At ModestoView we are proud of our reputation of being community focused, open to diversity and socially responsible. Today, we are combining all of those factors to do something that we have never done before and we are working with a great group of young locals to make that happen.

Tonight is the opening of the film “Fast & Furious 6” at Brenden Theatres and we will be attending with 22 new friends known as Civilized Car Club. ModestoView and Brenden Theatres is joining forces to provide free movie tickets to the club.

To promote diversity, civilized Car Club is open to cars of all makes and models. – Photo courtesy Civilized Car Club

Modesto has a long history of automobile appreciation as we are the home of American Graffiti and icons such as famed hot rod builder, Gene Winfield. But more than that, Modesto is known as a place where community is important and where a sense of family is a key focus.

According to Civilized Car Club’s media liaison for this project, Juan Maravilla, the club aims to be a positive force in the Modesto community by focusing on a few core values.

“Civilized doesn’t discriminate,” explained Maravilla. “We are open to all makes and models of cars and more than anything, our president Oscar De La O encourages our members to work together as a family. Family is important to us.”

ModestoView Publisher, Chris Murphy likes the idea of bringing youth into the mix with this project.

Good old-fashioned American muscle cars are popular with Civilized Car Club. Photo courtesy Civilized Car Club

“These young guys help to bridge the gap between the older car fans of Modesto and the youth in the community. They also help us showcase the musical history of Modesto with their appreciation of rock n’ roll and rockabilly music and the fashion style of that era,” said Murphy.

Join us at Brenden Theatres tonight at 10pm for the world premiere of Fast and Furious 6. A car show will take place in front of the theatre at 10^th Street Place starting at 6pm.

Learn more about Civilized Car Club at facebook.com/civilized.carclub.

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

Greetings All: The home of Modesto’s famous Sloshball games is getting a new facelift, thanks to city enthusiasm and the SF Junior Giants program. Gotta Love it.

Enslen Park to Receive Facelift

The City of Modesto, in partnership with the San Francisco Giants Community Fund and Good Tidings Foundation announce the renovation of one of the existing ball fields at Enslen Park in addition to overall park improvements.

Renovation of the ball field located in the northwest corner of Enslen Park began on Monday, May 6 and will result in an improved, Little League size ball field. The renovation work includes the demolition of the existing dirt in field, irrigation system, home plate and pitchers mound. Home plate is being moved back in order to accommodate a 200’ outfield ‘fence’ so that younger players will now be able to play on both diamonds at Enslen Park at the same time, increasing the number of youth participating in the Junior Giants program in Modesto.

The new ball field will feature a grass infield, improved irrigation, relocated drinking fountain, improved back stop and a concrete pathway that will provide accessibility from Morris Avenue to the new stands.

Due to the success of the local Junior Giants program and the recent top finish in fan voting for a new ball field at Enslen Park, the San Francisco Giants Community Fund and Good Tidings Foundation partnered with the City of Modesto’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department on this exciting project to improve the ball field and expand the opportunities for local youth to participate in the Junior Giants program.

In addition to the renovation of the existing ball field, a new T-ball backstop will be installed in the north east corner of the park near the intersection of Morris and Park Avenues. Along with the installation of the backstop, grading will be done to level the playing field. The new T-ball backstop will allow three games to be played at the same time allowing increased participation by Modesto’s youth.

Lastly, the entire park site will be overseeded with grass seed and then a layer of organic material, removed form the existing ball field, will be applied resulting in a new, beautiful turf to be enjoyed by all park users.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of May with a grand opening slated for mid-June.

For further information on this project, please contact Loren R. Holt at (209) 571-5573 or email: lholt@modestogov.com.

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Go Modesto MoBand season is here! Blankets ready? It is not to soon to start planning your summer around those important Thursday nights in Graceada Park with 3000 of your closest friends. Music starts at 8:00 pm

2013 Theme “PARTY IN THE PARK” June 6th – “Graffiti Nites” June 13th – “The Big Show” June 20th – “Disco Fever” June 27th – “Rock Roll & Remember” July 3rd – “Patriotic Blast-Off” July 11th – “It’s Party Time”

Note that the July 3 MoBand is a Wednesday since 4th of July is on a Thursday

Go Downtown Modesto The evenings are amazing this time of year. The downtown patios at our local restaurants are the place to be. One of the highlights is the 10th St Plaza Music Series. Every Friday night, from 7 -9 pm there will be live music in the plaza. You can hang out at Fuzio, get ready to go to a movie or enjoy the music before dinner or a show at the State or the Gallo Center. There is a great line up of bands this season and

May 3rd – Ryan Russell and Tom VandenAvond May 10th – Wrongdoers May 17th – Joe Barretta May 24th – BoyGirlBoy May 31st – House of Orange

June 7th – Johnny Rockets June 14th – LoveCore June 21st – Joe Barretta June 28th – Poor House Millionaires

May 18 – Johansen Stadium Sat am through Sun AM Support Family and Friends The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that helps our community celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Your reasons for getting involved in Relay For Life are as unique and special as the story that motivates you. Because of your support, we are creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays! This is a wonderful event in Modesto and the track is lined with really incredible booths where teams show their support, sell crafts and food to raise funds. There is an amazing luminary walk at dusk Saturday evening that is amazingly powerful. Please consider supporting this event, support a team or just make a donation. www.relayforlife.org and then type in Modesto, CA

Go Modesto!! It’s Lemonade Day Be on the lookout for Lemonade stands all over Modesto on May 18. It is not just a glass of lemonade, but it is a way to teach entrepreneurship and raise money for many important cause, each important to the groups that are making and creating these stands. These stands are amazing and well built and showcase the cause that they are supporting. So make sure to stop and get a nice refreshing glass of lemonade on Lemonade Day May 18

MJC Opens Science Community Center (Modesto, CA) – Modesto Junior College and Yosemite Community College District will hold a Ribbon Cutting Celebration for the new Science Community Center on Tuesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. on the West Campus at 2201 Blue Gum Avenue in Modesto. The public will have the opportunity to tour the facility with MJC faculty and staff members to learn about the numerous educational opportunities available in the new building. The Science Community Center will integrate college instruction facilities with the Great Valley Museum, a planetarium and an observatory. The Science Community Center is a 110,000 square foot, three-story building with a fourth floor observation deck and observatory. The water features in the front of the building includes numerous physics lessons which will teach as well as entertain young and old alike. The facility will be used for the instruction of college students, elementary school students and their teachers, and science enthusiasts of all ages, enabling MJC to provide leadership for the community in science education, literacy, and outreach. The Science Community Center was funded by the Measure E facilities bond approved in November of 2004. Other Measure E projects completed are Glacier Hall, Agriculture Center for Education, Student Services Building, the renovation of Founders Hall and the Performing and Media Arts Center. For more information on these new buildings or any Measure E project, contact the YCCD Facilities Office at 209.575.6512 or Kitchell Corporation at 209.575.6991. -MJC-

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