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Modesto Council issues proclamations, hears bridge-housing and traffic-safety concerns
Summary
The council proclaimed February 2026 Black History Month and National Cancer Prevention Month, and heard public comment on bridge-housing site challenges, a misaligned traffic sign, local candidate introductions and downtown civic requests.
At its Jan. 27 meeting, the Modesto City Council read two proclamations and heard a range of community comments.
Mayor Zwolan proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month in Modesto; Deborah Sullivan, president of the King Kennedy Board of Directors, accepted and introduced Audrey Spearman, who invited the public to a Black History program at the King Kennedy Senior Center on Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. The council also proclaimed February 2026 as National Cancer Prevention Month; Juan Contreras II of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network accepted and urged support for screening and tobacco-prevention policies, including work toward a comprehensive tobacco retail license in Modesto.
During public comment, Derek Castle urged the council to increase outreach and give staff authority to consider leasing or purchasing property for the city’s bridge-housing program, noting the program’s limited progress finding donated land and suggesting a community roundtable of stakeholders. Kevin McLarty reported a no-left-turn sign at the J Street/Downey/McHenry intersection appears to be aimed the wrong way and asked that the city traffic manager coordinate with state authorities because McHenry is Highway 108.
Other public speakers included Charles Evans (a request related to laying a cornerstone at the new King Kennedy Center), a candidate introduction by Michael Masuda for California’s 5th Congressional District, and a brief PG&E update by Nathan Alonzo announcing residential gas-rate reductions for some customers.
Speakers and council members linked several items to ongoing local priorities including housing, public safety and community events.
