Joe Cortez

Reporter at Turlock Journal

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Articles

Local Catholics excited about new American-born Pope Leo XIV

5 days ago | turlockjournal.com | Joe Cortez

Between class periods at Turlock’s Sacred Heart School on Thursday, the news that white smoke could be seen coming from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel sent shockwaves through the hallways. Moments later, principal Sarah Michelena’s voice came over the school’s intercom system. “I have an announcement,” Michelena started.
Huskies rolling through playoffs

5 days ago | turlockjournal.com | Joe Cortez

HUGHSON — Hughson High’s baseball team breezed to a 9-0 victory over Venture Academy (Stockton), setting up a best-of-three series with Wheatland in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 5 semifinals. The second-seeded Huskies (25-5) will host Game 1 on Monday at 4 p.m., then travel to Wheatland for Game 2 on Wednesday. A third game, if necessary, would be played Friday back in Hughson. The Pirates (17-8-1), seeded No. 3, defeated Hilmar 6-2 to advance to the semifinal round.
Karalin’s Bridal offers couture creations for brides-to-be

1 week ago | turlockjournal.com | Joe Cortez

Brides-to-be in the Turlock area will now have another option when searching for that perfect dress for that special day. Master seamstress Karalin Sargizzadeh has opened Karalin’s Bridal Couture at 203B S. Golden State Blvd. — the official ribbon-cutting ceremony was Tuesday — and her nearly five decades of experience in the industry will be a boon for brides, and fans of couture, around the region. “Seamstress, pattern maker, dress maker, alterations … I do it all,” said Sargizzadeh.
Former Bulldog QB suiting up with MJC Pirates

1 week ago | turlockjournal.com | Joe Cortez

The annual Modesto Junior College Spring Football Game was held Monday, with former Turlock High quarterback Cole Gilbert getting reps with the top offensive unit. Gilbert, a 2023 graduate of Turlock High, put his stamp on the Bulldogs’ program by leading the team to a 51-50 upset over top-seeded St. Mary’s in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 quarterfinals. Now, he’s looking to leave a mark at MJC.
Governor condemns Turlock City Council for We Care losing out on state funds

2 weeks ago | turlockjournal.com | Joe Cortez

Gov. Gavin Newsom weighed in this week on the Turlock City Council’s decision to vote against securing $267,100 in state grant funds for the We Care homeless shelter, calling the move “an absolute moral failure” in a social media post. By a 3-2 vote on April 8, the council voted against making a nominal $1 contribution and writing a letter of support that would’ve allowed the county to release the funds to We Care.
ProteinHouse to bring healthy eating options to Turlock

2 weeks ago | turlockjournal.com | Joe Cortez

Health-food chain ProteinHouse is coming to Turlock. With 17 restaurants in operation throughout the country, Turlock is poised to become home to No. 18 — or 19 if the soon-to-open restaurant in Tempe, Ariz. beats Turlock to the finish line. “We’re set to open sometime late next month,” said Mark Ponticelli, who co-owns ProteinHouse locations in Modesto and Sacramento with his brother-in-law, January Siphan, a former Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy and Modesto police officer.
We Care may close following city council inaction

2 weeks ago | turlockjournal.com | Joe Cortez

The We Care homeless shelter will lose out on a state grant of $267,100 — exactly half of its yearly operational budget. That’s because the Turlock City Council couldn’t produce the quorum necessary to hold a special meeting where it would take up the issue before Tuesday’s deadline. On April 8, the city voted 3-2 against contributing $1 and a letter of support that was required to secure the funds from Stanislaus County.
New Christian school coming to Turlock

2 weeks ago | turlockjournal.com | Joe Cortez

Turlock parents will soon have another choice when it comes to their children’s education. The St. George Christian Academy is scheduled to open this fall, and initially will offer classes for first and second grades, as well as kindergarten. Another grade will be added each year, through high school. Registration begins Thursday. Backers are currently in negotiations with a local church for a school site, though no deal has been reached. Home-schooling remains an option for Year 1.
We Care seeks donations as city denies support for state grant

3 weeks ago | turlockjournal.com | Joe Cortez

Time is running out for the city of Turlock and the We Care homeless shelter to negotiate a deal that would allow the non-profit to receive nearly $270,000 in grant money. What seemed like a mere formality on March 25 — with staff recommending that the city contribute $1 and submit a letter of support to secure the funds — has turned into a showdown with the city wanting more assurances from We Care.
Turlock’s economic development director earns accolades

3 weeks ago | turlockjournal.com | Joe Cortez

The city of Turlock’s Anthony Sims has been named the Economic Developer of the Year by Opportunity Stanislaus. Sims, who has been with the city since July 2022, spearheads the city’s efforts to attract new businesses while helping existing businesses find new ways to prosper.