Question of the Week: What does Modesto lack?

MODESTO -- Question of the Week: What one thing does the Modesto region really lack?

Maggie White, Senior, Valley Charter High

Give us a Panera Bread and a Roller King, and I think we'll be quite satisfied.

Alicia Rorabaugh, Senior, Johansen High School

Besides a year-round rainy gray climate, Modesto lacks J. Crew (my favorite store) and an ice skating rink. Tsk tsk!

Natalia Lima, Senior, Turlock High School

Being from Turlock, I didn't even know Modesto was lacking anything. Modesto has everything the teens of Turlock want: laser tag, bowling alleys, a baseball team, putt-putt golf, go-karts. The list goes on.

Elisha Akard, Junior, Keyes To Learning Charter

One thing I think Modesto is lacking is an amusement park. An actual, Great America-sized theme park. The closest things we have to amusement parks are Boomers and Funworks, which are "mini theme parks" in their own rights. I like both of those places, but it would be nice if something such as Great America or Disneyland (or the sort) was located within a 20-mile radius of Stanislaus County.

Dominique Germann, Senior, Central Valley High School

A nice beach and a Nordstrom Rack. … Love that store.

Mark Borges

Definitely Disneyland! It's a bit of a stretch, but I could see the headlines now, "Mickey hits Modesto."

Annie Mathews, Senior, Gregori High School

I was very disappointed when Roller King closed down seven years ago, Modesto just hasn't been the same without it. It used to be the hot spot for every birthday party and weekend get-together. None of the nearby skate parks allow quad skates or blades, and it was the only location in the area for skaters to practice. I am earnestly hoping that Modesto will open a new roller rink in the near future.

Geoffrey Jacobs, Sophomore, Modesto Junior College

While we have the Gallo Center for the Arts, the State Theater, the Mancini Bowl, and assorted clubs to host concerts, I think Modesto lacks a true venue for top- notch bands and artists to perform at. Not to say that Modesto hasn't been the site for many amazing concerts, but how awesome would it be to have a huge multipurpose arena that could attract the likes of Rihanna, Green Day, The Rolling Stones, Bruno Mars, Lamb of God, and many other world famous acts? After all, it seems that Modestans usually have to travel to the Bay Area to see these kinds of concerts (Stockton or Sacramento, if we're lucky). Otherwise, I'd say that Modesto is pretty well-rounded as far as entertainment goes, but a bigger concert venue would be my only wish.

Pauline Cepeda, Junior, Pitman High School

I think that the Modesto region as a whole has a lot to offer. However, I live in Turlock. I feel that in my particular city, there are many things lacking. We only have one movie theatre, which is located on the far side of town. I believe that there should be a lot more options, shopping- wise. Turlock shopping really only consists of Ross, Kohl's or JCPenney's. There's not much to offer. However, I do believe that Turlock offers a lot of good restaurants and is sure to appease any appetite in town.

Julie Fogarty, Sophomore, Central Catholic High School

I think it would be cool if Modesto had an ice skating rink. I haven't been since I was little, and lately I've been thinking about how much fun it would be to go again.

Lauren Stanislaw, Junior, Beyer High School

Modesto needs hills! I do cross country. Running hills is fun. Getting your parents to drive you to them is not. On a side note, it would be great if these hills had a lake and a big mall beneath them. Snow in the winter wouldn't hurt either!

Shelby Sutter, Sophomore, Enochs High School

Modesto has its great moments. However, smooth roads and continual green lights would make living in Modesto easier. Since I am a new driver, when I drive on the bumpy roads and have to stop at every red light, I long for a better way.

Katelyn Roudebush, Senior, Oakdale High School

When I was younger, Modesto used to be home its very own Roller King. Roller King was my absolute favorite place to go to for every occasion. I loved jamming to the music while skating around in rollerblades. Ever since it closed a couple of years ago, I've always wished that Modesto would once again have a skating rink.