Education · Modesto, CA
The Modesto Teachers Association is preparing to vote on a potential strike on November 5 after mediation with Modesto City Schools failed to produce an agreement. This would mark the first teacher strike in Modesto in nearly five decades, following over a year of negotiations focused on salaries, healthcare benefits, class sizes, and special education support. While the district has increased its financial offers, including raises and healthcare contributions, union leaders state that teachers remain dissatisfied with current terms.
Public Safety · Stanislaus County
The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency confirmed four mpox cases in the county, with two identified as clade I, a more serious strain with a mortality rate above 10%. One person was hospitalized, and three of the four infected individuals had not traveled outside the United States. County public health officer Dr. Thea Papasozomenos said the risk to the general public remains low but urged residents to watch for symptoms including rash, sores, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The county is working with the California Department of Public Health to monitor the situation and recommends JYNNEOS vaccination for at-risk groups.
Public Safety · Modesto, CA
A man suffered severe injuries on Thursday after falling approximately 50 feet through a skylight at a WinCo store in Modesto, California. The incident occurred at the Plaza Parkway location, where the man reportedly landed on product racks before hitting the floor. He was transported to a nearby hospital with moderate to major injuries. Authorities are investigating the workplace accident.
Pet Related · Oakdale, CA
The Oakdale Animal Shelter will close on Saturdays beginning November 7 until further notice due to a staff shortage while new employees are trained, according to a shelter announcement on Facebook. Weekday hours of 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. remain unchanged; the shelter is already closed on Sundays. Residents with questions can call the Oakdale Dispatch nonemergency number at 209-847-2231. Several commenters questioned the choice to close on Saturday rather than a weekday, noting that many residents are unavailable during weekday hours.
Community brief · Modesto, CA
The nonprofit Laughter For All will present a clean comedy show, "Laugh Again with Comedian Nazareth," on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. at the State Theatre, 1307 J St., in downtown Modesto. The bill features headliner Nazareth, named the 2026 Dry Bar Comedian of the Year, along with Gilbert Esquivel and Cizzle C! Tickets are pay-what-you-want, ranging from $0 to $15, available at thestate.org. State Theatre General Manager Gabriela Guerrini said…
Community brief · Turlock, CA
The November 2026 Central Valley Sky Calendar highlights planetary positions, the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters in Taurus, and meteor showers including the Taurids (Nov. 4/5 and 11/12) and Leonids (Nov. 17/18). The full Beaver Moon occurs Nov. 24, with Mars-Jupiter conjunctions near Regulus on the morning of Nov. 15. Two local events are listed: Great Valley Museum Science Night at MJC West Campus from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 6, and an Open…
