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.

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

Greetings ModestoFans!

ModestoView is declaring April 2012 as Modesto civic pride month! We hear all the time about the national news that makes us look bad, but in reality, we have so much to be proud of and so much to celebrate. A strong commitment to history makes a city strong. An awareness about what makes us unique and different creates a sense of pride that makes people want to get involved and make a difference. We are all looking for the authenticity that makes Modesto USA “A Classic American City”

Over the last few months, we have celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Arch, the Chamber of Commerce our library system and a really cool architectural tour. The City of Modesto is embracing the spirit of American Graffiti with the new Historic Cruise Route that will be in place this year for Graffiti Summer. George Lucas is even excited about what is happening as he made special videos for the Chamber 100th celebration and a special look back at Modesto for the Cruise Route project. www.modestocruiseroute.com

It is time and we are ready. We have a rich and talented music scene. Take time to go to one of our clubs, restaurants or theaters and check out a local band and buy their music. Youwill be amazed. If you haven’t been downtown lately, go this month and check out the farmers markets, music in the plaza and our local restaurants. Modesto is flat, so ride your bike on the Virginia Corridor or Mensinger trail and stop off at a café or coffee shop and soak up the local scene andmeet a bunch of new friends. When you shop, shop at a locally owned store so that your money stays here and makes us all more financially strong and builds our local economy. It is time to look around and see all of the good and look at the things that we will be remembering at the end of our next 100 years. What will be in the 2112 (Rush anyone?) painting?

It is up to us! Celebrate the good. Explore the interesting. Listen to the talent. Taste our local cuisine and tell the world how great we can be. You have already started by reading ModestoView Magazine and following us on line. With ModestoView, you will get the positive Modesto message 24 hours a day 7 days a week in print, video, song and 140 character messages. Thanks for reading, thanks for advertising and thanks for making a positive Modesto part of your day.

Chris Murphy Founder and Publisher- ModestoView Chrism@modestoview.com

Fashion View Dazzle Me, with Gemz By Shasta Boss

Almost every little girl dreams about being a princess. They dream about being very well behaved happy young ladies with the fanciest clothes to dress up in, the newest hairstyles, nail designs, and of course their very own pink runway. You know, Royalty or Rock Star status. So, shouldn’t we be pampered like them too? Definitely!!!

Gemz Salon and Boutique located at 1104 Scenic Drive is a full service salon with a small boutique located right inside. They specialize in Little Misses Pamper Parties that give young ladies the ultimate star treatment. Glamour hairstyles, dress up, sparkle makeup, nail designs, goodie bags, and a runway fashion show are services that Gemz offers with their Little Misses Pamper Parties. Don’t forget your camera for these parties because carousel horses, zebra print, and a bright pink carpet runway will make the cutest birthday memories.

Tutus and hair clips for the girls and jewelery and purses for the ladies make convenient and affordable essentials. A small part in the front of the salon has a cute selection of a variety of accessories and clothing.

Rockstar toes are a sparkly new nail trend that mixes glitter with gel to create a long lasting polish. Super cute for teens and worth the Rockstar name.

An organic spray tan, Organi-tan, is now being offered at the salon too. It isairbrushed on and made with natural ingredients providing many skin benefits.

Check the out online at gemzsalon.com or at 521-GEMZ

This is advance ticket sale event You have heard about Pub Crawls and now the crawl is taking to it to a new level. Check out this action.

When a shopper buys a ticket they will be on a bus that will start and stop at the same location. (So is someone who lives in say Turlock wanted to go with their Turlock friends they would buy their ticket in Turlock, which would put them on the bus that would start and end in Turlock.) Lisa Beers that owns Unique Boutiques, Jen Kabala that owns Ritzy Ragz and Tina that owns the Antique Warehouse started this event.

This is the first year that any downtown Modesto locations will be included. Crow Trading, Intrinsic Elements and Bonnie J are included in the participants this time!! I know that Lisa at Unique Boutiques told me yesterday that the bus that starts are her location is now full and their location is sold out. They are working on selling tickets for the bus that will start at Crow Trading / Intrinsic Elements. Tickets usually sell out pretty quickly.

It’s an advance ticket only event, that includes lunch, goodie bag, raffles and refreshments as well as lots of special sales. (the Crawl takes place on March 17) Tickets are being sold at: In Oakdale @ Tags 845.9312 In Salida @Antique Warehouse 545.9460 In Modesto @Unique Boutiques 523.3000 Again, if you want to start and end in Modesto, you have to buy your ticket in Modesto. Crow Trading Co. 1208 J Street Modesto, CA 95354 phone: 209-579-2173 email: infoantiques@crowtrading.com facebook: Crow Trading web: www.crowtrading.com hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 6pm

Artist Note: Throughout the February issue of ModestoView you will see little steam punk hearts created by local artist Becky Murphy. Created from repurposed mechanical parts and high strength polymer and hand painted and stained. She also works in glass, metals and paints.

Learn more at www.beckymurphy.com

You can email her at me@beckymurphy.com

Modesto's Robert House

Five Questions w/ Robert House by ModestoFamous

This is the first article in a series that we have planned that will feature local folks that we see almost daily but do not know much about.

Robert House is the madman that rides his unicycle on McHenry Avenue every day. It was nice to chat with him a bit. There is a storied history behind this single-wheeled street pirate that is quite interesting.

MF: How long have you been doing this? Some people remember you doing this as far back as the 90s. What got you started and motivated to really never want to stop?
House: I have been riding daily in Modesto for 15 years. I was trained by an old friend and as soon as he showed me the ropes I knew that I would want to keep on riding for as long as I could. Learning to ride and balance was like getting set on fire. I was hot for it right away! My firstride was from Yosemite to Briggsmore on a unicycle I bought for $5 at a yard sale.

MF: What is the craziest thing that has happened to you on the road?
House: People are crazy! I have things thrown at me all the time. I have been soaked with Big Gulps, coated in egg yolk and almost knocked over by shoes. I really hate classic Converse Chuck Taylor’s. They seem to be thrown at me the most.

MF: How many unicycles have you ridden over the years? Do you have a fantasy cycle that you would love to own one day? House: I have ridden six different unicycles over the last 15 years. I would love to own a Torker unicycle if I can sav

e the $280 to makethat happen. I’d like to have a shot at the 96 mile record one of these days.

MF: People are curious to know more about you. What is the one thing that you would really like them to know?
House: I carry a photo of my friend, mentor and teacher, Terry Don Vanaman in my wallet wherever I go. I ride for Terry more than I ride for myself. He died this year on April 20th after a battle with Cancer. I miss him but I plan to honor his memory every day that I can.

MF: Give it to me in one line. Tell me what really keeps you motivated to keep riding in the heat, cold and rain. Tell me why you don’t stop.

House: It’s pretty simple- McHenry Ave is my stage and I want to dance all over it.

Last year I happened to be in the right place at the right time to catch this exclusive shot of a certain green fuzzy guy trying to steal Christmas from my friend Jackson Carota. As you can see, things didn’t work out quite like The Grinch had planned. Rumor has it that he’ll be up to his old tricks again this year and we’ve got a plan to stop him. But first, I want to check in with you on the current state of your fitness lifestyle.

During this Holiday Season, temptation will be all around you. I have faith that you will pass on those second helpings and remember thatalmost everything in life is good in moderation. It’s important to recognize this is a challenging season and take an extra spoonful of daily discipline to avoid those unwanted Holiday pounds or a lull in your workout regimen. Perhaps though, you’ve been working out hard, eating right and still, you’ve somehow ended up in a rut. If your workouts have become boring, it might be time to change things up and one great way to do this is to get a new fix on your workout soundtrack. Try loading a new mix in your mp3 player to motivate you to the next level.

Being a DJ, I have somewhat of an advantage in being able to keeping it fresh all the time. Several of my friends have asked what music I work out to, so I created The Quake DJ Fitness page on Facebook to share what motivates and inspires me. Everyday I log in and post at least two songs that get me moving during my workouts. So far the site has been a useful tool for many of my friends and I invite you to check it out and see what this DJ in training moves too.

You may be surprised by what you find there, a combination of Rock, European Retro and some digitally re-mastered mixes by The Quake DJ. Come on over to www.facebook.com/QuakeFitness and take what you want. You can also leave suggestion for others and mention what’s working for you in your workouts. It has been fun sharing a variety of high-energy music with friends and Quake fans. Break the lull in your workouts and give it a try. Once you’ve plugged in with a new playlist, you may well find yourself moving in a new direction with great results!

Now, let’s get back to that Grinch and his plans to wreak havoc on Modesto once again. As you may know, last year The Grinch was spotted at the Spirit of Giving Run, trying to steal Christmas. Modesto’s children nearly caught him, but at the last minute, he jumped on a motorcycle and escaped scot-free. Word on the street is that he’ll be back in full force this year with a whole new game plan. So join me on December 10^thfor The 2^ndannual Spirit of Giving Run and Bike Ride. Enjoy some Holiday fitness, while raising funds for our City Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund and Interfaith Ministries. Also, don’t forget to bring your canned food donations for The Modesto Gospel Mission. For more information on The Spirit of Giving Run and Ride, log on to the Shadow Chase website at www.shadowchase.org or contact Andy Johnson at ajohnson@modestogov.com. Let’s knock out the Grinch once more and save Christmas for Modesto kids, big and small!

Keepin’ It Local

By Shasta Boss

Autumn’s leaves are falling and winter is peeking out from right around the corner. With a new year approaching, celebrations are always in the works. When gift shopping we should make the choice of doing it all locally. The Farmers Market is an easy weekly routine and it goes on through mid December (Saturdays only until it ends on the 17th). If you think that all the Farmers Market has to offer is food type items, you are in for a treat. You can find Bre’s Floral arrangements, plants, unique jewelry pieces, glimmering Swarovski crystal items, candles from Desert Garden, Inland Fog’s natural vegan homemade bath soap, wood works, crafts, and more. The downtown street market supplies the community with a huge variety of the freshest food products including baked goods, nuts, and dairy products. So many taste testings can be found throughout the market from hummus, to clam chowder, handmade caramels, jams, salsas, fruits, nuts, kettle corn, Bolani breads and spreads, Murphy’s Mustard, Edith’s Bread treats, and much more.

One of my favorite food items are the butter toffee glazed almonds from Four K Farms. They sell all kinds of sweet and savory flavoredalmonds and some seasoned walnuts (honey sesame are delish too), plain almonds, dried fruit, and pistachios. My family loves to mix the butter toffee almonds with Dale’s Kettle Corn for an easy and delicious movie or dessert snack. Bava Farms has great prices on tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, and peppers. John, the owner or “The Pepper Guy” as I like to refer to him, has a nice variety of habaneros, Anaheims, bells, and other different varieties of peppers. Jammin’ Jams have a good variety of jams and pickled items. Taste a bunch and pick up a few for gifts since they are jarred up with a cute piece of fabric to top it off. Edith’s chocolate zucchini bread, peasant bread, and ciabatta rolls are scrumptious. Sciabica Olive Oil offers flavored oils that can be a perfect gift for any chef or food lover. Jer M Designs makes painted wooden banks, toy cars, and other quality made items. Everyone has to eat, so don’t be shy giving out these delicious treats as gifts.

Recently, I have came across a few new boutique style booths. Ultimate Elegance carries elegant and unique items made with Swarovski crystals and other jewelry products. Donna’s Designs also displays beautiful jewelry items handmade and uniquely designed. Silk Bloomers create handmadecraft items and wreaths focusing on the seasons and upcoming holidays. Cosmic Popsicle is a new and emerging company based in Turlock. They sell handmadebath, body, and skin care items, whipped body butters, and mineral makeup. These are all upscale gift items that are made locally and that will work within the budget.

The Dickens Victorian Faire takes place December 3^rd on 15^th Street where the usual market will be combined with morelocal craft booths aimed at holiday gifts.

Support our local farmers and artists by stocking up on goodies at The Farmers Market. Fill up a few gift baskets for your loved ones of locally made and grown quality items.

Enlighten Me…

By Shasta Boss

makeupboss@gmail.com

Leave your bad vibes behind to enter an incense infused atmosphere full of Intrinsic Elements, serenity, and uplifting secrets that will energize and enlighten your mind, body, and soul. Intrinsic Elements, found at 1214 J Street, focuses on retail gifts for people of all ages with a holistic type theme. Susie and Michelle, the owners, opened the boutique in December 2010 and have been serving the community with their metaphysical love that is in each item that they present. They specialize in mother nature’s secret powers to heal internal wounds, wash away despair, ignite positivity in ones self, and promote happiness. Many of their items can also make perfect gifts for those you love by focusing on their specific likes and desires. For example, the Vibes Up bracelets are created with liquid crystal, infused oil, and plant botanicals that offer a holistic approach to good health and a positive well-being. When you wear the bracelets they canhelp specifically in pain relief, will power, energy, stress relief, and much more. Mother Nature’s Therapy Bears are small organic stuffed bears to help“clean out your ickies” and make you feel safe and loved.

Placing inspiring language around your personal space is known to create positive thoughts and energies. The boutique carries Letterosis which are photographs of letters that are seen in different types of objects in nature or landscapesthat can be personalized with names or encouraging phrases. Other positive messages and symbols etched into stones are placed throughout the shop for everlasting inspiration. Therapeutic, self help, and wellness books can be found on book racks towards the back.

Different types of crystals and geodes can be found around the boutique too. The different types of crystals and tumbled stones have specific meanings and natural powers if you keep the stones in your aura. For example, amethyst, I learned at the shop, “is known for its healing powers, it has the ability to attract spiritual energies and calm restless thoughts. Provides peace of mind. It is a good stone for meditation and to attract serene dreams.” The boutique has huge pieces of Amethyst around the store to enhance these natural heaing powers into the surrounding area and many other crystals that generate holistic healing properties.

Intrinsic Elements boutique is full of unique and stunning pieces of jewelry made with various materials like precious stones, pearls, and crystals. They carry beaded rings that look like fireworks on your fingers, zebra print stones, flowersmade out of bright colored jewels, and much more. Some of the newest items they offer include blinged out jewel shirts made for women and little girls. Feather headbands are so in style right now and you can find these throughout the boutique as well.

Some very popular items are the Buddahlicious massage and body lotion candles. Just light the candle and use some warm “wax” for massage or body lotion. Thank you again Susie for the relaxing hand massage with the tranquility scent:) Some other favorites are the birthstone fairies, mermaid figurines, and the pure essential oil perfumes.

Peaceful sounding instruments are placed in front of the boutique. They carry ancient singing bowls that are used by tapping a copper or iron bowl with a mallet and swirling it around the bowl to create a soft ringing of vibrational sound. They produce the sacred “Aum” sound that relates to meditation and destressing techniques. I found a wooden xylophone that was very fun to play along withother newly made ancient style instruments.

By making one stop into Intrinsic Elements you can start the journey you need to uplift your mind, body, and soul. You can easily obtain items that will create inspiration and energize your well-being. Go ahead make the change you’ve been searching for, create an unique gift, or add to your holistic collection, right here in downtown Modesto.

“The place where BLING meets BLISS”

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TOP 11 BLINGIN’ GIFTS

Just in time for 11/11/11 and the holidays

1. Intrinsic Elements

2. Yesterday’s Books

3. Unique Boutiques

4. Che’root Cigar Lounge

5. Kidsland

6. Beads of Contentment

7. Tressetti’s Wine World

8. Crow Trading Company

9. Ragamuffin

10. Bonanza Books and Comics

11. Farmer’s Market goodies

Visit these Modesto based shops to find perfect treasures for Men, Women, and Children.