The Merced FOCUS newsletter Feb. 26 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:
The Soria family credits the work ethic of their farmworker parents and a commitment to education for their success. READ FULL STORY
Annual 'Dream Big' Conference to empower Merced County parents
In collaboration with the Merced Union High School District, the Merced County Office of Education’s Early Education Department will hold the Parent Institute “Dream Big” Conference 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at Golden Valley High, 2121 E Childs Ave. in Merced
According to a news release, the event combines training sessions, guest speakers and workshops to help empower and inspire Merced County parents.
The conference features several workshops focused on how parents can support their child's education, health, safety and development. Workshops are available in both English and Spanish, the release said.
Keynote speakers include UC Merced Chancellor Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz and motivational speaker and author of “I’m Just A Kid With An IEP” Jordan Toma.
Continental breakfast and lunch is available for all attendees. Door prizes and child care services are available on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the release.
For more information on the conference click here or contact Rosa Barragan at (209) 381-6790 or by email at Rbarragan@mcoe.org.
This scholarship is shaping careers for Valley nursing students. Here’s how to apply
A recent recipient says the scholarship from Golden Valley Health Centers is helping her to stay on track to finish school. READ THE FULL STORY
Why experts say Merced County was hit hard by a nationwide bird flu outbreak (KVPR)
In California, the tally exceeds 7 million euthanized birds, with more than half of those – about 4.2 million – in Merced County alone. READ THE FULL STORY
What does Gov. Newsom’s homeless ballot initiative mean for the Central Valley? What to know about Prop. 1
The two-part initiative would change how mental health services funding can be used by counties and approve a $6.4 billion bond to build treatment facilities and housing. READ THE FULL STORY
She opened a business to deliver babies. California policies drove her out of the country (CalMatters)
Midwives provide many of the same services as doctors in low-risk pregnancies. A new UCSF study highlights obstacles they face doing business in California, especially when serving patients with Medi-Cal insurance. READ THE FULL STORY
Government meetings this week
Atwater City Council — 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26 at Atwater City Hall, 750 Bellevue Road in Atwater.
Merced County Board of Supervisors — 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 inside board chambers at the county administration building, 2222 M St. in Merced.