CVJC Newsletter Dec. 4 edition: The latest Merced and Valley news
Here are some of the top news items that made recent headlines in the San Joaquin Valley
Photo by Sam Yniguez/UC Merced
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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.
New Merced City Attorney starts this week
New Merced city attorney Craig J. Cornwell is set to begin his role at city hall on Tuesday.
Cornwell worked for more than 20 years for the Southern California city of Compton. He was city manager there from 2019 to 2021 and city attorney from 2000 to 2019, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“I am excited to join such a dedicated group of political leaders and employees. I stand ready to contribute to the health, safety, and welfare of Merced,” Cornwell said in a news release.
Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto said in a news release that Cornwell will play a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of Merced, ensuring the city's adherence to the law and advocating for the best interests of its residents.
“Craig is dedicated to maintaining the safety, integrity, and prosperity of the city, and his vast legal knowledge and expertise will be invaluable in achieving these goals,” said Serratto.
Cornwell’s expertise includes contract negotiation, law enforcement oversight, civil litigation, criminal prosecution, strategic planning, budget development, and drafting legislation, the release said.
His experience also includes creating ordinances, resolutions, and legal opinions and providing legal advice and guidance to city council, boards, commissions, members of city management, and department heads, directing outside counsel activities and serving as risk manager in relation to outsourced legal work.
New Chick-fil-A restaurant coming to Merced. Here's where
“It’s a big deal that a chain restaurant the caliber of Chick-fil-A takes us seriously," said one city official. READ FULL STORY
Stockton medical professionals are helping police resolve tense situations. Here's how it works
The team was created to deal with situations that might be better served by someone trained in behavioral health, rather than just relying on police. READ FULL STORY
UC Merced to oversee $18M in funding to boost health education in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties
The funding is key, as the Valley’s healthcare sector lags behind much of the state. READ FULL STORY
Merced Sheriff pleads with supervisors for staffing help. ‘We’re running out of people’
Sheriff Warnke said he’s losing staff due to low pay. The department is so short, deputies can only respond to certain calls and some special units have been disbanded. READ FULL STORY
A year after University of California signed union contracts, some say they are falling short
It was considered the largest-ever higher education strike in the United States. READ FULL STORY
CVJC Planada flood coverage
‘This meeting is an insult.’ Some Planada residents disappointed as $20M flood relief plan remains unfinished
Residents expected a presentation on the draft plan. Instead, the county wants more feedback. READ FULL REPORT
RELATED CVJC STORIES:
‘It’s long overdue.’ After massive floods, Planada residents await plan for $20M in disaster relief
Following county workshops, residents worry the funding won't go toward homes that were damaged. READ FULL STORY
State sending $20 million to aid Planada flood victims. Residents say ‘Ojalá’
Although most Planada households suffered losses, few residents have been able to access disaster aid. READ FULL STORY
Merced agencies sought state approval to clear stream beds for more than five years before last winter’s floods. Now they’re suing (SJV Water)
A string of emails appears to show that one state agency stood in the way of stream channel maintenance for more than five years, which may have led to flooding that caused severe damage in Merced County, according to a recent lawsuit. READ FULL STORY
This medical team helps Stockton's most vulnerable residents. Here's how they're making an impact
Composed of nurses and case managers, CareLink offers medical and social services to unhoused patients. READ FULL STORY
After two failed deals, two new companies look to run bankrupt Madera Community Hospital (KVPR)
The ailing facility closed abruptly late last year and later filed for bankruptcy. READ FULL STORY
Government meetings calendar
Monday, Dec. 4 — Merced City Council meeting 6 p.m. at the Civic Center, 678 W. 18th St. in Merced.
Tuesday, Dec. 5 — Livingston City Council meeting, 6 p.m., 1416 C Street in Livingston.
Tuesday, Dec. 5 — Merced County Supervisors, 6 p.m. at the County Administration Building, 2222 M St. in Merced.
Tuesday, Dec. 12 — Merced City Schools District board meeting — 7p.m. STEAM Center, 2900 Green Street in Merced and on YouTube at @mercedcityschooldistrict9067.