Some call it, “he said, she said,” journalism. Others call it “fair and balanced.” Whatever the name, the journalistic practice of giving equal weight to “both sides” of an issue has become a pernicious enemy of truth. Just consider the Modesto Bee’s July 28 interview with Sean Roddy of Henning Bros. Drilling Company. Roddy has drilled many of the new wells on Stanislaus County’s east side. Nonetheless, in response to […]
History
Farmland and Growth in Stanislaus County
In 1995, Beyond Sprawl sent shock waves through planners and developers throughout the entire state. The Bank of America sponsored study of the costs of sprawl immediately became a primary reference for those who favor smart growth. Almost twenty years later, sprawl remains a major detriment to quality of life, especially in the San Joaquin Valley. Nonetheless, just as the foreclosure crisis is easing, Valley movers and shakers are ramping […]
The Sheriff’s Helicopter: Commentary by Bruce Frohman
When I read about Sheriff Christianson using the Stanislaus County helicopter to drop golf balls at a charity event being held in another county, I was about to get angry about the squandering of limited resources. Because I believe in our Sheriff, my anger immediately subsided when he said his staff used the trip for legitimate training purposes. Given the rising crime rate, we need the capability to bomb criminals with golf balls. This new capability adds to previous departmental experience […]
Chamber Plan Another Trojan Horse for Houses, by Bruce Frohman
Last week, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce introduced a recycled economic development plan to the citizens of Modesto and its City Council. The plan is basically a rehash of ideas previously presented to the community in the 1990’s by residential developers. The Modesto Chamber of Commerce’s plan is called “a vision” for economic development. It will primarily benefit residential development, to the detriment of other stakeholders and members of the chamber. Half-Cent Sales […]
MID Finances Still Hidden Behind Media Smoke
Emerson Drake’s latest revelation about the incestuous relationship between Modesto Irrigation District (MID) board member Tom Van Groningen and the Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance (the Alliance) raises yet another red flag in the ongoing story of MID finances. Van Groningen and now-departed MID General Manager Allen Short have tried mightily to make farm water subsidies the big issue in MID financial affairs. The latest broadside came from Lee Delano in a […]
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 […]
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 Emergency Room Care Resembles Third World, by Bruce Frohman
“If this is a medical emergency, dial 911.” Through the use of this one sentence, the medical profession has turned the concept of the hospital emergency room into an oxymoron. If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid San Joaquin Valley emergency rooms, then you’ve missed an absolutely miserable experience. Visit any emergency room, especially on weekends and evenings, and you’ll wait a far longer time than with a routine visit […]
Is the Bee Serious?
There are times when our beloved local newspaper outdoes even itself in high self-mockery. On those increasingly regular occasions, you have to wonder whether you’re reading the Bee or yet another clever send-up by the perpetrators of The Onion. Just consider last Wednesday’s editorial, “Water posturing stifles compromise.” The Bee couldn’t “resist pointing out the irony” when the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) decided to increase river flows for […]