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🌱 How Modesto’s school buses sparked a district-wide green transformation
Hello Modesto! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How Modesto’s school buses sparked a district-wide green transformation
- Why MID’s board stalemate leaves big water-use questions unanswered
- How Modesto’s new Dos Rios cultural district just scored state backing
Also on today's calendar: JULIO PRECIADO and 3 more events.
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Modesto? Post it to Modesto photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: A morning shower in spots, with a high of 52 and low of 48 degrees.
- Thursday: Fog will lift in the morning, temps: high: 57, low: 46.
- Friday: Low clouds, with a high of 55 and low of 50 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Transportation (Success) Leads the Way to Sustainability (stnonline.com) — Modesto City Schools’ transportation department is driving a major sustainability push, including a 2022 decision to convert half its school bus fleet to electric. A district sustainability leader outlines new green programs, grants, solar projects, and student-focused initiatives that are reshaping how Modesto students get to school and learn about climate-friendly careers. 
2. Modesto Irrigation District board deadlocks on further investigating alleged theft (modbee.com) — A tense Modesto Irrigation District board meeting ended in a 2-2 deadlock over whether to further investigate Director Larry Byrd’s alleged misuse of district water outside MID boundaries. An outside firm found his groundwater explanation scientifically impossible but couldn’t prove theft, leaving key questions about water use and accountability for Modesto-area ratepayers unresolved.
3. Modesto district among 10 picked statewide for designation, grant money (modbee.com) — Modesto’s new Dos Rios Arts & Cultural District has been officially designated by the California Arts Council and awarded a $10,000 grant, plus state marketing support. Centered in and around downtown, the district includes the Gallo Center, State Theatre, McHenry Mansion and Museum, Graceada Park/Mancini Bowl, and more, with the designation running through 2030.
4. Case against former Modesto teacher James Hooker delayed again (fox40.com) — A former Modesto City Schools teacher’s sex-crimes case was delayed again Tuesday in Stanislaus County Court after his attorney cited health issues, pushing the preliminary hearing to March 16, 2026. Prosecutors say they’re ready to proceed despite the death of the alleged victim, whose family from the Modesto area attended and voiced frustration over the repeated delays.
5. FFA members living to serve this holiday season (agdaily.com) — Grace Davis High School FFA students in Modesto are running their annual December sock drive, collecting socks of all sizes to donate to a local church. Their effort is featured alongside other FFA chapters nationwide that are organizing holiday service projects, from food baskets to blanket-making, all aimed at supporting neighbors in need this season.
📸 Around Modesto
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Modesto
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
It's a Wonderful Life
State Theatre of Modesto Inc, 1307 J St, Modesto
7:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
-
JULIO PRECIADO
Mariscos La Ceiba Modesto , 1300 McHenry Ave , Modesto
8:00 pm -
Central West Ballet - The Nutcracker
Gallo Center for the Arts , 1000 I St , Modesto
11:00 am -
Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl in Modesto!
18Seventy Brewing Co. , 911 J St , Modesto
4:00 pm -
It's a Wonderful Life
State Theatre of Modesto Inc , 1307 J St , Modesto
1:30 pm -
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
The Century , 927 10th St , Modesto
6:30 pm
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
📣 Modesto Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
-
Ugly Sweater Extravaganza
Intermission Modesto , 1301 J St , Modesto
5:00 pm -
Ceres Bulldogs vs Johansen Vikings
Ceres High School , 2320 Central Ave , Ceres
4:15 pm -
Ambassador/ Welcome Team Meeting
Modesto Chamber of Commerce , 1114 J St , Modesto
8:00 am -
Modesto Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Council
Modesto Chamber of Commerce , 1114 J St , Modesto
11:30 am -
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
State Theatre of Modesto Inc , 1307 J St , Modesto
12:30 pm -
Stella Cole Christmas Show
Gallo Center for the Arts , 1000 I St , Modesto
7:00 pm
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Her name was Betty Robinson.
And she is the Olympic champion who rose from the dead. In 1928, a science teacher named Charles Price was waiting for his train after school when he… (Nextdoor Dutch Hollow Estates) - Abandoned cats at Laird park on Grayson Rd.
I stop there three times a week and feed three of them. They’re by the bathrooms behind the soccer field. If anyone is out there can you please stop… (Nextdoor Westport)
- David's Bridal, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Alterations Specialist in Modesto. Apply here.
- Compu-Vision Consulting Inc. posted a job opening for Senior General Ledger Clerk in Modesto. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Modesto here.
Ok Modesto! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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