Greetings Friends
Wow, here we are. It’s June Modesto. Graffiti Summer!
It has been crazy as we have been loaded up with so many fun things to do. We haven’t had a moment to rest. Last month, May the 4th was just a warm up and then we had Modesto’s biggest party with Porchfest. It was so great to see so many people cruising our neighborhoods, loving the local bands, music plus meeting new friends and neighbors. In the blink of an eye, it’s June.
June is Modesto’s month. Modesto’s #1 calling card. The American Graffiti capital of the world shines bright in June. People from around the world arrive in Modesto, with tricked-out classic cars, a good camera and a great attitude to celebrate our “Classic Car Culture”. We get to relive our cruising days, showcase it to the next generations and share this with many cultures to enjoy. Our Graffiti Culture is so much more than just a bunch of old cars. It’s art, it’s music, its chrome, it’s lowriders, it’s customs all to a rockin’ beat with a couple of stops at a drive in. As we build our Graffiti USA Museum it is all about showcasing our culture. It’s not just a room full of cars, but an experience that takes us to a fun place to celebrate Modesto’s authentic story and welcome people from around the world.
If you are a city or brand, it is key to have an authentic story. It is the cool retro vibe that taps into the things that we love, the people, the food, the simpler times. It is our city that inspired George Lucas, American Graffiti and Star Wars. Oh yeah we feed the world too. That’s why we are THE Modesto, Modesto USA. Great history and creative people make a great future.
June also brings us Father’s Day. The most rewarding thing in my life is being a father. I love it and our family means so much. We have learned a lot, worked really hard and we’ve had a great time through it all. I was recently asked by a friend how we raised strong and engaged women. One sure thing is being there, and being present. Moving to Modesto made that possible. One of the things I intentionally did was to make Modesto a place that my kids would love and enjoy. We got involved, made a difference and I decided to be a positive messenger for our community. Community service is so very important to learn about our town and work with people that also care. I am so beyond grateful that both of my girls watched and learned and wanted live here in Modesto. They have great jobs, and their partners are also engaged and making a difference and they are starting their own families. They see what can be accomplished and how we can all make change. I would encourage anyone to really take a look around and see what you can do to make Modesto better. There are many people like you so let’s connect the dots and Happy Father’s day to my fellow dads.
It is good to know the owners of local restaurants as it makes dining so much familiar, know the local store owners that make our local economy work and support each other. It is important to be familiar with our local officials that are taking our community ideas and crafting policies that can move us forward and break down barriers. It’s really important to think and live local, even while building a community that is interesting and exiting to the rest of the world. Our Graffiti culture is a good metaphor, of a simple place where we all know each other and make a difference. There is really nothing more authentic.
June is Pride Month. This is really simple. It is all about basic equality. Celebrate people as they are, let them love who they want and embrace our diversity. It’s not much more complicated than that. No one should get to take anyone’s rights away.
Yeah, I love Graffiti Summer and it really makes what we all do make sense. Let’s keep the Graffiti spirit alive and share it as far and wide as we can.
With Gratitude,
Chris Murphy
Founder & Publisher, ModestoView
