Open in NewsBreak

Empire

See all locations
Customize your news
49°F
publisher avatar

Events

The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers
article img

Classic rock group set bring its mega-hits to Modesto's Gallo Center. Who, when

Get the Eat. Sip. Play. newsletter in your inbox Available now: Sign up here for the best food, drink and entertainment coverage in Stanislaus County. Gallo Center audiences will be ready to get down at an upcoming concert. KC & The Sunshine Band is set to perform at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the downtown Modesto venue. Limited tickets remain available. Led by Harry Wayne “KC” Casey, the rock/disco-centric band formed in 1973. Casey said in an online story on ktalnews.com that “he wants to keep uplifting people and getting them to dance with his music.” “I think people are looking for any kind of escape to feel good and to feel happy,” he was quoted in the story. “It’s kind of a blessing for me, because that’s what it was intended to do. I’m so happy that it’s still doing it generation after generation.” The band usually features 15 artists playing horns, singing backup and dancing, according to the story. The group’s well-known mega-hits include “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Get Down Tonight” and “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty.” Remaining tickets are $78 to $118 for the show at the Gallo Center, 1000 I St. in

Modesto, CA · 3d

The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers
article img

Modesto's Fruit Yard Amphitheater announces first 2027 season concert. Who, when

Get the Eat. Sip. Play. newsletter in your inbox Available now: Sign up here for the best food, drink and entertainment coverage in Stanislaus County. Barely a month after its final show of the current year, the Fruit Yard Amphitheater has announced its first concert for the 2027 season. Country rocker Cody Jinks and his band The Tonedeaf Hippies will play 7 p.m. Friday, June 11 at the Modesto venue. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13. The performance is part his The Working Man Tour, “built around Jinks’ commitment to his fans and keeping live music affordable and accessible,” according to a press release. “The tour takes a different approach to the modern concert experience, with ticket options designed to allow groups of four to attend for $100–$150 total,” according to the release. Availability is limited in some locations. Jinks’ tour also plans to offer market-specific food and drink specials where possible. The release did not indicate if the above options would be available at the Modesto stop. Jinks performs a blend of outlaw country and rock ’n’ roll. He’s known for songs including “Loud and Heavy” and “Hippies and Cowboys.” The concert will follow the

Modesto, CA · 3d

The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers
article img

New Oakdale restaurant should be mentioned when talking about good barbecue

A question I am frequently asked and see on social media often is, “Which restaurant has the best barbecue in the Stanislaus County region?” After visiting recently opened Craft BBQ Smokehouse & Catering in Oakdale, I believe it should be part of the conversation. Craft BBQ restaurant opened Nov. 12 on E. F St., two years after owners Jesse Padilla and Matt Martin launched the brand as a catering company. Martin, former Valley Meal Prep owner, and Padilla, a longtime Modesto chef, expanded with a food trailer, which they opened behind an old Valley Meal Prep building in Modesto June 2025. The duo planned to open a restaurant in that McHenry Avenue space, but it was sold to different restaurateurs — more on that later. When they found the building in Oakdale, a former Chinese food and sushi buffet, they acquired a prime location and a new business idea : a salad bar and barbecue buffet. Menu items you cannot miss at Craft BBQ The $11.97 one-trip or $17.97 unlimited salad bar was launched with the opening of the restaurant. The barbecue buffet equipment is set up but, per my previous conversations with Padilla and Martin, the option will likely

Oakdale, CA · 13h

Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers
article img

‘Vermin attractant' found at one spot in latest Merced County health inspections

One Merced County business evaluated during the latest round of inspections by the county Division of Environmental Health received an “unsatisfactory” grade. Of the latest businesses to be evaluated Nov. 5-10, six received a rating of “good” and two received a rating of “satisfactory.” What the ratings mean Businesses that accumulate zero to six violation points during an inspection receive a “good” rating. A rating of “satisfactory” is given to businesses that accumulate seven to 13 points. Businesses that accumulate 14 points or greater receive an “unsatisfactory” rating. Violations recorded by inspectors can range in severity from minor to major. Major violations are “very likely to get people sick” and must be corrected immediately or the business, or parts of the business, must close until the issue is corrected, according to the Division of Environmental Health. If a business fails an inspection, a reinspection is required at a later date. The Division of Environmental Health said a minor violation is one “likely to get people sick but does not require the location to close.” Businesses that received ‘Unsatisfactory’ ratings Rare Earth Coffee Los Banos, 2510 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos Rare Earth Coffee Los Banos received an “unsatisfactory” rating (19

Merced County, CA · 21h

Gridiron Heroics

partner publisher · 266.4K followers

Major Football Head Coach Fired For Secretly Recording Players In Locker Room – What We Know

An undefeated California high school football program was thrown into turmoil after its head coach was arrested following a disturbing discovery inside a student locker room. Jeffrey Pribble, 48, the head football coach and physical education teacher at Tracy High School, was arrested in September 2026 after students discovered a cellphone recording them while they […] The post Major Football Head Coach Fired For Secretly Recording Players In Locker Room – What We Know appeared first on Gridiron Heroics .

Tracy, CA · 3d

hoodline.com

website

Ceres Flips On Cameras At 39 Intersections, Mayor Fields Privacy Questions

Crows Landing Rd. & Pedro Marquez Rd. — Reported Early Camera-Activation Site. Three intersections in Ceres flickered to life with new video detection technology Tuesday, the first phase of a nearly $2 million citywide camera rollout that city leaders say is about easing traffic jams but that has also stirred questions about surveillance and who gets to watch the footage. The city expects to activate additional traffic detection cameras through December, with the broader project touching all 39 signalized intersections in town, according to CBS Sacramento.

Ceres, CA · 1d

The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers

Stanislaus County staff leader to take over management of SASA animal shelter

Stanislaus County’s animal services agency announced an accomplished public-sector leader will take over as executive director next week. Deborah “Deb” Thrasher has been appointed to the top post of Stanislaus Animal Services Agency. Her new job will begin Monday. Thrasher is moving over from the county Health Services Agency where she served as assistant director. In a previous role as planning and quality manager and project manager for the HSA, she was responsible for human relations, facilities, procurement and compliance, and also was involved with budgeting, a news release said. She worked to facilitate complex organizational initiatives and was part of the COVID-19 response by the county. Thrasher is a former emergency services manager with the Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services . She was responsible for overseeing programs and preparedness efforts with the county’s nine cities. Throughout her career, Thrasher has emphasized collaboration, employee development and responsive public service, the news release said. “Ms. Thrasher brings the experience, leadership and collaborate approach needed to guide an organization with complex responsibilities and high community expectations,” said Jewel Warr, chairperson of the joint powers authority over SASA. “Her proven ability to navigate operational challenges, support employees, and build strong partnerships gives

Stanislaus County, CA · 3d

KFI AM 640

partner publisher · 90.1K followers

Coyote Thought Euthanized After Biting Atwater Village Toddler Is Alive

Reports of a nippy Atwater Village coyote's demise were premature, after the less-than-mortally wounded animal was spotted limping through the neighborhood where a child was bitten, it was reported Wednesday.

Los Angeles, CA · 2d

hughsonpaw.com

website

New Teacher Feature: Mrs. Rodriguez

Hughson High School – This school year, Hughson seems to have an abundance of new teachers! Many students unfortunately don’t have any of their classes though. So, this article will explain further one of the newer teachers here, Mrs. Rodriguez. Mrs. Rodriguez has been teaching here at Hughson...

Hughson, CA · 2d

sippycupmom.com

website

A Mom’s Guide to Preparing for Divorce in Modesto and the Central Valley

When you are a mom, deciding to divorce is never only about you. It is about bedtime routines, school pickups, soccer practice and the steady home you want your kids to have. For families in Modesto, Turlock, Ceres and across Stanislaus County, preparing thoughtfully before you file can protect your children, your finances and your peace of mind.

Modesto, CA · 4d

The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers

Modesto and Oakdale getting new Chipotle restaurants. Here's when they'll open

At the beginning of the year, some Modesto residents speculated that a Chipotle Mexican Grill was being built in The Marketplace shopping center on Oakdale Road. They were correct. In February, the company would only confirm that it was scheduled to open a new location in Modesto in 2027. Now, representatives for Chipotle are saying that location, at 3401 Oakdale Road, Suite 300, will open Nov. 18. It’s not the only Chipotle opening soon in Stanislaus County. One at 1595 E. F St. in Oakdale will open before the end of the year, according to a news release. Both restaurants feature a drive-thru lane and will be open 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Chipotle is hiring for around 30 jobs per location, according to the release. Learn more at chipotle.com/careers .

Modesto, CA · 2d

visitmodesto.com

website

Where to Shop Local for Thanksgiving in Modesto (and

Thanksgiving dinner has a funny way of turning into a full-time job. There's the turkey to figure out, the family group chat debating side dishes, someone volunteering to bring napkins, and the annual question of whether three pies will be enough. Spoiler: probably not. But here's something we love about...

Modesto, CA · 2d

The Fresno Bee

partner publisher · 34.7K followers

I-5 is most dangerous Central Valley highway for Thanksgiving travel, analysis finds

Interstate 5 in San Joaquin County is the most dangerous highway stretch in the Central Valley for Thanksgiving week travel, ranking 14th in California, according to a new analysis of California Highway Patrol crash data from 2021 to 2025. That stretch of highway saw 49 crashes that injured 64 people and killed three during Thanksgiving week over the five years, according to the analysis by Mason Law. The analysis looked at crashes on highways statewide where at least one person was injured or killed, Monday through Sunday of Thanksgiving week. It found that over the past five Thanksgiving weeks, Wednesdays saw the most crashes (824), and Thanksgiving Day had the fewest (493) statewide. Thanksgiving week highway deaths fell from 37 in 2021 to 20 in 2025. Highway 99 in Merced County ranked as the 22nd most dangerous, with 35 crashes that injured 66 people and killed two. Highway 99 was also ranked the 28th most dangerous in Kern County, 38th in San Joaquin County, 41st in Stanislaus County, 46th in Tulare County and 66th in Fresno County. Fresno County Thanksgiving week crash data The stretch of Interstate 5 in Fresno County ranked 53rd most dangerous in the state, with 21

San Joaquin County, CA · 15h

Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers

3 Merced County football teams play in section quarterfinals. A look at matchups

The Sac-Joaquin Section high school football playoffs kick off Friday night, and three Merced County teams are looking to go on a run and claim a blue banner. Here’s a look at the quarterfinal matchups (all games scheduled for 6 p.m. kickoff): Division 3: Merced at Vanden After going 2-2 during nonleague play, the Bears have been on a roll. Merced, which won six straight games to claim the Central California Conference championship, now heads to Fairfield for a Division 3 quarterfinal matchup. Merced features a powerful running attack, with seniors Anthony Tacheira (530 yards, 12 touchdowns) and Dougie Andrews (774 yards, 8 TDs) running behind a solid offensive line. Vanden is 9-1 and won the Monticello Empire League with a 6-0 record. The two teams met in the Division 3 quarterfinals in 2025, with the Vikings edging the Bears 26-25 in Merced. Division 5: Casa Roble at Hilmar Top-seeded Hilmar takes its perfect record (10-0) into a first-round matchup against eighth-seeded Casa Roble of Orangevale. The Yellowjackets, having won the Trans-Valley League title at 6-0, are the clear favorites to take home the Division 5 title. The Hilmar offense has been unstoppable this season. It’s led by senior quarterback

Merced County, CA · 2d

livingstonlibrary.org

website

A Taste of Indigenous Traditions: Native American Cookbooks

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and enduring traditions of Indigenous peoples. One meaningful way to explore this heritage is through food—the ingredients, recipes, and culinary practices that connect generations to the land and to one another. Discover these cookbooks and...

Livingston, CA · 1d

The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers

Record-breaking El Niño could hit the Central Valley. Join us for a live forum

As the Central Valley braces for a historic Super El Niño, The Modesto Bee , The Fresno Bee and Merced Sun-Star are partnering to host a virtual panel discussion on how residents can prepare. Meteorologist Sean Macaday and Stanislaus County Deputy Director of Emergency Services Ruben Wegner will answer questions on Zoom about the El Niño on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. People can register for the free event at https://mcclatchy.zoom.us/meeting/register/yMrpkNJeQ-GkY8t4P_TViw The panelists will be available to take audience questions during the event. Readers may also submit questions ahead of the event below.

Stanislaus County, CA · 1d

unearththevoyage.com

website

New Finds Arrive Every Week At This Huge California Antique Warehouse Where Treasure Hunters Lose Hours

Some buildings look plain from the parking lot and then swallow your whole afternoon once you step inside. That is exactly what happens at a big antique spot tucked into California’s Central Valley, where dozens of dealers fill the aisles with glassware, records, furniture, and odd little treasures. Regulars...

Salida, CA · 1d

fastfoodclub.com

website

Got A Sweet Tooth In Merced? Branding Iron Has Grilled Steaks Over Oak For Ranch Families Since 1952

Some restaurants feed a town, and a rare few become part of its family photo album. In Merced, there is a steakhouse where parents once went for prom and later came back with their grown kids to celebrate a 60th wedding anniversary. That kind of loyalty does not happen by...

Merced, CA · 2d

cityoftracy.org

website

Help Shape Tracy’s Future

TRACY, CA – What should Tracy look like in 2050? The City of Tracy is inviting community members to help answer that question by participating in the City's General Plan Update. The General Plan serves as a long-term blueprint for Tracy’s future, guiding decisions about where and how the...

Tracy, CA · 2d