It’s Friday, September 20th. I’m Lucas Dixon, and here’s your local news from the Modesto Bee. Depending on the season, there often are more than 1,500 illegal marijuana grows in Stanislaus County, the Sheriff’s Department estimates. As of yesterday morning, there’s one less.

It’s Thursday, September 19th. I’m Natalie Gray, and here’s your local news from the Modesto Bee. A town hall in west Modesto aired concerns about hate while celebrating the contributions of diverse people. The NAACP of Modesto/Stanislaus hosted the Tuesday night gathering at the King-Kennedy Memorial Center. It featured speakers from varied faiths, ethnic backgrounds, and sexual identities.

It’s Wednesday, September 18th. I’m Kaitlin Bellamy, and here’s your local news from the Modesto Bee. Renting an apartment without assistance is now virtually impossible for Modesto seniors like Carol Gilbert, whose income is less than $1,000 a month. The monthly rent for her one-bedroom was $650 when she moved into Stardust Villa Apartments about 10 years ago. Following gradual increases, the rent jumped from $950 last year to $1,300 per month.

It’s Tuesday, September 17th. I’m Natalie Gray, and here’s your local news from the Modesto Bee. A Sonora-area family had their front door open to enjoy the cool weather Sunday evening when an uninvited guest wandered in, according to the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Andrea Benson said a mountain lion entered the home in the 16000 block of Oakhaven Lane at about 9:30 p.m. When the family and mountain lion spotted each other, both ran.

It’s Monday, September 16th. I’m Lucas Dixon, and here’s your local news from the Modesto Bee. The famed waterfalls were flowing freely at Yosemite National Park this summer, providing a spectacular scene for thousands of visitors daily to the Yosemite Valley. But the roar of the falls, birds chirping, and wind rustling through the trees aren’t the only sounds reverberating in the valley.

It’s Friday, September 13. I’m Lucas Dixon and here’s your local news from the Modesto Bee. Turlock officials have postponed a request to raise the rainbow flag on city property in support of LGBTQ+ people. Supporters said the move would reinforce Turlock’s commitment to diversity, in the wake of the Straight Pride event in Modesto last month. City Attorney Doug White said the request would require a change to a policy, adopted in 2017, that limits what flags can fly.

It’s Thursday, September 12. I’m Natalie Gray and here’s your local news from the Modesto Bee. The former animal shelter on Finch Road in Modesto could once again house furry friends. And it could provide job training for people trying to break their addiction to alcohol or drugs. Tuesday, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors took a step toward approving a lease-purchase agreement, for a group to operate the former county shelter as a small-animal care facility.

It’s Wednesday, September 11th. I’m Kaitlin Bellamy and here’s your local news from the Modesto Bee. Turlock’s health insurance costs for city employees are the highest among the larger cities in California. But an analysis, by Transparent California, says the city could save millions if its health insurance costs for employees were closer to what the private sector pays.

It’s Monday, September 9. I’m Lucas Dixon and here’s your local news from the Modesto Bee. The sale of a Modesto apartment complex for $16.5 million is reportedly a record price for 1970s vintage apartment properties in the local market. And might be good for the investors, but it also reflects the trend of rising rents and the shortage of rental housing in Stanislaus County.

It’s Friday, September 6. I’m Lucas Dixon and here’s your local news from the Modesto Bee. Governor Gavin Newsom’s Homeless and Supportive Housing Advisory Task Force was formed back in May. And today, his task force will be in Modesto for its inaugural meeting. The public can also attend the morning session.