ABOUT THE CITY
Modesto is in the heart of one of the greatest agricultural areas in our nation, the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Dairy products, nuts, fruits, wine grapes, and poultry products are some of the top commodities. Each spring you will anxiously await the beautiful orchards in bloom. May through November is harvest season, and you will enjoy some of the freshest produce from the Farmer’s Market. The entire area is experiencing a population boom. The proximity to the Bay Area as well as Sacramento’s major business centers has turned the agriculturally based city into a bedroom community. Over twenty percent of the workforce travels outside of the county to their place of employment because of housing costs.
About Modesto
Modesto is the 15th largest city in California. It’s population exceeds 200,000 people and its the seat of Stanislaus County.
Modesto, originally a stop on the railroad connecting Sacramento to Los Angeles, was founded in 1870 and was named by William Chapman Ralston, its founder and the financier of many projects in early California.
Modesto’s official slogan is “Water Wealth Contentment Health,” which is emblazoned on a large arch uptown that has been immortalized in many photographs. A contest was run in 1911 to determine the slogan. The original winning slogan was: “Nobody’s got Modesto’s goat”. The committee (perhaps wisely) decided the second place entry would be the final winner.
Climate
| Month | Avg Hi | Avg Lo | Avg Precip | |
| Jan | 54°F | 40°F | 2.56 in. | |
| Feb | 62°F | 44°F | 2.38 in. | |
| Mar | 68°F | 46°F | 2.30 in. | |
| Apr | 74°F | 49°F | 0.91 in. | |
| May | 82°F | 54°F | 0.55 in. | |
| Jun | 89°F | 59°F | 0.13 in. | |
| Jul | 94°F | 62°F | 0.05 in. | |
| Aug | 92°F | 61°F | 0.06 in. | |
| Sep | 88°F | 58°F | 0.27 in. | |
| Oct | 78°F | 52°F | 0.75 in. | |
| Nov | 64°F | 44°F | 1.48 in. | |
| Dec | 54°F | 39°F | 1.68 in. |
By Car
California State Route 99 connects Modesto to Stockton and Fresno. California State Route 108 is seasonal highway that opens usually in May or June and closes with the first major snow. 108 is the main route into Stanislaus National Forest and Inyo National Forest.
Drive Times:
Stockton: 45 min
Fresno: 2 hrs
San Francisco: 1 hr 45 min
Los Angeles: 5 hr 45 min
Public Transportation
Modesto Area Express (MAX)
209-521-1274
www.ModestoAreaExpress.com
The MAX (Modesto Area Express) buses are part of the city’s public transportation system. Fare for an adult rider is $1.00, and monthly passes are available for $39.00. Discounts are available for certain demographics.
MAX buses connect to the ACE (Altamont Commuter Express) train station in Lathrop, the BART (Bay Area Transit) station in Pleasanton/Dublin, and the Amtrak station in Modesto, so they can be a starting point to see the region. They also provide a paratransit “dial-a-ride” service which specifically caters to seniors and the disabled.
Intercity Transportation
Amtrak
735 S. San Joaquin St
Stockton, CA 95203
800-USA-RAIL
www.Amtrak.com
Modesto is served by one of the busiest rail corridors in the country. The Amtrak San Joaquins make six daily stops on the route between Oakland and Bakersfield, and two stops daily on the route between Sacramento and Bakersfield.
The large industrial region south and east of the city is served by the Modesto and Empire Traction Railroad, a 5 mile long line with a web of industry tracks and customers.
Air Transportation
Modesto Airport
617 Airport Way
Modesto, CA 95354
209-577-5319
www.ModAirport.com
Modesto City-County Airport is a small airport south of Modesto. Air service is provided to San Francisco International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport by Skywest Airlines, under an agreement with United Airlines.
San Francisco International Airport
PO Box 8097
San Francisco, CA 94128
(650) 821-8211
www.FlySFO.com
Los Angeles International Airport
1 World Way
Los Angeles, CA 90045
310-646-5252
www.lawa.org/lax
Local Phone Numbers
| Area Code for Modesto | 209 |
| Emergency | 911 |
| City Hall | 209-577-5200 |
| Fire Department | 209-572-9590 |
| Police Department | 209-552-2470 |
| Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods | 209-577-5344 |
| Garbage / Recycling Information | 209-577-5494 |
| Water-Sewer-Garbage Billing | 209-577-5395 |
| Comcast Cable www.Comcast.com |
800-824-2000 |
| Pacific Gas and Electric www.pge.com |
800-743-5000 |
| Modesto Irrigation District (Electricity) www.mid.org |
209-526-7373 |
| AT & T http://www.att.com/ |
800-205-6268 |
Television
| KCRA | 3 | NBC | |
| KVIE | 6 | PBS | |
| KBTV-CA | 8 | Independent | |
| KXTV | 10 | ABC | |
| KOVR | 13 | CBS | |
| KUVS | 19 | Univision | |
| KBSV | 23 | Independent | |
| KMAX | 31 | UPN/The CW | |
| KTXL | 40 | FOX | |
| KQCA | 58 | The WB |
Radio
| FM Stations | ||
| KLVN | 88.3 | Christian Contemporary |
| KCJH | 89.1 | Religious |
| KBES | 89.5 | Ethnic |
| KADV | 90.5 | Religious |
| KYKL | 90.7 | Christian Contemporary |
| KBDG | 90.9 | Ethnic |
| KBRE | 92.5 | Rock |
| KOSO | 93.1 | Adult Contemporary |
| KBBU | 93.9 | Spanish |
| KHOP | 95.1 | Top-40 |
| KSKD | 95.9 | Spanish |
| KMRQ | 96.7 | Rock |
| KTSE | 97.1 | Spanish |
| KWIN | 97.7 | Top-40 |
| KWNN | 98.3 | Top-40 |
| KLOQ | 98.7 | Spanish |
| KJOY | 99.3 | Adult Contemporary |
| KQOD | 100.1 | Oldies |
| KEFC | 100.5 | Christian Contemporary |
| KMIX | 100.9 | Spanish |
| KKIQ | 101.7 | Adult Contemporary |
| KJSN | 102.3 | Adult Contemporary |
| KATM | 103.3 | Country |
| KWLK | 103.7 | Religious |
| KHKK | 104.1 | Classic Rock |
| KRVR | 105.5 | Smooth Jazz |
| KQRP | 106.1 | Variety |
| KHPO | 106.3 | Classic Hits |
| AM Stations | ||
| KCBC | 770 | Religious |
| KTRB | 860 | News/Talk |
| KVIN | 920 | Nostalgia |
| KESP | 970 | ESPN Sports |
| KWG | 1230 | Religious |
| KUYL | 1280 | Talk |
| KFIV | 1360 | News/Talk |
| KSTN | 1420 | Oldies |
| KYOS | 1480 | News/Talk |
| KCVR | 1570 | Spanish |
| KTIQ | 1660 | Sports |
Newspapers
Modesto Bee
325 H Street
Modesto, CA 95352
209-578-2000
www.ModBee.com
Golf
Creekside Golf Course
701 Lincoln Ave
Modesto, CA
209-571-5123
www.GolfModesto.com
Diablo Grande
10001 Oak Flat Rd.
Patterson, CA
209-892-4653
www.DiabloGrande.com
A golf resort featuring 36 holes and a 40 acre winery.
Dryden Golf Course
920 South Sunset Ave.
Modesto, CA
209-577-5359
www.GolfModesto.com
Zoos & Parks
Applegate Park Zoo
1025 W. 25th St.
Merced, CA
209-385-6840
www.CityOfMerced.org
This zoo is home to more than 75 animals native to California who have been rescued and are no longer able to survive in the wild.
Micke Grove Regional Park and Zoo
11793 N. Micke Grove Road
Lodi, CA 95240
209-953-8800
www.MGZoo.com
This 258-acre oak tree park features a zoo, Japanese garden, amusement park, koi ponds, the San Joaquin Historical Museum, softball fields and children’s playgrounds.
The Arts
Modesto Symphony
911 Thirteenth Street
Modesto, CA 95354
209-523-4156
www.ModestoSymphony.org
For more than seventy years the symphony has been entertaining locals and visitors with their performances.
Central West Ballet
3125 McHenry Ave Ste D
Modesto, CA 95350
209-576 0808
The ballet presents three productions each season. The Nutcracker is the largest of Central West’s productions with over 130 cast members.
Townsend Opera Players
605 H St
Modesto, CA 95354
209-572-2867
www.TownsendOperaPlayers.com
The Townsend Opera Players present four productions a year that can be enjoyed by opera newcomers and veterans alike.
Mancini Bowl
401 Needham Avenue in Graceada Park
Modesto, CA
The Mancini Bowl is a 1,300 seat outdoor theatre that hosts local concerts and performances.
State Theatre
1307 J Street
Modesto, CA
209-527-4697
www.TheState.org
A historic theatre which opened on December 25, 1934; now a recognized Landmark Preservation Site by the City of Modesto. It hosts a variety of live concerts and productions, as well as cutting edge independent films.
Fat Cat Music House
930 11th St
Modesto, CA
209-524-1400
www.FatCatModesto.com
A 30’s era music house featuring live music, comedy, and disco bands.
Gallo Center for the Arts.
1030 11th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
209-549-0601
www.GalloCenter.org
An 84,000 square foot center that has a 1,200 and 400 seat theaters. The center features regional, national, and global artists and. The Center is the performance home of the Modesto Symphony, The Townsend Opera Players, and the Central West Ballet.
Museums & Attractions
McHenry Mansion
906 15th Street
Modesto, CA
209-577-5344
www.McHenryMuseum.org
Built in 1883 by Robert McHenry, the home has been meticulously restored to original condition, complete with authentic period furnishings.
McHenry Museum
1402 I St.
Modesto, CA
209-577-5366
www.McHenryMuseum.org
Located a block away from the McHenry Mansion, the McHenry Museum hosts a collection exhibiting Stanislaus County’s history and culture.
Great Valley Museum of Natural History
1100 Stoddard Ave.
Modesto, CA
209-575-6196
www.mjc.Yosemite.cc.ca.us/GreatValley
Learn about the animals and plants that live in California’s unique Central Valley.
Castle Air Museum
Santa Fe Drive west of Buhach Road
Atwater, CA
209-723-2178
www.elite.net/castle-air
Currently more than 45 aircraft are on display at this former Air Force base that closed it’s doors in 1994 and was converted into a military air museum.
American Graffiti Cruising Loop
9th & 10th streets (between G & K streets)
Downtown Modesto, CA
The popular film American Graffiti was based on producer George Lucas’ boyhood experiences in Modesto. The popular cruising loop of the 50’s and 60’s was 9th and 10th streets downtown.
Shopping
McHenry Village
1700 McHenry Avenue
Modesto, CA
209-523-6473
One of the oldest outdoor shopping malls on the west coast, McHenry Village has a variety of shops and dining options.
Vintage Faire Mall
3401 Dale Road
Modesto, CA
209-527-3401
www.ShopVintageFaireMall.com
A 2-level shopping center with more than 125 stores and five major department stores. There’s also plenty of restaurants for when you need to refuel between stores.
Vintage Commons
Nearby to Vintage Faire, Vintage Commons has stores like Target, Best Buy, and Borders, so it’s a great place for practical shopping.
Plaza Parkway
2225 Plaza Parkway
Modesto, CA
Parkway plaza has practical department stores like Wal-Mart and Kohl’s.
J Street Antique Shops
J Street in Downtown Modesto
This strip of road is lined with more than 20 antique shops. From furniture to porcelain and home décor items, many treasures are waiting to be found.
Downtown Modesto
Downtown Modesto has pedestrian friendly, tree-lined streets offering a variety of options. Specialty shops, fine dining, coffee shops, parks and more are found downtown. 10th Street is pedestrian-only, and hosts a variety of entertainment options.
Spectator Sports
Modesto Nuts
601 Neece Dr
Modesto, CA
209-572-HITS
www.ModestoNuts.com
The Modesto Nuts are a high-A class minor league baseball team for the Colorado Rockies.
Education
Modesto City Schools is the school district responsible for public education in the city. There are more than 34,000 students in the city’s schools. The district’s annual budget is greater than $205 million to transport and educate these students.
Modesto City Schools are highly diverse, with one of the highest percentages of students learning English as a second language in the state.
Modesto City Schools
426 Locust Street
Modesto, CA 95351-2699
209-576-4011
http://mcs.monet.k12.ca.us/default.aspx
Modesto also has many schools for continuing education past high school. Modesto Junior College can put students on the road to getting their associate’s degrees, and there are a variety of vocation schools in the area as well.
Community Colleges
Community colleges exist for two major purposes. The first is to serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Four out of 10 collegebound high-school graduates start their college education this way.
The second function of community colleges is to prepare students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills for the workplace. They often offer programs that are not available at four-year schools, like fashion design.
Liberal Arts Colleges
Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small and personal attention is available.
Online Learning
Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes- and financial aid is equally available-while the cost to the institution can be much less.
There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited online universities out there.
Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them. Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some programs require students to attend some campus classes or orientations, but many are delivered completely online. Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional.
Public vs. Private
Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state residents. They get most of their money from the state or local government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can offer more personalized attention and often more prestige.
Universities
Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional size and some classes may taught by graduate students.
Upper Division
Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a second year of study at a four-year college.
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