Keep Your Home California program expanded to allow more homeowners to qualify

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) expanded eligibility criteria for several of the Keep Your Home California programs, making them available to a larger number of families at risk of losing their home.

Lawsuit forces changes in indigent healthcare program

A revision to the county's medically indigent adult healthcare program, forced by a lawsuit, will make free or low-cost healthcare available to more county adults, affect payment schedules for many existing participants, and raise county costs.

Task force to consider supervisor redistricting

A new citizens' advisory task force will help with a mandated redistricting of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors' districts, following board action Tuesday morning.

Local legislators lobby for Florida high-speed rail money

Local political leaders are hailing the California High-Speed Rail Authority's unanimous decision on Wednesday to pursue a further $2.43 billion in federal funding recently made available – and urging the federal government to allocate those funds to California.

Council considers return of bingo at Assyrian American club

After an eight year gap, bingo could return to Turlock – should the City of Turlock and the Assyrian American Civic Club reach common ground on rules and regulations for the game.The Turlock City Council discussed changes the current bingo ordinance on March 23, but didn't come to any solutions which would be mutually agreeable.The Assyrian American Civic Club hosted ...

Northwest growth still an option

Residential growth to the northwest of Highway 99 is still on the table for the City of Turlock, following a split Turlock City Council decision Tuesday night.

New resolution promotes eating locally grown food

Eating locally isn't just a trendy, healthy way too cook – it's also California's newest strategy to bolster the State budget.

State budget to cut funding to colleges, prisons, welfare

Facing a $26.6 billion deficit, both houses of the California Legislature approved the main budget bill last week, but will not send the legislation to Gov. Jerry Brown until a remaining $12.6 billion deficit can be broached.

Public Safety Facility funding ‘on track,’ says Wasden at groundbreaking

After years spent planning, meeting and navigating bond markets, the City of Turlock broke ground on the new, 57,570 square foot home for Turlock's police and fire departments on Tuesday.

City budget process begins

The Turlock City Council on Tuesday began the process of adopting the 2010-2011 budget &ndash; a process they hope to complete on May 10 &ndash; by accepting all preliminary non-general fund budgets. The unanimous motion adopted those budgets, which primarily deal with rate-based services such as sewer, water, and street lighting. <p style="margin: 0in ...

Council preview

On Tuesday, Turlock City Council is scheduled to:

City to be ‘lean, but effective’ in future

For the last three years, the Turlock City Council has been in a reactionary mode &ndash; by members' own admission.

City invests in Regional Recycled Water Project

The groundbreaking North Valley Regional Recycled Water Project took a step toward reality Tuesday night, when the Turlock City Council unanimously voted to apply for a grant to help fund a needed feasibility study.

County supervisors grant extension to West Park developer

By a split, 3-2 vote, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors approved continuing work on a new, smaller version of the oft-maligned West Park inland port development.

State troubles prompt city to make RDA changes

On the same day area mayors gathered in Modesto to lobby Gov. Jerry Brown to forego his planned elimination of all redevelopment agencies statewide, the City of Turlock took steps to ensure its own redevelopment money is committed before the state potentially seizes uncommitted RDA funds across the state.

County earns state honors for top performing child agency

The Stanislaus County Department of Child Support Services was among those recognized at the Statewide Directors Meeting held Jan. 16. The county agency received the Most Improved Performance Award for 2012. Stanislaus County DCSS has a caseload over 31,000 serving more than 110,000 participants in the county. Over $49 million dollars was collected by the local agency in FFY 2012 and utilized at a cost effectiveness rate accumulating approximately $3.54 for every dollar ...

High-speed rail opponent Jeff Denham to chair House railroad panel

The California high speed rail plan may see detours in the future, as Republican Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) was named chairman of the Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee for the 113th Congress. Congressman Denham, a notorious critic of the high speed rail project, initiated an amendment prohibiting funds for the railway in 2012, despite protests from President Barack Obama and a majority of the Democratic Party. As a member of the Transportation ...

Olsen named ‘Legislator of the Year’ by Rural County Assoc.

The Rural County Representatives of California has selected Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen (R-Modesto) as one of two recipients for the annual "Patti Mattingly Award" for 2012. The Patti Mattingly Award is given to a policymaker who has demonstrated leadership on rural issues and an understanding of the unique challenges that rural communities face.

Olsen bill would offer CSU students fixed tuition fees

Tuition rates for incoming freshmen and transfer students may be more affordable, if a CSU Tuition Guarantee Bill introduced by Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen gets passed. The Modesto Republican introduced legislation known as AB 138 that would guarantee a fixed tuition rate to incoming freshman and transfer students for the next four years. "Students and parents deserve a reliable and reasonable tuition rate so they can plan for the investment," said Olsen, a ...

County loses bid for Health Exchange call center

As the state received news of a $673 million grant to help implement the new health care law, Stanislaus County was handed a bill of no sale. The county lost its bid to host a Local Health Benefit Exchange Call Center Site that was expected to bring 300 jobs to the county. "I'm saddened, yet fully supportive of the decision," said County Supervisor Vito Chiesa on Friday. "We'll be better prepared when ...

A greener vision for Stanislaus

How they voted

Motion: Request to appropriate $15,000 from the City of Turlock general fund reserve balance and transfer it to the Turlock Business Partnership Incentives Program. Councilwoman Amy Bublak: Yes Councilman Bill DeHart: Yes Councilman Steven Nascimento: Yes Councilman Forrest White: Yes Mayor John Lazar: Yes

Parks Commission takes smoke-free stand

The Turlock City Parks, Recreation and Community Programs Commission made a commitment to support a smoke-free policy at all public parks. Stanislaus Advocacy Action Team's project director Ken Fitzgerald made the case for smoke-free parks during Wednesday's Parks and Rec Commission meeting. StAAT was originally developed by the Stanislaus County Office of Education in response to an increase of tobacco use. The StAAT is anticipated to serve the general inhabitants of Stanislaus ...

Council gives boost to business incentives program

The Turlock Business Partnership Incentives Program has been so successful in aiding small businesses it now needs more money to keep it going.

City native donates statue of ancient Assyrian ruler

Queen Shamiram, the first woman to rule an empire without a man, may soon find a home in Turlock after the Turlock City Arts Commission voted to recommend the city accept a donated bronze statue of the ancient Assyrian ruler. Turlock native Narsai David presented a Model on Thursday of the proposed 9-foot bronze statue he wishes to donate to the city during one of the most well-attended Arts Commission meetings in the ...

Local legislators support Gov.'s budget proposal

The light at the end of the tunnel was seen Thursday morning as Gov. Jerry Brown outlined a 2013-14 balanced budget proposal that increases funding to all levels of education - and even includes a surplus.

Council moves forward with water study

By a 4 to 1 vote the Turlock City Council approved the commissioning of a water rate study that could clear the path for rate increases for Turlock residents in coming years. The City Council gave the go ahead for the Municipal Services Department to start accepting proposals from professional consulting services to assist in preparing the water rate study. Once the proposals have been gathered and studied, the Municipal Services Department will ...

Olsen selected as vice chair of Assembly Education and Agriculture committees

Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen (R-Modesto) will serve as vice chair of the Assembly's Education and Agricultural committees, and will also serve on the Insurance, Higher Education, and Accountability and Administrative Review committees. "Education and agriculture are two of the three largest contributors to our state's economy and employment status," said Olsen. "As vice chair of these committees, I plan to work on policies that will boost our economy and promote job growth, encourage workforce ...

Water troubles back on City Council agenda

After a two-month delay, a study which could result in increased water rates is back before the Turlock City Council.

Amnesty for dog owners

In recognition of the second anniversary of the Thomas W. Mayfield Regional Animal Services Facility, the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency is offering a dog license amnesty program for the entire month of January. The amnesty program applies to residents in Modesto, Ceres, Patterson, Waterford, Hughson and the unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County. For the month of January there will be no late fees and no penalties for individuals purchasing dog licenses or ...