Patterson Irrigator

30/10/2025

Advisory: Empire Teacher Arrested Following Investigation of Accusations by Students
From Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at about 1:30 p.m. Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit investigators responded to Glick Middle School after two students reported to school officials that they were inappropriately touched by a teacher. Staff called law enforcement as soon as they received the information.
During their investigation, detectives identified Javier Villanueva, a primarily 8th grade English teacher with Empire Union School District, as the person accused of having inappropriate contact with the students. The first incident is believed to have occurred during the 2024-2025 school year, with the most recent taking place Monday, October 20th.
In collaboration with deputies and detectives from Patterson Police Services, the Special Victims Unit located and arrested 52-year-old Villanueva near his home within the city limits [of Patterson]. He was then booked at the Stanislaus County Jail for two counts of lewd acts with a child under the age of 14. He is currently being held in custody with a $500,000 bail amount.
Detectives continued to investigate the case to determine if there are other victims and locate any additional evidence. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 525-7117. You may also submit a tip contacting Stanislaus County Area Crime Stoppers at 1-866-602-7463 or go online to stancrimetips.org
Out of respect for the victims, and California confidentiality laws, no further information about the children will be released.

30/10/2025

MOVIE REVIEW
by David DeLarosa

“It: Welcome to Derry” is the newest adaptation of Stephen King’s work featuring the fictional town of Derry, Maine. The hunting ground for the monster Pennywise the Dancing Clown, as he corrupts the town to feed on the citizens every twenty-seven years – resulting in the mass disappearances (mostly children) and a rise in horrible accidents. At the time of writing, episode one has premiered and is available on HBO Max with episode two available on Halloween night.
Before I get into the series, a slight warning for those faint of heart or on the younger side, this is a graphic series that is going to delve into some heavy topics like missing children, murder and racism. The opening act is very graphic and can be uncomfortable to watch, so if you’re a wee bit squeamish or have a house with little ones I’ll give you a list of some other fun Halloween-themed movies to enjoy instead.
Alright let’s go back to America’s worst town and see what’s going on. The series takes place in the 1960’s in the town of Derry. We open to a theater playing the 1962 film, “The Music Man”, about an outsider who comes to town and manipulates its citizens. Much like Pennywise the Music Man uses showmanship to stoke fear to get what he wants. In the case of the film, it’s money before he skips town to repeat the process for Pennywise it's dinner but an interesting through line is both villains are defeated by children so I can see why they chose to use this film as a backdrop to open the series. The real inciting incident is when we pan across the theater and land on Matty Clements (played by Miles Ekhardt), a shy awkward boy with stutter and visible bruises watching the movie as he sucks on a pacifier to calm his nerves. Obviously, this is a troubled boy with a world of problems, but he can be seen as the personification of innocence as you just want to save this kid from the horrors that are sure to come. After being caught sneaking into movies all day, Matty makes a run for it and is helped by a young movie attendant Veronica “Ronnie” Clements (Amanda Christine), allowing Matty to escape and begin hitchhiking to get out of town and leave his troubles behind. There he is picked up by what appears to be the all-American family with a mother, father and 2.5 kids.

(Read the entire review at the Irrigator website and page.)

30/10/2025

SERMON COLUMN
Long live the King of kings
By Pastor A. Gilbert Ybarra
River of Life Christian Fellowship

A few days ago, I posted something simple on Facebook:
“The only King I’m protesting for is the King of kings!”
What started as a short statement of faith sparked a passionate discussion — one that mirrored the larger tensions in our nation today. People from different backgrounds shared their views on politics, presidents, borders, and justice. Some argued for compassion toward immigrants; others defended national laws and order. Some saw racism; others saw media distortion. In short, it was a cross-section of America — emotional, divided, and deeply invested in what they believe is right.
But somewhere in the middle of all the passionate words, one truth stood out to me more than anything:
We are quick to protest for earthly kings, but often slow to stand for the true King — Jesus Christ.
The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:15 that He is “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.” Every ruler, president, and government will eventually pass away, but His Kingdom will never end.
That doesn’t mean we ignore injustice or disengage from civic responsibility. As believers, we are called to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). We can care deeply about laws, policies, and leaders. But we must never confuse temporary politics with eternal truth. No political party can save the human heart. No law can cleanse sin. No movement can heal a divided soul — only Jesus can.
The early Church didn’t gather around Caesar’s image; they gathered around Christ’s name. Their protest wasn’t with signs or slogans — it was with transformed lives. They fed the poor, prayed for their persecutors, and lived with such love and conviction that the world couldn’t ignore them.
If the Church today spent as much energy exalting Jesus as we do debating politics, revival might already be here.

If believers raised their voices in worship louder than in outrage, our cities might see healing again. After all, Scripture reminds us in 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
It doesn’t start with politicians—it starts with God’s people. True change begins not in the streets of protest, but in the posture of prayer. When the Church humbles itself before the Lord, healing follows.

And if we truly believed that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), we might remember that we represent a Kingdom not built by man, but ruled by God Himself.
So, if you choose to protest for justice, that is your First Amendment right. However, what has proven to be even more effective is praying for our leaders and asking the Lord to change the hearts of those who create the policies and laws we live under. I encourage everyone reading this article—and all who profess faith in Christ—to never forget that our ultimate allegiance belongs to the One who died for every nation, tribe, and tongue.
The next time I lift my voice, it won’t be for a party, a policy, or a politician — it’ll be for the King who conquered sin, defeated death, and reigns forever.
Long live the King of kings — Jesus Christ.

30/10/2025

30/10/2025

Patterson’s Past
By Craig Bettencourt

25 Years Ago - October 30, 2000

A donation of $1000 has been made to Patterson Boy Scout Troop 81 by the local American Legion Post 168.
The Patterson-Westley Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting here recently to welcome From the Heart to the chamber. The business has a variety of gift items including ceramics, scented candles, and soaps, signs, and flower arrangements.
The St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store donated $1000 recently to the Patterson Fire Department.
Quarterback Miles Mota passed for 338 yards and the Tigers scored 42 points, but it wasn't enough as they fell to Central 56-42 in a game fans won´t soon forget.

50 Years Ago - October 30, 1975

A special census indicates that Patterson´s population is 3795 and that the city has 1177 housing units and 34 mobile homes.
The PHS Tiger football team allowed only 17 points to be scored against them in their first six games this fall. Then came Hughson for Patterson´s homecoming, and the Tigers held on for a thrilling 36-30 victory. Consider this fast start to the game. After 66 seconds, the Tigers led 13-0 and had never run a play. Dave Selee and Robert Weatherred both picked up Hughson fumbles and went in to score.

75 Years Ago - November 2, 1950
Al Loumena and Bernard Peterson escaped injury Sunday when their plane landed in Roy Needham's field, which is adjacent to the Patterson Flying strip. Loumena, the pilot, had four times attempted to lane in a strong crosswind which on the fifth try caused more problems and sent the craft, owned by the Patterson Flying Club, into a fence.
The farm labor camps at Patterson, Westley and Ceres will be transferred to the Stanislaus County Housing Authority, it was decided this week by the county supervisors. The West Side Growers cooperative has been managing the two West Side camps.

100 Years Ago - November 5, 1925

Patterson's Chamber of Commerce is only five years old, but its membership has topped the 150 mark for the first time.
The Patterson High football team was defeated 7-6 early in the season in a game at Tracy. So it came as a surprise when the locals posted a lopsided 38-0 here last Friday in the rematch.
A plan to set aside a portion of Del Puerto Cemetery for Catholic burials will be discussed at a meeting of the cemetery association.

30/10/2025

Las Palmas Elementary School Hosts Jog-A-Thon Fundraiser
By William Espy
October 30, 2025

Las Palmas Elementary School and the Las Palmas Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) hosted a fundraising Jog-A-Thon on Wednesday morning. The event was hosted in order to raise funds for improvements around the school. The PTO was notified the morning of the event that superintendent of the Patterson Joint Unified School District, Dr. Reyes Gauna, told them that he would match whatever they raised with district funds.
The Jog-A-Thon had been on hold for the last few years, however the PTO wanted to restart it in order to help raise funds while bringing the school community and allowing students to have fun, and fitness, at the same time. Sticking with that theme of staying active, the main goal of the fundraiser was to allow Las Palmas to get new soccer nets for their students.
The students participating were tasked with running, or walking, as many laps as they safely could in order to raise funds. Importantly, the school made the students take a short hydration break in the middle of each round in order to ensure proper hydration throughout the event.
Those who contributed to the fundraiser were able to either pledge a certain amount per lap for a specific student, or a flat-rate that would remain the same regardless of the number of laps completed.
Students were divided into three groups, with kindergarten and first grade students starting the event, followed by second and third grade students, then fourth through sixth graders concluded the event. Each group was given 30 minutes to record as many laps as possible. At the conclusion of each group, the students were rewarded with a ribbon for their efforts. Quite a few parents showed up to the event as well, cheering on not only their students, but the entire group of runners.
The Jog-A-Thon also took place in the middle of the school’s on-going Red Ribbon Week, which encourages students to dress up based on different themes each day in order to promote a drug-free lifestyle.

30/10/2025

George Mac Master
For the Patterson Irrigator

Central Valley Craft House Brings Elevated Craft Beer — and a Touch of Magic — to the Bell Tower District

Patterson, CA — A new chapter in Patterson’s downtown story is being poured at Central Valley Craft House, the city’s newest destination for locally inspired craft beer, community spirit, and a touch of magic.

The familiar space — formerly the Rancho Fresco bar area — has been transformed into a modern yet welcoming taproom owned by longtime Patterson residents Aaron and Tracy Noriega, in partnership with Justin Burnias.

With more than 20 years in the Patterson community, the Noriegas have seen the city evolve from quiet beginnings into a growing hub of local life. “When we moved here from San Jose, all we really had was Save Mart and McDonald’s,” Aaron recalled with a smile. “Now Patterson has grown so much, and we wanted to add something special — something that feels a little like a winery, but still totally local.”

The idea for the taproom’s unique “vibe” was inspired by a witchcraft-themed brewery in Gustine, whose moody charm sparked the vision for a Central Valley space that feels both sophisticated and down-to-earth. With warm wood accents, soft lighting, and a centerpiece mural of Las Palmas Avenue leading toward the mountains, Central Valley Craft House blends hometown pride with California craft culture.

Behind the 12-tap bar, guests will find an evolving selection of upper-end, locally sourced craft beers from Modesto, Oakdale, and across California. Featured breweries include Karl Strauss, Epidemic Ales, and Alvarado Street Brewery, offering everything from crisp blondes and hazy IPAs like Hella Hoppy to bold seasonal brews such as Smashed Pumpkin and Crimson Noir.

Although the Craft House doesn’t have a kitchen, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food — from local takeout to homemade bites. For those who come unprepared, the bar offers a selection of prepackaged snacks to enjoy alongside a pint.

Conveniently located next to the new Bell Tower, the taproom is part of Patterson’s growing walkable downtown. And as Aaron quips, “If you’re an AT&T customer, you can also tap into great internet while you tap into great beer.”

Central Valley Craft House is open Tuesday through Sunday, with hours from 2 PM – 8 PM on weekdays, 2 PM – 9 PM on Thursdays and Fridays, 12 PM – 9 PM on Saturdays, and 12 PM – 8 PM on Sundays. It is closed on Mondays.

Plans are already in motion for live music nights, food truck pop-ups, and special tasting events featuring regional brewers. And for now — as early customers have joked — they’ve also got the cleanest bathrooms in Patterson.

Local resident Stephanie Raley summed it up simply: “Central Valley Craft House is a nice spot to socialize and have a few drinks with friends or family.”

With its mix of style, humor, and hometown pride, Central Valley Craft House is quickly becoming Patterson’s newest favorite hangout — proof that the best place to gather is the one that celebrates what the Central Valley does best.

Come in — they’re open, and the vibe (and the Wi-Fi) is magic.

30/10/2025

Patterson Jr. Tigers Finish Regular Season with Strong Performances
By William Espy
October 30, 2025

The Patterson Junior Tigers finished off their regular season against the Modesto Rams on Saturday. Most of the Jr. Tigers teams were already guaranteed playoffs given their performances throughout the season, but there were still some major playoff implications during the long evening of football.
At the junior novice level, it was a battle for seeding. The Rams entered the night 7-2, while the Jr. Tigers were sitting at 8-1. Unfortunately, the Jr. Tigers were unable to get the win in a hard-fought matchup. The Rams were victorious with a final score of 13-6, moving them into the second seed of the Atlantic Division and dropping the Jr. Tigers to third.
Meanwhile, at the novice level, the Jr. Tigers entered their game undefeated. They were 9-0, guaranteed the top spot in their division. Meanwhile, the Rams entered the night 5-4, looking to move ahead of the Central Saints in the standings. The Jr. Tigers dominated their Novice game though, as they walked away with a 30-0 victory to cap off their second straight undefeated regular season at that level.
For the Jr. Varsity Jr. Tigers, it was a must-win game. Both teams entered the night with a 3-6 record. Whoever was victorious would clinch the sixth and final playoff berth, the losing team’s season would be over. The Jr. Tigers knew their assignment and took full advantage of it. They won decisively, with a final score of 52-13.
Last to take the field was the Varsity team. The Jr. Tigers entered the night 4-5, while the Rams were 5-4. Both teams were guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, but it was going to be a hard-fought battle regardless. The Varsity Jr. Tigers left Patterson Community Stadium with the narrowest victory of the night, defeating the Rams by just four points, 30-26.
The playoffs are about to get underway for the Jr. Tigers, as they’ll be in action this weekend, once again. Jr. Novice and Varsity will be at home for their playoff games. Jr. Novice will face off against the Central Saints at 1 PM, while Varsity will get an immediate rematch against the Rams at 3 PM.
The Junior Varsity time will be on the road, as they’ll face the Kingsmen at Gregori High School at 7 PM. Meanwhile, the undefeated Novice team will have a bye week.

30/10/2025

Come connect at “Coffee with a Cop”
By Timothy Benefield, Sr.

Have you ever wished you could sit down with a cop for a few minutes and express your support for their hard work? Have you ever had an irritation with the police department that you wish you could get an answer for? You have the perfect opportunity to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee across the table from a local police officer next Tuesday, November 4. Members of Patterson Police Services will be available for conversation at Patterson Café from 9:00 am until noon on that Tuesday. Moments like this provide a chance for law enforcement officers and the community to connect in a respectful and meaningful way. Often, community members end up interacting with officers in stressful situations. At “Coffee with a Cop”, the relaxing environment will allow for conversations and dialogue that will strengthen the entire community. Stop by next Tuesday and express support, ask hard questions, obtain answers, and build relationships. Patterson Café is located just past Denny’s at 2985 Renso Lane.
To reach Timothy Benefield at the Irrigator call (209)892-6187 or email timothy@pattersonirrigator.

30/10/2025

Patterson Football Closes Regular Season in Manteca
By William Espy
October 30, 2025

The Patterson Tigers’ football team went on the road this week, as they visited the undefeated Manteca Buffaloes at Manteca High School.
Both teams’ offenses stalled out on their first drives of the night, but Manteca capitalized on their second possession as they were able to run the ball into the end zone and take a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.
The Tigers answered back to start the second quarter. Quarterback Caden Lozano found wide receiver Jace Johnson in the end zone, tying the game up at 7-7.
Manteca quickly restored their lead on the next possession with a passing touchdown, making it 14-7 with quite a bit of time still remaining in the second quarter. The Buffaloes’ defense intercepted a pass from Lozano, regaining possession shortly after scoring.
At that point, Manteca made a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes. Their offense fumbled the ball, which was recovered by the Tigers. Then, on the ensuing possession, the Buffaloes forced Patterson to punt. There was contact on the play though, as the Buffaloes’ defender collided with Lozano as he attempted to punt the ball away. As a result, Manteca was given a personal foul for roughing the kicker. Patterson retained possession and gained 15 yards on the play, although there was some concern as Lozano seemed a little beat up on the play, but he powered through it.
Patterson got into field goal range, but missed their opportunity to put three points on the board. There was very little time remaining on the clock when the Buffaloes regained possession, but they marched down the field and found the end zone right as time expired, increasing their lead to 21-7.
Manteca continued extending their lead in the second half, making it 29-7 after a touchdown and two-point conversion in the third quarter. The home side added two more touchdowns in the final frame, defeating the Tigers 43-7.
The Tigers have a bye week to close out the regular season, as they close out the season with a record of 3-7. Since they didn’t record four wins, they are unfortunately ineligible for the playoffs. With that being said, their season isn’t over yet, as they’ll close out the season with a bowl game at a neutral site. Their opponent and the location are yet to be determined, as there’s still a week of football remaining in the Valley Oak League which could shake things up dramatically.
Patterson’s bye week will be highlighted by a matchup of the league’s top two teams, as Manteca and Oakdale High School will battle for the top seed heading into the playoffs.
As for the Tigers, their opponent for their final game of the season is expected to be announced this weekend.
More photos from the game can be found at: https://californiasportsjournal.pixieset.com/

30/10/2025

Library book sale brings in $1,800
By Timothy Benefield, Sr.

For three days in late October, the Patterson Library opened its doors for the public to purchase gently used books. The special event is hosted twice a year by The Friends of the Patterson Library, a non-profit charitable group of volunteers which are separate from the Patterson Library. A report from the non-profit’s president, Marcia Homer, revealed that this sale was a resounding success. Homer told the Irrigator, “This was the biggest year ever.” There were 366 customers who purchased books over those three days. After bringing in about $1,500 in the April sale, she said that the October sale bested that with total receipts of $1,885. She credits part of that increase to the fact that customers can now use credit cards and debit cards at the sale. Whatever caused the increase, $1,800 is a lot of money to raise fifty cents at a time. Homer said that the money is on hand to help the local library with special programs and needs that are outside of the library’s regular budget. You can follow The Friends of the Patterson Library on Facebook to know when future sales are coming. You can also purchase an annual membership in the nonprofit.

To reach Timothy Benefield at the Irrigator call (209)892-6187 or email [email protected].

30/10/2025

Garza Park gets some love from Walnut Grove students
By Timothy Benefield, Sr.

The PHAST (Protecting Health And Slamming To***co) Club at Walnut Grove Elementary School wanted to do something to improve their community in honor of Red Ribbon Week. The elementary students decided to clean up Garza Park. Guadalupe Tinoco is the PHAST advisor at Walnut Grove Elementary and she said, “This park is right in their neighborhood and many of the students walk past it on their way to school each day.” On Thursday, October 23, about 33 students, parents, and other community members spent one and a half hours making the park feel special. Students spread out to pick up trash, to clean the playground, and to clean the bathroom. After sprucing up the park, students gathered to write inspirational and encouraging chalk messages on the sidewalk in front of the park. They hope that their fellow students will see these messages as they walk and bike to school and be encouraged to journey through life without drugs. As one sidewalk chalk message said, “Drug free is the way to be!” How about three cheers for these young students who are making Patterson a better place to live!

To reach Timothy Benefield at the Irrigator call (209)892-6187 or email [email protected].