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GraffitiUSA View – Graffiti Summer is Amazing
Graffiti Summer 2024 is amazing. It was a celebration of our Legends of the Cruise on the Walk of Fame. So great to see all of the friends and family of the people that inspired American Graffiti. American Graffiti Festival was a huge success and the Graffiti USA team supported all of the regional car shows. It is so very important to celebrate our past as we look to the future.
Public Transit “Free Fares July” Returns to Stanislaus and Merced Counties
Modesto, CA — The Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (StanRTA), the City of Turlock (Turlock Transit) and The Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (The Bus), announced today that all rides on fixed-route, commuter, and ADA Paratransit buses will be free for passengers during July as part of a joint free-ride promotion. This includes local fixed-route services as well as ACE, BART, and Stockton Commuter bus services, The Micro Bus in Merced County, ADA Paratransit, and Medivan. All public transit buses in Stanislaus and Merced Counties area accessible to individuals with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Summer Fun at the StanCoFair
The Stanislaus County Fair is nearly here and will run from the 5th until the 14th of July. The Fair is fun for the whole family with something for just about everybody, filled with an array of thrilling rides for both children and adults. Animal lovers will be delighted with the various attractions that provide fun and educational experiences. For those seeking adrenaline, there is bloodless bullfighting that is exciting and respectful to the animals. The roar of monster trucks will fill the air, offering a spectacle for all motor enthusiasts, alongside the tractor pulls, which always draw a crowd. Don’t miss out on the destruction derby, a real crowd-pleaser where you can watch vehicles crash and collide until the last one can drive. Of course, the fair wouldn’t be complete without the headlining bands on the main stage.
The Dog Days of Fitness
Summertime in The Valley means 100+ degree days of heat with very little relief at night. But it’s OK! It’s the Valley, and most of us have learned how to deal with it. Regarding outdoor fitness, I admit I haven’t acclimated myself to the extreme heat this summer. Partially, it’s Mother Nature’s fault. It seems we had Winter-like weather in the middle of May and then enjoyed low 80-degree temps. But enough on the Weather report, you get the message, and I’m sure you feel it too. My best advice is that whatever type of fitness you enjoy outdoors, try and get it done in the early morning or at night after the sun goes down. If you work out early at sunrise, don’t forget the sunscreen and mosquito repents during morning and night workouts. It’s known that mosquitoes are generally more active at dusk and dawn. Being well covered with a light layer of clothes helps, too. This is important because mosquitoes can carry dangerous viruses that can get you very sick. Sunscreen is always a good idea to put on every day, any day of the year.
Juneteenth
The King-Kennedy Memorial Center Board of Directors presents Juneteenth at Graceada Park on June 15th, 11 am-5 pm. This year, the featured entertainment is Nathan Owens & the 3 Queens of Motown, a National Touring Act that combines Motown music with a full tribute to Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Tina Turner. Also joining the festivities is the local band Valley Rhythm Section, which has been a crowd-pleaser and a favorite of the King Kennedy Board at the event for the last three years.
Big View – Graffiti Summer 2024
I love this time of year. Modesto USA shines during Graffiti Summer, literally, with all of the shiny paint and chrome, it’s amazing. Modesto USA, located on historic US 99 was one of the stops with a new round drive-in as motorists began exploring America after World War 2. Neon clad drive-ins beckoned the traveler with tasty food and car hop service. Soon, locals out for a drive made the iconic drive ins their home. Modesto most notable drive in was Burge’s.
Graffiti Summer 2024
Kicking things off June 1 with the annual screening of American Graffiti at The State Theatre of Modesto. Sunday, June 2 Modesto Area Street Rod Association brings us Graffiti Classic, the first official car show of Summer. Mid Valley Chevy Club has some Park n’ Shines lined up on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Don’t miss the Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame and Park n’ Shine in Downtown Modesto on Wednesday June 5. Modesto Band of Stanislaus County – MoBand kicks off on Thursday the 6th in Graceada Park.
The Arts are Heating Up Downtown Modesto
Summertime heats up this month. The art scene weathered the May Day alerts that the local Art Scene is transitioning, with iconic gallery closings and new art walk maps still needing a tune-up. Maybe extended hours are needed to get everywhere to see the art, meet the artists, take advantage of the drink specials, and add attractions.
Mo’ Summer, Mo’ Band, Mo’ Markets
It couldn’t be a more exciting time to join the ViewCrew as we plunge into the summertime and all the juiciness our community offers this season. We’re ready to sink our teeth into some sweet homegrown strawberries from the Modesto Certified Farmers Market, and our skin can’t wait to be kissed by the crispy waters of the Stanislaus River. Central Valley people really come alive in the sunshine, stretching out from under the wintertime like a fresh summer watermelon.
Music in the Plaza, MoBand and More
Graffiti Summer drove in fast here in Modesto, with the smell of freshly polished cars, high-octane exhaust, and music filling the air. Wednesday, the 5th Third Party will perform in the 10th Street Plaza as Part of the Leg. ends of the Cruise and Park n Shine in Downtown Modesto. Friday the 7th, don’t miss Gary Gervase performing a mix of blues and classic rock in the Plaza for the spectators of the American Graffiti Parade. Saturday, June 8th at 7 pm, catch some great Rockabilly and Surf at the Goat with Tony T and the Pendleton, Surf Creeps, Los Pistoleros, and The Reckless Ones.
PrideView
It seems so simple, but how hard is it to treat everyone equally with respect, no matter who they are or who they love?. Even if it’s not your thing, let people live their lives and be who they are. It is true, respect is earned, but the basic premise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should be available to all. I am grateful that we have an inclusive community and it’s important to show support to those that have been marginalized or oppressed and we can’t go backwards. It is has been 55 years since the Stonewall Riots. Every time we go to New York, we pay Stonewall a visit and have always been welcomed. There is a new organization here in Modesto that will help unify our community and be a new support mechanism for so many and we welcome new executive director Roman Scanlon and a special update from Jessica Johnson.
RockabillyView. – Block Party June 8
By Chris MurphySince 1938, Rockabilly has put the rock in rock n roll. KTRB broadcasted the Maddox Brothers and Rose to an excited world, that included the ears of a young Bill Black, the bassist for Elvis Presley’s Blue Moon Boys. They recorded That’s Alright Mama, and Bill Haley & the Comets released Rock Around the Clock in 1954 to an unsuspecting world, and the rest is history,
Legend of the Cruise – Peter “Kiki” Rodriguez
The North Modesto Kiwanis Club has announced the grand marshal for the 2024 American Graffiti parade – Pete “Kiki” Rodriguez, one of the four founders of the Impala Car Club, now an international organization of more than 1,000 members. When he moved from San Jose to Modesto in 1997, Kiki and a friend started the local chapter, whose members are regulars in the Graffiti show. The Impalas and the Low Rider community are an inspiration to the future of Modesto’s Graffiti and Car Culture.
Legend of the Cruise Don Wenstrand
Don Wenstrand’s passion for cars began on a farm in Denair, where he learned to drive a 1937 Chevy pick-up that his father had abandoned at the age of 13. With no previous mechanical experience and a few hand tools, Don was able to get the truck running to his father‘s surprise. After giving the truck a rattle can primer paint job and reupholstering the seats with some old drapes, Don would drive it around the farm for hours at a time. With the skills Wenstrand learned rebuilding the truck, he landed a job at Larry’s Texaco station in Turlock the next summer, where he pumped gas and made minor repairs. His experience expanded at Windels Pontiac, assisting mechanics and learning how to detail cars at the mere age of 15.
Legend of the Cruise – Raymond Lee
Raymond Lee grew up in the small town of Hughson, CA, where his parents ran a grocery store. They resided on a ranch in Ceres, and he would commute to Hughson every morning for grammar school through eighth grade. The boundary line for high school was divided down the middle. Those living on Ray’s side of the road attended Turlock High, while those on the other side went to Ceres High. Lee considers himself lucky to have friends from both Hughson and Turlock. He met his wife, Marsha, in grammar school, and they began dating at the age of 16. They had a street rod wedding in 1978.
Legend of the Cruise -Larry Pippen
Larry Pippin is an exceptionally kind individual with a wide range of skills. He excels in welding and fabricating mechanical and electrical components and has a vast understanding of construction. As a problem solver, Larry has shared his expertise with many over the years. Some of the cars Larry has...
Legend of the Cruise – Larry Wing
I was born in Oakdale and grew up in Modesto. My mom said I was going to be a mechanic. I went to Franklin, Burbank and Mark Twain and qualified for the State track meet in relay and high-jump. At 14, bought a 1932 Ford 3-window for $30, in pieces. It took me a year to build and this began my love for ’32 Fords.
Legend of the Cruise – Vito Masellis
Vito Masellis and his parents immigrated to the United States from Italy in February 1956, settling in East Ely, Nevada where his grandparents lived and owned the only grocery store. He began his education at East Ely Elementary, embarking on the journey of learning English. In 1961, they relocated to...
Legends of the Cruise – The Regs
In 1945, the war in Europe was ending. Sports events were picking up in popularity. Jim Francis, one of the football coaches at Modesto High formed an athletic club called the Regs, short for the Regulars. The Fraternities and the Sororities were important social elements in the late ‘50s and...
FoodView – Bob’s Giant Burger
Besides rock ‘n’ roll, nothing goes better with cruising than burgers, fries and shakes. It’s even better when you have a “giant” burger, loaded with your favorite trimmings. What’s even better than that? Getting your giant burger from a classic car guy who really cares about great classic burgers with tradition, along with his classic cars.
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