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Will Support for Mike Johnson Hurt Valley Republicans?

After weeks of dysfunction, House Republicans finally approved a Speaker to replace Kevin McCarthy, the San Joaquin Valley Congressman who could never apply the enormous power of the Speaker’s position because he couldn’t appease the party’s MAGA extremists. McCarthy was ousted after a fevered House minority wouldn’t abide his decision that it was more important […]

Homeless: Modesto Council Rejects Safe Ground

At a special meeting of the Modesto City Council on Friday, October 20, Councilmembers rejected a motion to direct staff to study safe sleeping sites for managing homelessness. The vote was four to three. Approximately 100 people turned out for the event, and public support for the proposal was overwhelming. As Councilmember Eric Alvarez noted, […]

Mayor and Council Right to Silence Hate Speech

During public testimony at the September 26 meeting of the Modesto City Council,  speakers using Zoom technology uttered racial slurs and voiced support for Adolph Hitler. Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen silenced those speakers. She was right to do so. The speakers using Zoom during the Modesto Council meeting were part of a coordinated effort throughout […]

Should Tom McClintock Retire From Congress?

When Congressman Tom McClintock’s district was redrawn two years ago, the area he serves substantially shifted. Within the newly drawn boundaries, the needs of his constituents are different. As a result, the Congressman is out of touch with voters he represents. Mr. McClintock has been intermittently sending out email newsletters to those who  signed up […]

Three U.S. Senate Candidates Appear At Harder Family Picnic

Saturday, August 26, 2023, three candidates for U.S. Senate appeared at Congressman Josh Harder’s family picnic, held on the grounds of the  Albert Lindley House in Stockton, California.  Representatives Barbara Lee, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff seek the same seat to represent California.  All three appear well qualified and deserving of a place in the […]

Gray Duarte Rematch for 24

Former California Assemblyman Adam Gray announced Wednesday, August 9, that he will run again for Congress against Hughson nurseryman and farmer John Duarte. In 2022, Gray lost to Duarte by fewer than 600 votes. It was the second closest race in the nation. 2022 was a non-presidential election year. Such years tend to feature lower […]

Illegal Fireworks are Out of Control says Former Councilmember

In an ordinary year, the Modesto Police Department issues between 10 and 20 citations for fireworks violations. This year, 45 citations were issued on the night of July 4 alone. Firefighters and police responded to 274 calls in the twenty-four hour period between 7am July 4 and 7am July 5, including 65 fires. Below, former […]

“We need to do more,” said Supervisor Grewal to Homeless Advocates

Wednesday, June 28, Stanislaus County Supervisor Mani Grewal said he is supportive of safe sleeping sites for homeless people during a meeting with the Modesto Citizens Action Group (MoCag), a rapidly growing coalition of local citizens promoting Tier One housing and shelter options for people with nowhere to go. The meeting took place at Stanislaus […]

“You have an ally,” says Condit to Homeless Advocates

On June 21, Stanislaus County Supervisor Channce Condit assured members of the Modesto Citizens Action Group (MoCag) that he was fully supportive of proposals for safe sleeping sites for the most vulnerable members of Modesto’s and Stanislaus County’s homeless population. MoCag is a citizens’ action group dedicated to finding immediate shelter and safe ground for […]

Derek Castle: Is Citizenship the Answer for Homelessness?

When Derek Castle and his wife moved across the street from Modesto’s Graceada Park four years ago, the prime attraction was their two granddaughters. Their son and his family lived nearby. Along with the Gallo Theatre for the Arts, Graceada Park has long been considered one of Modesto’s crown jewels. As Castle got to know […]