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By Sofia Johnson
Happy August and Graffiti Summer Modesto! For all of my fellow Downey High students and graduates, we have an especially close connection to this celebration, as film director George Lucas is an alumni. His 1962 film titled “American Graffiti” was inspired by his own experiences in Modesto. This PG rated movie is most fun to watch as a family and try to pick up Modesto references such as Gallo Winery, Ramona Avenue, and the “J.C.” In the spirit of Graffiti Summer, all are welcome to attend the Graffiti Night Parade on August 20th at 5:30pm and the 2021 American Graffiti Festival & Car Show on August 21st from 10am-4pm. For more information on these events and others this month, feel free to visit the event calendar tab on www.modestoview.com<www.modestoview.com/>.
For the past four months, I have spent the majority of my free time at the Stonehenge climbing gym in downtown Modesto. This is a great spot to socialize with friends and exercise both your mind and body. I have introduced many of my friends and coworkers to this gym over the last few months and now nearly ten more people have a membership. Every time I am there, I see parents with their kids, friends, and couples. This truly is an all-ages experience. There are top roping and bouldering walls for both advanced and beginner climbers. Colored routes indicate difficulty and are regularly rearranged so there is always something new to try! This is definitely a must-do this summer.
Every time I climb I can’t help but think of another Modesto icon – Royal Robbins. You may have heard of the clothing store in McHenry Village or Camp 4 restaurant with the great mural of Yosemite. Did you know that Royal was a world-renowned climber leading first ascents of walls on El Capitan and Half Dome? He was also a proponent of clean climbing and helped change the attitude of climbers to use equipment that preserved, not damaged the rock.
I hope the stories of world famous Modesto legends help you find your own inspiration this August.
