District administrators reported a smooth start to the new year - although it appears that the district may see another decline in its student enrollment.

Based solely on the number of students in attendance on opening day, Superintendent Gail McWilliams said, it appears enrollment could be down slightly.

Brazil, Schultz will vie in mayoral race

GUSTINE - The two candidates seeking to become Gustine’s next mayor each promise to bring a new vitality to a struggling community.

Candidates Dennis Brazil and Lynn Schultz bring their individual leadership traits and qualifications to the Nov. 2 race, giving voters a choice at the polls.

The only certainty is that Gustine will have a new mayor, after incumbent Rich Ford decided not to seek re-election.

Romero shows significant gains in ELA proficiency

GUSTINE - Romero School made significant strides in English language arts proficiency on last spring’s STAR tests, and the overall testing performance of last year’s fourth-graders at both elementary campuses was a highlight for the Gustine Unified School District.

In addition, two grade levels at Gustine Middle School narrowly missed hitting proficiency targets  with strong gains, one in English and the other in math. Gustine High’s marks in earth science also soared to near proficiency targets, and its proficiency rate in chemistry climbed sharply.

Officials identified the victim as Orlando Torres Garcia, 23.

According to California Highway Patrol reports, Garcia was driving a 2006 Chrysler south on Whitworth when, for unknown reasons, he failed to observe the stop sign at Sullivan Road (Highway 140) and drove into the path of an oncoming truck.