History
The City of Modesto was originally a stop on the railroad connecting Sacramento toPlanning and environment
In 1885, Modesto enacted what is now considered to be the first zoning ordinance. The ordinance's primary goal was to keep laundries (which were primarily Chinese run), out of the city. After an arrested man filed to contest the constitutionality of the ordinance, the case escalated to the California Supreme Court which found the law to be constitutional. In the late 1980s Modesto embarked on an update to the city's general plan pursuant to requirements of the State of California. The result was a comprehensive evaluation of alternative population and land use projections along with associated environmental impact analysis. Some of the environmental factors technically assessed were air quality, water quality, environmental noise, soil contamination and visual impacts. Much of the soils in Modesto are classified as part of the Hanford series: (HbpA) fine sandy loam, moderately deep over silt. These soils are well-drained, moderately coarse-textured soils derived from alluvium from granitic rock. The Hanford soils are important for the production of a wide variety of irrigated orchard, field, and truck crops. Vicinity watercourses include the Stanislaus River, the Tuolumne River and Dry Creek which empties into the Tuolumne River. Area groundwater, which is the principal source of water supply in the city, has been historically impaired in a fashion that is spatially variable. Water from the nearby Modesto Reservoir is now used to augment city water. In various parts of the city and its perimeter the following water pollutants have occurred from time to time: nitrates, dibromochloromethane, volatile organics, salinity, total dissolved solids and other pesticides. Each of these contaminants is not present citywide. The EPA rates air quality in Modesto as a 23 on a scale to 100 (higher is better), making Modesto an unhealthy place to live for those with breathing difficulties. This is based on ozone alert days and number of pollutants in the air. In May 2010, ''Forbes'' magazine, in association with the American Lung Association, indicated that Modesto was one of the top 25 most polluted cities in the U.S.Downtown revitalization
As of the 2000s, downtown Modesto (DOMO) has new attractions including the Gallo Center for the Arts and the new Downtown Plaza adjacent to Modesto Centre Plaza. Downtown Modesto has lost the Hotel Covell, the art deco Strand Theatre, and the Sears building. Historic 10th and 11th streets, which were the original locations of the cruising featured in ''American Graffiti'', have been designated by the City of Modesto as the Historic Cruise Route. This is now a tourist walk with information about Modesto's music, car and Graffiti culture. In 2014, the Walk of Fame was launched on the Historic Cruise Route with markers celebrating classic legends like George Lucas, Gene Winfield, Bart Bartoni and others. Classic Community Murals was launched by Modesto magazine ''ModestoView'' and the Peer Recovery Art Center to create a series of large scale murals celebrating the Modesto Classic Graffiti heritage. Many of these are on the Cruise Route. New business incentives have been created to enhance facades, signage, and permitting. A promenade is being designed to create a special entertainment zone along the corridor between the Modesto Centre Plaza and the Gallo Center for the Arts and the adjacent core streets of 10th, 11th and J streets.Geography
Modesto is located in the center of the Central Valley surrounded by the Coastal Ranges and the Sierra Nevada, and close by, the numerous farmlands that produce a majority of several crops for the United States. There are also grassy and tree-filled preserves nearby. The city is in between the Tuolumne River and the nearby Stanislaus River. There is a small creek named Dry Creek, which is badly polluted by agricultural runoff and is adjacent to several parks. Rivers and lakes near Waterford are accessible for a kayak, or small motorboat, and there are several points of public access. This access was given as part of a government plan when hydroelectric power dams were installed upstream for flood control, irrigation, andClimate
Modesto has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) under the Köppen climate classification. It has cool to mild winters with moderate rainfall and hot, dry summers. Most of the rainfall occurs during the winter and the annual total is . The highest rainfall in a season was in 1982–83 and the lowest being in 1912–1913. Precipitation usually comes in the form of atmospheric rivers or bomb cyclones and some of the most precipitation can come during the El Niño years. In addition, Modesto experiences drought cycles like the rest of California where the seasonal rainfall can be a few inches below average in dry seasons and a few inches above during wet seasons. The city does not have a full storm sewer system, and many streets flood during winter rain storms. Measurable snowfall has only been recorded in only 4 months in the last 100 years with the highest amount being 1.5 inches that fell in January 1962. Usually on average the weather does not go below 30 °F and not above 103 °F. Average January temperatures range from in the day to at night. There are about 20 days per year that see temperatures at or below and 79 that are at or above . Winter days that receive precipitation tend to be milder while drier days have freezing nights that allow for frost build up until the morning. Thus, winter temperatures can vary from lows in the low 30s in dry months to 40s in wetter months. Days in the winter can occasionally be as high as , but there can also be cool rainy days as late as May reaching only . Average July temperatures range from in the day to at night. During the summer months there can be multiple days in a row with high temperatures exceeding . This can pose health risks for people with weak constitutions or who ignore the dangers of heat stroke. Onshore breezes (known locally as the "delta breeze") moderate these high temperatures somewhat, with cooler air coming in after 8 or 9 pm on summer nights, making Modesto potentially a couple or few degrees cooler than the northern and southern parts of the Central Valley.Demographics
2020
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Modesto had a population of 201,165. The population density was . The racial makeup of Modesto was 130,833 (65.0%)2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 188,856 people, 64,959 households, and 46,640 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 67,179 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 69.6%Economy
Modesto has a large agricultural industry which is based on the fertile farmland surrounding the city. Modesto is home to the largest winery in the world: E & J Gallo Winery. The Gallo Glass Company, a company of Gallo Winery, is the largest wine bottle manufacturing company in the world. Gallo provides about 3,500 jobs to Modesto residents and 2,500 jobs in other parts of the state, country, and world (meaning that most of its employment base is in Modesto). In 2023, Gallo laid off 355 of its California workers. Other major privately owned companies based in Modesto include Crystal Creamery, Royal Robbins, international award winner Fiscalini Cheese, Sciabica Olive Oil, Save Mart, Acme Construction, Aderholt Specialty, and 5.11 Tactical (formerly a part of Royal Robbins, a United States brand of clothing consisting of uniforms and tactical equipment for military). A cannery downtown produces food which is usually shipped to Sacramento and Fresno for transfer to rail or ship. Ceres has a few cereal and snack factories in the area. There are several small steelworking companies in Modesto. In mid-2008, a number of road projects were underway, with roads being constructed, repaved or repaired, at an estimated total cost of nearly $120 million.Principal employers
Crime
Rates of both violent crimes and property crimes are higher in Modesto than the state average. Of particular note is that Modesto ranks among the top car theft cities in the US. , Modesto ranked number 1 in car thefts per 100,000 people, although the city dropped to number 3 in 2013, behind Bakersfield and Fresno. In Modesto the crime rate is higher than 86% of California's cities.Arts and culture
The Rockabilly genre of music originated in Modesto with the formation of Maddox Brothers & Rose on KTRB Radio in 1937. The "Hillbilly Boogie" sound, featuring the string slapping percussive sound by Fred Maddox, would become popular on a national scale and would later be the foundation for Rockabilly. Fred Maddox's bass is housed at the Experience Project Museum in Seattle, Washington. The city's annual Architectural Festival honors Modesto's history as a testing ground forMusic and performing arts
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra, which finds its home at the Gallo Center, held their first performance when Modesto had a population of 17,000 in 1931 and continues to be a staple in the community. Not to be outdone by the Symphony, MoBand (Modesto Band of Stanislaus County), established in 1919, is one of the oldest continuously performing bands in the U.S. The group performs a free 6-week summer concerts-in-the-park series with its 130 volunteer musicians. Modesto is also home to Townsend Opera, founded in 1983 by the late Modesto-born opera singer Buck Townsend, and Modesto Performing Arts, as well as the Gallo Center for the Arts. Modesto is also home to the area's leading professional ballet company, Central West Ballet. The Mexican culture and traditions are displayed by the Ballet Folklorico Group "Casa Cultural Tradiciones". Folklorico groups are often at Modesto events, sharing their culture with traditional dance and colorful attire. The Modesto Area Music Awards (MAMA) are held each October. Local radio stations and promoters nominate local bands and voting happens online. There is a black-tie ceremony and trophies are given to winners in multiple categories. A lifetime achievement award is also presented. The MAMAs were created by Chris Murphy and Chris Ricci to support and encourage local musicians.Historic places
McHenry Mansion
The McHenry Mansion is a restored historic home located at Fifteenth and I Streets. The McHenry family built the house in 1883 after the patriarch of the family, Oramil McHenry, left $20,000 in his will. The mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1978.Graceada Park
Graceada Park is an urban park north of Needham Avenue and was recognized as a historic landmark by the City of Modesto Landmark Preservation Commission in 1998.Hawke Castle
The Hawke Castle is a historic residence built in 1929. It was influenced by the Norman architecture, and is now the property of George Thayer Real Estate.Crow House
or the Walter B. Wood House, was originally located at 814 Twelfth Street. The house was originally owned by Walter Wood and was constructed in 1884 in the Italianate style. The house has been removed from its original location, and modern renovation of the house has compromised its NRHP designation.Robert Walton House
The Robert Walton House was constructed in 1957, as a development of Frank Lloyd Wright's New York Usonian Exhibition House concept.El Viejo Post Office
The U.S. "El Viejo" Post Office is located on Twelfth and I streets. Wall murals inside the post office were painted by Ray Boynton, a Work Projects Administration artist. The post office was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.Dry Creek Bridge
The Dry Creek Bridge, formerly on State Route 132, was recommended eligible for its design. The bridge is a major example of John B. Leonard's bridge designs.Southern Pacific Railroad Depot
The Southern Pacific Railroad Depot was constructed in 1915 in the Mission style at the corner of J and Ninth Streets. The City of Modesto was established as a town by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1870. The building has been restored and expanded as the City Transportation Center.Tourism
Modesto is known for the following tourist attractions and historical sites:Sports
The Modesto Nuts Minor League Baseball Club is a class A California League. The Nuts are the Single A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and play 70 home games each season. The Nuts won the California League championship in 2017, and back to back titles in 2023 and 2024.Government
Local government
Modesto is governed under a council-manager system. The Mayor is elected at-large. The six members of the city council are elected from districts by the voters within the respective district. According to the city's most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city's various funds had $357,631,225 in Revenues, $1,826,668,511 in total assets, and $876,459,686 in total liabilities. The city has adopted a policy to achieve and maintain a General Fund reserve at 8% of the fund's total operating expenditures for fiscal year 2017–2018. At the end of the fiscal year, the General Fund balance was $26,745,582 or 22.5% of total General Fund expenditures. Residents of Modesto also participate in the Government of Stanislaus County and elections for Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors district 1 as well as the Sheriff-Coroner, District Attorney, Assessor, Auditor-Controller, Treasurer-Tax Collector, and Clerk-Recorder. As of January 2013 these were represented by Supervisor William O'Brien, Sheriff-Coroner Adam Christianson, District Attorney Birgit Fladager, Assessor David Cogdill Sr., Auditor-Controller Lauren Klein, Treasurer-Tax Collector Gordon Ford, and Clerk-Recorder Lee Lundrigan. The current mayor and council members are: *Mayor: Sue Zwahlen *Council Members: Rosa Escutia-Braaton, Tony Madrigal, Chris Ricci, Bill Zoslocki, Jenny Kenoyer, and David Wright.List of mayors
This is a non-exhaustive list of Modesto mayors by year. *1923 Sol P. Elias. *1952 Harry Marks. *1960 Don D. Hammond. *1979 Peggy Mensinger - First woman mayor. *1987 Carol Whiteside. *2000 Carmen Sabatino. *2003 Jim Ridenour. *2012 Garrad Marsh. *2016 Ted Brandvold. *2021 Sue Zwahlen.Federal and state representation
In the California State Senate, Modesto is split between , and . In the California State Assembly, Modesto is split between , and . In theEducation
City schools
Modesto City Schools was established for students in the community in 1871. The current enrollment is approximately 32,000 students. The district operates 23 elementary schools (K-6), four junior high schools (7–8), seven comprehensive high schools (9–12), and an alternative education program that includes an opportunity and continuation school, independent study and adult evening high school. The seventh comprehensive high school, Joseph Gregori High School, was recently completed. Modesto's oldest high school, Modesto High School, also offers an International Baccalaureate program, and is the only high school in Stanislaus County accredited for this program. There are other elementary school districts within and adjacent to the limits of Modesto City Schools that feed into the high schools. They include Sylvan Union (serving the eastern portion of Modesto), Stanislaus Union, Hart-Ransom, Shilo and Paradise Elementary School Districts.Private schools
* Modesto Christian School (K–12), Central Catholic High School, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, St. Stanislaus Catholic School, Big Valley Christian School, and Grace Lutheran School are private religious schools located in Modesto. * ULCO Seminary (U.S.A.) has its international headquarters in Modesto.Higher education
* Modesto Junior College is a two-year junior college in Modesto and has over 20,000 students enrolled and 21 inter-collegiate sports teams.Media
Television stations
As part of the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto television market, Modesto is primarily served by stations that are based mainly in Sacramento. They are listed below, with the city of license in bold: * KCRA Channel 3 ( NBC affiliate) Sacramento * KVIE Channel 6 ( PBS member station) Sacramento * KXTV Channel 10 ( ABC affiliate) Sacramento * KOVR Channel 13 ( CBS O&O) Stockton * KUVS Channel 19 ( Univision O&O) Modesto *MyTv26 Comcast26 Modesto/Stanislaus County. http://www.mytv26.tv/ Your Independent Public Access Television Station. * KSPX-TV Channel 29 ( Ion O&O) Sacramento * KMAX-TV Channel 31 ( Independent station) * KCSO-LD Channel 33 ( Telemundo O&O) Sacramento * KTXL Channel 40 ( Fox affiliate) Sacramento * KTNC-TV Channel 42 ( Estrella TV affiliate) Concord * KQCA Channel 58 (dual affiliate of The CW and MyNetworkTV) Sacramento * KTFK-DT Channel 64 ( UniMás O&O) StocktonRadio
FM stations
* KMPO 88.7: World ethnic * KLOVE 89.7: AC Christian * Air 1 90.7 Christian (alternative/pop) * KVIN 92.3: Punjabi radio * KOSO 92.9: Country * KPHD 93.3: Local music and news * KBBU 93.9: Regional Mexican * KHOP 95.1: Top 40 (CHR) * KMRQ 96.7: Rock * KWIN 97.7 & 98.3: Mainstream urban * KQOD 100.1: Rhythmic oldies * KMIX 100.9: Regional Mexican * KAMB 101.5: AC Christian * KJSN 102.3: Adult contemporary * KATM 103.3: Country * KHKK 104.1: Classic rock * KHTN 104.7: Hip-hop * KRVR 105.5: Classic hits * KGIG-LP 104.9: Local-Bands & News / community radioAM stations
* KCBC 770: Christian Talk/Programs * KMPH 840: Catholic radio * KVIN 920: Punjabi radio * KESP 970: Sports * KFIV 1360: Talk radio * KLOC 1390: Regional MexicanPrint media
*'' The Modesto Bee'': Modesto's daily newspaper, published by the McClatchy Company *''Modestoview'' magazine, monthly entertainment magazine viewable on modestoview.com or in print for free pick-up at most restaurants, cafes, and offices in Modesto.Transportation
Rail
Modesto station, east of downtown Modesto, is served by Amtrak '' San Joaquin'' intercity rail service. Future plans call for Altamont Corridor Express service at the Modesto Transportation Center by 2023, with California High-Speed Rail later serving the station as well. The large industrial region south and east of the city is served by the Modesto and Empire Traction Company, a short line railroad, with a web of industry tracks and many customers. At one time, Modesto was the operational center of the Tidewater Southern Railway, which had its main line down the center of Ninth Street, a major north–south street. A city ordinance passed by the city council keptLocal transit
The Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority operates local bus service and paratransit in Modesto, regional service in Stanislaus County, and commuter routes connecting to Bay Area Rapid Transit and Altamont Corridor Express stations.Air
Modesto is served by the Modesto City-County Airport that lies east of California State Route 99 within the city limits. SkyWest Airlines (operating as United Express) provided air service to San Francisco International Airport, however commercial service stopped in June 2014. The airport is used for manufacturing and the shipping industries throughout California and the United States.Highways and roads
Interstate 5 and California State Route 99 provide major highway access to Modesto. California State Route 132 links the city to Interstate 580, providing commuter access to highways into the Bay Area. California State Route 108 connects to Oakdale, California and east to the foothills. The city has added many roundabouts in an effort to ease traffic congestion within the town with varying degrees of success.Notable people
* Evin Agassi, prominent Assyrian American singer who settled in the city in the 1970s. * James Algar, film director. * Chidi Ahanotu, former NFL player. * Jack Angel, voice actor: Teddy in '' A.I. Artificial Intelligence'', AstroTrain in ''Transformers'' films, Nikki in '' Balto''. * Dan Archer, NFL player. * Marcella Arguello, stand-up comedian. * Sonny Barger, Oakland chapter founder of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. * Derrick Barry, drag queen, Britney Spears impersonator, Rupaul's Drag Race season 8 contestant. * Nick Bassett, multi-instrumentalist (bassist of Nothing, guitarist of Whirr), film and television composer. * Eric Bell, former MLB pitcher. * Eddy Berumen, soccer player * DaRon Bland, NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys. * Tony Boselli, football player,Sister cities
Modesto's sister cities are: * Aguascalientes, Mexico * Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine * Kurume, Japan * Laval, France * Mengzi, China * Vernon, Canada * Vijayawada, India These programs are run by the non-profit Modesto Sister Cities International.In popular culture
*The first season of ABC's drama '' American Crime'' is set in Modesto. *The 1973 film '' American Graffiti'' is set in Modesto. *"Modesto" is the name of a song by Beck, from his '' Stereopathetic Soulmanure'' album. *"St. Modesto" is a song by Chris Walla from his '' Field Manual'' album. *The 2009 film '' Janky Promoters'' is set in Modesto. *The 2009 film '' Monsters vs. Aliens'' is set in Modesto. *The 2017 music video for the Macklemore song " Glorious" is set in Modesto. *Adele mentions Modesto in her single "Wild Wild West". *The 2006 NOFX song "60% Intentional" mentions Modesto, featured on the album Wolves in Wolves' Clothing. *A 2022 episode of the paranormal documentary show '' A Haunting'' titled: "Daydreams and Nightmares" (Season 11 episode 3) tells the case of a costume store under the same name owned by Dana Walters that located in the city and believed to be haunted. *The episode "Looking for a plot" (2015), from HBO's '' Looking'', takes place in Modesto. *The character Lieutenant Brad Boimler from the television series '' Star Trek: Lower Decks'' was raised on his family's raisin vineyard in Modesto. *Modesto is briefly depicted in the video game '' Counter-Strike: Condition Zero''. *In the film '' Scream'', Sam and Richie are first seen to be working inside a bowling alley in Modesto. *Modesto is depicted in condensed form in the video game '' American Truck Simulator''. *Modesto is mentioned in a popular corrido song by the famous band Fuerza Regida, a Regional Mexican genre pop culture group, a video was filmed for the song "En Modesto se La Pasa" in Modesto, CASee also
* List of U.S. cities with large Hispanic populationsReferences
Further reading
*B.J. Osborn, ''Modesto: An Informal History''. IUniverse, 2003.External links
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