Modesto, California - Not Such a Bad Place Quiz

Answer: All of these

Although all of these were connected to Modesto in some way (Laci and Chandra lived in Modesto and the wallet of Carol Sund was found in Modesto) it's important to know that Modesto was placed in the spotlight due to the media and not because this city is the evil hotspot of the San Joaquin Valley.

Answer: George Lucas

George was born in Modesto on May 14, 1944. He was raised on a walnut ranch along with his three siblings. After graduating from Downey High School he attended Modesto Junior College before deciding to attend the University of Southern California film school. "American Graffiti" is based on the local tradition of cruising McHenry Blvd in Modesto but it was actually filmed in Petaluma.

Answer: Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health

Interestingly, "Nobody's Got Modesto's Goat" actually came in first place after a town contest in 1912 to find a slogan for the new arch inspired by the Modesto Business Men's Association. Cooler heads prevailed and it was bypassed for the slogan which still remains on the arch today.

Answer: True

Ralston was also a Director for the Central Pacific Railroad and was considered "the most resourceful and daring of the West Coast financiers". (Quote from www.visitmodesto.com.) His modesty prevented his name from enduring through the years. I wonder if he would do the same again?

Answer: The Modesto Nuts

The Nuts are a Colorado Rockies minor-league affiliate. Believe it or not, this was the best name the owners could come up with. Even sadder, the team mascot is "PeaNUT". The As (a minor-league affiliate for the Oakland As) moved out of town in 2004.

Answer: 1870

The town was established along with the coming of the railroad. It was considered one of the wildest towns in the valley with many saloons, breweries, and 'houses of ill repute'. It's now home to many wonderful restaurants, museums (including the McHenry Mansion, built in 1882-1883), theaters (including the Brenden Theater which was host of the premiere of the latest installment of "Star Wars"), the Townsend Opera Players, the American Graffiti Cruising Loop, and the soon to be completed Gallo Center for the Arts.

Answer: True

It was established in 1921.

Answer: Gallo

Ernest and Julio Gallo opened their winery the same day that Prohibition ended in 1933 with 5900 borrowed dollars. Today it's a multi-million dollar winery that is known world-wide.

Answer: Flower clock

The flower clock is 20' across and, except for the clock mechanism, is made entirely of flowers. Twice a year the Modesto Garden Club plants over 25,000 plants to keep it seasonal and colorful. It is one of only 12 flower clocks in the US! Be sure to check out the city website at www.ci.modesto.ca.us for our 'clock cam'!

Answer: True

True! And many, many more including Chrysler and Toyota television commercials, a documentary for the History Channel, "Unsolved Mysteries", and the "Family Feud" game show. Most were filmed on the Stanislaus County Sierra Railroad. Modesto started out as a wild cowboy and golddigger town and we are proud of it! Hope you enjoyed learning more about Modesto. If you'd like to learn more and see what Modesto has to offer please visit the city website at www.ci.modesto.ca.us or www.modestonuts.com.