Layoffs Approved, Fentanyl Sentence, and Crash Injuries Lead Modesto Headlines

It has been a busy and consequential few days across Modesto, with developments in local schools, public safety, and the courts shaping this week’s headlines.

School District Authorizes 30 Layoffs

The Modesto City Schools Board of Education voted Monday night to authorize 30 layoffs, with at least 21 employees expected to receive notices ahead of the mid-March deadline.

District leaders said no teaching positions are impacted. The cuts include previously approved campus supervisor roles and other classified staff positions. Human resources officials plan to work with affected employees to explore reassignment and retraining options where possible.

The vote was unanimous among members present, as the district continues to navigate budget pressures while aiming to preserve classroom instruction.

Modesto Man Sentenced in Federal Fentanyl Case

A 28-year-old Modesto man has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for his role in a fentanyl and firearms trafficking conspiracy in Stanislaus County.

Federal prosecutors said the case was tied to a broader multi-agency investigation into the distribution of fentanyl pills and illegal firearms in the region. The defendant previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm connected to drug trafficking activities.

The sentence was handed down in federal court in Fresno earlier this week.

Four Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash

Four people were hospitalized Monday morning after a four-vehicle collision at the intersection of 9th Street and Hosmer Avenue.

Authorities said the crash occurred shortly before 9 a.m. The cause remains under investigation. Multiple vehicles were towed from the scene, and the roadway was temporarily blocked as crews responded.

Officials have not released updates on the conditions of those injured.

Busy Week at the Gallo Center

Looking ahead, the Modesto region is gearing up for a packed stretch of performances at the Gallo Center for the Arts from March 14 through March 20. The lineup includes comedy and live entertainment events expected to draw audiences from across the Central Valley.

After a week marked by serious headlines, the upcoming shows offer a reminder of the city’s active arts scene.

Sources

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/modesto-city-schools-authorizes-30-005453923.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/modesto-man-sentenced-more-11-204819220.html
https://maisonlaw.com/2026/03/four-vehicle-crash-9th-street-hosmer-avenue-modesto/
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/performers-naked-gallo-center-stage-130000822.html