CVJC Newsletter Dec. 11 edition: The latest Merced and Valley news
Here are some of the top news items that made recent headlines in the San Joaquin Valley
Welcome. Bienvenidos. Bem-vindo. Zoo siab txais tos. Savāgata hai.
We are the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, a new nonprofit newsroom geared toward covering Merced and the San Joaquin Valley.
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The following is a collection of news items written by CVJC, in addition to our partners KVPR, Fresnoland and other publications.
UC Merced students renew calls for university to define Gaza conflict as ‘genocide’
It’s the second resolution the university’s student senate has passed on the issue. But will the student body president support it? READ FULL STORY
Fresno Pacific University's chief financial officer is retiring as campus seeks ‘clarity’ on financial future
The retirement comes amid cuts to more than a dozen degree programs at the Valley’s only accredited Christian university. READ FULL STORY
Merced Mall plans still moving forward, developer says. Here's what to expect in 2024
There's still activity on the project pending at Merced City Hall. Here's where things stand. READ FULL STORY
Young word wizards take home top honors at Merced County Spelling Bees
These students were on point, spelling words like "resuscitate" and "ventriloquist" flawlessly. READ FULL STORY
Planada residents get a first look at how $20 million flood relief package might be spent
The plan could be before the Board of Supervisors by January. But the process is far from over. READ FULL STORY
In California’s San Joaquin Valley, the future of farming is in tech
Smart farms, electric tractors and remote-controlled wheelbarrows. Those are just some of the new technologies that could soon be hitting the agriculture industry in the San Joaquin Valley in the upcoming year. READ FULL STORY
Climate change is causing more pests to target California farms, UC Merced researchers say
The situation could have a negative impact on California's and the Valley's agriculture industry. READ FULL STORY
Merced’s new city manager talks affordable housing, police staffing and other local issues
Scott McBride sat down for a Q&A with CVJC after recently stepping into the top executive role at Merced City Hall. READ FULL STORY
McCarthy resignation sets off mad scramble (Cal Matters)
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s announcement he will vacate his seat and not seek reelection sets off a tidal wave of speculation on who will represent a wide swath of California’s agricultural heartland. READ FULL STORY
California budget rollercoaster: Analyst predicts $68 billion deficit (Cal Matters)
With tax revenues in a free fall comparable to the Great Recession and the dot-com bust, California faces a projected $68 billion budget deficit next year that will require spending cuts and reserve funds to close, state finance officials said. READ FULL STORY
Government meetings calendar
Monday, Dec. 11 — Atwater City Council, 6 p.m. 750 Bellevue Road in Atwater.
Tuesday, Dec. 12 — Merced City Schools District board meeting — 7p.m. STEAM Center, 2900 Green Street in Merced and on YouTube at @mercedcityschooldistrict9067.
Wednesday, Dec. 13 — Merced Union High School District board meeting, 5:30 p.m. Livingston High School library, 1617 Main St. in Livingston.