Hello Modesto! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Presidential scholar semifinalists, free tacos at a station open house, and donuts coffee and cartoons + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Local students earn top honors: Two Stanislaus County graduates, Sabrina Toor and Kate Cooper, were named semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program. The commission will review 627 semifinalists to choose up to 161 scholars -- meet the scholarship finalists.
Limited release update: On June 22, Dust Bowl Brewing Co. unveiled Mega Juicy IPA, a 12% Imperial IPA and Q3 Big Beer Series release, fruit-forward without haze, headed to select retailers and taprooms -- taste the new IPA release.
Community event at the station: Modesto’s Amtrak station will host an open house June 26 with free tacos and shaved ice, showcasing low-cost Gold Runner trips between Bakersfield and Oakland at Briggsmore’s east end -- see what's happening there.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Grow something great: Grover Ornamental Nursery is basically your Central Valley cheat code for healthy, yard-ready plants. From shade trees and roses to succulents and veggie starts, their crew actually helps you pick what will survive Modesto summers, so your weekend planting spree turns into a season of wins.
Level up game night: Modesto’s only board game cafe, Meeple Valley Board Game Cafe LLC, packs a play library for every mood, comfy tables, and snacky fuel while you roll, plot, and laugh with friends. Book a room for campaigns or stream-worthy showdowns, or just drop in and discover a new favorite.
Weekend energy upgrade: Ustach Park has two full basketball courts, picnic spots galore, a playground for little climbers, and a water play area to cool off, plus restrooms. Grab a ball, pack snacks, let the kids run, then pretend you planned it all along.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🩰 Peter Pan @ The State Theatre | Saturday (6/27) at 5:30 PM – Whether you still believe in pixie dust or just appreciate a good plié, Steps Dance Arts Center turns Peter Pan into a lively dance adventure. Expect Lost Boys, mermaids, a punctual crocodile, and Hook and Smee, while you enjoy nostalgia, decent seats, and snacks.
🎸 Modesto Roadsters Postgame Show @ John Thurman Field | Saturday (6/27) at 5:30 PM – After the final out at Modern Woodmen Field, Girls Smash Guitars turns the ballpark into gleeful mayhem, with Andy from Irietide on drums slipping in summer reggae. Beach balls, a touch of guitar carnage, crowd chaos, and Haley proving predictability is overrated.
🎭 2026 Modesto Musical Theatre Intensive @ Thomas Downey High School | Monday (6/29) – Modesto gets a musical theatre bootcamp that skips the showboat ending. No end-of-week showcase, just the good stuff training, coaching, and scene work with zero pressure, maximum progress, and a chance to leave humming your cut without subjecting friends to folding-chair applause.
🍩 Donuts, Coffee and Cartoons @ The State Theatre | Saturday (7/11) at 9:00 AM – If your ideal morning involves donuts, coffee, and handing the kids a craft so you can actually drink the coffee, the State is spinning Oliver & Company. Ease in with Macaroni Kid crafts, then enjoy Billy Joel as a streetwise dog, city shenanigans, and nostalgia.
⚾ Yuba Sutter High Wheelers @ John Thurman Field | Saturday (8/1) at 7:59 AM – Yuba Sutter High Wheelers roll into John Thurman Field to face our Modesto Roadsters, a treat for fans of smart, situational baseball. Expect savvy bullpen moves, late inning flutters, and that classic ballpark vibe where peanuts outshine your neighbor's commentary.
🍩 Donuts, Coffee and Cartoons @ The State Theatre | Saturday (8/1) at 9:00 AM – Whether you grew up with Saturday morning cartoons or you miss eating sugar in peace, this one is for you. Donuts, coffee, and Lilo & Stitch at the State, with crafts with Macaroni Kid first, then chaos, heart, and ohana on the big screen.
🪙 Central Valley Coin and Collectibles Show for 2026 @ Stanislaus County Veterans Hall | Friday (8/7) at 10:00 AM – Time to flex that jar of wheat pennies. The coin and collectibles show at Stanislaus County Veteran's Hall has buying, selling, trading, appraisals, $5 admission, kids 12 and under free with a treasure hunt, a $5,000 raffle, and a 9AM early bird for the committed.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Modesto report Weather forecastToday — High: 95°F — Low: 62°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 95. North northwest wind around 7 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 62. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 62°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 93. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. This house is wildThis 3,885-square-foot Northwest Modesto showpiece pairs 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, a dedicated office, and a flexible loft with 150K in upgrades. The gourmet kitchen flows into bright living spaces, while the primary suite brings extra comfort. Outside, a sparkling pool and spa anchor a private backyard oasis, with a 3-car garage and prime access to Kaiser, Costco, shopping, and freeway routes.
Take a peek inside → |
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