Westside Connect

11/15/2025

In Memory of Melvin Joseph Souza

Melvin Joseph Souza, 86, of Newman, California, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025. Born and raised in Newman, Melvin spent his life deeply rooted in the community he loved.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Melvin owned and operated Mel’s Liquor and Sporting Goods for over 30 years, where he served generations of local families and friends. He also proudly served on the Newman Fire Department for 42 years and as Fire Chief for 26 years, leading with courage, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility to his neighbors.

Melvin will be remembered for his sharp wit, stubborn spirit, and love of the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were among his greatest joys, and he shared countless stories from his adventures with those fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his daughter Bernadine Medeiros of Gustine and his grandchildren Madison Medeiros, Sylvia Lemas (Tyler) and Joseph Medeiros, great-grand children Harrison and Victoria Lemas who will forever cherish his humor, strength, and love.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, November 18, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church, 1121 Main Street Newman, CA. Rosary immediately following. A mass of Christian burial on Wednesday, November 19, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joaquim’s Church. Melvin will be laid to rest at Hills Ferry Cemetery.

Melvin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were touched by his generous and spirited nature.

Contributions in Melvin’s memory can be made to Newman Firefighters Association 1162 N St. Newman, CA and TOSCA The Orestimba Scholarship Community Association P.O. Box 18 Newman, CA 95360

11/10/2025

Counting and verifying votes takes time! And in California, we value accuracy over speed.

General Information: www.sos.ca.gov/elections/official-canvass

11/07/2025

Observe election security and democracy firsthand! Election processes in California are publicly viewable. You can observe logic and accuracy testing prior to each election, the official canvass (tabulating), and the post-election audits.

General Information: www.sos.ca.gov/elections/official-canvass

11/05/2025

All valid vote-by-mail ballots are processed in every election in CA, regardless of the outcome or closeness of any race, if they’re postmarked by Election Day & arrive to the county elections official within 7 days. The official canvass is open to the public.

General Information: www.sos.ca.gov/elections/official-canvass

10/01/2025

The Best of the Westside is back! From now until October 31, cast your votes for the best businesses in the West Side area. You can vote once per day, per category until the end of the month. Show your favorites some love!

09/11/2025

The video, set to be released by the FBI on September 11 at 10 a.m., features Chief Chavez alongside Sacramento FBI Supervising Agent in Charge Sid Patel and Chief Jason Hedden. All three are graduates of the FBI National Academy, a prestigious program that fosters leadership and collaboration among law enforcement professionals nationwide.

GUSTINE, Calif. — Gustine Police Chief Ruben Chavez recently participated in a special 9/11 memorial tribute video produced by the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office, joining fellow law enforcement leaders to honor the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and reflect on the enduring...

08/07/2025

GUSTINE - After decades of dreaming and years of planning, local author Marie has officially opened the doors to her long-awaited independent bookstore, Scrawl, Scribble & Smirch Bookshop, in downtown Gustine.

GUSTINE - After decades of dreaming and years of planning, local author Marie has officially opened the doors to her long-awaited independent bookstore, Scrawl, Scribble & Smirch Bookshop, in downtown Gustine. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held recently with the Gustine Chamber of Commerce and city o...

08/07/2025

GUSTINE — What started as a summer boredom buster has blossomed into a small business with a big heart for Fatima Blanco, a fourth-grade student at Gustine Elementary.

GUSTINE — What started as a summer boredom buster has blossomed into a small business with a big heart for Fatima Blanco, a fourth-grade student at Gustine Elementary.

08/06/2025

NEWMAN — With swag bags in hand and smiles on their faces, hundreds of students and families packed the campus of Yolo Middle School on Saturday for the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District’s annual back-to-school event.

NEWMAN — With swag bags in hand and smiles on their faces, hundreds of students and families packed the campus of Yolo Middle School on Saturday for the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District’s annual back-to-school event.

08/06/2025

The Center for Human Services will host its 39th annual Edible Extravaganza on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Modesto Centre Plaza, featuring more than 50 food and beverage vendors, live music, and a new theme inspired by the neon-lit glamour of Miami Vice.

The Center for Human Services will host its 39th annual Edible Extravaganza on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Modesto Centre Plaza, featuring more than 50 food and beverage vendors, live music, and a new theme inspired by the neon-lit glamour of Miami Vice.

08/06/2025

Animal shelters across Merced and Stanislaus counties are participating in the national Clear the Shelters campaign this August, offering reduced adoption fees and hosting community events to help pets find permanent homes.

Animal shelters across Merced and Stanislaus counties are participating in the national Clear the Shelters campaign this August, offering reduced adoption fees and hosting community events to help pets find permanent homes.

08/06/2025

As students across the Westside return to school, families are encouraged to take a few extra steps to ensure a safe and smooth start to the academic year. Whether children walk, bike, ride the bus, or get dropped off by car, small precautions can make a big difference.

As students across the Westside return to school, families are encouraged to take a few extra steps to ensure a safe and smooth start to the academic year. Whether children walk, bike, ride the bus, or get dropped off by car, small precautions can make a big difference.