Stockton Boulevard Memories

Susan Hausmann

Dick Fisher, my husband, started Fruitridge Printing in 1965. While Dick taught me a lot about printing, he taught me more about how to treat our customers, employees, and vendors. At Fruitridge Printing, our goal goes beyond putting ink on paper. We want everyone to feel working with us and for us is a great experience!”

The current plant was derelict when they acquired it. Once restored, Fruitridge Printing moved to 3258 Stockton Blvd. in 1983. Active in the community, Dick helped set-up the Stockton Boulevard Partnership and they both worked closely with the Oak Park Neighborhood Association and The Sacramento Food Bank.

Susan credits Joe Serna for beginning the Stockton Boulevard and Broadway revitalization. He was instrumental in getting streetlights, trees and landscaping all of which have contribute greatly to safety and walkability. Many small businesses have moved into what were once deserted storefronts. Located next to William Lee Elementary, Susan loves to see the children and would like Stockton Boulevard to have better bikes lanes so they can get to school safely as children do in more affluent neighborhoods.

“People who’ve lived here a long time have a memory of Stockton Boulevard as being seedy and dangerous. Now with revitalization, Stockton Bouleard has a thriving business community and positive foot traffic. You see the fruits of what’s happened here thanks to the Stockton Boulevard Partnership. They are really going out and selling it. I don’t think the Boulevard would be what it is without them.”Fruitridge Printing is a family-owned and women-owned business that has been serving the printing, mailing, and promotional needs of Northern California for more 50 years! Founder Dick Fisher opened at Stockton and Fruitridge in 1965 as a one-man operation. Recognized regionally and nationally for outstanding multicolor work, Dick passed away in 2006, leaving the business to his wife Susan Hausmann. She currently employs 26 people. Though the printing industry is not what it once was, Fruitridge Printing is still a very thriving business.

Huy Tieu

“I was struggling working for someone else and made the decision to open a family business. We started in 1988 at the Folsom Flea Market with just a small space and maybe 30-40 rolls of fabric. From one space we expanded to four with more than 300 rolls. At the same time, we started doing the Galt Flea Market. In 2003, we opened Minh Phat Fabric (6428 Stockton Boulevard). Mien, Hmong and Eastern Indian cultures are frequent shoppers because of the celebratory fabrics for traditional outfits, but we cater to everyone. We know three to four generations of the same families.

We’ve been here a long time. Stockton Boulevard was really empty back then and after the recession many businesses closed. Now, it’s coming back. People think it’s just Asian but it’s so diverse. New places are opening—Stockton Boulevard needs this kind thing.”

 Open seven days a week, the family owned and operated business includes Huy’s wife, Lay Phong, and son Gary Tieu. Nearly 1,000 colorful fabrics fill the space. They carry everything from beads and notions, something for everyone.