County food surplus distribution

Low-income residents of San Joaquin County will be able to obtain free government-surplus food on Thursday in Lodi from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Lodi Community Center, 415 Sacramento St., for those living in zip codes 95240, 95241, 95242, 95220, and 95632.; in Lockeford from 9 a.m. to noon at Adventist Community Service, 19990 Elliott Road, for those living in zip codes 95227, 95237, 95253 and 95254; in Woodbridge from 10 to 11 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church, 673 Woodbridge Road, for those living in zip code 95258; and in Thornton from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at New Hope School, 26675 N. Sacramento Blvd., for those living in zip code 95686.

Those participating must bring proof of address (e.g. utility bill) and a grocery bag to help with distribution. For more information, call the San Joaquin County Commodity Program at 209-4683679.

Laser tag in the Lodi Public Library

The library is hosting a special laser tag event for children on Friday, Jan. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The event is free to attend but those interested must sign up in advance since space is limited. Parents will need to sign waivers for players to participate. Sign up and fill out a waiver at the reference desk or you can sign up by emailing either

or and fill out a waiver before the event starts. Food and drinks will be provided for those waiting their turn to play.

Free gardening classes

The UCCE Master Gardeners of San Joaquin County have partnered with the Emergency Food Bank-Stockton/San Joaquin to host a series of free gardening classes for the community. Classes take place at the Emergency Food Bank Community Garden.

The first class of 2017 will take place this Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Emergency Food Bank Nutrition Education Center, 7 W. Scotts Ave. in Stockton. Bring your hand pruning tools if you wish to have hand on experience pruning small fruit trees, grapes, citrus trees and roses.

Community Center for the Blind Crab Feed

If you want to get your seafood fix this weekend, the Community Center for the Blind is holding it’s 10th annual all-you-can-eat Crab Feed on Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Waterloo Gun and Bocce, 4343 N. Ashley Lane, Stockton. No host cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing at 9 p.m.

Tickets cost $45 per person and includes the opportunity to win door prizes, raffle prizes and bid in a silent auction. For more information, visit

ext. 215. or call 209-466-3836