Lodi is known for its zinfandels, glistening lake and beautiful setting between the mountains and the sea. But did you know that Lodi is a hub for public art created by local artists?

On a recent spring morning, a chill wind strafes the Lima Ranch west of Lodi.

It sends up missiles of stray alfalfa. Workers bend as they walk into the wind — and keep their jackets zipped to the top.

The wind doesn’t take the edge off Jack Hamm. The dairy’s general manager keeps moving, talking, gesturing.

(NAPSI)—When it seems like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, the answer may bemore weight...in a special weighted blanket, that is.

In a portable classroom slated for demolition, 21 teenagers spend an hour a day breaking glass, smashing ceramic plates and mixing miniature batches of cement in repurposed Cool Whip tubs.

There is a new frozen yogurt shop in town, but it is not your average cup of froyo. Customers can also get a jolt of caffeine from a full-service coffee bar.

(BPT) - The top home decor trends for 2013 are already emerging, and homeowners seeking a fresh look will find a lot to love. Not only can these looks be accomplished in minimal time – they’re budget friendly and easy enough for DIYers to finish in a weekend or less.

(BPT) - A breast cancer diagnosis at any stage can be devastating. However, women with advanced breast cancer are also faced with the overwhelming reality that they must begin additional therapy, or that they will receive treatment for the remainder of their lives. There are an estimated 150,000 women in the United States living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Stage III locally advanced breast cancer and stage IV metastatic breast cancer – collectively referred to as advanced breast cancer - are the most progressed forms of the illness.

You can enjoy the rich, natural beauty and timeless appeal of stone or slate flooring anywhere in your home. The inspiring looks and touchable textures of stone and slate are actually available in an affordable, comfortable-to-walk-on, easy-care floor. The look is so natural, so real that it’ll take more than a first or second glance to reveal that these luxurious floors are, in fact, premium vinyl tile.

Italy has a spellbinding effect on travelers; they fall in love quickly and deeply with the landscapes, the food and the culture. While that can happen virtually anywhere you go in Italy, the ultimate experience comes with traveling around the country, taking in its surprising diversity and depth. If you’re eager to travel Italy, there are five key places that should be on your itinerary.

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.

While painting a ceramic flounder purple, Alma Ramirez talks about the importance of creating a mural to show how trash negatively hurts the environment.

Every time I drive past Twin Cities Road, it reminds me of my days at San Quentin. The Richard A McGee Correctional Training Center, located just west of 99, is where correctional officers prepare to "walk the toughest beat in the state."

A park bench that looks like a Cheerios box? A new seating area in front of Lodi Beer Company made out of beer kegs? A bench constructed out of toilets in front of City Hall?

After 13 years of running the city's arts and culture classes and programs, Diane Amaral is retiring, and she has big plans of traveling and spending time with family.

Patty Radotic is a teacher at Millswood Middle School and president of the Breakthrough Project.

City of Lodi staff are reviewing and updating developer impact fees for new construction in town, which was a required step after the city passed the General Plan.

Tonight, oldest son Christian and I went to see one of our favorite bands, Toad the Wet Sprocket (do not mock please).  Christian and I have traveled to see this band for the last 10 years or so.  And giving that he is getting married this coming October, I figured it was probably our last venture out.  We have been going to concerts since he was 10.  

Livable, loveable Lodi took on a new meaning recently, when Project Lodi Art received a City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The public art mosaic project went up against 230 entries from around the country.

The Lodi Arts Commission has worked hard over the past 29 years to bring diverse events to the Lodi community, and Saturday’s inaugural Taco Truck Cook Off was one of the best attended ever.

About 500 people attended the Taco Truck Cookoff held by the Lodi Arts on Saturday.