Flooded and collapsed tents at Beard Brook Village became routine as the first real storm of the season hit Modesto this week. The heavy downpour ran off the road above the tents at Beard Brook Park, cut channels along the sloping hillside, and wreaked havoc with campers ill-prepared for heavy rains. With little to no […]
Another Huge Loss for Oakdale Irrigation District
For any other public entity, the loss suffered on November 27 by Oakdale Irrigation District (OID) in Fresno’s Fifth Appellate District Court would amount to a wake-up call, but given the resistance to facts of three of its board members, General Manager and water attorney, it’s unlikely any of them will come away with a […]
Olsen and Denham: It’s My Party (and I’ll cry)
Now that it’s clear Republican dreams for holding the fort in California have been drowned in a Blue Wave that penetrated as far as Orange County, Stanislaus County Supervisor Kristen Olsen has already begun seeking higher ground. Like other California Republicans, Olsen is facing the prospect of a permanently stained brand, at least within her […]
Homeless: Will Beard Brook Village Survive?
Modesto — News that Stanislaus County Sheriffs enforced removal of a homeless camp in Turlock has prompted increased concern among homeless advocates that the encampment in Beard Brook Park may soon suffer the same fate. Now rechristened, “Beard Brook Village,” Beard Brook Park has long been a favored site for homeless campers, some of whom […]
Harder for the Win
Only days before the November 6 General Election, Jeff Denham was telling journalists he didn’t think his contest against challenger Josh Harder would be close. “They’ve brought in people before…,” said Denham, before trailing off. The implication was that Harder was just another outsider brought in by the Democratic Party to offer a token challenge […]
Still Undecided? Vote for America
Once upon a time there was an America people believed in. Like most things people believe in, part of the power of the belief was based on myth. Myths are stories that don’t have to be factual to be true. Consider the myth of George Washington and the cherry tree, for example. The anecdote—little George […]
General Election Guide for CA-10
Few midterm elections have been as consequential as this year’s. Most observers are calling the elections a referendum on Donald Trump, but off-year elections generally do reflect on the president, no matter who’s in office. While we believe Donald Trump is wrong for the Valley and wrong for the nation, we think the focus now […]
Sunday, October 28, a Vigil
Inside Modesto’s Beth Shalom Temple there was standing room only; another dozen people stood in the foyer. At the podium, a guest spokesman for the Islam religion said, “Why are we so afraid of difference when our Creator created us different?” The Imam spoke also of the close bonds between his church and the synagogue. […]
Jeff Denham’s True (Water) Colors
Assistant Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt doesn’t get much attention. He probably likes it that way. If more people knew about his previous job as a high-priced lobbyist for Westlands Water District, there might be more publicity about his attempts to influence California water policy. As it is, the people getting credit for the Trump […]
And You Can Kiss Your Water Good-bye
From Restore the Delta: “Congressman Denham, who claims to be against the Brown Administration’s WaterFix tunnels, has, however, also voted for and helped to advance the controversial Calvert and Valadao riders in the Department of Interior House Appropriations bill. The Calvert rider would strip Delta residents of due process rights by blocking their ability to […]