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.

InterView Modesto is loaded with musical talent. If you are reading this and have not been to one of our restaurants or nightclubs to hear our local bands play, then you need to make a plan this very second to check out the MdoestoView event calendar and go see local music. You will be amazing and the variety and the incredible talent we have here.

One of the most accomplished musicians around is Joe Barretta. Joe has been on the burning up the blues, playing your favorites and deliveringpowerful acoustic performances. I had the honor of having Joe play in our band for a gig we did in San Diego and it was great to get to share the stage with him and see is talent in action and get to know him better. Let’s meet Joe Barretta.

ModestoView: When did you start playing guitar? Joe Barretta: I Started playing and signing around 5 years old. I first startedplaying by ear, then taking lessons around 8 years old.

MV: What song inspired you most when you were young? JB: There were many. The usual of course, House of the Rising Sun, Gloria, Wipe Out. Then on to the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin. The list goes on.

MV:You have recorded in Nashville with some very special people, tell us about that? JB: I played in a band around here in the 90s with Bassist Mark Polack. We became really good friends over the years. Mark moved out to Nashville and startedplaying around Nashville. Mark is also a great recording engineer. Mark hasworked with many wellknown artists. So he is always inviting me out to Nashville to record. I recorded my last 2 records out in Nashville. My latest release was recorded at Lamplight studios. The studio is owned and run by Chad Cromwell. Chad is Neil Young’s drummer. He also has played with Dire Straits and many other great acts. He was nice enough to let me come over there andhang out and record the basic tracks for my latest record called Underneath the Sun.

MV: How has your style evolved over the years. JB: I grew up near Detroit Michigan. When I was young the music there was a biginfluence on me. Detroit had great rock stations to great soul music and jazz. I started out playing in my uncle’s club around age 8 playing CCR, Van Morrison, Johnny Cash. Until the police would politely tell my dad and uncle I had to go because of my age. They would take me out the back door and my payment was anything I wanted to eat. It was great training. I then startedplaying anywhere I could, weddings parties etc. My dad was really supportive when it came to my music. Around age 11, I got the chance to play on Detroit’s local telethon hosted by Soupy Sales. That was a big deal back then. Then I got an offer to play with Sonny Freeman, BB King’s drummer. That was a great experience. The Pips from Gladys night and the pips would come over and watch us rehearse.

I moved to California when I was 19. I lived in the East Bay for many years playing and recording with a lot of great artists. Such as Drummer Chester Thompson for Genesis and Frank Zappa. Sax man Pee Wee Ellis, played with James Brown Various players with Santana and Many others. I have also opened for many great acts. Now I am mainly playing and writing my own music. I am really into being a published songwriter. I have had 2 of my songs from the last album on CBS The Young and the Restless. I also have music that gets frequent airplay all over Europe. I am still pursuing more publishing opportunities. More of a singer songwriter style. Hopefully I can get the local stations here to play my music as well.

MV: You have a big reputation for serious blues, but your new CD has really branched out with really catchy songs. What were you trying to say in your new songs? JB: I have always been all over the map as far as music goes. I still try to keep a little blues in what ever I do. These songs are basically about the Human Condition Lyrically, like the Blues. The music is in more of a rock direction. This gives me a little more freedom to go wherever I want to. I love the blues and I love the challenge of writing a 3 and a half minute song. That has a good chorus and a strong melody and a heart felt message. That’s where my head is at now.

MV: Do you like Acoustic or Electric music better? JB: I love both. The Acoustic is like walking in the country and the Electric is like driving a race car with attitude.

MV: Who would you most want to share the stage with? JB: Right now it would be with Ben Harper or backing up Brett Dennen, or SherylCrow.

MV: Where can people buy your music this very second when they put down this interview? JB: My music is available at ITunes or Amazon .com. Please also visit my website for information and Dates. I would personally like to thank everyone who has come out to the shows and supported me as an artist. www.joebarretta.com

ModestoView Music Review By Chris Murphy>

Joe Barretta has been making amazing music for years around here and he has just released a CD that is very well recorded and produced. He recorded it in Nashville with some of the most experienced people in the business. But best of all, there are some really catchy songs. After all, it is really about the songwriting. Cool verses, and really memorable choruses, Joe has really deliveredsomething that is really artistic, but a the same loaded with songs you want to hear over and over again. I really liked the song Down this Road which is a perfect driving song and Find Your Placewill make you hit replay over and over. Download this album today at joebarretta.com today.

> CD cover.

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.

The BigView – Monthly Feature

Aventura de Taco Trucks By ModestoFamous

When you decide to make a life here in Modesto you have to realize that at some point someone will ask you to eat Mexican food from a truck. This might scare you at first but you will be just fine.

We just spent a day sacrificing ourselves to dig into the taco truck culture of the Modestoarea for you and we learned about some great places. Have some fun with this. Spend a day getting stuffed and having fun! It won’t cost you much cash and you might be surprised what you find.

Location…Location…Location…

Most newbies to Modesto automatically head over to Taco Truck Row on 8th Street to test out the scene. You will definitely find a great selection of food there but we wentbeyond that particular street a bit. The following are places that we were referred to and places that we simply stumbled upon.

Tacos Vallarta – Corner of 14th and D Streets

This place never seems to close and attracts a vast cross section of Modesto fans. You will find our local police force in line with the suit and tie crowd and the nightclub crowd. Food is cheap and tasty and you get plenty of it for the price. Ask about the phone number that you can use to call ahead. We hear that only their favorite customers get it.

Adrianna’s – Taco Truck Row – 8th Street

Hit this tasty place up for fifty-cent tacos every tuesday, handmade tortillas and a nice spicy kick. We love their sopas!

Alejandra’s – Food cart behind the courthouse downtown on H St.

This is a tamale cart disguised as a hot dog cart. Get their early for tamales that are fresh, hot and thick. The last time that we were there tamales were about $2 each.That is a bargain!

El Mexicano – Taco Truck Row – 8th Street

We were lured in by signs promising homemade tortillas and we are glad that we stopped in. Count on fresh eats that will fill you up without leaving you poor. Be prepared for a bit of a kick in regard to spiciness. It won’t hurt you but it will burn a bit. Best tortillas of the day!

F.K. Jessica’s – Taco Truck Row – 8th Street and Crows Landing Road

Jessica’s seems to be the most famous collection of taco trucks in the Central Valley. This is the place to roll in after a long night at your fav club to eat a $4.50 burrito the size of a newborn. We never hear complaints about these trucks.

Taco’s Apatzingan – Corner of Hatch and Crows Landing Roads

Seriously authentic eats designed for folks that either just arrived from Mexico or have the desire to eat like they live there. Try something called a Morisqueta. You will be served a heaping plate of bone-in pork, rice, beans and cabbage. Bewarned – You will feel the burn here!

“Chito” Birria Tatemada- Crows Landing Road

Absolutely the cleanest outdoor dining area that we visited. I never thought I would have the chance to say this – “I ate a goat!” Their goat meat tacos are tender, delicious and spiced to perfection! My health-conscious girlfriend fell in love with the cup of consume (soup) that was served free with our taco. It featured a ton of cilantro and onions swimming happily in a cup of tasty beef broth.This place is amazing!

Mariscos Sinaloa – Crows Landing Road

We had to think long and hard about buying seafood from a truck but were glad we did! One of the best deals that we found all day was the ceviche de camaron tostada that came piled high with shrimp and fresh salsa for $1.25. They also serve octopus, abalone and oysters on very clean stainless steel tables.

El Rey del Taco – Crows landing Road

This truck came highly recommended and did not disappoint. It is hard to beat fifty-cent tacos served all the time. Hot, fresh and packed with flavor!

Super Taqueria – Crows Landing Road

We were tempted by the sign advertising aguas frescas. Order the red one! For less than $2 you get a sweet juicy bucket-of-a-beverage complete with fresh fruit chunks that will quench your thirst on a hot summer day.

Tony’s Tacos – Salida Blvd. in Salida

Relax outside and watch families eat fat burritos at Tony’s that are priced too low to resist. You can take them to go – if you can carry them! Value and freshness is thefocus here.

Impress your friends with this handy phrase guide-

Pollo- Chicken

Asasda/Carna asada- Beef

Cabeza- Cow brains

Lengua- Cow tongue

Birria- Goat

Tripas- Tripe

Pastor- Meat shaved from the bone. Most typically pork.

Carnitas – Fried shredded pork

Mariscos – Seafood

Camaron – Shrimp

How much does it cost? ¿Cuánto cuesta?

What is on that? ¿Lo que hay en eso?

Is it spicy? ¿Es picante?

Help! My mouth is on fire! Ayuda! Mi boca está en llamas!

Where is the bathroom? ¿Dónde está el baño?

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.

Also May 5th Mistlin Gallery has their kickoff Gala and fundraiser with food, drink and music by one of my favorite singers Gloria Scott of Gloria Scott Band. Gloria formerly of Sly & Family Stone can sing lush Jazz standards to down home R&B and old school hits. $20 tickets include food, wine, and an eyeful of the artful.

After recovering from Cinco De Mayo Festivals get ready for our annual Modesto Jazz Fest on Saturday May 19th with a special tribute to Ernie Bucio, a great musician, music educator and Jazz enthusiast who spearheaded Jazz in the valley for years. The Clarion Inn on Sisk hosts the all day family friendlyevent on five stages. On the bill are great local, regional acts: Shad Harris 7 and the Groovenators, Mario Flores Latin Jazz Ensemble, Natural Gass Jazz Band, Creole Jazz Kings, with some heavy hitters such as Bill Watrous, Josh Pfeiffer, Mike Vax, and Mic Gillette doing performances, music clinics. The festival is organized and supported by Gottschalk’s Music where Ernie Bucio nurtured quality music for years, sorry kids no tab taught here!

Part of Ernie’s legacy was creating an all-age venue for Jazz music at the Barkin’ Dog in downtown Modesto. Ernie is gone but the bands play on at the Barkin’ Dog Grill where the food is good in a casual setting. Some of the highlights are: May 5th the Queens of Doo-wop, the Sensations, May 11th Dave Souza, May12th elderly statesman of R&B Shad Harris & Groovenators, May 25th High Voltage Band, these teens can rock out! and May 26th Big Earl & the Cryin’ Shame. The Barkin’ Dog also has a Jazz Jam with David Dow on Thursdays where musicians can sit in and network.

On thescene: the State Theatre brings in the one and only Johnny Winter Friday May 18th. Johnny’s out promoting his latest CD “Roots” playing all the Blue and R&B gems he grew up playing with some special guests Vince Gill, Derek Trucks, and Susan Tedeschi. If you live the Blues and have not seen Johnny Winter you need to come out, he’s the real deal. Call the State (209) 527-4697, or check out www.thestate.org

More music on the local scene: Deva Café Thursday night Ramble features the house band Big Earl & Poorhouse Millionaires with Eli Lester on guitar. If you get out only one Thursday make sure it’s the Third Thursdays Art Walk in the Downtown there is a lot of events happening that night. The

Boardroom continues an ambitious schedule of live music 4 nights a week. Tim Allen does his piano and vocal thing with some Elton and Joel covers as well as the standards on Tuesdays. Thursdays feature Neil Buettner and Matt Harrington,Friday’s dynamic duo Johnny & Kelly, and Saturdays rotate with: MCW Band, Strange Brew, The Nines, & Public Domain.

And the mighty John Griswold of Samba Arts Group has come out of retirement again. Our demographic, the older crowd bemoans there’s nothing for us to do, well John is teaming up with SOS club and offering a music series first and third Fridays with social interaction, dancing cocktails, some wine tasting featuring Jazz, Swing, Celtic, Gypsy, Tango, Salsa & of course Smooth Jazz. Buffet by Richard with ticket price of 30 dollars includes food and music. For lowdown: call John 491-7185, 247-3288, or Web: www.eArtsNews.com.

And I know I am preaching to the choir but please support our local music stores: Skip’s Music, Barker’s Music, Ingram & Braun, Gottschalk, and Langlois Music so they stay in business. Think globally but shop locally. Any co-conspirators or partners in crime want to get in touch I am on Facebook. I also encourage all of you to send me your info and I will send it out on weekly emails and in the Modesto View. Hit me at: mbenson@fire2wire.com, or give me a holler at (209) 918-7033. All the best, Eric Benson, peace out.

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

AcousticView By Matty Comer

As we jump into May, I can not help but to get a bit exited inside! The evenings are warming up, and people are ready to be outside enjoying themselves. The avenues that we are taking this summer reflect the idea that people should be able to bring their entire families out to as many local music events as possible…PERIOD.

Starting Friday June 1, and going straight through the end of the summer, The Acoustic Rock Society will have an event three weeks a month in Downtown Modesto. We signed up for twoshows a month through the summer with The 10st Plaza Summer Series and Fuzio’s. We also will be hosting three shows at The Queen Bean at 1126 14th St. through the end of August. All are free, all age, early evening shows at amazing spots within our own community.

We are lucky to have so many talented musicians willing to give a little back to our community each month. Its worth is evident as we look out into the crowd and see our children, friends, and families dancing and carrying on. We all love seeing a small child taking ahold of dads leg while he is on stage performing a little! Simply priceless! I hope you are ready for a summer of music in downtown Modesto.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: TJ Lake TJ Lake played his first show in 1993 at The Eagle’s Hall in a rock band called Man of Straw. He moved on to play drums and sing in a few metal bands before switching full time to guitar. While living in NYC in 2001, Lake met up with two friends from the Modesto/Turlock area also living in the city. The band Gravey was formed and they played such clubs as CBGB’s, Siberia, and B3.

When Lake moved back to Stanislaus County in 2004 he created Hickory, which played through the area up through 2011. Nowadays TJ performs solo and with Dr. Blue as The Dust Bowl Children. Lake also plays guitar and harmonica in Dr. Blue & Bad Medicine. See TJ Lake on June1 at the 10st Plaza Summer Concert Series…7–9pm

Look for our page on facebook/The Acoustic Rock Society for events Email us at acousticrocksociety@yahoo.com