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Take time, ensure repair person's legit

Modesto is experiencing a rash of auto thefts and residential and vehicle burglaries, police report. Officials are offering weekly tips to protect your property.

Service repairmen and utility employees are supplied with identification cards that bear their photograph and signature. If you don't feel comfortable, turn the person away. If you have any doubts about a stranger's intentions, keep the door locked and call 911.

City won't rethink shelter closure

The Turlock City Council will not reconsider extending the cold weather emergency shelter until April 30. The shelter will close Monday. More than 150 people protested at City Hall on Tuesday, seeking to reverse the decision not to extend the shelter's closure. City Manager Tim Kerr said Thursday the case is closed. "Since a majority of the council has ruled on that issue, it would require a majority of the council to request the matter be placed on a future agenda. I have not received, nor do I anticipate receiving, such a request," Kerr said in an evening news release.

Court tells Yosemite to wait on projects

An appeals court panel says Yosemite National Park can't continue with planned construction projects because the development threatens the fragile ecosystem in Yosemite Valley. Environmental groups sued the federal government in 2000, claiming the National Park Service's plans would jeopardize the federally protected Merced River. The river runs alongside famous granite monoliths and dramatic waterfalls. A U.S. District Court judge sided with the environmentalists last year and temporarily barred crews from repairing a road and sewer system and upgrading hotel rooms on the valley floor. The ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday means the park service will have to hold off on those repairs until September 2009. That's when it's expected to prepare an adequate plan to manage and protect the river. Page B-2

Medical school is needed in the valley

A coalition of 23 San Joaquin Valley colleges and universities is the latest group to announce its support of an effort by the University of California at Merced to create a medical school. And Reps. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, and Jim Costa, D-Fresno, met this week with a coalition of valley leaders pushing for the med school. Bill Lyons Jr. of Modesto is co-chairman of that coalition. Opinions,

Yesteryears

50 YEARS AGO: People had the opportunity to register to vote when a moving van staffed by the League of Women Voters and members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was parked in downtown Modesto.

-- Karen Aiello