Modesto (population 201,165) is a city in the U.S. state of California. It is situated in Stanislaus County, for which it serves as the county seat. Modesto is located in the northern part of California, 148 km east of San Francisco. Fertile agricultural land surrounds this modest-sized city. The county of Stanislaus ranks 6th in farm production among California counties, grossing more than $2 billion each and every year in agricultural products. Area farmers produce primarily chicken, milk, almonds, cattle and walnuts.
Modesto was founded during the year 1870. It was a train stop on the route between Los Angeles and Sacramento. Folklore says that the city was named Modesto after California financier William C. Ralston refused to have the city named after him, and a Spanish-speaking railroad worker declared that Ralston was really modest - "Muy modesto" in Spanish.
Modesto region's fertile farmland consists of lots of wineries, the most well known of which is E & J Gallo. The Gallo Glass Company is a significant local employer, providing jobs in its big bottle manufacturing operation. The people of Modesto are also working at steel plants and food canneries. Food processing facilities, like for example the Blue Diamond Growers almond factory and Foster Farms poultry plant, are significant employers. At least 20 percent of the city's workforce commutes to nearby counties for work.
The major business sectors in the city of Modesto aside from agriculture comprises education, professional, management and related jobs, food and accommodation services, healthcare, social assistance and light manufacturing.
The city has a vibrant culture scene with a strong arts sector. There are lots of local arts organizations, including: the Central West ballet, Gallo Center for the Arts, The Townsend Opera Players, The Modesto Symphony and The State Theatre. Local attractions comprise The Great Valley Museum of Natural History, The McHenry Mansion and The Castle Air Museum.
The mild weather conditions of Northern California makes Modesto ideal for year-round outdoor recreation. Watersports such as boating, houseboating and river rafting are popular here. The region has superb facilities for golfing and camping. Indoor recreational activities are available for free at Beyer High School's big public skate park. Yosemite National Park is less than one hour away.