Famous View By: Ruben Porras/ModestoFamous

There is a cool breeze blowing through the open door of Serrano Social club this morning and I am really glad to be here. One of these days the staff here will figure outthat I use this place as my office to save myself from renting one. Actually, I’m pretty sure they know that and they just don’t care. That’s what I love about downtown Modesto the most – People stick together and look out for one another.

It is hard to believe that May is already here but it is nice to see the weather warm up and more people take to the streets to support local business efforts. I was downtown last night for the Third Thursday Artwalk and I also took in Nuts game with some friends. We really enjoyed the vibe at the game. It is always nice to see the mascots with kids and listen to the crack of a bat just before the roar of the crowd.

May in Modesto will be busy. Everyone should be able to find something to do to keep them busy. Outdoor events in May are especially fun because the weather tends tostay mild before the heat of summer really sets in.

I never seem to really know where I will be every month but I try to get out as much as possible. The diversity of events scheduled in Modesto never fails to impress me.

This month I will break out my sombrero for the Cinco de Mayo parade on Crows Landing Road, eat way too much ice cream every Friday night at Loard’s while listening to music at the Tenth Street Plaza, get lost in a crowd during Hot Latin Nights outside of the Palladium on May 5th, fall in love right along Romeo and Juliet at the Gallo Center for the Arts on May 14th and and enjoy the Family Cycling Festival downtown on May 19th.

I know moreevents will pop up and I will do what I can to cover them and inform you about them.

If all goes well I will be moving into a funky little apartment at the Heart of downtown Modesto this month. I tell people daily how much I love this city and I plan on living up to that message. The McHenry Mansion will be the first thing I see everymorning as I head out my door and walk over to Serrano Social Club for coffee and that will be the boost I need to make every single day positive and exciting.

Life is good in Modesto. Sure, we go through ups and downs like any other place but I have never seen so many good people rally together for a common goal. I’m proud to call myself a Modestan and I don’t see that pride diminishing.

Have a great May out there!

Get in touch with me on Twitter as @ModestoFamous or send me email to r.porras@me.com.

Fashion View

By Shasta Boss Mother Knows Best…

Mothers should be celebrated everyday, but Mother’s Day is set aside as the day that we must reward our Mother’s for being such amazing women. It can be difficult to find the perfect present for someone who means so much to you. That is why I came up with some gift ideas to make Mom happier than ever with at least one or maybe even all of these goodies.

Top Mother’s Day Gifts 1. Spa/Beauty Treatments 2. Jewelry 3. Sleeping in and waking up to Breakfast in Bed (Clean up too) 4. Flowers/Plants

Deals Around Town in May

Mom’s Day of Pampering European Facial, Scalp Massage, Shampoo and Style, Mani and Pedi all included Good any day in May, $40 Safavi Institute/Paul Mitchell 3100 McHenry Ave.

Unique Boutiques and Ritzy Rags Mother’s Day Luncheon Sales and Transportation between both boutiques with lunch included Mother’s Day, May 13, $25

All About You Day Spa/ Facials By Sandra Orangeburg and College Ave. 4- 1-Hour Massages for $100

Poetry View – April By: Michelle Diemer

SLaM on RyE, a ten-year Modesto poetry tradition, draws to a close this April after welcoming countless poets to the mic during its tenure. Slam founder and organizer, Sam Pierstorff, sat down with Modesto View to reminisce over SLaM on RyE’s storied history and talk about his next steps in the poetry world.

Pierstorff’s decision to end the slam came as a big surprise to many supporters. His reasons for doing so, though, make perfect sense: he wants to spend more time with his family. When he started the slam, his oldest son was two. Now, he has three children and additional responsibilities to Little League, Girl Scouts and his own personal writing projects.

“Anybody who has ever run an event knows that the setup before the show takes hours and hours of work,” Pierstorff said. “From promoting the show to booking talent to dealing with last-minute situations, there’s an incredible amount of work for the run up to the show. On and off, I’ve had help, but even then it’s hard to find someone as reliable and committed as you are.”

Though SLaM on RyE demanded a lot his time over the past decade, Pierstorff lights up as he talks about what the venue did for localpoets. “The best part, by far, is watching intimidated new poets step to the mic and then just blossom month after month.”

He recounts numerous poets that found their voice at SLaM on RyE: The Saint, Jaelinda Mills, Tawny Holt and Elizabeth Sousa. Since theirinitial performances at SLaM on RyE, they’ve grow into incredible voices in our community that never want to stop writing and performing.

Pierstorff started the slam after returning to Modesto from Long Beach in 2000. He had studied poetry at California State University, Long Beach and developed an appreciation for spoken word while living in Southern California.

Back home, he determined to create a venue for local poetry. “There were a lot of writing groups, but I think I helped bring a lot of those writers out of their homes and into the public environment. I got them to share their poems publicly.”

Beyond getting poets to the mic, Pierstorff exposed locals to the beauty of spoken word. Many people who attend the slams regularly do not read their work: they go for the poetry.

“We’ve helped reshape people’s attitudes and opinions about poetry over the years,” Pierfstorff said. “What they once thought was uncool or extremely complicated and hard to understand is suddenly accessible, very in-your-face, very imagistic, very funny. The best poets bring a tremendousamount of performance with their poems so it becomes entertaining and, often, enlightening.”

The Slam’s venue, Prospect Theater, provides a great home for poetry. “This little theater is amazing because, when people step to that mic, there’s total attention on that poet. There’s no coffee machine grinding in the background. There’s no ambient noise. We have pin-drop silence and for that reason the space has been awesome.”

After building such a successful community for local poetry, it seems logical for Pierstorff to pass the hosting gig off to up-and-coming local talent. “I feel like I can’t detach myself totally if I just pass the baton because I’ll still be emotionally invested in this thing I created. I’ll want to train him or her, help with promotion. If that’s the case, why not just host it myself?”

Further, Pierstorff would like to reserve the right to resurrect SLaM on RyE if the opportunity arises. “Ultimately, this is something I built for ten years. If someone wants to come in and start their own slam and open mic, they should put in the work to do it on their own.”

Pierstorff has no plans to drop off the local arts scene entirely. He will still host the sell-out Ill List every December at the State Theatre and is under contract to write a biography for an unnamed Modestan. Of course, he also put together a best-selling poetry anthology More than Soil, More than Sky: The Modesto Poets.

He emphasizes that the poetry scene in Modesto is thriving, with numerous events in Modesto, Turlock and Stockton that range from open mics to traditional poetry slams.

“As I look around at the artistic landscape of Modesto, I know you are in good hands,” Pierstorff wrote in a farewell note on facebook. “I see a lot more happening: open mics, indie music shows, poetry readings, comedy events, jazz shows, amazing plays, and on and on. There is a good deal of poetry and art that remains here despite the small void that SLaM on RyE will leave behind.”

This month will usher in SLaM on RyE’s final show in its decade-long run at Prospect Theater. Mark your calendars for Wed., April 18th at 7:30. Let’s pack the house one last time as a thank you to Pierstorff for sharing so much of his time and talent over the last ten years to give poetry a long-lasting home in Modesto.

March 10, 2012

The Gallo Center was the place to be on Saturday night to celebrate the 100 Years of Service of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce at the Gallo Center for the arts. It was a great night to look back and remember some of the firsts that happened here in Modesto and celebrate doing business locally. There was also a look back at the Arch, great Modesto music by Modesto’s Josh Rosenblum Band. Penny White and the Sensations delivered awesome Motown and dancing into the night.

The evening started off with a George Lucas congratulations video message with a fun Star Wars style into. We were then treated to a very patriotic look back at Modesto by the super Talented YES Company. Amazing kids!

Former Chamber CEO Bill Seavy was back in the saddle as the Gala MC.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the new painting by local artist Rebecca Murphy. She created a hugh composite image painting capturing the wonderful things in Modesto, including the Arch, McHenry Mansion, 57 Chevys, Burge’s Carhops, Modesto baseball and bands, 100 Year businesses and so much more. Cecil Russell, Lynn Dickerson and Chris Murphy assisted in the presentation. Prints of this painting will be sold by the Chamber of Commerce to benefit the Stanislaus Arts Council.

At the end of the evening, the Chamber encourage us to all “shop local” and presented the guests with a special centennial book of history.

The Chamber recognized their 2011 Award winners:

Robert J Cardoza Citizen of the Year – Ann Endsley, Greens Mkt and so much more.
Chamber Member of the Year. American Chevrolet – Dave Halverson
Non-Profit of the Year – United Cerebral Palsy
Small Business of the Year- Solid Network
Distinguished Service Award- Steve Rank of Rank Investigation/Protection
Ambassador of the Year – Linda Curtis, Kelly Services
Welcome Team Member- Lucy Castrejon – F&M Bank

I am looking out the window of a sandwich shop on the corner of J and 10th Streets right now and the streets are almost empty. I try my best to support local establishments when I can but I am learning that downtown Modesto comes to a virtual standstill on Sundays. This is the only place that is open that has a wi-ficonnection so it will have to do. I just happen to have a five dollar bill in my pocket. The only problem is that it is going to take me all day to get this foot long song out of my head. That’s not good.

This has been a crazy month. The best part of what I do for this magazine is the diversity of things I have the opportunity to enjoy. February wrapped me up in my nicestduds for a movie premier, rocker gear for a night with Social Distortion and I will most likely break out a feathered mask for Fat Tuesday in a couple of days.

Modesto will rock to life this month as we usher in the sun for beautiful spring days. There will be more walks downtown for me and more events to enjoy. St. Patricks Day will be as lively as ever this year with a nice list of things to do to have a great time.

One of the coolest St. Paddy’s events that I have heard about this year is an event called Shamrock’d that will take place at Vintage gardens on Dale Road. Families are welcome at the event from 12pm-8pm and there will be plenty for them to do.Rockstar energy drinks is sponsoring a battle of the bands competition during the event which is designed to provide a chance for the youth in our community to shine. We have been following a band called High Voltage lately and it will be awesome to see these kids tear up the stage at this event. For those over 21, Shamrock’d will rage into the night to the beat of two guest DJs and the music of Neil Buettner and Matt Harrington.

Other options on St. Patrick’s Day include the annual festivities at P. Wexford’s, a bash at the Clarion Hotel and Lucky Fest 2012 downtown.

Lucky Fest 2012 will take over the streets of downtown Modesto with a series of themed barswith names such as Mary O’Connell’s Pub and Pong, Peterson’s Pipe House, Patty O’Flynn’s Comedy Shop, Sinn Fein Speakeasy, Emerald City and Con O’Kelley’s Battle Royale. Celebrity DJ Ron Reeser is slated to perform at Fat Cat during the event.

Keep an eye on our website at www.modestoview.com for a constantly growing list of local events. Email us at events@modestoview.com to have your event listed.

AllAgesView By Abbey Murphy Can you believe it is spring already? Where did the winter go? We are already back in the pool for swim season. Seems like this school year is going so fast, the spring sports are starting, school plays are revving up (such as the Drowsy Chaperone at Modesto and Legally Blonde at Downey High) and final testing is starting to finish out the busy year. This April, the one and only Mira Jantz from Mira Bridal Couture will be giving plenty of tips and new hot trends for the upcoming prom season, so make sure to check in and get the best advice from the best in town! Our Modesto High Project Hope Club will be attending a Youth Action Summit in San Francisco so we can learn more ways to help locally and globally. It is great to give back where you can and to do it with friends is event better. March is a time of leprechauns, pots ofgold, and lots of luck. Think about this and realize that many people aren’t as fortunate as many in the community so be sure to give back this spring!

Here is a really great concept that you need to know about. We really can change the world.

What is a Really Really Free Market? An RRFM is a space where we can share our food, clothing, skills and other resources freely. Do you have stuff to get rid of or stuff you need? Do you have a skill or passion you would like to share with others?

Instead of putting listings and have strange people come to your house, save your stuff, food, yard things, canned food, tools, garden items save them until March 24 and take them to the Really Really Free Market at Enslen Park. Teachers, artists, performers and others with talent/gifts/experience or expertise are especially encouraged to attend. Some individuals will be offering FREE bicycle repair, computer help, and more services as they are organized. This will be a great opportunity to get to know Modesto while enhancing it. It is amazing what happens when the exchange of ideas, things and talent is free and available to all and everyone has something to give on March 24 at 10 am. Check out their facebook site and post your talents or needs. You can get there from facebook.com/modestoview

Please learn more at http://www.reallyreallyfree.org/ or other RRFM sites.

<> These are pictures from the Modesto High Project Hope Stone Soup Dinner in February.

AbbeyMurphy and Rita Sandhu greeted Stone Soup Guests.

All Ages Music: If you want to show your talents, it is Open Mic Night at Queen Bean on Sundays The St Clair Theatre has music showcases on Wednesdays and some Saturdays The Village Baking company has some “tasty” shows on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. Perfect with coffee and pastries. Check out Francesca Bavarro at Village Baking on March 31. Check out her Billie Jean on Youtube.com it is crazy good.

Fit View By Efren Martinez

Can’t Touch This

When you meet Barbara Miller for the first time, you meet what we all see up front, which is a polite and soft-spoken person on the outside. But when you run with her, you get a feeling of amazement and MC Hammer’s “You Can’t Touch This”. Barbara’s 72 years young and is what I consider a local running Hero. She’s been featured in Runner’sWorld, Running Times and was just recently on the cover of Norcal Running Magazine. Barbara has also received The USATF Outstanding Athlete Award for her age division 8 times. She was Runner’s World Female Master of the year at age 60 and in 2009 she was United StatesTrack & Field (USTAF) Pacific Association Master Female runner of the year. In 2000, she was the SOS Female Outstanding Athlete of the year, which includes all sports and all age divisions. There’s more, but I’m sure you’re getting the picture post card/video here, “You Can’t Touch This.”

Like I said, when you first meet Barbara, she’s polite, soft-spoken and by all means a very humble person. Her running accomplishments includes setting a world record at The Boston Marathon at the age of 60 with a time of 3:11:57 and she currently holds the Boston course record for her age division. She also has set other American records in the 5K, 8K, 10K, 12K, half marathon and marathon. She started to put up world records in the 55-59 age divisions and has continued all the way to her current age division 70-74. Some of her records have been broken, but she still holds records in several distances. The one she’s most proud of is her Boston half marathon record at age 60. She ran it in 1:29:49 and as far as she knows it hasn’t been broken. Barbara has been running for over 30 years and is an active runner and still races. In fact, she has signed up for a 4-mile race in Sacramento in February and a half marathon in March. She also plans to compete in the Buzz Oates Series in Sacramento. This is a series (13 in all) of races ranging from the 5K to the Half Marathon. She will also compete in some PA/USTAF races mostly in the Bay Area and of course, some of our local races. Yes, Modesto View Readers, “You Can’t Touch This.”

I asked Barbara what advice could she share with our young people today that find themselves too busy for exercise? She replied, “Just do it! You will feel better for it. Being physically fit really raises your quality of life. When you feel good about yourself it spills over into all aspects of your life. Your self-esteem goes up. Your confidence goes up, etc. You do not have to run to stay fit and healthy, but you do need to exercise everyday and make healthy food choices. Running is a personal choice for me. It has been a complete life changer. I feel blessed to have been able to travel to so many places and have so many running friends all over the United States. But, if running is not for you, do something that makes you move and keeps you happy and physically active. Your life will be much better for it.” In memory of Doug Braasch

Modesto View Readers, you can meet and greet our World Record Super Star running sensation on February 5th at The Super Sunday Relay’s in Modesto. This is a fast and scenic two-mile loop through a community park. Each of the three-person team will run the loop once. Individuals can choose to run the loop three times for the entire six-mile time. This is its only race like this locally and there are plenty of chances to win awards (given to top 3 in each age division) & raffle prizes. Get your family and friends together and form a fun Relay Team. For more information log onto www.cvrunning.com/super_sunday.htm or www.shadowchase.org or call 209-986-8446 email info@cvrunning.com

This is a really fun time of the year and is especially good as we start our second year of ModestoView Magazine Version 2.0.

This has been a very exciting year and I am really proud of the group of people that come together each month to really make a difference for a positive Modesto life. I hope you have liked our issues, our new look and have met some new people in our community. ModestoView is created and produced by the people in town that make things happen. We are so very fortunate to have the artists, photographers, the promoters, the singers, the songwriters, the trainers and the thinkers, not to mention (as cliché as it is) the movers and the shakers all teamed up to spread the positive word about where we live.

I hope that everyone that logs on or reads ModestoView learns a couple of new things about our Modesto USA, finds something new to do, and that they then help spread the cheer that we provide every single day. The number one goal of ModestoView is to celebrate the good in our city and ways that people can get involved, connect and make Modesto USA, “A Classic American City”.

Now go out and tell some friends about the things you read here today. We can’t spread the positive word about Modesto without our wonderful advertisers. You are the best companies in Modesto for helping us print and deliver ModestoView to thousands of homes, hundreds of businesses reaching nearly 90,000 people. If you want the best way to advertise in town and support a positive message at the same time, ModestoView is for you. Support the businesses you see in ModestoView.

Thanks to my wonderful family and my company Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group for allowing me to support this great city. Make sure you tell us what you like, what you want us to cover and how we can make ModestoView better each month. Wishing a Classic American Graffiti Modesto USA Day to all of you.

ChrisMurphy Publisher, ModestoView chrism@modestoview.com Photo the ModestoView team From left Carlos Rodriguez, Ruben Porras, Nick Giron, Chris Murphy, Kaye Osborn, Dana Johnson, Greg Cobb, Kate Serpa, Jim Christiansen, Jill Ferris Front row: Todd Aaronson, Abbey Murphy, Eric Benson, Jennifer Allsup, Efren Martinez. (not pictured Tara Tinsley, Shasta Boss, Mike Vanek and Javier Lopez) We also want to welcome designer and awesome Zydeco musician Peter Grimaldi and Apollo Tull to the team.

StreetView By: Ruben Porras – Modesto Famous

This is the second article in our series of features about folks that live right here in Modesto that our readers have expressed interest in. This month we sat downwith Randall Padilla who was recognized by Guinness Book of World Records in2010 for being the world’s fastest guitarist. Padilla has since endured some wild ups and downs but has reappeared in love, full of faith, hope and promise and best of all- Ready to rock!

MF: There must be a good reason why you are referred to as “The Official Monster Guitarist.” Tell me about what you accomplished in 2009. Do you still hold the record?

RP: I was recorded playing exactly 6 notes per beat at 235bpm, or 23.5 notes per second. At the time I was considered the world’s fastest guitarist. I no longer hold the record but that is a blessing in a way. When you are noted for something in particular you are often stereotyped. To break the record I was asked to play “Flight of the Butterfly.” I was frankly tired of getting requests to play the same song over and overagain.

MF: You have been under the radar a bit lately. Have you been doing anything in particular to keep your hat in the ring?

RP: I demonstrate guitars for Kona guitars at the National Association of Music Merchants event held in L.A. annually. This allowed me to meet inspirationssuch as Carlos Santana and Joe Satriani. I have also met musicians such as Lita Ford and Michael G. who I plan to collaborate with on my upcoming album. Locally, I give free lessons on Comcast channel 23 every Tues. at 8pm and Thurs. at 9 pm. The show is designed to give kids a chance to get free guitar lessons but anyone is welcome to watch and learn.

MF: Where can locals find you now? Are you still giving lessons?

RP: I am really all over the map lately. I will be opening Modesto Advanced Guitar Instruction in February. I also continue to pump out books, DVDs, online columns and magazine articles. I am also teaching lessons online at shredacademy.com and shredaholic.com.

MF: You mentioned that you try to promote positive organizations that you really believe in. Tell me more about that.

RP: I was a foster child from ages 4-18. I dedicate my life now to giving back to programs involved with foster children, animal rights and veterans. I believe that God put me here as his tool and gave me a talent and an audience. I feel like it is a duty not to squander the fame and the audience that I have developed.

MF: You seem pretty happy. I have followed you on Facebook through some pretty dark times. What turned it all around?

RP: A failed relationship and a new dedicated life partner added the fuel to a fire that has sparked a new sense of creativity and purpose. Life has never been this positive for me.

Follow Padilla on FB for updates at http://tinyurl.com/monster209

Photo caption- Padilla credits his girlfriend, Tysh Baria with his most recent success. Heclaims that she is the only thing that he has ever held tighter than a guitar.

Rockabilly View By Jennifer Allsup Unity Music Skate Jams, Skateboard competitions an Underground California Amateur Skateboarding team out of the Bay Area, Livermore Ca. to be exact!!! In 2003 Unity was a little old skate shop which consisted of doing skate competition, poetry slams and live music. Many well known skaters, record labels and musicians supported Unity back in the day, such as Tony Hawk, Thrasher Magazine, Dead Kennedy’s, Wild Records, Road Lords and Mark Gonzales. In 2007, Unity made a big jump to Modesto and changed Unity to more of a musical adventure, with founder Tony T. of The Pendletons and Tony T. and the Headhunters. In 2010 X-Fest had their first Rockabilly stage in Modesto andUnity Music was a big part in gathering all the bands to perform. This is where Tony T. met the love of hislife Miss Lauren, who is now the womanly-hand in the Unity Music adventure.Along, with their lovely lady street-team Valerie Gray and Lindsay Atkinson. Unity Music adventures in Modesto consist of “Day at the Altamont “ which, would be Mike’s Roadhouse Bar, it is an amazing little bar in the middle of the Altamont with the Modesto Throttlers car show and live music with DAM and the Pendletons. Also, Wreckin Rita of the Belladonna Beauties where in attendance. In June of 2011 right along with Modesto’s famous Graffiti Nights, Unity Music threw their first big show at Minnie’s on McHenry called “The Tiki Party” live Rockabilly, Pin-ups, and Classic Cars. Needless to say it was a huge success for Tony T. and Lauren. Look for it in June of 2012. You will not be disappointed! Tony said in so many words “They say when you retire from punk music, you jump onto a swinging grand time with Rockabilly”! Even though back in the day Tony T. and Lauren of Unity Music were huge Ska and Punk fanatics, rockabilly lives within their souls. Unity Music not only does “Rockabilly” bookings but would love to hook-up with other genres as well. Unity Music strives on supporting local talents and our community of Modesto! Tony T. and Lauren encourage you to contact them for shows near and abroad. Contact Information for “UNITY MUSIC” www.facebook.com/unitymusicpresents email : unitymusic.contact@yahoo.com So, Swing a little Swing and we will meet up next month! Smiles, Jennifer Allsup Sweet Pea Knickers Productions 209-735-9682