The Merced FOCUS newsletter March 18 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:
Most Valley voters skipped the primary election. Experts say why – and what it means for November
Will voters who were absent in the primary go to the polls in November? See what experts are expecting. READ FULL STORY
Valley voters now appear to reject Prop. 1, but homeless initiative maintains thin lead statewide
No campaign has conceded the proposition, which shifts a third of mental health funding and approves billions in bonds, will likely pass. READ THE FULL STORY
Cyber criminals infiltrated Merced County schools, costing districts thousands of dollars. Here’s how officials responded
Most of the incidents involved ransomware, a malicious software used by criminals to encrypt files and hold information or data hostage until payment is made in exchange. READ THE FULL STORY
Why it’s now easier for children of injured veterans to get into college in California
Plus, a Valley legislator and UC Merced doctoral student played a big role in bringing the new legislation into fruition. READ THE FUL STORY
Merced County has a surge in unwanted dogs and cats. Here’s how that’s impacted euthanization rates
Thousands of unadopted dogs and cats risk being put to death every year, as shelters deal with animals surrendered after the COVID pandemic. READ THE FULL STORY
Measles exposure confirmed in Merced County, health officials say (ABC 30)
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can cause severe sickness, especially in young children. READ THE FULL STORY
Historic Bear Creek Inn owners improve preservation, security (Merced County Times)
Drivers and pedestrians may have noticed an impressive new fence going up around the historic old mansion at the intersection of Bear Creek and M Street in the heart of Merced. READ THE FULL MERCED COUNTY TIMES STORY
This week’s local government meetings
Merced City Council, 6 p.m. Monday at the Merced Civic Center, 678 W. 18th St. in Merced
Dos Palos City Council, 6 p.m. Tuesday in the City-County Building, 1554 Golden Gate Ave. in Dos Palos
Livingston City Council, 7 p.m. Tuesday at Livingston City Hall, 1416 C St. in Livingston
Los Banos City Council, 6 p.m. Wednesday at Los Banos City Hall, 520 J St. in Los Banos
Merced County Office of Education Board of Trustees, 3 p.m. Wednesday, 632 W. 13th St. in Merced
Merced County Association of Governments, 3 p.m. Thursday, location to be announced.