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The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers
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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 · 3h

Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers
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‘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 · 11h

McClatchy - Modesto Bee

publisher · 2.4K followers

On a Budget at We Donuts in Modesto

Modesto, CA · 22h

The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers
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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

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

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

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

unearththevoyage.com

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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

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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 · 1d

The Thrifty Apartment

partner publisher · 27.8K followers

California Residents Are Heading to These 10 States in Search of a Fresh Start

For years, people have joked about Californians packing up and moving somewhere else. Lately, though, leaving the state has become a serious option for many households trying to get a handle on their expenses. Housing is a major reason. California has some of the highest home prices in the country, and residents also face expensive... The post California Residents Are Heading to These 10 States in Search of a Fresh Start first appeared on The Thrifty Apartment .

California · 5d

mahoningmatters.com

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California Gov. Newsom to spare about 550 death row inmates. Here are the crimes of 10 of them

Ten killers whose capital cases originated in Stanislaus County, California, are among the roughly 550 death row inmates on a list to be spared by Gov. Gavin Newsom before he leaves office, according to a letter he released last week. Newsom is set to leave office in January after terming...

California · 3d

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

pitmanroaringtimes.com

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Heated Rivalry Between Pitman and Turlock High School

The year 2002 sparked a heated rivalry between the two schools in Turlock, Piman high school , and Turlock high school. The crosstown rivalry has been going on for 22 years. However the athletic tension did not occur until 2004, which is also the year Harvest Bowl was born. The...

Turlock, CA · 3d

mercedcountytimes.com

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Xiong, Bliss in tight Council race; Boyenga still ahead

New election results released Tuesday by the Merced County Registrar of Voters were very favorable to Merced City Councilman Fue Xiong who is seeking reelection to the District 6 seat that represents the furthest northern area of town, including UC Merced. On Election Night last week, Xiong was trailing behind...

Merced, CA · 1d

San Francisco Weekly

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Cheapest gas stations in Merced

Stacker compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in Merced using data from Gas Buddy. Gas stations are ranked by the lowest regular fuel price. #6. Delhi Gas And Food Mart (tie) - Address: 9772 Stephens St, Delhi, CA. - Price: $5.09. #9. Petro Stopping Center. - Address: 28991...

Merced, CA · 4d

Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers

Merced County golfer wins prestigious senior tournament. Here's how

He's a member of the Merced High sports Hall of Fame.

Merced County, CA · 1d

sippycupmom.com

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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

Yahoo!

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13 Changes In-N-Out Burger Needs To Make

I have a few beefs with In-N-Out Burger (bun intended), but I, like so many with ties to California, grew up eating here. Founded in Baldwin Park in 1948, the fast-food chain feels like it's woven into the fingerprint of the Golden State at this point. And with generations of my mom's side born and raised in Southern California, it should be no surprise that it was a family tradition to eat at In-N-Out when we were visiting our loved ones. With these meals marking our gatherings, reunions, and Disneyland trips with everybody, In-N-Out Burger has never just felt like some random fast-food joint to me. It feels personal.

California · 5d

themariposan.com

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Just in case you missed it, the burning suspension has been lifted

Effective last Friday, Nov. 6, debris burning was be allowed in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) of MercedCounty, Mariposa County, and Eastern Madera County (East of the Madera Canal). Residents possessingcurrent and valid burn permits can now resume burning only on permissive burn days. Property owners and residents are asked...

Mariposa County, CA · 3d

The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers

Turlock's Dot-Marie Jones ‘linchpin' in horror film. What she said, how to watch

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. Dot-Marie Jones’ performance in the indie-horror film “Breeder” has garnered attention for the local actress. Called “the film’s linchpin” in an online review on seattlerefined.com , the Turlock/Hilmar native Jones plays Patti, who breeds poodles. But Patti has become obsessed with merging “the DNA of two promising young people to create perfection which she then plans to sell on the black market,” the review says. “It’s dark and demented, though the catch is announced from the jump. Her irksome, icky pursuit is not nearly as upsetting as the means by which she seeks to achieve it.” In a Q&A story on phantasmag.com , Jones said she loved that the film was different. “It was cringey. It was a perfect horror film, but also a thriller. That kind of opportunity doesn’t come around that often, and the cast and crew were fantastic,” she said. When asked in the story about her performance being compared to that of Kathy Bates in “Misery,” Jones answered “That’s ridiculous, but it’s such an (honor) to be compared to Kathy. I

Turlock, CA · 2d