Public Safety · Modesto, CA
The Modesto City Council voted 6-0 on Oct. 13 to introduce an ordinance overhauling bicycle and e-bike regulations, establishing fines of up to $5,000 for repeat violations, misdemeanor charges, and impoundment of devices for up to 30 days. The proposed rules prohibit stunts, street takeovers involving two or more riders, and riding above 15 mph in parks and on recreational trails, while imposing a separate $2,000 penalty on parents who knowingly permit minors to violate the regulations. Police Chief Brandon Gillespie said the ordinance was developed over several months in response to organized groups obstructing traffic and endangering pedestrians. The measure must return for final adoption before taking effect 30 days after passage; it requires no additional city funding.
Public Safety · Modesto, CA
Modesto teenagers Camila Mendoza Magallon, 16, and Nicole Cotzojay, 15, were fatally struck by a southbound vehicle at about 8:50 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, while crossing Coffee Road near Downey High School. The collision occurred along a 1.5-mile stretch of Coffee Road already undergoing a $3.7 million pavement rehabilitation and pedestrian-improvement project (Phase II), which began in June and is scheduled for completion in December. At Tuesday's Modesto City Council meeting, residents and school officials called for better lighting, increased traffic enforcement, and closer coordination between the city and school districts to protect students attending nighttime events. Police Chief Brandon Gillespie reported a 40% increase in traffic citations this year, while the council voted 6-0 to advance a separate e-bike regulation ordinance unrelated to the crash. No new measures specifically addressing the Coffee Road crossing were approved, and the collision investigation remains ongoing.
Crime · Modesto, CA
A long-term Modesto Police Department investigation into a drug-trafficking operation culminated last week with the arrest of a primary target and the seizure of more than 30 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately $90,000 in cash, and one firearm. Search warrants were executed Thursday, Oct. 8, at three locations in Modesto by MPD's Narcotics Enforcement Team, assisted by the Crime Reduction Team, Property Crimes Unit, Violent Crime Unit, Field Operations, Turlock Police Department, and the FBI. The suspect's name was not released, and the Bee reported it had requested additional information from police.
