MODESTO – The almond blossom, often called valley snow, is beginning to show signs of its return across the region.

The almond blossom season often begins mid February, offering a pleasant display of pink and white blooms. The bloom doesn’t last too long, with the petals typically falling by early to mid March. When the petals fall, they cover the ground in a blanket of “valley snow.”

While the orchard blooms are a pleasant experience, the farms are still private property. Below are a list of approved locations provided by Visit Modesto to see the blossoms in person:

Rodin Farms Fruit Stand, Robert’s Ferry Gourmet in Waterford, and Zinc House Farms in Escalon.

GRASS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA – I first met Lou Conter about five years ago at his home in Grass Valley. I didn’t know what I was in for, only that I was interviewing a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack. Realizing that opportunities to meet and interview people of this generation were becoming fewer and fewer, I immediately accepted the assignment. It would turn out to be one of the most memorable interviews of my career.

Lieutenant Commander Conter was then a quartermaster on board the USS Arizona when it was hit by a bomb. He clearly described the explosion that followed, causing the Arizona to lift out of the water before sinking in less than ten minutes. Immediately jumping into action, he used a lifeboat to rescue as many survivors as possible. After the attack, he volunteered to be part of the dive team that recovered those that lost their lives.

As America entered World War II, Conter became a pilot. He was shot down twice over the Pacific, but managed to row to shore both times.

Mr. Conter’s home had many documents, awards, and memorabilia on display from his career. Newspaper clippings, photographs, and even a piece of the Arizona itself. Even though he walked with the use of a cane, he had no problem showing us around his home. His career and experience was something he was proud of, and made his children and grandchildren even more proud.

Every year Conter made the trip to Hawaii for the Pearl Harbor memorial ceremony. The year I met him, his health had prevented him from flying, marking the first year he was unable to attend the event. At this point, he was one of about five survivors still alive. His hopes were to become well enough to fly to Hawaii the next year. He always looked forward to seeing his fellow shipmates and survivors, which he realized were becoming fewer and fewer as the years went on.

Lieutenant Commander Conter passed away in April this year at the age of 102. At the time of his death, he was the last survivor of the Arizona.

God bless you, Mr. Conter. Thank you for your service.

MODESTO – Women make up only 9% of the fire service, but an event held in partnership between the Modesto Fire Department and Modesto Junior College hopes to change that by introducing young women to a potential career in the fire service.

From medical response to firefighting, ventilation, and forcible entry techniques, young women between the ages of 14 and 21 were given the experience of what it takes to do the job.

The job of a firefighter, a fire woman.

The statistics are very clear in the City of Modesto, there is only one woman serving in the fire department as a firefighter.

That firefighter, Elizabeth Mullis, was very motivated to organize this event with the help of coworkers and colleagues, including other women firefighters from around the state.

“Today’s event is about empowering and encouraging, and bringing in the horizon of the next generation of young women,” Mullis said. “And it’s been so cool to see a girl take on the day.”

The idea first came as an interest Modesto Junior College had in bringing more women into the fire service.

“Modesto Junior College was looking at how to bring young women into their academy, and they mentioned it to one of our chiefs,” Mullis explained. “Our Chief said ‘You know what? I actually think I know somebody that might have an idea on how they can do that,’ and so I have traveled all over California to other Women’s Empowerment Camps.”

She was the clear choice to help organize the event.

“So they asked me if I would be interested in helping put it together, and here we are today.”

The young women participating in the event returned the encouragement by sharing their strength and determination, inspiring each other to challenge themselves at the event.

“I am just so encouraged on how the amount of conversations I’ve had today of young ladies that are interested in the fire service. So it’s super cool to see for me,” said Mullis.

Balancing her passion for firefighting with her deep commitment to raising her two children, Mullis embodies the strength and dedication that fuels both her heroic efforts and nurturing spirit.

“I am a mom of two incredible little boys, and it’s so cool to have a dream of what it would be one day and see how it would come together. And they think mom is super cool getting to ride on Engine Six.”

With the Women’s Empowerment Camp being the first for the Modesto Fire Department, making it an annual event is now part of the plan.