The Merced FOCUS newsletter Feb. 19 edition: The latest local and Valley news
Here are some of the top news items that recently made headlines in Merced County and the San Joaquin Valley
Welcome. Bienvenidos. Bem-vindo. Zoo siab txais tos. Savāgata hai.
We are the Merced FOCUS, the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative’s new nonprofit newsroom geared toward covering Merced and the San Joaquin Valley.
Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads. For more information, email us at CVJC@CVLocalJournalism.org.
The following is a collection of news items written by Merced FOCUS, in addition to our partners at KVPR and other important regional publications:
What does Gov. Newsom’s homeless ballot initiative mean for the Central Valley? What to know about Prop. 1
How voters decide on Proposition 1 will help shape the state’s policy toward fighting homelessness and providing mental health for years to come. READ THE FULL STORY
This California proposal would create a helmet exemption for motorcyclists who wear turbans. Here’s how it works
The bill isn’t the first attempt made at adding a religious exemption for motorcycle helmets. READ THE FULL STORY
Merced County high school grad rates are consistently above the state average. What officials say is working
The data was included in an annual report that also included how each high school district ranks for graduation rates. READ THE FULL STORY
Why a largely Latino, farmworking community in the middle of California is calling for a Gaza ceasefire (KVPR)
The rural, farmworking city of Madera this week did something no other city in California's agricultural heartland has done: it approved a Gaza ceasefire resolution and called for an end to violence in the Middle East. READ THE FULL STORY
Atwater appoints interim city manager after Waterman resigns (Merced County Times)
At the start of Atwater City Council’s regularly scheduled meeting on Monday night, it was clear that a significant change of leadership at City Hall was taking place. READ THE FULL STORY
Black History Month is being recognized in Merced County. ‘We have a direct connection to the spirit’
Several events are scheduled locally to celebrate the historically significant month. READ THE FULL STORY
A judge has decided who will reopen Madera Community Hospital. Here's how we got here (KVPR)
After months of exclusive negotiations between the hospital and Modesto-based American Advanced Management, a federal judge on Tuesday approved of the company’s plans to take over and reopen the shuttered facility. READ THE FULL STORY
This Valley county’s in dire need of mental health professionals. A $5.2 million program’s helping fill the gaps
According to a recent report, the San Joaquin Valley had the highest percentage of adults who have experienced “serious psychological distress” by region across the state in the past year. READ THE FULL STORY
Convicted sex offender no longer being released in Merced County (ABC 30)
A sexually violent predator set to be released in the North Valley will no longer be seeking residence in Merced County. READ THE FULL STORY
Government meetings calendar
Merced City Council, 6 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 20 at Merced Civic Center, 678 W. 18th Street in Merced.
Livingston City Council, 7 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 20 at Livingston City Hall, 1416 C Street in Livingston.
Dos Palos City Council, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20 at City-County Building, 1554 Golden Gate Ave. in Dos Palos.
Gustine City Council, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Gustine City Hall, 352 5th Street in Gustine.
Los Banos City Council, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 at Los Banos City Hall, 520 J Street in Los Banos.