Kidnapping Victim Located Safe and Suspect In-Custody

Salida, CA –The victim of the late night Salida kidnapping was located and she returned back to her family. The suspect, Calvin Rodrigues was arrested and will be booking into the Stanislaus County Jail.

At 9:55 PM on Tuesday night, the suspect, Calvin Rodrigues, forced his way into the home of the victim, Christina Anderson in the 4700 block of
Nan Lane
. Rodrigues took Anderson out of the home by force, placed her into his vehicle and left the area. Shortly before 12:30 AM, the Stanislaus Regional 9-1-1 center received a call from a resident in the 4700 block of
Nan Lane
, who spotted the suspect vehicle and told dispatchers it was on the street and was approaching the victim’s home. Detectives and deputies who were inside the home with the victim’s family and deputies searching for Anderson surrounded the suspect vehicle within seconds. Rodrigues was taken into custody and Anderson was located in the vehicle.

Detectives are still investigating the case to determine were the suspect took the victim during the kidnapping.

Anyone with information about this case can call the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department at 209-525-7114. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips at http://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message and be eligible for a cash reward.

REPLACEMENT HEIFER EXHIBITOR DEADLINES

Turlock, CA (January 12, 2012) - Entry deadlines are fast approaching for Replacement Heifer exhibitors at the 2012 Stanislaus County Fair.

The application deadline for the Stanislaus County Fair Replacement Heifers for 1-Year Projects and the 2nd Year of a 2-Year Project is Thursday, January 19, 2012 by 5 p.m., with 1st Year of a 2-Year Project applications due Thursday, May 17, 2012 by 5 p.m.

For registration forms and complete rules and requirements, please stop by the Stanislaus County Fair office at 900 N. Broadway, Turlock, or call (209) 668-1333 ext. 315. The 45th Annual Replacement Heifer Sale will take place opening night on Friday, July 13, 2012.

The 2012 Stanislaus County Fair opens Friday, July 13th for a 10-day run. Fair guests can count on an award-winning experience that has been over 100 years in the making. Discounted Fair admission tickets and unlimited ride wristbands will be on sale beginning Saturday, May 5, 2012. Visit the Fair’s website for complete ticket sale details at www.stancofair.com.

The 2012 Fair will feature a spectacular children’s area, which will include the highly-popular Rainforest Adventure, sponsored by Sky Trek Aviation.

Also planned for 2012 are 10-nights of free celebrity concerts included with Fair admission, metal-mashing motorsports and a rodeo in the FoodMaxx Arena, a total of four stages of live entertainment, upwards of 30,000 local exhibits and over 1,750 animals.

To receive future Fair announcements by text message, text the word “FAIR” to 99299 or “Deadline” to receive specific exhibit deadline information to 99299. Fair enthusiasts can also follow how the 2012 Fair is developing at twitter.com/stancofair. In addition, become a fan of the Fair at facebook.com/stancofair. Fair news and event listings are also available at myspace.com/stancofair.

Major Injury Accident – 1000 Block of English-Update

The driver of the vehicle (an adult Female) was southbound on English (Residential Street) when she struck the pedestrian who was crossing the street. Witness statements indicated the pedestrian was lawfully crossing in the roadway when the vehicle struck her and drove over her. Witness statements and evidence also indicate this was a slow speed accident; preliminary estimation at this time is less than 20 mph.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Person of Interest in City of Patterson Homicide

Patterson, CA –Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating 26-year-old Victor VALDOVINOS, a person of interest in the shooting death of 19-year-old Jesus GALLARDO in the City of Patterson Wednesday evening. VALDOVINOS is described as a Hispanic Male, 5’ 11”, 220 lbs, with black hair and brown eye. He is known to frequent the Patterson and Merced County area.

The homicide occurred on Wednesday January 4, 2012 at about 6:30 PM at Felipe Garza Memorial Park in Patterson, CA. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a shots fired call at the park and located the victim deceased in the park with gunshot wounds. Detectives do not have any suspect information at this time, but do believe the shooting was gang related.

Detectives ask that anyone with information about this case or the whereabouts of Victor VALDOVINOS to contact Detective Hatfield at (209) 525-7100. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips at http://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message and be eligible for a cash reward.

Sheriff’s Detectives Investigating Homicide in the City of Patterson

Patterson, CA – On Wednesday January 4, 2012 at about 6:30 PM Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a shots fired call at Felipe Garza Memorial Park in Patterson, CA. When the deputies arrived they found a deceased male on the ground in the park with gunshot wounds. The victim has been identified as 19-year-old Jesus GALLARDO of Patterson.

Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives are actively investigating this homicide by following up on leads and interviewing witnesses. Detectives do not have any suspect information at this time, but do believe the shooting was gang related.

Detectives ask that anyone with information about this case can contact Detective Hatfield at (209) 525-7100. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips at http://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message and be eligible for a cash reward.

Heart attack receiving center designation completes launch of Emanuel’s first-ever cardiac program

Turlock, CA— As of January 1, Emanuel Medical Center has been designated an official receiving center for heart attack patients, completing the launch of Turlock’s first-ever cardiovascular program.

The program launched in April 2010, when Emanuel opened its Cardiac Cath and Interventional Lab. In May, 2011, the first open heart surgery was performed at Emanuel. And, as of January 1, 2012, Emanuel has been designated as an official receiving center for heart attack patients—meaning ambulances now bring cardiac patients to Emanuel, instead of passing up the Turlock hospital for Modesto.

Although the hospital has been treating heart attack patients since May of last year, those patients had all arrived at Emanuel on their own. With the new designation, ambulances can also deliver patients having a heart attack – known as STEMIs in medical jargon – directly to Emanuel.

The new designation comes from the Mountain-Valley Emergency Medical Services Agency, which oversees and regulates emergency care systems in Stanislaus County. The agency conducted an independent review of Emanuel’s emergency cardiac care procedures in October and determined they met all appropriate standards.

“It gives me great pleasure to designate Emanuel Medical Center as a STEMI Receiving Center for Stanislaus County,” said Richard Murdock, Executive Director of the Mountain-Valley EMS Agency.

The new designation brings the promise of quality, local emergency cardiac care home to people in Turlock, Hilmar, Denair and other nearby communities.

“This is an important milestone in Emanuel’s cardiac care program and a very special day for the community,” said Emanuel President and CEO John Sigsbury.

“For the first time, someone having a heart attack in Turlock can be treated in Turlock, where care is just minutes away and not miles down the highway.”

The time saved can be critical. A heart attack occurs when the blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle itself become blocked. If that blockage is cleared quickly, the heart can recover. If it’s not, permanent damage to the heart occurs.

“When someone is having a heart attack, minutes equal muscle,” Sigsbury said. “Every second counts.”

The next phase of Emanuel’s cardiac program is opening two new cardiac operating suites – including a cutting-edge hybrid room where the surgical table is integrated with an interventional radiology scanner normally found in a catheterization lab. That integration allows one surgeon to control both the table and the scanner, and will allow Emanuel doctors to treat two emergency patients at once.

Sheriff’s Office Loses a Family Member in a Tragic Accident

Hughson, CA – It is with a heavy heart that Sheriff Adam Christianson announced this morning that the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office lost a family member during an investigation in the City of Hughson, CA. Crime Scene Investigator Mary Donahou was assisting a deputy when she was struck by a vehicle on
Santa Fe Ave south
of
Whitmore Ave
at about 6:30 AM. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the accident and we do not have details at this time. Mary had been with the Sheriff’s Office for 9 years and leaves behind a 12 y/o son. Mary was loved by all those that she worked with and will be missed.

Mark Your Calendar
3rd Annual San Joaquin Entrepreneur Challenge

Two winning entrepreneurs will take home a share of $20,000. A total of at least $10,000 in cash and $10,000 in professional services will be awarded when the San Joaquin Angels investment group, in collaboration with regional educational institutions and economic development organizations from San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties, stage the third annual San Joaquin Entrepreneur Challenge.

Contact: email adamste@stanalliance.com for more information.
Application Deadline: February 5, 2012.

Sheriff’s County Air Support Association Christmas Gift Give Away

Modesto, CA- The Stanislaus County Air Support Association (ASA) is holding its fourth annual Christmas Gift Give Away on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 9:00 AM at the DC Air Hangar at 901 Airport Way, in Modesto. This year, once again, The Stanislaus County Air Support Association reached out to the Children's Crisis Center. ASA will be hosting over 100 underprivileged children. Santa will greet the children and present them each with a toy. Each child will also have his or her photo taken with Santa.

The ASA Team Members plan to present the Children’s Crisis Center and local hospitals with toys collected through donations and contributions. The toy drive was established to provide needy and underprivileged children of the Stanislaus County Region with toys so they may enjoy Christmas and the holidays.

Our last Children's Gift Give Away was sponsored by contributors such as Empire Sportsmans Club, Wal-Mart and Storer Coachways.

Their generous contributions helped reach over 60 children on the day of the big “Give Away”. The ASA Team members also visited local area hospitals and provided toys to children who were admitted to the hospital during the holiday season. Additionally, on Christmas day the ASA provided Patrol Deputies with enough toys to fill the trunks of five patrol cars to hand out to children of low income families.

Pulmonologist Dr. Kalyan Kosuri Specializes in Treating Lung Diseases

Turlock, CA— Pulmonologist Dr. Kalyan Kosuri has joined the practice of Turlock Pulmonary and Sleep Specialists where he expects to treat a variety of conditions ranging from COPD and asthma to lung cancer.

“The physiology of the lung and how it works is what attracted me to the specialty. I also like the critical-care aspect where everything happens in minutes or hours and a patient can improve quickly. That’s gratifying” he said.

Dr. Kosuri earned his medical degree in 2001 at Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, India, and completed a rotating internship at Osmania General Hospital in 2002. For the next year he did further training at Image Hospitals in Hyderabad.

Accepted in the Masters in Public Health program at Northern Illinois University, Dr. Kosuri moved to the United States in 2004. He earned his Master’s in Public Health in 2005 and in 2008 completed an internal medicine residency at Michigan State University in East Lansing where he received the Outstanding Senior Resident award.

He finished a three-year pulmonary/critical care fellowship at Wayne State University in Detroit before to moving to Turlock this summer.

During training Dr. Kosuri participated in research of pulmonary hypertension in chronic kidney disease and also studied pulmonary abnormalities associated with silicosis, an occupational lung disease of miners. He is encouraged by recent research and new drugs to treat pulmonary hypertension and targeted treatments for lung cancer.

“During fellowship training we saw a lot of different kinds of diseases including COPD, asthma, lung cancer and pulmonary hypertension,” he says. “We could focus in on one pulmonary subspecialty and I chose pulmonary hypertension.”

But during the winter, he’s most busy with upper respiratory infections.

“The lining of the lungs is similar to the lining of your nose and throat,” Dr. Kosuri explained. “That’s why an upper respiratory infection can develop into pneumonia.”Pneumonia isn’t a big worry for most people who get a cold or the flu, but for some people it’s a real danger.

“People with lung disease, heart disease, COPD are especially at risk,” he said. “The flu vaccine is recommended for most people, but is especially important for people with lung disease, COPD, heart disease, immunosuppression and people over 60.”

Dr. Kosuri believes prevention is the best strategy when it comes to flu season, and prevention begins with a flu shot. The second prevention priority is cough and sneeze hygiene.

“The main way the flu is spread is through droplets,” he said. “If you have a respiratory illness, try to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. To prevent getting ill, clean your hands frequently, and try not to put your hands to your face.”

Dr. Kosuri can be reached at Turlock Pulmonary and Sleep Specialists, located in the Tower Health & Wellness Center at 1801 Colorado Avenue, Suite 220, (209) 216-3420.

Emanuel Medical Center is a not-for-profit, community-based Christian hospital. Its 403-bed multi-level medical campus includes a 209-bed acute care hospital, a 145-bed skilled nursing facility and a 49-bed assisted living facility. It provides emergency, critical care, pediatric, cardiovascular services, cancer diagnosis and treatment, women’s health services, surgery, and hospice services.

For more information, to search for a doctor by specialty or location, or for an online symptom-checker, visit www.emanuelmedicalcenter.org.

December 14, 2011

CSU Stanislaus Receives Funding to Begin Retrofit and Renovation of Original Science Classroom and Lab Building
Modernization of “Science I” to Benefit Future Students in Nursing and Social Work Programs, and Provide Boost in Area Construction Employment

TURLOCK, CA—Dec 14, 2011 — California State University (CSU), Stanislaus has received funding to modernize its original science building, built in 1971. The 51,000 gross square foot (GSF) Science I building was taken offline when the Naraghi Hall of Science opened at the campus in Fall 2007. The building has seen very limited use since that time. The two-year renovation project will return the facility to use as classrooms, laboratory space and faculty offices that will house our growing nursing and social work programs. Construction is scheduled to begin January 4, 2012.

The seismic retrofit and renovation project will update structural components in the two-story concrete building, and renovate the interior space to provide contemporary facilities for nursing and master of social work degree programs. The updated building will contain 70 offices, six laboratories and eight classrooms with support space, one open computer lab and three conference rooms.

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
STANISLAUS

In addition, the Science I building will be more energy efficient with updated power and sustainability components.

“We are fortunate to be able to modernize one of our older classroom facilities for future students, despite the economic downturn in California“ said CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani. “I am pleased that the community will also substantially benefit with the creation of more than 150 construction related jobs during the two-year project.”

The total project cost is $18,528,000. Funding is being provided by the State of California through the sale of lease-revenue bonds, a source separate and distinct from the general state appropriations that fund university operations.

CSU STANISLAUS AND PRESIDENT SHIRVANI PRESENTED
WITH A CHECK FROM STANISLAUS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS OFFICIALS

Turlock, CA (December 13, 2011) — Friends of the Fair Foundation officials presented CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani with a $25,467 check for the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies Department at the Stanislaus County Fair Board of Directors meeting last night.
The proceeds came from the 9th annual Tastes of the Valley Wine and Cheese event held on October 6, 2011 at the Fairgrounds. Tickets to the event were sold for $35 each and proceeds from the event benefited the agricultural studies program at CSU Stanislaus and the Stanislaus County Friends of the Fair Foundation.
“This event was a great collaboration between the CSU Stanislaus Ag department and the Fairgrounds,” said Chris Borovansky, Chief Executive Officer for the Stanislaus County Fair. “This event will continue to grow for next year and the proceeds will help bring agriculture and educational programs that are beneficial to the Fair and the community.”
The evening included wine, cheese, hors d’oeuvres as well as silent and live auctions.
“CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies was excited about the partnership with the Stanislaus County Friends of the Fair Foundation,” said Dr. Mark Bender, Professor and Endowed Chair at the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies Department. “We see this opportunity as one that will not only solidify future funding for our Stanislaus agriculture students, but begin a long relationship that will support youth and agriculture activities at the Stanislaus County Fair.”
The mission of the Agricultural Studies Program is to provide students with an understanding of basic economic principles governing the production and distribution of agricultural resources;

Featured in the photo (L-R): Dr. Mark Bender, Professor and Endowed Chair at the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies Department; CSUS President Hamid Shirvani; Bill Mattos, Stanislaus County Fair Board of Directors President.

agricultural and environmental resource management; pre- and post- production business and marketing practices; physical, chemical, and biological principles of agro ecosystems; global perspectives on food issues; restorative and sustainable agricultural practices; spatial and quantitative techniques; the social context of agricultural production; and public policy, regulatory, and land use issues.
In pursuing this mission, the program encourages students to critically assess agricultural issues and trends; provides students with opportunities to systematically develop the communicative, analytical, quantitative, and critical thinking skills; exposes students to diverse teaching and learning strategies in a number of academic disciplines; and delivers a high quality academic program that prepares students for emerging professional opportunities.

STANISLAUS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS’ ARCH GATE TIME CAPSULE TO BE DONATED

Turlock, CA (December 8, 2011) – The time capsule that was discovered inside Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Arch Gate will be donated to the Turlock Historical Society for the community to view.
Members of the local community were invited to attend the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds’ time capsule unveiling event on April 16, 2011. After the Arch Gate pillars were unbolted, two glass jars were discovered with American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary member names that were hand written on cloth-like scrolls as well as other valuable information on weathered paper. This piece of history will be available to view by December 15, 2011.
“The scrolls were included inside the Centennial Exhibit, but we have had many requests from people who want to view the names,” said Adrenna Alkhas, spokesperson for the Stanislaus County Fair. “This is an opportunity for community members to look at this piece of history at their leisure.”
Local lore had always been there may have been something hidden in the pillars of Stanislaus County Fairgrounds’ historic arch gate, placed by the construction workers and Legion members. However, many community members thought otherwise, until Fairgrounds’ officials unearthed it. The capsule is believed to have been buried 82 years ago on April 16, 1929 during the dedication of the just-built arch gate.

While researching the history of the century-old Fair, a publication from the Turlock Historical Society, the Turlock Pioneer, from 1999 was found, mentioning a time capsule placed behind one of the steel Legion and Auxiliary shields that adorn the pillars.
The 2012 Stanislaus County Fair opens Friday, July 13 for a 10-day run. Fair guests can count on an award-winning experience that has been over 100 years in the making.
The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, entertainment and technology. For more information about the award-winning Stanislaus County Fair, or to host a company picnic during the Fair, visit www.stancofair.com.

“The Commons” Resident Discovers Secret to Longevity

The Commons at Union Ranch is an Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care community. One of the Commons at Union Ranch’s residents, Nick Samartino, is gearing up to celebrate his 101st birthday!
According to the National Vital Statistics Report, vol. 53, no. 6, Nov. 10, 2004, a man that was born between the years 1909-1911 had an average life expectancy of 49.9 years. Nick has more than doubled that average!
Nick was born in Manhattan on November 13, 1910. He spent his late childhood in the Bronx. Nick worked in construction as a sheet metal worker and owned a candy stored until he was drafted into the army during WWII at the age of 33. Nick has 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Nick settled at the Commons at Union Ranch when his family moved to Manteca from Grand Rapids, Michigan and has been an outstanding community member ever since!
Join us for Nick’s 101st birthday celebration on Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 12noon to 1pm . Bring your camera to capture some pictures Nick and learn his secrets to longevity!
The Commons at Union Ranch, built and opened in 2008, is one in a portfolio of five Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities. Premiera Care, the local manager of The Commons at Union Ranch, was founded by Don Peterson in 1999. It is headquartered in Oakdale, CA.

Detectives Locate 9 Stolen Vehicles and Arrest 4 Suspects

Patterson, CA – On Wednesday November 9th, Detectives from the Patterson Police Department and Stanislaus County Auto Theft Taskforce spotted a stolen vehicle parked in the 600 block of Periwinkle Dr and another parked at C St and Highway 33. The Detectives conducted surveillance on the vehicles and followed one of the vehicles to a barn in the 2300 block of Villa Manucha Rd. Once the vehicle stopped, detectives arrested a 17 year-old male who was driving the stolen vehicle. At the barn, Detectives located three more stolen vehicles and arrested Jorge GONZALEZ who was working on one of the vehicles.

Detectives continued their surveillance and located a sixth stolen vehicle parked in the 500 block of Morning Glory Dr. An occupied stolen vehicle was spotted near North Hartley and Las Palmas Ave where Detectives conducted a traffic stop and arrested Xavier DIAZ. An eighth stolen vehicle was located parked at Elm St and Las Palmas Ave.

Yesterday a Patterson Police Detective spotted a ninth stolen vehicle driving on North Hartley St. The Detective attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the suspect parked the car and fled on foot. A sheriff’s department K-9 was used to track the suspect. The K-9 tracked the suspect, Roy JIMENEZ, to a residence in the 500 block of Mayette St where he was arrested.

Here is a breakdown of all where the stolen vehicles were recovered from:

3 vehicles-2300 block of Villa Manucha
1 vehicle- C St and Hwy 33
1 vehicle- 500 Block Morning Glory
1 vehicle- 1st and E Street
1 vehicle- Elm and Las Palmas
2 vehicles- N. Hartley and Las Palmas

All the stolen vehicles were Honda Accords or Honda Civics mid 90’s models.

The suspects arrested are Xavier DIAZ (07/19/90), Roy JIMENEZ (01/02/90) both from Patterson, Jorge GONZALEZ (10/02/93) from Newman and a 17 year-old Patterson male.

Detectives continue to work on this stolen vehicle case and ask that anyone with information about this case can contact Patterson Police Department at (209) 892-5071. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636.

Indoor Marijuana Grow-900 Block Domingo Ct Turlock & 900 Block Stone Springs Ave Ceres

On November 8, 2011, Turlock Narcotics Enforcement Team (T-NET) served two search warrants in regards to possible indoor cultivation of marijuana. Turlock Irrigation District alerted T-NET to unusual power readings and upon investigation it was found that a diversion and theft of power was occurring to facilitate an indoor cultivation of Marijuana at the 900 block of Domingo Court in Turlock.

CHRISTINA DUARTE (27 YRS) of Turlock was arrested for obstructing and injuring an electric power line (Felony). There were remnants found in the home that an indoor cultivation had occurred. This information led to the second search warrant being served in the 900 block of Stone Springs Ave in Ceres.

T-Net in conjunction with the Ceres Police Department Street Crimes Unit served the second search warrant. A JESUS CHAVEZ (27 YRS) was arrested for cultivation of marijuana, possession for sales, and a convicted felon in possession of a gun. T-Net seized 5 lbs of marijuana with a street value of approximately $10,000.00.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

October 24, 2011

Hospice of Emanuel Offers Help Coping with Loss during Holidays

Turlock, CA— Losing a loved one can be a very difficult, especially during the holiday season.

That’s why Hospice of Emanuel is hosting an evening workshop called “Coping with the Holidays” on November 3 at 7 p.m. The event, held at Monte Vista Chapel at 1619 E. Monte Vista Ave. in Turlock, will feature a speaker and strategies that can help people who have lost a loved one get through the emotionally charged holiday season.

It’s free and open to the public.

“The holidays will come whether or not we are ready for them,” said Sandy Ricardo, support services coordinator at Hospice of Emanuel. “Part of our mission at Hospice of Emanuel is to help the bereaved cope with the loss of a loved one, and the holidays are a time people can often use some extra support.”
This year, the Coping with the Holidays workshop will feature a memory table and anyone attending this event is invited to bring a picture of their loved one to place on the table.

Diane Garzelli-Tate will be the speaker at this year’s event. Diane has 18 years of experience as a Loss of Spouse Support Group facilitator, after her husband died when their children were still school aged. Her experience as a widow and a single mom helping her own children through their grief makes Diane a valuable resource, someone who is able to reach others who are grieving.

Hospice of Emanuel offers free grief support to anyone in our community. This includes one-on-one grief support, as well as support groups for Loss of Spouse, Bereaved Parents, General Loss, Children and Teens. Also Hospice has developed a new support group for people who have lost someone to suicide.

Hospice of Emanuel’s bereavement department is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at (209) 664-2550.

Emanuel Medical Center is a not-for-profit, community-based Christian hospital. Its 403-bed multi-level medical campus includes a 209-bed acute care hospital, a 145-bed skilled nursing facility and a 49-bed assisted living facility. It provides emergency, critical care, pediatric, cardiovascular services, cancer diagnosis and treatment, women’s health services, surgery, and hospice services.

SHOOTING 600 BLOCK CHESTNUT

Turlock Police responded to a call of shots fired at approximately 5:25 am today. Upon arrival on scene two victims of gunshot wounds were located and transported to area hospitals. The victims were a male adult and a male minor. The injuries are non-life threatening.

Detectives have learned that the incident began as a verbal argument and it is unknown at this time if it is gang related. Detectives are following leads regarding possible suspect(s).

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Turlock Police Department Detective Scott Ellis at 209-664-7329.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

October 19, 2011

Hospice of Emanuel Love Light Ceremony to Feature Hope-Inspiring Singer

Turlock, CA— To help people brighten the holiday season – emotionally and literally – Hospice of Emanuel will once again provide Love Light Commemoratives as a way to honor or memorialize loved ones and raise money to support Hospice services.

People can purchase a commemorative light that will be displayed on the Christmas tree in the Emanuel Medical Center main lobby, with a minimum donation of $20 to Hospice of Emanuel.

A tree-lighting ceremony will be held December 1 at 7 p.m. in the Monte Vista Chapel located at 1619 East Monte Vista Ave. in Turlock. After the lighting ceremony, the tree will then be moved to the hospital lobby for the rest of December. The names of those honored with a love light will be listed on a scroll and displayed in the hospital’s main hallway.

This year, the lighting ceremony will also include a performance by singer-songwriter Alan Pedersen, who turned the focus of his music and message toward helping the bereaved find hope and healing as they navigate grief. In 2001, Pederson’s only daughter Ashley was killed in an automobile accident in Colorado.

“We were put on this earth to love them for as long as we live, not for as long as they lived,” Pederson said, offering insight into his music and message. He said he believes that healing comes slowly, but does come as people reach out to others who share this journey and offer their hand to help.

Hospice of Emanuel provides care for people in the last phases of an incurable disease, helping them live as fully and comfortably as possible and leave this life with a sense of fulfillment and dignity. Clinical professionals and volunteers team with families throughout the entire process of death and provide support group and bereavement services following the death of a loved one.

To purchase a Love Light Commemorative, call (209) 664-5180. To learn more about Hospice of Emanuel, call (209) 664-2550.

Emanuel Medical Center is a not-for-profit, community-based Christian hospital. Its 403-bed multi-level medical campus includes a 209-bed acute care hospital, a 145-bed skilled nursing facility and a 49-bed assisted living facility. It provides emergency, critical care, pediatric, cardiovascular services, cancer diagnosis and treatment, women’s health services, surgery, and hospice services.

Riverbank City Employee Arrested for Embezzlement

Riverbank, CA – Detectives assigned to Riverbank Police Services completed an investigation of a city employee for embezzlement on Tuesday evening October 11, 2011. They arrested 33 y/o Garett Blount of Oakdale, CA and booked him into county jail for embezzlement of fuel from the city corporation yard.

Detectives received information of the theft of fuel and began watching the corporation yard during the evening hours. On Tuesday at about 8:30 PM they observed Garett Blount, a city employee, stealing gas and taking it home in a city vehicle. When Blount was arrested he admitted to stealing more than 100 gallons of gas over a three month period.

Anyone with information about this case can contact Detective Josh Humble at (209) 863-7146. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636.

October 10, 2011

Experienced Cardiothoracic and General Surgeon Joins Emanuel Medical Staff

Turlock, CA— Another cardiothoracic surgeon has joined Emanuel Medical Center’s medical staff, deepening the hospital’s growing open heart surgery and cardiac care programs.

Dr. Andrew Nasseri, who practices both cardiothoracic and general surgery, comes to Turlock from the Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri where he was both the staff cardiac surgeon and a general surgeon.

In Turlock, Dr. Nasseri will be performing open heart, thoracic and vascular surgeries along with Dr. Harold Tabaie, medical director of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.

“I have known Dr. Tabaie for 28 years and heard they were starting a new open heart program here in Turlock,” Dr. Nasseri said. “I thought it was a great opportunity to build this program together.”

Dr. Nasseri earned his medical degree at St. Georges University in 1999, then, worked as a research fellow and research coordinator at the Bay Pines Medical Center in Florida. He completed a general surgery residency internship at the Spartanburg Regional Heath Care System in South Carolina, then, completed his five year general surgery residency at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In 2008, he completed a two year cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the UC Davis Medical Center, in Sacramento, California, and most recently obtained minimally invasive thoracic surgery training at Harvard Medical School.

Even before beginning medical school, Dr. Nasseri knew he wanted to pursue surgery.

“The human body is the greatest of God’s creations,” he said. “For me, as a surgeon, to have the opportunity to surgically intervene in this complex creation in order to minimize or eliminate an acquired pathology is truly a privilege and honor, more than words can describe.”

He is especially interested in minimally invasive thoracic surgery and lung resections, resulting in a shorter recovery period for the patient.

“I’m looking forward to helping Emanuel’s new program grow to serve the community and our medical staff referral needs,” he said.

Dr. Nasseri is married with a 6-year-old daughter. His hobbies include spending time with his family, traveling and exercising. He has enjoyed training in karate for over 15 years and is an avid ping pong player.

Dr. Nasseri is located in the Emanuel Specialty Care – Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery office at 1801 Colorado Ave., Suite 250. He can be reached at (209) 250-5310.

Emanuel Medical Center is a not-for-profit, community-based Christian hospital. Its 403-bed multi-level medical campus includes a 209-bed acute care hospital, a 145-bed skilled nursing facility and a 49-bed assisted living facility. It provides emergency, critical care, pediatric, cardiovascular services, cancer diagnosis and treatment, women’s health services, surgery, and hospice services.

For more information, to search for a doctor by specialty or location, or for an online symptom-checker, visit www.emanuelmedicalcenter.org.

October 4, 2011

Time is Ticking Down to Support Legacy Circle and Emanuel’s Heart Program

Turlock, CA— When a heart attack strikes, every second counts.

That’s why Emanuel Medical Center began a cardiac program in Turlock in 2010, and why so many people have donated to Legacy Circle, the hospital’s annual giving program. Last fall, Legacy Circle began a five-year effort to raise $5 million to support the hospital’s $10.5 million cardiac care program.

This year’s six-week Legacy Circle campaign is entering its final week, and time is ticking down to help the hospital reach its $1 million goal. Last year, the hospital broke that mark in dramatic fashion. “It was an amazingly exciting time, when on the last hour, of the last night, of the last week of six short weeks – we broke the million dollar mark,” said Shirley Pok, Emanuel’s vice president of development.

“With our great group of volunteers and donors, I know it’s possible to reach our $1 million goal again this year, but we have just one week left to make it happen.”

More than 300 employee and community volunteers are working toward this year’s $1 million fund drive goal—which culminates next Thursday. This week— week five of the six-week campaign—Emanuel employees raised $51,218 for a total of $222,881. Community members raised $168,550 for the week for a total of $457,834, bringing the grand total raised so far to $680,715.

“The long tradition of outstanding philanthropy continues,” said Emanuel President and CEO John Sigsbury. “A part of the long and storied tradition of giving to Emanuel is how it has made the lives of the people in and around our community better.”

The money will be used to help build two new cardiac operating suites – including a cutting-edge room that combines a surgical suite with an interventional radiology scanner –and will allow Emanuel doctors to treat two emergency patients at once.

The new surgical suites will cost nearly $4.5 million to build and equip, and are scheduled to open in late 2012.

The hospital’s Cardiovascular Services Department opened in April 2010 and performed its first open heart surgery this May. Since that first surgery, Emanuel’s cardiothoracic and vascular surgery team has performed several additional open heart surgeries, including multiple bypass operations and valve repairs. In addition, local cardiologists have used the advanced Cardiac Cath and Interventional Lab at Emanuel to perform more than a dozen emergency angioplasties to open clogged coronary arteries in patients having heart attacks.

The lab has also been used for more than 600 diagnostic and other interventional procedures already this year. Legacy Circle donors know that their generosity made those procedures possible, and have helped save the lives of people in their communities.

To donate to Legacy Circle, call 209-664-5180 or visit www.emanuelmedicalcenter.org/give

Emanuel Medical Center is a not-for-profit, community-based Christian hospital. Its 403-bed multi-level medical campus includes a 209-bed acute care hospital, a 145-bed skilled nursing facility and a 49-bed assisted living facility. It provides emergency, critical care, pediatric, cardiovascular services, cancer diagnosis and treatment, women’s health services, surgery, and hospice services.

September 30, 2011

OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING – 2000 BLOCK WARING RD

On September 30, 2011, at approximately 2:53AM, the Turlock Police Department responded to the 2000 Block of Waring Road, for the report of shots fired. Investigation revealed that an off duty police officer, from an allied law enforcement agency, had been involved in a shooting. There does not appear to have been any injuries.

The officer, off duty and therefore not in uniform, had heard suspicious sounds in the area and suspected criminal activity. He saw a vehicle drive over a lawn and into the driveway of a residence. The officer attempted to investigate but the vehicle reportedly sped across the driveway and at the officer. The officer fired his weapon at the vehicle and was able to move out of the vehicle’s path. The vehicle sped off southbound Waring Road.

There have been no reports of any potentially related injuries at area hospitals. The officer was not injured. The allied law enforcement agency has been notified. Turlock Police Department is investigating the crime and the allied agency is conducting an administrative investigation, which is standard procedure. The officer’s name is being withheld, pending the investigation.

The suspect vehicle was described as a newer model midsized white pickup with a utility rack in the bed.

Anyone with information about this incident or the suspect vehicle is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Reid at (209) 664-7321. The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

September 26, 2011

Geralyn Lucas to headline Emanuel Cancer Center awareness event

Turlock, CA— Tickets are now available to Emanuel Cancer Center’s 14th annual Women’s Cancer Awareness Event where author Geralyn Lucas is the featured speaker.

Lucas wrote “Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy,” a humorous – and poignant – memoir of her journey through breast cancer that was later turned into a television movie.

The Women’s Cancer Awareness Event will be held Tuesday, October 11 and is presented by Emanuel Cancer Center. Modesto-based modern do-wop group The Sensations are also on the program. The event will be held at Monte Vista Chapel at 1619 E. Monte Vista Ave., beginning with hosted hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. The always moving procession of cancer survivors will begin at 7 p.m. with the performance events to follow.

Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. Reserve tickets by emailing your name, mailing address and number of tickets needed to cancercenter@emanuelmed.org, by phoning Emanuel Cancer Center at 664-2434, or by texting “TICKETS” to 88788.

Lucas was 27 when she was learned she had breast cancer. “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I promised that I would share my story with other women to help take away the fear of breast cancer and encourage them to get checked,” Lucas wrote when the movie based on her book came out. “Although it is ‘my’ story, it is all of ours. Please share your story with your family and friends. The more we talk about it, the more we can take away the fear. And remember, live up to your lipstick!”

Opened in 2007, the Emanuel Cancer Center brings world-class cancer care to Turlock.

The Center is fully accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer in recognition of its quality of treatment and care – a commendation only awarded to about 20 percent of cancer programs in the country.

The Emanuel Cancer Center includes advanced diagnostic services at the Ruby E. Bergman Women’s Diagnostic Center, medical oncology, radiation oncology at Stanford Emanuel Radiation Oncology Center, surgical and other services for cancer patients and their families. Patients at Emanuel Cancer Center can also participate in clinical trials of new treatments.

For information about Emanuel Cancer Center, visit www.emanuelmedicalcenter.org/cancer.

September 23, 2011

Because You Never Know – Donors Help Build Emanuel Cardiovascular Services

Turlock, CA— Because you never know when you’ll need emergency heart care, volunteers and donors continue to raise money to support Emanuel Medical Center’s expanding cardiovascular service program through the hospital’s Legacy Circle annual giving campaign.

Bill Gibbs of Turlock is the fund-drive chair.

“I ran into one of my givers the other day who was happy to renew his gift because he supports the hospital,” Gibbs said. “Then a few days later, he suffered from some chest pain and came here as a patient. Fortunately it wasn’t heart disease, but just knowing Emanuel could perform any of the diagnostic tests or treatments he might need – including open heart surgery if it came to that – was a great comfort to him and his family.”

And the community continues to give support to top quality heart care at Emanuel. In week three of the six-week fundraising effort, Emanuel employees raised $53,891 and community volunteers raised $92,050, bringing the total raised so far up to $456,812. The goal of this year’s campaign is to raise $1 million in six weeks as part of a five-year effort to raise $5 million.

Emanuel President and CEO John Sigsbury praised the area’s Legacy Circle donors.

“Thank you for enhancing our ability to diagnose, treat and care for the families of our community and region,” he said.

The money raised by Legacy Circle will be used to help build two new cardiac operating suites – including a cutting-edge room that combines a surgical suite with an interventional radiology scanner –and will allow Emanuel doctors to treat two heart emergency patients at once. The new surgical suites will cost nearly $4.5 million to build and equip, and are scheduled to open in late 2012.

“Legacy Circle gives an adrenaline rush for our new heart program,” said Shirley Pok, the hospital vice president of development. “There is nothing quite like the excitement inspired by our committed volunteers and generous donors. This is an amazingly exciting time.”

The hospital’s Cardiovascular Services Department opened in April 2010 and performed its first open heart surgery this May. Since that first surgery, Emanuel’s cardiothoracic and vascular surgery team has performed several additional open heart surgeries, including multiple bypass operations and valve repairs. In addition, local cardiologists have used the advanced Cardiac Cath and Interventional Lab at Emanuel to

Fund drive chair Bill Gibbs shares the story of a donor who experienced chest pains and was cared for at Emanuel.

perform more than a dozen emergency angioplasties in patients having heart attacks as well as more than 600 other diagnostic and interventional procedures already this year.

Legacy Circle donors know that their generosity has helped bring these lifesaving services to Turlock, where they’ll always be available for anyone who needs emergency heart care.

To donate to Legacy Circle, call 209-664-5180 or visit emanuelmedicalcenter.org/give.

Emanuel Medical Center is a not-for-profit, community-based Christian hospital. Its 403-bed multi-level medical campus includes a 209-bed acute care hospital, a 145-bed skilled nursing facility and a 49-bed assisted living facility. It provides emergency, critical care, pediatric, cardiovascular services, cancer diagnosis and treatment, women’s health services, surgery, and hospice services.

For more information, to search for a doctor by specialty or location, or for an online symptom-checker, visit www.emanuelmedicalcenter.org.

September 22, 2011

DRUG SEARCH WARRANT/ARRESTS – 100 BLOCK “G” ST.

On September 22, 2011, the Turlock Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (TNET) served a search warrant in the 100 Block of “G” St. Turlock Police Detectives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were also on scene assisting.
When officers arrived, one suspect fled on foot from the front of the residence, dropping a handgun as he ran. That suspect was detained a short distance away and the weapon, a stolen .40 caliber handgun, was recovered. Investigators found quantities of Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Marijuana, all packaged for sale. They also found additional packaging material and a small Marijuana Cultivation operation in the residence.
Arrested were Elfego Govea Mendoza (26yrs, City of Residence unknown), Jesus DeLaMadrid Cardenas (37yrs City of Residence unknown), and Rosemarie Burns (46yrs – out of Turlock).
Mendoza was charged with Possession and Sales of Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Marijuana. He was also charged with Possession of a Stolen Handgun, Armed While in Commission of a Felony, and Illegal Cultivation.

Cardenas was charged with Possession and Sales of Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Marijuana, as well as Illegal Cultivation.
Burns was arrested for unrelated felony warrants only.

September 16, 2011

CSU Stanislaus Announces 31 New Faculty Appointments
University remains committed to maintaining teaching capacity and class availability for students, despite dramatic cuts in state funding

TURLOCK, CA—Sept. 16, 2011 — This year, California State University, Stanislaus is pleased to announce the appointment of 31 new full-time faculty members (22 tenured/tenure track). Despite the difficult fiscal conditions facing the state, region and campus, CSU Stanislaus remains steadfast in its commitment to continue to serve current and future students through high-quality course offerings from outstanding faculty. The new faculty members fill high-need positions and come from a variety of academic disciplines. They were selected through competitive national search processes.

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
STANISLAUS

“Full time faculty appointments are central to maintaining and advancing the highest quality education to our students and therefore are our number one priority,” said CSU Stanislaus President Ham Shirvani.
“We are very proud to have been able to hire this many highly qualified faculty in spite of the recent state budget constraints,” added Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs James Strong.

September 12, 2011

New Family Physician Joins Emanuel Family Practice Office in Turlock

Turlock, CA— Family practice physician Sara Hamidi, M.D., has joined the Emanuel Family Practice office at 2121 Colorado Ave. in Turlock.

Dr. Hamidi is board certified in geriatrics, an interest that began during her family practice residency training at Indiana University. She also completed a geriatric medicine fellowship at Indiana.

“During residency, some of my patients were older and I enjoyed working with them,” she said. “I saw that there is an aging population in the United States and so I decided to do the specialized training. But I like caring and treating all ages.”

For the past three years, Dr. Hamidi was with a private group practice located in Grants Pass, Oregon. In Oregon, Dr. Hamidi treated nursing home patients as part of her primary care practice and emphasized preventive care. “I believe preventive medicine is important for all ages, but especially for older populations,” she said.

Dr. Hamidi earned her doctor of medicine at the University of Isfahan Medical School in Iran and completed a general medicine internship in 1991. She practiced general medicine for 10 years before moving to the U.S. in 2004 for residency training.

“I love working in the medical field and being part of patient care,” she said.

She is fluent in English, Farsi (Persian) and Turkish.

Dr. Hamidi can be reached at Emanuel Family office at 2121 Colorado Ave or (209) 664-5175.

September 9, 2011

Fund Drive Volunteers Pump Up the Volume for Emanuel Cardiac Services

Turlock, CA— To support Emanuel Medical Center’s expanding cardiac care program, supporters and volunteers raised nearly $200,000 in the first week of the hospital’s annual giving campaign.

The goal of the six-week campaign, called Legacy Circle, is to raise $1 million to expand the hospital’s life-saving cardiovascular services.

“We have to pump up the volume on our local hospital,” said Hughson’s Johnny Hill, who has volunteered for Emanuel’s annual giving campaign for the past nine years. “We need cardiac services in Turlock because when we need it, we need it fast and we don’t want to have to fight traffic going to another town to get it.”

In week one of the fundraising effort, hospital employees raised $61,165 and volunteers from the community raised $134,500. Hill sees his commitment to the cause as an investment.

“The little bit of effort that we put out now pays off big dividends over the long term,” he said. “Not just for us, but for our families.”

Since opening in May, Emanuel’s cardiothoracic and vascular surgery team has performed several open heart surgeries, including bypass operations and valve repairs. In addition, physicians used the advanced Cardiac Cath and Interventional Lab at Emanuel to perform over a dozen emergency angioplasty procedures in the past three months to open clogged coronary arteries in patients having heart attacks.

The lab is also used for diagnostic and other interventional procedures, and more than 600 of those have already been performed this year.

Shirley Pok, Emanuel’s vice president of development, said that in this campaign, donors know their gifts are saving lives immediately.

“The generosity of our donors is repaid daily, every time a patient in heart distress is treated at Emanuel rather than transported out of town,” she said. “Having these services here is so critical when every minute counts.”

Johnny Hill and Luisa Benevides, both of Hughson, celebrate week one’s fund drive results totaling nearly $200,000 for Emanuel Medical Center’s new cardiovascular services program.

This year’s campaign is year two of a five-year effort to raise $5 million to support the advanced cardiovascular care program at Emanuel. Last fall, Legacy Circle volunteers and donors reached their goal and raised just over $1 million.

The next phase of Emanuel’s cardiac program is opening two new cardiac operating suites – including a cutting-edge hybrid room where the surgical table is integrated with an interventional radiology scanner normally found in a catheterization lab. That integration allows one surgeon to control both the table and the scanner, and will allow Emanuel doctors to treat two emergency patients at once.

“We’ve already had instances where we were treating one patient in the cath lab when a heart attack patient arrived in the emergency room,” Pok said. “The new facilities aren’t a luxury, but a medical necessity.”

The new surgical suites will cost nearly $4.5 million to build and equip, and are scheduled to open in late 2012.

To donate to Legacy Circle, phone 209-664-5180 or visit emanuelmedicalcenter.org/give to make an online donation.

September 6, 2011

West Side Worker Drowns After Tractor Plunges Into the Delta-Mendota Canal

Patterson, CA – Tragedy struck early Monday morning when a Patterson area farm employee drowned while at work. Witnesses reported seeing Ernesto Ordonez, 19, of Patterson, plunge into the Delta-Mendota canal while driving a small Bobcat tractor. The area where Ordonez went into the water can best be described as the southern bank of the Delta-Mendota canal, west of Rogers Road, Patterson.

It is unclear what caused Ordonez to drive into the canal, but once in the water witnesses reported never seeing him surface. Fire rescue personnel as well as deputies with the Sheriff’s Department initially responded to the scene arriving within minutes of the original dispatched call at 10:27 a.m..

Because Ordonez was reported to never have surfaced once entering the water and after rescue personnel exhausted the search area, it was determined the incident would be downgraded from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.

After interviewing co-workers and other witnesses, it was believed Ordonez was not wearing restraints while driving the tractor. Based on the swift moving water of the Delta-Mendota canal, and the possibility of Ordonez’ body being unrestrained in the tractor, the Sheriff’s Department determined the risk to divers of the Sheriff’s Dive Team outweighed the potential for recovery Ordonez remains.

With Ordonez’ body moving with the strong current, chances were remote of locating him in the same area as the tractor.

Ordonez’ employer utilized the services of a vehicle recovery company which specializes in canal recovery operations. At about 8:00 p.m., while dragging the bottom of the canal, the tractor, along with Ordonez’ remains, were located. The area where the body and tractor were located was approximately one mile south of the where Ordonez originally entered the water.

After a careful recovery operation where personnel from the Sheriff’s Dive Team were utilized, Ordonez’ remains were successfully recovered.

September 1, 2011

Emanuel Adds Medical Oncology to its Growing List of Specialty Care Services

Turlock, CA— On September 1, California Oncology of Turlock reopens as Emanuel Specialty Care – Medical Oncology to best serve cancer patients in the greater Turlock area.

Emanuel Medical Center acquired the practice, located inside the Emanuel Cancer Center. The same oncologists will provide patient care at what is now named Emanuel Specialty Care - Medical Oncology. The practice becomes another one of the hospital’s outpatient clinics.

“We’re so excited about this opportunity to make this part of Emanuel’s services,” said Michael Iltis, Emanuel’s vice president for professional services. “It’s another step to providing seamless care for our patients.”

It was the logical next step for Emanuel Cancer Center, Iltis explained, complementing the radiation oncology services at Stanford Emanuel Radiation Oncology Center and the diagnostic services provided by Ruby E. Bergman Women’s Diagnostic Center.

Dr. Mohamed Eldaly, who has been with California Oncology since its opening in Turlock, remains at the practice. He and Dr. Lucio Nobile treat patients there daily.

“When this practice opened, we saw one or two patients a day,” Dr. Eldaly said. “Now we’re treating 60 to 70 people a day for cancer and hematologic problems.”

Emanuel’s medical oncology clinic provides advanced medical oncology services – chemotherapies – and participates in a number of clinical trials testing promising new treatments.

“We have a very strong pharmaceutical industry in the United States, so we have access to wonderful new drugs,” Dr. Eldaly said. “Through these trials, we have our finger on the pulse of the latest and most advanced treatments.”

One area of clinical advancement is genetically based treatments.

“We do a genetic evaluation of the actual tumor cells to help us decide which drugs will be the most effective,” Dr. Eldaly said. “We’re very interested in detecting genetic disorders, because then we can help the whole family.”

Emanuel Specialty Care – Medical Oncology is located inside the Emanuel Cancer Center at
880 E. Tuolumne Road and can be reached at (209) 250-5320.

August 27, 2011

Turlock, Denair and Hilmar Residents Boost Emanuel’s Open Heart Team through Giving

Turlock, CA— When Emanuel Medical Center’s talented cardiovascular team goes into surgery, there’s another team standing behind them – the more than 300 Legacy Circle volunteers who raise money to help make open heart surgery at Emanuel possible.

More than 200 of those volunteers are from Turlock, Denair and Hilmar.

Last year, donors and volunteers in Emanuel’s Legacy Circle annual giving campaign raised more than $1 million in just six weeks to support the hospital’s expanding cardiac care program, and this year’s goal is to raise $1 million more.

“People give to a good cause; that’s what it’s all about,” said Turlock’s Bill Gibbs, the fund drive co-chair with his wife Cindy. “And now we’re seeing some of the results of the program – multiple open heart surgeries are happening here in Turlock, and a large number of cardiac catheterization procedures.”

Since opening in May, Emanuel’s cardiothoracic and vascular surgery team, led by Dr. Harold Tabaie, the medical director of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, has performed several open heart surgeries, including bypass operations and valve repairs.

In addition, local cardiologists have used the advanced Cardiac Cath and Interventional Lab at Emanuel to perform 14 emergency angioplasty procedures in the past three months to open clogged coronary arteries in patients having heart attacks. The lab is also used for diagnostic and other interventional procedures, and 600 of those have already been performed this year.

“During this campaign, we’re going to hear some of those stories,” said Shirley Pok, Emanuel’s vice president of development. “These are life-changing and life-saving stories from people who wouldn’t have survived a 30-minute drive to another hospital.”

As Emanuel performs more cardiac procedures, those stories are becoming more common. Gibbs even recently happened upon one of Emanuel’s first open heart patients, a women from Hilmar who didn’t know he was a major volunteer for the hospital.

“She went on and on about how she felt so blessed to have had the procedure at Emanuel,” he said. “She couldn’t believe we have that advanced capability so close to her home and she was so pleased with the doctors and care team.”

“The fellowship we all have with each other, along with the friendly competition between teams, is just wonderful,’ she said.

The next phase of Emanuel’s cardiac program is opening two new cardiac operating suites – including a cutting-edge hybrid room where the surgical table is integrated with an interventional radiology scanner normally found in a catheterization lab. That integration allows one surgeon to control both the table and the scanner, and will allow Emanuel doctors to treat two emergency patients at once.

“We’ve already had instances where we were treating one patient in the cath lab when a heart attack patient arrived in the emergency room,” Pok said. “So the need for additional services is evident.”

The new surgical suites will cost nearly $4.5 million to build and equip, and are scheduled to open in late 2012. Legacy Circle is committed to raising $5 million in five years to support the $10.5 million program.

Legacy Circle uses a team structure to promote giving, with 29 team owners recruiting volunteers who then ask others to give, explained Jana Rhine, the hospital’s director of annual giving.

July 27, 2011

STANISLAUS COUNTY FAIR HAS HISTORIC ATTENDANCE!

Turlock, CA – Fair guests turned out in near record numbers for the Stanislaus County Fair centennial celebration.
Over 245,000 Fair guests visited the Stanislaus County Fair during its 10 day run, an increase of nearly 20 percent over last year. The Fair opened on Friday, July 15 and concluded its centennial celebration on Sunday, July 24. In addition to increased attendance, food sales were up nearly 25 percent and carnival revenue almost 35 percent.
“We had an extremely successful year with all our new programs and different exhibits,” said Stanislaus County Fair CEO Chris Borovansky. “With the economy being what it is, we made a concerted effort to present value to the community.”
As part of a successful year filled with many new programs, the Centennial Exhibit was a popular attraction that showcased images from the last 100 years. The Fair’s Wetlands Exhibit was a collaborative effort showcasing recreational outdoor opportunities throughout the region. The Fair’s Park ‘N Ride service also exceeded Fair officials’ expectations, delivering over 15,600 Fair guests to its historic Arch Gate from free parking lots at CSU Stanislaus and Pitman High School. The Fair also sold over 40 of the once in a lifetime 100 Year Pass, good for 100 years of Fair admission.
“With all the free events included in our admission price, guests couldn’t find better value for their dollar,” said Borovansky.
These efforts included dollar rides on opening night and “Free ‘Til 3” both Sundays. The Fair also offered a valuable coupon book with values redeemable onsite.
“Both Sundays had huge daytime attendance, which is not usually the case,” said Borovansky. “Our vendors really appreciated the risk we took in giving away the gate, it was something that we felt we owed to the community.”
Another highlight of the 2011 Stanislaus County Fair was the back-by-popular demand Rainforest Adventure exhibit, sponsored by Sky Trek Aviation. The Budweiser Clydesdales were another feature that drew large crowds for their nightly parade and arena appearances.

“There are so many high quality programs within our Fair,” said Borovansky. “Our job is to reflect and showcase the best the community has to offer, and I think we were successful in achieving our goals. We also want to present a safe and family friendly event, and our success reflected that as well.”
The excitement of nine nights of motorsports and one night of rodeo in the FoodMaxx Arena were also welcomed by Fair guests. Both destruction derbies were sold out events.
All of the 10 free celebrity concerts on the Budweiser Variety Free Stage were very well attended. Big Time Rush drew a huge crowd, as did Clint Black and Boyz II Men. There were also many new grounds acts throughout the Fair, including Jest In Time Circus, magician Shawn Greer, street artist Dana Smith and Dennis Forel the Balloon Man.
Another success of the 2011 Fair was the highly popular and interactive mobile app. With over 5,300 downloads of the app and over 30,000 sessions, Fair guests navigated their way through the app while at the Fair.
Livestock information will be reported once the information is made available.
To receive information regarding the 2012 Stanislaus County Fair by text message, text the word “FAIR” to 99299. Fair enthusiasts can also follow how the 2012 Fair is developing at twitter.com/stancofair. In addition, become a fan of the fair at facebook.com/stancofair.
The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, entertainment and technology.

Images from the 2011 Stanislaus County Fair

Images from the 2011 Stanislaus County Fair