CVJC Newsletter Nov. 6 edition: The latest Merced and Valley news
Here are some of the top news items that made recent headlines in the San Joaquin Valley
Pro-Palestinian protesters are shown on the campus of Stanislaus State in Turlock amid the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. Photo by Rachel Livinal/CVJC.
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.
‘It just doesn’t make any sense.’ Family of man, 73, fatally shot by Merced police seeks answers
Questions linger about the recent death of Gilbert Garibay, 73, during an incident involving two Merced police officers. READ FULL STORY
It’s no secret, many on city staff fed up with or fear Los Banos’s city manager (Westside Express)
City employees say he tries to insert himself into public-safety situations, though he has no training. He’s also accused of an inability to perform essential duties. READ FULL STORY
READ MORE STORIES IN THIS SERIES BY THE WESTSIDE EXPRESS:
Some are now comparing Los Banos to the City of Bell and that’s not a compliment
Los Banos city manager’s inexperience is an issue; so is needing a 5-0 vote to fire him
Los Banos: A city dealing with broken processes, procedures and promises
What Los Banos municipal staff wants city residents to know
Valley students speak out amid Israel-Hamas conflict, urge UC Merced, Stanislaus State to act
The war’s shock waves are now being felt in Merced and the San Joaquin Valley. READ FULL STORY
‘Today marks a day of change.’ Merced swears-in new police chief
The veteran Valley law enforcement officer took the oath of office during a brief ceremony. READ FULL STORY
Video released of police officer shooting, killing armed suspect in Atwater
Police said the footage shows the suspect pointing a gun at the officer during a foot pursuit. READ FULL STORY
San Joaquin County extends another $4.5M to improve care at SJ General Hospital
Millions of dollars have already gone into making San Joaquin General Hospital (SJGH) more efficient since 2022. READ FULL STORY
Congress makes urgent call for Central Valley water infrastructure repairs. (KVPR)
Months after wet winter storms drenched the Central Valley, blanketed the Sierra Nevada in record-breaking snowpack and strained dams and reservoirs, parts of Central California’s water infrastructure are still in need of repairs. READ FULL STORY
Fresno Unified and teacher’s union reach last-minute deal to avoid teachers strike
Cheers erupted at the steps of Fresno High School Tuesday morning as the district and the teacher’s union shook hands over a historic new teacher contract. READ FULL STORY
Valley college leaders unveil plan to increase university transfers
College officials across the San Joaquin Valley are aiming to put a heavier focus on college transfers for community college students. READ FULL STORY
Merced College “Field of Flags” honors military and first responders (Central Valley Voice)
The 11th annual Merced Sunrise Rotary Field of Honor — a collection of American flags honoring the selfless work of veterans, active military and first responders — is on display at the Merced College front lawn from now until Nov. 11. READ FULL STORY
All-electric buses to service Merced County region (Merced County Times)
Merced-area residents will begin seeing a new style of bus roaming local streets and roads from now on. READ FULL STORY
Events calendar
Quinteto Latino performs at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, 645 W. Main Street in Merced.
UC Merced and UpstART, a faculty-directed arts organization presents Quinteto Latino, the San Francisco Bay Area wind quintet that expands the boundaries of classical music, according to a news release.
Founded in 2004 by French horn player Armando Castellano, this unique ensemble performs works by Latinx composers.
For more information about Quinteto Latino, contact Kim McMillon at kmcmillon@ucmerced.edu or Jayson Beaster-Jones @ jbeaster-jones@ucmerced.edu.
Bobby McFerrin at the Merced Theatre, 3 p.m. Nov. 18, 301 West. Main Street in Merced
Multi-Grammy Award winning performer, composer and vocalist Bobby McFerrin is set to perform at the Merced Theatre this month.
The performance is special, as the show will include a Merced Community Choir organized by Alex Simon and Michelle Allison.
General admission is $10, students are free with identification. Tickets available at the Merced Theatre box office or by calling (209) 381-0500. For more information contact Kim McMillon at kmcmillon@ucmerced.edu or Jayson Beaster-Jones @ jbeaster-jones@ucmerced.edu.
Government meetings calendar
Monday, Nov. 6 — Merced City Council meeting 6 p.m. at the Civic Center, 678 W. 18th St. in Merced.
Tuesday, Nov. 7 — Merced County Supervisors, 10 a.m. at the County Administration Building, 2222 M St. in Merced.
Tuesday, Nov. 7 — Livingston City Council meeting, 6 p.m., 1416 C Street in Livingston.
Wednesday, Nov. 8 — Gustine City Council meeting, 5:15 p.m. Gustine City Hall, 352 15th Street in Gustine.
Wednesday, Nov. 8 — Merced Union High School District Board Meeting. Closed session at 4 p.m., open session at 5:30 p.m. Golden Valley High School Library, 2121 E. Childs Ave., Merced.