Although it was a signal event in Modesto’s cultural history, last year’s publication of More Than Soil, More Than Sky gave only a hint of the rich vein of literary art our local poets have fashioned into a growing monument to regional culture. Though it contained the work of some fifty-one poets, the book, like all anthologies, was as remarkable for the superb poetry that was left out as for […]
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Is Stanislaus County Facing a Water Crisis?
The latest refrain from the Valley pro-growth faction is that, “Farmland is increasing.” Drive east in Stanislaus County, and you’re likely to agree. For mile after mile, orchards—mostly almond orchards—cover what was only a short time ago rocky pasture land. The orchards extend all the way onto and even over the rolling foothills that mark the first ascent into the majestic Sierra Nevada. Seemingly a marvel springing from the famously […]
Council to Marsh: Developers Rule!
Supporters of farmland preservation exulted when Garrad Marsh defeated Brad Hawn and Bill Zoslocki in last year’s race for Mayor of Modesto. Marsh’s victory was doubly sweet because it came after Mike Zagaris and George Petrulakis publicly endorsed Hawn. Zagaris and Petrulakis have long been associated with pro-growth policies that resist attempts to protect farmland by mitigation, urban boundaries, or other means. Given Marsh’s long history of work for farmland […]
Kristin Olsen Ignores Environmental Concerns About Mining Oil, by Bruce Frohman
In a March 22nd opinion piece appearing in the Modesto Bee, State Assembly Member Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, advocated mining for oil on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. Ms. Olsen said that an estimated 15.4 billion barrels of oil are locked in the rocks of the “Monterey Shale Formation,” which extends from Kern County in the south to Stanislaus County in the north. Olsen asserted that large scale mining could add as […]
Modesto Bee Column Establishes New Low in Water Debate
In slightly fewer than six-hundred words that may have set a record for errors per word, last Thursday’s Community Column in the Modesto Bee established a new low in our region’s ongoing debate about water. Written by Turlock’s Mike Romeo, the column contains numerous factual errors and at least one major conceptual error. The conceptual error stems from Romeo’s assumption that those who pay for a dam own the water […]
Marsh and Kieta: First Year Reviews
Roughly a year ago, Garrad Marsh and Joe Kieta took the helms of two of our most cherished institutions, the City itself and the City’s only newspaper. Faced with similar challenges in the form of falling revenue, reduced staffs, and a struggling economy, Marsh and Kieta have had only a year to turn things around. While neither has succeeded, it’s too early to count either man out. Here’s our review […]
Stanislaus Audubon Sues on Willms Parcel Split
In a case of “déjà vu all over again,” the Stanislaus Audubon Society has filed a Writ of Mandate challenging Stanislaus County Supervisors’ approval of the Willms Ranch parcel split on January 29. In 1995, after a long round of litigation, a superior court reversed Stanislaus County’s approval of a proposed golf course on the Willms Ranch after Stanislaus Audubon fought the decision. Though different in substance, this case has […]
Valley Jewelry and Coin Stores Fencing Stolen Goods? By Bruce Frohman
Recently, a burglary took place on the west side of Modesto. The burglars took several pieces of jewelry during a robbery conducted in broad daylight. They entered and exited through the front door of the home. After the burglary, the homeowner did what he could to recover his belongings. He filed a report with the Modesto Police Department, went to local flea markets, and visited jewelry stores and coin shops […]
No End to Protest at Modesto Abortion Clinic, by Bruce Frohman
For a number of years—yes, years—a daily protest has been staged at an abortion clinic on the 2000 block of Coffee Road in Modesto. Protestors often have gruesome signs showing an aborted fetus and shake them at passing motorists. Many folks are weary of the perpetual argument over whether abortion should be legal. Those involved in the discussion exert considerable energy and enthusiasm for the side they represent. Every possible […]
Valley Residents Facing Death by Dogma
Over a decade ago, when newly-elected Mayor Carmen Sabatino proposed a half cent sales tax for road maintenance and repair in Modesto he was met with a storm of protest. Despite the controversy, no one questioned the sorry state of our roads. The road tax has since been championed both by former Stanislaus County Supervisor Jeff Grover and current Supervisor Vito Chiesa. Again, no one questions the sorry state of […]