Since 1994, O’Brien’s has been more than just a place to shop for groceries | Opinion

More than a grocery store

“ Riverbank maker of unusual cheese snacks is among 3 in region with dairy innovation grants ,” (modbee.com, June 12)

As the Riverbank O’Brien’s Market prepares to close its doors forever, we want to recognize all they have done for the city. Since 1994, O’Brien’s has been more than just a place to shop for groceries. The O’Brien’s family and business served the community as well, supporting many community programs throughout the years, including the Riverbank Historical Society and Women’s Club fundraisers for student scholarships. Bill O’Brien also served on the city council and as mayor.

O’Brien’s provided quality shopping with a small-town feel. We knew the staff by name, and they knew us. It felt comfortable shopping there. O’Brien’s is the place many teens were hired for their first jobs (our three daughters included). Learning customer service, how to bag groceries properly, retrieve carts and, of course, “clean up on Aisle 7” were valuable lessons learned.

We want to personally say thank you to Chuck and Bill O’Brien for your time here in Riverbank. You and your store have truly made a positive difference in our city. You will be greatly missed.

Rich and Chris Holmer

Riverbank

Equity-minded approach

“ Modesto segregation rise can affect homes, life span, income ,” (modbee.com, July 10, 2021)

Generations of segregation and neglect have profoundly impacted West Modesto. Historic discrimination by local officials based on race and ethnicity necessitates community reparations. This involves allocating ample funds to upgrade the infrastructure of neglected areas to the standards of wealthier neighborhoods. In other words, making up for the past.

This equity approach to infrastructure investment is essential to correct long-standing disparities and ensure equal living standards for the next generation.

Pearl Alice Marsh

Patterson

Infill, not sprawl

“ Stanislaus should not allow Riverbank to expand borders ,” (modbee.com, June 15)

Improving access and reliability with new and better forms of transportation such as the ACE trains and High Speed Rail is beneficial to all who make the Central Valley home. But before that pipeline cracks and leaks thousands of more people sprawling over the best farmland in the world, our leaders must act.

We must stop ever-expanding cities from choking out our number one industry: agriculture. We have the best soils, water, farmers, processing and delivery industries in the world. We have the opportunity to use our existing city limit boundaries to budget what we plan to take using urban limits as a tool. The city council should put urban limit proposals on the ballot this year or in 2026.

A new initiative is circulating in Riverbank to establish an urban limit only along its western city limit. Why? Because Riverbank is next to the finest soils and water recharge area in Stanislaus County. It’s not in need of expanding its city limit while they continue to have available land and more than 661 acres within their primary sphere of influence, as approved in 2016.

Everyone needs affordable housing best served by existing commercial businesses, sewer, roads, police and fire departments — not expensive expansions. Urban infill better utilizes all government services. Sprawl costs us all!

Denny Jackman

Modesto

Opposed to River Walk

“ Stanislaus should not allow Riverbank to expand borders ,” (modbee.com, June 15)

We can’t let River Walk occur, or else we could lose this agricultural resource forever. Prime farmland adjacent to the Stanislaus River that recharges the aquifer should not be paved over to add another 2,400 dwelling units to Riverbank’s housing inventory. This project will increase traffic congestion and pollution as well as develop housing in a riparian setting that will be unaffordable for Stanislaus County residents.

Riverbank annexed land in 2016 and 2019 for Crossroads area providing plenty of developable land as well as infilling within existing core city limits. Another annexation is not needed.

Riverbank citizens, wake up! You will pay to provide the infrastructure needed and experience insufficient government resources resulting in a decreased quality of life.

Colleen Preston

Modesto