Big box still on the table

The big box discussion isn't over in Turlock quite yet.

Tax board sitting on $15 million in undelivered refunds

Due to bad addresses, nearly 49,000 Californians didn't receive their state income tax refund last year.

Hughson finance director retires; city hires part-time replacement

The City of Hughson is starting over with a clean slate in the new year. Three new council members joined the Hughson City Council after the recall election in August, and a new city manager was hired in September. Hughson will continue to see new faces at City Hall after the City Council approved the hiring of a new finance director on Monday. "Debbie Paul ...

Public Safety Facility back on track, despite bond issues

Turlock's oft-delayed Public Safety Facility is one step closer to becoming reality. On Tuesday night, the Turlock City Council unanimously approved issuing municipal bonds through the city's Redevelopment Agency to fund the majority of the $28 million project.

Oath of Office

Nine Stanislaus County officials were sworn in on Tuesday by Superior Judge William Mayhew.

Council to consider Public Safety Facility, big box stores, downtown core on Tuesday

The on-hold Public Safety Facility is back on the Turlock City Council's agenda on Tuesday, as the council will be asked to approve a more than $15 million bond issuance needed to finance the approximately $27 million project.

Target drops plans to expand grocery sales in Turlock

Target dropped plans to expand its Turlock store's grocery business on Thursday, just hours before the Planning Commission was set to consider the issue.

Denair student accompanies Congressman Denham to D.C.

When 13-year-old Denair student Cody Alicea questioned why he was told to take down the American flag off of his bicycle at school, he was standing up for his right to express his patriotism. Cody never dreamed his patriotism would take him all the way to the heart of the country - Washington, D.C.

A new call to service

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy challenged a nation to, "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

Despite budget cuts, Turlock sees busy project year

For most jurisdictions, 2010 was a time of budget cuts and austerity. But thanks to a healthy General Fund Reserve, federal stimulus funds, and union concessions, the City of Turlock was able to avoid layoffs and start new projects.

2010 elections bring big changes to Turlock, Hughson city councils

Coming into 2010, everyone knew the fall City Council election had the potential to drastically change Turlock's leadership.

A host of new laws take effect Jan. 1 regarding truancy, marijuana and online impersonation

Three hours after that big ball drops in New York City on Saturday – weather permitting, of course – more than 700 new laws will take effect in the State of California, changing penalties for marijuana possession, extending benefits for foster children, and banning trans-fat oil from bakeries, among hundreds of other changes. For more information, read on:

County to look at regionalization of services in coming year

The Journal asked Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa to look back at 2010 and ahead for 2011. The following is his perspectives on the county's past and future.

USDA offers conservation funding to organic producers

The USDA's Organic Initiative will enter its third year of helping organic producers and those looking to transition into organic production in 2011 with up to $50 million in funding. "Increasing consumer demand for organically grown foods is providing new opportunities for small and mid-size farmers to prosper and stay competitive in today's economy," Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said. "The 2008 ...

Lazar: Council up for challenges of 2011

The Journal asked Turlock Mayor John Lazar to look back at 2010 and ahead for 2011. The following is his perspectives on the city's past and future.

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 ...

New laws for motorists

A host of new laws governing California's roadways, are set to take effect at the beginning of the new year.

Denham moves Modesto office

U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) announced a location change for his Modesto District Office, which is now open at 4701 Sisk Road, Suite 202, Modesto.