Jonathan Edwards is a resident of the west side of Modesto. He voiced his opposition to the 132 West Freeway Project at the September 17, 2014 Policy Board Meeting for the Stanislaus County Council of Governments (STANCOG). He stated that more freeways aren’t wanted as they generate air pollution and noise. Mr. Edwards then asked if any member of the Policy Board was opposed to the project. No one raised […]
Supervisor Withrow to Form Joint Powers for 132 Project
During the week of September 8, 2014, I sent a letter to the Stanislaus County Supervisors explaining my concern with the 132 West Freeway design. I indicated that citizens of the west side of Modesto want the hazardous material removed from the berms that sit within the right-of-way. They also want the freeway be a below grade facility. I stated that none of the supervisors would want to live next […]
No on Proposition One
On November 4, California voters will have the opportunity to vote on whether to build more dams. The proposition is touted as the solution to California’s water woes. In reality, little will be accomplished. When the State Water Project was constructed some 60 years ago, the builders knew that it was only a stop gap project to provide water needs. They predicted that the project would be obsolete in 50 […]
Outsourcing Valley Jobs
In the past year, many of the Valley’s low paying jobs have been shipped overseas to the Philippines. More and more companies are moving their call centers out of the area even though wages are among the lowest in the nation. AT&T AT & T is closing its call center in Atwater. About 550 jobs are moving out of the area, supposedly to other states. When I called AT & […]
The Real Problems with Highway 132
In its current form, the Route 132 West Freeway project is deeply flawed. The flaws raise questions about the feasibility of the project. Before construction is begun, several problems need to be addressed. When completed as proposed, Phase 1 will increase air pollution, degrade the environment, and add to traffic congestion. Problem 1: Intersection of Franklin, Needham, and 132 The project will create a new, highly congested signalized intersection. The intersection will serve […]
Caltrans to Update 132 Freeway Project
News Item: Caltrans has announced that on Monday, August 18, a public meeting will be held to discuss current plans and timetable for phase one construction of the 132 West Freeway project. The meeting will be held at the King-Kennedy Memorial Center, 601 North Martin Luther King Junior Drive, in Modesto, from 6:30 to 8:00pm. On July 31, 2014, the Project Implementation Plan Committee (PIP) for Highway 132 met to […]
New Tax for Drivers?
News Item: Bloomberg-Businessweek reported this month that the State of Oregon is piloting a new mileage-based tax on automobiles. The purpose of the tax is to augment gas tax revenue that has been declining due to more fuel efficient cars. Oregon is working with ten other western states, including California, to come up with a workable program. The Pilot Program Mr. James Whitty is the manager of the Oregon State Office […]
Bay Area Dumps on the Valley
Ask any chief of police. If he’s honest with you, he’ll tell you most violent crime occurs in poor neighborhoods. He will NOT tell you that poor people are criminals any more than rich people. However, violent criminals tend to live in poor neighborhoods for economic reasons. Criminals may become violent when they think they have nothing to lose. Lacking the funds to buy mobility, many criminals tend to commit […]
Low Rent Projects Don’t Pencil Out
News Item: According to the July 14th edition of the Modesto Bee, Modesto’s newest public housing project will cost about $274,000 per unit to build. The Tower Project will be built at 17th and G Streets in the old water tower park. Will the project deliver good value for taxpayers? Basic Apartment Finance In the private sector, apartment buildings are constructed with an expected rate of return on capital of […]
Highway 132: It’s the Drivers
One of the justifications for building the Route 132 Freeway is safety. The argument ignores the reality of a history of fatal accidents on all of our area freeways. Drivers of pickup trucks and SUVs in the Valley hit the freeway with the spirit of invincibility. Because they’re surrounded by heavy metal, they think that they need not worry about a crash. They speed, tailgate, honk their horns, and flash their headlights as […]