Modesto leaders need to go back to the drawing board on growth plan | Opinion
Back to the drawing board
“Modesto unveils plans for minimal to aggressive growth as far as Ladd Rd. in north,” (modbee.com, Dec. 17, 2025)
I read the city’s PowerPoint presentation on the General Plan Update, which lays out three alternative plans for growth. It is a thinly veiled attempt by the city and land-hungry developers to pave over more of the Central Valley.
There is no mention of buffers or green belts between cities or urban limit lines. It is the same chimera we’ve heard before: providing jobs while giving tax breaks and other incentives to the developers at taxpayers’ expense.
To provide affordable housing and create effective public transportation infrastructure, the city needs to zone for higher density residential areas. Send the planning department back to the drawing board — this time with legitimate input from people who have a stake in the future of the Valley.
Anita Young
Modesto
Excellent care at Merced ER
“Many Californians face huge health care premium increases. Can Congress or Trump help?” (mercedsunstar.com, Nov. 26, 2025)
I would like to express my appreciation to the Merced Hospital Emergency Room staff for the excellent treatment they provided me the day following Christmas. They were extremely busy and had us seated in hallways, constantly moving about. But despite all of these obstacles, they addressed our issues.
I had walking pneumonia, and was hooked up to an IV with antibiotics. I am so thankful to the dedicated staff, nurses and doctors for finding and treating my issue. Yes, it took 10 hours, but I felt I was in good hands. One nurse refused breaks because she had patients to care for! That made us feel special.
Pat Trieweiler
Atwater
Never again is happening now
“Minneapolis Mayor Disputes Federal Account of Fatal ICE Shooting,” (modbee.com, Jan. 7)
The shameful history of the internment of Japanese Americans is happening again under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We said it would never happen again, but it is happening right now.
Masked persons are racially profiling and kidnapping people without due process in an inhumane manner. The White House is allowing this.
We are losing our humanity. What’s next?
Diane Kroeze
Modesto
America’s dictator
“‘The playbook of a dictator’: Trump’s war of retribution on America’s legal system | Opinion,” (modbee.com, March 31, 2025)
Don’t worry about having a wannabe “king.” That title implies some dignity.
In reality, what we have is a dictator.
Glenore Flanders
Turlock