You’ve probably seen the sign. The one that proudly declares Oakdale as the "Cowboy Capital of the World." It’s a bold claim, but if you spend even twenty minutes near the H-B Saloon or watch the way folks here handle a horse, you realize it’s not just marketing. It’s the literal truth.
But lately, the news in Oakdale CA has been less about the rodeo and more about the growing pains of a town trying to keep its soul while the rest of California tries to move in. Honestly, it’s a weird time to be a local. You’ve got high-speed chases, a massive 300-acre annexation project called Sierra Pointe, and a string of tragic accidents that have the community on edge.
The Growth Dilemma: Is Oakdale Getting Too Big?
Basically, the biggest story right now isn't a single event. It’s the "Sierra Pointe" project. If you haven't heard, the Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission recently gave the green light to annex about 300 acres on the southeast side of town.
Think about that for a second.
We’re talking 900 new homes. We’re talking over a million square feet of shops and offices. We’re talking 2,500 new neighbors. To some, this is the "unprecedented expansion" the city needs to survive. To others, like Councilman Jarod Pitassi—who was the lone "no" vote at City Hall—it’s a recipe for a traffic nightmare.
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Pitassi’s point is actually pretty nuanced. It’s not just about the cars on Yosemite Avenue during peak hours. It’s about the livestock. Oakdale is a place where people keep horses and cattle in their backyards. When you drop a massive suburban development next to a working ranch, city codes and country life tend to clash.
Tragedy on the Roadways
The first half of January 2026 has been, frankly, heartbreaking. If you feel like the sirens have been louder lately, you aren’t imagining it.
On Friday, January 9, a 63-year-old local named Wayne Townsend was killed while riding his bike near Highway 120 and 26-Mile Road. He apparently swerved into the path of a pickup truck. Then, just a few days later on January 14, another man—only 29 years old—was struck and killed by a truck on Highway 108 near Langworth Road at 3:30 in the morning.
And then there was the wreck involving a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputy at North Yosemite and East E Street. A child had to be airlifted to the hospital. Thankfully, the latest reports say the kid was in stable condition, but it’s a stark reminder that as this town grows, our old two-lane roads are struggling to handle the heat.
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The "Switch" from PG&E: A Power Move?
One thing people keep asking about is the electricity bill. It’s no secret that PG&E rates are enough to make anyone’s eyes water. Oakdale city leaders have been seriously flirting with the idea of ditching PG&E in favor of the Modesto Irrigation District (MID).
The logic is simple: MID is usually way cheaper.
The execution? Not so simple. Pulling the plug on a major utility involves legal hurdles and infrastructure buyouts that could take years. But the fact that the city is actually moving forward with these studies shows just how fed up the community is with the status quo.
Real People, Real Wins
It’s not all heavy news, though. If you want a reason to smile, look at 11-year-old Jaxston Duncan. This kid is a sixth grader at Magnolia Elementary and he’s basically the Michael Jordan of off-road racing right now. He won every single race he entered in 2025.
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Every. Single. One.
He’s heading into the 2026 season with three championships under his belt. It’s that kind of grit that reminds you why this town still calls itself the Cowboy Capital. Whether it’s on a horse or in a trophy truck, Oakdale kids just know how to compete.
What’s Coming Up: Mark Your Calendars
If you’re looking to get involved or just want to hear the latest directly from the source, the Mayor’s State of the City address is happening on January 28, 2026, at the Gene Bianchi Community Center. It starts at 11:30 AM. Expect a lot of talk about the Sierra Pointe annexation and maybe some updates on the Cost Less Food store, which has been a mess since that roof collapse last year.
There’s also a career fair on January 21 if you’re looking for work. It’s at the community center from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Actionable Steps for Oakdale Residents
- Watch the Traffic: With the increase in fatal accidents on Highway 108 and 120, be extra vigilant during the early morning and "twilight" hours. The intersection of Yosemite and E Street remains a high-risk zone.
- Get Involved in the Annexation: The Sierra Pointe project still has windows for public comment and reconsideration. If you’re worried about livestock rights or traffic, now is the time to email the City Clerk or show up to council meetings.
- Support Local: Between the thefts reported on North Yosemite and the struggles of local shops, the "Cowboy Way" means looking out for each other.
- Check Your Power Options: Keep an eye on the MID feasibility studies. If the city makes the jump, you’ll want to know how it affects your specific property's service line.
Oakdale is changing. There’s no stopping it. But whether it turns into another generic Central Valley suburb or stays the rugged, independent town we love depends entirely on how we handle these growing pains right now.
Next Steps for Staying Updated:
- Check the Oakdale Police Department’s "Police Beat" every Wednesday for localized crime trends in your neighborhood.
- Attend the State of the City on January 28 to hear the official stance on the PG&E to MID transition.
- Follow the Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) agendas for the final word on the Sierra Pointe 300-acre expansion.