8AM-9:45AM

Opening presentation and discussion

10AM-1PM

Pro-local Business Workshop

Presentation/workshop from Jeff Milchen from AMIBA (American Independent Business Alliance). He has been in Malibu setting up that town with a Buy Local campaign and will be in Modesto TOMORROW, MAY 15, from 8am-1pm in The Modesto Chamber of Commerce conference room at 1114 J Street, Modesto, 95354. We want to encourage all independent businesses and those that support the local guy to attend. There is limited space. Local food will be served.

1114 J Street, Modesto

(Modesto Chamber of Commerce Conference Room)

NO CHARGE to attend. Reserve your spot by emailing: pamobrien@sbcglobal.net

Local food will be served. Win door prizes!

“Sustaining local ownership isn’t just important for sustaining our community character, it’s key to the long-term economic vitality of Modesto.”

Strength in Numbers!

Jeff Milchen, co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) and a leading advocate for community-based businesses will lead a presentation and workshop for all INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OWNERS, LOCAL LEADERS and ALL INTERESTED in the development of our community.

You’ll see examples of how dozens of communities have succeeded in building a culture of support for local entrepreneurs and shifting local spending.

GO MODESTO !

Course will held Saturday & Sunday, May 12, 13, 19, 20 9am-4pm and Friday, May 18 4:30-7:30pm. Course cost is $225. Successful Completion will certify participants in American Red Cross: Lifeguard Training, First Aid and CPR/AED for the professional rescuer.

Register in person at the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department office, 1010 Tenth Street, Suite 4400, or online at www.modestogov.com/econnect. For more information, call (209) 577-5428.

Greetings Modesto Fans!

There is an energy when you go downtown in Modesto USA on a Thursday or Friday night. You hear the music you can smell the amazing food in our local restaurants and you see so many people you know. The Classic cars that drive the street as we get closer to the 50th anniversary of the Class of ’62 have their own special song. This friendliness is really what makes Modesto special and is the key reason we will be an even greater city.

A few people can make a difference here. Whether you want to organize a city wide clean up program, or create a Historic Cruise Route, begin to build downtown residences or start a mural program or even create a new record label, it cam be done here in Modesto. We have just the right blend of big thingsto make life exciting, but we have a small enough community where ANYONE, even you can make an impact. We the people have the power to make this city what we want it to be.

It is bike month here in Modesto! What? No Amgen? Yes it is still bike month since we have the amazing Ride For Mom and the 12th, the Family Cycling Festival on the 19th and Bike to Work Day is Thursday the 17th and there is a cool Kid and His Bike movie at the State. So take your one speed, fixie, road bike, cross bike or mtn bike and become a regular rider. Ride to the Farmers Market, to breakfast, to work and to the store or gym. It is easy and fun and we will be a bike city 365 days a year and become fit and strong and active.

Last month, downtown Modesto was finally taken seriously as a project to make sure that it is a true cultural and economic hub. I often get asked, “Why do we talk about downtown so much?” The answer is simple. A strong and vibrant downtown creates a healthy community city-wide. A strong core creates excitement andpride. This reaches everywhere in town. Downtown is a place we can all share, and now we know that there is true economic power in building our downtown strength. Housing? 100% necessary. Nightlife? Yes, it needs to be guided and focused in downtown and most importantly “welcomed and encouraged”. Dining? Make it easy to open, staff and promote a restaurant and create outside seating so we have a café feeling all over downtown. Offices? Yes as many as possible all connected with public transportation. Retail? Shop local, so very simple. Our Cruising American Graffiti history? Whomp bom a lu bop a wop bam boom! This is something that makes the whole world smile when they think of Modesto. All of us benefit when this city is pedaling and revving together.

Getting involved is the key. ModestoView helps you get involved and keep a positive outlook. There are hundreds of positive things to do in every ModestoView magazine and our Facebook is loaded daily with positive and fun things to do in town and our Twitter feed reminds you all day long of good things to do. ModestoView serves civic pride 24/7 and has been doing it since 1997 when we first turned on our PlazaCam.

Be part of our team. Send in your events, ideas, thoughts and plans so we can help make our city better. Advertise with us so we can help make the positive Modesto message even louder and reach farther. You will reach the best people that live in our region and your business will benefit.

I thank you all for reading ModestoView and taking the time to comment on what we can do. Have a great Modesto May and see what you can do to make a difference.

Chris Murphy. chrism@modestoview.com

GraffitiView By Chris Murphy

Modesto USA is proud to be the home of American Graffiti, George Lucas’ 1973 film about cruising in 1962. ModestoView is proud to feature the legendary people that were there during those days and that George Lucas built his story upon. As we approach the 50th Anniversary of the Class of ’62, we will introduce you to Graffiti legends and share some fun Graffiti tales. In the April issue, we met the founder of the Faro’s Car Club, Dennis Billington.

This month, we take you on a rare view inside of the legendary Burge’s Drive In. During the late 40’s the contemporary music was on KTRB and then on KBOX. As rock and roll hit the airwaves, KMOD was the hit station that later became KFIV,still on the air today at AM 1360 where you hear the ModestoView morning to do list every day. This was Modesto’s soundtrack and everyone tuned to the same station.

Inside Burges’ there was a remote radio station and a KFIV DJ was there in action. Not only did he broadcast from inside the drive in, he would work the parking lot taking dedications and talking to the cruisers. Burge’s was the place to be and Dwight Case was there in the middle of it all, and spinning the rock and roll hits across the Modesto airwaves. This was truly a legendary time in Modesto. Dwight Case went on to the Sacramento and San Francisco markets and then to RKO Radio and became not only a Modesto radio legend, but a national legend too.

Soon you will see more American Graffiti history on the Modesto Historic Cruise Route coming to 10th and 11th Street beginning June 8. Click on www.modestocruiseroute.com to

Do you have an American Graffiti story to tell? Did you cruise between 1945 and 1965? Do you have any pictures you want to share? Email us or call us so that we can get your story and maybe even a dedication too. 209-534-1704 chrism@modestoview

Photo Credit: Dwight Case courtesy of the collection of Steve and Linda Pedego, Burge’s at night from the collection of Bart Bartoni

In June- ModestoView will have the best and most exciting Graffiti Summer issue ever. Look for exclusive pictures and interview and the stories behind the story of American Graffiti. Make sure you advertise in tho every exciting issue.

BULLY takes a frank, head-on look at the bullying epidemic happening in America’s middle and high schools. It profiles several young victims — including Alex, a 12-year-old in Sioux City, Iowa, who endures merciless teasing and physical abuse on the school bus every day, and Kelby, a 16-year-old in Tuttle, Okla., who has been ostracized and attacked ever since coming out as a lesbian. In telling their stories and others, *Bully* explores the full range of bullying’s impact on kids, their families, and their communities, from the devastation of teen suicide to frustrated parents getting nowhere with school administrators. And, more than anything, it encourages teens to make a difference — to stand up against bullying instead of standing by. This year, over 13 million American kids will be bullied at school, online, on the bus, at home, through their cell phones and on the streets of their towns, making it the most common form of violence young people in this country experience. BULLY is the first feature documentary film to show how we’ve all been affected by bullying, whether we’ve been victims, perpetrators or stood silent witness. Lee Hirsch and Alicia Dwyer’s painfully earnest plea on behalf of persecuted children should be seen by kids, above all.

*What Parents Need to Know about BULLY from Common Sense Media:* *Bully* is a no-holds-barred documentary that intimately portrays bullying victims’ daily lives. While it’s often heartbreaking and deals with tough issues like suicide, the movie addresses an incredibly important, timely topic — bullying — in a frank, relatable way that’s age appropriate for teens and relevant for middle schoolers if an adult is present to guide discussion. *Bully*contains strong language but none of the swearing is gratuitous. Like it or not, it’s a realistic portrayal of what every middle schooler and older hears every day. This gives the film veracity and credibility with kids, and it will justifiably shock parents.*Bully*’s most challenging material isn’t just the language, but the suicides. Seeing grieving parents and friends could potentially be upsetting to teens and preteens, so they should definitely watch with adults. *Bully* also addresses the concepts of cutting, physical abuse, and more, but in a way that presents the consequences as well as the behavior itself. Victims’ parents are generally portrayed as supportive and loving, while school administrators come off in a much less positive light. Ultimately, *Bully*encourages kids to stand up to bullies, not stand by, and reinforces the fact that * everyone* can make a difference when it comes to this essential issue. *The film has been deemed to be appropriate for viewing by children as young as 12, when accompanied by an adult.*

MODESTO — The Stanislaus County district attorney’s office Victim Services program and the Stanislaus Family Justice Center will host an event Saturday in downtown Modesto as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., starts with a march led by the Beyer High School marching band from the courthouse lawn at 1100 I Street to the Stanislaus Family Justice Center at 1625 I Street.

The event will feature guest speaker Debbie Johnson from “Without Permission,” a Modesto- based nonprofit group working against human trafficking.

There will be a complimentary hot dog lunch for attendees and booths with information on available services from several county agencies and community groups.

Hope to see you there!

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/2012/04/26/2174792/victims-rights-focus-of-downtown.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/2012/04/26/2174792/victims-rights-focus-of-downtown.html#storylink=cpy

Those who want to participate in the march should assemble at 9:45 a.m., organizers saidThe event will feature guest speaker Debbie Johnson from “Without Permission,” a Modesto- based nonprofit group working against human trafficking.There will be a complimentary hot dog lunch for attendees and booths with information on available services from several county agencies and community groups.

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/2012/04/26/2174792/victims-rights-focus-of-downtown.html#storylink=c p Cindy Schneider Director of Community Partnerships Stanislaus Family Justice Center 1625 I Street Modesto, CA 95354 209-525-5134 www.stanislausfamilyjustice.org

Featuring Local Talent: Autumns Garden,Third Party,Joe Barretta Band,Shaylin & Nate,Sweet Pea Knickers Dancers, and Doug Petty & The Chartbreakers feauturing:Doug Robinett,Funky Tim,Patty Castillo/Davis,Marirose Powell,Randy Brown.Ron Meyer and Oren…and a special guest performance by Mike Allsup of DAM!

Advance Tix Available thru musicians $5 advance $10 at the door. sponsors are: Modestoview.com/Ernie Ball/Noahs Water/ Minnies Restaurant/Cen Cal Hydroponics/Daydreams & Nightmares/DWVideo/105.5 The River/Fat Cat/ Micheal J. Designs

How far would you go to encourage your kids? That seems like a valid question, right? We all want the best for our kids and we all want them to be as happy as possible. Local father, Thomas Grattan is making the dreams of his kids happen in a big way and we are all invited to watch his project take shape.

Grattan has two sons in a band that plays regular gigs in Modesto at local high school events, cafes and restaurants. They wanted to step up their game a bit and their father offered to do what it took to make their dreams happen. One might think that someone in this position would buy their kids a new instrument or maybe sign them up for more lessons.

Grattan went bigger.

On Sunday April 29, the band that Grattan’s Boys are in, High Voltage will step onto the stage at the State Theatre and perform with a group of musicians that their father has brought together to play along side of and inspire the boys. The line-up includes Kid Charlemagne with Johnny and Kelly, Hari Kari, Offshore and Neil Buettner and Matt Harrington.

Getting a line-up together that essentially makes up the who’s who of the local music scene was not enough for Grattan. He also hired West Coast Sound and Light to design and build one of the biggest and wildest rock n’ roll lighting and sound set-ups that has ever been assembled at the State Theatre, commissioned Fuzio to cater the event and had a truckload of merchandise made to sell at the event.

The kicker is this – Tickets for the show are only $10 and families are welcome. Grattan has designed the event to appeal to music fans of all ages. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the State Theatre’s Youth Music Program.

This is a show that you should try to make it to. This is where you will see dreams come alive right in front of you. This will cost you about the same price as a trip to the movies and will keep you happy and dancing for over four hours. This is more than a concert. This is a celebration of our future. This is pure inspiration. Let’s show these boys what it feels like to perform to a sold-out house. We can easily make this happen as a community.

More details: www.future-of-rock.com

I always enjoy a show at the State Theatre. There is something special about the old room that really makes events come to life. Kearney has sold nearly a million records and has played all over the world but watching him did here not feel distant. It is easy to really like part of the action in a venue the size of the State Theatre and that is a great feeling.

The State Theatre has a packed calendar this month. Get out and check out tributes to Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix and make sure to get tickets for the Future of Rock Music Fest on April 29th for your chance to meet a long list of local performers. This will give you an idea of what is really happening with the Modesto music scene. Click here for information and tickets: http://www.thestate.org/calendar/category/live+performances