Modesto Poverty

Poverty in Modesto has risen to an astounding 19.9%, making us the sixth poorest city in the nation.  Thanks to my father's work in non-profit, I have been involved in volunteer work my entire life.  I have seen the impacts of poverty first hand.  Now that one in five Modesto residents are living in poverty we must make this a top priority.  Poverty doesn't only impact those living below the poverty line.  Poverty impacts us all.  We must work together as a community, partnering government with non-profit and private industries alike to see that we find the best solutions for this and other issues facing our community.

As always, you voice matters to me,

Joshua Esteves
vote4esteves@gmail.com
209-534-6471

Donations

While walking precincts today I met with a supporter who asked about making donations.  After talking about how to donate, he said he would just check my blog and get the information from the blog.  That was when I realized I didn't have the information on my blog so I will post it now.
There are several ways to donate. 
You can donate online through Paypal by sending a donation to:  vote4esteves@gmail.com
You can go into any branch of Mocse Credit Union and donate to:  Friends of Joshua Esteves for Modesto City Council 2011
Checks made out to Friends of Joshua Esteves can be sent to:
1504 Sylvan Ave.
Modesto CA  95355

Or, you can contact me at: 209-534-6471 and I will be happy to make arrangements to pick any donations.

Also, a side note about donations.  Donations under $100 can be made anonymously.  However, donations over $100 require a name, address, and employer.

Thank you all very much, I look forward to serving you.

Josh Esteves

Interview on Morning Mayor

Yesterday I was on the Morning Mayor.

The League of Women Voters Forum for Districts 5 and 6

Last night the League of Women Voters hosted a forum at Beyer High for the district 5 and 6 candidates.  I think it went quite well.  Here is the Bee's article about the event.

Smart Voter

I just posted some of  my info on the Smart Voter website.  You can check it out here:  http://www.smartvoter.org/2011/11/08/ca/stn/vote/esteves_j/

Modesto Bee

The Modesto Bee just published a piece on the District 5 candidates.  It can be found here:  http://www.modbee.com/2011/10/02/1887087/district-5-voters-will-get-to.html

Clean It or Lien It

Modesto has greatly been impacted by the foreclosure crisis but very little has been done to help solve the issue.  A foreclosed property brings down property values for all the homes in the neighborhood, it can increase crime, fire, and health hazards.  It is time for Modesto to implement a Clean It or Lien It program.  Such property abandonment programs have been successful in other California cities such as Chula Vista and Murrieta and will be very beneficial to Modesto. 

The program would hold lenders responsible for their foreclosed properties by forcing them to register the property with the city, then they must maintain their properties to neighborhood standards.  The registration lets the city know who to hold accountable for each property, and at a registration fee of $70 a foreclosed property, the city could easily raise over $40,000 to start the program.  Then the lenders are forced to maintain their properties or they could be fined anywhere from $100 to $1000 a day depending on the violation. 

Such programs have been very beneficial to the communities where they have been enacted and it is time for Modesto to hold lenders accountable and to protect our citizens.  Join me and together we can get a Clean It or Lien It program here.