Call Center Company in Modesto, CA

Just an hour into fire weather watch issued by the National Weather Service, the Modesto Fire Department tackled the first of two big vegetation fires Sunday.

The first incident occurred in La Grange and was reported at 9:06 a.m. The fire already was at 20 acres when crews arrived. A battalion chief’s incident report said the fire was at steep drainage, which required the use of hose lays. Hose lays are preconfigured arrangements of fire hoses for high-stress situations.

The blaze was held to 35 acres and crews remained at the area during the afternoon. The cause of the fire was a bird on a power line, the fire department said.

The second incident occurred 12 hours later near Finch and Mariposa roads, east of the Modesto Airport. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire was at three acres and spreading in the grass at a rapid rate. Additional personnel were called to stop the fire’s growth.

The fire reached 22.5 acres and was monitored throughout the evening. Crews were at the scene Monday to remove any burning material, the fire department.

Turlock Rural, Denair, Hughson, Burbank Paradise and Woodland Avenue fire crews assisted with the incident.

Additionally, crews handled multiple grass fire incidents that occurred during windy conditions at Codoni Avenue, Zeff Road and Neece Drive areas on Sunday.

The two vegetation fires come at a time where rising temperatures and fire weather are happening throughout Northern California.

Elevated fire weather conditions are expected throughout the Central Valley and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta area this week, according to the National Weather Service.

Sunday and Monday, the weather service issued a red flag warning across Northern California areas, including Modesto for gusty winds and low humidity. The warning was to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Monday

Monday’s forecast called for north winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts as high as 35 mph. Relative daytime humidity was anticipated to be 15% to 25%.

The agency foresees minor and moderate fire weather conditions from Tuesday to Thursday. North winds are expected to be lower than Monday’s, at around 10 to 15 mph, with its highest reaching 20 to 30 mph. The minimum daytime humidity is anticipated to be around 10% to 25%, the agency said.

The agency estimates a 97% chance of Modesto having a temperature greater than 90 degrees on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service recently issued its first fire weather watch of the season for much of Northern California.

That includes the Modesto area.

“Watch for gusty winds and low humidity,” the agency said, explaining that the combination can “cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity.”

Here’s what that means for Modesto — and what to expect in the forecast:

The fire weather watch will be in effect from 8 a.m. Sunday, May 18, to 8 p.m. Monday, May 19, the National Weather Service said.

During that time, the weather agency said, the risk of wildfires is expected to be especially high.

Winds in the Modesto area are expected to range from 15 to 25 mph on Sunday and Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Wind gusts could reach 35 mph.

Daytime humidity will be between 15% and 25%, with evening levels rising to 55%, the weather agency said.

“Outdoor burning is not recommended,” the weather agency said.

“Fire safety precautions should be exercised to prevent fires,” the agency said on X. “Always have an emergency plan for if a fire starts near you.”

A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from 8 AM Sunday to 8 PM Monday for the Valley and Delta below 1000 feet. Strongest winds are expected in the northern/central Sacramento Valley along and west of I-5. Remember to practice fire weather safety! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/Y2JB8zHtjE

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) May 15, 2025

Wildfire season is approaching in California, and experts warn it could be worse than usual.

Wildfire season typically runs from May to November, with most fires happening during the summer months, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association.

The National Interagency Fire Center predicts an “above normal” risk for significant wildfires across much of California from June through August, according to its latest seasonal outlook.

“Outlooks for Northern and Southern California both paint a picture of a significant increase — (a) pretty widespread, elevated risk of large fires come August,” John Abatzoglou, a climatologist at UC Merced, previously told The Modesto Bee.

The National Weather Service’s latest seven-day forecast for the Modesto area calls for sunny, clear skies on Friday, May 16, with a high temperature near 87 degrees and a low temperature around 58 degrees.

Expect increasing clouds later in the day, with light winds around 5 to 8 mph in the evening.

Saturday will bring continued winds, reaching speeds of up to 21 mph by the evening.

Modesto will see a high near 76 and a low around 53.

Sunday will be sunny with a high near 83. Winds will range from 5 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph.

Sunday night will be clear, with temperatures dipping to around 60 degrees.

Starting Monday, the forecast shows a warming trend, with daytime highs climbing into the 90s.

What do you want to know about life in Modesto? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@modbee.com.

This story was originally published May 16, 2025 at 11:02 AM.

Time really does fly.

It’s hard to believe that a full year has passed since I kicked off The Modesto Bee’s “On A Budget” series exploring affordable fun and budget-friendly adventures around Stanislaus County.

I still remember the excitement of browsing for books and sipping tea at my very first stop — Bookish, a charming bookstore tucked into Modesto’s Roseburg Square — in April 2024.

Believe it or not, the flier I got with my purchase that day remains my go-to bookmark.

Now, a year later, I thought it’d be the perfect time to take a stroll down memory lane.

Here’s a look back at some of my favorite spots in and around Modesto that I’ve visited on a $20 budget:

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Bookish will always hold a special place in my heart as the first stop in The Bee’s On a Budget series.

The shop at 811 W. Roseburg Ave. in Modesto offers a maze of bookshelves filled with a variety of books, from memoirs and mysteries to fantasy and romance. New books typically range from $12 to $40, but I stuck to browsing used titles, which start at just $2.

During my visit, I picked up a preowned copy of mystery novel “The Drowning Girls” by Paula Treick DeBoard for $12.

The shop also sells snacks, including chips, cookies and canned teas, along with trinkets such as bookmarks, stickers and journals.

I grabbed a blueberry jasmine tea for $2.50 and a typewriter sticker for $4.

After sales tax, my total came out to $20.14.

After reading about my visit to Bookish, Bee reader Kimberly Gilbert suggested I check out Mocha Magic Cafe and Bake Shop at 920 16th St. in Modesto.

The cafe has become one of my go-to spots whenever I’m in the area. Since my first visit, I’ve returned with my aunt, mom and sisters.

Mocha Magic Cafe and Bake Shop offers plenty of affordable menu options, including coffee drinks for less than $7, smoothies around $6 and pastries for about $5.

Heartier items including sandwiches, soups and bagels cost just under $12 apiece.

When I visited, I ordered a Dirty Chai drink for $5.25, an Earl Grey Lavender cupcake for $2.50 and a Californian sandwich with turkey, provolone, avocado, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and lettuce for $10.

With taxes and fees, my total came to $19.40.

In July, I headed to the Modesto Certified Farmers Market for an affordable morning of local shopping.

The farmers market runs Thursday and Saturday mornings along 16th Street between H and I streets, right next to Stanislaus County Library.

Vendors at the market offered everything from handcrafted goods and organic produce to fruity drinks and fresh-cut flowers. They included BunBao, Burch Bees and Dale’s Gourmet Kettle Popcorn.

During my visit, I picked up a pastry from Rosa’s Portuguese and European Bakery for $5, a premade bouquet from Kelley Flower Farm for $8 and organic fruit from J&J Ramos Farms for $5.75.

Though I wished I could have splurged on more flowers or a bigger bag of fruit, I walked away with a little of everything for just $18.75.

For September’s On A Budget entry, Bee reader Susan Marshall recommended I go to Modesto’s Food Fix Butcher and Baker, 938 11th St. in Modesto.

Food Fix Butcher and Baker’s menu features signature sandwiches, which cost $16 to $23. They’re made with meats including cured pork and grilled chicken and served on fresh-baked rolls with scratch-made sauces.

Wagyu burgers are available for less than $22, with drink prices ranging from $2 to $4. Side dishes range from $4 for french fries to $10 for a six-ounce bowl of macaroni and cheese.

On my visit, I got a sandwich and a side dish for $20.65.

Ever since I first stopped by Food Fix Butcher and Baker, it’s become a favorite dinner spot thanks to its great food and budget-friendly prices.

In November, Bee reader Mark Meiggs suggested I visit Palo Santo Cafe at 6333 Oakdale Road, Suite I, in Riverbank.

He called it a “great little (brunch) restaurant.”

The contemporary Mexican coffee shop is known for its rotating selection of housemade pastries and handcrafted specialty coffee drinks.

Along with tea, lemonade and iced and hot coffee drinks, which are priced between $3.95 and $7.20, the brunch menu offers pastries, soups, salads and classic Mexican dishes ranging from $4 to $16.

During my visit, I got a cup of sopa de fideo for $7 and three chicken tinga tostadas for $13.

After taxes, fees and a tip, my total came to roughly $25.

Got ideas for where I should go next in or around Modesto? I’m now exploring the area on a $25 budget.

Send your suggestions to arodriguez@modbee.com or fill out the form below.

Can’t see the form? Go to tinyurl.com/3euwab47.

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It’s time to dig deep into spring fun as May brings some of the greater Modesto region’s larger festivals and celebrations.

Among the highlights are Modesto Porchfest, which draws the community to neighborhoods for a day of outdoor music at several homes.

Also planned are Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee and the Central Valley Brewfest.

Here’s a look at some of what’s planned in the greater Modesto region for May:

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION – May 2: The West Modesto Community Collaborative holds a Cinco de Mayo event with food, live entertainment and speakers. Proceeds benefit the group’s farmworker outreach and services. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 601 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Modesto. $25. 209-522-6902.

YUPUP KIDS FEST BALL GAME BASH – May 2: The festival will be held before the Modesto Nuts game. Activities include bounce houses, character meet-and-greets, face painting and more. 4:40 p.m. for festival, which is free, but tickets required at YupUp: Local Deals & Rewards. Game vs. San Jose Giants at 6:40 p.m. Game tickets separate, $11-$17. John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive, Modesto.

CINCO DE MAYO PARADE AND CELEBRATION – May 3: South Modesto Businesses United presents its annual parade on Crows Landing Road celebrating the “Day of the Battle of Puebla.” The parade is set to begin at 11 a.m. on Crows Landing Road, Modesto. Free. For more information or to participate in the parade, call 209-566-2300. www.smbu.net.

CERES STREET FAIRE – May 3-4: Entertainment, car and RV shows, food vendors and more. A classic car show is Saturday, a lowrider car show is Sunday. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Downtown Ceres. Free. www.cereschamberofcommerce.org/events/ceres-street-faire-2.

CAFE SHALOM – May 4: Celebration of Jewish food and culture with food, music, bake sale, gift shop and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave., Modesto. $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $15 ages 4-10, free age 3 and under. www.cbsmodesto.org.

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU – May 4: Modesto native George Lucas’ “Star Wars” film saga will be celebrated. Planned are a lightsaber show, Death Star piñata, live music, vendors and more. Guest will be Andrew C. Nelson, who was among the actors who played Darth Vader. 4-9 p.m. Tenth Street Plaza, Modesto. Free. www.downtown-modesto.com/events/may-the-fourth-be-with-you-1.

CENTRAL VALLEY BREWFEST – May 10: More than 150 brews to sample, along with art and music. There will be a VIP wine sampling tent from noon-1 p.m., featuring a Pink Boots Society collaboration brew. Nonprofit Pink Boots Inc. raises funds to support women in the beverage industry. Must be 21 or older to attend the festival, which runs 1-5 p.m. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway. $45 in advance, $55 at the door if still available; VIP tickets $65, in advance only. Designated-driver tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. www.cvbrewfest.com.

MOTHER LODE ROUNDUP – May 10-11: Parade and rodeos sponsored by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse. Parade Saturday at 10 a.m. in downtown Sonora. Saturday and Sunday rodeos at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, beginning at 2 p.m. Kiddie rodeo 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Rodeo tickets $25; $10 ages 7-12, free for age 6 and under. www.motherloderoundup.com.

COLUMBIA DIGGINS 1852 — May 15-18: Columbia State Historic Park’s annual living-history event features 150 costumed volunteers. Visitors experience an 1852 mining camp re-created with period clothing and activities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. $10 general, free for age 17 and under. Diggins Tent Town (near the main parking lot). www.parks.ca.gov/Columbia.

CALAVERAS COUNTY FAIR AND JUMPING FROG JUBILEE – May 15-18: Frogs will be hopping in contests at this annual fest. The fair also offers a carnival, food, entertainment, rodeo, destruction derby, livestock, vendors and more. Festival hours 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday; 8 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday; 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gun Club Road, Angels Camp. $13-$18. www.frogtown.org.

MODESTO PORCHFEST — May 18: More than 65 stages will be set up throughout the La Loma, College and downtown neighborhoods with homeowners hosting bands on porch, patio and driveway stages. Noon-5 p.m. Free, with tip jars available to benefit the musicians. www.modestoporchfest.com.

ARNOLD PEDDLERS FAIRE – May 24-25: The fair returns to the Mother Lode community of Arnold with around 65 booths featuring antiques, collectibles, art, crafts, food and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Bristol’s Café parking lot, 961 Highway 4, Arnold. www.mymotherlode.com/community/events/arnold-spring-peddlers-fair.

BIKE N’ TRIKE – May 31: The Modesto Children’s Museum will hold a community ride beginning at 8:30 a.m. The ride will travel along the Virginia Corridor to Roosevelt Park. There will be a celebration at the park with food, hands-on activities and more. Registration is $10. www.modestochildrensmuseum.org.

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