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MODESTO -- After a global climate change conference, presidential candidate Bernie Sanders addressed thousands of people in Modesto, saying they're going to continue to "feel the Bern" as they go into the California primaries.

Long before the crack of dawn, die-hard fans awaited Bernie Sanders' arrival.

"I went to two of his rallies already. This is my third, and I never get tired of it," said Sanders supporter Ricardo Robles.

Sanders is the first presidential candidate to make a stop in Modesto since 2007, when Republican candidate John McCain held a rally there.

The Central Valley's Bernie fans were ecstatic for his arrival. Some even shed a tear.

"Modesto. He's here. He's here for us!" said Sanders supporter Ashley Andrews.

Kicking off the rally was Oscar-winning actress, Susan Sarandon.

"It's so thrilling to be able to endorse a candidate that is not the lesser of two evils," Sarandon said.

The longtime Democratic underdog reminded every Californian to vote.

A new Field Poll suggests Sanders is closing the gap between himself and Hillary Clinton. Clinton still having a slight edge of 45 percent over Sanders' 43 percent.

But if there is a large voter turnout, he says he will seriously be able take on his rival.

"If the turnout if very high, we are going to win with big numbers. If the turnout is low, we lose," Sanders said.

For a brief moment, the rally was disrupted by a protester.

But after they were escorted out of the room, Sanders continued to preach about the need for economic, gender and social equality.

"Of course gay rights is the right thing to do, of course, women should play any role they want. Of course, we have civil rights in America, of course workers should not be exploited. Of course, it's a no-brainer. But it was not a no-brainer when people had to stand up and fight for those rights!" Sanders said.

Reminding folks that America has always run on hope for the future to believe in.

"California, tell the world that you're going to help lead us in a political revolution. Thank you very much," Sanders said.

Sanders held another rally in Chico on Thursday. He is headed to Fairfield Friday.

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