Matt Andrews
Matt Andrews is a Modesto-based freelance writer who has contributed to several regional publications. He has a BA in English from CSU Stanislaus, and enjoys literature, hiking and traveling, and writing about all three. Email Me





Jane Baker
Jane freelance writes, teaches and speaks on women, marriage, parenting, child abuse and writing. She has published three biographies and many magazine and newspaper articles. She enjoys, writes and paints the kaleidoscope of life. Email Me.


Keith Boggs
Deputy Executive Officer - Economic Development of Stanislaus County, and oversees several countywide functions including West Side business park development. He serves as Interim Director - County General Services Agency, and is responsible for the regional tourism roundtable, Connecting Stanislaus (Community Technology Outreach), and the Stanislaus County Employee mentor program. He serves on multiple non-profit and community service boards & advisories, and is a also a writer, artist, designer and musician.


Melece Casey
Melece Casey is passionate about local issues, events, and opportunities. She enjoyed a busy 5-year stint as Bakerfield’s most popular morning news radio show. Melece enjoys exploring the wonders of Stanislaus County while sharing her discoveries with our readers.


Katherine Hester, ND
Katherine Hester, ND, is the owner of Herbs Plus where she teaches lifestyle practices to build immunity, improve mental health and enhance body function through Naturopathy and Nutrition. She is a Master Herbalist, Certified Nutritional Counselor and has a Doctor of Naturopathy. She belongs to the Certified Natural Health Professionals and the American Association of Nutritional Counselors.


Lisa J. Hunt, D.O.
Lisa J. Hunt is the Medical Director of Valley Wellness Center in Modesto whose mission “is to build on every level of your health to achieve the best quality of life”. She is board certified in Family Medicine and Holistic and Integrative Medicine. She specializes in anti-aging treatment, natural thyroid replacement, menopause/andropause therapy (including Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement), strengthening the immune system, neurotransmitter analysis/replacement and nutritional support guidance.


Maureen Katemopoulos
Maureen Katemopoulos is a Modesto based writer, and a Stanford graduate in Communication who enjoys reading, photography. She is especially proud of her year round project; she and her mother knit and ship 50 sets of scarves, hats and gloves to St. Anthony’s Breadline in New York for the needy at Christmas, “warmth for those who need it most.


Jennifer Mullen
Executive Director of the Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureau. Her role is to market Modesto as the ideal destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, tours, film production and leisure travel, creating a positive economic impact in our community. She is also President of the Central Valley Tourism Association. If you are planning an event in Modesto or if you are a member of an organization and would like to bring your convention to Modesto Email Me.


Vicki Rice
Vicki Rice is the Recycling Program Coordinator for the City of Modesto. Her main emphasis is to recommend and implement a variety of recycling programs for the City. She is responsible for administering recycling awareness and creating partnerships that promote sustainability as we continue to protect our natural resources, become good stewards of the environment and adopt the reduce-reuse-recycle way of thinking in all aspects of our lives. For detailed information on recycling programs available to the citizens of Modesto contact vicki Rice at vrice@modestogov.com or visit modestogov.com and learn more.


Sue Rich
Susan Rich is the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services at the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE). She has worked at SCOE since 1993. Currently, she oversees the Student Events and Preventions departments, which includes After School Programs. She is a former high school teacher, volleyball coach and yearbook advisor. She earned her BA in English from uC Davis, a MA in writing from U.S.F., and an administrative credential from CSU, Stanislaus. She enjoys playing volleyball herself, teaching Sunday School classes, and hosting a 4H llama project in Oakdale.


Jacqui Sinarle
Jacqui Sinarle has been a full-time professional writer and editor for over 22 years.


Joe Swain
Joe Swain is a native Modestan and a registered Principal at the financial services firm of Blom & Swain. He has completed course work to earn the CrPC® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Swain and his business partner Gary Blom have a combined 28 years in the industry. Their office specializes in asset management and estate and retirement solutions. After his family and his clients, Swain is passionate about community service, especially as it relates to foster children.