Valley Headlines

Stanford at work in the Valley

River Partners. Advancing innovative groundwater research with Stanford scientists.
Synopsis: Sean Murphy of River Partners writes about the organization’s collaboration with Stanford, Stanislaus State and others to get “a glimpse of the aquifer secrets beneath our feet.” That data will be used to inform decisions about the best places to help restore streams, which are essential to increased groundwater recharge in the San Joaquin Valley. Funded in large part by a $40 million grant secured with help from Assemblymember Adam Gray, the program uses magnetic imaging done on a landscape scale to find suitable recharge areas. Says Stanford Prof Rosemary Knight, “Our collaboration with River Partners is crucial in ensuring that our scientific findings translate into real-world solutions.” Among the sites being investigated are Hidden Valley Ranch, Ott Farms and Grayson in western Stanislaus County and Bear Creek Ranch in Merced County.

Politics: Swearing & swearing-in

GV Wire. As the Fresno GOP turns: Cease & Desist letter sent to rebel leader.
Synopsis: David Taub reports on the nasty name-calling and schism in the Fresno County Republican Central Committee. Liz Kolstad was elected to continue as chair, according to her. According to Peter Halajian, he was elected to replace her. A letter from an LA attorney called Halajian’s actions an “attempted coup” that is “extremely detrimental to the Fresno GOP’s ability to build upon its great work.” Kolstad was elected over Halajian on a 15-14 vote. But apparently, one member of the executive committee arrived late and was not allowed to vote. … In other political notes, Taub says county supervisor Nathan Magsig is interested in running for Shannon Grove’s D12 senate seat. … Clovis is considering switching from a 7-member council to 5.

Merced County Times. Swearing-in reception for Congressman Gray.
Synopsis: There will be a swearing-in ceremony and reception at the Historic Merced County Courthouse on Jan. 30 from 5-7 pm. Judge John Kirihara will preside.

Valley Sun. Hurtado votes against Newsom-led ‘Trump-proofing’ of CA.
Synopsis: Sen. Melissa Hurtado was the only Democrat to vote against spending $25M to fortify California’s efforts to either defend CA’s laws and or thwart Donald Trump’s efforts to change them. However, Hurtado voted to spend $25M to defend immigrants against federal efforts to deport them.

Finally, fresh start for Los Banos

Westside Express. Dramatic meeting means fresh start for Los Banos.
Synopsis: Los Banos city manager Josh Pinheiro and his last remaining supporter on the city council, Ken Lambert, both quit over the course of 5 days last week. It means the council will have to make do with only four members. State law requires the majority of any governing body be elected by voters. But the city council already has two appointees, having replaced the recalled Brett Jones and Doug Begonia Jr. (two other Pinheiro supporters). That means Lambert’s seat will remain vacant until a special election can be conducted. Mayor Mike Amabile promised the city will conduct a forensic audit.
MAD Note: The story in the Westside Express was written by Valley Solutions editor Mike Dunbar.

Firefighters come home

Patterson Irrigator. Fire strike teams headed home.
Synopsis: The Strike Team that included members of the West Stanislaus FPD has finished its 14-day deployment on the front lines in LA and is being sent home. Also coming home are members of another strike team, deployed for 10 days, that included members of the Patterson, Denair, Burbank-Paradise, Turlock Rural, Stanislaus Consolidated and Turlock City fire departments. Both teams were involved in fighting the Palisades and Eaton fires, which are now 75% and 100% contained respectively.

Orestimba High benefactor passes

Westside Connect. Bob McConnell, founder of TOSCA scholarship organization, dies at 97.
Synopsis: Bob McConnell created The Orestimba Scholarship Community Association, which has collected and given away more than $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Orestimba High students. He died at 97 last week. Among those expressing condolences were Newman Crows Landing USD Superintendent Justin Pruett, board president Michael Holland, members of the city council and Rotary Club. McConnell also was president of Rotary and helped create the GUSTO and PRIDE programs. He was a fixture during the annual Rotary Club speech contest. His family suggests contributions to TOSCA.

Education: Better numbers

Merced Focus. Merced County chronic absenteeism decreases, nears state average.
Synopsis: Merced County Office of Education Superintendent Steve Tietjen offered his annual report on the status of education in the county. He said things are getting back to normal since the pandemic when absenteeism hit 35%. It was back to 20.7% in 2023-24, which is very close to the state average of 20.1%. Campus Park had the lowest absenteeism rate at 9.4%. Meanwhile, 93.7% of Merced’s seniors graduate, compared to 90.8% statewide. Hilmar leads the way with 98.9% and Delhi 98.3%.

Merced County Times. Superintendent looks forward to year of growth, upgrades.
Synopsis: After a year on the job, Merced City Schools superintendent Julianna Stocking sat down with Jon Whitaker for a Q&A. She talked about improvements at Rivera Elementary and Rivera Middle schools, growth to the north, Measure C expenditures and enrollment – which is growing.

Merced County Times. To reshape his future, trustee became a Blue Devil.
Synopsis: Merced College Trustee Mario Mendoza completed his AA at the college last May and now is a student at Stan State. The 52-year-old truck driver is hoping to become special-ed teacher. “I tell a lot of people that it’s never too late to change.”

Marching in the Valley

Merced County Times. Unity March in Merced highlights importance of MLK’s work, legacy.
Synopsis: Photo essay shows marchers and those celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in Merced. Among those quoted is NAACP president Allen Brooks and march organizer Tamara Cobb. Recognized for their contributions were Diane Pierce, Anthony Heard Jr., Ella Luna-Garza, Walter Smith, Shayne Makari-Pulliam and Dalyla Johnson.  

Modesto Bee. Two marches, 1 message: Modestans rallied for rights ahead of Trump inauguration.
Synopsis: The Bee catches up two marches that took place last weekend. The Women’s March on Saturday was organized by Jessica Self and drew hundreds of walkers from the NAACP, Pride groups and Faith in the Valley. Among those speaking at Graceada Park was Lise Talbott. On Sunday, about 40 people saying they were supporting the Central Valley BIPOC Coalition marched in downtown. They reject the two-party system, dislike Trump, Republicans and Democrats. Julissa Ruiz Ramirez led the effort.

Weird stuff in Manteca

ABC10. Manteca councilman shoots stepson during attack.
Synopsis: David Breitenbucher has been charged with shooting Landon White, 31, at Breitenbucher’s home on Thursday. Breitenbucher has been married to White’s mother for the past 8 months, said Chief Stephen Schluer. White is in critical condition. There have been no charges as police investigate Breitenbucher’s claim of self-defense.

Fox40. Manteca man pleads guilty to murder-for-hire plot.
Synopsis: Jagninder Bopari has pleaded guilty for trying to hire an FBI agent to commit murder. The deal was made at a Manteca Starbucks. He offered $6,000, with a $1,000 down payment. After seeing a staged photo of the victim, Bopari offered to pay another $10,000 to get rid of others. There were co-conspirators in Dublin and Tracy.

It’s about weed, not gardening

ABC30. UC Merced extension offers cannabis workforce certificate programs.
Synopsis: The weed industry has a lot of jobs, so the university is looking to train workers and provide certification that they know what they’re doing. For $1,000, students can learn how to cultivate weed, extract THC and market various products. The school partnered with Green Flower to produce the curriculum. You do not have to enroll at UC Merced to enroll.

Sierra Vista building unveiled

Modesto Bee. Family resource center brings mental health, other services to south Modesto. 
Synopsis: Ken Carlson reports on the opening of Sierra Vista Child & Family Services’ new building on Imperial Avenue in Modesto. CEO Andrew Trimble pointed to collaboration with Stanislaus County in bringing resources to an underserved community. The center will have 7 staffers and offers community members a “podcast room” where they can produce their own material.

Eating pie for a good cause

KSEE / CBS 47. UC Merced marks National Pie Day with pie-eating contest.
Synopsis: Mayor Matt Serratto, whose jurisdiction includes the UC for the first time, joined university officials and others in celebrating National Pie Day by eating pie. It was a “messy, visually entertaining success.” The contest was co-sponsored by General Mills, Pearly Family Dentistry and UC Merced’s Bobcat Pantry – which benefits from any proceeds.