The Modesto Bee
Upcoming 2026 facility improvements at Modesto City Schools
City Schools has consistently put forward bond measures for facility improvements in recent years. Between Measures D, E, L and X, approved by voters in 2018, 2022 and 2024, the district has made numerous investments across its elementary, junior high...
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What workers can expect as Del Monte Modesto shuts down
A relatively strong job market awaits the 1,800 or so people displaced from the Del Monte Foods fruit cannery in Modesto. But the closure of the plant is a blow to the local economy, which remains grounded in processing food and beverages, drawing...
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Board OKs four-way stop signs where Camp Taylor volunteer died
Four-way-stop signs will be installed outside Camp Taylor, prompted by the death last year of volunteer Avery Millerick. The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday morninstalled ing for the upgrade at Grayson and Shiloh...
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MLK events feature local advocates and Malcolm X’s daughter
observances of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday will begin Saturday with an expert on past Black struggles. They will finish three weeks later with a talk by Malcolm X’s daughter and an award for noted local educator Odessa Johnson. King...
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County to sell old Salvation Army center for apartment project
County leaders decided Tuesday to sell a former Salvation Army facility on I Street to a nonprofit home builder. Sale of the property for $1.5 million could pave the way for a second phase of the six-story Seventh Street Village low-cost apartment...
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Popular pho restaurant opens 4th Stanislaus location in Ceres
There are two foods that can bring me out of a negative mood: tamales, and grilled pork spring rolls from Saigon in Modesto. When I heard that the owner of Saigon, Quan Nguyen, was opening another restaurant in Ceres, the first thing I did was tell my...
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Turlock’s low-barrier men’s shelter survives tough year
After a city-blocked grant, attention from the governor and a monthlong closure, the We Care shelter in Turlock has survived the year as the city’s only low-barrier shelter for men, thanks to community donations. We Care, at 221 S. Broadway, is on the...
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Boy Scout builds garden bed to help refugee family
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect name for Scout James Khalar. A 17-year-old Boy Scout recently built three raised garden beds for the Turlock Community Gardens, including one that will be used by a refugee family. The...
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Modesto Gospel Mission’s Christmas tradition continues
Two hours into the Modesto Gospel Mission’s Christmas event Tuesday, about 1,500 people already had received a meal and gifts. The event began at 11 a.m. and was scheduled to run until 2 p.m., but mission Chief Executive Officer Jason Conway said...
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Stanislaus dam controversy has it all
A peaceful canyon in western Stanislaus County, where people hike and enjoy the scenery, also is a battleground over a proposed reservoir just outside Patterson. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released an environmental impact statement this month...
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Modesto community honors victims of deadly attack in Australia
Community members, faith leaders and local officials gathered Wednesday night at Congregation Beth Shalom in Modesto for a memorial service honoring victims of a deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. News agencies report that the Dec. 14...
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Teachers say they deserved voice in schedule change proposal
Dozens of teachers went before the Modesto City Schools board Monday night to express frustration with the proposed restructuring of the elementary school day. The Modesto Teachers Association contract bargaining is ongoing and no agreement has been...
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Coaches, team mourn Modesto teen killed in Stockton shooting
Coaches, teammates, classmates and friends of Amari Peterson gathered at Whitmore Park in Ceres on Tuesday evening to honor the 14year-old’s memory and mourn him with a candlelit vigil. Some mourners held posters of Amari in jerseys and athletics...
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Defense officials eye North Valley bioindustry effort
and nearby counties have been working for a few years to turn their massive crop and livestock wastes into consumer goods. The effort also could help defend the nation from foreign threats, experts said during a visit Wednesday. They are on the...
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English learners get start in healthcare with nursing course
graduating high school and passing her university entrance exam, Hangama Amirpoor was prepared to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor — until the Taliban banned secondary education for girls in Afghanistan after retaking power in 2021. She...
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Father says teen son killed in Stockton mass shooting
Devastated families are grasping for answers after the birthday party mass shooting in Stockton on Saturday night that left four people dead, including three children. Meanwhile, the hunt for the killer — or killers — continues, with the FBI issuing a...
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Flaco’s Tacos must change name or be sued, any suggestions?
The owner of a well-known taco truck in Modesto has been told he has until the new year to change its name or risk being sued for trademark infringement. Flaco’s Tacos, which sits in a food truck court behind Sinclair at 2716 Coffee Road, is the...
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Dozens of Chihuahuas abandoned, Merced rescue seeks fosters
A Merced animal rescue organization is looking for foster homes for dozens of Chihuahuas that were left abandoned at homes in Modesto and Ceres. According to Sharon Lohman, founder and president of New Beginnings For Merced County Animals, fosters...
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Skating rinks will open in Modesto, Oakdale, more
Ice-skating rinks are returning to Modesto and Turlock, while Oakdale and Manteca will have their first ever. Meanwhile, the Long Barn Lodge in Tuolumne County already has opened its rink. The century-old resort also has the longest season, running...
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Kids take mile run seriously when trying to beat principal
Every Friday afternoon at Robertson Road Elementary School in west Modesto, students leave class a little early to line up on the blacktop to do some stretches. As they count through squats and hamstring stretches, the students are excited to do the...
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‘Friends with everyone’: Meet Stanislaus County’s cutest dog
The final votes are in, and Modesto Bee readers have crowned Stanislaus County’s cutest pup. Moose, a lovable golden retriever-poodle mix from Modesto, wagged his way to the top spot in The Bee’s pet photo contest. He beat out a pack of adorable...
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Amid complaints, county defends lane changes on Claribel
A Stanislaus County official explained the changes to the traffic lanes near the Crossroads shopping center, which have generated some complaints online as construction of a major expressway is under way. John Rawles, project manager for the North...
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Residents, food pantries brace for CalFresh disruption
Thousands of families in Stanislaus County no longer will receive food benefits beginning Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Approximately 17% of county residents rely on CalFresh, a state program that distributes federal funds to...
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Pints and pickleball now being served at Modesto brewery
Come for a drink, stay for a dink. With the recent addition of a pickleball court, glasses clinking with a toast will now be accompanied by the sounds of plastic balls bouncing off paddles at Contentment Brewing Company in Modesto. “I live near Beyer...
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Turlock man files claim alleging excessive force by deputies
A 22-year-old Turlock man who says he was beaten and wrongly arrested by Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputies at the county fair this summer filed a government claim Tuesday alleging excessive force, battery and civil-rights violations. The claim,...
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‘No Kings’ rally draws protesters to Standiford Park
For the second time this year, a rally to protest President Donald Trump’s administration and policies was held in Modesto as part of an organized nationwide movement on Saturday. More than 2,500 No Kings events, mainly marches and rallies, were being...
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Robo Shop vending machine arrives in Modesto
Fans of the popular collectible toy retailer Pop Mart — maker of Labubus and other hot collectible toys — no longer will have to drive out of Modesto to get the latest figurines and plushies, or worry if they are authentic. On Friday, Oct. 10, Vintage...
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Cat stuck in a tree? Free Modesto service will come to the rescue
If a cat or other small animal gets stuck in a tree, whom do you call? A new Modesto nonprofit was founded to answer that question. VARS (Volunteer Animal Retrieval Specialists) was established in July by trained tree climber Dauki Willburn and his...
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Modesto student trustees on ‘being the change’ post-COVID
As this year’s student representatives on the Modesto City Schools Board of Trustees, senior Sabrina Toor and junior Julianna Garcia are looking to take on student apathy and the lingering impacts of the pandemic on student motivation. “The classroom...
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Community Garden yields crops, creativity and connections
What once was a baseball field is now home to many different kinds of ball. Tomatoes, peas, cabbages and grapes are just some of the round fruits and vegetables growing at the Church of the Cross Community Garden in Modesto. Composed of 140 garden...
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Modesto park reopens after $31M infrastructure upgrades
J.M. Pike Park in Modesto has reopened with new amenities and a major infrastructure overhaul aimed at fixing longstanding stormwater issues. The 6-acre park at Kearney and Princeton avenues, near Modesto Junior College’s East Campus, reopened Friday...
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Gamers connect through pinball passion, ‘world under glass’
When Robert Wilson bought Fast Eddie’s MOAB in 2022, he didn’t know his new restaurant came with more than just great food and history. The owner, Eddie Gibson, decided to sell the Modesto business after decades of serving burgers, fries and shakes....
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Oddball intersection on South Golden State is getting fixed
Construction is well under way on making part of South Golden State Boulevard less baffling to Turlock-area drivers. The problem is where Berkeley Avenue crosses Golden State and becomes Golf Road. It would seem to be a simple four-way intersection....
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Gray foxes more visible in Modesto’s urban areas
As the sun sets at Tuolumne River Regional Park, small gray foxes come out of areas of brush near the river to wander the oak groves. Residents say they see them all the time as they traverse the walking paths abutting the Modesto Airport. Michael...
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Parts of Modesto create barriers to ADA-compliant sidewalks
Many parts of south and west Modesto are a patchwork of city and county public works, meaning sidewalks on one side of a street but not another, or on one block but not the next. That makes it challenging for those who use mobility devices or are...
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Modesto OKs $14.6M for Ninth Street corridor upgrades
Modesto’s Economic Development Committee approved a $14.6 million contract on Monday to improve the Ninth Street corridor between Carpenter Road and L Street. The contract would be awarded to Hughson-based United Pavement Maintenance, which will...
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Wildfire tears through historic Chinese Camp
What began with the crackling lightning of thunderstorms early Tuesday morning has turned into a battle against blistering heat. By Wednesday afternoon, temperatures in Chinese Camp soared to 92 degrees as smoke and ash drifted through the historic...
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Modesto Nuts say goodbye to fans in final home game
Thurman Field hosted the last series of affiliated pro baseball in Modesto as the Nuts played the Stockton Ports. Sunday, the series finale was filled with fan engagement events and special ceremonies. Pregame in the beer garden, Nuts players signed...
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Vallarta Supermarkets opens second Modesto location
After 13 years, the former Raley’s grocery store site in Modesto’s Century Center has been filled. Vallarta Supermarkets opened its second Modesto location Wednesday. The other store opened in the long-empty Save Mart anchor unit on Pelandale Avenue...
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Student-run thrift store at Turlock High builds community
When the lunch bell rings, students rush to shop at Turlock High School’s thrift store. Packed with dresses, unique finds and school gymwear, the store reinforces positive behavior, teaches students valuable skills and helps students in need. When...
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Ceres truck company had 25 violations before fatal crash
The truck involved in last week’s Florida Turnpike crash that killed three South Floridians belonged to a company with 25 truck safety violations in the last 24 inspections and two drivers caught driving on suspended licenses in 2024. And, as of...
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Tiny home village for unhoused opens in Modesto
A new 12-unit “tiny homes” community providing housing to people experiencing homelessness has opened in Modesto. Grace Gardens, located at 1530 Owens Drive near the Modesto Mission Gospel’s main campus, held a ribboncutting ceremony Friday. The first...
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Making memories: Mobile tattoo shop ready for events
If you think marriage is forever, wait until you hear about Stanislaus County’s new wedding (and other events) vendor. Dying Art Tattoo studio owners Richard and Kristyann Ruiz have opened the county’s first mobile tattoo shop — available for...
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What to expect at new hibachi soul food eatery
From the darkness comes light, or so the saying goes, and a Stanislaus County couple has embodied it with the opening of their restaurant, which was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. During a time when restaurants were having to shut down, Edward and...
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Closed pharmacy in Modesto becomes political canvas
Twice a week for the past month, a man has beamed political images onto the nowclosed Rite Aid at the busy intersection of Briggsmore and McHenry. On July 10, Chelsea Themm was with her sister and two friends on the way to The Brave Bull bar downtown,...
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Virginia Corridor Trail extension could open fall 2026
The beloved Virginia Corridor Trail will finally leap across Standiford Avenue, thanks to an $8.56 million contract awarded by the Modesto City Council. It voted 6-0 on Tuesday, July 22, to hire A&B Construction of Oakland for the job. The project...
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New collaboration keeps downtown venue open
A downtown Modesto art gallery will remain open, thanks to a new partnership with another nonprofit. Visit Modesto relocated to share space with the Stanislaus Arts Council Gallery at 1315 J St., Visit Modesto CEO Todd Aaronson said in an email...
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Stanislaus State student earns national STEM scholarship
When Esteban Verdin, an incoming third-year at Stanislaus State, took his first computer science class at the university, he saw that what started as a passion for video games and technology could open doors for his future. “When I first entered...
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Travel ban disrupts Muslim families in Stanislaus County
On June 4, the Trump administration issued a proclamation restricting travel from 19 countries, including many predominantly Muslim countries that have large communities in Stanislaus County. At midnight five days later, the new “travel ban” was in...
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‘It was time’: Popular farmers market vendor opening cafe
If you would’ve asked her a year ago, MatKat Sourdough owner Katie Hudson would’ve said she has no plans to open a brick-and-mortar location anytime soon. In fact, that is what she told Modesto Bee reporters during an interview in late July 2024. But...
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Highway 132 bypass to extend 5 miles; climate groups object
A state grant has completed the funding to stretch the Highway 132 bypass 5 miles west of Modesto. The $67 million was approved unanimously Thursday, June 26, by the California Transportation Commission. The other $10 million will come from Stanislaus...
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World’s only all-wheel-drive muscle Car: All-new Dodge Charger Daytona engineered to conquer treacherous all weather
The all-new, allelectric Dodge Charger Daytona, the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car, is staking claim to yet another impressive title: the world’s only all-wheel-drive muscle car. The 670-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack and...
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Modesto gets final funding for new Seventh Street Bridge
All of the money is finally in hand to replace the Seventh Street Bridge in Modesto, a once-grand structure that is barely drivable today. The California Transportation Commission voted unanimously Friday, June 27, to approve a $15 million grant....
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Modesto celebrates conversion of old hotel to apartments
Gonzales finally will have a home of his own, thanks to the conversion of an aging Modesto hotel. He took part in the grand opening Wednesday, June 25, of 143 studio apartments at the former Clarion Inn on Sisk Road. The $43.8 million project serves...
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Implicit bias alleged in Stan State’s social work program
straight-A student at Stanislaus State was dismissed from the university’s Master of Social Work program for what faculty described as a disrespectful communication style and unprofessional behavior. Shantel Johnson, 57, believes her dismissal was...
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Neighbor finds homes for 29 dogs after tragic crash
Alex Appleby was in Stockton on May 29, moving some things into storage, when he got a call from a friend in disdied tress. It was Michael, the son of Appleby’s neighbors. He had devastating news: Michael’s mother, Sue Crawford, had died in a car...
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Thousands turn out for ‘No Kings’ protest
Thousands of protesters marched peacefully through Modesto in 88-degree heat on President Donald Trump’s birthday, joining a nationwide movement opposing his adIn ministration’s immigration policies. The demonstration came in response to Trump’s...
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Modesto dairy has been bottling fresh milk for 10 years
It’s been a decade since Rick Nutcher decided he wanted to give consumers the closest experience to drinking milk straight from a cow that he could. The Modesto dairyman launched Nutcher Milk Co. on his Grayson Road farm in 2015. After receiving...
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César E. Chavez Park to reopen with upgrades by 2026
César E. Chavez Park, closed since November for a renovation project to offer more recreational offerings, is expected to reopen to the public by summer 2026. Some of the amenities included in the project are a lighted basketball court, lighted skate...
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Gospel Mission opens shelter for women
years, the Modesto Gospel Mission has operated at full capacity, often converting living rooms into temporary sleeping areas and even using the chapel floor as shelter. To address the growing need for shelter beds in Stanislaus County, the mission...
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Modesto unveils new homeless housing complex, Jenny’s Place
The city of Modesto celebrated on Thursday the grand opening of Jenny’s Place, a project created to provide permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness. Named after the late City Councilmember Jenny Kenoyer, the 54-unit apartment complex...
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‘Depravity, insanity’: Local surgeon returns from Gaza
A Central Valley trauma surgeon recently returned from volunteering in Gaza. The destruction there was unlike anything he had seen. “Nothing comes close to this,” said Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, who works at San Joaquin GenHaiti, eral Hospital in French...
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How effective are Modesto’s new crosswalk beacons?
To launch crosswalk beacons aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety, Modesto chose an area of heavy foot traffic: 16th Street at H and I streets, on both ends of the Modesto Certified Farmers Market. In April, the city installed High Intensity Activated...
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Classic cars and nostalgia at Graffiti Summer in Modesto
Modesto, prepare to get your motor running. June will mark the return of Graffiti Summer. It’s the region’s annual celebration of “American Graffiti” and that groovy weekend ritual that inspired the movie by Modesto’s most famous native, George...
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Latino group hears about job push in area
In Modesto last week, Merced County’s director of workforce development laid out statistics on how his fellow Latinos have been held back in the job market. He also told of an ambitious plan to make the future better. Erick Serrato spoke about the...
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Columbia Pool in west Turlock to reopen after 5-year closure
Columbia Pool is about to reopen in west Turlock after a nearly six-year closure and $9.08 million overhaul. Swimmers can plunge in right after the ribbon-cutting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 17. The event will have a luau theme, complete with a ukulele...
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Oakdale leaders vote to explore new electricity supplier
Oakdale leaders, alarmed by recent spikes in PG&E power bills, are looking to switch to the Modesto Irrigation District. The City Council voted 5-0 on Monday, May 5, to recruit a consulting firm to explore the idea in detail. It came over a protest...
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Vigil honors Dinella Madrigal after suspected murder-suicide
A community vigil attended by hundreds was held for Dinella Madrigal, 37, in Hughson on Tuesday night. As attendees poured into Lebright School’s baseball and softball fields, they were greeted with candles. However, many brought their own. Family...
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Save Mart cutting prices to combat tariffs, inflation
Headquartered in Modesto, The Save Mart Companies has launched a new price-reducJim tion campaign in response to inflation and tariffs. Over 4,000 products now are marked with bright red and yellow price tags reading “Lower Price.” These products are...
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Family-run Ann’s Fish & Chips reopens in Hughson
It’s been a decade since a Turlock couple closed their fish and chips restaurant, and their son has been waiting for the right moment to reopen it. That moment came in early March, when Ann’s Fish & Chips started serving fried goodness in downtown...
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Grogan Community Park adding cricket pitch and more
The second phase of Mary E. Grogan Community Park development in north Modesto is set to be completed by the end of summer or beginning of fall. The nine-acre expansion includes a cricket pitch, a playground, three bathroom buildings, a shade...
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Renovations complete at 2 Modesto senior housing communities
Mae LeRoy remembers when Marple Manor was built 40 years ago. Today, she not only lives there, she just witnessed its first major renovation. On Wednesday, the Retirement Housing Foundation gathered community leaders, development partners and residents...
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Longtime water problems persist in historic Knights Ferry
Knights Ferry has a major drinking water problem in its small water system, and it’s had it for a long time. The residents have largely learned to live with the near constant leaks, equipment failures and sporadic shutoffs. The community was...
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Stanislaus County to pay $22.5M to settle Carson case
Stanislaus County approved a $22.5 million settlement of lawsuits seeking damages for deceased Modesto attorney Frank Carson, his widow, stepdaughter and five others who were wrongfully accused in a sensational murder case. In one of the largest civil...
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