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Turlock Homelessness Emergency, Cleanup Planned For Thursday

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TURLOCK – A cleanup was planned for Thursday morning at a West Main Street property where a large homeless encampment established itself near several businesses.

City officials were at the camp Wednesday afternoon handing out notices to people staying there. The camp sits on property on the south side of West Main Street in between South Tully and South Soderquist Road. By Wednesday afternoon several of the campers were already packing up their belongings, and those with vehicles were working to get them roadworthy.

“None of us know where we are going to go,” said Dawn Ross, who temporarily found herself camping at the location for the last week after her vehicle broke down. Ross said she became homeless off and on after losing her job 11 years ago during the great recession.

“I tried to get the part for it, but we got the wrong one,” she said of her car. “Hopefully we can get the car fixed by tomorrow.”

Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak said in a video statement that the city is working toward a solution.

“No one should live like that, no one should have their businesses harmed or the residents harmed by all that’s going on,” the mayor said. “It’s a health and safety hazard for everyone involved.”

Back at the camp, Ross explained that in an ideal situation, no one wanted to be camped at the property. She feels that the cleanups are not a long term solution to the problem.

“I wish Turlock could do something like what Modesto did,” she said. Ross referred to the Modesto Outdoor Emergency Shelter that was implemented in 2019.

“Just designate a space for these people. Somewhere out of sight and out of mind.”

Ross acknowledged that some people experiencing homelessness traditionally have problems that require rehabilitation, but feels there is a lack of services provided in the Turlock area for them.

“This is going to push people into alleyways, into the doorsteps of businesses and parks,” Ross explained. “At least everyone was confined right here.”

Advocates visited the camp Wednesday to offer what little outreach they could to the population there. Some explained that people experiencing homelessness have a hard time transitioning to a shelter due to rules and curfews set at facilities.

“They’re not animals, they’re human beings,” Ross said. “People need to have compassion. We’re all just a few steps away from homelessness, it can happen to anybody.”

Carlos Rodriguez is an Emmy Award winning photojournalist specializing in public safety and natural disasters. His passion for local news stems from a deep commitment to his community, with a selfless mission to inform the citizens of the valley. As he worked on assignment for 19 days at the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California, he spent most of his time helping survivors contact their loved ones to let them know they were ok. Carlos is a veteran of Univision, FOX, and Telemundo TV stations and a native of Modesto, California.

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Turlock Police Officer Injured in Motorcycle Crash

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Photo: Turlock Police Department

TURLOCK – A Turlock Police Officer was injured when he was involved in a crash while trying to stop a speeding vehicle Tuesday.

The crash happened in the area of Palm Street and Hawkeye Avenue. The officer, whom authorities identified as Gavin Allison, had his lights and sirens on as he was trying to catch up to a speeding driver when he was involved in a collision with another motorist.

Officer Allison suffered moderate injuries that required stitches to his arm and leg, but is expected to make a full recovery. The other motorist involved in the crash was not injured. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Officer Rocha at (209) 668-5550 extension 6130.

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Traffic Collision Reported on Claus Road

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MODESTO – Emergency crews responded to a report of a vehicle collision on Claus Road Monday morning.

The crash was reported near the area of Claus Road and Cedar Creek Drive at about 8:00am. Early reports indicate a pickup truck and another vehicle collided before the pickup hit a tree.

Arriving personnel reported one motorist appeared to have a broken leg.

Expect momentary traffic delays in the area.

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Merced County Crash Claims Lives of Ceres Man, Child

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MERCED COUNTY – A 20 year old woman was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter after a crash claimed the lives of two people.

The crash was reported at about 12:19am on Highway 165 near Turner Avenue. According to California Highway Patrol, 20 year old Melissa Rosales of Los Banos was driving a BMW SUV at high speeds south on Highway 165 when she crossed lanes at a curve. Her vehicle crashed into an oncoming Honda Accord driven by a 41 year old man from Ceres with a juvenile passenger. Both occupants of the Honda were killed in the crash.

Rosales suffered major injuries and was taken to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Officials say she was under the influence at the time of the crash and faces DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges.

All involved persons were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

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