CVJC Newsletter Dec. 26 edition: The latest Merced and Valley news
Here are some of the top news items that recently headlines in the San Joaquin Valley
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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.
Merced breaks ground on new $17 million airport terminal project
Merced leaders and city staff broke ground Dec. 21 on the city’s $17 million Merced Yosemite Regional Airport Terminal Replacement Project.
Merced officials say the project is expected to help the city meet current and future demands for growing passenger traffic by introducing an energy-efficient and sustainable facility.
According to a news release, the project includes updates to the existing 5,000 square foot,1940s-era terminal, which currently lacks sufficient office space. The existing terminal also offers limited room for TSA checkpoint screening and provides inadequate passenger holding space.
“Merced Yosemite Regional Airport is our city’s underutilized gem, and this transformative project represents a crucial investment in its future,” Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero said in the release.
“The updates provided by this project are not just about bricks and mortar; they are about meeting the escalating demands of our growing community, ensuring our airport thrives as a hub for both commercial and private aviation travel. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to unlocking the full potential of our city’s aviation gem for the benefit of all.”
The new terminal will include updated passenger holding areas with restrooms, a dedicated TSA area, offices for aviation and airport administration, and upgraded airside services to enhance the overall passenger experience.
“I extend appreciation to the FAA for their invaluable support and funding. With Senator Padilla’s steadfast support, we embark on a journey to modernize our airport terminal, a significant step towards enhancing the overall travel experience for our community and visitors alike,” Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto said in the release.
‘This transformative project underscores our commitment to progress and sets the stage for a more vibrant and accessible Merced.”
Merced Yosemite Regional Airport a commercial-general aviation airport owned by the City of Merced, is served by Essential Air Service Provider Advanced Air, a scheduled commuter and private charter airline based in Hawthorne, California, the release said.
The airport offers daily flights to and from Hawthorne Municipal Airport and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Merced County’s unemployment rate is among California’s worst, data shows. See where it ranks
Despite gains made after the COVID pandemic, Merced County’s unemployment rate remains among the worst in California – and is now slightly higher in 2023 compared with a year ago. READ FULL STORY
Merced County Hmong New Year Celebration 2023-24: Some of the sights and festivities in photos
The vibrant culture of the local Hmong community took centerstage during the past weekend at the Merced County Fairgrounds, as festivities for the 2023-24 Hmong New Year Celebration were held. SEE FULL GALLERY
New California law addressing mental illness, addiction among homeless delayed by Valley counties. Here's why
Leaders in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties are among those who’ve opted to defer the new law, which would have gone into effect in January. READ FULL STORY
‘Free Palestine’ chants fill Merced City Council chambers after contentious debate on proposed Gaza resolution
One council member walked out of the meeting, saying he was ‘disgusted’ by his colleagues. READ FULL STORY
Merced musical prodigy tapped as concertmaster — at the age of 15 (Merced County Times)
The Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) has named 15-year-old violinist Rylan Post as the ensemble’s concertmaster — only the fourth in the organization’s 21-year history. (READ FULL STORY)
Bankrupt Madera hospital cuts deal with company to ‘reopen and operate’ shuttered facility (Fresnoland)
Madera County’s 160,000 residents have been without a general acute care hospital since late 2022 . READ FULL STORY
State’s groundwater enforcement timeline is “not nearly as ambitious” as originally envisioned (SJW Water)
State staff revealed it will be well into 2025 before all of the “inadequate” groundwater subbasins will start probationary hearings. READ FULL STORY
2023 in California photos: Record rain, epic super blooms and historic strikes (Cal Matters)
Looking back at 2023 in California is a lot to unpack.SEE FULL GALLERY
Many California undocumented students are missing out on financial aid. An easier, new application could get them more money (Cal Matters)
The financial aid application for undocumented students is cumbersome and confusing, and many students aren’t completing the forms. A new law streamlines the process. READ FULL STORY