West Side Index & Gustine Press-Standard

GUSTINE - Who is going to get custody of The Chief this year? That will be decided on Friday at Gustine High School Stadium, which is the site of the 80th edition and regular season rivalry varsity football game between host Gustine and visiting Orestimba. The game is scheduled to start at 7:15 p.m. The winner will get The Chief, a 6-foot wooden trophy featuring a Native American in full headdress. The trophy started during the 1988 season. The visiting Warriors won the 2025 contest, 26-0.

NEWMAN — The Friends of the Newman Library continues to play a key role in supporting the Newman Branch of the Stanislaus County Library, helping expand programs, services and opportunities for residents of all ages. The volunteer‑run organization provides support through fundraising, book sales, volunteer service and community outreach, all with the goal of making the library a welcoming place for learning, connection and community engagement.

As the primary election came and went, Westside voters will now turn their attention to the Nov. 3 election, where various seats in local boards will be decided on the ballot. From school board to city council, there’s a handful of new and incumbent candidates up for contention. Here’s a guide of who is running for boards across the Westside.

GUSTINE — City parks across Gustine have seen a wave of improvements over the past year, with more upgrades on the horizon as officials plan for the future of recreation, open space and community gathering areas. Economic and Community Development Director Jami Westervelt said two of the most recent projects took place at Henry Miller Park, where the city installed a new playground and completed a full rehabilitation of the park’s gazebo.

NEWMAN POLICE The Newman Police Department handled 99 incidents during the week of Aug. 14–20, according to the agency’s weekly activity report. Officers responded to 58 calls for service and initiated 41 additional contacts. Police recorded two Part I crimes — both assaults — and made six arrests during the week. No burglaries, larcenies, vehicle thefts, robberies, rapes or arsons were reported. The department also logged no DUI arrests.

NEWMAN — The Newman City Council on Tuesday will receive an informational presentation on the police department’s use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader technology, following weeks of questions and concerns raised by residents on social media and through emails to city officials.

NEWMAN — The Newman Fall Festival returns Sept. 4–7 with a full weekend of carnival rides, food vendors, live entertainment and community traditions as the celebration marks its 55th year. The festival opens Friday at 4 p.m. in Pioneer Park with food booths, non‑alcoholic beverage vendors and the carnival. Family activities such as face painting, balloon twisting and the Westside Fiesta Mexicana dancers will fill the Gazebo area, while Lucha Libre wrestling returns to the south side of the park.

By Manola Secaira Ag Alert It’s been a tough period for California processing tomato growers as contracted acreage has declined during the past couple years. But with a steady start to the harvest season, growers say they’re on the road to recovery. California tomato processors this year contracted 185,000 acres, the lowest in more than 30 years, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

GUSTINE — A deep roster of senior leadership paired with an energetic wave of young players has the Gustine High School girls volleyball program gearing up for a high‑intensity 2026 season. The Reds spent the summer training three days a week beginning June 15, laying the foundation for what coaches expect to be a competitive fall. With school now in session, the team has shifted into its regular routine: practices on Mondays and Wednesdays, with Tuesdays and Thursdays reserved for game days.

GUSTINE — The gridiron is calling as the 2026 Gustine High School flag football season gets underway, backed by a packed schedule, a demanding summer program and a seasoned coaching duo ready to lead the Reds into a high‑energy fall campaign. The team spent the summer building its foundation with three to four intensive practices per week, pausing only for the CIF‑mandated dead period. That off‑season work laid the groundwork for a fast‑paced slate ahead.