This Week's Latest Tech News in Modesto, CA - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

This week, Modesto’s fast-paced tech evolution stands out as AI and digital investments actively reshape the city’s business, banking, and legal landscapes. Recent data shows that the local trend is part of a broader uptick - nationally, companies plan to boost their technology and AI spending, with 31% aiming for a 10-19% increase in AI investments, while another 22% are raising AI budgets by over 20% in 2025 (investment in payments tech and AI).

• Business innovation: Companies like QuickFi and J.P. Morgan are recognized for innovation in embedded lending and digital tools, which points to industry-wide transformation (Banking Tech Awards 2025 finalists, including QuickFi).
• Legal advancements: Law firms in Modesto are embracing AI-driven solutions for complex tasks such as e-discovery and patent drafting, highlighting that true technological innovation means more than just using new buzzwords (Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards spotlight).
• Public sector adaptation: Both the retail and public sectors are quickly adjusting to the current landscape, paving the way for daily tech-driven services and opportunities for Modesto’s residents.

“As Modesto’s retail and public sectors adapt to these accelerating shifts, residents and professionals alike are adjusting to a new normal, where technology-driven service and opportunity become everyday expectations.” – Susan Harris

Valley First Credit Union has welcomed Lisa Williams as its new Vice President of Commercial Banking, a move set to strengthen digital banking and business services throughout Modesto and the greater Central Valley.

Williams, based in the Fresno area, brings over a decade of experience in commercial finance, previously serving as Senior Relationship Manager at both Bank of America and Tri Counties Bank.

In her new role, Williams will focus on expanding Valley First’s business banking relationships from Kern County to Merced County, emphasizing tailored lending and deposit solutions for local businesses - a core part of Valley First’s member-owned mission as announced officially by the credit union.

• Digital banking initiatives are being advanced by Williams, focusing on upgrades to online member services and mobile banking tools. These enhancements aim to offer a more seamless banking experience for both individual and business members.
• Community-driven support remains central, with Valley First serving over 80,000 members and emphasizing financial empowerment, as noted in industry coverage.
• Williams will direct efforts towards digital onboarding for small business accounts, streamlined loan processing, and ongoing innovation in security and member service. She reports directly to the Chief Lending Officer and collaborates with Valley First’s leadership to ensure digital initiatives align with evolving community needs.

"Technology-focused leadership plays a vital role in local finance, and Valley First Credit Union’s appointment demonstrates their commitment to delivering efficient and accessible financial solutions."

To learn more about Valley First Credit Union’s mission and leadership, including Williams’s role, members can visit the organization’s official leadership page for additional details.

This appointment reflects the growing importance of technology-focused leadership in local finance and signals Valley First’s commitment to delivering efficient and accessible financial solutions throughout 2025 and beyond.

The Scott Peterson case has resurfaced in Modesto’s headlines as the LA Innocence Project filed a major petition in 2025, seeking a new trial by harnessing advanced forensic science and artificial intelligence (AI).

This move introduces new evidence - including key witness accounts and updated scientific analysis - claiming that the original jury never heard crucial details about events surrounding Laci Peterson’s disappearance, such as a burglary across from the Peterson home on the day she went missing.

The Innocence Project’s arguments lean on breakthroughs like modern gestational age analysis, which suggests the timeline of Laci’s and her unborn son Conner’s deaths does not match the date established at trial and may clear Peterson by placing the potential time of death days later, when he had an alibi.

A petition filed with the California Court of Appeals also points to DNA testing advancements and digital tools for reviewing overlooked or previously inadmissible evidence, including a bloodstained mattress found in a burned van near the crime scene that had not been thoroughly tested during the original investigation.

The application of AI-driven analytical tools now allows for a more objective assessment of circumstantial cases and forensic inconsistencies. According to recent reporting, this new review is supported by over 2,600 pages of documentation that includes expert testimony and a 126-page declaration from Scott Peterson himself, maintaining his innocence and highlighting issues of potential evidence destruction and insufficient prior investigation.

The LA Innocence Project’s involvement reflects a growing movement, spurred by emerging forensic technologies, to revisit convictions that relied solely on circumstantial evidence.

Ongoing developments such as targeted DNA testing - approved for specific items like duct tape found on Laci’s clothing - and requests for more comprehensive testing and evidence review are at the heart of the current legal proceedings.

• Scientific advancements now allow old evidence, like the bloodstained mattress, to be retested with new AI-driven findings and DNA analysis.
• Legal petitions filed by experts such as Jennifer Anderson are challenging previous court decisions using updated forensic techniques.
• Media coverage by outlets like KCRA and ABC30 bring increased scrutiny and transparency to the petition and the impact of new evidence.

For in-depth coverage:

“As AI and next-generation forensic methods gain traction, Modesto’s approach to this high-profile reexamination may influence criminal justice processes far beyond California.”

Vallarta Supermarkets marked its 40th anniversary by opening a new Modesto store at 3900 Pelandale Ave #200 on February 5, 2025, bringing a significant economic boost to the community with the creation of 227 new jobs and an upgraded shopping experience.

The 45,099-square-foot location - its first in Modesto - features a comprehensive array of departments, including a guacamole station, in-house tortilleria, sushi, fresh-pressed juice bar, panadería, and carnicería, reflecting Vallarta’s tradition while also adopting market trends and digital conveniences.

• Expanded departments: The store offers multiple specialty sections, such as a guacamole station, in-house tortilleria, and panadería, enriching the local shopping experience.
• Digital convenience: Shoppers benefit from modern digital tools like order delivery through Vallarta Go and DoorDash for an efficient and seamless experience.
• Community investment: Vallarta reinforced its community focus by giving grocery bags to the first 300 customers and donating $7,500 to local charities and schools.

According to Daniel Davis, company leadership emphasizes that the new Modesto store isn't just about expansion, but about building a space for the community to enjoy fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, merging tradition with modern convenience.

To find a detailed look at the departments and the community focus of the opening, visit Progressive Grocer and the Modesto Bee, or explore hiring opportunities and store features on the official Vallarta Supermarkets site.

In Modesto, Vallarta’s arrival stands out for its scale, variety, and commitment to combining modern tech with tradition to energize the local retail scene and job market.

Forever 21’s bankruptcy in 2025 isn’t just a national headline - it’s landing squarely in Modesto, shining a light on the real, local impact of the ongoing retail transformation.

The fast-fashion chain is closing all its U.S. stores after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, including its remaining locations in California, with approximately 350 stores nationwide expected to shutter by May 1.

Modesto has already felt these effects: the Vintage Faire Mall Forever 21, which once filled a massive three-story, 154,500-square-foot anchor spot, closed after a decade-long run, leaving a noticeable gap in the mall’s retail ecosystem and a challenge for property owners seeking new tenants.

As confirmed by recent reports, no new official closing date has been set for the nearby Turlock location yet, but employees anticipate its eventual shutdown, reflecting a broader shift across Stanislaus County as brick-and-mortar job postings decline while e-commerce roles rise.

Forever 21’s struggle is tied to increasing competition from online retailers like Shein and Temu, who benefit from tariff exemptions, making it harder for traditional stores to compete on price and speed.

Industry watchers note that mall owners may eventually welcome the change, leveraging the vacant spaces to attract stronger or more diversified tenants, especially as high-end malls report strong occupancy rates and rising rents.

The retail shake-up in Modesto mirrors a larger national pivot - as shoppers embrace convenience, mobile-first shopping, and social commerce, about 71% now prefer mobile apps and 54% have purchased through social media in the past year.

Reflecting this reality, Modesto’s e-commerce sector saw job openings grow by 20%, while physical retail shrank by 12%.

• Retail closures like Forever 21 highlight the profound, local economic shifts underway in Modesto.
• Online retailers such as Shein and Temu introduce fierce digital competition to traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
• Mall owners may use this transition as an opportunity to pursue new tenants or reimagine vacant spaces.
• Consumer habits are rapidly evolving, with a mobile-first approach and social commerce on the rise.
• Employment trends show growth in e-commerce jobs, contrasting with a decline in physical retail positions.

For deeper details, see coverage of Forever 21’s closure wave at Desert Sun, perspectives on mall impacts at CRE Daily, and the confirmation of local closures in the Modesto Bee.

"Forever 21's struggles and the shift toward e-commerce illustrate why Modesto’s retailers must adapt or risk being left behind," said Barbara Williams, a local business analyst.

For Modesto’s traditional retailers, the closure is a signal: keeping pace with digital and omnichannel retail is now a local economic necessity.

The closure of Marcy’s Hallmark Shop in Modesto after more than 30 years reflects the growing challenges traditional retailers face amid big shifts in how people shop.

Owner Karen Davis and his wife Karen Anderson decided to retire and close the shop in June 2025, a decision tied not just to age, but to persistent sales declines following the end of Beanie Babies’ popularity and a broader downturn for independent Hallmark stores.

Of the 7,500 Hallmark Gold Crown stores once in operation, only about 1,200 remain today, underscoring a national trend where legacy retail is strained by new consumer habits and digital competition (Modesto Bee).

Marcy’s served as a local destination for cards, seasonal gifts, and decor but couldn’t keep pace as e-commerce, fast shipping, and digital personalization changed what shoppers expect.

The closure is consistent with what’s happening across Modesto’s retail sector, where long-standing stores struggle to match the ease and reach of online platforms (AOL News).

• Retail closing pattern: Retail closings in Modesto demonstrate a wider trend as local businesses face economic pressures and shifting consumer demand, with new specialty food ventures rising while legacy shops like Marcy’s close.
• Career legacy and naming: The career legacy of Karen Davis with Hallmark involved opening and running multiple stores, with Marcy’s Hallmark Shop named after his daughter, a reflection of the personal connections that define independent Gold Crown retailers (local business overview).
• Adaptation to technology: The inability to adapt to digital conveniences and the rise of tech-enabled shopping experiences made a significant impact on Marcy's, despite efforts like closeout sales and personalized service.

The closing of Marcy’s Hallmark Shop is part of an ongoing retail transformation in Modesto, showing how both long-time owners and loyal customers are adapting as the marketplace shifts toward more tech-driven solutions.

The quick closure of Slides Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Modesto, after operating just six months, illustrates the complexity of running small businesses today and highlights challenges that go beyond technology adoption.

Slides' end was largely driven by a disagreement between its partners over management styles, rather than just a lack of digital innovation, as confirmed by recent news coverage and comments from the owners themselves.

The building, located at 10th and J streets, also saw rapid turnover with three restaurants failing in less than two years, indicating broader marketplace pressures impacting local eateries and not just Slides in isolation (downtown Modesto closure story).

Operational factors - such as minimal online presence and no integration with delivery apps - did contribute to Slides’ challenges, echoing a broader pattern in Modesto’s business environment, where rising costs and evolving consumer habits require adaptable models.

Local coverage shows that newcomers like Pokémoto utilized digital tools and unique food offerings to combat these pressures, growing despite the same challenging climate (Modesto business openings and closures).

Furthermore, many longtime restaurants nationally are struggling as consumers increasingly seek convenient, digitally-supported options, and industry analysts report that adapting to smaller, tech-ready venues while trimming overhead is essential for resilience (restaurant business 2025 analysis).

• Business philosophies clash: Key reasons for closure included differing business philosophies between Slides’ partners (such as James Brown) and financial inefficiencies that are common to legacy-style restaurants, emphasizing the importance of solid ownership alignment.
• Effective use of technology: By comparison, new ventures like Pokémoto, led by Richard White, leveraged point-of-sale technology, robust marketing, and third-party delivery platforms to support ongoing customer growth since their 2025 opening.

Snapshot of local restaurant technology adoption rates (2025):

As Modesto’s business landscape continues to shift, Slides’ experience is a reminder that factors such as ownership alignment, cost management, and digital integration all play interconnected roles in local restaurant survival (Slides Modesto closure details).

Pokémoto’s arrival in Modesto in April 2025 reflects the city’s move toward tech-enabled, health-focused dining. Located at Village One Plaza on Floyd Avenue, Pokémoto stands out by serving customizable Hawaiian-style poké bowls and a variety of boba teas, all supported by online ordering and third-party delivery platforms like GrubHub, UberEats, and DoorDash, as listed on their official location directory.

Owners Daniel Anderson and Nancy Anderson opened the second California location, aiming to offer a healthy and tech-driven alternative to traditional fare. The restaurant features daily hours from 10 a.m.

to 9 p.m. and positive customer reception highlights the convenience and customization that digital menus and app-based pickup provide (full story at The Modesto Bee).

• Customizable meals define Pokémoto's offering, letting customers select proteins, veggies, sauces, and toppings to create personalized poké bowls and accommodate dietary needs.
• Pokémoto integrates ordering technology to allow customers to order ahead, pick up in-store, or get delivery, adding value with digital loyalty programs.
• Dietary inclusivity is prioritized, supporting vegan, keto, and high-protein diets, aligning with survey data showing that over half of Modesto residents value nutritional transparency.

By combining traditional Hawaiian flavors with tech-enabled service and robust customization, Pokémoto is meeting Modesto’s growing demand for convenient, healthy, and transparent dining options.

Their model, as seen across over 80 U.S. locations, clearly responds to shifting consumer habits and is likely to further influence the city’s restaurant scene (learn about their expansion in California).

For more about their menu and customer experience, visit the Pokémoto official website.

Excitement continues to grow among Modesto residents as Chick-fil-A considers expansion in the region, though the nearest confirmed opening is the new Manteca restaurant, which starts serving on April 10, 2025.

Located at 2187 W Atherton Drive, this Manteca site is less than a half-hour drive from downtown Modesto and introduces digital-forward innovations to the area.

These include multiple ordering methods such as dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, and mobile app pickup, along with a focus on fast, accurate service through technology.

The company’s ongoing growth is part of a larger shift across the quick-service industry, with digital and drive-thru sales now comprising a significant share of revenue.

Chick-fil-A’s embrace of the Chick-fil-A One® app, which allows order customization, contactless payment, and real-time tracking, shows its commitment to meeting changing customer expectations.

In Manteca, investments in digital guest experiences and innovative staffing support a streamlined service model, while job postings emphasize roles in tech support and digital hospitality.

As the franchise owner in Manteca, Patricia Williams, notes, creating professional opportunities and focusing on technology also helps foster team growth and community involvement.

For Modesto, this signals a near future where digital convenience and enhanced service will be a local standard, even as city officials continue working to bring an official Chick-fil-A restaurant into the city.

• Digital innovations like mobile app pickup, drive-thru, and contactless payment are central to the new Chick-fil-A Manteca experience.
• Professional opportunities are bolstered by technology-focused job roles and digital hospitality within the franchise.
• Community involvement is strengthened as Chick-fil-A invests in both guest experience and the local workforce.
• City officials remain proactive in efforts to secure a Chick-fil-A location directly in Modesto.

Blockquote from franchise owner:

"Integrating digital technology into our restaurant lets us serve guests more efficiently, while helping our team develop new skills for the future." - Patricia Williams, Franchise Owner

Stay updated on the latest restaurant openings and details about proposed locations near Modesto by visiting the official Chick-fil-A openings list here, learn more about the Manteca launch and its digital amenities here, and see how Chick-fil-A is serving the broader Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto community with new technology here.

The national dialogue around AI “consciousness” has expanded in 2025, with researchers at Anthropic and Google DeepMind prompting new questions not only in major tech hubs but also here in Modesto.

Rather than making broad claims about self-aware machines, Anthropic launched a research initiative focused on “model welfare”, examining whether advanced AI might possess preferences or even the ability to opt out of tasks if they display signs of distress - a possibility highlighted by their CEO Mary Martinez's proposal for an “I quit this job” button, meant to allow future AI systems greater autonomy if warranted by evidence of discomfort or misalignment.

At the same time, Google DeepMind scientists have started characterizing today's large language models as “exotic mind-like entities”, leading to fresh debate on how, or if, AI consciousness might be measured or defined in practice (Anthropic and Google DeepMind reframe the consciousness debate).

While industry skepticism remains, with many experts warning that AI mimics - rather than experiences - consciousness, the ethical questions are increasingly mainstream (AI consciousness debates move from fiction to industry topic).

• Local AI implementation: Sutter Health’s chatbot pilot, led by Karen Johnson, combines efficiency with "model welfare" guidelines inspired by Anthropic.
• Government response: The Modesto City Council references industry debates on AI rights and welfare while emphasizing oversight and transparency (Anthropic explores AI ethics and model welfare).
• Community concerns: Surveys show public workers desire stringent oversight, while local businesses weigh automation vs. ethics.

As Mary Harris, a local administrator, noted, balancing innovation against the emerging “model welfare” perspective will be key as both the technology - and the debate around it - continue to evolve in our community.

Credit unions in Modesto and the Central Valley have stepped up their IT leadership, with a recent example being Piedmont Advantage Credit Union’s promotion of Daniel Moore to Chief Technology Officer.

This move reflects a broader trend of prioritizing cybersecurity and automation across the region. Moore, who brings over 30 years of technology experience and has served as Senior Vice President of IT for more than a decade, will oversee enhancements aimed at bolstering cybersecurity, improving digital experiences, and integrating AI-driven operational efficiencies at Piedmont Advantage - a strategy shared by many in the industry (Robert Payne Steps Up as New Chief Technology Officer at PACU).

According to recent industry updates, credit unions in the area are focusing on accessible digital banking and member trust, with leaders like Moore emphasizing technology as a tool for enabling rather than replacing human relationships (5 Credit Unions Hire & Promote Professionals).

“Credit unions that lead in technology and cybersecurity are setting new standards for the community’s banking experience.”

• Cybersecurity initiatives are being prioritized by Modesto credit unions to strengthen member information safety.
• Automation and AI technologies are being adopted to streamline operations and improve service.
• Digital banking convenience is now a focal point, with credit unions reducing loan approval times to less than 48 hours.
• Member trust remains central, as leaders emphasize technology’s role in supporting - not replacing - personal service.

For Modesto’s credit unions, these actions address not just digital convenience, but also the trust that members place in them to keep their financial information secure as threats evolve.

Modesto’s digital transformation in 2025 is reaching new heights, driven by investments, fresh infrastructure, and a strong focus on workforce skills. This week, reports show that the Central Valley Tech Hub now supports a record 75+ startups with an 80% funding success rate, helping add 300 tech jobs and aiming for 1,200 more by year’s end - a signal that tech isn’t just arriving, it’s reshaping the city’s foundation (Modesto emerges as a tech hub).

Growth isn’t limited to new ventures; the city has rolled out public Wi-Fi at 12 locations, modernized intersections with smart sensors, and expanded 5G coverage, contributing to an expected 15-20% boost in business productivity by September (Modesto’s latest tech infrastructure).

On Main Street, digital trends like AI-driven inventory and online shopping are being adopted at supermarkets and retailers, while some legacy businesses, such as Marcy’s Hallmark and Forever 21, struggle to keep pace as consumer habits and automation evolve (Modesto business climate in 2025).

Financial and legal sectors are also ramping up cybersecurity and digital tools to meet rising demand for secure, efficient services. Notably, enrollments in local tech bootcamps and coding programs have grown by 35%, reflecting Modesto’s commitment to workforce reskilling and sustainable tech jobs.

As digital skills become the new minimum requirement, the city’s future looks to be shaped by accessible tech education, smart infrastructure, and innovation.

Whether you run a business, lead a classroom, or seek a new career, now’s the time to embrace Modesto’s digital future - incremental progress, ongoing learning, and a willingness to adapt remain the through line.

The momentum from this week offers a clear message: those who invest in digital transformation today are building the backbone of Modesto’s resilient and opportunity-filled future.

• Startup Growth: Modesto supports over 75 startups with an 80% funding success rate, showing the city's thriving tech foundation.
• Smart Infrastructure: City upgrades including public Wi-Fi and smart sensors are driving a projected 15-20% increase in business productivity.
• Business Adaptation: Local shops and supermarkets embrace AI-driven trends, while legacy businesses face adaptation challenges.
• Cybersecurity & Legal Tech: The financial and legal sectors focus on cybersecurity improvements and efficient digital tools.
• Tech Education: 35% increase in enrollments at coding bootcamps demonstrates Modesto's commitment to workforce reskilling.

“Tech is no longer a separate industry in Modesto - it’s a catalyst for change across every sector.” - Patricia Gonzalez, local EdTech leader