Crime · Ceres, CA
Fernando Ochoa Jauregui, 30, was sentenced Friday in Stanislaus County Superior Court to 20 years in state prison for defrauding 44 victims of more than $1.5 million. The victims had paid Jauregui between June 2020 and April 2024 to purchase, build, or repair food trucks, but most never received the vehicles or their money back. Judge Ruben Villalobos denied probation due to the severity of the crimes and ordered restitution totaling over $1.5 million. Prosecutors alleged Jauregui targeted vulnerable individuals, including undocumented immigrants, who were reluctant to report the fraud.
Crime · Modesto, CA
Modesto City Schools canceled the remainder of Beyer High School's football season and placed varsity head coach Mike Young on administrative leave following an investigation into alleged misconduct involving football players. Modesto police cited one juvenile for misdemeanor battery under California Penal Code Section 242 after reviewing video evidence connected to reports received by school administrators. The district said it is working to determine whether additional students were involved or affected, and all practices and team activities are canceled for the remainder of the season. Scheduled games against Pacheco High School of Los Banos and Lathrop High School were canceled, with the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section noting opponents could receive forfeit victories. The district said it is providing counseling and support services to Beyer students.
Public Safety · Turlock, CA
A 9-year-old girl was hospitalized with serious injuries after a collision involving a truck and an electric motorcycle in Turlock on Friday night, Oct. 30. The incident occurred near Christoffersen Parkway and Crowell Road, where the eastbound lane remains closed for investigation. Police stated the truck driver cooperated and was not suspected of impairment.
Public Safety · Modesto, CA
A man believed to be working on an HVAC unit fell approximately 50 feet through the roof of the WinCo Foods store at 2200 Plaza Parkway in Modesto on Thursday afternoon, striking a lighting fixture before landing on a product display and the floor. The Modesto Fire Department responded to the 2:20 p.m. incident, and the man was hospitalized with moderate to major injuries. A witness posted video online showing damaged skylights at the store. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has been contacted for further information; the man's current status was unknown at publication.
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Community News · Modesto, CA
The National Weather Service forecast a 50% chance of rain with less than 0.1 inch for the Modesto area on Saturday, Oct. 31, with sporadic drops expected between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. during trick-or-treating hours. Indoor Halloween alternatives include a morning trick-or-treat event at the State Theatre in Modesto, a free costume parade at the Riverbank branch of the Stanislaus County Library, and a Boo Bash at Dave & Buster's at Vintage Faire Mall. The NWS noted any rain would be short-lived, with cooler temperatures and gusts up to 25 mph expected through Sunday.
Community brief · Modesto, CA
The Buena Vista Social Club Orchestra, a Cuban music repertory ensemble featuring musicians from the original Buena Vista Social Club and related groups, will perform Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto. Tickets range from $48 to $88, available through galloarts.org.
Community brief · Modesto, CA
KCBP community radio in Modesto is airing its eighth annual Halloween Radio Special on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 3 to 5 p.m., hosted by DJ Dug Graves (Doug Graves). The first hour features obscure monster tunes and novelty records; the second hour presents scary stories from vintage Halloween vinyl. KCBP will also air the radio play "The One-Handed Lady," adapted from an 1843 tale, at 7 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. Saturday. The station broadcasts on…
