Follow Ruben Porras on Twitter at twitter.com/WriterRuben. See his photo blog at sushitacocafe.tumblr.com.

For years, ModestoView Editor and Social Media Manager Ruben Porras has been known as ModestoFamous, a persona that allowed him to take to the streets and be someone else when he was fighting Cancer and other issues. It made him feel free of the pain and treatments for short periods of time.

Today, that changes as he is healthier and more focused and ready to move on.

Rest assured that Ruben’s passion for Modesto will never change. He will always be out there somewhere listening to local music, snapping photos, wearing obnoxious sunglasses and trying to make people laugh. There are times when he may get defensive and frustrated, but that is only because he cares deeply about his efforts.

Ruben is proud of Modesto and appreciative of his audience. He believes that residents of Modesto should work together with local businesses and one another to make Modesto a place that they are happy and excited to call home and that nothing will ever get done without a sense of community pride and teamwork.

A recent Twitter post by Ruben explains his feelings clearly. He wrote, “Embrace the city that you live in. Be proud to call it home. Do what you can to make it a better place. #Modesto.”

Modesto, USA- The members of The North Modesto Kiwanis Club are proud to announce that Modesto’s Favorite Son and legendary film director and producer, George Lucas, will be the Grand Marshall of their 2013 Modesto American Graffiti Car Show and Festival parade. The parade will take place June 7, 2013 at 7:00.  There will be an honorary presentation at 6:30 pm at 11th and I St.

“ We are excited to be able to provide a venue for the citizens of Modesto to honor Mr. Lucas “ explains John Sanders, spokesperson for the Kiwanis Club that presents this event. “American Graffiti, his movie about growing up in Modesto, was released in 1973 and is still popular the world over. We citizens of Modesto are proud of what he has done not only for his hometown, but for people everywhere. We know that his fans will enjoy lining the parade route and letting him know how much they appreciate and enjoy his many accomplishments”.

His career was set in motion by the success of the film American Graffiti. The cruising of 1962 on 10th and 11th streets and the people of Modesto inspired the film that is now listed in the “Top 100 Films” and allowed Mr. Lucas to go on to create his many films including Star Wars and, most recently, Red Tails.  Mr. Lucas recently sold LucasFilm to Disney and will now focus on his educational foundation and small films.

The Modesto American Graffiti Car Show and Festival will be celebrating its 15th year in 2013. This is also the 40th anniversary of the release of American Graffiti, the movie. Over 1,000 cars participated in the 2012 car show and over 800 in the Friday evening parade. The Modesto Historic Cruise Route was officially opened at the beginning ceremonies of the 2012 parade. It provides a walking tour of Modesto, its history of cruising, music, and the part played by George Lucas. Lucasfilm and the Lucas family worked closely on the Historic Cruise Route and George Lucas made a promotional video for the tourist and historic attraction. Mr. Lucas also provided video for the Modesto Chamber of Commerce’s 100th anniversary celebration.

“We are honored that George Lucas will be a part of our 2013 event and it shows how important his “growing up” years in Modesto were as a part of his career. Given his hectic schedule and limited private time, this is a rare opportunity for all of us to honor him. This will be a very positive event for our City of Modesto and its citizens”, said Sanders.

The Modesto American Graffiti Car Show and Festival received the Modesto Area Music Association MAMA Award for Best Large Event for 2012. The 2013 car show and festival will be held on June 7, 8, 9, 2013. For more information leading up to the show: www.northmodestokiwanis.org

Bike Week in Modesto
By Chris Murphy

Amgen What? It is always fun when a big sporting event comes through town and don’t worry, it will be back here again someday. The Alpe D’Huez is not in the Tour de France every year. But here in Modesto we have plenty of cycling fun in May each year. There are rides for fun, rides for a cause and rides to win! Modesto is perfect for outdoor activities whether on your bike or on foot. May has something for everyone and the weather is nice so you have no excuse than to get out there and get fit and have fun.

For those of you that hadn’t noticed, Modesto is really flat. That makes it easy to ride to work. If you work downtown or anywhere, a ride to work is nice and easy. If you haven’t ridden your bike to work, the perfect time to give it a try is on Bike to Work Day.

Here are some really fun things to do on your bike in May.

Bike To Work Day – Friday May 10 – 6:30 to 8:30 pm Ride your bike to work and meet up in 10th St Place. You can even ride along with Mayor Marsh. There will be prizes and T-shirts for commuters and other goodies and snacks. www.modestogov.com/bikes

Ride for MOM – May 11 – Fun ride for a great cause. Event start is at Johansen Stadium. There are 10, 30, 72 and Century courses available. Register online at www.rideformom.com You can check in Fri afternoon May 10 until 7. Day of event arrive by 6:30.

Harvest Moon Criterium – May 18 – First races at 8:15 You will see fast paced race action as racers speed around a figure 8 course in downtown Modesto. This will be exciting and there are all categories from 4/5 to Pro. Start/finish is at 13th and I. Registration: http://www.bikereg.com/Net/18831

Modesto Road Race – May 19 – Start Finish line is at Kiernan and Hall Road East of Salida. This will be a circuit race offering a multi pass view of a road race, which is rare. Registration: https://www.bikereg.com/Net/18837

Family Cycling Festival – May 18 10 – 3 pm While you are downtown enjoying the Harvest Moon Criterium walk down I St to the Courthouse Lawn and learn about bike safety, and watch exciting stunt teams. Get prizes, register your bike, ride an obstacle course and check out safety tips and a helmet giveaway.

Regular rides- There are many club rides in town. The Stanislaus County Bike Club has many organized ride for all abilities both on and off road. www.stancobike.org for many more details. There is a racing team out of Fun Sport Bikes in McHenry Village that you can check out too.

Every day- Take your bike everywhere when you get a chance. We have newly striped bike lanes and some really great trails. If you have not ridden the Mensinger, Hetchy Hetchy trails or the Virginia Corridor, the try it today. Small errands, Farmers market, or the coffee or yogurt shop are the perfect places to ride. Get healthy and have fun and make Modesto USA a cycling city.

Photo Captions; 1.You can race at the Harvest Moon Modesto Criterium alongside the pros 2.This retro shot from the 2nd Modesto Criterium back in 1984, presented by ModestoVelo. Nice vintage bikes. Chris Murphy center. 3. Our bike trails are beautiful on a Saturday morning 4.Ride for fun and smiles like Nanette Hawxhurst

FamousView

The Adventures of Batman and Ruben

It has been weeks since I last sat down and wrote an article. I used to pump out thousands and thousands of words every single day but lately I have been focusing more on social media and that takes more time than anyone might imagine. It feels good to have my fingers on the keys again.

I am sitting here thinking about the fact that May is just a few days away and that boggles my mind a bit. I swear that my life is on fast-forward lately. Days seem to just fly by. Nights seem to just fade into memories.

I am really looking forward to the next few months in good-old Modesto. Living right on the parade route is pretty sweet and helps me enjoy events when the heat is blazing. Heat and I don’t get along. In many ways I am like an old car. I can go and go, but if I don’t get enough water, I just sort of sputter out and quit moving. My doctors should start emailing me their annual warnings soon. My body will start to get tired faster. But hey, I’m alive! That’s the key. That makes me happy.

May will be fun In Modesto and it will keep me on my toes and as busy as ever.

American Roots artist Pokey LaFarge is scheduled to perform at the Fat Cat on May 11^th, Dwight Yoakam will bring his ‘Guitars and Cadillacs’ to the Gallo Center for the Arts on May 25^th and the summer movie season will kick-off on May 3^rd when Brenden Theatres welcomes Iron Man onto its largest screens. Those events and more can be found on our event calendar at modestoview.com.

In personal news, I am still working toward the goal that I mentioned last month of publishing a book of local images. Like my projects and ideas always seem to, that goal has morphed into an adventure of epic proportions.

I am about to launch a website to sell my prints called Buddha Street Urban Art (to earn the money to publish the book) and that has made me want to get out and shoot as much as possible. I need to be careful however so I don’t get hurt trying to create my crazy brand of art.

Yesterday, my trusty partner in crime and I adventured out to take some shots of an abandoned building and we ended up in a small scary attic with an unhappy bat. Have you ever seen a fat guy try to navigate stairs while screaming things like, “My girlfriend is going to kill me if I get rabies!” and “Run! Run for all that is holy!” It was hilarious. That fiasco would have made an amazing YouTube video.

Bottom line here- Don’t wake up bats. They bite and foaming at the mouth is not at all attractive.

If you need a better visual example of what I just described, hit up the Farmer’s Market this week and buy an odd-shaped potato. Let that potato roll down a flight of stairs. That is pretty much what the scene developed into. It wasn’t pretty.

Have a fantastic May in Modesto. Plant a garden. Eat some tasty fruit. Find somewhere to sit and watch a river roll by. Share a sundae at Loard’s downtown with the one person that you love the most. Sit and watch tiny kids learn to play baseball. Live the American dream. Be thankful for health and happiness.

Feel free me to email me at r.porras@me.com for any reason at all. I know some awesome recipes and I can hook you up with some great advice on avoiding bats. Oh life!

by Monica Barber

May is a magnificent month for trying out new things and finding new ways to occupy your time. There’s no better time than the present to enjoy the warm weather and get out on the town and Mo-town is ripe for deals in May!

Looking for a great deal on a book? Take a walk downtown on May 4th and head over to the Modesto library. The Annual Friends of the Library Sale is happening and will be held on the portico of the Library from 8am to 3pm. Books are priced to sell at 50-cent for paperbacks and $1for hard-bounds! There will be something for everyone! Book donations are always needed as well. If you’d like to donate please feel free to head over to their homepage tinyurl.com/209books or send an email to clarenoo@gmail.com.

If you treasure your time spent indoors, think of how much you can learn about the outdoors while spending your time indoors. Stop by The Great Valley Museum to learn some beautiful and enriching facts about the valley environment. As you find yourself walking through the exhibits you will feel absolutely transformed by the experience. Learning about the great outdoors won’t break your budget one bit. Prices range from FREE for students and children under six to $1 general admission. If you head over as a family group you can enter for the bargain price of only $3. Find more information at tinyurl.com/209animals.

One of my favorite ways to quench my thirst is with a glass of Lemonade. This year you can join me and many others in the community by participating in the Modesto Lemonade Day. On May 18th, youth are encouraged to participate in this nationwide program that teaches startup principles and business follow-through by operating a Lemonade Stand. You can support by mentoring, volunteering, participating or purchasing. Registration is free. Head over to modesto.lemonadeday.org to find out more about this revolutionary program.

End your month by Going Straight to the Movies with the MSO Pops tribute to Walt Disney & John Williams at The Gallo Center. Let’s Go to The Movies offers you a chance to enjoy your favorite movie music from classic Disney films along with selections from Harry Potter, Star Wars and Chicago. There should be something for everyone including film aficionados and music enthusiasts. For more information including ticket prices see galloarts.com.

ModestoView is proud to announce our partnership with Crescent Work and Outdoor for a special contest designed for local families.

We love traveling and exploring and we really love getting outside and enjoying nature. On that note, we want to help one local family do just that.

Details – One lucky winner will win all of the following from Crescent Supply and Outdoor -

• 6-Person Tent
• Two Coleman Sleeping Bags
• Two Aluminum Chairs with Attached Retractable Tables
• Queen-Sized Air Mattress

Dig out your favorite camping photos and share your best memories. We are looking for the most interesting photos that you can find. Maybe your Aunt Sally once had to wrestle a deer or your little brother once got a fish that was a big as a shark. Those photos would be great!

Enter in one of three ways -

Tag your photo with #ModestoView on Instagram

Post your photos to the ModestoView Facebook at www.facebook.com/modestoview

Email your images to r.porras@me.com

Deadline for entries is May 25th. One entry per family. Entries will be judged by Crescent Work and Outdoor.

Learn more about Crescent Work and Outdoor here: www.crescentmodesto.com

Crescent Work and Outdoor – 801 8th Street – (209) 529-3490

BarView
Tiki Lounge
By Kate Serpa
Photos by Philip Johnson

You may think of May as a ‘meh’ month. Only boring people get bored, Modesto! Here are some May holidays you can use as an occasion to drink (extra points if you make up your own themed cocktail): National Hoagie Day, Save the Rhino Day, Clean Your Room Day, No Socks Day followed by Lost Sock Memorial Day, Learn about Composting Day, photographer Philip Johnson’s birthday, National Tap Dance Day, National Escargot Day, Fatigue Syndrome day, Lumpy Rug Day, Waiter and Waitress Day, Mother’s Day, Sun Screen Day, Beverage Day, Bird Day, Twilight Zone Day, International Tuba Day, Oyster Day, Eat What You Want Day, and — ah, yes, and Cinco de Mayo, which is a relatively low-key holiday in honor of the Mexican Army’s fight for their freedom against the French during the 1862 Franco-American War. Cinco de Mayo is a relatively calm, quiet holiday, and is privately celebrated with sober reverence. You know I am totally messing with you.

Last Cinco de Mayo I was asked by a real-life French Canadian, amid the downtown live music, drinking, dancing, and horse riding, if this sort of thing was an ‘usual Saturday night’ kind of thing in Modesto. The answer was no, but it should be yes. There’s nothing like a man in a sombrero on a horse downtown late at night to make you question your sobriety. Cinco de Mayo is pretty much the only night of the entire year I’m willing to make it a tequila-only night, because I’m white as hell and that stuff brings out the crazy.

I am not a ‘shot girl’ very often, but somehow I always end up doing shots at the Tiki. This is likely because Tiki is an incredibly fun place to do shots. Actually, Tiki is a fun place for almost damn near anything — birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, days of observance, etc, etc. Phil talked me out of doing a tequila shot article because he knows me and knows I would have likely ended up loosing one of my shoes; so instead we decided to do a Mexican flag-themed set up, with a tequila shot in the middle for good measure. The lovely Michael LeRoy of the Tiki was so kind as to pour up some delicious red (vodka cran), white (Patron Silver), and green (apple martini) drinks that came together as a perfect Friday afternoon arrangement. Notable Tiki characteristics include an almost-always packed dance floor, live DJ Thursday through Saturday, indoor fire pit, smoke-friendly back patio, a sizable vodka selection, and attractive bartenders.

My only complaint about Tiki is that damn black light at the entrance which always reminds me that I don’t lint-roll my jacket as well as I should.

So celebrate May in style, ModestoView readers. Nearly every day is a damn holiday during that month so you have no excuse. I highly recommend heading over to Tiki for a flag-themed lineup of cocktails. The red and green cocktails can also be applied to Star Wars Day (you know, the light saber colors?) just in case you head over to Tiki on the 4th instead. Happy May, Modesto, and May the Fourth be with you.

Tiki Lounge Tuesday-Wednesday: Karaoke 9-2 Thursday: College Night Thursday & Saturday: DJ Invisible Friday: DJ Liquid 932 McHenry Ave., Modesto, CA www.facebook.com/TikiModesto<http://www.facebook.com/TikiModesto> www.tikimodesto.com<http://www.tikimodesto.com/>

Chef View By Dana Johnson SOS Safari on Salad

May, the month that is synonymous with Mother’s Day has motivated me to go on a safari so to speak! A safari in search of salads that Moms (step-moms, grandmas, aunties, caregivers, and Mr. Mom!) do not have to make, shake, bake, or take anywhere! On this journey I found a bounty of tantalizing salads throughout all of Modesto. My adventure led me along many paths until I found my top three! To make this safari a bit more authentic, each restaurant has outdoor seating where I could bask in the sun and welcome a breeze while looking the part in cool sunglasses and a smile on my face. Alright, I’ve teased you all long enough…

First stop I paid a visit to my friends Carmen Sabatino and Russell St. Clair at the Mediterranean Market and Grill on McHenry. I was delighted with the brand new outdoor patio with sliding panel doors easily adjustable for customer’s comfort levels. I so look forward to dining there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the summer months practically here. The most popular salad on the menu is the Mediterranean Seafood Salad. Fresh, crisp romaine lettuce served with your choice of dressing and crowned with your favorite fish or fish of the day including: Shrimp, salmon, calamari, white albacore tuna, tilapia, and mahi mahi. So many choices for all of you, for me unfortunately I’m allergic to fish oil, so I enjoyed the same Dana~licious salad, but with grilled chicken breast instead. I paired it with a sassy white wine that also went well with the lip-licking hot garlic bread. Then Russell taunted me with his homemade pecan cake that would totally defeat the purpose of me ordering a salad! It was also difficult to pass on the Italian Cream Sodas many patrons were indulging in! Next time!

Second stop on 13th Street, Vito’s. I was greeted by another friend, owner, Ray Ashak. He immediately knew what salad I was hunting for, the Waldorf Chicken Salad for Dana~licious coming right up! I love this salad for many reasons. It is a NYC classic right here in Modesto. It has mixed greens, grilled chicken, seedless grapes, granny smith apples, caramelized walnuts, celery, and gorgonzola cheese, tossed with Dijon balsamic vinaigrette or bleu cheese dressing. Both dressings have amazing flavor so I just give a wink and request them both! Vito’s is well known for their addicting hot and soft breads that come with the salad. I was in the Martini mode and bartender Ben paired me perfect with a Stockholm 75 fruity martini that was truly refreshing with my dining experience. Again, I had to leave without caving into one of my biggest temptations, Vito’s multi layered chocolate cake that is beyond divine when paired with a rich glass of Boeger’s Barbera. A special note of gratitude to Ray and his beautiful wife May for being incredibly generous by offering a 10% discount to all city and county employees, too!

My final stop was on Bangs near McHenry, Greens Table. It was most delightful to see the smiling face of yet another friend, owner, Ann Endsley. Ann has plenty to smile about as Greens Table is only in its first months of opening and it’s plenty busy. Greens Table and Greens Central (downtown on 10th St.) have a stellar reputation for local and sustainable “clean food”, no preservatives and no additives. There are only two known restaurants in the USA that own and operate directly from their own organic farm, yes Greens is one of them! With that in mind I was feeling extra good knowing what I was about to put into my body, Chinese Chicken Salad! Lettuce, cabbage, snow peas, bell pepper, chicken breast, wonton strips, all dressed in incredible Asian vinaigrette! Bite after bite my mouth wanted to shout out “Lovely salad for me!” It kept getting better as I sipped on Greens signature green tea and this time I said yes to dessert! I just couldn’t take it anymore as that fresh and savvy strawberry mousse was calling me by name, “Dana~licious you know you want me!” There was only one way to make it stop!

Happy Mother’s Day to all that share such an honorable title! Take a safari, you deserve it!

A Dana-licious Tip! When making a salad, here are some simple ways to make every salad Danalicious 1st: Always wash & pat dry your produce as it has travelled through many hands to reach your mouth. 2nd: For a crisper salad, use a chilled stainless steel bowl to prepare in & serve on chilled salad plates w/ chilled forks! 3rd: Toss dressing with greens 4th: Then add toppings in order to not drown out those flavors that are there to enhance the salad

Art View by Jim Christiansen May opens with two juried Spring Shows opening May 4. In Modesto, the 60th annual Central California Art Association Spring Show, opens with a Gala artist and award Gala event, with silent auction, raffle and presentations at the Mistlin Gallery. The Spring Show Gala costs $20 and supports the CCAA/Mistlin Gallery. After the Gala, the show is free to view during regular gallery hours and Art Walk until June 13.The other juried Spring Show, is the Annual Carnegie Arts Center exhibition in Turlock, that also opens May 4. That show will be open through June 30.

The following day, drop in at Congregation Beth Shalom for great food, music and art for Café Shalom event. My friend Eli Lester talked me into this fun event again this year. Cinco de Mayo event undoubtedly happening that day, but I don’t have information on that for the visual arts. Shout out to my friend, artist Greg Carrillo that his health improving. The Family Justice Center has partnered the past couple years with local artists to raise awareness and fundraising for the Center’s mission through its “Art of Justice” program. Several pieces of art are still available for exhibit and for sale. 100% of the proceed from the sale of the art helps support the Stanislaus Family Justice Center’s, “Art Restores Kids” program and today we are 100% privately funded and staffed by all volunteers. For more information about these programs, to purchase art or make a donation, or find out how you can get involved, please contact Cindy on (209) 525-5134 or cschneider@stanislausfamilyjustice.org.

May 16 is the date for Downtown Modesto Third Thursday Art Walk this month. I got caught up in the City Hall interactive event in 1010 Tenth street for April, so spent most of my time at Mistlin Gallery, Chartreuse Muse, Barkin Dog Grill. Chartreuse Muse is featuring Dean Decocker and James Deitz sculptures, drawings and paintings through May, and has an open call for artisans and crafters to submit works to be featured at the Muse. Bring in about 20 pieces of your work/creations to Chartreuse Muse or drop in for more information. They are seeking unique items. The Muse is also holding classes, for children and adults, including life drawing every other Saturday.

I spent some time talking to MJC faculty member and Artist Deborah Barr Brayman and viewing her featured Clowns at Barkin Dog Grill. Her works also featured this art walk at Building Imagination Center. I tried to go by the Gallery 909 student gallery for the BFA student Painting exhibition, but closed a bit early.

June 1 and 2, join me at the Pick and Gather at Riverdance Farms in Livingston, at 123330 Livingston-Cressey Road. This agricultural festival is unique, with U-Pick organic cherries and blueberries, the Merced River Fair on Saturday. Music and art and dance by many familiar local musicians and artists, along with educational workshops. Call Cindy @ 209 761 0081, web at riverdancefarms.com for more information, or email me at mercenary_graphics@yahoo.com

Keep the date, July 27, for “The Romance of Old Habana/ Havana Focus Exhibit” gala at Martin G. Petersen auditorium on H Street. Photographers David Schroeder and Jon Souza show is “Focus on Cuba,” and the gala benefit event July 27 for Mistlin Gallery, features Cuban Food, Cuban rum, cigars, music, dancing, and more. Look for the flier for information on tickets and table reservations.

Poking Around with Pokey LaFarge by Big Earl Matthews

Editor’s note: Pokey LaFarge is scheduled to play at Fat Cat on May 11th. Tickets ($10, general admission, 21+) are available at tinyurl.com/pokey209

Official artist website: pokeylafarge.net

I had never heard of Pokey LaFarge before my friend Jen Allsup told me she was bringing him to town last February. I have since fallen in love with his music. His music is a mix of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing. His writing style is heartfelt and his stories are well told.

LaFarge is a long time resident of St. Louis, Missouri but these days his home is on the road. He has had the pleasure of opening for Jack White’s Blunderbuss tour, as well as for acts including The Raconteurs, Nils Lofgren, Southern Culture on the Skids, Wanda Jackson, and most recently, Old Crow Medicine Show at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

LaFarge has released three albums thus far. He won an Independent Music Award for Riverboat Soul, his most recent. He is currently working on a full-length album with the help of Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show.

I had the chance to ask LaFarge a few questions. Here is what we talked about-

BEM: There are so many tasks that go into creating and performing original music- writing, recording, travel and actually performing. What comes the easiest for you and what part feels the most like work? LaFarge:Over the years, performing has become the easiest for me. While I truly enjoy and love writing songs, it’s sharing my music with people, young and old that brings the most satisfaction. I put a lot of pressure on myself to write but performing is where I get to let myself go. I’ll say this- most people don’t realize how hard being a professional touring musician is. Late nights, early mornings, long drives, sketchy meals, etc. I love people, traveling and playing music. You have to love it and be a little crazy to make it.

BEM: I love playing to friends and family but, there is nothing like going up in front of a crowd that doesn’t know you and winning them over. I would imagine you have had some great experiences on the road as support for The Raconteurs, Nils Lofgren, Southern Culture on the Skids, Wanda Jackson and the Old Crow Medicine Show. Could you share with us a time when you feel like you won over the crowd and made a connection where there was not one before? LaFarge:Opening shows for Jack (White) put us in front of our biggest crowds. While a lot of them didn’t know who we were, they were very open minded. We seemingly won them over every night. It’s not too difficult to win over a crowd that doesn’t know you. Just smile, make eye contact and then sing and play your butt off.

BEM: Who are your Favorite songwriter/songwriters? LaFarge: Bob Wills/Tommy Duncan, Fred Rose, Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, Merle Haggard, Big Bill Broonzy, Sleepy John Estes, Sonny Boy Williamson, Wayne Hancock and Big Sandy.

BEM: We are blessed with a lot of talented local musicians and songwriters here in Modesto and I am a huge proponent of local music. Who from your hometown (St. Louis) would you suggest that we check out? LaFarge: Rum Drum Ramblers