The Modesto Focus

The Modesto Focus Nonprofit, nonpartisan news for Modesto and Stanislaus County

The number of senior citizens who live alone in the San Joaquin Valley has grown by more than 30% since 2012, adding to ...
06/23/2026

The number of senior citizens who live alone in the San Joaquin Valley has grown by more than 30% since 2012, adding to a population at increased risk to both physical and mental health. That amounts to more than one in five Valley residents over the age of 65 living with no spouse, family or significant other.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 122,000 men and women age 65 and older live alone across Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare counties.

Read the full story via link in the comments. đź”—

This week in public meetings! Sign up for our newsletters today to get updates like these delivered directly to your inb...
06/22/2026

This week in public meetings! Sign up for our newsletters today to get updates like these delivered directly to your inbox! đź”—

Check out what's happening in your community this weekend! Link to more events in the comments đź”—
06/19/2026

Check out what's happening in your community this weekend! Link to more events in the comments đź”—

Juneteenth is observed each year on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It marks t...
06/19/2026

Juneteenth is observed each year on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved Black people that they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.

In 2021, Juneteenth National Independence Day was signed into law as a federal holiday. Today, communities across the country commemorate the day through educational events and cultural celebrations.

Source: National Park Service

At Modesto Junior College, engineering students don’t fear AI – instead, they are taught that, without their human creat...
06/18/2026

At Modesto Junior College, engineering students don’t fear AI – instead, they are taught that, without their human creativity, it’s not a very powerful tool.

The new 15-week course called Ignite EmTech Futures is a partnership between the local junior college, nonprofits and agricultural technology innovators. Fifteen students completed the first cohort this round.

Read the full story via link in the comments.

06/18/2026

As communities across the country prepare to celebrate Juneteenth, Bilingual communities Issues Reporter Christian De Jesus Betancourt sat down with Joyce Dale, Merced’s first Poet Laureate, and Linda Griffin, director of the Black Chamber of Commerce.

They shared what the holiday means to them, why its history still matters today, and how its message continues to resonate across generations.

Watch the full conversation to hear their perspectives in their own words.

Join our free newsletter for the latest Stanislaus County news, plus coverage by our regional partners. We have just lau...
06/18/2026

Join our free newsletter for the latest Stanislaus County news, plus coverage by our regional partners. We have just launched two free topics-based newsletters written by our reporters to help you navigate civic and community life in Modesto. Link in the comments.

06/16/2026

The Modesto Focus has launched a free Spanish-language SMS text messaging program that delivers local news, vital information, and community resources directly to subscribers' phones, at no cost and without the need for an app. Support our work and share!

Stay informed with these upcoming public meetings! 🏛
06/15/2026

Stay informed with these upcoming public meetings! 🏛

06/13/2026

See sights and sounds from the North Modesto Kiwanis Graffiti Parade Friday night in downtown Modesto. Families and fans came out to see classic cars cruise city streets in the annual Valley summer celebration inspired by the 1973 movie “American Graffiti” from Modesto native George Lucas.

Video by Katherine Zagone

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