Modestoview » interview

Interview- Sam Pierstorff

Chris Murphy — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:06:48 +0000

Sam Pierstorff

By Chris Murphy

Words are so very powerful. They can hurt, they can heal, they can demean and they can elevate. I am in awe of people that can pull the depths of emotion up with simple words and phrases. I can easily get lost in the literary imagery of what I read, but sadly I have a short attention span and so things I love the most are works like Old Man and the Sea by Hemmingway, shorts stories, run-on stuff like Kerouac, and satirical and surgical Hunter Thompson and Poetry. I cried when the Memorial Hospital Tour opened because of the powerful words of local teacher and poet Sam Pierstorff. His words are magical and this year he takes the helm of the 12^th Annual MAMA Awards where his words meet music and celebrate the rhythm of Modesto in many ways. Let’s meet Sam.

How did Sam Pierstorff come to be?

I was born in 1975 to a Syrian/Muslim mother and an American/military father from Kentucky.

Let’s face it: their divorce was imminent. I spent the next few years of my life living with one older brother, a tough-as-nails mother, and a parakeet named Tiki in Orange County, California. After moving to five homes in four cities over the next ten years, Ifinally went off to college in Long Beach where my life really began. I got hooked on a drug called “poetry” and spent the next few years studying, reading, writing, and falling in love with language. Eventually, I received my Master of Fine Arts degree, moved to Modesto to begin teaching at Modesto Junior College, and soon was honored as the city’s Poet Laureate, which made me the youngest ever appointed in the state. Though no longer the city’s official poet, I still host SLaM on RyE,Modesto’s monthly poetry slam; The ILL List, which I co-organize with Greg Edwards; and I run a small press, Quercus Review Press, through the college’s English department where we have recently embarked on our most ambitious poetry project to date: More Than Soil, MoreThan Sky: The Modesto Poets, a 252-page anthology that includes 51 Modesto poets and portraits of each by Doug Holcomb. It an amazing book that will be released on October 22nd (Amazon.com).

What is your favorite word?

If I actually did have a favorite word, I would probably have stopped writing years ago. I would just say that word over and over. For me, I think it’s the combination of words that makes them sing, and finding those playful combinations is the fun of writing, like “coal” and “train,” for example. Pretty bland words in isolation, but listen to what Michael Stillman does in his poem, “In Memoriam John Coltrane.” He writes, “listen to / these cars carry coal, listen / to the coal train roll.” Now we’re groovin’. Hear the alliteration of those consonant C sounds like the crunch of box cars connecting on the tracks, and of course, the play on “coal train” and “Coltrane.” Love it. It’s not the individual words that matter. It’s how we use them that makes all the difference.

What literature inspired you as a kid?

I didn’t read much as a kid. Ironic, I know. Other than some Encyclopedia Brown books, it wasn’t until college when I discovered Charles Bukowski that I began to learn about “voice,” and more importantly, that I had one too. Prior to that, as a kid, I was always outside skateboarding. Books were what I used to stiffen a wobbly launch ramp.

What things inspire you the most?

What if I told you I didn’t believe in inspiration? I think at best this concept is a myth for writers; at worst it’s an excuse that writers use to not write. I believe in perspiration, however. Whether you’re an artist, musician, or poet — the good ones do the work every day or damn near, and some days are better than others, but if we wait for inspiration to strike, we are waiting way too long between poems. If you’re asking me what topics I choose to write about, then that’s easier: family, kids, teachers, students, hookers, the girls with the missing door on her 1984 Toyota Corolla (working on that poem now). I write what I see, so I am always watching with eyes wide open. There is so much out there worth elevating to a poem, but people miss the good stuffbecause they’re looking at the obvious: sunsets, waterfalls, almond blossoms. Not me. Those things are already beautiful and don’t need a poem to capture their beauty. I like the gum wads on the sidewalk, or the baby with an eye patch, or that large red-headed girl driving down Briggsmore with no car door. Doesn’t she deserve a poem more?

When did you realize that you had and felt the rhythm of language?

When I was in high school, my senior-year English teacher asked me to read a short poem out loud about my parent’s divorce—something about hiding under their bed before it wasn’t their bed anymore. Halfway through, I broke down in class, sobbing, completely ambushed by my own poem (as poet LillianVallee would say). My teacher knelt down and whispered, “You’re a writer, Sam.” She didn’t try to console me. I had shared something real and powerful and it helped me as much as it helped others in the class, and that’s when I knew I had to keep writing—to help myself and to help others. Not sure if there was rhythm in that early poem, but my heart was certainly beating like a heavy metal drum solo, and I needed to write things down to steady the pace of myheart before it burst.

What is it about teaching that you love so much?

I like staying as young as possible. Students are good for that. They introduce me to new language and music and trends that I don’t normally subscribe to (and still wouldn’t, but it’s nice to be in the loop). And of course, there’s always the student whose life path changes before your very eyes. He comes to community college after a stint in Iraq or in prison (true story) and heads off two years later to Berkeley to pursue a degree in English because my poetry or English 101 class inspired him. When that light bulb goes on in a student’s mind and you know you had a small hand in shaping the life of a fellow human being, that’s as good as it gets for anyone.

What do you think the effect of Texting and Twitter has had on modern conversation?

I think brevity is essential in poetry, so I am all for short, precise communication, but texting has become such a problem in classes. Students can’t disconnect. It’s an addiction. Young people today (and I know that phrase makes me sound like your grandpa) can’t live in the moment, can’t be at peace without the intrusion of the outside world. Everything becomes so urgent because their iPhone is vibrating. There’s no peace, no patience. And with essay writing, there’s no development, no thoughtful, sustained argumentation. Texting and Twitter have created a world where depth and detail become irrelevant or rarely required. Most of what people know these days comes from bumper stickers and headlines. No one bothers to get the full story anymore.

Do you Haiku?

Yes, I do haiku.

In fact, my haiku is cool.

See, I just wrote one.

How do you like Modesto?

Modesto is slowly becoming awesome. You may be walking downtown, take a few wrong turns, and awesome may be the last thing on your mind, but you can also spend Friday night eating pizza at Concetta’s, and then have drinks at Tresetti’s with dear friends, and end up dancing at the Tiki, because why the hell not? Or you might pop over to an Off The Air show or a poetry slam or an open mic at the Queen Bean. You can do all that and love this town. Or you can skip it and complain about how much we suck. But here’s my theory: if your life sucks in Modesto, it will suck everywhere you go—because the fact is, you probably suck. A city doesn’t make a man cool. A man brings cool to the city. I try to bring cool things here (i.e. poetry slams) and so does Greg Edwards (i.e. Off The Air) and Chris Ricci (i.e. X-Fest) and Chris Murphy (i.e. MAMAs!) and so do many, many others. So Modesto is great. It really is. But a person has to believe that first. Then the city will reveal itself to him or her—one cool new thing at a time.

You wrote an amazing poem for the opening of Memorial Hospital. How do you take

something like a hospital opening and make it so personal?

I write poems one line at a time. I never pre-plan them. I just write a first line that leads to a second, and a third and so on. The poem naturally takes its turns, and Ifollow where the poem wants to go. It sounds silly, but that’s the truth. So as I recall writing that hospital poem, I remembered those big cranes that built the North Tower and my toddler’s reaction to them every time we drovepast. And that’s where I began the poem, and the rest just wrote itself. I know that poem is on a plaque inside the hospital somewhere because people tell me they’ve seen it, but I haven’t been sick enough to be admitted long enough to see it myself. I think I am gonna wait to reread that poem.

Your book, Growing Up In Someone Else’s Shoes, was amazing? Were there any stories that meant the most to you?

The title poem, “Growing Up In Someone Else’s Shoes,” may mean the most to me. It was a poem derived from a picture of me and my brother in thrift store clothes under a tree. We looked very dorky. I was stiff with anger and my brother was all smiles. It was a sad photo actually because I knew how angry I was as a kid growing up poor in a broken home, but my mom tried always to make us feel special. God bless her. I literally grew up in someone else’s shoes, and I still feel like that insecure kid sometimes. Second to that short poem, I have a few pieces about my own children. When you’re a dad, your kids mean everything to you, so any poems about my sons or daughter mean a great deal to me.

When did you first get involved with Poetry Slam?

I used to slam in Huntington Beach and Long Beach while in college (late 90s). I never tried to make a team or tour nationally. I just signed up for every slam open mic in the area. It was a blast. And it was always a great place to take a first date. So I did that for a while, and then when I came to Modesto, I wanted to bring that poetic energy with me, so I started the monthly slams at the Prospect Theater. We’ve been there with a full house on the 3rd Wednesday of every month for ten years now!

The Ill List is one of the most respected Poetry Slams in the USA. What makes it so special?

There is no underestimating the power and energy and enthusiasm of our great Modesto audience. They cheer so loud that poets all over the country can hear them. Poets call, and email, and message me all the time for a chance to compete here. We offer a healthy prize: $1500, and Greg Edwards and I go the extra mile in terms of hospitality, hotel, food, etc. We always keep the line-up fresh, highly prestigious, and very competitive. And of course, seeing Greg in a bra and mini-skirt may have something to do with our glowing national reputation.

What do you think about Modesto’s place in the history of American Graffiti?

I wish, like a lot of Modestans, that good ‘ol George Lucas would come through and publicly anoint this town with his light saber so the whole world knew the story of American Graffiti, but alas, that may never happen. So we definitely have to keep up with our amazing car shows and Graffiti summers to relive the lore of the 50s. I am happy to see the effort being made to establish Modesto’s American Graffiti history. I am all for it. I do, however, get insanely jealous when I see all the beautiful classic cars come through in the summer while my ’71 Chevy rots in my driveway. Someone please restore my truck!

Do you think that retro and the modern world can co-exist?

Totally. That’s the perfect blend these days in fashion, in entertainment, in life. Vintage is chic. my 9-year-old kid loves watching Star Wars at the very retro State Theater. Both the movie and the theater are way older than he is, but great things never die. That’s retro. It keeps coming back because it’s so damn cool.

Describe your perfect Modesto day.

That day is coming on October 22nd, 2011. It’s the day when the Modesto Poets anthology comes out on Amazon. It will be the day that everyone buys the book online and our sales rank climbs to #1 and the NY Times Book Review calls for an interview, and our town’s national reputation surges out of the dungeon of murder, meth, and auto theft, and into the light of literature.

If you had unlimited funds, what event or thing would you do to make Modesto an even more creative place?

I think Modesto needs a literary/book festival: A weekend of major authors from all genres doing readings, workshops, lectures. We have had a few great authors come through the college, one by one (i.e. Kay Ryan, David Sedaris, Frank Rich, Maya Angelou, et al.) But what if we had all of them at once for a whole weekend and we could workshop with them, listen to their stories, and draw inspiration from some of the country’s most renowned writers? We could start quite a revolution here . . . with the pen, not the sword.

The most important question of all… Beatles or Stones… Why?

Gotta go with the Beatles. Mick Jagger always creeps me out in those pants that are so tight it makes his lips inflate to twice their size.

Interview – Bob Barzan

Chris Murphy — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:40:51 +0000

InterView – Bob Barzan
Thanks to Bob’s inspiration we are bringing back an old favorite ModestoView feature called “Can You Find It! We want our readers to explore Modesto and see and experience thingsthat most don’t see. We want you to be Modesto experts. So look for this architectural feature each month and see if you can find it and tell is where it is. The first person each month to find and identify it will win at $25 gift certificate to Fuzio and 2 movie passes from Brenden Theares. So, start looking, and can you find it???Bob was born in Canada, moved to San Francisco as a child with his family. He moved to Modesto in 1963, graduated from Grace Davis High, MJC, and Cal State Stanislaus. Bob retired from the state University system in 2003 serving primarily as a career counselor at SFSU, moving back to Modesto in late 2000. Bob founded the Modesto Art Museum with a wonderful group of local citizens and served for three years on the Modesto Public Art Committee
What was the biggest loss in the renovations in the 60s and 70s?Is there a period or style that you find the most interesting?
It is the only art form that we can regularly go inside of, be totally surrounded by, and it is the one that is most often unappreciated. Kind of like a fish in water not noticing the water.

By Chris Murphy

There is more to Modesto than meets the eye. Every city in the world is more fascinating the closer you look. When you walk around, do your eyes look for small details, the railings, the borders, the corners, the trim, the shape, the landscape design? If you don’t it is time to start. Take your camera some day and just go on a Modesto tour and look a interesting buildings and some of the impressive and famous architecture here in town. It is fun and you can make a lot of pit stops doing it and make it an expedition. This month, we take this expedition to a whole new level with the Modesto Architecture Festival happening Sept 13-18. We introduce you to Bob Barzan, one of the founders of the festival, one of only 6 Architecture festivals in the world. Very cool.

New Feature!

Bob Barzan

Keeping an eye out for the small and amazing details in Modesto

For the most part, wherever you see a parking lot downtown, there was probably a wonderful building that did not need to be torn down. The loss of the hotel Hughson and Covell, as well as the Strand and Burge’s are regrettable.

What is the biggest architectural secret in Modesto?

That Modesto has a long tradition of being on the cutting edge of architecture, It was a model for other cities and a laboratory for the development of a distinctive California style of architecture. Many of the best known architects of western US even with world reputations designed buildings and landscapes in Modesto.

What do you find the most fascinating about architecture?

Contemporary, what is happening now in architecture. Architects are pushing limits of sustainability, green design, artistic exteriors, concern for community building, and livable cities.

What would surprise the average Modestan about our local architecture?

There are lots of things about local architecture that would surprise Modestans, that many books, magazines and journal articles have been published about Modesto architecture, that the Museum of Modern Art in New York featured a home in Modesto on the cover of it important exhibit on modern architecture in 1944, that some of the most important architects and landscape architects of the mid 20th century designed projects in Modesto, many when they were at the peak of their careers, and that it was forward thinking Modestans that hired these men and even some women.

Many are also surprised to learn Modesto has one of about 6 architecture festivals in the world, with San Francisco, Chicago, New York, London, and Barcelona. We recently had a contact from Santiago, Chile, from a group there that would like to start a festival. They would like to work with the Modesto festival. Last year we had speakers and presenters from France, Canada, Germany, and the states. It is truly an international event.

Do you feel that we understand the role of historic preservation?

Not at all, that is why we will address historic preservation at the architecture festival this year, at the Wednesday evening Architecture Cafe

What first attracted you to art and architecture?

My parents. My dad from Italy and my mom from Canada of Italian descent, instilled in us an appreciation for the arts from when we were small. It was assumed that this was valuable and important to a full life.

What are your most artistic skills?

Appreciating the art of others.

What is your favorite spot in Modesto?

Any one of the several cafes in downtown Modesto. They are great places to hang out and run into people. Cafes have been part of urban life since the 1700s. I host the architecture cafe at Picasso, hang out after garage saling at Deva or Queen Bean, or meet with friends at Serrano.

My favorite building in the old World Saving building at 10th and I. it is a great mid century building. The light fixture is worth getting off the freeway to see.

Why did you create the Modesto Art Museum?

Because Modesto was the largest city in the country without a nonprofit art museum, no successful city has gotten to the place it is without art and an art museum. I think there is a correlation between the amount of art in a city and its overall livability and success as a good home for people. The Modesto Art Museum is not like other museums though. We want to infuse the community with art, address community problems through the arts, bring art to the people. Our Meet Your Neighbor installation downtown is a great example of the kind of art we want to do in Modesto. We want to make art a natural part of life and at the same time shake people up with the visual arts.

How do you describe Modesto to people you meet when travelling?

One of the largest cities in the country, it’s the 101st largest, but with few amenities and an almost overwhelming number of urban problems, but lots of potential. I also mention that it has a great mid century modern architecture heritage worth exploring and I suspect manytreasures yet to be remembered.

What is your ideal evening in Modesto?

Having a bunch of friends or family over for dessert, an evening of conversation, would be one, but also meeting friendssomewhere for dessert and conversation.

Are there are there any architecturally notablebuildings that are at risk right now?

Oh yes, most notably the old post office building, who knows what will happen there. Any empty building of note, like the World Savings building is in danger.

Why do you think Modesto became so architecturally significant?

Because there were people living here not afraid to embrace the future. Modesto’s architecture, until recently, was at least keeping with the times, Victorian in the 19th century, bungalows in the early 20th, art deco in the 30s and then on the cutting edge for the mid century period in a way not seen in many cities, especially such a small city. WhenModesto was getting national attention for its architecture, it had less than 25,000 people, and many of them were forward thinking and expressed it in the residential, landscape, government, and commercial projects.

Schedule for the festival

THURSDAY, 15th:
Keynote and Architecture Design Awards – The State Theatre 6-9pm

FRIDAY, 16th:
Architecture Cafe – Picasso’s Deli 8:30-10am
Architecture Film NIght – The State Theatre 6-9pm

SATURDAY, 17th:
Kid’s Model Workshop – McHenry Museum – 12:30-3pm
Architecture Graffiti – 10th and I Streets – 7-9pm

Details about these events along with information on architecture tours and exhibits can be found on website at: www.modestoarchfest.com

Most important ModestoView question.

Beatles or stones ?

Beatles, but the stones are number 2

InterView: Dan Costa

Chris Murphy — Tue, 03 May 2011 19:24:41 +0000

Dan J. Costa was born in 1953 in Modesto, California. He started as a dishwasher and by high school graduation had worked his way through the ranks to become Chef at the Sundial. It was only a matter of time that Dan married Denise Vient in 1976 as they had known each other since kindergarten.

Dan created, developed and sold Velvet Creamery Restaurants, Velvet Foods, Davis Lay Produce Company and the Mallards Foods Company. In 1986, Costa opened the milestone Mallard’s restaurant introducing new upscale dining to Modesto, paving the way for many of the wonderful restaurants we have now.

In 1998, Dan developed the Costo/Lowe’s shopping center and soon purchased the Royal Robbins Outdoor clothing company. He later sold the improved company to Phoenix Footwear, splitting off the 5.11 Tactical brand. 5.11 Tactical is now a rapidly growing supplier of public safety apparel selling worldwide. Their customers include the FBI, CIA, and Secret Service and are known for their high quality, long-lasting, innovative clothing. 2011 Annual revenue is expected to exceed $200 Million.

Deep down, Dan is still a food guy, and regularly shares his kitchen skills to help raise funds for non-profits and educate developing business people. He regularly advises local businesses and is currently teaching his ideas for success to a new generation of entrepreneurs with the Valley Apprentice Project. Dan’s philanthropic interests are too numerous to list, but his generous support is felt all over our city.

Ok, now let’s take time to meet the Dan Costa that is behind all of these innovations and activities. Dan loves his hometown and is very comfortable running all of his business activities right here in Modesto. ModestoView catches up with Dan before a business trip to the east coast.

ModestoView: What was your dream job when you were 10 years old?

Dan Costa: To be a Major League Baseball Player.

MV: Where did you grow up?

DC: West side Modesto, California.

MV: When did you realize that you had an aptitude for making projects successful?

DC: When I was 14 and I first went to work. After my first day of washing pots and pans, I was promoted to assistant banquet coordinator because I did such a good job. That is when I first felt that I could be successful at working.

MV: What was your favorite place to hang out when you were a teen? I was always working, but when I could sneak away I would go to Ferroni’s Pool Hall on McHenry.

MV: Did you cruise in Modesto?

DC: No cruising for me. I would get off work after 14 hours of cooking at the Sundial and head down McHenry to get home and the street would be jammed up with cruisers.

MV: What single business success set the wheels in motion to what you are today?

DC: It was learning to cook at the Sundial because once I had the basic foundation of cooking and was able to become a good chef, that allowed me to open my own restaurant and be successful. The Sundial was a major turning point in my life as a learning experience.

MV: What do you think your most valuable characteristic is?

DC: The ability to see things that others don’t. It is easy for me to see the future of a business.

MV: Do you think that you can run a world class company from anywhere in the world?

DC: I think so. I think business and people in general are very much the same all around the world. It may take more work to understand the cultures and intricacies of each country, but I would not let that stop me.

MV: How would you rate the talent and the abilities of the workforce in the Modesto area?

DC: For 95% of the jobs that a business needs to grow in Modesto, we are fully capable of supplying that locally, but for the 5% of specific vocational skills that may be needed, you must recruit from the entire country.

MV: Not to give away a huge business secret, but what three things do you look for in a brand or company when you consider jumping in?

DC: The top 3 things I look for are originality, customer loyalty, and scalability.

MV: What childhood memory would you bring back to life if you could?

DC: The memory I would bring back would be the day that I hit a ball out of the park at Downey High School. I hit the ball over the right fielders head and into the alley. The right fielder went over the roped fence and picked up the ball next to a garbage can. With a 3-man relay, he threw me out at home plate. I was never so embarrassed. I love baseball, but I just never had good wheels. If I brought this memory back, I would have stayed at 3rd base!

MV: Since you are a serious gourmet, what is your secret junk food treat?

DC: I love hotdogs.

MV: What do you think about Modesto as the home of American Graffiti?

DC: I think it is great. I think we should figure out a way to make that a national event in a very upscale way to improve the image of Modesto as well as bringing a tremendous amount of revenue to the community.

MV: If another CEO were considering relocating or starting a company in the Modesto area, what advice would you give?

DC: I would tell them not to take all of the bad press seriously about our community. Many areas of the country have their challenges as we do, but Modesto is a very safe city full of local pride. Modesto is a great place to start a business because it is a basic all American city and a perfect test market. I have started every one of my 8 businesses in Modesto.

MV: What do you love most about living in Modesto?

DC: It is very comfortable for me. I feel safe, liked, and respected.

MV: Is there a business deal that you wish you would have done, but didn’t?

DC: No. If I wanted to do it, I have done it.

MV: You give back to the community in amazing ways, what do you think our business community can do more of to give back?

DC: Not much, our community does quite well. We are a very giving community. I would have to say per capita, Modesto’s business people would have to be in the top 10 % in the United States of giving back to the community, without a doubt.

MV: If you could start over now, what would your dream job be now?

DC: Still, a Major League Baseball Player!

MV: Who would you like most to sit next to you on a flight from CA to NYC?

DC: I would love to sit next to my mom because I never get enough time with her and she is my biggest inspiration. I see her often, but never often enough. I love spoiling her, and let me tell you, New York would be the place to do it!

MV: Do you have a favorite hobby?

DC: Golf

MV: Describe the perfect day for Dan and Denise Costa

DC: A trip to Monterey. Dan will play golf, Denise will read a book. Dan has a massage and Denise reads another book. Dinner at Roy’s at Spanish Bay, then watching a vintage movie, finally sleeping in the next morning.

MV: What would retirement be like for you?

DC: Retirement for me is going to be to teach kids at a young age how to start working and becoming successful, making forward progress in their lives early on. It would include burning lots of jet fuel, playing golf all over the world.

Our traditional question: Beatles or Stones?

DC: Beatles, my favorite song is “The Long and Winding Road”. But my all time favorite entertainer is Frank Sinatra and my favorite song is “Under My Skin”

UrbanView – April 2011

admin — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 06:46:04 +0000

Cesar Gutierrez "El Venadito”

Welcome Back to this edition of the Urban View by the Fiesta Boyz!

We Interview this month – Cesar Gutierrez “El Venadito” Genre “Musica Nortenia”. With his single, -El Troquero! Already available on I tunes.

We sit down and ask him a few questions about his New Project “El Venadito” and his new music. This interview is in both English & Spanish.

Fiesta Boyz Represents Local Business. Big was up to one of our favorite Sandwich Shops, Mr. Pickles’s In Modesto CA on 1801 H Street & 3609 Oakdale Rd. Fiesta Boyz very own Tony Vibes is celebrating his birthday bash on Friday, April 29 at 9:00pm @ Jax on H 1016 H Street. Performances by Freestyle Legend NV.NV (Noel Valei) will be performing hits “Girl You Hear Me Crying”, “Some Kinda Love”, “Just Like The Wind” and “You Don’t Know”.log on to www.fiestaboyzlive.com for more artist info.

FBZ: Who are your influence in your music?
(Cesar Gutierrez)
English: When I was a young boy, my father had a Mariachi band and that’s when I started to get interested in music. My father was a big influence in my life because he guided me to where I am at now.
Spanish: Cuando era niño, mi padre tocaba en un Mariachi y desde entonces me empece a interesar en la música. Mi padre ha sido una gran influencia en mi vida porque me ha guiadohasta donde estoy ahora.

FBZ: Where did your musiccarrier start?
(Cesar Gutierrez)
English: As a young adult I sang in talent shows and special events in Jalisco, Mexico. In 2005, I successfully recorded my first album. Now, I want to present my new production that will be coming soon.
Spanish: De jóven, yo cantaba en concursos de talento y eventos especiales en Jalisco, México. En el 2005, pude grabar mi primer disco. Ahora, quiero presentarles mi nueva producción que saldrá a la venta muy pronto.

FBZ: What sets your styleapart from what others in your genre are doing?
English: Most of the songs are classic pieces that have been forgotten throughout the years and I want the public to revive that era.
Spanish: La mayoria de mis canciones son piezas clásicas que en el transcurso de los años han quedado en el olvido y quiero que el público vuelva a recordar esa época.

FBZ: Who was involved in your project?
(Cesar Gutierrez)
English: The productions has been created with the help of my family and close friends.
Francisco Martinez: Acordeon , Julio Sandoval: Tuba, Moises Garcia: Guitarra, Juan Martinez: Bajo Sexto, Arreglos Nuevos. Para Las Canciones: Roberto Martinez Arreglos Del Carro Malandrin: Jose Camacho. Mixing & Mastering: Javier Lopez y Jose Camacho Estudio: Mixlab Studios #2 Modesto CA
Spanish: La producción hasido posible con la ayuda de mis familiares y amigos cercanos. Francisco Martinez: Acordeon , Julio Sandoval: Tuba, Moises Garcia: Guitarra, Juan Martinez: Bajo Sexto, Arreglos Nuevos. Para Las Canciones: Roberto Martinez.Arreglos Del Carro Malandrin: Jose Camacho. Mescla y Masterisasion: Javier Lopez y Jose Camacho, Estudio: Mixlab Studios #2 Modesto CA

FBZ: What is the meaning behind this album?
English: Identify myself with most of my songs because I was raised out in the country and in the farms and that’s what they are mostly about.
Spanish: Indentifico con la mayoria de mis canciones porque yo me críe en un rancho y de eso se tratan mis canciones.

FBZ: Where can we find & buy your music?
Spanish: Pueden comprar mis canciones en iTunes.
English: My songs are on iTunes.

ChefView: Chef Jegoux at Jax

Rick Serpa — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:44:47 +0000

12 Questions with Chef Eric Jegoux @ JAX on H

Chef Eric Jegoux

Mitch and Tammy Maisetti know a little something about the downtown dining scene. They opened Tresetti’s World Café, one of Modesto’s favorite restaurants in 1994; that’s 16 years of continued success. They made a commitment to downtown Modesto before being downtown was cool!

In October 2010 they opened JAX on H, a casual restaurant and bar that offers delicious food at very affordable prices. Think delectable comfort food: meatloaf, chicken pot pie, spicy fried chicken, and a smothered pork chop are among their ‘blue plate classics.’ The man in the kitchen preparing these delicious entrees is Chef Eric Jegoux, a native of France. He’s classically trained and a veteran of some of the culinary capitals of the world. ModestoView (MV) sat down with Chef Eric (CE) before his dinner rush to ask him 12 very important questions.

MV: When did you decide to become a chef?
CE: Indirectly my mother inspired me. When I was very young I was always intrigued by food. How do you make it look good, and more importantly, how did you make it taste good? Unfortunately my mom wasn’t very good at it. Since food is part of the culture in France I decided that I wanted to do it better.

MV: Tell our readers about your training.
CE: When I was 15 years old I served a 3-year apprenticeship in back home in France. It included three 6 month sessions working in a restaurant and three 6 month sessions of classroom work. When I finished I was grounded in all aspects of running a kitchen.

MV: When you finished your training where did you go to work?
CE: I began by working in restaurants in Brittany, in the western part of France. From there I moved to one of the great food cities in the world, Paris, where I worked for 4 years. After that I moved to the United States working as a chef at Café de la Presse for a little over a year. I then went to Café Venezia in Berkeley for a few years before moving to the Central Valley. I worked at Oakdale Country Club for 5 years before coming to JAX.

MV: Did something other then a job had to bring you to The Central Valley?
CE: My wife’s parents are from Turlock and I always loved the area. When I had the opportunity to move here I jumped at it.

MV: Describe your cooking style.
CE: Classically trained but honest!

MV: What is the most popular item on your menu?
CE: The chicken pot pie. I make it from scratch. it’s a chicken breast with fresh vegetables in a flaky pie crust. It’s delicious!

MV: What is your favorite item on the menu?
CE: The meatloaf! It’s made with ground beef and chorizo and topped with a coffee/bourbon BBQ sauce.

MV: What is your culinary indulgence?
CE: Bread and butter. I also like, and I’m embarrassed to say it, Cheetohs.

MV: What is your favorite meal from your childhood?
CE: I love blood sausage with mashed potatoes and pork sausage with apples and spices.

MV: If you could have any three people to dinner, who would you invite and what would you prepare?
CE: First I would invite my dad. He’s been gone for awhile now and I miss him. Next I would have the love of my life, my wife Leslie. To round out the table I would invite Lou Reed (Take a walk on the wild side) from one of my favorite bands The Velvet Underground. The appetizer would be sardines in olive oil. For the entrée I would prepare chicken cordon bleu. To finish the meal we would have an apple tart along with coffee and cognac.

MV: Where do you like to go out to eat in Modesto?
CE: Surla’s! They have some of the best appetizers in town. The lumpia and the duck buns are fantastic! Also Tresetti’s. I love the “world café” concept and the variety of the menu.

MV: What do you like to do in your spare time
CE: I love spending time with my wife and three kids. We have 11 year old twin daughters and a 9 year old son. I also like to ride my Harley up and down the valley.

JAX Meatloaf with BBQ Sauce – Serves 10 to 15 people

5lbs. ground beef
1lb. ground chorizo
1 cup bread crumbs
3 eggs
1½ yellow onions (diced)
2 carrots (diced)
2 celery stalks (diced)

Sautee veggies until soft (chill) then add all ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees in tin foil tent for 1 hour.

Jim Beam Coffee BBQ Sauce

2 cups of strong coffee (espresso)
1 cup of Jim Beam bourbon
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup soy sauce
4 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp pepper flakes

Simmer all ingredients in heavy based sauce pan, uncovered, stirring occasionally until reduced to 1 cup (15 to 20 minutes)

Slice the meatloaf after cooling it a little. Pour the sauce over the meatloaf and bake for 5 minutes at 400 degrees.

JAX on H
1016 H Street
Modesto, CA. 95354
(209)522-4JAX (4529)
www.jaxmodesto.com
Hours:
M-F Lunch 11-3
Happy Hour 3-7
M-F Dinner 5-10
Saturday Dinner 5-2

InterView: Suzy Powell

Chris Murphy — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 23:49:06 +0000

Suzy Powell, Olympian

George Lucas, American Graffiti, Carol Channing and Royal Robbins, superstars …

Modesto is in the groove right now for international celebrity. Besides being known as the home of George Lucas, American Graffiti, Carol Channing and Royal Robbins, superstars like Tim Olyphant, Jeremy Renner and James Marsters are all on the big and little screen. Our local athletes like Ali Cox,Erin Cafaro and Tisha Venturini have conquered around the world. One of our local athletes walks among us daily, all the while, planning her return to the Olympic stage. Suzy Powell, world famous athlete, 3 time Olympian, full time Rotarian, and regular Modesto citizen agreed to spend some time with ModestoView. Let’s get to know Suzy.

MV: OK, why the discus?
Suzy Powell: My career began at age ten while running for a local track club. My father noticed my ability to throw things far and suggested throwing the discus. I tried the discus throw if only to please my dad.

MV: Is there something that inspired you, as this is one of the original ancient Olympic events?
SP: Not at first, I just enjoyed throwing things, pleasing my dad, and Slurpees after practice when I threw well.

MV: When you were 5, what did you want to be when you grew up?
SP: Wow! Pretty sure I thought my sister and Fonzie from “Happy Days” were the two coolest people, so maybe some sort of hybrid of the two.

MV: When did you first know that you would want to/ or could be an Olympic caliber athlete.
SP: I distinctly remember watching the 1984 LA Olympics at my friend’s house. I must have been 7 years old (September birthday), and I remember watching Carl Lewis and Jackie Joyner Kersee perform. It was the first time I understood what the Olympic Games were all about. I was fascinated by the magnitude of the event, it seemed like such an important event.

The first time I started to know I could or would be an Olympian was my freshman year at Downey. My freshman summer (1991) at 14 years old, I made the Junior National Team (19yrs old and under to be considered a Junior). I was on the team with mostly college freshman, so people five years older. The team spent 21 days in Europe with the final meet in Salamanca, Spain. If you recall, the 1992 Olympics were in Barcelona, and so the whole country was preparing and excited. In fact, ourcompetition in Spain was a practice or dress rehearsal for the Spanish officials and meet management. It was that summer when I thought that maybe the 1996 Olympics could be a reality for me.

MV: How has your life changed since you became an Olympian?
SP: I remember when I made my first Olympic Team in 1996. I was 19 and had just finished my sophomore year at UCLA. After the competition, I was having dinner with my family, and my sister in law said, “your life just changed forever, today.” In the whirlwind of excitement of making the team just a few hours before, I had not even considered what just happened. She was right, my life would change forever, I would now be known as an Olympian. People ascribe a certain respect and esteem for that particular achievement. Why else would you be interviewing me today?

In terms of financial rewards, however, becoming an Olympian did not change a single thing. I wasstill a scholarship athlete at UCLA, and thus could not accept financial rewards for competing, as it would have jeopardized my NCAA eligibility. In the world of discus throwing, it’s a far better idea to respect your scholarship obligations, finish your education, and worry about “making money” in the sport with a college degree in your hand.

MV: What is the toughest part about training for Olympic level competition?
SP: Being able to work hard and make sacrifices toward accomplishing a desired outcome, when current circumstances or situations do not support your vision. Simply put, having faith in the process. For me this requires much prayer and faith in God.

MV: What is the hardest thing to give up when you are in the serious training mode?
SP: Time with family and friends. Training and competing requires travel and intense focus. It’s impossible to be present or available for every family function or party when I am in this mode.

MV: What frustrates you the most?
SP: That there is only 24 hours in a day, I have a tendency to over-schedule myself.

MV: Where is the most beautiful place you have every competed?
SP: Let’s see, in terms of stadium settings, I would have to say Rethymno, Crete at the University of Crete, Greece. Although the stadium is modest, it is on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

MV: When you are on the road at meets, what do you miss most about Modesto?
SP: My husband, Tim, and our two dogs, Miss Daisy and Mr. B.

MV: What do you think will give you that extra special edge as you train for 2012?
SP: It is a combination of things: desire, experience, family support, and support from people and businesses in our city.

MV: Secret Favorite Junk food?
SP: I feel as though I am confessing to a crime. Let me put it this way, if we are at the cabin during a nice summer weekend, and there is a box of Cheese-Its hanging around, chances are good I will destroy that box!

MV: Did you ever cruise in Modesto?
SP: Not on purpose.

MV: When you travel, what do people think about Modesto?
SP: It really depends on where I am in. In foreign countries, most people have never heard of Modesto, so near San Francisco usually helps people understand. My favorite scenario is when they (people unfamiliar with Modesto) get our wine growing region confused with Napa, and you know what? I just go with it!

MV: Are you excited that Modesto is the home of American Graffiti?
SP: I understand the older generations really love and identify with that part of Modesto history. As for me, well, not so much. I think my generation maybe missed the boat on the true American Graffiti experience. I think it is nice that our town has something positive to hang its hat on, but it’s just not me. I get more excited that Modesto is home to great companies and like Gallo Wine, Foster Farms, Tactical 5.11, Prime Shine, Don’s Mobile Glass, Pacific Southwest Container, Gallo Center for the Arts, and, of course, our world famous agriculture industry.

MV: What is your idea of the perfect evening in Modesto?
SP: Dinner with my husband at one of our excellent downtown restaurants, then a show at the Gallo Center, and last but certainly not least, Bananas Foster at DEWZ. It is the best dessert known to man, especially if Scott starts getting fancy with the sauce making. Also, an evening on the Party Deck at the Nuts game is a great way to spend a summer evening Modesto.

MV: What advice would you give to the aspiring athlete?
SP: If you really want to be a champion in your sport (business, life, etc), you must dedicate every fiber of your being to the endeavor. You must become a student of the sport. You must be willing to endure and suffer to achieve greatness. In the words of my dad, “if it was easy, everyone would be doing it!” The modern world allows us to download and view almost any piece of information at any time, on anywhim. Success is not like this. To become an expert or champion in anything, you must pay the price, the price being time, energy and resources (read money). Read the book Outliers, and become familiar with the rule of 10,000.

MV: Tell us about your post competitive life, what do you want to be when you grow up?
SP: Last year I sustained a major ankle injury, it was the first since I was ten years old that I did not have a competitive track season. In some ways, it was wonderful! I was not tired all the time, I could go hiking with my husband, I did projects around the house. I started a fitness business here in Modesto, using a boot camp format, which I still do. I joined a few service clubs like Modesto Rotary and Common Wealth Modesto. It was like discovering the aliens from Avatar, a whole new world opened up. So, although I am completely focused on the London Olympics, I am looking forward to life after track and field. I see myself expanding my business plan to include the training of elite athletes, and public speaking. My husband and I also would like to start a family. It’s great to be at a point in your life where you know you are closing a chapter, and a truly wonderful chapter, but also that the best in life is yet to come.

MV: What is on your Ipod as you get in the groove for a throw?
SP: It changes, check back with me in May. It’s usually something a little mellow. Discus throwers need to be in a calm, Zen- like state, so my music usually reflects that.

MV: Beatles or Stones?
SP: Beatles, hands down! Although I must say I am amazed how the Stones, after abusing their bodies for so many years, manage to defy modern science by continuing to live.

Not Just an Irish Band

Ian Hill — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:15:42 +0000

The Black Irish Band

We should probably start with what The Black Irish Band is not.

It is not just an Irish band.

Sure, Irish is in the name of the Sonora quintet, which is set to perform March 11-13 at the 25th Sonora Celtic Faire and on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, in Carmel. And yes, the band has Irish influences and Celtic tunes in its playlist.

But that’s not all the band performs.

“The band’s sound would be best described as a melting pot of American folk,” said Patrick Karnahan, a multi-instrumentalist who helped found the group. “Not so modern, but more like California New York in the 1850s.”

You can hear that sound on the band’s website, www.blackirish.com, and watch videosfrom performances at www.youtube.com/trainfire28. In a recent discussion via email Karnahan talked about The Black Irish Band’s albums, fans and how thegroup might owe its existence to a well-known time-traveling teen.

Q: Tell me a little about the background of the band members and how you came together.

Patrick Karnahan: The band started in October of 1989, the night of the big SF quake. About 10 minutes into our first band meeting, it rocked the Bay Area. We had talked about the band idea, however, during the night film shoot of the movie “Back to the Future III.” They filmed it down the road from where we lived and used us in the “Hill Valley Band.” Night after night, we had time to kill, so me and founding band member Richard Restivo started talking about the idea for theband. Folk music with no limits. I had been living in Westport, Ireland, part-time in the mid ’80s, and had gotteninto the Irish music scene. Rick wanted to play some Italian music, because of his folks. Well, one thing leads to another and we formed the first Irish-Italian Band in America, of course we did not know it at the time. Present and long-time band member Steve McArthur was also casted in the same movie with a talking role, but he would not join the band until 1991. Our other band member James Nelso, on banjo, joined in 2000. He joined us for the fourth tour of Alaska and the celebration of the Alaska Gold Rush.

Q: Given the band’s name, you might get pigeonholed as a Celtic act by some casual music fans. But you’re obviously much more than that. How would you describe the band’s sound?

PK: The music is a mix of history and tradition brought over from Ireland, Scotland and Italy. The instruments came from those countries and fit well into what we are doing. The music is about working class stories of heroes and hardships. Of the 87 original songs found on our album CDs, most follow the same storylines as the history we present in our traditional songs written in the 1800s. What makes the music work for us and our fans is the timeless nature of the message. As we get older, the music is even more real to people.

Q: Has it been difficult to find an audience for such a diverse sound in the Modesto area? Do you have to do more to explain your influences to an audience?

PK: I do not think so, people who know us enjoy a good story. People get tired of the same old, same old music that is played 24 hours on the radio. Songs on theradio are so over-produced these days, and always about the same subject matter.

We are the last hold out for songs about heroes. This idea is not new however. The base of our music subject is rooted in the Celtic bards of old Ireland, or even classic Homer. We are not into the fast bar-hook-up songs, we deal with real-life past and present folk heroes.

Q: The band’s been together for 20 years now. How has it changed over the years?

PK: 21 years this last October in fact. I would say that the music has not changedthat much. We have had the addition of a fiddle in the last 10 years, but that is it. We pride ourselves on keeping the tradition alive and not selling out to the cover band ideal. One foot in the past and one in the present would be a good way to put it. Some of our songs date back to 1600s, and some as late as 1995. If we hear a present song that fits with our style, we will add it. Years ago there was a band out of Ireland, The Water Boys – we added some of their modern songs because they fit!

Q: What does the band have planned for the rest of 2011?

PK: Tours throughout the west in the summer, and a few in the fall. We might go back to Washington D.C. to perform the original song I wrote for the National Christmas tree at the White House. We will also produce the first Black Irish Christmas CD album to support the theme.

interView: Mayor Jim Ridenour

Chris Murphy — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:07:03 +0000

Mayor Jim Ridenour

As we start a new 2011, we look forward to a new year and opportunities in Modesto. ModestoView took some time to catch up with Mayor Jim Ridenour as he prepared for his State of the City address and shared a great conversation about where we can go as a community. Let’s meet the mayor.

ModestoView: What do you see as the biggest challenge for Modesto in 2011?

Mayor Ridenour: I would say that our finances will be the biggest challenge in 2011. We are not getting good news from the state and Modesto has to think smarter. When people are losing their jobs, their homes, etc. those are bad enough in their own right, but it creates a ripple effect in our community and services. Modesto needs to act quickly and do the things that create new jobs and opportunity. More jobs helps fund public safety and community services. Keeping our citizens safe is our number one priority. Our communities and cities need to work together.

MV: If you had unlimited funds and community support, what would you want to do for Modesto?

MR: If I had unlimited funds and community support I would start fixing our roads and our infrastructure. Better roads and infrastructure make Modesto a better community for business which in turn makes Modesto more financially stable.

MV: Are you excited to see Modesto grow Graffiti Summer and increase our American Graffiti heritage?

MR: Yes – I love Graffiti Summer and our American Graffiti heritage. It’s what I have the fondest memories of in Modesto. It’s so unique to our community and it has such a huge following, it’s really amazing to see all the people that come from lots of different places, not just Modesto, for our Graffiti Summer events. They love the cars, thenostalgia, and simpler times.

MV: How do you think the StateTheatre and the Gallo Center make Modesto different than other central valley cities?

MR: Having the State Theatre, Gallo Center for the Arts, all the art galleries and home-grown arts groups make Modesto the cultural hub of the Central Valley. It’s what sets us apart from any other city in Stanislaus County and the entire Central Valley for that matter. Where else in this area can you live in an affordable home in any number of unique neighborhoods; eat in your choice of a national-type restaurant or a locally owned, unique restaurant and also take in a Broadway show? Nowhere except Modesto. That’s why so many people live here – they want a place where they can raise a family, have a job and enjoy the finer things in life.

MV: What do you think the missing link is to job creation in Modesto?

MR: I think it’s acombination of available land, ready infrastructure and not having a trained workforce. For economic development, you need places for businesses to build and/or expand, you need to have the infrastructure in place to provide adequate water and sewer services and you need to have a skilled workforce for these businesses to hire from. I think we’re on the right path to put all of these things in place, but it takes time and we didn’t do it back when things were good and that is what’s hurting us right now.

MV: What makes Modesto unique?

MR: Modesto is unique because of the people. We truly are a community – it doesn’t matter what happens, people are there. If it’s a community event, people come out and support it – especially our local businesses, if there is someone in our community in need, people do whatever needs to be done in order to help them. We have a very caring community and that’s what makes Modesto special.

MV: Are you excited to see thereturn of the Amgen Tour of California?

MR: Oh yes, I love the Amgen Tour of California. I never really was much of a cycling fan until that race came to Modesto for the first time in 2008. You really get into it! Especially now that we are a finish city, the past two years I’ve been right at the finish line cheering and yelling right along with everyone else. You can’t help it! It’s also invigorating to see how much our community loves this event. They come out in the thousands, line the entire race route, ring their cowbells and truly enjoy the day; it’s just great to see it and experience it.

MV: Describe your perfect evening in Modesto.

MR: My perfect evening would be going to a really nice restaurant downtown and then heading over to the Gallo Center for the Arts or the State Theatre for a good show. We have some really great restaurants downtown, they are all so unique, so it doesn’t matter what you are craving, you can get it and the food is local, fresh and delicious.

MV: What was your favorite thing to do in Modesto when you were a kid?

MR: I loved to cruise. We used to cruise 10th and 11th Streets.

MV: Which drive-in did you hang out at during the cruise years?

MR: Burge’s