Modesto
California
City Of Modesto
Modesto is a community dedicated to growth, progress and the quality of community life. Proud of its vibrant citizenry, great traditions, educational opportunities and multi-cultural lifestyles, Modesto is twice-blessed with mild weather year-round and some of the world’s richest soil. Modesto is the 16th largest city in California with over 210,000 citizens and is the seat of Stanislaus County.
Modesto offers the diversity and facilities of a metropolitan city, but still maintains an atmosphere of old-fashioned hospitality and small town charm. Modesto offers the full spectrum of arts and entertainment from talented local artists and resident companies to international touring stars – we are considered the culture hub of the Central Valley.
Modesto is located in the heart of one of the greatest agricultural areas of our nation – the San Joaquin Valley. Dairy products, almonds, apricots, melons, tomatoes, wine grapes, peaches, walnuts and poultry products are some of our top commodities. Visit in early spring to enjoy the delightful sights and smells of orchard blossoms. Come in the summer or fall and “Taste Modesto” at our traditional Farmer's Market or at a roadside produce stand.
Should your “tastes” run more on the adventurous side, try rafting on the Stanislaus River, biking trails throughout Modesto, horseback riding at area ranches, and outdoor in-line skating or skateboarding at Modesto’s skate park.
History:
From its earliest days, Modesto (Spanish for modesty) has been a community dedicated to growth, progress and the quality of community life.
In 1870, when it became generally known where the new town of Modesto was to be located, there was a stampede of businesses, dwellings, furniture and people rapidly moving to the one-mile square railroad town. Modesto became the end of the railroad line November 8, 1870, and it took another two years to construct the tracks as far as Merced. When newcomers got off the train here they saw a community of approximately 25 buildings, either hastily built or moved from other locations when the Central Pacific Railroad announced its selection of the Modesto site. It was a bleak settlement on the plains without trees or vegetation but an abundance of wind-blown sand.By 1910, Modesto's population was estimated at 4,500. City fathers referred to the young community as the "most metropolitan and classy of its size in California." Modesto soon became known as the "Rose City" and the "Garden City" because of its many rose bushes and well-manicured lawns.
Emphasis was placed on education and cultural amenities-schools and theaters received priority treatment. The local media boasted of the academic achievements of the city's students, and of the first-rate theatrical productions and entertainers.
In 1912, the downtown Modesto Arch, located at 9th and I streets, was built for a cost of $1,200. The illuminating arch holds 668 lights, stands 25 feet high at its center, and spans 75 feet across I Street. Details of a 1911 contest reveal that the slogan for the arch, "Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health," was selected by a committee of the Modesto Business Men's Association. They paid Sam Harbaugh $3 for his winning slogan.
In the last decades of Modesto's history, there has been progress, vision and growth beyond even founder William Ralston's prediction for the wheat field that was Modesto in 1870. Attracting new business-from retail to manufacturing to the services industry-and keeping up with the demands of future technology and innovation are vital to the growth of Modesto. Afterall, we are a well-established community filled with civic pride and grand plans for the future.
Recent News
Madera County Board of Supervisors Chairman David Rogers Endorses Congressman John Duarte
Modesto, CA - Today, John Duarte, Representative for California Congressional District 13, announced the endorsement of Madera County Board of Supervisors Chairman David Rogers. Rogers’ endorsement adds to the growing list of local support…
Read More »Modesto Announces Award of Homekey Round 3 Funding
Click here to View the Information About "Modesto Announces Award of Homekey Round 3 Funding"
Read More »City of Modesto Honored To Receive Two Helen Putnam Awards
The City of Modesto is proud to announce that it has received the prestigious 2023 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in recognition of its exceptional efforts to address homelessness in the community. The awards were presented at the League of…
Read More »City Of Modesto Awarded $400,000 for Awesome Spot Playground
Modesto Awarded $400,000 for Awesome Spot Playground The City of Modesto is pleased to announce that they have been awarded $400,000 from the State of California for the construction of the Awesome Spot Playground at Beyer Community Park. Once…
Read More »Bike Month Challenge 2023
The Bike Month Challenge has one simple mission - to get more people riding bikes and having a great time!… Read on Click here to Read more Information About "Bike Month Challenge…
Read More »Meet the Mayor: Community Engagement Series
Meet the Mayor is back! The Meet the Mayor Community Engagement Series is an opportunity for Modesto residents to meet Mayor Sue Zwahlen, your city council representatives, and ask questions of City government leaders and officials. Running from May…
Read More »City Of Modesto Celebrates Clean California Community Days
Join us for Clean California Community Days and spring into action by participating in one of Modesto’s three local events. Clean California is a partnership with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office, CalTrans, and various…
Read More »City Of Modesto City Beat News - March 2023
CITY MANAGER'S BLOG The City of Modesto is looking for you to join a small group of committed people to help improve Modesto. Our City Boards, Commissions, and Committees have a number of opportunities to be involved and make a real and lasting…
Read More »City Of Modesto : City Beat - February 2023
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Black History Month has been officially celebrated in the United States since 1976 in order to promote the cultural, economic, political, and social contributions made by our black community to help build this great nation.…
Read More »City Of Modesto News Awarded For Work To Address Youth Homelessness
The City of Modesto is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of the Audrey Nelson Award from the National Community Development Association (NCDA). This award recognizes the result of the City’s partnership in the…
Read More »City Of Modesto : City Beat - January 2023
City Manager's Greeting "This is truly one of my favorite times of the year. The holiday season fills me with happiness and joy. The crisp air, the twinkle of lights, and the smiles on people’s faces are what this season is all about. I hope…
Read More »City Of Modesto News : Modesto Council Takes Action on Forward Together Recommendations
On Tuesday, December 13, 2022, the Modesto City Council approved the creation of a Community Police Review Board (CPRB) and authorized the preparation of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an Independent Police Auditor (IPA). ? The CPRB’s…
Read More »City Of Modesto : City Beat - December 2022
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS SWORN INTO OFFICE On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, the newly elected City Council Members Eric Alvarez, Nick Bavaro, and Jeremiah Williams took the oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony. The November 8, 2022, General…
Read More »City Of Modesto News Modesto City Council Members To Be Sworn Into Office
On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, the City of Modesto will swear in the newly elected City Council Members Eric Alvarez, Nick Bavaro, and Jeremiah Williams. The ceremony will take place in the Modesto City Council Chamber at 5:30 PM. The November 8,…
Read More »City Of Modesto : City Beat - November 2022
Online Bill Pay Sweepstakes The City of Modesto has announced the launch of a sweepstakes for customers who take advantage of the City’s online utility bill payment portal for a chance to win one (1) of two (2) $500 Visa Gift Cards. Customers…
Read More »City Of Modesto Expands Homeowner Repair Assistance Program
The City of Modesto is pleased to announce an expansion of its Homeowner Repair Assistance Program. Eligible residents may apply for low-interest loans and grants to make health, safety and beautification repairs to a home's exterior. With funding…
Read More »City Of Modesto News : EAH Housing Archway Commons II Now Accepting Applications
EAH Housing is now accepting applications for Archway Commons II an affordable housing development in Modesto. Applications for the 74 affordable housing rental units will be accepted through November 15, 2022. Construction of the development is…
Read More »City Of Modesto News County Island Infrastructure Project
On Thursday, October 13, 2022, the City of Modesto, Stanislaus County, and State Senator Susan Eggman celebrated the announcement of a county island infrastructure project in Modesto with a ceremonial groundbreaking. Senator Eggman presented the…
Read More »City Of Modesto News : Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade Call for Entries
The Annual Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade is Saturday, December 3rd at 5:30PM in downtown Modesto. Join the fun by entering a float in this years parade. Float registration is now OPEN. Submit your application by October 28th to avoid a $20…
Read More »City Of Modesto News Mural Festival Brings Even More Life To Downtown Modesto
The Downtown Modesto Partnership will celebrate the season finale of their downtown street festival, DoMo First Fridays, with DoMo Walls on October 7, 2022 bringing 4 new murals to Downtown Modesto. The community is invited to enjoy Downtown…
Read More »City of Modesto City Beat - October 2022
NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL TECHNOLOGY COMING TO MODESTO Starting in early 2023, The City of Modesto will begin changing out what are called Protected/Permissive Left Turn signal lights from a five-section light configuration to a four-section…
Read More »New Traffic Signal Technology Coming To Modesto
On Tuesday night, the Modesto City Council approved traffic signal and safety enhancements for Modesto’s streets that can make intersections safer. Starting in early 2023, The City of Modesto will begin changing out what are called…
Read More »City Of Modesto News : City Kickers Soccer Classes
City Kickers Soccer Classes for youth begin October 1st. Modesto City Kickers classes are designed for the beginner soccer player, but can challenge the intermediate player by sharpening their skills such as dribbling, passing and shooting in a…
Read More »City Of Modesto News - State Route 132 West Completes Phase One with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The City of Modesto celebrated the completion of Phase One of the State Route 132 West Project on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, at the Rosemore Bridge. The ribbon-cutting event centers on the project that began in December of 2019. The project…
Read More »City Of Modesto News Senior Center Open House
September is National Senior Center Month Let’s sow the seeds of positive aging with an Open House on September 15, 2022, from 9:00-11:30 am located at the Modesto Senior Citizens Center- 211 Bodem Street. Come and enjoy Interactive…
Read More »City of Modesto wins prestigious Helen Putnam Award for Excellence
The League of California Cities announced today that the city of Modesto received the esteemed 2022 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in Internal Administration for their implementation of a data collection tool that helps inform the city’s…
Read More »City Of Modesto News : September 2022 City Beat
Modesto Clean Up Day Modesto MoBeautiful Cleanup Day is about much more than picking up trash and litter. It’s a chance for Californians to join people around the world in expressing their respect for our earth, for the community to…
Read More »City Of Modesto News : Volunteers Needed for the PeaceOfficers Memorial Run
The Peace Officers Memorial Run is looking for volunteers! Join the fun on race day and volunteer to help with course monitoring, water stations, medal distribution, packet-pick up and more! Now is your chance to honor the fallen officers from…
Read More »City of Modesto : Approves New Agreement with DowntownStreets Team
The Modesto City Council approved a new agreement with the Downtown Streets Team at the City Council Meeting held on August 9, 2022. The Downtown Streets Team is an essential piece of the City’s efforts to end homelessness, and the new…
Read More »Council Workshop On Forward Together Recommendations
Nearly a year ago, the Modesto City Council launched Forward Together – an engagement initiative on policing in Modesto, in response to both local and national events. The 27-member work group of volunteers, representing a range of community…
Read More »City of Modesto City Beat - August 2022
CALIFORNIA MORTGAGE RELIEF Get caught up on past due housing and property tax payments. Homeowners may be eligible if they have faced a pandemic-related hardship due to COVID-19, or if they have at least missed one property tax payment before May…
Read More »City of Modesto News - July 13, 2022
City of Modesto and CA State Controller Yee Partner to Host Business Resources Webinar The City of Modesto in partnership with California (CA) State Controller Betty T. Yee will co-host a free small business webinar to help local business owners…
Read More »City of Modesto Launches Language Access Service
The City of Modesto will launch their new language access service, Wordly. Wordly is a software program that provides real-time captioned interpretation for meetings streamed over the Zoom platform into over 20 different languages. Residents…
Read More »City Of Modesto : July 2022 City Beat
Fireworks Safety Every year illegal fireworks are the root cause of dangerous fires in our area. Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help us prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths. - Never…
Read More »City of Modesto Beat News - June, 2022
CITY MANAGER'S MONTHLY UPDATE The City Manager's monthly update to council & our community is now available! This report includes information about grant applications and awards, financial reports, and updates to major capital projects. To…
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