I’m looking to increase traffic to my website about poetry and events in Stockton, CA area and which features a publication that is distributed at colleges, coffee shops, and book stores. Where can I gain exposure and how?

well…you could post your website address on these publications that are distributed to these colleges. You can also make some cool, colorful flyers and post them around the coffee shops and book stores. If you make something eye catching, your material will at least get a look.
I’l posting a site for your area under sources for meetups in Stockton, CA. You may find like minded people to network with to go to your site. If you look at your local bookstores you may find out when book clubs and poetry meetings take place and see about posting your flyers then.
Check out this other site I’ll post for biz cards and other paraphernalia to pass out to market your site.
Good luck!