Local Politics · Turlock, CA
With the November 3 general election approaching, local campaigns in Turlock have intensified their rhetoric through controversial mailers. Incumbent Mayor Amy Bublak faced criticism for a mailer featuring a quote from Supervisor Vito Chiesa that challengers claimed implied an endorsement he did not give. Council District 3 challenger Ryan Taylor and State Senate candidate Alexandra Duarte also distributed negative mailers targeting opponents' past records and political associations.
Public Safety · Stanislaus County
Stanislaus County law enforcement is urging motorists to exercise caution after a series of pedestrian and bicyclist crashes in October 2026 across Ceres, Modesto, and Turlock. The incidents include the deaths of two Modesto teens on Oct. 9 near Downey High School, a 65-year-old woman struck by a train in south Modesto on Oct. 12, a downtown Modesto DUI crash killing a 35-year-old man on Oct. 2, and a 14-year-old Turlock boy killed in an electric-motorcycle collision on Oct. 10. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office conducted maximum enforcement operations targeting dangerous driving behaviors during National Pedestrian Safety Month, funded by a California Office of Traffic Safety grant. Officials reminded drivers to slow down, yield at crosswalks, and stay alert, noting that pedestrians lack the protections afforded to vehicle occupants.
Crime · Ceres, CA
Ceres police are investigating after irrigation district employees discovered human remains in the Lower Lateral 3 Canal near Central Avenue and Keyes Road on Saturday. The discovery was reported to authorities at approximately 12:00 p.m., and officers confirmed the presence of a deceased individual upon arrival. No information regarding the identity, age, or gender of the decedent has been released, nor has police determined if the death is suspicious. Officials stated that further testing will occur in the coming days to identify the person.
Community News · Stanislaus County
The Sac-Joaquin Section released playoff brackets on Friday for five local volleyball teams: Turlock, Pitman, Denair, Hughson, and Hilmar. Defending Division IV champion Hughson (23-9) awaits a play-in winner to begin its title defense on Tuesday. State champion Hilmar (15-17), seeded fourth in Division V, faces Summerville in the first round on Tuesday. Pitman hosts Armijo in a Monday play-in, while Turlock travels to Cosumnes Oaks and Denair hosts Foresthill on Tuesday. All Monday and Tuesday matches start at 6 p.m.
Community brief · Modesto, CA
Corey Strauss and Gary Hughes opened IvyGreen Vintage, a shop specializing in men's vintage clothing and rare home decor, at 719 W. Roseburg Avenue in Modesto earlier this month. The store offers curated collections including Waterford Crystal and Mackenzie-Childs items, alongside theatrical-inspired interior design. Owners plan to host community art events and have installed a monthly repainted mural as a local arts calendar. The shop…
Community brief · Stanislaus County
Hilmar High's flag football team captured its first Trans-Valley League title with a 14-0 shutout over Orestimba in Newman on Thursday, finishing the regular season 19-3. The Yellowjackets earned the top seed in Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV and will host West Campus of Sacramento (14-10) at home Wednesday to begin defending last year's section championship. Coach Anthony Leal said an earlier 21-14 loss to Ripon that ended a 15-game winning…
Community brief · Stanislaus County
Hilmar High's football team defeated Ripon Christian 24-0 on Friday in a Trans-Valley League game, improving to 9-0 overall and 5-0 in league play while clinching at least a share of the conference title under first-year head coach Mark Santos. Running back Adam Branco scored twice and the defense forced multiple turnovers to seal the shutout. The Yellowjackets will host archrival Hughson on Nov. 6 at McSweeney Field, aiming for the outright…
