe they’ll find time for their favorite fishing hole. But this Father’s Day, why not spice up tradition and treat dad to a trip he’ll never forget?

An Oscar-winning screenwriter is considering producing a movie for a Chinese audience that may include a touch of Lodi.

Art, what is it exactly? Is it something to be admired over a glass of wine? Could it be the physical manifestation ascending from the ashes of tormented and tortured souls? Or is it just simply something created by man and nature to be shared with all mankind?

After a mere moment of hesitation, Sarah Fox, general manager of the Ryde Hotel, agreed to lead an impromptu excursion.

Julia Child was known for saving a cooking disaster by sprinkling some powdered sugar on it, sticking it under the broiler for a few minutes and then calling it a masterpiece. Even after her death, Child’s spirit is making things better; this time, her name is helping to save Galt’s school libraries.

With a wife, child, two cats and a career as a Franklin High School English teacher, Lodi author Bill Howard James takes time out from his daily life to write novels. “Parnucklian for Chocolate” is the coming of age tale of Josiah, a 16-year-old boy who is told a tale about his father — who is unable to be active in his life due to his career — and how he finds out the truth.

Effective leaders are often affable and diplomatic. As executive director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, Camron King humbly blends traits in his ongoing work with winemakers and growers to promote the area.

1. Zumba Dance Party

1. Furr Ball dinner and dance

Gayle Romasanta slides a knife into a white, plump loaf of fresh-baked bread. The first piece falls against the cutting board, revealing a spiraling ribbon of cinnamon and sugar. She sits, barefoot, at her dining   room table and sips from a mug of French-pressed coffee. Her 2-year-old son, Jude, crawls in and out of her lap. And Lukas, her German shepherd, wanders over for an occasional nuzzle.

When I think about celebrating Valentine's Day next week, beets come to my mind. After all, beet juice was considered an aphrodisiac by the Romans, who used the leaves to cook with and the root as a medicine, as it can protect your heart and blood vessels.

One hundred years ago, Feb. 13, 1913, was a momentous day in Lodi.

First, before I breathe a word about gardens, birds, etc. I want to straighten something out that has been confusing people. St. John's Episcopal Church will serve a Christmas Eve dinner for all emergency services personnel from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m.

(BPT) - Between the endless string of events and the chill in the air this time of year, it doesn’t take much to convince your friends and family to have a night in. No matter if you’re planning the party of the year or just inviting a few friends over, a great home bar is essential to make it a night to remember.

BevMo! opened Friday morning with hundreds of people waiting in line to get a glimpse of the new store on Kettleman Lane near Walmart and Food-4-Less.

Leon Croce’s restaurant hasn’t served a meal in years. But legions of Lodians still remember the quality food, extensive menu, and the man whose passion for the work fueled each dinner service.

When Nancy Mellor and her husband Reed attended a concert at Hutchins Street Square several years ago, they were surprised to that a city paid so much attention to its local arts and venues.

1. Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival

It was a Texas takeover at the 10th annual Woodbridge Winery Chili Cookoff. At least a third of the teams hailed from the Lone Star State, but Californians made a good showing despite the Southern crowd. 

Five candidates square off for the two available seats on the Galt City Council.

In a coffee shop, you hear a whisper about “the book.” While standing around the water cooler at work, you notice two women talking quietly about Christian and Ana in what sounds like secret code. The mothers at the playground discuss biting lips and vanilla.

David Lucas says wine production is a unique part of agriculture. He enjoys the fact that wine grapes are mentioned in many books in society.

The following is a list of public meetings in the Lodi and Galt areas this week:

As San Joaquin County officials look for a new manager to replace Ken Nieland at Micke Grove Zoo, the south Lodi animal kingdom is being run by a long-time zookeeper and a curator who has researched exotic animals all over the world.