Builders: Cut growth fees in half

The head of the organization that represents almost all builders in Manteca has a message for City Hall – if you want to generate jobs slash growth fees for everything from parks to road projects triggered by the need to accommodate growth in half.

$194K question: Will SSJID lowering power rates cause global warming?

Will South San Joaquin Irrigation District's bid to take over PG&E's retail system in Manteca, Ripon, and Lathrop trigger a rise in the ocean level?

UC Davis Police honor retiring MPD community service officer

Andrea Contreras has been recognized as "Citizen of the Year" for her years of devoted support to police canine operations in the western states just as she accepted a golden handshake in Manteca.

Retired Lathrop chief honored

LATHROP – Recently retired Lathrop Police Chief Dolores Delgado turned down the $3,500 catered reception that the City Council wanted to host for her retirement.

Manteca Garden Club plants four more roses

It was something that Vada McKinnon would have liked to have done herself.

Input sought for library & teen center

LATHROP - The City of Lathrop will be hosting the first in a series of public workshops to revise the Master Plan for the East Lathrop Community Complex.

You may soon be able to pay city utility bills by speaking with computer

Technology will soon make it less frustrating – and quicker – to pay municipal utility bills by phone as well as improve the efficiency of municipal staff.

‘Family Affair’s’ Cissy speaking in Manteca Feb. 5

"Cissy" of "Family Affair" fame is speaking in Manteca during the eight annual Women's Connection networking event on Friday, Feb. 5.

ST. ANTHONY’S CRAB FEED

CANCER VICTIM REPEATS VOWS

Victoria Martin – who is suffering from advanced bone cancer – got one of her wishes granted Saturday in front of family and friends.

Roundabout for Powers Avenue?

Manteca's first roundabout designed to address a pre-existing traffic problem may go in on South Powers Avenue at Hutchings Street in a bid to improve the safety of children walking to and from Lincoln School.

PG&E wants $20.59 more a month; SSJID says not so fast

If you're a typical PG&E customer using 850 kilowatts hours per month brace yourself for a possible $17.44 jump in your monthly power bill on Jan. 1, 2011.

863 more homes up for council approval

The annexation of 240 acres immediately south of the developed neighborhoods around Woodward Park will accommodate 863 more single family homes.

Sweaney’s knowledge of Ripon blossoms

RIPON – Camila Sweaney has had a busy year.

KIDS EMPTY PIGGY BANKS FOR VICTIMS OF HAITI QUAKE

THE DAIRY GRIND

Here's yet another sign of the times. The demise of family-owned dairy farm operations. In many cases, the dairy farm has been handed down from one generation to the next.

SSJID: LAFCo hinders effort for cheap power

By JASON CAMPBELL

City motel tax going before Lathrop voters

LATHROP – Last year Lathrop collected $350,000 in hotel taxes.

California milk meets global demand

There is a good reason these days why California has happy cows, as touted in the Milk Advisory Board-backed television advertising. It's the same reason that could put a happy smile on the faces of dairy farmers in the Golden State.

THRIVING AGAINST ALL ODDS

If you wait for your dad's shoes, you'll wait all your life.

It’s a never-ending cycle of work at the dairy

The day started at 5 a.m. for the Curnejo family. Jaime and wife Velma, and their older children, were up before the break of dawn – winter, spring, summer and fall. No fail. They had nearly 200 cows to milk in the barn.

SWEET LABOR OF LOVE

These are busy days at the FESM Hall in Manteca.

New norm: Exceptional drought?

It's been 14 years since the United States drought monitor went into effect.

Host families sought for Japanese teens

Thirty young Japanese students are looking for host families this summer. They will be arriving on July 26 and will be in Manteca until Aug 26. During that time, the students who are between the ages of 13 and 17, will be attending classes to be held at St. Mary of the Virgin Anglican Church at the corner of Cottage and Louise avenues in Manteca.

Levee fix: $2.58M just to start

LATHROP – There hasn't been a dam failure in Northern California for almost half a century.

HEADLINING FOR LAUGHS

He's been on one of the most beloved American comedy series' of all time.

Manteca plan aims for 20% water cutback

You will reduce your water use.

Police sobriety patrol yields no DUI arrests

Several dozen cars stopped.

Movie aimed at teens wrestling with depression

A wrestling scene was filmed Wednesday in the Manteca High gym for a movie designed to help teens grappling with depression.

Tunnels toxic to SJ County

STOCKTON - The Twin Tunnels – if built – will raise havoc with the Delta and cripple San Joaquin County's economy.