Holiday happenings in Manteca, Lathrop and Ripon

ODDS & ENDS

Twilight parade on Saturday

Get ready to rock Saturday at 5 p.m. in downtown Manteca.

Four big draws may bring 3M visitors to Manteca in ‘10

A decade ago Manteca's then fledgling Manteca Convention & Visitors Bureau had to "generate reasons why" people should visit Manteca.

Manteca Tree of Lights

Brenna McLeary had a good reason to support Hospice of San Joaquin's annual "Manteca Tree of Lights" on Wednesday evening.

Turkeys R Us needs help for 1,060 families for Christmas meals

The push is now underway to help make sure 1,300 struggling families in Manteca, Ripon, and Lathrop have a turkey or a ham on their Christmas table.

Volunteers needed for tonight’s Lathrop Christmas tree lighting program

LATHROP – Volunteers are being sought to help at the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony to be held tonight starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Manuel Valverde Park.

Lathrop police, firefighters join forces for food drive Saturday

LATHROP – They are usually on the forefront, fighting fires and taking a bite out of crime.

One cited, one taken to hospital after Yosemite-Union collision

Three cars tangled up in an intersection collision at 11:22 a.m. Wednesday that sent one woman to an area hospital and another was cited for not having a driver's license.

Braata, Façade bands performing Friday in Plea for Peace concert

Braata, a Manteca reggae rock band, and Facade, a progressive rock band, will be sharing their original music at the Plea for Peace Center in Stockton this Friday, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m.

Fish study threatens water supply

An unprecedented fourth consecutive drought year in modern times that is threatening California may not be as disastrous for the South County as a federal fish study.

Growling during Lathrop council meeting prompts police inquiry

LATHROP – Lathrop resident J. Chaka Santos just found out that growling at someone at a council meeting could land you into trouble with the law.

Final tally: Telethon raises $94,306

The Manteca/Lathrop Boys & Girls Club Telethon raised $94,306.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT DEC. 13

Taste of Ripon takes place Thursday

RIPON – For 14 years the annual 'Taste of Ripon' has given residents the chance to mingle with downtown merchants in a friendly and festive environment.

Manteca eyes possible water use restrictions

The top brass at Manteca's City Hall are taking a wait and see attitude about the drought – but they aren't planning to wait too long.

Manteca Relay for Life off & running

It takes a lot to put together a fundraiser that pulls in nearly $100,000.

Manteca group picked for Battle of Bands

Sometimes just getting your foot in the door is half the battle.

Idling police cars keep public safe

You've all seen them.

HEARTS & HANDS

Dee Gotelli and Elaine Williams have been hard at work tying up the loose ends for Saturday's Hearts and Hands Bingo Night at the Manteca Senior Center.

Manteca folks hungry to spend again

Manteca consumers have gotten their appetite back.

Lathrop Police earn traffic safety kudos

The Lathrop Police Services division of the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office has come out on top with two California Law Enforcement Challenge (CLEC) awards in a row thanks to a team effort of 26 sworn officers and a support staff of two.

Manteca home values up $66,750

The value of existing Manteca homes rebounded 35.4 percent during 2013 with the median selling price jumping $66,750.

PIONEER DESCENDANT

Almost every Tuesday morning, Ron Howe volunteers his time and service to the Manteca Historical Museum.

Upgrades for tennis courts get approval

Manteca's tennis courts are getting upgrades.

Atheists, freethinkers gathering at Manteca Library

David Diskin doesn't want to offend anybody.