Welcome to the Raymond Reunion!

Since you’re here early, I gathered some information on options for entertainment Thursday evening.

My first recommendation is that anyone who wants to meet other Raymond folks gather in the hotel (University Plaza Waterfront Hotel ) bar at 6:00 pm Thursday evening and see who’s arrived, and who’s interested in what.

The hotel restaurant is delicious for those who want an easy evening, or you can simply hang out in the bar, on the patio, or around the pool. If you have more energy, here are additional options for entertainment.

• Walk two blocks west and take in a Single A professional baseball game at the Stockton Ports. The new Banner Island Ballpark is supposedly the site of the Mudville baseball team of the late 1800s – famously known for the poem Casey at the Bat. The current team, the Ports, are the farm team for the Oakland As. The lovely new ballpark has lots of good seats, a promenade around the entire park, lots of ballpark food options, and our own version of McCovey Cove. You can buy tickets at the gate. Game starts at 7:05.

The hotel shuttle can take you to any of a number of good restaurants nearer the university. Here are some of my favorites – all within walking distance of each other.

• Centrale – 1825 Pacific Ave – upscale bistro, “new” American food, full bar, white table-cloth restaurant

• Saigon – 1904 Pacific Ave – comfortable, family-run, relaxed atmosphere, good Vietnamese food

• CoCoRo – 2105 Pacific Ave (the space that used to house my husband’s bookstore!) – traditional Japanese cuisine, including house-specialty sushi rolls – lovely atmosphere – crowded, no reservations

• AVE on the Mile – 2333 Pacific Ave – “chic, upscale lounge” - full bar with small plate dinners and appetizers, handmade cocktails

• The Abbey Trappist Pub – 2353 Pacific Ave – small pub with hundreds of beers and excellent pub food

Whatever you choose to do, I hope you have a delightful evening. Your hotel reservation includes a full breakfast. On Friday, we officially start registration at 3:00 pm. We will be at the Alumni House beginning at 12:00 noon, so if you want to come early and get a leisurely start to the day, you’re more than welcome. The hotel shuttle can take you to and from all reunion events.
See you soon!

Wendi Maxwell, President
Raymond Phonix Institute