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The June 2026 primary election is approaching. See who has filed to run in Stanislaus County’s top races - The Modesto Focus
The June 2026 primary election is approaching. See who has filed to run in Stanislaus County’s top races - The Modesto Focus
Stanislaus County voters will weigh in on a number of intriguing races in the June 2 Primary, including for local representation in the California Legislature and the U.S. House – now dominated by Republicans. Some local office holders – notably Assemblyman Juan Alanis and County Supervisor Terry Withrow – will retain their seats for lack […]
He captures everyday scenes of Modesto and the Central Valley. Now his work is on display in a major exhibit - The Modesto Focus
He captures everyday scenes of Modesto and the Central Valley. Now his work is on display in a major exhibit - The Modesto Focus
Modesto photographer Bill Harris is known for his shots of everyday life and events now has a solo exhibit at Turlock's Carnegie Arts.
Shockwaves of Modesto Del Monte plant closure hits local fruit farms. Growers to lose $550 million in peaches alone - The Modesto Focus
Shockwaves of Modesto Del Monte plant closure hits local fruit farms. Growers to lose $550 million in peaches alone - The Modesto Focus
Farmers with contracts to sell fruit to Del Monte are reeling from the company's announcement it will close the Modesto processing plant.
What’s happening in arts this March in Modesto? Entertainment, other community events across the city - The Modesto Focus
What’s happening in arts this March in Modesto? Entertainment, other community events across the city - The Modesto Focus
A look at some of the major arts happenings across Modesto March 2026, including concerts, plays and community events.
Flooding strains south Modesto streets as low-income neighborhoods suffer from lack of infrastructure after storms - The Modesto Focus
Flooding strains south Modesto streets as low-income neighborhoods suffer from lack of infrastructure after storms - The Modesto Focus
Heavy rains in February left many neighborhoods underwater for days in south Modesto – where many streets lack sidewalks and other basic infrastructure – as residents of some of the city’s most disadvantaged areas repeatedly grapple with safety issues after rainfall. Showers drenched Modesto for the first half of February. Between Feb. 16 to 18, […]
Submit Your Opinion Piece!
Submit Your Opinion Piece!
Welcome to the Community Corner! Our contributors write opinion pieces about issues of importance and interest to the Valley. We encourage all residents of Modesto and Stanislaus County to share their thoughts and provide commentary with us. Our readers want to hear what matters to you and your neighbors. They value diverse voices, especially from […]
Modesto group seeks expanded pesticide buffer zones by schools. Ag officials say not enough public support for changes - The Modesto Focus
Modesto group seeks expanded pesticide buffer zones by schools. Ag officials say not enough public support for changes - The Modesto Focus
Last year, an environmental justice group called for change to local agriculture regulations because of health risks associated with pesticide fumigants used to clear orchards and farms near schools – but nothing has come of it. In Modesto, an environmental advocate group started conversations meant to protect youth in schools from pesticide drift associated with […]
MID votes again on investigation into Director Larry Byrd, but board still can’t move forward - The Modesto Focus
MID votes again on investigation into Director Larry Byrd, but board still can’t move forward - The Modesto Focus
The water agency's board voted again on whether to continue the investigation into Director Larry Byrd's water usage.
Immigrants’ rights organizers and experts convene at ‘ICE Out’ event in Modesto - The Modesto Focus
Immigrants’ rights organizers and experts convene at ‘ICE Out’ event in Modesto - The Modesto Focus
Community networks centralize their message and promote safety and resources during community town hall in response to ICE raids in major cities across the nation.
Sacramento politicians love Modesto conservative Heath Flora, but local Republicans have given up on him - The Modesto Focus
Sacramento politicians love Modesto conservative Heath Flora, but local Republicans have given up on him - The Modesto Focus
Stanislaus and San Joaquin Republican party committees endorse the powerful Valley politician's GOP opponent instead.
Some 1,200 Modesto high school students join walkout protest against ICE violence - The Modesto Focus
Some 1,200 Modesto high school students join walkout protest against ICE violence - The Modesto Focus
Some 1,200 high school students took part in a citywide walkout in Modesto in a protest against ICE and Trump's immigration policies.
UPDATE: State ethics enforcers to look into Modesto Irrigation District’s Larry Byrd for voting on own investigation - The Modesto Focus
UPDATE: State ethics enforcers to look into Modesto Irrigation District’s Larry Byrd for voting on own investigation - The Modesto Focus
He dodged one investigation with his own vote on the Modesto Irrigation District. Now the state will take its own look.
Modesto area loses more than 20,000 food-production jobs this century – including Del Monte - The Modesto Focus
Modesto area loses more than 20,000 food-production jobs this century – including Del Monte - The Modesto Focus
Is Modesto losing its food processing and production mojo? The announcement that Del Monte will close its plant in the city raises concerns.
Oakdale Joint Unified School District revises immigration policy after community concerns - The Modesto Focus
Oakdale Joint Unified School District revises immigration policy after community concerns - The Modesto Focus
Oakdale school district initially deleted language from a planned immigration policy, but later reinserted it after community concerns.
Modesto City Schools back from pandemic-era learning loss, students show multi-year progress, report finds - The Modesto Focus
Modesto City Schools back from pandemic-era learning loss, students show multi-year progress, report finds - The Modesto Focus
Modesto students have made progress in graduation, enrollment and academic performance according to a new multi-year report.
Proposed California budget cuts Medi-Cal, CalFresh benefits for undocumented people amid federal pressure, rising costs - The Modesto Focus
Proposed California budget cuts Medi-Cal, CalFresh benefits for undocumented people amid federal pressure, rising costs - The Modesto Focus
Undocumented immigrants in California will bear the brunt of reductions in health care and nutrition programs under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s initial proposal for a 2026-27 state budget unveiled earlier this month. Joe Stephenshaw, director of the California Department of Finance, said in a Jan. 9 press conference that the state’s Health and Human Services Agency […]
Modesto Irrigation official questions city subsidy for agricultural mistakes, agency approves plan anyway - The Modesto Focus
Modesto Irrigation official questions city subsidy for agricultural mistakes, agency approves plan anyway - The Modesto Focus
Modesto water agency approves plan for wells that have gone dry due to ag overpumping in Stanislaus County.
Prospect play on abstract painter Rothko showcases local artists on and off stage - The Modesto Focus
Prospect play on abstract painter Rothko showcases local artists on and off stage - The Modesto Focus
Two-man play about artist Mark Rothko inspires local painters who will show alongside the theater production.
State Senator: No way MID’s Larry Byrd should vote on his own investigation - The Modesto Focus
State Senator: No way MID’s Larry Byrd should vote on his own investigation - The Modesto Focus
State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil filed a formal formal complaint about the MID board director's vote to end an investigation into himself.
Modesto residents rally at local protests, express outrage over killing by ICE agents - The Modesto Focus
Modesto residents rally at local protests, express outrage over killing by ICE agents - The Modesto Focus
Where to find celebrations in honor of civil rights icon MLK in Modesto for 2026 - The Modesto Focus
Where to find celebrations in honor of civil rights icon MLK in Modesto for 2026 - The Modesto Focus
New California laws that will impact the Valley in 2026 - The Modesto Focus
New California laws that will impact the Valley in 2026 - The Modesto Focus
Modesto wants competitive garbage company contracts. But is the city already ‘in a headlock?’ - The Modesto Focus
Modesto wants competitive garbage company contracts. But is the city already ‘in a headlock?’ - The Modesto Focus
Modesto’s new Dos Rios Arts District gains statewide recognition, $10,000 grant to boost local culture, tourism - The Modesto Focus
Modesto’s new Dos Rios Arts District gains statewide recognition, $10,000 grant to boost local culture, tourism - The Modesto Focus
Jobs for specialized teachers at heart of union negotiations in Modesto City Schools district - The Modesto Focus
Jobs for specialized teachers at heart of union negotiations in Modesto City Schools district - The Modesto Focus
Former Stockton mayor Kevin Lincoln ‘honored’ by Trump’s endorsement in race against Rep. Adam Gray - The Modesto Focus
Former Stockton mayor Kevin Lincoln ‘honored’ by Trump’s endorsement in race against Rep. Adam Gray - The Modesto Focus
Group offers ‘Food not Fascism’ to help people meet day-to-day basic needs in west Modesto - The Modesto Focus
Group offers ‘Food not Fascism’ to help people meet day-to-day basic needs in west Modesto - The Modesto Focus
Longtime MID Director Larry Byrd must have misused district water, independent investigation says - The Modesto Focus
Longtime MID Director Larry Byrd must have misused district water, independent investigation says - The Modesto Focus
A Modesto judge – usually the one ruling on lawsuits – is bringing one of her own
A Modesto judge – usually the one ruling on lawsuits – is bringing one of her own
Tragedy fuels support across Stanislaus County after death of Amari Peterson. Mental health experts share insights as the community grieves - The Modesto Focus
Tragedy fuels support across Stanislaus County after death of Amari Peterson. Mental health experts share insights as the community grieves - The Modesto Focus
A night of joy in south Modesto: Annual Christmas Posada brings culture, community and hope - The Modesto Focus
A night of joy in south Modesto: Annual Christmas Posada brings culture, community and hope - The Modesto Focus
Two west Modesto parks getting a makeover. What the long-sought upgrades mean to the neighborhoods
Two west Modesto parks getting a makeover. What the long-sought upgrades mean to the neighborhoods
Modesto’s keeping its mask ban – but the ACLU and others may sue - The Modesto Focus
Modesto’s keeping its mask ban – but the ACLU and others may sue - The Modesto Focus
Parents and schools across Stanislaus County favor healthy digital lifestyles for students - The Modesto Focus
Parents and schools across Stanislaus County favor healthy digital lifestyles for students - The Modesto Focus
Modesto doctor awarded $23.5 million for slipping and falling in Trader Joes. Store’s attorneys want a retrial - The Modesto Focus
Modesto doctor awarded $23.5 million for slipping and falling in Trader Joes. Store’s attorneys want a retrial - The Modesto Focus
Can a ‘circular bioeconomy’ generate Valley jobs? Local scientists hope to turn waste into wealth, literally - The Modesto Focus
Can a ‘circular bioeconomy’ generate Valley jobs? Local scientists hope to turn waste into wealth, literally - The Modesto Focus
A Modesto judge has a poor record of assigning a vital service for foster kids. Child advocates wonder why - The Modesto Focus
A Modesto judge has a poor record of assigning a vital service for foster kids. Child advocates wonder why - The Modesto Focus
Free program helps Stanislaus County women open daycares, while addressing child care shortage - The Modesto Focus
Free program helps Stanislaus County women open daycares, while addressing child care shortage - The Modesto Focus
Longtime local company brings turkey processing back to closed Turlock Foster Farms plant - The Modesto Focus
Longtime local company brings turkey processing back to closed Turlock Foster Farms plant - The Modesto Focus
Covered California enrollment’s open. But without a tax credits extension, will thousands in the Valley be unable to pay?
Covered California enrollment’s open. But without a tax credits extension, will thousands in the Valley be unable to pay?
Modesto’s new baseball team considers instant replay on recently unveiled Glow Riders name - The Modesto Focus
Modesto’s new baseball team considers instant replay on recently unveiled Glow Riders name - The Modesto Focus
Modesto youth honor Ruby Bridges’ historic civil rights walk, aim to end racism, bullying - The Modesto Focus
Modesto youth honor Ruby Bridges’ historic civil rights walk, aim to end racism, bullying - The Modesto Focus
Was Rep. Adam Gray’s vote to end the shutdown a show of courage or betrayal? Valley leaders weigh in - The Modesto Focus
Was Rep. Adam Gray’s vote to end the shutdown a show of courage or betrayal? Valley leaders weigh in - The Modesto Focus
Prop. 50 could nudge Stanislaus and Merced counties to the political left, experts say - The Modesto Focus
Prop. 50 could nudge Stanislaus and Merced counties to the political left, experts say - The Modesto Focus
After years of complaints, Empire part of planned $131M road upgrade project. But they still have a long wait - The Modesto Focus
After years of complaints, Empire part of planned $131M road upgrade project. But they still have a long wait - The Modesto Focus
Will Modesto make the most of independent baseball league?
Will Modesto make the most of independent baseball league?
Modesto organizations step up to help vulnerable families, as uncertainty looms over SNAP benefits - The Modesto Focus
Modesto organizations step up to help vulnerable families, as uncertainty looms over SNAP benefits - The Modesto Focus
Nurses at Modesto’s Doctors and two other Valley hospitals plan one-day strike - The Modesto Focus
Nurses at Modesto’s Doctors and two other Valley hospitals plan one-day strike - The Modesto Focus
Modesto prison reentry program Legacy Alliance and its founder face FBI investigation - The Modesto Focus
Modesto prison reentry program Legacy Alliance and its founder face FBI investigation - The Modesto Focus
Stan State social justice conference designed as “counterbalance through the insidious” times - The Modesto Focus
Stan State social justice conference designed as “counterbalance through the insidious” times - The Modesto Focus
Modesto Focus Debate: Stanislaus activists face off on California’s Prop. 50 - The Modesto Focus
Modesto Focus Debate: Stanislaus activists face off on California’s Prop. 50 - The Modesto Focus
Here are the 2025 MAMA Awards winners honoring Modesto music, entertainment - The Modesto Focus
Here are the 2025 MAMA Awards winners honoring Modesto music, entertainment - The Modesto Focus
Grassroots Modesto effort brings creative, emotional outlets to farmworker families - The Modesto Focus
Grassroots Modesto effort brings creative, emotional outlets to farmworker families - The Modesto Focus
Colorful, flag-waving No Kings protestors show up by the thousands in Modesto, Merced - The Modesto Focus
Colorful, flag-waving No Kings protestors show up by the thousands in Modesto, Merced - The Modesto Focus
MAMA Awards plan special tributes to region’s musical media history - The Modesto Focus
MAMA Awards plan special tributes to region’s musical media history - The Modesto Focus
Valley minority-serving colleges stand to lose millions in wave of federal cuts targeting DEI - The Modesto Focus
Valley minority-serving colleges stand to lose millions in wave of federal cuts targeting DEI - The Modesto Focus
Nonprofits step in to save Modesto’s trash-removal-by-homeless program - The Modesto Focus
Nonprofits step in to save Modesto’s trash-removal-by-homeless program - The Modesto Focus
Stanislaus casino-hospital idea resurfaces as well approved for vacant airbase - The Modesto Focus
Stanislaus casino-hospital idea resurfaces as well approved for vacant airbase - The Modesto Focus
Editor’s Corner: The lights aren’t on, and apparently nobody’s home for Modesto’s iconic arch | Opinion - The Modesto Focus
Editor’s Corner: The lights aren’t on, and apparently nobody’s home for Modesto’s iconic arch | Opinion - The Modesto Focus
‘What is everybody going to do?’ Modesto homeless shelter residents fear potential closure - The Modesto Focus
‘What is everybody going to do?’ Modesto homeless shelter residents fear potential closure - The Modesto Focus
Modesto’s largest homeless shelter facing crippling financial crisis, could close in six months - The Modesto Focus
Modesto’s largest homeless shelter facing crippling financial crisis, could close in six months - The Modesto Focus
Modesto Irrigation director, accused of stealing water, blames political conspiracy - The Modesto Focus
Modesto Irrigation director, accused of stealing water, blames political conspiracy - The Modesto Focus
Fallout from Charlie Kirk killing reaches Stanislaus: One councilmember resigns, another asked to step down - The Modesto Focus
Fallout from Charlie Kirk killing reaches Stanislaus: One councilmember resigns, another asked to step down - The Modesto Focus
Corruption scandal claims another top-tier StanCOG employee - The Modesto Focus
Corruption scandal claims another top-tier StanCOG employee - The Modesto Focus
Editor’s Corner: Modesto Children’s Museum continues to make a splash as it celebrates its second year - The Modesto Focus
Editor’s Corner: Modesto Children’s Museum continues to make a splash as it celebrates its second year - The Modesto Focus
Stanislaus 911 dispatching will continue with status quo – for now - The Modesto Focus
Stanislaus 911 dispatching will continue with status quo – for now - The Modesto Focus
Modesto Irrigation District director accused of water theft, board will investigate - The Modesto Focus
Modesto Irrigation District director accused of water theft, board will investigate - The Modesto Focus
Federal funding cuts to public media highlights disparities facing different Valley radio listeners - The Modesto Focus
Federal funding cuts to public media highlights disparities facing different Valley radio listeners - The Modesto Focus
Modesto’s endangered trash-removal-by-homeless program could get new life after all - The Modesto Focus
Modesto’s endangered trash-removal-by-homeless program could get new life after all - The Modesto Focus
All-star screening of projects by local ‘luminaries of filmmaking’ comes to Modesto’s State Theatre - The Modesto Focus
All-star screening of projects by local ‘luminaries of filmmaking’ comes to Modesto’s State Theatre - The Modesto Focus
Could a new casino solve the hospital problem on Stanislaus’ west side? This county supervisor thinks so
Could a new casino solve the hospital problem on Stanislaus’ west side? This county supervisor thinks so
New program taps those with deep regional roots to promote sustainable jobs for the Valley - The Modesto Focus
New program taps those with deep regional roots to promote sustainable jobs for the Valley - The Modesto Focus
‘Reassessment’ of California’s high speed rail could mean big changes for San Joaquin Valley - The Modesto Focus
‘Reassessment’ of California’s high speed rail could mean big changes for San Joaquin Valley - The Modesto Focus
Valley hospitals receive mixed scores in federal rating system. See how your hospital fared
Valley hospitals receive mixed scores in federal rating system. See how your hospital fared
CSU Stanislaus president rings in school year with discussion of budget deficit, AI standards
CSU Stanislaus president rings in school year with discussion of budget deficit, AI standards
Stanislaus sheriff stands alone in ‘stubborn’ 911 dispatch dispute despite public safety warnings
Stanislaus sheriff stands alone in ‘stubborn’ 911 dispatch dispute despite public safety warnings
Modesto ground zero for national mask debate. City faces possible civil rights challenges to protest arrests
Modesto ground zero for national mask debate. City faces possible civil rights challenges to protest arrests
Embattled StanCOG executive director fired with cause. Investigation into alleged corruption continues
Embattled StanCOG executive director fired with cause. Investigation into alleged corruption continues
Stanislaus officials admit ‘egg on their faces’ as StanCOG expense scandal grows. How oversight failed taxpayers
Stanislaus officials admit ‘egg on their faces’ as StanCOG expense scandal grows. How oversight failed taxpayers
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