CVJC Newsletter Oct. 23 edition: The latest Merced and Valley news
Here are some of the top news items that made recent headlines in the San Joaquin Valley
Students interact with live animals at a career booth during the 25th annual Career Industry Day on Oct. 19. COURTESY MCOE
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.
Merced County Career Industry Day provides resources for students to consider future options
Area high school students were provided this week with many pathways to help guide their futures at the 25th Merced County Career Industry Day.
Hosted by Merced County Office of Education Regional Occupational Program, the event invited nearly 1,300 students and more than 120 representatives from many industries such as construction, education, entertainment, health and law enforcement, according to a Merced County Office of Education news release.
Brooks Harper, an author and career development expert, was the keynote speaker for the event. Students also participated in hands-on activities related to specific industries.
— Victor Patton
Rite Aid store in Atwater closes abruptly, amid chain’s bankruptcy woes
Doors to the Rite Aid store on Bellevue Road in Atwater have been locked after the store became the only San Joaquin Valley location to be shuttered as part of the pharmacy chain’s bankruptcy process. READ FULL STORY
Merced County OKs 'transformational' new neighborhood to be built near UC Merced
A plan to develop a neighborhood of some 3,800 homes and apartments near UC Merced won approval from the Merced County Board of Supervisors, further establishing Merced’s identity as an emerging college town. READ FULL STORY
Why more California community colleges are offering bachelor degrees
A greater number of community colleges are offering bachelor degrees that some students say they find cheaper, and more accessible. READ FULL STORY
Will UC Merced ever grow out of its guaranteed admission programs? (SF Gate)
Even after nearly 20 years, the newest UC still offers many pathways for students to guarantee their admission. Administrators say that's intentional. READ FULL STORY
CalMatters graphic
‘Back of the line again’: California’s broadband plan deprioritized underserved regions, advocates say (CalMatters)
After years of planning a broadband system to bridge California’s digital divide, officials deprioritized some low-income areas due to unexpected costs. Gov. Gavin Newsom says he’s committed to funding the entire network, but advocates are skeptical. READ FULL STORY
CalMatters photo
California weighs ending climate credits for cow poop (CalMatters)
Environmental groups and other say the credits support industrial dairy farms that pollute rural, low-income communities in the Central Valley. READ FULL STORY
Free helmets and skateboards donated to Merced Boys and Girls Club youth
Photo courtesy of Merced County Office of Education
Local youth enrolled at the Boys & Girls Club Merced County were recently provided with free skateboards, helmets and skateboard lessons.
According to a Merced County of Education news release, the skateboards were donated by Fresno Skateboard Salvage, The HateDust Project and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
President and founder of Fresno Skateboard Salvage Rodney Rodriguez and his team brought a total of 85 skateboards to distribute. Remaining boards were left for the children who could not make it, the release said.
Boys & Girls Club of Merced County CEO See Lee said in the release it was the largest distribution of skateboards to date.
This event was made possible through artists at Valley State Prison, Chowchilla and the work of The HateDust Project.
— Victor Patton
Meetings and events calendar
Monday, Oct. 23 - Atwater City Council, 5:30 pm. Oct. 23, 650 Bellevue Road in Atwater.
Tuesday, Oct. 24 - Merced City School Board Meeting. Closed session at 5:30p.m., open session at 7 p.m.. STEAM Center 2900 Green St., Merced. Meeting agenda, livestream link and public comment phone numbers available at www.mcsd.k12.ca.us
Wednesday, Oct. 25 - Merced County Library’s Spooktacular Family Night Circus, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., 2100 O St. Merced.
Saturday, Oct. 28 - Third Annual Cops for Critters Trunk or Treat Car Show — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 611 W. 22nd Street in Merced. Event is free. Call (209) 385-6297 or email alcarazr@cityofmerced.org.
Saturday, Oct. 28 - Merced LGBTQ+ Alliance Harvest Carnival, 5-8 p.m., 326 Tyler Road, Merced.
Saturday, Oct. 28-30 - Merced Police Explorers Haunted House Tour — 6-9 p.m. 3033 G St. in Merced. Must be age 10 or older. Arts and crafts for children 9 or younger.
Thursday, Nov. 2 - Mercado Downtown Merced presents Dia de los Muertos night market. Bob Hart Square, Main St. Merced.
Tuesday, 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.