ModestoView June 2026

THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE IN THE 209

JUNE 2026

June 4th MoBand opening night at Graceada Park

June 7th Graffiti Classic at McHenry Village

June 10th Legends of the Cruise in Downtown Modesto

June 12-13th Present Laughter at Prospect Theater Project

June 13th Juneteenth at Graceada Park

June 13-14th American Graffiti Carshow & Festival at MJC West

June 20th Back to Graffiti at the Fruit Yard

June 26th Paul Thorn at The State Theatre

June 27th Gottschalks Concert Made in America at Gallo Center for the Arts

June 28th CelloVoci with Effie Passero at Gallo Center for the Arts

PAUL THORN

CelloVoci with Effie Passero

GREETINGS VIEW

It’s Graffiti Summer!  Well you know, it’s always Graffiti Summer here in Modesto USA, but this month, it is showtime.  The chrome is polished, the motors are tuned up, the tires are shiny and the dice are fuzzy.  It’s no secret that I think Graffiti is one of the most important parts of the Modesto story. In marketing, what makes you unique and special is so important.  It’s real, authentic and it brings a sense of the that classic time when life was more simple and makes you pause, appreciate the art, the music and the history and refocus to see where we can take Modesto in the future.  Our history can really be our guide for how we grow.

But in the daily world, it’s shocking that it is already June.  My grandson just graduated Kindergarten and all of a sudden, he is a kid. He is growing up fast and is so clever and smart and we really enjoy our times together. I got him a movie camera and can’t wait to see what slices of life he captures.  I think it is really important that we all look at life through the eyes of a child. What’s important?  What are priorities?  What’s

fun and most importantly, keeping an open

and learning mind so that we evolve. I love the question “Why?”  I think that keeps us on our toes for why we do things, what’s the benefit to all and what can we learn.

Modesto started a new cultural chapter in May as the Modesto Roadsters opened their debut home stand with a sweep of the Red Pocket Mobile team and thumped the Oakland Ballers in an exhibition game.  This is another example of how our Graffiti culture can cross over.  People are loving the Roadsters, the ‘61 Corvette, Cruiser and Crooner Fox and all of the fun that goes along with it.  When people learn about Modesto, they will discover Graffiti and the Roadsters. Add this to Royal Robbins, the Gallo Winery, our food companies, our famous film stars along with our amazing MAMA Music and the local film maker scene, we have quite the toolbox of assets.  How are we going to use them, connect the dots and make Modesto stand tall in a world of bland communities.    As we get ready for the Modesto Historic Cruise Route Walk of Fame celebration on June 10, I want to shout out to Ms.

Modesto.  I’m not sure where the Mr. Modesto thing came from for me, but in this case there is no doubt that Jennifer Mullen is Ms. Modesto and I am glad to share this role with her.  Jennifer has been a friend and fellow cheerleader for our community for decades and her tireless energy engages our visitors, our locals and when you meet her, it’s impossible to resist the energy.  It is wonderful that she will be inducted into the Walk of Fame and every car club, cruiser, convention or festival guest will agree, it is well deserved and she deserves the honor.  Please join us on June 10th, in 10th St Plaza as we celebrate and induct the 2026 class of Legends.  Read all about them on page 16 in this issue.       Even if you don’t care about classic cars, or stop to check out a tailfin, it is good to embrace this simple classic culture that serves Modesto well.  We need good jobs, we need our visitors now more than ever, we need new companies and we need a strong local economy and it’s fun to rally around something fun like Graffiti, whether you are a teen, adult or grandparent.  Let’s treat our city like the local treasure it can be.  You can make a difference and get involved and when you do business, let’s do it locally.   I am grateful to the advertisers that make it possible to produce this magazine monthly.  Thank you for reading, for your interest, and your support of ModestoView.  We will keep working hard to celebrate local and make sure we have positive options all of the time.

I hope to see you out and about this summer and come see our band, Third Party rock at the Walk of Fame on June 10.   We will have a great time.

With gratitude,  Chris Murphy  Founder & Publisher, ModestoView

The engines are roaring and the treasure hunt is on! June has officially arrived, bringing both the high-octane excitement of Graffiti Summer and the peak of our vibrant blue harvest. This month, Modesto’s local farm stands and u-pick patches are overflowing with fresh, juicy blueberries. Discover the valley’s sweetest hidden gems and fuel up on delicious local flavor before heading downtown to watch the classic cars cruise. Your summer adventure starts here!

Publisher Information

PUBLISHER

Chris Murphy chrism@modestoview.com

SALES AND ADVERTISING Advertising@modestoview.com

Managing Editor Middagh Goodwin

DESIGN, LAYOUT, & ART

PGrimaldi, Creative

Art Director / Designer

Peter Grimaldi pete@pgrimaldicreative.com

Photo Director

Michael J. Mangano

Production Manager Abigail Power

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS

Madison Leupp – Adobe Specialist Brandon Brush - Correspondent

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jim Christiansen

Abigail Power

Eric Benson

Middagh Goodwin

Harrison Power

Monica Barber

Brandilyn Mitchell

Tasha Wilson

Carly Russell

Steve Perry

Savanna Williams

Mattea Overstreet

Joseph Zimmerer

Coach Colin McBride

Sam Pierstorff

Devry Thayer

Paula Treick DeBoard

Chris Condon

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael J Mangano

CELEBRATION VIEW

THE SPIRIT OF JUNETEENTH:

From Galveston to Stanislaus County

By Jocelyn Cooper

The story of Juneteenth stands as a profound testament to the unyielding spirit, enduring resilience, and vibrant culture of African Americans. It represents a historic journey marked by delayed justice, deep communal memory, and an ongoing celebration of human freedom.

The History of Delayed Freedom

The realization of emancipation across the United States was not a single, instantaneous event, but rather a hard-fought process that unfolded over several years:

- January 1, 1863 – The Emancipation Proclamation: President Abraham Lincoln signed the historic Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all enslaved individuals within Confederate states to be legally and permanently free. However, because the proclamation could not be easily enforced in territories still under Confederate control, it did not immediately alter the reality on the ground in Texas.

- The Texas Evasion: In an effort to escape the advancing Union Army and preserve the system of forced labor, numerous slaveholders migrated to Texas, taking en-

slaved individuals with them. Many others purposely withheld the news of liberation from their workers to continue exploiting their labor through the harvest seasons.

- June 19, 1865 – General Order No. 3: Absolute freedom finally reached the furthest geographical edges of the South. Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, accompanied by federal troops, to officially enforce the Emancipation

Proclamation and mark the true end of institutional slavery in the state.

- December 6, 1865 – The 13th Amendment: Later that winter, the formal ratification of the 13th Amendment to the United

States Constitution officially abolished slavery and involuntary servitude nationwide, closing a dark chapter in American history.

The Legacy and Advocacy for the National Holiday

From that pivotal summer day in 1865 onward, June 19—shortened affectionately by generations to Juneteenth— became a sacred day of remembrance, historical reflection, family gatherings, music, dancing, and cultural celebration for African Americans.

While the anniversary was celebrated with deep passion and reverence inside local communities for well over a century, it was not immediately designated as a national public holiday. This long-overdue national recognition was ultimately achieved through the tireless advocacy of Opal Lee, widely honored as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Her persistent campaigning, including a symbolic walking journey across America, successfully propelled the observance into the national spotlight, resulting in its establishment as an official United States federal holiday.

- 2026 Juneteenth Celebrations in Stanislaus County

Today, this powerful legacy thrives across the nation and within local communities. To honor this history and celebrate a shared future of liberty, Stanislaus County is hosting three vibrant regional celebrations in June 2026:

June 13th-Graceada Park Modesto 11 am-5 pm

June 19th-Riverbank Community Center 11 am-4 pm

June 20th-McNamara Park, Merced 1-6 pm

June 27th-Patterson Sports Complex 11 am-6 pm

The concluding commemoration in Patterson serves as a beautiful local reminder of the long, enduring journey toward freedom, uniting the community to honor historical truths and celebrate the timeless promise of liberty for all.

Finch Rd Modesto, CA 95357

ART VIEW

Modesto graduates into Graffiti Summer.

A good time to visit an actual car shop like the Kruse Lucas Imports Gallery at 525 Tully Road. Valley Springs artist Brad Stone will open his 3-month Graffiti Summer special exhibit focusing on cars from different periods. Visit June, July, and August. If you are in a walking mood, the Art Market returns to the Virginia Corridor trail at Roseburg Square June 13. I will be there among more than two dozen local artists, with art for sale. Priced for conversation and meeting folks in the neighborhood, this has been a good day of Art that will next appear in November. Ceramics, paintings, small items, art jewelry, all in the mix and more. Thanks to Suzanne McCaslin for organizing.

Oakdale Arts put out a Call for Artists for their Small Works Show and Fundraiser. Deadline for Artists entry and family-friendly small-art drop off is June 12 at Story Books and Toys, 150 S. Second Avenue, Oakdale. Show reception and art viewing June 18, 5pm to 7pm at Gallery Custom Framing 132. N. Third Avenue, Oakdale. Fundraiser proceeds will support local murals.

The Knights Ferry Art Studio announced June 5 to 7 will be the Knights Ferry Art and Music Mini Fest Check their Facebook and Instagram profiles for ticketing details. Art and Music are the keys to this event. Knights Ferry Art Studio and Gallery located at 17631 Sonora Rd in historic Miller’s Hall and host events like youth art showcases, life drawing, and open-mic nights and have classes coming up this summer. Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock also offering summer classes and art camps for ages 5 and up begin June 8th. Arts Center opened the Ready Set Show kids’ student art May 29. Students in grades K-12 submitted their artwork for this annual

Art is All Around

By Jim Christiansen

non-competitive display of youthful talents. Farms and Fields will continue In the Lobby Gallery until July 25. June 13 is the Annual Carnegie Block Party. www.CarnegieArtsTurlock.org

Nearby on First Street is the Stanislaus State Art Space and on N. Center Street Pink Duck Gallery and Gallery Finesse. Gallery Finesse hosts Turlock artist John Karl Claes show “Beyond the Horizon” on display until June 13.

June 18th is Downtown Modesto Third Thursday Art Walk. Check Arts Council with Visit Modesto at 1315 J Street to pick up a map or look up on Instagram, Facebook and visitmodesto.com   Dragonfly Art for Life will have artists and new class schedules to check out. Membership in the gallery is available, just ask.

MoArt the Modesto Art Academy at 500 Scenic Drive, was a featured studio for Stanislaus Artist Open Studio in April. Email Classes@MoArtAcademy.org for information. MoArt is a community-based art school offering a wide range of classical drawing, painting and sculpting courses, and instructional workshops on fabrication, construction, and design. www. MoArtAcademy.org

Art Summer Camps are the current offerings for Modesto Academy of Music & Design at 5428 Pirrone Rd., Salida. 2026 summer art camps and all-day music/art sessions (for ages 4-12) featuring painting, sculpture, and crafting in Salida, CA. Camps focus on creative skill-building, with options including “Let’s Do Art!” and specialized art & music combinations. Website is www.modestoacademy.com for the schedule.

Gallery 1119 on Kansas Avenue open hours Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm to 8pm. Colorful abstraction in the opening show by gallery artist Kaila Kindley. Cruise artfully.

MADE IN AMERICA!

On the cover

Graffiti Summer is one of our favorite times of the year and this year, is the 100th Anniversary of Highway 99 and Highway 66.  These roads opened up America and lead to the diners that attracted cruisers, especially Brent Burnside and Susan Powers.  They are in the middle if US99 at Burge’s and nevermind that Tidewater Central train running right down the highway, like it really used to. Thanks MJ Mangano for creating this image and to Pete Grimaldi for stitching this issue togethe

COUNTY FAIR VIEW FUNDRAISER VIEW

Relive the Nostalgia

One of the best memories of Summer has to be the County Fair, the lights on the midway, the smells of fried food, meeting up with friends and of course the music. The Stanislaus County Fair is back July 10th19th and always the have a diverse lineup on the mainstage.

Kicking things off on the 10th is country legend Clint Black, his first album Killin’ Time sold over 3 million copies, spawning 4 #1 hits in the US. He has released 14 albums and had a total of 13 #1 hits. July 12th don’t miss Mi Banda El Mexicano de Germán Román a techno banda/ techno cumbia group from Mazatlán, Mexico; Román created the caballito rhythm, a dance-driven techno cumbia style. Diamond Rio has been entertaining crowds since 1982 and will continue the tradition on July 13th; you can be certain to hear their 5 #1 hits. July 14th get swifty with Twist on Taylor, the premier Taylor Swift tribute. Taking back to the scenester heyday 3OH!3 brings you the electronic sounds of the early 2000s; they will get the crowd moving with their hit “Don’t Trust

Graffiti USA Museum Comes to Life

By Middagh Goodwin

Me” and “Starstruck”. The multi-platinum recording hip hop/pop/R&B artist Ashanti will be performing a hit filled set on June 16th. Mayday Parade will spark memories of mid-2000 Warped Tour with their pop punk/alt/emo sounds, when they play at the StanCoFair on June 17th. Atlanta’s hip hop duo Ying Yang Twins will get the bass pounding and your feet moving on June 18th when they take the stage at the Fair. They have consistently top the album and singles charts. Ending this years entertainment on June 19th is Banda Carnival known for energetic performances, brass-driven arrangements, and a blend of romantic ballads, corridos, and cumbias. If you want to support our local musicians check out the Center Stage which will host, The MIxtape, VMI School of Rock, Tongue & Groove, Sweet Mama Rachel & the Homemade Jam Band, FM Silverado, Greg Scudder & the Honky Tonk Heroes, and more.

Create new, relive old, or just enjoy the nostalgia of the Stanislaus County Fair. For more information go to www.stancofair.com

GO MODESTO

153rd Fourth of July Celebration

Since 1874, the city of Modesto has celebrated the 4th of July with a parade through downtown. This year is no exception. A downtown parade at 9:30 a.m., will kick off this year’s Independence Day Celebration celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, on Saturday, July 4th! The 2026 Grand Marshalls are the Farm Bureau, JS West and Sutter Health with Champions of the 4th, Brad Hawn and Evan Porges and our Hometown Hero, Stanislaus Community Foundation. Once again the parade announcers will be Chris Murphy, DJ Walker & Radio Rick Meyers. Entries must be received by June 24th to secure your spot in the parade. Entries should be mailed to Modesto Kiwanis Club, 4th of July Parade, PO Box 176, Denair, CA 95316.The parade is organized by the Modesto Kiwanis Clubs who wish you a safe and memorable Independence Day Celebration!

When you travel around the world, people know about Modesto. American Graffiti is loved everywhere and it some countries, the classic muscle car is stuff of legends and this film celebrates that simple Americana.  Modesto is lucky that this movie has promoted us everywhere, and introduced the world to cruising. People from around the world visit Modesto for many reasons and one of the most popular is for Graffiti culture and Graffiti Summer.  The Graffiti USA Museum is only 50% complete and it has already become a global travel beacon, attracting visitors from 32 different countries.   Yes, friends, be proud and see the potential that is Graffiti USA.

You can see it taking shape as our original visions are coming to life as the 10th Street Experience is underway, with the vintage store fronts with real neon signs, record store, radio and music museum and even the old downtown newsstand.  Over the next few months, we will be building more vintage storefronts and will be opening and the beautiful round Drive In front will be built, all circling back to the day when those motorists were attracted by the whimsical round drive ins that dotted Americas highways of the 20th century.

There is a lot of construction now, but please take a moment to donate to this important non-profit that will change the narrative of Modesto for the future.   www.graffitiusamuseum.com

BEER VIEW

TRACK 424

If you have not experienced Track 424 beer at the Sciabica Company tasting room and tap house, you are missing out. This micro brew has been crafting some of the tastiest new beers in the area. Truly small batch with Bob the Brewer guiding the way. Bob was formerly a bR & D Brewer for Sam Adams and what’s coming out at Track 424 is nothing short of delicious. The tap room is the best place to sample and they have tasty snack menu, from salads to flatbreads all featuring their olive oil. Now here’s the cool part, you can get their Bright Track at the Modesto Roadsters games and this is a really great beer treat at the Modern Woodmen Stadium and great to see our local brewer shine. Get a glass and enjoy the 7th inning stretch. Check out Track 424 at 2150 Yosemite Blvd. Modesto 209-577-5067 Th, Fr Sat afternoons until 8 pm www.track424.com

HISTORY VIEW

Modesto Google: Denny’s and Diners

By Harrison Power @historyharrison

As Modesto cruises into Graffiti Summer, one can’t help but think of the era when modern architecture and eye-catching signs were designed with the expressed purpose of attracting the motorists and people passing by. These design features were highlights of Googie architecture, often associated with diners, drive-ins and more, with examples still found around town including the original Modesto Denny’s located at 110 McHenry Avenue at Five Points.

Modesto’s first Denny’s Restaurant opened on November 3, 1964 at the corner of Downey and McHenry, and marked the 102nd location for the coffee shop chain.

The Denny’s was built at a cost of over $200,000 and purposefully coincided with the construction and opening of the adjacent Hyatt Chalet Motel (now the Discovery Inn), which expressed Googie style as well with its A-frame office and entry.

The building was designed by architects Armet and Davis of Los Angeles, the architectural firm who designed all of the mid-century Denny’s restaurants. Louis Armet and Eldon Davis embraced Googie architecture in their building designs, and went on to be prolific designers in that style. Popular from the 1940s through the 1970s, Googie architecture focused on bold and eye-catching modern designs, and Modesto’s Denny’s was no different, with its angular boomerang roofline, walls of windows, and towering rotating sign to greet local residents as well as drivers from out of town passing through town.

A few years after its opening, the Denny’s was purchased from Butler Enterprises of Los Angeles in 1967 by Bob. O. Burgess (unrelated to Burge’s Drive-In), who had been a Denny’s manager in San Clemente and owned the diner until his passing in 1977. Burgess also oversaw the expansion of a second Denny’s in Modesto, located at 2052 W. Orangeburg along Highway 99. This location was also designed by Armet and Davis, and featured another Googie design with its signature zig-zag roofline and “cupcake” top to hide the HVAC units.

By 1970, the Highway 108 corridor

stemming from Five Points was dotted with business and motel signage, and the City Council determined it was overwhelming for drivers through town. A revised signage ordinance was passed which limited sign options for future commercial signs: maximum height was set at 35 feet, maximum length at 30 feet, and size maxed at 300 square feet. While those restrictions did not apply to existing advertising signage, the ordinance also banned rotating, moving, flashing, changing, or blinking signs. Despite Bob Burgess’s formal appeal to the Modesto Board of Zoning Adjustment in 1972, and subsequent appeal to the City Council, the Denny’s sign was left standing at the corner but was ordered to cease rotating, along with 84 other businesses at the time, and its rotation continues to sit idle today.

Other notable examples of surviving Googie architecture in Modesto also include other restaurant and diner buildings. Originally the Penguin Ice Cream Shop, the iconic clamshell building at 330 Needham Street across from Graceada Park was built by 1952, and is currently home to TNK Vegan Cafe. Over near Highway 99 in downtown at 604 6th Street is Las Islitas Mariscos, but was originally built in 1965 for the J’s Coffee Shop chain utilizing a similar design as the 1964 Denny’s. Up McHenry from Denny’s is the iconic red and yellow a-frame drive-thru of Wienerschnitzel at 204 McHenry which opened in 1968, and embodies distinctive design as a marketing tool. Containing some Googie influence with its recognizable corner ringed tower rising up over the intersection of 14th and J Streets is the Gagos Building, where 1325 J Street was the former RECORDS! store, now home to LoFi Lounge and Dining.

So as you cruise around Modesto and a cool vestige of mid-century construction catches your eye, the power of the design and style of the era continues to do its job: to be bold, welcoming, and beckoning. Follow along the “Modernism in Modesto” tour of standout modernist and Googie buildings around town, because from Googie to Mid-Century Modern, there is plenty to enjoy and celebrate this Graffiti Summer!

Right - 8/28/1964 Modesto Bee - Denny’s Under Construction Left - 11/4/1964 Modesto Bee - Denny’s Completed

The Center of the Cruise since 1964 Denny’s... Modesto FOOD VIEW

Cruisers in Modesto have been hanging at Denny’s since 1964.

As the cruise evolved from 10th and 11th, to up and down McHenry after McHenry Village  and Downey High opened, 5 points became a big part of the cruising action.  In the 70s and 80s, 5 points became the main south turnaround.

Denny’s has earned a spot in the Modesto cruising history for being who they are, taking care of all Modestans 24/7 with a huge menu for breakfast or nighttime burger and fries. And all the while, Denny’s  makes some of the tastiest and reliable food in our city.  24 hours of retro modern cooking, booths, counter service, coffee refills, and best of all, an early morning Grand Slam after you have been cruising till late.       This was McHenry during the 70s.  Only down to 5 points once or twice each Friday or Saturday.  The turnaround was key and at 5 points, one of the calls was to go to Denny’s.  Many of the side streets were closed to turnarounds, so cruisers had to go past 5 points, or U turns.

Downtown Modesto is lucky as we still have one of the unique “boomerang” design diners.   This shape was created by Armet & Davis Architects, reflecting the mid-century designs of the late 50s and early 60th with the bright neon, sweeping roof lines, designed to attract the passing motorists. This Denny’s at 110 McHenry opened with the adjacent Hyatt Chalet on November 3, 1964. Across the street, the Chuck Wagon anchored the other side of 5 points with a Phillips gas station across the street.   Of course, the former Minnie’s that opened in 1952, sat across the street from Denny’s.   5 points was quite the turnaround.

By Chris Murphy

My favorite part of Denny’s is sitting at the counter.  This is really what diner dining is all about for me, if you are alone or with friends, kids or grandkids. It’s great people watching, fun conversation or just a quiet place to read or catch up on work.

General Manager Valerie explains that they have many regulars and many longtime favorite menu items.   She explains that the after-cruising customers are not as frequent these days, but hopefully now that cruising is legal again, this may return. Cruisers and motorists should try to enjoy a late night or early morning stop this Graffiti Summer.  Manager Angela also agrees, ”I love my regulars but it is so cool to see new families and customers become regulars or even enjoy a one-time visit”

Valerie says the burgers, fries and shakes are the late-night fave and when it’s prom or school dance or game nights, many kids enjoy their Denny’s late night. Valerie recommended a customer favorite, the triple burger with two different cheeses and a full complement of condiments with thick wavy cut fries.

She also says that breakfasts are winners all day long, and the SuperSlam is one of the best values on the menu.  A Grand Slam, or a Moons Over My Hammy are a perfect choice for a post cruise meal.  Don’t forget that there is a large breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.  One of the current favorites is the Bourbon Chicken skillet over veggies and potatos. So tasty.

According to Valerie, one of the current favorites for 24-hour breakfast is the Stuffed Strawberry French Toast.   Oh my, this is delicious with a special vanilla pudding filling and fresh strawberries with whipped cream. Of course, it also comes with bacon, sausage and two eggs.

But you know, there is something for ev-

Denny’s

110 McHenry Ave, Modesto 209-542-2708

24/7  Tuesday – Sunday, 6 am – 10 pm Monda

eryone on the Denny’s menu, from salads to chicken and salmon entrees, burgers, wraps and so much more.

Photo courtesy of the

From left: Angela, Valerie, Devon & Hugo

INTERVIEW

Mike West, President

/ CEO  J.S. West & Companies

JS West Company has been at the center of Modesto commerce, agriculture and farming for over 116 years.   As Modesto evolved from a river town to a railroad town in the late 1800s, JS West as there with supplies for the farmer and the grower.  Founded in 1909 by James Stwart West supplying grain and coal, and later supplying wood, tires and even an ice plant. Most people know JS West for their propane and egg production and the large silos along the railroad tracks and 9thSt, the historic Highway 99, in downtown Modesto that served our region for over 100 years.  JS West had a ringside seat to the growth and evolution of Modesto and today, the company is still family owned and is beginning a new chapter as they reinvest in Modesto with a new corporate headquarters in North Modesto with an eye to the future.

Let’s get to know Mike West, the President of JS West.

ModestoView: What’s it like to have a family with such deep Modesto roots?  Mike West: It’s humbling in many ways to be a part of our family who have been part of our community for such a long time.

MV: What is your earliest memory about your family business?

MW: Definitely company picnics as a young man.  We would have milling company and propane company employees and their families at Graceada Park where our family would cook for theirs.  I was too young to cook and I probably still am!

MV: Highway 99 turns 100 this year, how critical was the highway and the railroad to your company evolution?

MW: J.S. West simply wouldn’t exist without the infrastructure around it.  In fact, J.S West moved to California because of a precious resource: water.  But Highway 99 and all the local railroads have contributed to our success.  To this day we rely daily on the railroads to deliver fuel, corn, soy, and other inputs for our businesses. We salute Highway 99 for being 100 years old this year- welcome to the club!

MV: What are some of the key moments of JS West in the last 50 years?

MW: I think the advent of inline poultry production was very key in the late 90s.  It is a system where an egg goes from the hen and travels on a conveyor belt to the egg carton thereby eliminating transportation and breakage.  The formation of

our ESOP in 2015 was a turning point for us culturally and productively.  Our employees are partial owners in the business and that makes them more accountable and more proud of the work they do.

MV: Can you describe some of the obstacles your company has faced?

MW: The most pressing recent obstacle we are getting through (haven’t gotten there yet!) is Avian Influenza in the egg industry.  Our company suffered great loss recently due to this virus.  In both 2023 and 2024 we were forced to depopulate our main egg laying farm in Hilmar twice totaling 1.6 million chickens.  This has been devastating to our flocks, our employees, our facilities, and our family.  We have lobbied locally, regionally, and nationally for a vaccine for AI; we will do anything in our power to thwart it.

MV: Your company and your family have been great contributors to our local community with philanthropy, what are some of issues that you feel are important?

MW: Thank you but we’re the same as anyone in that we want our communities to be safe, have good educations, access to healthcare, and a growing business community.  We have called Modesto home for 5 generations and want to help preserve the very best things about it.

MV:  You are supporters of the Graffiti USA Museum, thank you very much.  Do you think it’s important for people to have a sense of pride about our local history?

MW: We are lucky to have the Graffiti USA Museum in our community and all of the other local “monuments.” I think the coolest cities in the country have a great sense of their histories and I’m really happy that we have that here.  Thank you Chris for your efforts.

MV:  What did you learn most from your father and grandfather to manage and grow this business.

MW: They, every single day, exhibited grace, professionalism, calm in the face of adversity, and most importantly being a gentleman.  And these qualities add to the bottom line, not detract from it.

MV:  The JS West team is strong. How have they helped your company grow?

MW: Our people are everything to us.  They are involved in every possible decision that we make and 99.9% of the time they carry it out.  I couldn’t appreciate the people I get to surround myself every day; I only fear that we show it enough.  I’m very, very proud of our employees at J.S. West….they do things for the right

by Chris Murphy

reasons and while it’s easy to say it’s much harder to do.

MV: Moving forward what’s next for JS West?

MW: We are in growth mode in every aspect of our business; as that growth happens, we will add facilities such as our new corporate office.  But we will grow operationally on the retail and wholesale sides of our propane business and will always be active in growing our flocks on the Milling side.  We have brought on board our 5th generation of family members, Noah and Nicklaus West, and we are all thrilled that this family business will continue and thrive.

MV:  Describe your ideal Modesto day.  MW: Hmmmm.  Well I’d come to work at J.S. West and help solve a problem (or create an opportunity), I’d then take my work team to Del Rio Country Club for lunch, and after lunch would meet 4 friends for a round of golf.  After golf we would have dinner with our family and theirs.

MV:  Beatles or Stones – Stones, If not them, it’s Metallica.

You can learn more and connect with the JS West team at www.jswest.com

ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS: #1 TRIBUTE TO PRESLEY, PERKINS, LEWIS & CASH JUNE 7

Presented by Kaiser Permanente

BILL ENGVALL JUNE 14

THE BACON BROTHERS JUNE 27

Presented by Kaiser Permanente & Suite 52 Living Sponsored by U.S. Bank

CELLOVOCI WITH MODESTO’S EFFIE PASSERO JUNE 28

BIG VIEW – GRAFFITI

by Chris Murphy

Historic 99

2026 is the year of the “mother road”. America’s great highway was Highway 66 which opened in 1926. This famous highway told America’s story from Chicago to Santa Monica. Yeah, you know the song: Kingman, Barstow, San Bernadino where you will get your kicks. So much of Americana lore came from these highway trips, to the crazy small town stops, teepee shaped hotels and the motorist would be looking for a diner to rest a bit. These were the trips of dreams across a two-lane ribbon of highway.

On the west coast, there was another road, opening the very same year in 1926.

Highway US 99 threaded its way from Mexico to Canada, and every downtown it visit grew and became business hubs and each town wanted the motorist to stop, enjoy and stay.

This was the meet up, the weary and hungry motorist, to the men returning from war, the highs school students, this was the hang out, the date night, the car show off, the place for pranks all beginning on 9th Street, aka Highway 99. This important turnaround at the north end of 10th and 11th Streets in downtown Modesto would be the cruise immortalized in American Graffiti.

As cruising grew and Modesto grew, the cruise would evolved from 10th St, to 10th and 11th Street as a loop and then stretching out McHenry when McHenry Village opened in the 1950s and new high schools were built and other hangouts like Al’s and Felix became hangouts. The Graffiti USA Museum is under construction on N. 9th Street, aka Historic 99 that hopes to attract the curious motorists with a drive in front of its own.

Modesto’s claim to fame

, among other things, is our cruising. For most, cruising was part of the 1950s and 1960s with a later resurgence in the 70s and 80s. But cruising was so much more. It was a way to gather, hang out and the diners, like Burge’s in Modesto, were the place to hang out.

We have Americas’ highways to thank for that.

Modesto’s cruising origin moment is the famous convertible in front of Burge’s Drive In. Burge’s was located, in downtown Modesto, on California’s great American highway, US99. Before World War 2, driving the open road to travel was not a thing. After the war, gas, tires, and time was available. Hitting the road was freedom, driving up and down the downtown streets for no reason at all, felt like luxury. Cool designed, in many cases round, as they were designed to serve motorists, these drive ins to beckon the hungry traveler start popping up all over.

Look for a Highway 99, 100-year celebration later this year at the Graffiti USA Museum.

Cruising is Legal.

Why wouldn’t it be? Long story short, Cruising fell out of favor in the 1990s when it got too big and was banned. How could Modesto, the city of cruising, ban cruising? Thanks to the work of the North Modesto Kiwanis Club American Graffiti Festival, the efforts of the History Cruise Route and the amazing efforts by our Low Rider community and the Cruising Culture people, cruising is legal again. This was a huge team effort by car clubs, the Graffiti USA Museum, the City of Modesto and Modesto Police Department. Fast forward to 2026, cruising is safe, legal and getting popular again.

Yes,

Burgers and cruising go together

Burger, Fries, a Shake and rock n roll on the radio. This is about the most perfect meal you can get if you are cruising. If you have car hop service, you get it on a tray, otherwise, it’s tasty and easy to eat and share. Burge’s specialties included roast chicken, full meals and pies. Modesto has some key drive ins you must check out in Graffiti Summer and all year long.

Modesto hangouts include, Fast Eddie’s MOAB, since 1952, this is Modesto’s oldest restaurant in the original location. Sonic Drive in on McHenry, offers car delivery service like the old days. Scenic Drive in features the legendary Knock Out Burger that was frequented by George Lucas. Frosty King on Paradise, delivers the drive in experience. Sadly our A&W is no more, but there are new exciting places that are burger forward.

Burges - Cruising begins in 1947

Dwight Case, broadcasting KFIV live from a Burge’s booth.

a train used to go down the middle of 99 / 9th Street daily

Walk of Fame Burge’s Carhop Gerry Ramirez greets guests

KFIV broadcasting live from 10th Street

SUMMER’26

The Graffiti Spirit

In Modesto USA, it is Graffiti Summer all year long. Here are some of the events that are key to your Graffiti fun and education.

Sno-White has really jumped back into the Modesto culture.   Our long-time friends know that we love the drive on Yosemite Blvd.  If you haven’t been by lately, note that their iconic sign as been restored and it’s beautiful.  Burgers, fries, shakes, cones and more and now a brighter sign. This is a must stop this Graffiti Summer. And, there is a new Sno-White location on McHenry near Rumble, easily accessible to cruisers.   1841 Yosemite Blvd Modesto 209-529-3032 2816 McHenry Blvd Modesto 209-248-7687

The Graffiti Spirit

In Modesto USA, it is Graffiti Summer all year long.  Here are some of the events that are key to your Graffiti fun and education.

American Graffiti – June 6

The film that started it all Relive the days of 1962 in the star-studded film that made Modesto a legend.  Directed by George Lucas, the film captures a night on the drag before kids go off to college.  Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, Paul LeMat, Cindy Williams, Bo Hopkins, Richard Dreyfus and more. Wow.  June 6 at 1 pm. $7 tix – Cheap!

Elvis is in the Building-June 5

Don’t miss Matt Stone as Elvis, live at the State Theatre on June 5.  This will take you back in time, one more time.     Modesto Street Rod Show – June 7

This is the first big car show of the year at McHenry Village.  This is a free family event, with car prizes and covered walking and dining in McHenry Village.  9 am – 3 pm  Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame and Park and Shine – June 10

Downtown Modesto will have so much chrome on display for the special annual induction of the Legends of the Cruise. Enjoy an 8 block car show with a special ceremony at 6:30 pm in 10th St Plaza.  Inductees will received certificates from our elected officials, a honorary plaque and a permanent market in the Walk of Fame.

American Graffiti Festival June 12-14

This is what brought Graffiti back here in Modesto.  Over 1000 cars are pre-registered and this is one of the elite shows in the USA.  Everyone needs to turn out in downtown Modesto for the Friday night Cruise Parade at 5:30 pm starting at 5 points. Only cars registered in the car show are eligible to cruise.  Get your chairs, spend time in downtown for music, dining, movies and fun. ModestoView hack - Don’t miss the special Graffiti Night VIP Cruise Lounge at the Intermission. Air conditioned, great view and tasty cocktails.  Get tix at www.thestate.org

Graffiti Night VIP Cruise Lounge at the Intermission

Get tix at www.thestate.org

At the car show, there are two days of cars, music, vendors, food, drink and so much more.  This is a fundraiser that serves over 50 youth programs in our own community thanks to hard work and dedication of the North Modesto Kiwanis club.     Sat 9 – 5 and Sun 9-3.  MJC West Campus www.americangraffitifestival.com

Kids Graffiti Fun

6/13 Grease Sing-A-Long at the State Theatre!

Doors at 1:00 PM - Movie at 2:00 PM ($7)

Film goers are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Grease character! The Clique Photo Booth will be there to take fun themed selfies. A wop bam boom!

6/20 Disney’s Cars at the State Theatre!

Craft at 9:00 AM - Movie at 10:00 AM ($6)

Speed! I am speed! Join Lightning McQueen and the cast of characters from Radiator Springs for an adventure packed with racing, nostalgia, and friendship with friends of all ages.

American Graffiti Festival and Car Show

Saturday 6/13 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Sunday 6/14 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Kids 12 and Under FREE! Kid Zone for fun games and entertainment in addition to car show, vendors, and live music, $10 per adult. All proceeds support North Modesto of Kiwanis Kids’ programs and programming here in the community. www.americangraffitifestival.com

Modesto Roadsters Pioneer League Games

• Coming soon - Cruiser Kids Club

• Fireworks Fridays!

• Bark in the Park Family Sundays!

• $3 Full Throttle Thursdays!

June 2nd - June 7th / June 16th - June 18th vs. Yuba-Sutter Freebirds

June 23rd  - June 25th vs. Oakland Ballers

June 26th - June 28th vs. Long Beach Coast

LEGENDS OF THE CRUISE 2026

by Chris Murphy, founder Modesto Historic Cruise Route and Legends of the Cruise

American Graffiti captured the spirit of Modesto in the 50s and 60s. According to the locals that lived this, they say George Lucas got it right. His stories truly captured that time and the characters in the movie were composites of people here in Modesto.  Those people that inspired Lucas are our Legends of the Cruise. These are the people that created our story, inspired the film and over the years, have been champions of the Graffiti Cruise in Modesto USA.

Today, we celebrate those legends on the Modesto Historic Cruise Route Walk of Fame.  We are telling their stories that inspired the classic film and are some of the foundations of Modesto as well as people who have started their engine to keep the Graffiti alive and well. Learn more and see the inductees at www.modestocruiseroute.com

Please join us on June 10th in 10th St Plaza to induct our 2026 Legends. . Park and Shine at 5 pm and Legends ceremony at 6:30. This is a free family event.

Special Legend Recognition

Dave Heller - Legend of the Cruise

How the Modesto Roadsters helped reignite the spirit of a city built for headlights and summer nights.

What started as a baseball team has turned into something bigger in the Central Valley. Today, that connection between baseball, cruising culture, and community pride is being recognized in one of Modesto’s most iconic traditions.

The Modesto Roadsters, owned by Dave Heller, didn’t just roll into town. They hit the ignition on something that ran deep in the Valley’s bloodstream. Cars. Cruising. Baseball under the lights on warm valley nights.

What makes this story special is that someone from outside Modesto listened to us closely enough to understand exactly what this city carries in its DNA and recognized what had been missing. The Roadsters didn’t borrow the Graffiti spirit for aesthetics. They put it back in motion.

And the response was immediate.

Fans lined up for free Roadsters tattoos. Not stickers. Permanent ink. Displayed proudly on the bodies of Valley residents. Those tattoos say more about the team’s connection to our Valley than anything that happens on the field. The Roadsters aren’t becoming part of the community. They already are.

Dave Heller saw something here worth betting on.

Raised in the Northeast, educated at Brown and Oxford, and having taught at Yale, Dave built Main Street Baseball into one of the country’s most respected baseball organizations. It currently includes the Quad Cities River Bandits, Wilmington Blue Rocks, Billings Mustangs, and, now, the Modesto Roadsters. Dave’s teams succeed because they understand that connections matter.

Kids taking photos with mascots and meeting players. Music rolling through the ballpark. Laughter filling the stands. Families lingering after the final out. A real sense of community.

When the Roadsters’ name was unveiled, Dave arrived in a 1961 Corvette Roadster that’s become tied to the team’s mascot, Cruiser, and the identity of the franchise itself. It wasn’t a reveal. It was a statement.

From Day One, the Roadsters drove full throttle into the Valley’s cruising culture and classic Americana with retro music, themed nights, giveaways, great food, free parking, and nonstop energy.

This is baseball with the way it should be.

With former Giants star J.T. Snow leading the charge on field, Cruiser strutting through crowds, Crooner singing retro classics, and the team’s lucky leprechaun, Rally O’Malley, dancing after Roadsters runs, Modern Woodmen Field has become one of the coolest summer stops in the Central Valley.

The atmosphere feels less like sports and more like a summer night Modesto forgot it missed.

For helping shine a renewed spotlight on the region’s cruising culture, bringing our community together and restoring hometown pride around baseball, Dave Heller is the Grand Marshal of the 2026 North Modesto Kiwanis American Graffiti Cruise Parade.

Dave McMillen: Legend of the Cruise

Dave McMillen grew up in 1960s Modesto, California—right where new subdivisions ended and orchards, canal banks, and dry creek beds began. For a kid obsessed with anything with a motor, it was paradise. It started with minibikes, escalated to motorcycles, and soon became an all-day ritual: meet up, wrench, tune, then rip the canal banks until dark followed by the most important part, arguing about who was fastest.

Summer nights meant cruising neighborhood streets and watching the older legends roll by in ’56 Chevys, ’60 Impalas, and early Corvettes—cars now honored on the Walk of Fame. To Dave, they were gods on wheels.

At 15½, Dave’s dad handed him his first “vehicle”: a 1956 Ford pickup with a blown motor and a perfectly good six-cylinder sitting in the bed. Naturally, Dave and his buddies towed it down the canal bank, ducked into a walnut orchard, looped a chain over a branch, and did an outlaw engine swap on the spot. That moment lit the fuse on a lifelong love affair with cars—one that visitors to his shops still describe as “a little out of control.” Dave doesn’t disagree.

The summer before senior year, Dave worked the night shift at Tri-Valley, saved every dime, and scraped together $850. He took it straight to Jim Asbill Motors on Yosemite and drove home in a gorgeous ’67 GTO—an instant upgrade. Now Dave was “somebody.”

On the first day of senior year, when he pulled into Downey High’s parking lot, it felt like the whole place turned to look. The stance. The lines. The sound. He wasn’t just Dave anymore; he was the guy with the GTO. “Yay! I was somebody,” he says.

By Friday, he was parked across from Mamie’s Café with the hood up, letting the engine bay do the talking. A few of the Faros drifted over, and one finally asked the question every teenage gearhead both wants and fears: “Are you going to show us what it can do?”

“Oh yeah—watch this.”

He lined up, dropped the clutch, grabbed second…and the rear end stepped out. Right then, school let out and kids were lining the sidewalk. The GTO slid straight into the school secretary’s brand-new 1972 Plymouth Fury. The price of being “somebody” came fast: he lost his license for the entire senior year and rode the bus every day. Lesson learned? “Absolutely not.”

Dave graduated Downey High in 1973 with what he jokingly calls a degree in “parking lot mechanics,” then went into the paving business. In 1980, he founded United Paving, retiring in 2011. He’s proud of four children, seven grandchildren, and the life he built with his wife, Maria—who has lovingly supported his passion for cars, even when it gets “just a little” out of hand.

Baseball With Chrome

LEGENDS OF THE CRUISE

Steve Pattee - Legend of the Cruise

Steve Pattee has spent decades as Modesto’s best-kept open secret—the kind of selftaught welder, machinist, engine builder, and fabricator who doesn’t just “fix things,” but persuades metal to behave. Hot rods, race cars, drag boats, diesel trucks—even trains have all rolled, roared, or rumbled along a little longer because Steve quietly said, “Yeah, I can make that.”

It started early. Some kids collected baseball cards; Steve collected reasons to take things apart. He wrenched on motorcycles, raced them, built BMX bikes, rode them like he owed them money, and generally treated anything with moving parts as a personal challenge.

By 13—an age when most people are still learning the complex engineering of a locker combination—Steve tore apart his ’66 Chevelle, narrowed the rear end and frame, and painted the chassis himself.  This wasn’t just a “project,” it’s a mechanics origin story.

Around the same time, he performed the rarest feat in hot-rodding history: hopping up his mom’s Ford van. Headers, glass packs, intake, carb—the whole symphony. How he sold that idea remains a mystery, possibly involving charm, logic, and the classic teenage argument: “Trust me.”

By 15, Steve was already in a local truck shop doing full-on diesel repair—engines, transmissions, big-rig problems that would make grown mechanics blink twice. At 19 he was at A&B Truck Repair, and by 24 he opened Pattee Enterprises, setting up shop on 9th Street just a few doors down from Willie’s Auto Electric. If it needed to be welded, rodded, raced, or otherwise made tougher than it had any right to be, Steve was the one people called.

Then came the “drag boat years,” when he fabricated roll cages for capsules and made lifelong friends in a community that treats water like another kind of racetrack. In 2005, he moved to Franklin Street and kept turning out high-quality work—until the Highway 132 bypass project shut the doors.

Steve never did have much patience for authorities telling him what to do. Luckily, that same streak turned into a life philosophy: if someone else can do it, he can learn it—and do it well. That’s why his fingerprints are on car shows and car clubs all over Modesto, why his work has landed in magazines, even on the cover of The Rodder’s Journal.

After 20 years of working on his own hot rod off and on, Steve is finally about to drive it—not because he ever lacked vision or ability, but because he spent so much of that time helping others bring their dreams to life. That dedication to the rodding community is why Steve isn’t just a builder; he’s a cornerstone of Modesto’s car culture, a craftsman whose impact is measured not only in the cars he’s worked on, but in the people and friendships he’s built along the way.

Jennifer MullenLegend of the Cruise

Jennifer Mullen proves you can build a big career with a small-town heart—and still make time for a little mischief and a lot of horsepower. A true “Legend of the Cruise,” she has spent decades championing Modesto’s classic-car culture, the kind of hometown hero who can talk shop with car clubs, welcome dignitaries, and still tell a story that ends with the Modesto Police Department chasing runaway horses.

Graffiti Summer has been part of Jennifer’s life since her Thomas Downey High School days, when she worked at the beloved Dryer’s ice cream parlor—first as a student, then as manager while earning her A.A. at Modesto Junior College. Those summer nights behind the counter gave her a front-row seat to the rumble, shine, and revival spirit of Modesto’s cruising scene. She later earned her B.A. in Public Relations from San Jose State University and became a lifetime member of Delta Gamma Sorority. Even in high school, Jennifer’s leadership was unmistakable. As Rally Executive Commissioner for the Class of 1975, she proved she could steer a crowd long before she was steering visitors through Modesto’s signature events. And yes—her horsepower wasn’t limited to engines. In one now-legendary episode, she and a classmate rode their horses to Dry Creek for a swim, then to Scenic Drive In for Knock Out Burgers. A loud engine spooked the horses, a water pipe popped loose, the parking lot erupted like a geyser, and the horses bolted down Scenic Drive with a growing convoy—including MPD—in pursuit. Jennifer simply remounted and rode home, leaving behind one very soggy Modesto memory. Professionally, Jennifer brought destination marketing to life as Executive Director of the Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Modesto). She promoted meetings, sports, ag tours, and Modesto’s iconic classic-car culture, helping unite clubs and organizers through a year-round Graffiti Summer committee. She supported the tabloid, merchandise, and event booth, and served on the original Modesto Historic Graffiti Cruise Route committee honoring the era made famous in American Graffiti. Known for bold ideas, she once arranged for a 1932 Roadster to roll straight into the DoubleTree Hotel lobby for an American Graffiti–themed convention—and welcomed visitors from Japan with classic-car and police escorts from the airport.

Her leadership extends far beyond the Cruise Route: co-chairing Modesto’s Amgen Tour of California stages, serving as president of North Modesto Kiwanis, raising thousands for scholarships and nonprofits, and volunteering with the Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum. From dairy-industry marketing to hometown celebrations, Jennifer has spent her career making Modesto shine—one big idea, one big engine, and one unforgettable story at a time.

LEGENDS OF THE CRUISE 2026

The Mill Jockeys - Legend of the Cruise

Founded in 1959 by Downey High School students Jerry Sauls, Jack Flower, and Dave Garvello, the Mill Jockeys weren’t just a car club—they were a rolling after-school program in chrome, camaraderie, and questionable decision-making (the wholesome kind, mostly).

The club’s name came with imported prestige: Hugh Selvey had recently arrived at Downey High from San Jose, where a club with the same name already existed. Selvey brought the namesake—and, casually, a connection to the music world. As a teenager, Selvey knew Bo Diddley and other people in the business, which is the sort of detail that makes a bunch of high school gearheads sound instantly more dangerous and glamorous than they probably were. At their peak, the Mill Jockeys counted about 23 members, including local ties like Jim Bonzi (son of Rudy Bonzi of Bonzi Disposal, based on Rose Ave). The club’s social calendar included classic traditions.

On any given weekend, that “tradition” could mean a makeshift quarter-mile drag strip marked off on Rose Ave, or one of their countywide poker runs—five stops, plenty of “strictly the speed limit” driving (wink), and bragging rights awarded to whoever ended the day with the best hand. And when the miles and mischief ran out, the crew often migrated to the gravelly dead end of Claribel Road for end-of-the-road refreshments and storytelling, an unofficial clubhouse with no walls, no rules, and acoustics perfectly tuned for tall tales. Newcomers, as legend has it, were welcomed with a bit of initiation theater—more about proving you could take a joke, keep your cool, and earn your place than anything you’d want to spell out in polite company.

The cars were as memorable as the legends. Rich Bettencourt’s fully customized 1955 Ford pick-up made an impression, and Doug Nutson was also a Mill Jockey. Nutson later went on to start the Chancellors Car Club (roughly 1962–1968). He drove a 1929

Model A two-door sedan with an Oldsmobile V8—the kind of build that turns a perfectly innocent antique into a time machine set permanently to “trouble.” Reportedly, Dennis Wilson even rode in it.

By around 1962, the Mill Jockeys disbanded—the inevitable fate of most high school empires. Graduation happened. People got married. Careers started. Kids arrived. And suddenly, nobody has time to mark off a quarter-mile drag strip because they’re busy trying to find a quarter-hour to sleep.

Still, for a brief, loud, and legendary window of time, the Mill Jockeys were Downey’s finest example of what happens when you combine teenagers, horsepower, and just enough organization to make it sound official.

Wendell Pennington - Legend of the Cruise

By Steve Pedego

In the key Graffiti years, there were car clubs for racing, for socializing and just cruising.  There were other clubs that were social, like a fraternity or a sorority. New 2026 Legend, Wendell Pennington was at the helm of the Modesto fraternity the Uptown Boys along with his friend and Legend, Worth Weldon in the late 50s and early 60s. At that time, they were quite a big deal.

Girls really liked Wendell and his sisters taught him how to dance and he would be part of the show where even band leader Kent Whitt would just stop playing drums and watch him dance. When he was in school, he played football, when he could keep his grades up, at four different high schools, Modesto Downey, Ceres and Ripon.

Once he discovered girls and cruising at fourteen, his sports days were over,  Wendell said “The drag down 10th changed my life”.  Now he needed a car since that’s where the girls were.

He borrowed money from his mom and purchased a ‘52 Plymouth. Despite not having a license, he cruised, racking up tickets. After a friend crashed his car, he had it customized by Gene Winfield and painted it bright orange.  Gene called the car “the Tomato Can”.

The Uptown Boys hung out at 11th and K or at Burge’s Drive In.  Over the years, they had fun, got into many fights and fellow Uptown Boy Tank Serpa were some of the toughest in town,  Things changed soon, after a fight when he was nineteen, one of his friends pulled a gun. Not wanting to be blamed, he left Modesto for San Francisco.  It was many years later he returned to enjoy Modesto car and cruise culture again.    I was downtown every night in the 50s and Wendell was there too. I consider him my friend and Wendell deserves this honor.   The 50s are over, but fond memories live on and Wendell Pennington represents this time and is a great choice for Legends of the Cruise

BIG VIEW

BIG VIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Don’t miss the rock n roll at this show

June 13 - VMI Rocks at  11 am, No Way Back at 1 pm, Third Sol 3 pm

June 14 – 11:30 am Chicago the Tribute Don’t miss 105.5 The River Broadcasting Live  Seve as Elvis from 2-4 pm

Back to Graffiti at the Fruit Yard

The Modesto F-100 Elite presents the 32nd Annual Back to Graffiti Proceeds benefit Shriners, Soroptimists & Community Hospice.

All makes and models, classic to the future with lots of shade, lake, food and drink.   Free for spectators, 8 am  7948 Yosemite Blvd.

Graffiti Murals

The first murals that went up in downtown Modesto featured the classic car theme by the Classic Community Murals team. Start your walk at 13th and J and head down J and see the Red 57 Chevy and then on the next block, the very first mural in Mural Alley is the epic Ella Yate’s State Theatre and film mural.  This is one of Modesto’s best selfie spots.  This will get you in the groove to check out more.

Car Shows and events.

There is truly something for everyone for Graffiti Summer.  Please see the huge list of events that will take you back in time to enjoy on Page 19.    For more resources:  www.modestoview.com www.visitmodesto.com www.graffitiusamuseum.com

GO MODESTO

Jazz & Blues

Blue Monday party continues at Café Urbano on the fourth Monday of June, 22nd, special guests to be announced. We, the Blue Monday folks, would like to thank Chris Murphy and Gary Nelson for helping sponsor Blue Monday! So please come out for some live music. The band plays R&B, Funk, and Motown for listening and dancing, with a great 6-piece Band. The intermission adjacent to the State Theatre has some nice offerings, including acclaimed vocalist, musician, and educator Clif Payne. known for his rich, expressive voice and genre-spanning artistry on June 11th. On June 18th, the Johnny Valdes Trio, which has been playing professionally for more than two decades, signed to Rhythmus Records, founded by legendary musician/producer Ray Obiedo. June 25th, the 132 Trio will be performing a night of Jazz at the Intermission.

GRAFFITI SUMMER

AREA CLASSIC CAR SHOWS & EVENTS

Graffiti Summer kicks off in June and lasts all Summer long with car shows nearly every weekend, creating memories for the entire family throughout. If you attend one or multiple. Take the family to check out the chrome, the shine and the amazing paint jobs. If you are into American Steel, Imports, or lowriders, there is something for everyone

June

4th-MoBand Good Vibrations at Graceada Park 8 pm

5th-Elvis in Person at the State Theatre 08 pm

6th- American Graffiti at the State Theatre, 1 pm

6th-Valley Auto Salon at Howard Prep 9 am

7th-Graffiti Classic at McHenry Village 9 am-3 pm

7th-One Night in Memphis at Gallo Center for the Arts, 5 pm

8th-Mid Valley Chevy Park n’ Shine at American Chevrolet 5-8 pm

9th-Mid Valley Chevy Park n’ Shine at Mar-Val Market, Escalon 5-8 pm

10th-Legends of the Cruise in Downtown Modesto 5-9 pm

11th- Mid Valley Chevy Park n’ Shine at Cool Hand Luke’s, Riverbank 5-8 pm

12th-Graffiti Parade Modesto 5:30 pm

13th-Califaz Style Car & Bike Show at Tuolumne River Park 10  am-5 pm

13-14th-The American Graffiti Car Show & Festival at MJC West Campus  9 am-5 pm Sat 9 am-3 pm Sun

20th-Back to Graffiti at The Fruit Yard 7 am-3 pm

20th Cars & Coffee at Mi Casa’s, Turlock 7-11 am

20th-Cars at the State Theatre 10 am

20th-Hot Copper Car Show at The Square, Copperopolis 8 am-3 pm

21st Father’s Day Car Show at One Church, Ripon 10 am

27th-Cars at the Barn at Lorina’s Edible Garden, Escalon 8 am

27th-Car Show & Coffee at Samaritan Village, Hughson 8-11am

27th-Annual Classic Car Show  at Belmare Senior Living, Oakdale, 10 am-12 pm

27th-Twain Harte Gear Head Revival in Downtown Twain Harte 10 am-4 pm

28th-Rod & Custom Show at Modesto Elks Lodge  9 am-3 pm

July

4th Independence Day Celebration in Downtown Turlock  8 am-1 pm  12th Linguica Run & Car Show at Henry Miller Park, Gustine, 8 am-4 pm

19th-Summer Bash at The Fruit Yard 7 am-3 pm

August

2nd Del Rio Classic Car Show at Del Rio Country Club 9 am-3 pm

2nd -Truck & Auto Swap at Stanislaus Fairgrounds, Turlock 6 am-2 pm

5th-VHS Car show at Valley Home Park, Oakdale 5-7 pm

8th MoHi Car Show at Modesto High School, 11 am.- 4 pm

29th-Hot August Night at Concept  Auto Body, Ceres 5-10 pm

September

26th-Cruising Through History at Mancini Park  26th-Car Show at the Old Fishermen’s Club 8 am-3 pm

26th-Lowrider Holiday in Downtown and at The State Theatre 10 am-3  pm

October

17th-Main Street Day in Downtown Ripon 9 am-3 pm

This is what we had at press time, please check back at www.modestoview. com or www.graffitiusamuseum.com for new updated information.

From Stonewall to the Central Valley: Pride in June 2026

The modern Pride movement traces its roots to the Stonewall uprising of June 1969, when LGBTQIA+ patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted a police raid that had become all too routine. What began as a spontaneous act of defiance—led in part by trans women of color such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera—ignited days of protest and sparked a national movement for queer liberation. The first Pride marches the following year transformed that resistance into celebration, visibility, and community power. More than five decades later, the spirit of Stonewall continues to ripple outward, reaching cities large and small including the communities of Stanislaus County and the Central Sierra. June 2026 marks one of the most vibrant Pride seasons the region has ever seen. Stanislaus County’s established celebrations—Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, and Waterford—are joined by Oakdale’s first-ever Pride, while nearby communities in Coulterville, Sonora, and Merced expand the map of LGBTQIA+ visibility across the Central Valley and Sierra foothills. Together, these events form a month-long tapestry of queer joy, small-town solidarity,

By MIddagh Goodwin and community pride.

The month opens on June 7 in Sonora, continuing to grow its Pride tradition with a June festival that blends small-town charm with a strong sense of queer visibility at the Motherlode Fairgrounds. A week later, Ceres Pride on June 13 brings drag performances, local artisans, and inclusive programming to Ceres-Whitmore Park. That same weekend, the foothill town of Coulterville holds its own Pride gathering—an intimate, rural celebration that highlights LGBTQIA+ life in the Sierra gateway communities at Coulterville Park on June 13th.

Just south of Stanislaus County, on June 14th Merced Pride at Applegate Park, adds another major event to the regional map. With its larger-scale festival atmosphere, Merced Pride draws attendees from across the Central Valley and provides a bridge between Stanislaus County’s local celebrations and the broader statewide Pride movement.

On June 20th in Turlock, where Donnelly Park hosts a lively daytime festival filled with music, vendors, and family-friendly activities

Turlock Donnelly Park hosts a lively daytime festival filled with music, vendors, and family-friendly activities.

June 27th becomes a major Pride weekend across the region. Waterford Pride returns to Beard Park with a relaxed, community-oriented gathering, while Oakdale hosts its first-ever Pride celebration on June 28th at Dorado Park, marking a historic milestone for the city. That same weekend, Taken together, these events show a region in motion—one where small towns, rural communities, and urban centers alike are claiming space for LGBTQIA+ joy. From Oakdale’s inaugural celebration to the foothills of Sonora and Coulterville, June 2026 stands as a testament to the expanding Pride landscape of the Central Valley and Sierra. For more information www.facebook.com/ TogetherCalPride

Someone Needs To Hear It

Music is an offering. Once a song leaves your inner world, it no longer belongs to you. It enters someone else’s life, memories, and private emotional world. The audience is sovereign. They decide what resonates, what comforts them, and what stays with them. An artist can exhaust themselves trying to predict or shape their work into something universally likable, but your art is already perfect for somebody. Someone needs your words exactly as you would say them.

There are listeners walking around carrying feelings they cannot explain. Sometimes a song becomes the first place a person feels understood. Sometimes a lyric says

GO MODESTO

MJC Summer Kids Camp

By Mattéa Overstreet

the thing that listeners struggle to find the words for.

Artists rarely get to witness the full impact of their work. A song might accompany someone through a breakup, a death, a recovery, or a long drive home. The writer may never know. That uncertainty can make creativity feel small or invisible. But songs can be like seeds, and they might take time to fully bloom and reach the right person. The inner work of creativity makes the difference between performance and truth. Audiences respond to sincerity, and they remember songs that risk something emotionally. When artists allow themselves to move through perfectionism and doubt, they create from a place rooted in honesty instead of approval.

Doubt is inevitable, but we can create art alongside it like a friend. A song does not need to be technically perfect to save someone’s day. It doesn’t need massive reach to matter deeply. Sometimes all it takes is one person hearing the right words at the exact moment they needed them.

The world does not need more polished emptiness. It needs real stories and real feeling. Maybe your song will be that for someone. It’s never too late to share.

Give your kids a summer full of creativity, learning, and fun at MJC Camp4Kids. From art and music to robotics, cooking, theater, and archery — there’s something for every young explorer this summer. Spaces are filling fast, and registration is closing soon! Fun & engaging classes with hands-on learning experiences and Camps for kids & teens. Make new friends & unforgettable memories. Secure your child’s spot before registration closes! Register online: mjc4life.org

GO MODESTO

Surf Punk Legacy

Friday, June 26, Twin Rivers Saloon in Modesto becomes the epicenter of punk in Modesto. Legendary Surf Punk band, Agent Orange, The Drowns, pure working‑class rock ’n’ roll grit, and Friends Asylum are rolling in with enough energy to shake some almonds loose. Doors blow open at 5 PM ends at 10 pm. Tickets from https://bit.ly/4qsNsk5

All ages are welcome as long as you’ve got an adult in tow — and honestly, they might end up having just as much fun. The pit will be alive, the amps will be screaming, and the whole place will feel like a time capsule of everything that makes punk immortal. Get your boots, get your crew, get your voice warmed up, this show is going to hit

By Chris Murphy

MoBAND VIEW GRAFFITI USA

It’s time for MoBand!

Do you have your blanket?  Do you have your low table? Do you have your place in the park staked out?  Have you told all of your friends that you will be at MoBand every Thursday evening in June?   Get your picnic basket and your big group texts and get great for the six-week summer series of MoBand Concerts in Graceada Park beginning June 4.   These are FREE concerts from MoBand, founded in 1919 in the Mancini bowl with thousands of people enjoying a picnic and friendship.  For people watching, classic John Phillip Souza marches and wandering blanket to blanket in search of a fresh glass of wine, this is a Modesto Hall of Fame.  Don’t miss the season opener with new conductor Brad Hart and band manager William Melendez on June 4 at 8

pm. (get your blanket out early though!).

Please note that the annual 4th of July MoBand will be July 2.

Learn more and donate to help keep MoBand free for the community at www. moband.org

2026

Summer Season

June 4 - Good Vibrations

June 11 - Star Power

June 18 - Innovation Nation

June 25 - Bright Lights, Modesto Nights

July 2 - American Tapestry

July 9 - Sunshine & Rainbows  Concert at 8 pm

If you want to play, practices Mon & Wed before each Thursday at Mancini Hall at 6:30 www.moband.org

Summer. Graffiti Summer Shines Bright

During the American Graffiti Festival weekend (June 13–14), the Museum will open for special hours, giving visitors a chance to tour the museum, check out the latest progress, and see what’s being built for the community.

The fun won’t stay parked in one place, either. Watch for the Museum’s Kids Activity Booth rolling into local car shows, Park n’ Shine events, and more throughout June. Young visitors can enjoy free activities like a car-customizing station, a scavenger hunt, and chances to win prizes. Shoppers will also find the Graffiti USA Souvenir booth popping up at select car shows and park n’ shines all over town. Buy Graffiti Summer t-shirts, pick up car show posters, collectibles, toys, and more! For dates and details, check the event calendar on the Museum’s website—or scan the QR code below to open the calendar.

Fireworks, Fundraising, and 4th of July Festivities

Starting June 28, the Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum is teaming up with TNT Fireworks to turn the museum parking lot into a must-stop fireworks stand—helping local families celebrate as America cruises toward its 250th birthday!

The TNT booth will be operating in the museum parking lot at the corner of Coldwell Ave. and 9th Street, making it easy to swing in, shop, and roll out ready for a sparkling celebration. The Fireworks Booth opens June 28–July 4: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM with a Discount Blowout Day (July 5): 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (30% off — everything must go)

Local residents can celebrate big while giving back to our community. Each fireworks purchase helps accelerate the Museum’s “Finish the Lobby” campaign, driving the Museum toward the grand opening of the Lobby & Welcome Center—a premier 5,000-square-foot one-ofa-kind cultural destination center!

A Smart Deal for a Bigger Boom

Visitors can “shop the Museum and save big” with a special 4th of July pre-sale: spend $25 and receive a $30 fireworks voucher (more than 15% added value). Buy your voucher before June 28 to lock in the deal. Vouchers can be redeemed at the Museum’s TNT fireworks stand June 28–July 5.

To get fireworks updates, coupons, and early-buy offers, join the Museum’s First Look VIP mailing list—scan the QR code below to sign up and access the voucher purchase link.

www.intrinsicelements.com

July 4th: Food, Cars, and a Coast-to-Coast Finish Line

On July 4, the Museum will host a full-throttle celebration from 12:00 PM–7:00 PM, featuring food for sale and cars on display—plus fireworks-ready shopping for the evening.

Then, at 5:00 PM, a cross-country adventure rolls into its final stop: The Great American Detour: a Coast to Coast Drag and Drive Across America. Drivers will arrive at Graffiti USA after a 3,250-mile journey— driving and racing their own street cars across the nation, with track stops including Beaver Springs Dragway (PA), Bunker Hill Dragstrip (IN), Wabash Valley Dragway (IN), and Albuquerque Dragway (NM).

This summer’s message is simple: celebrate big, shop smart, and help the Museum reach the finish line

PERFORMING VIEW POET VIEW

This Summer is Loaded

By Chris Murphy

The summer is loaded with great things to do, on stage and out and about.   We love our performing arts as it brings people together to celebrate and enjoy live talent.  Whether you watch a singer songwriter on the porch of the Queen Bean, or enjoy national acts at the Gallo Center, we have that connection of enjoying things together.

June is time for dancing.   Check out these shows at the Gallo Center.  Even if you don’t have kids in these companies, the quality is great and you will enjoy the show.

June 6 – Dance Academy Sparkle in the Spotlight

June 11, 12, 13 – 5678 Dance Studio: Passport to Dance

June 18, 19, 20 – Footnotes Dance Studio –Game Night

Enjoy this dance show at the State Theatre:

June 14 - Beyond the Beat by Luv2Dance.

There are some special shows you need to know about.   Leading off, is one of Broadway’s most famous musicals ever.  Enjoy Fiddler on the Roof presented by Modesto Performing Arts.  June 13 14, 19, 20, 21

Enjoy the comedy of Bill Engvall on June 14.

The band is back and ready for the 250th.   Don’t miss the June 27 performance of the Gottschalks Patriotic Concert. Made in America.

Since everyone is related to Kevin Bacon, you need to go see the Bacon Brothers a on June 27.  Modesto native brings her global voice to Modesto in a new classical crossover group Cello Voci with Effie Passero on June 28 @ 5 pm  www.galloarts.org

Music is on at the State for June.   First off, Elvis by Matt Stone is June 5.  Next up kick it up with the Prince Tribute, When Doves Cry on June 7.

Finish off the month with the Hope Haven West fundraiser, Uncle Lonny presents: Paul Thorn on June 26.

Prospect Theatre Project

Noel Coward’s Present Laughter farce unfolds over the course of two weeks in the life of Garry Essendine, a popular stage actor preparing to embark on a touring production in Africa – unless his impending mid-life crisis and habit of getting entangled with admirers manage to tie him up at home indefinitely! Luckily for Garry, his whip-smart secretary, doting valet, and sarcastic-yet-patient ex-wife are there to take matters in hand. June 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28

Stage Discussion June 21, Director talk back June 28 www.prospecttheatreproject.org

by Sam Pierstorff

The thing about MAM’s Poetry Night & Haiku Battle at Queen Bean Coffee & Social House is that it is as addictive as their coffee! Once you see the madness of what a 17-syllable battle of words can do to one’s soul, you will be hooked. This is a night where first-time writers and seasoned performers share poems, laughs, heartbreak, humor, sadness, and rage under the Modesto moon in a backyard built for community. Blending open mic poetry, live music, and the energy of an old-school beatnik café, this is a night of spoken word you should not miss. This is not a poetry reading. This is a poetry party, and you’re invited!

During this evening of poetry, poets can choose to compete in a head-to-head Haiku Battle in pursuit of $100 in prize money and a handmade trophy! Battlers should prepare at least 6 haiku. Theme: Summer Heat. Poets can also choose to step up

for the open mic portion of the night and even choose live musical accompaniment, including piano, cello, or bongos. The “Best Poem” of the night will also receive $100 and an epic  trophy!

Whether you’re performing your first poem, your 100th, or returning to the stage after years away, Poetry Night is an amazing place for creativity, community, and connection with a healthy dose of friendly competition.

This month also welcomes Kat as the new Poetry Night lead. A longtime local poet passionate about creating an inspiring and welcoming home for artists, Kat represents the next generation of community builders helping keep Modesto’s creative scene alive and growing.

Join us on Wednesday night, June 10th, 7:30-9:30pm at the Queen Bean for a lively night of spoken word poetry and haiku!

MAMA VIEW

Summ ER fR u ITS

By MIddagh Goodwin

Summer is here and more and more live music is happening all around us. I encouraged performers earlier in the year to get their promo material tighten up and to reach out and start booking those late Spring and Summer gigs. For those who did, we are seeing the fruits of their emailing labor. Music in the Plaza has been in full force since the beginning of May, Oakdale and Ceres Music in the Park are kicking off in June, and the Brown Bag Series starts in July as well as 10 days of local performers at the StanCoFair in July.

Oakdale Concerts in the Park take place at Dorado Park, Fridays in June and July, starting off on June 5th with Barbara Findlay & Jim Ramont with special openers the OHS Steel Drum Band. On the 12th don’t miss Valley Fire taking the stage with high octane rock. The 19th Clare McKeon and Cannedy serenading the crowd. On the 26th Willy Tea and Rita Taylor will give you and audio treat. July 3rd the Randy Mandy Frequency Experience will get you grooving. The 19th we see the Fabulous Bluenotes, and Jamie Byous entertaining those in attendance. On the 17th the Night of Worship features several local players and opener Mark Hallam. the 24th sees Weekend at Jimmy’s joined by Aidyn Davis. Closing the season is Alex Lucero who recently headlined the Gallo Center of the Arts.

Ceres Concerts in the Park take place on Tuesday at Whitmore Park 6:30-830 pm.

They kick things off with Greg Scudder and his blend of Rock and Blues on June 9th. For some 80s nostalgia don’t miss Hit Replay on the 16th. Los Reales del Norte brings their accordion filled Latino flavor to the park on the 23rd. Gotcha Country brings all the hits on the 30th. Closing out the season is Lavonne & the Trainwrecks on July 14th.

Downtown Modesto in Music in the Plaza sees some area favorites, starting off with Triple D playing an extended set June 12th during and after the Graffiti Parade. On the 19th BluesBox Bayou Band on the 19th. The Rewind 209 joins us for the first time on the 26th. Great music all Summer long and beyond.

In July there are several bands at the Stanislaus County Fair on the Center Stage including The Mixtapes on the 10th, Sweet Mama Rachel & the Homemade Jam Band on 13th, Tongue & Groove on the 14th, Red Dog Dash on the 15th, Greg Scudder & the Honky

Tonk Heroes on the 16th, Makin’ Noise Band on the 17th, FM Silverado on the 18th, and VMI School of Rock on the 19th.

Speaking of VMI, Darin is bringing together over 100 performances on August 9th at Graceada Park. Mark your calendars hope to see you out at one or more of these events and bands, remember to reach out early to secure some of these spots

BARGAIN VIEW Kick Off June!

By Monica Barber

June kicks off the summer, the heat and the fun of the season quickly follows. Ms.M is staying cool with a cold brew from Penny University on a gorgeous afternoon. She’s amidst her errands, feeling a bit of excitement thinking about the events that will soon take place in Modesto. There’s a lot to do this June that will keep your wallet content while you keep busy. MoBand is back at Graceada Park on June 4th with the theme of Good Vibrations to kick off their season. This annual summer concert series takes place every Thursday through July 9th. It is a perfect event for families and it’s free for everyone. There are plenty of seats in the bowl and lots of grassy areas for blankets if you want to picnic while enjoying the show. Get there early for the best seats and spots, and the music kicks off at 8pm. www.moband.org In Modesto, it’s a big deal to check out classic cars and go cruising during June. It is homage to the film American Graffiti, by Modesto’s George Lucas. Annually, the American Graffiti Festival and Car Show happen at the West Campus of MJC and this year it occurs June 13th and 14th with the Modesto Kiwanis Classic Car Parade rolling through Downtown Modesto on June 12th.The free parade starts at 5:30pm. The Festival and Car Show tickets are $10, with ages 12 & under free. Sat: 9am to 5pm. Sun: 9am to 3pm. Info: http://www.ameri cangraffitifestival.com/

perience you’ve stumbled onto and want to share. Weekly Jazz Nights at Intermission is that experience and it’s starting to be on everyone’s radar. Intermission invites you to step into a nostalgic old-school glamour vibe with its moody lighting, cocktails & mocktails, curated small plates and free live jazz for a memorable evening. The June 25th Jazz night will feature the Modestobased quintet; the 132s, as they bring their sophisticated and tailored sounds to the lounge for an unforgettable night. Lounge hours: 5-9pm. Music: 7-9pm. Information: http://thestate.org/event-intermission/jazz-night-26/

Going to the movies is a blast for every one! Regal Cinemas brings back their Summer Movie Express, offering a great deal for families during the summer season. In Modesto and Turlock theaters, family-friendly movies are shown for just $1 Mondays through Thursdays at 11am, starting June 1st through the week of Au gust 13th. Each week, two family friendly movies will be shown. The first week films are Sing and TMNT: Mutant Mayhem. Info: https://www.regmovies.com/promotions/ summer-movie-express

Modesto is buzzing with exciting events, every once in a while, something comes along that feels like it’s a hidden, kind of ex

Since 1965, Warden’s has been keeping local businesses running with topquality office furniture, supplies, and more. Buying local means better service, faster solutions, and a stronger community.

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ALL AGES VIEW

By Quinn Rogers

Top 10 Things to Do This Summer

Hi, my name is Quinn Rogers, and I am 13. Summer can get boring if you stay home all day, so here are some fun places to go and things to do around Modesto with your friends and family. Some are free, some cost money, but all of them can make your summer more exciting.

• Stanislaus County Library

I know the library is closed for renovations, but there is still the Modesto Express Library. If you like to read, you should visit it on 10th Street near Fuzio in downtown Modesto. It’s a great place to grab a book!

• Sky Zone

Sky Zone is a great place to hang out with your friends. The food is okay, but don’t jump too soon after you eat! It’s a fun place to make memories.

• Vintage Faire Mall

It’s free to walk around, but you can also shop at a variety of stores. It’s a fun place to hang out with friends.

• The State Theatre

The State is great because it doesn’t just show movies. There are concerts and other events, too, so there’s something for everyone. At Intermission (their lounge), they even give out popcorn, and there is a great drink and snack menu.  Might be more for your parents, but it is all ages.

• Dry Creek Park

If you like being outside, Dry Creek is a great place to enjoy nature and animals. It’s peaceful and friendly, and you can walk or ride your bike.

• Knights Ferry

Although it’s not in Modesto, it’s a fun place to get away. You can get good food by the

river, grab ice cream, roll down the hill at River’s Edge (don’t fall in the water!), spot fish, and hang out in the gazebo.

• Funworks

If you’ve got some cash to spend, this is the place. There’s an arcade, mini golf, bumper cars, batting cages, and cool prizes. I love going there with my brother.

• Concert in the Park

I love Concert in the Park because it’s for all ages. Bring a blanket, snacks, and drinks, then hang out at Graceada Park with MoBand and your friends.

• Modesto Certified Farmers Market

I love going to the Farmers Market. It’s like an outdoor grocery store. I usually get a crepe and lemonade, then my friends and I sit by the library and eat and talk.

• Jacob Meyers Park - this is a fun place to be in the river, play at the park, and have a picnic.

For More Ideas

Check out the City of Modesto Summer Activity Guide and check out www. modestoview.com for even more fun things to do this summer.

See you next month!

ZEN VIEW

The Moment

What’s new?

To be honest, I’m sometimes a little stumped by this simple question from family, friends, or acquaintances.  “Oh, not much,” I often say, my mind falling into its same well-worn patterns of the status quo. Yet sometimes, everything changes… in a moment.

In this particular case, I think it was the amber gold eyes that first got me, softly glowing amid his face’s jet-black fur.  He was lying across our front door walkway.  He was gazing straight at me, relaxed, nonchalant, as if to say, “I’m home.”  I couldn’t just walk around him.

Adopting a new cat was not our household plan.  My wife and I have considered plans and made decisions large and small on numerous occasions over the years.  Yet here was one that we had totally agreed upon: “We already have two cats.  We don’t need any more.”

Clearly, most decisions have predictable

By Chris Condon

consequences (in this case, the exam, testing, vaccines, and a substantial bill at the end).  Yet our now third cat, Lucas (so named for those amber eyes) has also been full of unpredictable delights, including his Zen-like ability to co-exist with the other two.  All of this arose from one moment – a mere instant of time – on the walkway.

Truth be told, life is changing; everything is new.  We just become a little oblivious to its continual unfolding of revelation.  Can we pause for a moment amid the flow and notice the never-before-seen now that is here before us?

The 15th century Indian mystic-poet Kabir often addressed his poems to this miracle that is here, now, around and within us, writing, “What’s gone will not come back/ so live this moment now./  Kabir says, listen seekers,/ build your house in that country”.

AUTHOR VIEW

Summer Reading Challenge

By Paula Treick DeBoard, Bookish

I

t’s practically summer, which means it’s time for beach reads and resetting your writing goals!

Join us at Bookish on the first and third Mondays at 6:30pm (that’s June 1 and 15) for Write Club, a quiet place for writers to get serious about their projects and commit to their writing goals. We’re also meeting on June 29 for our first Write Club open mic! Each writer has five minutes to share from their work in progress and let the rest of us cheer you on. Tickets are $5 online or at the event, and revert to an in-store voucher good on any purchase.

Second Tuesday Poetry continues! This popular event, hosted by the Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center, brings in two featured poets each month, followed by an open mic. June’s readers are Sacramento-based Brad Buchanan and a yet-to-be announced poet. June is also the start of MoSt’s Summer Workshop Series with “Reading Poems Aloud to Share Their Essence” on June 13 from 1-3pm at the Salida Library. MoSt board member Gary Thomas will lead this generative workshop about “exploring a poem’s voice and our voices—without using Poet Voice”. Visit www.mostpoetry. org for more info!

Also, check out Queen Bean Coffeehouse’s events for writers, including Poetry Night +

Haiku Battle on June 10 from 7:30-9:30pm. You can find the full roster of events (writing! music! art!) on Instagram @queenbean_coffeehouse

And, readers of all ages and genres are invited to challenge themselves this summer with Bookish’s Summer Reading Bingo! Starting June 2, pick up your form in our store, read those books you’ve been wanting to read some day, and return the form by August 8 for a prize – either a free child’s size yogurt at Yogurt Mill, or a free book! Yogurt Mill is a co-sponsor of this event.

And finally, for parents and other adults responsible for kids this summer: we have big plans for you! Bookish is diving into #bookishkidsummer, with our summer reading challenge for babies on up, Tuesday & Thursday arts & crafts workshops for kids going into grades K-5, and Wednesday “crafternoons” for kids entering grades 6-8. We’re also hosting a Bluey party on June 6, kids’ audiobook paint nights on June 25 and July 22, a Nimona book club/party on July 16, and a Pete the Cat party on August 8. Oh, and don’t forget about Waldo! He’ll be hiding in Bookish and 24 other local businesses from July 1 to 30!

Check out www.bookishmodesto.com/ events for more details!

CALENDAR VIEW

THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Donoby's Bar. Modesto

The Smart Axe Modesto, Modesto

Motherlode Fairgrounds, Sonora Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto

Bookies, Modesto

Urbano California Bistro, Modesto Modesto Senior Citizens Center

MJC East Campus, Modesto Deaf Puppy Club, Manteca Low Key Saloon, Modesto Wildfire Pub House, Modesto The Partisan, Merced Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto Sidelines Whiskeyjacks, Modesto Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Legends Sports Bar, Modesto Ten Pin Fun Center, Turlock Bookish, Modesto The Standard Pub, Modesto Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank Splash Bar, Modesto Obrien's Tavern, Modesto Bookies, Modesto

The Tarmac, Atwater

Deaf Puppy Club, Manteca

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres

3600Santa Fe St, Riverbank

Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto

The Tarmac, Atwater

Music in the Plaza 2026

Music in the Plaza, happening every Friday night in the Tenth Street Plaza from 7-9 pm, free, family fun entertainment. Come on out early and set up your lawn chairs in front of the stage or make your reservation for a spot on the Fuzio patio.

June 5th First Friday

June 10th Third Party

June 12th Triple D

June 19th BluesBox Bayou

June 26thT he Rewind 209

July 3rd First Friday

July 10th The Good Ones

July 17th THIRD SOL

July 24th Third Party

July 31st The Vibes

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Hot Rod Dinner, Ceres

Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto

El Torito, Modesto

Sidelines Whiskeyjacks, Modesto

Ten Twelve Lounge, Modesto Torii, Modesto

Main Street Inn, Ripon

The Brave Bull, Modesto

The Udder Place, Turlock

White Elephant Lounge, Modesto

Spotlight Lounge, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

Dust Bowl, Turlock

Graceada Park, Modesto

Modesto Public Library

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres

The Crooked Spur, Oakdale

Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto Crocodiles Nightclub, Modesto

The Fruit Yard, Modesto

Sidelines Whiskeyjacks, Modesto

Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, Manteca

Urbano California Bistro, Modesto Dorado Park, Oakdale

Modesto Senior Citizens Center

Eagles Hall, Modesto

Downtown Modesto

The Udder Place, Turlock

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto

Sidelines Whiskeyjacks, Modesto Low Key Saloon, Modesto

McHenry Village, Modesto Low Key Saloon, Modesto The Reef, Ceres Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto Splash Bar, Modesto Torri, Modesto Crocodiles Nightclub, Modesto Blaker Brewing, Ceres The Tarmac, Atwater Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Gallo Center for the Arts Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto Motherlode Fairgrounds, Sonora VFW Post 3199, Modesto The State Theatre, Modesto Bookies, Modesto Donoby's Bar. Modesto Smart Axe, Modesto American Chevrolet, Modesto Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto Bookish, Modesto Urbano Bistro, Modesto Knights Ferry General Store Modesto Senior Citizens Center Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto MJC East Campus, Modesto Strings Italian Cafe Modesto Deaf Puppy Club, Manteca Low Key Saloon, Modesto The Udder Place, Turlock Wildfire Pub House, Modesto Mar-Val Market, Escalon The Partisan, Merced Sidelines Whiskeyjacks, Modesto Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Legends Sports Bar, Modesto Bookish, Modesto 108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank Splash Bar, Modesto Obrien's Tavern, Modesto Bookies, Modesto Persuasion Brewing, Modesto Downtown Modesto The Tarmac, Atwater Tap In Wine Down, Ceres Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto 3600Santa Fe St, Riverbank 10th Street Plaza

August 7th First Friday

August 14th132’s

Au- gust 21st Hit Replay

August 28th Dave Dow

September 4th First Friday

September 11th Valley Heat

September 18th Remedy

September 25th

Denise Choate

The Tarmac, Atwater Blaker Brewing, Ceres Wildfire Pub House, Modesto The State Theatre, Modesto Dutch Bros, Carpenter Rd, Modesto

The Post Restaurant, Modesto 10th Street Plaza, Modesto Rivet's Grill, Modesto The Partisan, Merced Valero, Modesto Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto Spotlight Lounge, Modesto Stanislaus County Veterans Center

The State Theatre, Modesto Ten Pin Fun Center, Turlock Urbano California Bistro, Modesto Lofi, Modesto Eagles Hall, Modesto

Hot Rod Dinner, Ceres Gallo Center for the Arts

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank Prospect Theater Project, Modesto Thomas Downey High School, Modesto The Standard Pub, Modesto Spotlight Lounge, Modesto Splash Bar, Modesto Obrien's Tavern, Modesto Bookies, Modesto Persuasion Brewing, Modesto The Vault, Modesto

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto The Fruit Yard, Modesto Modesto County Library Greens on Teenth Lofi, Modesto Tap In Wine Down, Ceres 3600Santa Fe St, Riverbank Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto Deaf Puppy Club, Manteca Howard Prep, Modesto

Gallo Center for the Arts The Tarmac, Atwater Stanislaus County Veterans Center Intermission, Modesto Hot Rod Dinner, Ceres The Fruit Yard, Modesto P Wexford's Pub, Modesto El Torito, Modesto Torii, Modesto Main Street Inn, Ripon Ten Twelve Lounge, Modesto The Brave Bull, Modesto The Udder Place, Turlock White Elephant Lounge, Modesto Spotlight Lounge, Modesto 108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank Dust Bowl, Turlock Cool Hand Luke, Riverbank Graceada Park, Modetso Modesto Public Library Tap In Wine Down, Ceres The Crooked Spur, Oakdale Crocodiles Nightclub, Modesto The Fruit Yard, Modesto The Standard Pub, Modesto Sidelines-Whiskey Jacks, Modesto Deaf Puppy Club, Manteca

Gallo Center for the Arts McHenry/Downtown Modesto The Post Restaurant, Modesto The Udder Place, Turlock Veterans Center, Ceres VFW Post 3199, Modesto The Intermission, Modesto P Wexford's Pub, Modesto Modesto Senior Citizens Center Torri, Modesto Low Key Saloon, Modesto Obrians Tavern, Modesto The Reef, Modesto The Tarmac, Atwater Blaker Brewing, Ceres Rivet's Grill, Modesto Dutch Bros, Carpenter Rd Modesto Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto Valero Gas, Modesto Prospect Theater Project, Modesto The Fruit Yard, Modesto Spotlight Lounge, Modesto The Black Sheep, Riverbank Strings Italian Cafe Modesto P Wexford's Pub, Modesto 10th Street Plaza

OVER 500 LOCAL EVENTS LISTED EVERY MONTH CALENDAR VIEW

Dorado Park, Oakdale

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Black Orchid Brewing, Modesto

Gallo Center for the Arts

MJC West Campus

Tuolumne River Park, Modesto Whitmore Park, Ceres Hot Rod Dinner, Ceres

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

The Boardroom, Modesto

Modesto Airport

Out of Bounds Sports Bar, Atwater

The State Theatre, Modesto

Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto Graceada Park, Modetso Frontier Club, Patterson

Low Key Saloon, Modesto Torri, Modesto The Moose , Modesto Blaker Brewing, Ceres The Tarmac, Atwater

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto 7106 Del Rio Dr, Modesto

Modesto Public Library

Salida Public LIbrary

Gallo Center for the Arts

Cloud 9 Collections, Merced Tap In Wine Down, Ceres Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, Manteca Prospect Theater Project, Modesto 3600Santa Fe St, Riverbank The Fruit Yard, Modesto McHenry Museum, Modesto

Sidelines Whiskeyjacks, Modesto Deaf Puppy Club, Manteca Geneva Presbytarian Church, Modesto Ten Pin Fun Center, Turlock

MJC West Campus

Gallo Center for the Arts

Low Key Saloon, Modesto The Reef, Ceres Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto Splash Bar, Modesto Torri, Modesto

The State Theatre, Modesto Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto Applegate Park, Merced Gallo Center for the Arts

Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto VFW Post 3199, Modesto Elks Lodge, Modesto

Sidelines Whiskeyjacks, Modesto

Donoby's Bar. Modesto Smart Axe, Modesto Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto

Bookies, Modesto Urbano California Bistro, Modesto Modesto Senior Citizens Center

Hot Rod Dinner, Ceres Concert in the Park Ceres Deaf Puppy Club, Manteca Low Key Saloon, Modesto Wildfire Pub House, Modesto

The Partisan, Merced Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto Sidelines Whiskeyjacks, Modesto Stanislaus County Veterans Center

RED Event Center, Modesto Legends Sports Bar, Modesto Bookish, Modesto Bookish, Modesto

The Standard Pub, Modesto Round Table, McHenry, Modesto 108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank Bookies, Modesto Obrians Tavern, Modesto Splash Bar, Modesto The Udder Place, Turlock The Tarmac, Atwater Tap In Wine Down, Ceres 3600Santa Fe St, Riverbank Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto

Downtown Modesto

The Tarmac, Atwater

Stanislaus County Veterans Center Gallo Center for the Arts

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto Intermission, Modesto El Torito, Modesto Torii, Modesto Main Street Inn, Ripon Ten Twelve Lounge, Modesto

The Brave Bull, Modesto White Elephant Lounge, Modesto Spotlight Lounge, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank Dust Bowl, Turlock

Graceada Park, Modesto

Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres

The Crooked Spur, Oakdale

Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto

Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto

Crocodiles Nightclub, Modesto

The Fruit Yard, Modesto

Sidelines-Whisky Jacks, Modesto

Deaf Puppy Club, Manteca

10th Street Plaza, Modesot

Dorado Park, Oakdale

Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto

The Udder Place, Turlock

Gallo Center for the Arts

VFW Post 3199, Modesto

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto

Modesto Senior Citizens Center

Riverbank

Torri, Modesto

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

Obrians Tavern, Modesto

The Reef, Modesto

The Tarmac, Atwater

The Post Restaurant, Modesto

Blaker Brewing, Ceres

Dutch Bros, Carpenter Rd, Modesto

Gallo Center for the Arts

Valero Gas, Modesto

Rivet's Grill, Modesto

Prospect Theater Project, Modesto

The Fruit Yard, Modesto

Spotlight Lounge, Modesto

The State Theatre, Modesto

Strings Italian Cafe Modesto

Crocodiles Nightclub, Modesto

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Ten Pin Fun Center, Turlock

The Fruit Yard, Modesto

Hot Rod Dinner, Ceres

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

The Boardroom, Modesto

Gallo Center for the Arts

The State Theatre, Modesto

The Square Copperopolis

Spotlight Lounge, Modesto

Frontier Club, Patterson

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

Torri, Modesto

The Moose , Modesto

Blaker Brewing, Ceres

The Tarmac, Atwater

Modesto Public Library

Gallo Center for the Arts

Cloud 9 Collections, Merced

Prospect Theater Project, Modesto

The Fruit Yard, Modesto

The State Theatre, Modesto

Culture Coffee, Modesto

Donnelly Park, Turlock

Urbano California Bistro, Modesto

Torri, Modesto

The Reef, Ceres

Low Key Saloon, Modesto

Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto

Splash Bar, Modesto

Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto

Gallo Center for the Arts

Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto

Prospect Theater Project, Modesto

The State Theatre, Modesto

VFW Post 3199, Modesto

Urbano Bistro, Modesto

The State Theatre, Modesto

Food Fix Butcher, Modesto

Donoby's Bar. Modesto

The Smart Axe Modesto, Modesto

Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto

Urbano California Bistro, Modesto

Modesto Senior Citizens Center

Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto

MJC West Campus, Modesto

The State Theatre, Modesto

Strings Italian Cafe, Modesto

Low Key Saloon, Modesto Wildfire Pub House, Modesto

The Partisan, Merced Riverbank

Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto

Sidelines Whiskeyjacks, Modesto Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Legends Sports Bar, Modesto Bookish, Modesto

The State Theatre, Modesto

The Standard Pub, Modesto

Tri Counties Bank, Modesto

108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank

Bookies, Modesto

Obrians Tavern, Modesto

Splash Bar, Modesto

The Tarmac, Atwater

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres

3600Santa Fe St, Riverbank

Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto

Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto

The Tarmac, Atwater Stanislaus County Veterans Center

Hot Rod Dinner, Ceres The State Theatre, Modesto

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto El Torito, Modesto Torii, Modesto

Main Street Inn, Ripon Ten Twelve Lounge, Modesto

The Brave Bull, Modesto

White Elephant Lounge, Modesto Spotlight Lounge, Modesto 108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank Graceada Park, Modesto Modesto Public Library

Tap In Wine Down, Ceres The Crooked Spur, Oakdale

Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto Crocodiles Nightclub, Modesto

The Fruit Yard, Modesto Dustbowl Brewing, Turlock Intermission, Modesto Sidelines-Whisky Jacks, Modesto Twin Rivers Saloon, Modesto VFW Post 3199, Modesto The Post Restaurant, Modesto The Udder Place, Turlock The State Theatre, Modesto VFW Post 3199, Modesto

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto Modesto Senior Citizens Center Torri, Modesto Low Key Saloon, Modesto Obrian's Tavern, Modesto The Reef, Modesto

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto The Tarmac, Atwater Blaker Brewing, Ceres Rivet's Grill, Modesto Dutch Bros, Carpenter, Modesto Valero Gas, Modesto The State Theatre, Modesto Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto Prospect Theater Project, Modesto Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto The Fruit Yard, Modesto Spotlight Lounge, Modesto The Artists Lab, Modesto Strings Italian Cafe Modesto 10th Street Plaza, Modesto Stanislaus County Veterans Center Stanislaus County Veterans Center Deaf Puppy Club, Manteca Dorado Park, Oakdale

P Wexford's Pub, Modesto Bellmare Senior Living, Oakdale Hot Rod Dinner, Ceres Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto 108 Sports Lounge, Riverbank The Boardroom, Modesto Gallo Center for the Arts Downtown Twain Harte Sport Complex, Patterson Frontier Club, Patterson Low Key Saloon, Modesto Torri, Modesto The Moose , Modesto Blaker Brewing, Ceres The Tarmac, Atwater Ten Pin Fun Center, Turlock Modesto Public Library Cloud 9 Collections, Merced Prospect Theater Project, Modesto The Tarmac, Atwater Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto The Fruit Yard, Modesto Gallo Center for the Arts Beard Park, Waterford Gallo Center for the Arts Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto Torri, Modesto The Reef, Ceres Low Key Saloon, Modesto Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto Splash Bar, Modesto Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto Dorada Park, Oakdale Prospect Theater Project, Modesto Modern Woodmen Field, Modesto Elks Lodge, Modesto VFW Post 3199, Modesto Food Fix Butcher, Modesto Donoby's Bar. Modesto The Smart Axe Modesto, Modesto Speakeasy Lounge, Modesto Queen Bean Coffee, Modesto

Veterans

Urbano California Bistro, Modesto Modesto Senior Citizens Center MJC West Campus, Modesto Strings Italian Cafe, Modesto Low Key Saloon, Modesto Wildfire Pub House, Modesto The Partisan, Merced Sidelines Whiskeyjacks, Modesto Stanislaus County Veterans Center

We love seeing you all out and about. Do you want to be in the ModestoView Rear View? Tag your photos #modestoview so we can share them with our readers!

1. Wes Page, Brandon Brush, Middagh Goodwin and Chris Murphy welcome guests to the May the 4th celebration.

2. Shelly and Claudia Streeter make Porchfest sound awesome

3. Obi Juan Alanis and Chris Murphy celebrate May the 4th.

4. James and Murf hanging at Porchfest.

5. Emil Mozzafari nailing the drum work for Third Party at Porchfest

6. David Eclavia and Darrel Wilken show Chris Murphy the Taco Fest fun.

7. Ann from the Modesto Garden Club volunteers to keep the flowers nice in downtown.

8. Doug Highiet, Rayleen Wagner and Marjorie

Sturdy enjoy Porchfest

9. Neon Radio launched the Music in the Plaza season.

10. Scotty McCreery thrilled the Fruit Yard crowd.

11. John Morgan brought the country hits to the Fruit Yard.

12. Jackson Dean gets the Fruit Yard crown into the music.

13. “Trader” Brandon Dodge and Middagh Goodwin with a new generation

14. The evil empire was guarding the Gemperle Farms Tie Fighter

15. People had Star Wars fun with the X Wing

16. Horizon Point delivered a great Star Wars

performance for May the 4th

17. Josh Williams and Darrel Wilkins sell Kidz Day papers for Salvation Army

18. Doug Robinett of Triple D rocks Porchfest

19. Mike and Jen Allsup hosting Porchfest

20. The Modesto Roadsters go for another win.

21. The Shelly Streeter Band brought the friends up to sing.

22. Mitchell Tenpenny closes out May at the Fruit Yard.

Credits:

Chris Murphy: 1, 6, 7, 8,13,14, 15, 16,17

Bill Harris: 2, 4, Michael J Mangano: 3, 5, 10,11,12,18,19, 20, 22

REAR VIEW