The Better Modesto Show

Zach Drivon joins Chris and discusses the challenges facing Cannabis in California from business, to local taxes, to the black market.

Join Ulisses Vasquez, co-host of the Better Modesto show on KFIV 1360 & live on the iHeartRadio app, as he welcomes a very special guest, Brittany Welch, The Climb West-Coast regional manager for Postpartum Support International (PSI). While co-host Chris Ricci is away in Japan, Ulisses engages in a heartfelt conversation with Brittany about her journey through perinatal mental health challenges & her experience with PSI. Brittany opens up about her traumatic experiences during pregnancy, including antenatal depression & preeclampsia, shedding light on the often overlooked struggles faced by many expectant mothers. Despite the challenges, she bravely shares her path to healing & advocacy, highlighting the importance of support & resources for women navigating perinatal mental health disorders. Throughout the conversation, Brittany emphasizes the significance of organizations like PSI in providing crucial support & community for individuals facing perinatal mental health challenges. From her own journey to becoming a volunteer with PSI to her involvement in organizing events like Climb Out of the Darkness in Modesto, Brittany's story is one of resilience & hope. Join Ulisses & Brittany as they discuss the importance of destigmatizing perinatal mental health issues, providing support for individuals & families, & advocating for better resources & awareness in the community. Tune in to gain valuable insights & learn how you can support those experiencing perinatal mental health challenges.

In the latest episode of the Better Modesto show, listeners are treated to an insightful conversation with special guest Trish Christensen from the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Hosted by Ulisses Vasquez & co-host Chris Ricci, City Council Member for District 3, the episode delves into Trish's journey from Santa Clara to Modesto in 1988, showcasing her initial challenges & eventual embrace of Modesto as a family-friendly community. Trish shares her experiences of commuting & settling in Modesto, highlighting the evolving landscape of the city over the past three decades. She reflects on the positive changes that have made Modesto a great place to raise a family & establish roots, emphasizing the supportive community & opportunities for growth. The camaraderie & warmth between the hosts & guest are evident throughout the episode, offering listeners a glimpse into Trish's impactful work at the Chamber of Commerce & her contributions to the local business community. The episode captures the essence of community spirit & the journey of finding home & belonging in Modesto.

In this new episode of The Better Modesto Show we tune in on a discussion about the heart of community issues & governance, hosted by Ulisses Vasquez & Chris Ricci, & joined by their very special guest, City Council Member for District 4, Nick Bavaro. Additionally, discussion on the complexities of city planning & community engagement is included. Furthermore, there is discussion pertaining to the new Modesto Police Department (MPD) position, Park Rangers Chris Ricci shares insights into the difficulties faced when trying to balance the needs of constituents & vulnerable communities. The conversation delves into the nuances of democracy, highlighting the struggles of pushing forward beneficial projects amidst opposition. Their guest, Nick Bavaro, City Council Person for District 4, adds a unique perspective to the discussion, reflecting on the transition from campaigning to governance & the weight of responsibility that comes with serving on the Council. Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of local governance, community representation, & the delicate balance between public interests & city initiatives. Tune in to the Better Modesto Show on KFIV 1360 and live on the iHeartRadio App for insightful conversations & thought-provoking discussions on building a better city for everyone!

Cohosts Ulisses Vasquez & Chris Ricci invite listeners to tune in to a discussion regarding the pulse of community initiatives & the power of collective action. This podcast delves into the journey from grassroots efforts to city-wide impact. Listeners will discover how small actions can lead to significant changes, drawing from Chris Ricci's experiences in fostering successful community health programs & addressing urban forestry challenges in Modesto. Through engaging conversations, they explore the essence of civic duty & community engagement, sharing anecdotes from recent Boy Scouts presentations & community walks. Tune in to the Better Modesto show for inspiring stories, thought-provoking insights, & a deep dive into the heartbeat of the city. Catch them on KFIV 1360 & live on the iHeartRadio app, as they continue to champion community spirit & empowerment.

In this episode of Better Modesto, Chris interviews Todd Aaronson from Visit Modesto! They delve into the recent attention Modesto has received from the New York Times about our community's spectacular Almond Blossom Cruise. The conversation then shifts to the growing need for new hotels in Modesto to accommodate the increasing number of visitors drawn by the city's burgeoning attractions. Chris and Todd explore potential locations and the impact these hotels could have on local tourism and business. The latter part of the episode is dedicated to exciting upcoming events in Modesto. The hosts provide an insider's look at the Taste of Modesto, offering listeners a glimpse of the exciting event that is being engineered right now for 2025. They then discuss the Modesto Garage Fest and the possibility of 1000 garage sales this year! Finally, they cover the Modesto Art Walk, detailing the event's ability to showcase local artists and create a vibrant, creative atmosphere in the heart of the city.

In this illuminating episode of the Better Modesto Show, co-hosts Ulisses Vasquez & Chris Ricci delve into the crucial topic of financial literacy alongside esteemed guest Ana M. Andrade. Ana, a transformative leader with a diverse background in criminal justice, leadership studies, community advocacy, & brings a wealth of insight to the table. As the discussion unfolds, Ana shares her deep-rooted passion for empowering individuals through financial education, drawing from her experiences advocating for renter's rights & counseling housing providers. Co-host Chris offers general updates on Modesto, shedding light on pressing issues such as homelessness. Together, they explore the vital role of financial literacy in safeguarding individuals from bankruptcy and debt, both in Modesto and beyond. Join us as we navigate the pathways to financial resilience and empowerment in our community.

Join co-hosts Ulisses and Chris as they delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the impact of Debrief Methodologies in Modesto with co-founder Emmanuel Escamilla. Emmanuel shares his personal journey, growing up in the Southside of Modesto and his passion for supporting marginalized communities. Through Debrief, Emmanuel and his team work tirelessly to amplify the voices of underprivileged communities and advocate for their inclusion in local decision-making processes. Tune in as they explore the invaluable work being done to uplift and empower those on the fringes of the city, striving to create a more equitable and inclusive Modesto.

Join hosts Ulisses Vasquez, & City Council Member Chris Ricci navigate an eclectic conversation that ranges from general city updates to the nostalgia of movies!

Join co-host Chris Ricci & Ulisses Vasquez in this dynamic episode of The Better Modesto Show. Join us as we delve into the vibrant cruising culture of Modesto with our special guest, Jerry Thompson. As a dedicated member of the cruising community, Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for this iconic aspect of Modesto's heritage. Through four engaging segments, we explore Jerry's personal journey, his deep-rooted connection to Modesto, and his unwavering enthusiasm for preserving and celebrating the cruising culture. Get ready for an exciting ride as we uncover the history, traditions, and future aspirations of cruising in Modesto with Jerry Thompson.

Embark on a captivating journey with co-hosts Ulisses Vasquez and City Councilperson Chris Ricci as they delve into the enchanting world of Modesto Children's Museum with special guest CEO Chelsie Webster. In this engaging episode, discover Chelsie's personal joys in the Modesto community and the exhilarating experience of leading the museum in its initial months. Uncover Chelsie's passion for early childhood education and its influence on creating unique learning adventures at MoChiMu. Explore the museum's vision coming to life through memorable stories and the impact of its interactive exhibits on the young minds that visit. This episode is your ticket to discovering the magic and educational wonders within MoChiMu's walls and learning about the wonderful person leading this Modesto treasure.

In this heartfelt episode of The Better Modesto Show, join host Ulisses Vasquez in a deeply moving conversation with Erin Nelson, the Founding Executive Director of Jessica's House. Erin shares her personal journey that led her to establish Jessica's House and the profound significance of providing grief support for children, teens, and families. As Children's Grief Awareness Day is on November 16th, Erin delves into the founding vision of Jessica's House and the critical importance of raising awareness for grieving kids and teens. Discover the challenges faced and innovative strategies employed by Jessica's House in segment three, along with powerful stories illustrating the positive impact this support center has had on the lives of those it serves. The episode concludes with a segment dedicated to listeners, offering valuable advice and tips from Erin for supporting grieving children, especially during the upcoming holiday season. Learn how you can get involved or support Jessica's House and the cause of children's grief awareness. Join us for an insightful and compassionate discussion on navigating the delicate journey of grief.

In an insightful dialogue, co-hosts Ulisses Vasquez and city council member Chris Ricci engage in a compelling conversation with Amanda Hughes, the dedicated Executive Director of Stanislaus 2030. This interview delves into the journey, vision, and goals that define the trajectory of Stanislaus 2030, addressing ambitious objectives that aim to transform the local landscape for a better future.

In this captivating episode of the Better Modesto Show, co-hosted by Ulisses Vasquez and City Council Member Chris Ricci, we delve into the future of sustainability with Karen Warner, the visionary CEO of BEAM Circular. BEAM Circular, a groundbreaking initiative that launched in January 2023 with a lead investment from Stanislaus County, is poised to revolutionize the way we view waste and sustainability in the North San Joaquin Valley. Join us as we uncover the inspiring story behind BEAM Circular's inception and the driving force that led Karen to steer this innovative endeavor. Discover how the circular bioeconomy, an exciting concept, holds the potential to transform the region into a hub for groundbreaking solutions. Karen explains the core values of BEAM Circular, emphasizing collaboration and partnerships that are shaping the initiative's journey. As we explore the crucial role played by Stanislaus County in supporting BEAM Circular, you'll gain insights into how these collaborations are instrumental in propelling the initiative forward. Learn about specific projects and innovations that BEAM Circular is currently championing to enhance the local community and environment. Karen shares her experiences of overcoming challenges, an essential part of the innovation journey. Listen to her as she elaborates on some of the most significant achievements and success stories of BEAM Circular since its launch. Furthermore, get ready to be inspired by the sustainable practices and solutions that BEAM Circular envisions for the future, ensuring a better tomorrow. Karen offers a glimpse of the innovative opportunities and unique advantages that this region offers for circular bioeconomy solutions. Finally, discover Karen Warner's personal interests and hobbies when she's not driving the circular bioeconomy forward. Tune in to this episode for a compelling conversation about the transformative power of BEAM Circular and its mission to create accessible quality jobs, build community wealth, and advance vital environmental solutions.

Chris talks the future of Digital in Modesto with Monica Escamilla and Digital Nest

Join hosts Ulisses Vasquez, City Council Member Chris Ricci and Nico Solorio, in an insightful conversation with Stanislaus County Supervisor, District 3, Terry Withrow. Supervisor Withrow shares his journey into local government and his commitment to public service, shedding light on the vital responsibilities of a county supervisor and their profound impact on the lives of our community's residents. Learn about the perfect costume for this years Halloween festivities! Discover the challenges currently facing Stanislaus County and Supervisor Withrow's innovative strategies to address them, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in shaping our region's future. Explore recent county initiatives and projects that promise to enhance our county. Gain valuable advice for those aspiring to make a positive impact in their community, and leave with a message of hope and inspiration for Stanislaus County's future. Tune in to this episode of The Better Modesto Show for a closer look at local leadership and the individuals working tirelessly to build a brighter tomorrow for us all.

In this spirited episode of the Better Modesto Show, host Ulisses Vasquez and co-host, City Council Member Chris Ricci, sit down with Modesto Advocate and the founder/publisher of Modesto View, Chris Murphy. This passionate conversation delves into the shared vision of individuals dedicated to ensuring that Modesto thrives for generations to come. The discussion covers a wide array of topics, including revitalizing the downtown area, the potential for a new stadium, the importance of preserving historical buildings, and the critical role of community engagement in shaping Modesto's future. Join us in exploring inspiring ideas and initiatives aimed at making Modesto a better place for all.

Join Nico and Chris talking about the challenges of dealing with homelessness to things we've been doing on nights out in Modesto!

What kinds of things do we need to do to develop Modesto into a better place? What do the industries of the future look like? How do we improve our quality of life? Where are the jobs of the future in Stanislaus County.

Join host Ulisses Vasquez in a captivating conversation with Meriam Jacobs, the Education Coordinator at East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District (RCD). Meriam shares her journey growing up in Stanislaus County and how she found her path to joining East Stan RCD, a hub of innovative programs like Jr. Chef. In this episode, we delve into the significance of nutritious foods in food pantries and the challenges posed by food deserts. Meriam sheds light on East Stan RCD's gleaning programs and their ambitious toolkit initiative aimed at ensuring everyone has access to fresh fruits. Our conversation extends to the comprehensive spectrum of programs offered by East Stanislaus RCD, supporting farmers, ranchers, landowners, and promoting soil health. Discover the inspiring work being done at The East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District and explore the many ways they are enriching our local community. Tune in to gain insights into how sustainability, education, and community empowerment intersect in the heart of Stanislaus County, with a special shoutout to organizations like the Modesto Certified Farmers Market and many others along the way. Thanks for tuning in! Find them on Facebook: East Stanislaus RCD