CVJC Newsletter Jan. 9 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.
Please sign up for our Substack and follow us on Facebook, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Instagram and Threads.
The following is a collection of news items written by CVJC, in addition to our partners KVPR, Fresnoland and other publications.
Merced County Supervisors set to discuss $20 million flood relief program for Planada
During their regular meeting 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, the Merced County Board of Supervisors are scheduled to consider approval of a spending plan for $20 million in flood relief for Planada residents.
The meeting comes on the anniversary of last year’s flood, which displaced many residents after Miles Creek overflowed its banks. Lawsuits have been filed in the aftermath of the floods caused by storms in Planada and nearby Merced.
County staff held a series of meetings with Planada residents prior to submitting a draft of the plan to county supervisors.
View the proposed $20 million spending plan here.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting:
The board is scheduled to vote on a new chair and vice chair for the upcoming year.
Merced County officials and the Merced County Sheriff Corrections Association reached an agreement that would include an 8% pay raise for correctional officers. The board will consider approving an MOU on Tuesday.
Related stories by CVJC:
Can Merced prevent a repeat of January’s flood? City leaders say they’ve been preparing
Planada residents get a first look at how $20 million flood relief package might be spent
‘It’s long overdue.’ After massive floods, Planada residents await plan for $20M in disaster relief
California’s San Joaquin Valley has a therapist shortage. Here’s how a university hopes to change that
Mental health professionals remain in short supply, a problem that's only gotten worse since the pandemic spurred a demand for behavioral health services. READ FULL STORY
Merced County's March election is approaching. Who’s running and what voters need to know
Voters will decide on three supervisor seats, a judgeship and whether to extend a special tax to fund local police, among other issues. READ FULL STORY
Stephanie Dietz, former Merced city manager, named executive director of Community Foundation of Merced County
Stephanie Dietz, who was the first woman to serve as Merced’s city manager, has been chosen to lead the Community Foundation of Merced County, according to a news release from the organization.
Dietz, who left her role at the city on Nov. 15, took the helm of the foundation on Jan. 2.
“I am excited to join such a dedicated group of leaders at the foundation. I look forward to joining the work of so many outstanding non-profit partners serving our great community,” Dietz said in the release.
The foundation, which is led by an 11-member board of directors, is geared toward improving the lives of Merced County residents through philanthropic investments and grant making, the release said.
The foundation works to expand equitable access to health care, increase economic development and job readiness, and improve local conditions through investments that address food and housing insecurity.
“Mrs. Dietz brings a wealth of local experience in developing strategies to serve the community. She has a proven track record for leveraging grants with state and federal investments to expand financial resources that address Merced’s needs,” Bill Cummings, board president, said in the release.
“Stephanie is dedicated to serving Merced County and is a local leader that we are proud to have join the foundation.”
Related stories by CVJC:
Stephanie Dietz, first woman to serve as Merced’s city manager, reflects on years of leadership
Merced’s new city manager talks affordable housing, police staffing and other local issues
Here’s a look at top healthcare headlines for the northern San Joaquin Valley in 2023
Although California’s northern San Joaquin Valley continued to face healthcare challenges in 2023, the year was underlined by glimmers of hope for the future. READ FULL STORY
California’s proposed water conservation rules too stringent and costly, analysts say (Cal Matters)
Even though California faces serious water shortages, the Legislature’s analysts recommend weaker outdoor conservation requirements and longer deadlines for urban water agencies. READ FULL STORY
Can California solve its water woes by flooding its best farmland? (Fresnoland/Grist)
The advent of the restoration project, known as Dos Rios, has worked wonders for this small section of the San Joaquin Valley, putting an end to frequent flooding in the area and altering long-held attitudes about environmental conservation. READ FULL STORY
Pain remains five years after the loss of Newman Police Cpl. Ronil Singh (WestsideConnect.com)
A recent memorial included an emotional video recounting the events of that night and the lasting impact it has had on the Newman Police Department. READ FULL STORY