You’ve got a text! And it’s from The Modesto Focus!
The Modesto Focus has launched a free Spanish-language SMS text message program that delivers local news, vital information, and community resources directly to subscribers’ phones — at no cost with no app required.
El Enfoque Modesto is now live and open to all Stanislaus County residents. To join, community members can text the keyword ENFOQUE to (209) 439-4798 or sign up online at joinsubtext.com/c/themodestofocus. Enrollment takes seconds and is always free.
The launch reflects a core mission of The Modesto Focus: That everyone in Stanislaus County deserves access to free, reliable, locally relevant news and information. We believe that for many Spanish-speaking residents, text messaging is the most accessible way to deliver on that mission.
For a significant portion of the Latino community in the Modesto area, access to local news in Spanish has been limited. The Modesto Focus identified text messaging as a practical solution for several reasons: it works on any phone, requires no internet connection, and reaches people directly — without the filter of social media algorithms or the barrier of downloading a new app.
For us, the program is about meeting people where they are — and making sure no one in Stanislaus County is left out of the conversation simply because of the language they speak or their access to reliable internet access.
Subscribers can expect text messages covering essential local news, public safety and local events, health information and civic participation resources such as voting deadlines and public meetings. All content will be written in clear, straightforward Spanish and focused on Modesto and Stanislaus County.
Also, when you text us, you’re not texting a bot or a faceless inbox. I’m Ximena Loeza, the bilingual communities reporter with The Modesto Focus, and I am on the other end of this line. Whether you have a question about something you read, want to share what’s happening in your neighborhood, or just want to reach out, I’m here and I will write back.
My goal is for every subscriber to feel like they have a real journalist in their corner, someone who knows this community, speaks the language, and genuinely wants to hear from them.
For The Modesto Focus newsroom, the SMS program serves a dual purpose. In addition to distributing our stories and information, reporters will use the channel to listen. Subscribers are encouraged to reply directly to messages — whether to share a question, flag something happening in their neighborhood, or pitch a story they think deserves coverage.
Those responses will inform our journalism and help shape what our newsroom covers. This direct line will be used to gauge story ideas with our community, survey our audience on pressing issues, and seek out sources for stories we are working on.
Anonymity is always a conversation we are willing to have because we want our audience to feel safe and comfortable sitting down with us and telling their stories.
Subscriber privacy is central to how the program was designed. No personal data will be sold or shared with third parties. The Modesto Focus will be fully in control of our subscribers information and data. Mobile information collected through our SMS program, including your mobile phone number, consent status, and messaging preferences, will not be shared, sold, rented, or disclosed to third parties, affiliates, or other companies for marketing or promotional purposes.
Enrollment is strictly opt-in, and subscribers can leave at any time by replying STOP. We acknowledge that sharing a phone number requires trust, particularly in communities that have had legitimate reasons to be cautious about how personal data is used; We do not take that trust lightly. We are always willing and able to hear how we can improve this program to ensure it is working for everyone.
This SMS program is one part of a longer effort to build a community-centered information ecosystem, shaped by direct input from its audience. We see the program not as something built for the community, but something it can grow with it. We’re incredibly excited to start this new venture and hope to hear from you on our phones soon!
JOIN THE SMS PROGRAM
- Text ENFOQUE to (209) 439-4798
- Or sign up at joinsubtext.com/c/themodestofocus
- Free. In Spanish. No spam. Text STOP any time to unsubscribe.