Public comments raise concerns over police conduct and pharmacy hours in Modesto

The City of Modesto Council meeting held on June 3, 2025, addressed several community concerns and local issues during its public comment segment. The meeting began with a public comment from a resident, Mr. Jones, who expressed frustrations regarding police interactions with local vendors, particularly focusing on racial dynamics and the treatment of African American business owners. He highlighted the challenges faced by vendors selling food in the city and called for better support from the council, suggesting that the police officer involved should face disciplinary action.

Following Mr. Jones, Kevin Macquarie raised concerns about the limited availability of pharmacies in Modesto, particularly at night. He noted that the reduction in operating hours at local Walgreens and CVS stores has created accessibility issues for residents needing medications after hours. Macquarie urged the council to communicate with these pharmacies to encourage a return to 24-hour service, citing recent changes in law enforcement practices regarding shoplifting.

Gina Vargas then spoke on behalf of Ben Nuttall, addressing an incident involving police enforcement on Mayes. Vargas questioned the absence of code enforcement officers during the incident and expressed concerns about perceived racial targeting of vendors. She called for a response from the council regarding the enforcement practices and the role of the Community Health Action Team (CHAT) in addressing such issues.

The meeting also featured a brief announcement from Jerry Thompson, who highlighted the ongoing Graffiti Week activities in Modesto, including car shows and community events, encouraging public participation.

As the meeting progressed, the council moved to consent items, where no items were requested for further discussion by either council members or the public. The city clerk proceeded to read the consent items, starting with the approval of minutes from the previous council meeting.

Overall, the meeting underscored ongoing community concerns regarding law enforcement practices, public safety, and local business support, with residents actively seeking engagement and responses from their elected officials. The council's next steps will likely involve addressing these issues in future discussions and actions.