CVJC Newsletter Jan. 22 edition: The latest Merced and Valley news
Here are some of the top news items that recently made 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.
New community planned near UC Merced gets green light from city leaders. It’s expected to ‘transform’ the region
The project – which includes homes, retail and green space – is the next step to making Merced a true university town, leaders say. READ FULL STORY
Valley CSU faculty will call for higher wages during strike. Some say their request is too costly
For the three CSU campuses in the San Joaquin Valley, it will be the first time they strike since bargaining for a new contract started last year. READ FULL STORY
In California, youth mental health help is now just a tap away with the launch of two free apps
Two Valley counties played a big role in developing the new platforms to address the state’s youth mental health crisis. READ FULL STORY
‘We get hope on this day.’ Merced residents gather in a spirit of unity to honor MLK
The event marked the 27th annual celebration in Merced honoring King. READ FULL STORY
Many Valley students rely on college financial aid. A new application makes the process easier
For decades, completing the FAFSA has been vital for families sending students off to college. READ FULL STORY
One year after Planada flood, Merced County approves plan for $20 million in state aid
Residents can apply in March and receive funding as soon as April. But not all are happy with $15,000 limit for direct assistance. READ FULL STORY
Merced County Times Publisher John Derby Dies At Age 87 (Story and photo Merced County Times)
The 87-year-old Times publisher died near his winter vacation home in Mexico READ FULL STORY
Homelessness is on the California ballot this March. Will conditions change on the street? (CalMatters)
How much difference will a March ballot measure make when it comes to fighting California’s massive homelessness crisis? That’s the question before voters as they weigh in on Prop. 1 READ FULL STORY
Air quality, pipeline risks top environmental advocates’ concerns about proposed Valley carbon storage project (KVPR)
A public meeting this week provided a glimpse into the tensions surrounding a carbon capture and storage project proposed in the heart of the state’s oil country. READ FULL STORY
Government meetings this week
Atwater City Council — Open session begins at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22. Atwater City Hall, City Council Chambers, 750 Bellevue Rd. in Atwater
Dos Palos City Council — Special meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23. City-County Building, 1554 Golden Gate Ave. in Dos Palos. On the agenda: The City Council will consider a proposed financing structure for energy services.
Merced County Board of Supervisors — Open session begins 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23. County Administration Building, Board Chambers, third floor, 2222 M St. in Merced
City of Merced Town Hall — 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, Merced Civic Center, Council Chambers, second floor , 678 W. 18th St. in Merced