Merced County Times

In case you didn’t notice all the fanfare last week including congratulatory balloons and messages on cars and trucks throughout the region there were 2,570 students in the Merced Union High School District who graduated in the Class of 2021.

FFA, 4-H Livestock Show begins today! Big Livestock Sale starts early Saturday! READ STORY HERE: https://mercedcountytimes.com/support-local-4-h-ffa-studen/

Don't miss this week's tribute to local grads in the Merced County Times newspaper! THE POWER OF POSITIVE PRESS!

Riverdance Farms, an organic farm located along the meandering Merced River in Livingston, has some fun family Pick & Gather events planned for May 29, 30 and 31.

The Merced City Council with three new members and a new mayor after the November election are taking on some big, staff-driven, proposed changes to downtown Merced that are being presented at a startling pace. They have had three regular meetings so far. On Dec. 7, they discussed details of a staff-proposed pilot program to redirect traffic on Main Street and create a one-way flow from M to K streets, and a portion of Canal. The change (expected to take place in late spring) would replace parallel parking with diagonal parking on both sides of the street.

As Mercedians ring in the new year, many people are hoping to start it off on the right foot by enthusiastically searching for inspiration so as to focus on things that will help counteract the nightmare times of 2020. One such positive individual is Matthew Serratto. Serratto is the City of Merced’s new Mayor, as well as Merced County’s chief Deputy District Attorney.

In this new year of 2021, the local Shakespeare Festival will be celebrating its 20th season! Artistic Director and Founder Heike Hambley directed the first Shakespeare comedy for the young theater company, Much Ado About Nothing, in August of 2002! The staging happened outdoors in Applegate Park, at the MOAT (Merced Open Air Theater), where now every year audiences from Merced and the wider Central Valley have enjoyed two weekends of FREE Shakespeare well, except in 2020.

For someone like Kelly Turner, a fulfilling life is being wide awake at 5:30 a.m. for the drive to Los Banos where a troubled young man is in need of a ride to court. It’s a 19-hour Saturday for a field trip to Folsom Prison where a group of teens experience a heartfelt and emotional intervention program and then a decompression dinner in Sacramento.

Members of the Merced Police Department wish everybody a safe and warm holiday season during the annual Shop With A Cop event at the Merced Mall.

Here's the latest COVID numbers from Merced County ...

'Many Phase 1A workers are refusing the vaccine. ... Vaccine resistance is a nationwide issue.' --- Amalia Madrigal-Hernandez, Merced County Public Health Department. ... READ STORY HERE: https://mercedcountytimes.com/virus-surge-continues-while-/

NEWS ALERT: First shipment of vaccine heading to Merced County https://mercedcountytimes.com/pfizer-vaccine-roll-out-unde/

FYI: Lockdown Protest Is Back On ... (The following is from a press release by the Merced County Libertarian Party) "Based on the amount of support for wanting the protest to continue, it has been decided that we will not be backing down to unconstitutional orders.... "Residents have a right to peaceably assemble, protected by the United States Constitution as well as the Constitution of the State of California. We have the right to protest our government, and show our displeasure. "We must stand together against these drastic and draconian measures putting millions of California residents out of work, depriving them of their ability to provide for their loved ones. Along with shuttering businesses and putting residents out of work, likely consequences of these actions could include domestic violence, hunger, depression, limited access to healthcare, suicide and other detrimental effects on Californians across the state. "This should not be a one-size-fits all type of action coming down on the residents of this state. Not all areas of the state are like the Bay Area or Los Angeles. We all have different needs and each individual is in a better position to make choices regarding their health and safety, rather than some politicians. "Tomorrow, January 2nd, a peaceful protest against the State orders and closures of local businesses will take place by the People of the State of California. "Residents will be protesting at the Fresno City Hall at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. For more information contact Michael Noguera, Merced County Libertarian Party Chair, at [email protected].

Listen to the children ... Merced County Times THE POWER OF POSITIVE PRESS!

Anais Guillem is one of those UC Merced grad students you don’t ever want to see leave town. Why you ask? Read the story in the Times here: https://mercedcountytimes.com/uc-merced-grad-student-deals/

It was the year many of us would like to put in the rear view mirror. But even on New Year’s Eve with all the hope and prayers for better days ahead the events, actions and circumstances of 2020 are by no means fading away. Take a look at a collection of events that helped shape Merced and the surrounding area.

Merry Christmas from Le Grand!

'Big Black Birds Atop Trees On An Early Winter's Night In The Parking Lot Of Merced's Grocery Outlet' Digital photo from the Johnny Panorama Collection, 2020.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN MERCED --- Here's a photo tour of some of our favorite outdoor home decorations in the city of Merced! MERRY CHRISTMAS! ... from the Merced County Times! THE POWER OF POSITIVE PRESS!... CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS. https://mercedcountytimes.com/festival-of-lights-envelops-/

Merced artist Ruben Sanchez to be focus of documentary CLICK HERE TO READ STORY: https://mercedcountytimes.com/merced-artist-ruben-sanchez-/

Sometimes you don’t know what you’re doing that people are seeing, or what you are doing that sticks. I told them, ‘If I’m not your advocate, who is going to be?’ I’ve taken on some fights for them whether it was budget funding or taking on a new position so they can properly serve the public because that’s why we are all here. --- Barbara Levey, on her staff and her retirement from the positions of Assessor - Clerk - Recorder - Registrar of Voters... https://mercedcountytimes.com/levey-leaves-legacy-of-stren/

FYI ... Here's some information and a flier that were sent out today by Merced County officials ... MERCED COUNTY RECEIVES INITIAL COVID-19 VACCINE DOSES On December 17, 2020, The Merced County Department of Public Health (Department) received its first allocation of COVID-19 vaccine from the State. The first installment included 975 doses for distribution to acute care hospital facilities. The Department has adopted a phased approach which is included in the vaccine distr...ibution matrix (attached). Merced County remains in Phase 1a of vaccine distribution. Both Merced County hospitals have received their first allocations and are actively vaccinating essential healthcare workers and high risk personnel. Once those vaccinations have concluded and all of the acute care hospital facility personnel have received full vaccination, the Department will continue following the state’s prioritization guidelines with the limited County vaccination supply. This next group will include first responder personnel and health care workers outside of the hospital setting. The state’s current timeline projects that vaccine will become available to the general population in or around spring/summer 2021. The Department will be putting out frequent communication to keep residents advised of vaccine plans as the County moves through the different phases of distribution. Merced County remains under a stay-at-home order as the number of cases and hospitalizations increase at rapid rates. During this Christmas season, we ask that you exercise best prevention measures and keep you and your loved ones safe. As cases and hospitalizations rise, so do the number of deaths and this is especially true now, says Dr. Salvador Sandoval, County Health Officer. The vaccine is a final step in this very long road, but we will continue to heavily rely on personal and community-wide best practices to reduce rates of transmission and ask for your patience as this critical step is underway. As a reminder, it is still a local and statewide mandate to wear a cloth face covering inside of, or in line to enter any indoor public space, or when unable to maintain six feet for social distancing. For more details regarding the State’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov//Pag/COVID-19/COVID-19Vaccine.aspx For information on COVID-19 and additional testing locations, visit the Department’s website at www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus.

NEWS ALERT - Here's the latest COVID numbers for Merced County just released ... As of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2020, there are 17,785 confirmed cases (+674 from Tuesday) of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Merced County. Approximately 3,727 of those cases are active, and 232 have died.... (Due to delays in various reporting systems and a high volume of COVID-19 cases, today’s report reflects a large true-up of recent unreported cases dating back to Dec. 20.) Today, the Merced County Department of Public Health confirmed seven additional deaths related to COVID-19. The loss of life included three females and four males. All were over the age of 65 and five were listed with "underlying health conditions." Active Hospitalizations: 53 Regional ICU capacity: 0 percent

BREAKING NEWS: Derek Parker Selected as Merced's Next Fire Chief https://mercedcountytimes.com/merced-native-derek-parker-n/

BELIEVE IT OR NOT ... There's a home (and a manger) under this canopy of color and light in south Merced. Don't miss Merced's 'Festival of Lights' ... The Times annual photo tour of Christmas home decorations ... in this week's special edition! THE POWER OF POSITIVE PRESS!

After 22 years of living on the streets, local Merced couple will be 'Home For Christmas' ‘While they were homeless, they never complained about anything. They’re humbled that they’re still alive and breathing.’... --- Sue Emanivong, Healthy House CLICK HERE TO READ STORY: https://mercedcountytimes.com/perfect-storm-story-has-happ/

Two new members of the Merced City School District’s Board of Education were sworn in to office on Tuesday night at the STEAM Center on the campus of Ada Givens School. https://mercedcountytimes.com/mcsd-board-of-education-welc/

Merced Police Officers showed up in force for the Shop With A Cop event at the Merced Mall. Read More Here: https://mercedcountytimes.com/merced-cops-check-their-list/

Dear Santa, My name is Angie and I am going to tell you why I think I should be on the Nice List this year. Most of the time I have to wake up early to take care of my cousin. I have to wake up so early to take care of her, and let me tell you she is so much to handle, but I still try my best to do a good job.... I help anyone who needs help. Like whenever my family needs help with something like dishes, cleaning, or anything else, I go ahead and help them. I try my best to make people happy. Most of the time when I see someone sad, I go to them and try my best to make them feel better. I give them a hug and tell them they should not feel sad. You see Santa, by taking care of my cousin, helping my family, and helping people feel better, I think I should be on your Nice List. Sincerely, Angelina, Winfield Elementary School, Winton, California Don't miss this week's Merced County Times ... and the Atwater-Winton Times ... You will smile, and you'll laugh, and you may even cry!

‘It’s almost impossible to not know someone who has been COVID positive at this point because it’s so widespread.’ Dr. Kristynn Sullivan, Merced County’s supervising epidemiologist.... https://mercedcountytimes.com/hunker-down-until-vaccine-is/

Kelly Fowler was hustling through the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport, off to Seattle for a conference, when she saw English professor Keri Ortiz heading in the other direction. The Merced College Vice President of Instruction knew Ortiz was also going to a conference in Washington that week. She wondered.... Hey, where are you going? Fowler called out. Home! Ortiz replied. It was March 1, just 41 days after the novel coronavirus quietly landed in the United States with one case in Snohomish County, roughly 30 miles north of both conference destinations.

Chris Velazquez, an independent Merced filmmaker and founder of the Violette Film Festival in town, entered a short film in SwedeFest 2020 that was presented online this Friday, Dec. 11.

Drive carefully in the foggy conditions this week. Give yourself time to get to your destination. Keep your distance from other cars, and slow down. Thick fog, often experienced on rural roads, can quickly reduce visibility to a few yards. Do not use high beam headlights. Low beams better illuminate the road and objects ahead in foggy conditions.

NEWS ALERT --- MERCED UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO CLOSE SCHOOLS TO STUDENTS THIS WEEK District To Reopen Sites Mid-January ... Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) will be closing schools and returning all students to Distance Learning effective Wednesday, December 16. Sites will reopen and return to in-person learning on January 19, the start of the second semester. MUHSD is not being forced to close schools at this time, however, the district is choosing to do so due to a reduction in student attendance and site staffing. This Tuesday will be the last day students will be allowed on district campuses. We knew that closures were a possibility when the holidays came around, but we remained hopeful that it wouldn’t have to come to this. said MUHSD Superintendent Alan Peterson. The reality is that our schools are simply unable to operate under the current circumstances. MUHSD reopened schools to students on November 2 while Merced County was in the red tier of the state’s COVID Risk Assessment Chart and was able to keep them open when the county fell back into the purple tier due to having a strong COVID Exposure Prevention Plan and an intensive contact tracing system in place. Our schools have done an excellent job providing a safe learning environment for students and staff, said Superintendent Peterson. The safety measures and cleaning procedures we have in place are as thorough as they come. Since November, students who chose to return to in-person learning were doing so on a modified A/B schedule where they alternated days they were on campus. Those students will now join their classmates who chose to remain on Distance Learning.

Times Publisher John Derby writes about learning of his son testing positive for COVID-19 in this week's column, saying "It took time for his announcement to sink in. These are not words a father wants to hear. Yes, he is only 59, and very strong, but he is a fireman and has worked nonstop this year on the fires in northern California. His body could not be full strength."

Assemblymember Adam C. Gray (D-Merced) released the following statement upon introducing Assembly Bill 62 to provide a tax credit for essential and small businesses seeking to comply with costly new COVID-19 regulations.

Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16), who is seeking the House Committee on Agriculture chairmanship, commits to making nutrition programs among his top priorities in the 117th Congress.

Barbara Levey, who serves as the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters for Merced County, was honored for her service to the county and its residents at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisor’s meeting.

RIP Charley ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebg2eR3OzyA

A newly elected Merced mayor and three newly elected City Council members took their seats on the dais at City Hall on Monday night. Mayor Matthew Serratto the former councilman who represented District 5 up until this month was sworn in to a four-year mayoral term a historic first after voters decided in 2018 to extend the mayor’s term by two years.

Due to the most recent state mandates involving data linked to the COVID-19 virus, the Merced County Courthouse Museum is closing its doors to in-person visits at this time. So that means Christmas at the Courthouse is going to be a little different this year.

Merced announces updated COVID-19 Business Assistance Program The City of Merced is providing financial assistance to businesses directly impacted with the return to the Purple Tier, which closes most indoor services. We know that our local merchants have endured great financial hardships because of the pandemic, said City Manager Stephanie Dietz. The City Council is focused on helping businesses get through these difficult times. Our small businesses do more than provid...e goods and services, they provide jobs and income to our friends and neighbors. Businesses who may be eligible for financial assistance through this program include, but are not limited to: Hair salons, nail salons and barbershops Churches and places of worship Restaurants Dance studios Family entertainment centers Gyms and fitness clubs Movie theaters Museums Yoga studios The funds are used to reimburse purchases of items such as heaters, fire-rated tents, lighting and rent or mortgage payments. As businesses and establishments such as places of worship transition to outdoor operations, they will need items such as canopies, umbrellas and other equipment like cameras and transmitters to broadcast services in parking lots. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Dec. 23, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. The maximum grant amount allocated per business is $3,000, and does not require repayment. To apply for the COVID-19 Business Assistance Program, please visit: www.cityofmerced.org. To determine eligibility, you will need to provide proof of current City business license, W-9, and supporting documentation for reimbursement. For more information, please contact [email protected] or (209) 385-6834.

The Merced County Rescue Mission held its second annual Christmas Tree Raffle recently with support from Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, Parker’s Ace Hardware and Walmart.

In the next two years we are going to see a lot of City Council action on the downtown, said newly sworn-in Mayor Matthew Serratto. I think the council can take what is being done and really take it to the next level. This time instead of just attracting the private investment, now we get to do the city work. That’s the fun stuff. We can really kind of reshape downtown and make it into something special. We have an opportunity. I think Merced can have the best downtown in the valley within five years.

Through the years, the mention of Old Town Merced, has led area residents to think about Main Street and the downtown area. Today, however, Old Town Merced is more than a general description or a warm fuzzy feeling of nostalgia. It’s actually a real place, a proper noun, or a designated district, if you will.

Someone put up a huge congratulatory billboard for new Police Chief Tom Cavallero on Highway 59 between 16th and Olive.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and strict Public Health safety-related crackdowns, hundreds of Mercedians made there way through Main Street in downtown Merced last Saturday to take part in the city's annual Hometown Christmas Parade.

Overall total confirmed COVID-19 cases in Merced County surpasses 14,000 Three deaths reported in 24-hour period https://mercedcountytimes.com/overall-total-confirmed-case/

"I would anticipate that it is going to get a bit worse in the coming weeks, and that will be due to Thanksgiving numbers. I believe we’re just beginning to see them." --- Dr. Kristynn Sullivan, Merced County’s supervising epidemiologist... https://mercedcountytimes.com/public-health-officials-stay/

New leaders with new opportunities have joined the Merced City Council ... Find out more in the upcoming edition of the ... Merced County Times ... THE POWER OF POSITIVE PRESS!

Local students to compete in virtual Spelling Bees this week ... and you can watch! https://mercedcountytimes.com/mcoe-hosts-virtual-spelling-/

You are not alone ... Stress levels are rising due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the numerous disruptions in our daily lives. READ THE STORY: https://mercedcountytimes.com/tips-to-help-manage-holiday-/

NEWS ALERT - Four more COVID-related deaths reported in Merced County since yesterday. Death toll nears 200. https://mercedcountytimes.com/merced-county-reports-4-new-/

MERCED COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE: As of 3:30 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2020, there are 13,637 confirmed cases (+746 from Friday) of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Merced County. Approximately 2,249 of those cases are active, and 194 have died. ... Including three reported deaths since Friday. The latest reported deaths include three females over the age of 65 with "unknown" underlying health conditions. ... As of Dec. 7, a total of 82,483 tests have been performed in Merced County: 13,637 of those tests are confirmed as positive cases. In California, there are 1,341,700 confirmed cases and 19,876 deaths. Current Risk Tier: Purple (Widespread). Many non-essential indoor business operations are closed.

Mobile Testing Sites To Provide Additional Testing in Merced County (Press release from Merced County) The Merced County Department of Public Health (Department) will expand its capacity to provide additional coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing to all Merced County residents. ... Through a collaborative effort with the State of California, the Department secured additional tests to be administered at mobile testing sites throughout the City of Atwater. The Department wants to emphasize the importance of testing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The recent increase in case counts and test positivity rate in the County makes the need to test even more imperative. The additional mobile testing locations will be available to Merced County residents free of charge, regardless of insurance status, starting December 8 through December 30. Pre-registration and same-day registration is available online at http://www.lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 1-888-634-1123.Testing is fast and painless, and results are typically sent via email within three to five days. To view the full list of testing locations, please visit: www.countyofmerced.com/testing. We understand that everyone is tired of COVID-19. However, the Department strongly encourages Merced County residents to take advantage of testing resources in order to help the community and their loved ones, said Merced County Health Officer, Dr. Sandoval. It is in the hands of all Merced County residents to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Testing can help identify infected individuals in the early course of illness while they are pre-symptomatic, or even asymptomatic, which is paramount in controlling the spread of the virus. Please, get tested and continue to follow the preventative measures that can help reduce the chance of getting infected ourselves, or spreading the disease to our co-workers, friends, and loved ones. As a reminder, it is still a local and statewide mandate to wear a cloth face covering inside of, or in line to enter any indoor public space, or when unable to maintain six feet of social distance outside.

For over a decade, two homes in Merced at 252 and 300 Sunset Drive, owned by the Libecki and Ryan families, have put on an extensive animated holiday light show synced to vibrant renditions of traditional Christmas music, as well as classic rock and hard rock music.

Stephanie Dietz was officially sworn in as Merced's new city manager during a swearing-in ceremony was held during a special session of the Merced City Council on Nov. 23 inside the Civic Center.

Should Main Street in Merced be a "one-way street" Looks like the new City Council is going to be considering that ... --- New Council gets sworn in Monday night ---...Continue reading

Despite the ongoing pandemic, Santa made it safely to the Merced Mall recently. Last week, Santa and his helpers were offering socially distanced visits and virtual visits online for local kids. Due to new COVID restrictions, parents may want to check the Mall website or call first to check availability or alternatives to have an interaction with Santa this year. ... https://mercedcountytimes.com/santa-arrives-safely-in-merc/

IN CASE YOU DIDN'T HEAR: It's Sunday ... and the start of a three-week lockdown begins at the stroke of midnight ... Everybody needs to stay at home except for essential needs and limited outdoor physical exercise ... That's according to the Governor of California ... and our regional leaders. (Merced County is now part of the San Joaquin Valley Region in regards to the sweeping COVID actions.) ...Continue reading

NEWS ALERT: Five more local COVID-19 related deaths reported in day's time. (Since last report on Thursday.) See latest data; Click Here: https://mercedcountytimes.com/county-covid-stats-show-surg/

Local firefighters from numerous departments converged on a structure fire near the corner of Collins Drive and M Street in Merced last Sunday afternoon, Nov. 29. The fire started inside a vacant two-story building that previously housed a Travis Credit Union branch located at 3180 M Street.

Here is a drone picture of that fire at the former Travis Credit Union in Merced ... by local photographer Earvin Mendoza.

News Alert: Schools in Merced County That Have Opened May Remain Open in New Stay-at-Home Order Governor Newsom on Thursday announced a regional stay-at-home order based on ICU capacity at local hospitals. Positivity rates for COVID-19 in Merced County and across the state and nation hit record highs in the past week. Public health officials, along with local and state leaders, have very real concerns about hospital capacity with this surge. Unlike the stay-at-home order is...sued earlier this year, schools that have opened may remain open, along with child care centers and preschools. We will continue to operate schools in Merced County as we have since they reopened this fall, by following public health guidelines to keep staff and students safe, said Merced County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Tietjen. Working with public health experts, schools have developed protocols and procedures to notify staff, students and any close contacts quickly and effectively of a positive COVID-19 case. There are also specific guidelines when to close classrooms, schools and a school district. Our schools remain a safe place for our students and we will all continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 while practicing public health guidelines, like wearing a face covering, maintaining physical and social distance and regular handwashing, Tietjen added. While I know this new stay-at-home order is not what any of us wanted, especially entering the holiday season, our efforts to limit mixing with people outside of our households and follow public health guidelines is paramount to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. For more information on the state’s new executive order, visit www.covid19.ca.gov.

Guess what's up on the Merced Theatre tower tonight? It's starting to look a lot like Christmas! :( Except for all the COVID lockdowns, etc ... )

Some residents are going to mark the New Year by protesting Sacramento leadership ... MARK YOUR CALENDARS ... PROTEST IN FRESNO ON JANUARY 2... Multiple Libertarian County organizations have agreed to promote a peaceful protest event in Fresno on Jan. 2, 2021 at noon. Residents across the State are encouraged to join in the protest against these measures/orders coming down from Sacramento. Please see facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/138522781083919/?sfnsn=mo *In Liberty* Mike Noguera Chair, Merced County Libertarian Party of California

Here's the official word from Merced County ... according to a press release issued this evening ... GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES REGIONAL STAY-AT-HOME ORDER Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a Stay-At-Home Order for certain regions of the State that have low intensive care unit capacity. ... If one of the five regions (Bay Area, Greater Sacramento, San Joaquin Valley, Northern California and Southern California) falls below 15 percent ICU capacity, it will trigger a three-week Stay-At-Home Order, which goes into effect in 48 hours. As of the issuance of this news release, none of the regions have triggered the Stay-At-Home Order due to low ICU capacity. However, due to rising COVID-19 numbers, it is likely that regions will trigger the Order in the coming days. When triggered, the Order would require the full closure of bars, wineries, personal services (i.e. nail salons, tattoo parlors, body waxing, etc.), and hair salons/barbershops. Sectors that would be able to remain open include schools that have received a waiver, critical infrastructure, retail (at 20 percent capacity), and restaurants (take-out and delivery only). Health officials want to remind everyone to limit gatherings and the mixing of different households, especially during the holiday season. Along with following safety measures, individuals are strongly encouraged to conduct ongoing surveillance testing by getting tested every 14 days to ensure that you do not have the virus. An individual can be asymptomatic and spread the disease without knowing it. Conducting regular surveillance testing can help prevent asymptomatic spread and keep our community safe. As a reminder, it is still a local and statewide mandate to wear a cloth face covering inside of, or in line to enter any indoor public space, or when unable to maintain six feet of social distance outside. Merced County health officials strongly urge all residents to exercise the following safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces Practice social distancing Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds Use hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol base when handwashing is not possible Stay home and isolate, if you’re are feeling sick Read more about the State’s regional Stay-At-Home Order here: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/. All business sectors are required to follow industry safety guidance, which can be found at https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/. Further COVID-19 information is located on Merced County Department of Public Health’s resource website at www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus. If you are a local Merced County business and have questions, please visit the County’s Reopen Merced County website at https://reopenmercedcounty.com/

NEWS ALERT - Concern grows over ICU capacity in Merced EDITOR’S NOTE: The following story was written a day before today’s (Dec. 3) announcement by Gov. Newsom concerning new stricter stay-at-home measures (except for essential needs) for regions in California, including the Merced area. https://mercedcountytimes.com/concern-grows-over-virus-sur/

Mayor Mike Murphy walks into the County Times office, looks around the place, smiles, and the first thing he says is: Fall 2011. The mayor who is experiencing the end of his leadership role at City Hall is obviously feeling nostalgic about the first time he came through the door to introduce himself and sit down for an interview.

Shop local this holiday season!

Christmas FM Radio Parking Lot Event In Merced Editor's Note: This event on Dec. 1 was not listed in our weekly newspaper due to early deadlines for Thanksgiving. Coffee Break Women’s Bible study will host their Final FM Radio Parking lot event on Tuesday, December 1 at 10 a.m. in the parking lot at Yosemite Church, 2230 E. Yosemite Avenue in... Merced. The event will feature Christmas music by Annette Macias and an Advent devotional. Women may bring donations for Love INC’s pantry, including new: pillows, blankets, sheets, baby wipes, toilet paper, diapers, and more. There will also be a drive-through for a goodie bag. Christmas attire is encouraged, but not necessary. Women will stay in their cars to hear the program. The event will be followed by 2 weeks of Zoom Bible studies on the theme of Christmas. Women who do not want to Zoom will leave the event equipped with materials to study on their own. For more information, call (209) 383-5038 x702 or email [email protected]. Press Release contact: Jonae Pistoresi (209) 761-0726

Cavallero named Merced Police Chief CLICK HERE: https://mercedcountytimes.com/thomas-cavallero-named-merce/