Valley Headlines

 State preparing to sue Turlock

Politico. California Playbook: The view from Tehrangeles. 
Synopsis: This daily roundup of politics starts with a look at how LA’s 400,000 Iranian ex-pats are reacting to the battles being fought in their homeland. … Then the story turns to the “Homeless Hammer” – which is all about Turlock. The state has filed a “notice of violation” against the city, warning that its actions are violating state law and that a lawsuit is imminent. Said state spokesperson Tara Gallegos: “Turlock doesn’t get an exemption from their moral or legal obligation to support housing needs of vulnerable populations just because the mayor sent us a list of excuses.” The city has until July 3 to change course. This dates back to the city council’s 3-2 decision against providing the token, but necessary, support for the We Care Shelter downtown. That lack of support meant the shelter couldn’t receive a $267,000 state grant. And it made Gov. Gavin Newsom angry.

Charity exec: We all need help

Merced County Times. I have lived what this bill would take away.
Synopsis: Robert Hypes, CEO of Merced County United Way, writes about how government programs have helped his family. Medi-Cal covered the birth of his daughter in 2015; in 2018, when he lost his job, SNAP wasn’t a luxury then, it was a lifeline. “We were able to stay afloat long enough to survive.” He writes that 100,000 people in Merced County rely on Medi-Cal and another 50,000 need SNAP. “At United Way, we don’t ask for party affiliation when someone walks through the door. We ask how can we help.” Now, providing help means speaking out against the federal budget bill that will gut Medicaid and SNAP.

Arias: I’ll keep spreading rumors

Fresno Bee. Fresno councilmember behind ICE raid rumor says he’ll keep sharing unverified info.
Synopsis: Miguel Arias is unrepentant about spreading the rumor that ICE would raid the Cherry Avenue Auction last weekend. That kept away a lot of customers, hurting vendors and the auction’s owners. “I will continue to exercise my freedom of speech and my responsibility as a member of this body to inform my community of any potential mass raids,” he said. A vendor saw it differently: “He talks, he gets paid. He talks, we don’t get paid. Damage is done.” Another vendor figures the damage will continue through the summer. Neil Burson, who owns the facility, said he would not prevent ICE from entering his swap meet and considers those being sought by ICE “criminals.” Arias added that it was because he blew the whistle that no raid occurred.

What’s the problem, Caltrans?

Merced County Times. Bridges closed, patience gone: County demands action.
Synopsis: Supervisor Daron McDaniel writes about the Quinley Road and Buhach Road bridges, which are closed for repairs. “That’s two major routes out of service, cutting off access for families, school buses, farm operations and emergency responders.” Caltrans owns these bridges and is responsible for their maintenance, he said. “But we’re still stuck waiting on reviews, approvals and timelines that keep slipping with no end in sight.” He suggests calling Caltrans to complain.

Valley’s restaurant news

Fresno Bee. The Manhattan Steakhouse is selling; Fresno ‘legacy restaurateurs’ retiring.
Synopsis: David and Karyn Milutoovich have run The Manhattan for 33 years. The restaurant is famous for its steaks, cozy leather booths and a happy hour that has folks lined up at the door to get inside. Michael and Heather Richards, who have been operating a courier service, will buy the restaurant and hope to keep all the employees. The look, vibe and food won’t change, either. Why did Dave sell? “Hell, I’m 78. I started when I was 45 and she was 35, and now all of a sudden it’s 33 years later.” Karen spent 37 years working for the Fresno Bee, often going to the restaurant instead of home after her shift ended.

Modesto Bee. Modesto Grub Hubs gets new food trailer; Burger Bros also opened restaurant.
Synopsis: Double B’s Burgers is a bit out of the way, at Beckwith and Hart just south of Salida, but Brandon Benefield and Brian Bettencourt (BBBB) say the drive is worth it. They’re moving their business inside from the food truck that has been a popular stop at the Modesto Grub Hubs on Ninth.

Merced Sun Star. New restaurant to serve authentic Indian cuisine in Merced.
Synopsis: When Taste of Little India closed in April, many folks felt it left a big gap in Merced’s culinary offerings. No more. Tandoor Table opens Sunday with a celebration from 11 am to 1 pm at 1052 West Main – the same place vacated by Taste of Little India.

More fallout for Modesto PD

Modesto Bee. Modesto police face scrutiny over enforcement of No Kings protest. 
Synopsis: Reporter Trevor Morgan writes that members of the Community Police Review Board aimed “tough questions” at the Modesto Police Dept on Thursday. In the audience were 60 or so people who were angry over the treatment received by “ICE Out” protesters in downtown Modesto last weekend. The “No Kings” protests at Graceada Park drew about 4,000 to 5,000 people without incident. ICE Out drew about 100, not counting at least a dozen MPD officers dressed in tactical gear and plainclothes, including masks. Six people were arrested on “suspicion of disorderly conduct” and “obstructing officers” or for wearing masks themselves. Some were held for up to 12 hours. Gavin Bruce said it appeared the police had prepared for a “situation” then attempted to make sure they got one. Chief Brandon Gillespie did not answer questions during the meeting but later released a statement defending the department’s actions against “individuals who willfully refused to abide lawful orders.” Michael Gennaco of OIR Group, which specializes in police oversight, said it will investigate complaints. Board member Wendy Byrd then criticized OIR for not acting fast enough to report on previous incidents.

Fire destroys 20 cars on E Hatch

KCRA3. Modesto vegetation fire spreads to multiple structures.
Synopsis: A fire on East Hatch near Stockton Road burned at least three structures and destroyed 20 vehicles and a vintage motorcycle Thursday. The fire department said 12 properties were involved. One firefighter sustained minor injuries. The fire started near the Tuolumne River.

Stealing cars, trucks, handbags

Modesto Bee. Two carjackings occurred in Stanislaus County within 24 hours.
Synopsis: The first incident occurred at 10:50 am in Waterford on Monday when Joe Conley and Aliya Diaz-Chauvin of Waterford arranged to meet someone they felt owed them money. They took his car instead and were arrested within the hour. The second came at 7:50 am Tuesday when someone wearing a mask and carrying a gun approached a FedEx driver in Westley. The truck was found about a mile away, but a load of designer handbags had been taken.
MAD Take: Just the handbags? Huh.  

No horse racing in Fresno

Fox26. Tradition interrupted: No live horse racing at Big Fresno Fair.
Synopsis: The CA Horse Racing Board voted 4-3 Thursday to deny the Big Fresno Fair’s request to host live horse racing in September and October. The racing had to be reauthorized after the CA Authority of Racing Fairs said it would no longer manage horse racing at any county fair. To keep racing alive, the Fresno Fair contracted with Bernal Park Racing, but the CHRB rejected the application. The Fair Board said it would try again next year.

For Merced College, a good year

Merced County Times. At Merced College, innovation driving student success.
Synopsis: MC President Chris Vitelli welcomes summer by reminding folks that his college had a very successful year. He mentions the Dreamscape Learn reality lab, the Agricultural Systems Certificate program, growing enrollment, partnerships with UC Merced, Stan State and Fresno State, and the continuing modernization of the Los Banos campus.

I-5 Hero honored by city

Patterson Irrigator. Patterson man honored as hero.
Synopsis: William Dixon was honored for having saved a man whose car had gone off I-5 and plunged into a ravine. Dixon parked, then rushed down the hill to the car where he broke open a window and pulled a man to safety. Before he could return, the car burst into flames killing two other occupants. The father of six was on that part of I-5 only because he promised his son McDonald’s after their trip to a Giants baseball game. Said police Chief Casey Hill “Throwing self-preservation aside and acting in a courageous manner to help someone you have never met – that is what defines a hero.”