Woolgrowers in Los Banos, yum!

>>Crime rates in Pleasanton and Livermore are much lower than the state average - these are very safe towns.<<

Who was talking about Pleasanton or Livermore -- those are not in the San Joaquin Valley and would fit my original suggestion (stopping somewhere in in the East Bay)

>>JanisJ- I left, but go back about every other weekend<<

Yeah - I know - was just kidding ;)

But honestly I would not stop in Modesto/Manteca/Stockton or even Tracy

"I" was talking about Pleasanton and Livermore. It has to be a lot safer than Stockton.
A suite hotel with a kitchen makes sense to me. Picking up a breakfast of your choice on the way to the hotel helps in getting on the way to Yosemite earlier in the morning.

LaQuinta Inn booked in Livermore - reviews seem o.k. and easy access to freeway.

Thank you to all who took the time to post a suggestion.

Sandy