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.
Public Safety · Stanislaus County
Red flag warnings have been issued across California from the northern Sierra to Los Angeles County as dry northeast and Santa Ana winds create elevated fire risk through Saturday. PG&E is considering power shutoffs for over 36,000 customers in Sierra foothill areas surrounding Modesto, Merced, and Fresno, with additional shutoffs under review in Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Napa, Sonoma, and San Luis Obispo counties. San Joaquin Valley floor winds, including near Modesto, are expected to gust 15-20 mph Thursday and Friday, while Sierra foothills see gusts of 40-55 mph with peak gusts approaching 70 mph near Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. Southern California faces the season's first major Santa Ana wind event peaking Friday with gusts exceeding 70 mph, prompting Southern California Edison to consider shutoffs for over 120,000 customers in Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties. Conditions are expected to improve statewide on Sunday as cooler onshore air arrives.
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.
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Local Politics · Stanislaus County
Stanislaus County voters can access 32 early voting locations ahead of the Nov. 3, 2026 general election. Five sites open Saturday, Oct. 24, while the remaining 27 begin operations Saturday, Oct. 31; all are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. before Election Day. The county also offers 68 ballot drop-off locations, some available 24 hours and others opening Oct. 31, with all accessible through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters may also mail ballots postmarked by Nov. 3, which must arrive within seven days after the election.
Local Business · Stanislaus County
Five Stanislaus County businesses have recently closed or are in transition: Scrubs & Beyond at 2225 Plaza Parkway in Modesto is closing all locations with no set date, Gold'n Fresh Bakery on Tully Road closed Sept. 19 after 20+ years, and Pizza Factory on Countryside Drive in Turlock closed Sept. 20. Food Fix Butcher & Baker at 938 11th St. in Modesto is seeking a buyer while remaining open, with the owners' adjacent Bakeshop continuing operations. O'Brien's Market's Dale Road location closed Oct. 4, and Freshway Supermarkets will take over the Roseburg Avenue store by an expected Oct. 31 escrow date, selling beer and wine only.
