Public Safety · Turlock, CA
A 14-year-old Turlock High freshman, Jameson Hendrix, was killed around 5:30 p.m. Saturday in a collision between his electric motorcycle and a vehicle at Tokay Avenue and Old Vineyard Road in east Turlock. Turlock Police officers performed CPR before fire personnel arrived, but the teen was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle driver cooperated with investigators, who do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors. The Major Accident Investigation Team has taken over, and witnesses are asked to contact Officer Allison at (209) 664-7398. Police issued a reminder about California's e-bike and e-moto safety regulations for riders under 18.
Crime · Stanislaus County
Robert Vincent Mendez of Modesto was arrested Oct. 2 at Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in Jamestown, Tuolumne County, less than six hours after allegedly robbing the Bank of Stockton at 1302 J St. in downtown Modesto around 5:14 p.m. Detectives linked him to a Sept. 30 robbery at a U.S. Bank branch in Turlock based on similar methods and distinctive tattoos, tracking his rideshare movements through the department's Real-Time Crime Center. Mendez admitted to both robberies and additional unreported ones during an interview, though those claims remain under investigation. He had previously served prison time for bank robberies in Oregon and Washington. Mendez was booked into Stanislaus County Jail on suspicion of bank robbery, commercial burglary, and possession of narcotics.
Public Safety · Modesto, CA
The Modesto City Council waived the first reading of a proposed ordinance targeting reckless bicycle and e-bike riding, including dangerous stunts, groups blocking traffic, and street takeovers. The measure would impose fines up to $5,000 for third or subsequent offenses, allow bike impoundment for up to 30 days, and set a 15 mph speed limit on city parks and trails. Parents could face fines of up to $2,000 per minor if they assist or permit violations, while police could require safety courses for young riders. The ordinance still requires final adoption and would take effect 30 days after that vote.
Public Safety · Modesto, CA
A 65-year-old woman identified by the Coroner's Office as Theresa Kelly died at the scene after being struck by a train around 10:45 a.m. Monday on the 650 block of South Seventh Street in south Modesto, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department. Deputies, Modesto Fire and American Medical response were dispatched to the collision site. Sgt. Michael Carranza said no foul play is suspected, and the circumstances remain under investigation.
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Public Safety · Modesto, CA
A resident suffered a minor hand injury while climbing through a window to escape a house fire Monday morning at a single-story home on Hawthorne Avenue in central Modesto, near College and Briggsmore avenues. Two people were displaced; the home sustained fire damage along its back side and smoke damage throughout. Modesto Fire Department crews dispatched at about 6:10 a.m. upgraded the call to a working structure fire after spotting a large smoke column, then conducted an interior attack and search before quickly extinguishing the blaze. No one was found inside. The Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit is investigating the cause.
Public Safety · Stanislaus County
The Fine Fire, first reported at 1:12 p.m. on Oct. 12 at Milton Road and Rock Creek Road south of Milton, burned 102 acres in Stanislaus County, California. Cal Fire Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit crews achieved full containment by Tuesday morning, Oct. 13, meaning control lines encircle the entire fire perimeter. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Full containment does not mean the fire is extinguished; it indicates the blaze is stopped from spreading beyond its perimeter.
Local Politics · Turlock, CA
The Turlock City Council voted Tuesday to allocate $100,000 from the city's tourism fund for a Highway 99 Community Promotion Project that will fill vacant panels on existing pylon signs visible along the corridor. Economic Development Director Anthony Sims said the initiative supports the council's March Economic Development Strategic Plan by increasing visibility of Turlock's opportunity sites to approximately 108,000 daily vehicles. City-funded panels would be placed under memorandums of understanding with property owners, avoiding ongoing rental charges, and preliminary estimates suggest roughly three pylon signs and 16 city-funded panels could be installed. California State University Stanislaus and other community partners have expressed interest in purchasing additional panels.
Community News · Ceres, CA
Emanuel Medical Center is marking October Breast Cancer Awareness Month by transitioning the Ruby E. Bergman Women's Diagnostic Center to 3D digital mammography and lighting its campus pink in evenings. The hospital will host a free, family-friendly Harvest Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 24 at its campus, expecting roughly 1,000 attendees. Free screenings will include blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, glucose, vision, and mental-health assessments, along with CPR/first-aid training, flu vaccinations, and ambulance and medical-helicopter tours. Children's Halloween-themed activities, bounce houses, food, and vendor booths round out the event.
Social Events · Turlock, CA
Turlock's Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 640 N. Minaret Ave. will host its annual nonprofit Holiday Craft Faire Nov. 12-14 in the church social hall, offering hand-made quilts, baked goods, wreaths, wood crafts, and other items. The event runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 12-13 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, with free admission, free parking, complimentary coffee/tea, and low-cost lunch options from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. all proceeds benefit local charities; last year the group wrote $500 checks to 10 organizations including United Samaritans Daily Bread, Salvation Army, Turlock Gospel Mission, and We Care Men's Shelter. The 25-year-old volunteer group meets Thursdays and Fridays from 2-4 p.m. and welcomes newcomers regardless of sewing experience.
