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May 19 , 2018

MCSD Hosts 4th Annual STEAM Fair
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math

Hundreds of students, parents, and staff from all 18 Merced City School District campuses came together Thursday evening for the fourth annual STEAM Fair. It was held at the district’s new cutting edge STEAM Center, which opened in August next to Ada Givens Elementary.

This event was a chance for the schools to showcase work done throughout the year in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. It featured a variety of interactive student displays, performances by school bands, a solar car station, and an educational drum circle facilitated by special guest presenter, Dr. Craig Woodson.

Community partners from UC Merced, Mercy Medical Center Merced, the City of Merced, and Castle Air museum also set up booths with hands-on activities, from science experiments to CPR training. It was an opportunity for students to see how professionals in our community use STEAM every day. Children also had a chance to meet JiJi the ST Math penguin, which is the mascot for a computer program they frequently use in the classroom.

MCSD Superintendent Dr. RoseMary Parga Duran says, “We love bringing our community together for this event each year. It’s a chance to celebrate the outstanding work being done in our schools, while also providing new learning opportunities and inspiring experiences for our students.”

The Merced City School District is home to an award-winning STEAM program that combines daily classroom curriculum with educational excursions and visits to the STEAM Center. The facility provides a 21st century space for all of the district’s TK-8th grade students to enjoy collaborative, hands-on learning. It also allows groups of teachers to work together and learn from one another, and it provides a place for additional community collaboration and special events, including the STEAM Fair.

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A family enjoys one of the student displays at the MCSD STEAM Fair

Students enjoy hands-on learning activities at the Merced City School District’s annual STEAM Fair

Educator and musician, Dr. Craig Woodson, leads a drum circle during the Merced City School District STEAM Fair

The “School of Rock” band from Rivera Middle School performs during the annual MCSD STEAM Fair

May 19 , 2018

Delhi High School Students Form First County School Mariachi Band

There’s a new sound coming from Delhi High School as 22 students have formed a mariachi band that has entertained and inspired many people in the Delhi community.
Adolfo Melara, superintendent of the Delhi Unified School District, said planning for the mariachi ensemble started last fall when educators visited Lincoln High School in San Jose. The group started in January and is here to stay.
“Through hard work, a lot of research and perseverance, we have created a fledgling mariachi band and we’re very proud of them,” Melara said. “Their first performance was at our March board meeting and it was an incredible success.”
Melara said they want to be a showcase for the high school in the community, across the state and the country.
“They have truly become a showpiece for the Delhi Unified School District,” Melara said.
Matthew Wellman directs the mariachi band. He volunteered for the job when the original teacher left his position. Twenty-two students, 15 of them seniors, are part of the seventh period elective ensemble.
Wellman plays trumpet with the group and says it will be a fixed feature for Delhi for the foreseeable future.
“It’s a blast. These talented kids rose to the occasion and the community seems really excited. It’s been a learning experience for everyone,” Wellman said. He has taught 15 years at Delhi High School.
The group has performed at Delhi’s multicultural festival, for the Local Control and Accountability Planning meeting and for the medical science graduation ceremony.
Joe Gutierrez of Los Banos is a Merced College trustee and is trying to promote creation of other mariachi groups in schools. He has been putting on mariachi concerts in Los Banos.
“This is history. They are the first high school in Merced County ever to have a mariachi band. You should see the pride in the parents. For the short time they have been together they’re doing great,” Gutierrez said.
High school mariachi bands are a win-win situation for everybody and it’s an awesome community atmosphere, Gutierrez said. He praises Wellman for his efforts and said he knew it would be well-received.
Melara said the district spent about $15,000 for violins, guitars and trumpets for the group.
“It’s a class, not a club, part of the music program. We want students’ education to be relevant to their experience. I thought it was a way to connect music programs to students in the community,” Melara said. He said Gutierrez was an inspiration to putting the program together.
Students’ costumes are just a white shirt, black slacks or skirts. Their first major performance was April 26 with the first three songs they learned.
“I could not be prouder to see our students showcasing their talents. It is really inspiring,” Melara said.

PHOTOS COURTESY DELHI UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

May 19 , 2018

City budget, Arts Commission on agenda

The preliminary budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year and an update on the Arts and Culture Commission will be presented to the City Council at the Monday night meeting.

The meeting will be at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the Merced Civic Center, (City Hall), 678 W. 18th St. The Council meets the first and third Mondays of the month, except when there is a holiday, when it meets the following day.

The $233,059,750 budget includes $42,639,790 in the General Fund. The budget is designed to lay a foundation for the City’s growth, but also provide a cushion for any potential economic down cycle that could occur in the future.

There will be public hearings on the budget at the June 4 and June 18 Council meetings. The entire preliminary budget is available online at www.cityofmerced.org.

On the agenda are labor agreements with Merced Association of City Employees, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and Merced Fire Fighters. The agreement includes a 2.5 percent pay increase over the next two years.

Staff is asking for further direction on an Arts and Culture Advisory Commission when it presents a draft ordinance to the Council. A group of stakeholders has been working on the draft ordinance to create the commission at the direction of the Council. After receiving direction from Council, any changes will be incorporated into the ordinance before it is formally introduced at a later date

The Council will also get an update on its goals and priorities for the third quarter. The Council sets its goals and priorities at the beginning of the fiscal year and receives quarterly progress reports.

The Council will meet in closed session at 5:30 p.m. Monday to confer with labor negotiators.

City Council meetings are streamed live on the Internet. A link to the live meeting is on the City’s web site at https://cityofmerced.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Videos of previous meetings can be found at that link, and are tied to each agenda item. Those services are in addition to the live broadcast of the regular meeting on Comcast’s Government Channel 96.

The Council agenda is posted online at www.cityofmerced.org and is available outside the chambers prior to the meeting. Request to Speak forms are available at the meeting or can be downloaded from the City's website. Cards must be turned in to the City Clerk in order for a person to be recognized by the Council. Hmong and Spanish translators are available at all Council meetings.

May 19 , 2018

MCOE Special Education Teacher Honored by Fresno State

Yvonne Carlon received the shock of her life recently — but in a good way.
The teacher of deaf and hard of hearing students for the Merced County Office of Education received the Carolyn Dobbs Special Education Teacher of the Year Award from California State University, Fresno.
Carlon, 45, teaches four hearing-impaired students at Peterson Elementary School in Merced and has worked at MCOE for 12 years.
“It was a great honor to receive it; I was shocked to be the one named,” Carlon said.
Normally Carlon teaches preschool to second grade students but this year she has all second-graders. She points out her students are everyday normal kids who had can do anything that others do.
While a student years ago at Modesto Junior College, Carlon said she fell in love with sign language. She was an aide with the Stanislaus County Office of Education for 4 1/2 years and decided to pursue a degree from CSUF, graduating 12 years ago.
For three years she worked in a severely handicapped classroom. Carlon received a master's degree in deaf education and has a multiple subjects credential. She uses sign language as well as voice with her students.
The Kremen School at CSUF recently honored local special education teachers with the Dobbs award which recognizes the importance of the work of special education professionals.
The annual award, created in 2005, was named after Mary Carolyn Dobbs (1911- 2011) by the Kremen School.
Born in 1911 – the same year Fresno State was founded – Dobbs received the honorary doctorate degree in humane letters in 2004 in recognition of her contributions to special education through tireless advocacy for children with special needs.

From left, MCOE Assistant Superintendent of Special Education Susan Coston, MCOE Special Education teacher Yvonne Carlon and MCOE Special Education Coordinator Maria Duran-Barajas pose for a photo. Carlon recently received the Carolyn Dobbs Special Education Teacher of the Year Award from California State University, Fresno.

PHOTO COURTESY MERCED COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dobbs, a Fresno State alumna, was a teacher and internationally renowned pioneer in special education. Her selfless work brought significant changes at the state and national levels in the classroom and in everyday life for students.

May 19 , 2018

Costa Votes for Valley Farmers and Families

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the House of Representatives rejected H.R. 2 – commonly referred to as the Farm Bill – by a vote of 198 to 213:

“The Farm Bill the House rejected today is a clear example of what happens when Republicans and Democrats fail to work together: bad policy that serves too few Americans. Today’s vote makes clear that the Farm Bill is too big and too important to pass in the House using partisan arm-twisting. This bill could not get enough support in the House because it simply fails to serve our nation’s food needs. It does not do enough to support our food system or our food security.

“American agriculture needs a Farm Bill that promotes trade, adequately supports dairy producers, and assists specialty crop farmers. Our nation needs a Farm Bill that feeds Americans, ensures our food producers can be successful, and supports our food security and food safety net. Sadly, the Farm Bill we voted on today not only fails to meet these basic tests, but it also increases food insecurity and further divides our country along both partisan and regional lines.

“My vote against this version of the Farm Bill was a vote to return to the bipartisan, deliberative policy process that has historically resulted in successful farm and nutrition programs – programs that advance the interests of all Americans. It was a vote demanding fair support for our San

Congressman Jim Costa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joaquin Valley farmers and families. It was a vote for a good Farm Bill, one that actually serves our food producers, feeds Americans, and provides our nation with food security. The Senate is currently working on such a bipartisan, solution-oriented bill, and I hope we take up this serious piece of legislation and get back to work on America’s food bill soon.”

May 18, 2018

Castle Air Museum Open Cockpit Day

Castle Air Museum located at 5050 Santa Fe Drive in Atwater will be hosting its 22nd Annual Open Cockpit Day, Sunday May 27, 2018 from 9 AM to 5 PM!
Over 40 of the Museum’s 70 vintage military aircraft open for viewing like the still secret SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, B-52 Bomber, the Navy F-14 Tomcat of Top Gun fame, and new exhibits like the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which is a former 144thFighter Wing aircraft from the California Air National Guard in Fresno! The Cold War era vaunted MIG-21 Soviet Fighter, Army Chinook Helicopter and Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star Radar and Early Warning aircraft!! Don’t forget for only an extra $10 per person see our Presidential Aircraft that flew two U.S. Presidents and a multitude of dignitaries around the globe for 30 years!
Food Court, Children’s activities, Law Enforcement and Fire Department displays, and Helicopter rides are just part of this year’s celebration at the Castle Air Museum in Atwater! For more information, please go to our website at www.castleairmuseum.org

May 18, 2018

Billions in SB 1 Funding Approved for
Congestion Relief, Freight and Local Projects

STOCKTON – Caltrans today announced that $2.7 billion in competitive grants funded through the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1) were awarded to 64 projects throughout California to tackle congestion, support valuable trade corridors and bolster local agency efforts to invest in transportation. These three programs, the Solutions for Congested Corridors, Trade Corridor Enhancement and Local Partnership Programs are vital infrastructure improvement programs created by SB 1.

“California is expected to keep growing, both economically and in population,” said Caltrans Director Laurie Berman. “These projects funded by SB 1 will help to ensure that we can keep our economy moving and growing, and ease commutes for our residents so they can move efficiently between destinations.”

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved the grants for these three competitive grants during their May commission meeting in San Diego:

Trade Corridor Enhancement Program

California is the nation’s largest gateway for international trade and domestic commerce, and freight movement generates about a third of California’s $2.2 trillion economy. Because of its importance and expected growth, SB 1 provides $300 million annually for projects related to the routes and transportation infrastructure vital to California’s trade and freight economy. Three years’ worth of funding (fiscal years 2017-20) totaling approximately $1.4 billion was awarded to 28 projects, valued at more than $4 billion.

Projects receiving funding include:

• Northbound SR-99 Livingston Median Widening Project in Merced County – The $37.4 million project will widen northbound SR-99 to three lanes (from the two existing) in and near the City of Livingston. A separate southbound project will also occur along this stretch but is not currently tied to SB 1.

• Central Valley Gateway Projects (I-205/International Parkway Interchange Improvements and I-580/International Parkway Interchange Improvements in San Joaquin County) – These two projects, totaling $24.7 million, will widen ramps, construct turn pockets, install bike and pedestrian improvements, and modify traffic signals.

• State Route 132 West Expressway/Expressway Phase 1 in Stanislaus County – The $149.4 million project will construct a two-lane expressway with full access control and grade separation divided highway.

The final approved project list, by county, for the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program can be found at http://catc.ca.gov/programs/sb1/tcep/docs/2018_Adopted_TCEP.pdf .

More information on the program can be found on the CTC's SB 1 Trade Corridor Enhancement Program web page.

Local Partnership Competitive Program

The CTC awarded approximately $309 million to 27 projects to fund transportation improvements valued at more than $1.7 billion. This funding represents three years (fiscal years 2017-20) of matching funds for local entities that have already chosen to make their own investments in transportation.

The Local Partnership Program (LPP) was created by SB 1 to provide counties, cities and regional transportation agencies that have passed sales tax measures, developer fees or other voter-approved transportation fees with additional support for local projects from the State. The LPP creates a continuous appropriation of $200 million annually to fund road maintenance and rehabilitation, sound walls and other transportation improvement projects. These funds are distributed through a 50 percent statewide competitive component and a 50 percent formula component. The recipients of the formulaic component were finalized in March.

Local projects receiving funding include:

• The State Route 99 (SR-99)/Fulkerth Road Interchange Improvement Project in Stanislaus County – The $11 million project will widen Fulkerth Road, construct retaining walls under SR-99, widen the northbound off-ramp, reconstruct the northbound on-ramp to provide two mixed-flow lanes and one HOV lane, realign the southbound off-ramp for two mixed-flow lanes and one HOV lane, and improve the intersection in the City of Turlock.

The final approved project list, by county, for the Local Partnership Program Competitive Program can be found at http://catc.ca.gov/programs/sb1/lpp/docs/2018_Adopted_CompetitiveLPP.pdf .

More information on the Local Partnership Program can be found on the CTC's SB 1 Local Partnership Program web page.

Solutions for Congested Corridors Program

SB 1 created the Solutions for Congested Corridors Program, which provides $250 million annually for multimodal corridor plans that make performance improvements along the state’s busiest highways. Approved projects and plans provide more transportation choices while preserving the character of the local community and creating opportunities for neighborhood enhancement projects.

The CTC approved four years’ worth of funding (Fiscal years 2017-18 to 2020-21) totaling approximately $1 billion to nine projects statewide as part of this program. These projects are valued at approximately $3.5 billion.

The final approved project list, by county, for the Solutions for Congested Corridors Program can be found at http://catc.ca.gov/programs/sb1/sccp/docs/2018_Adopted_SCCP.pdf .

More information on the program can be found on the CTC's SB 1 Solutions for Congested Corridors Program web page.

The Road Repair and Accountability Act (SB 1), the landmark transportation infrastructure bill signed by Governor Brown in April 2017, invests $54 billion over the next decade to fix roads, freeways and bridges in communities across California and puts more dollars toward transit and safety. These funds will be split equally between state and local investments. For complete details on SB 1, visit http://www.rebuildingca.ca.gov/.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
OVERNIGHT FULL HIGHWAY CLOSURES
STATE ROUTE 140 FROM BERT CRANE ROAD
TO HULL ROAD IN MERCED COUNTY

MERCED COUNTY – Eastbound and westbound State Route 140 (SR-140) will be closed for five consecutive nights from Bert Crane Road to Hull Road west of Merced beginning Sunday, May 20, 2018, through Friday, May 25, 2018, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

The Merced Irrigation District will be working on a project in the area to install piping.

Detours are as follows:

East on SR-140:
- Left on Bert Crane Road
- Right on Atwater Jordan Road
- Right on Applegate Road
- Left on eastbound SR-140

West on SR-140:
- Right on Applegate Road
- Left on Atwater Jordan Road
- Left on Bert Crane Road
- Right on westbound SR-140

Motorists should expect 15 minute delays. Alternate routes should be taken whenever possible.

This work is scheduled to begin as listed, but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials and construction related issues.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
LONG-TERM FULL HIGHWAY CLOSURE
STATE ROUTE 49 FROM STATE ROUTE 120/MOCCASIN IN TUOLUMNE COUNTY
TO BEAR VALLEY ROAD IN MARIPOSA COUNTY

TUOLUMNE/MARIPOSA COUNTIES – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has closed northbound and southbound State Route 49 (SR-49) for approximately 36 miles from Moccasin Creek at the junction with SR-120 to Bear Valley Road for repair work after heavy rain on Thursday, March 22, 2018.

The closure is expected to be long term in order to repair the roadway after a wash out.

The roadway on this stretch of SR-49 was severely eroded due to the massive amount of water, and must be fully repaired and given a new foundation before re-opening. This effort is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the roadway for motorists.

Motorists can expect an additional hour of travel time due to the closure. Access to the town of Coulterville is available using alternate routes.

Work is scheduled to begin as listed, but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials and construction related issues.

For videos on the storm repair work being done by Caltrans and our construction partners, go to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_XAGWcbbqoV2h6LOQR7WnQ.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
RAMP CLOSURES
STATE ROUTE 99 FROM MISSION AVENUE IN MERCED TO
APPLEGATE ROAD IN ATWATER

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform various road construction and maintenance activities on northbound and southbound State Route 99 (SR-99) from Mission Avenue to Applegate Road.

Ramp closures are scheduled as follows:

• Various full on and off-ramp closures on northbound and southbound SR-99 from Mission Avenue to 16th Street in Merced beginning Sunday, May 20, 2018, through Friday, May 25, 2018, from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. for striping work.

• Various full on and off-ramp closures on northbound and southbound SR-99 from SR-140 in Merced to Golden State Boulevard in Turlock beginning Sunday, May 20, 2018, through Friday, May 25, 2018, from 7:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. for bridge work.

• Full off-ramp closures from northbound SR-99 to Childs Avenue in Merced and Franklin Road and Applegate Road in Atwater on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. for landscape and irrigation work.

Motorists should expect 10 minute delays. Alternate routes should be taken whenever possible. No consecutive ramps will be closed at the same time.

This work is scheduled to begin as listed, but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials and construction related issues.

For the safety of workers and other motorists,please Slow For the Cone Zone.

May 17, 2018

Congressman Costa Crosses Party Lines to Bring More Water to the Valley

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) again crossed party lines in the House Natural Resources Committee to support two bills that could dramatically improve the reliability and quantity of Valley water supplies.

The first bill – introduced by Representatives Ken Calvert (CA-42) and Costa (CA-16) – aims to bring all Endangered Species Act regulation of species that have a portion of their lifecycle in the ocean, like salmon, under a single regulating government agency. By doing so, H.R. 3916, aptly named the FISH Act, would eliminate the redundant and often conflicting requirements that commonly result from multiple agencies regulating water resources for the restoration of a single species without taking other factors, including water resources or other species, into account.

Shasta Dam fell victim to such contradictory requirements in 2016, when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considered requiring water be released from the Dam to supplement flows for Delta smelt, while the National Marine Fisheries Service was mandating that same water be held behind Shasta Dam to provide additional cold water for salmon rearing. Costa called this contradiction “absurd” before noting that regulation by a single agency “would make much more common sense” and that “San Joaquin Valley water agencies, the Metropolitan Water District and the Association of California Water Agencies support this.”

Congressman Jim Costa also advocated for support of H.R. 4419, a bill introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-4) which would streamline the process for creating or expanding water projects by the Bureaus of Reclamation and Indian Affairs. This legislation would dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to complete such water projects by limiting the project

Congressman Jim Costa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

review phase to three years and a cost of $3 million dollars. This includes the expansion of Shasta Dam, which has been stuck in the “feasibility study” step of the process since 2010. It would also apply to feasibility studies for Temperance Flat Dam and a raise of San Luis Reservoir.

“Eight years of delay in completing storage facility studies is simply inconsistent with the challenges facing California today,”stated Rep. Costa, directly speaking to the expansion of Shasta Dam. “This legislation would address this and provide Congressional methodology to more rapidly construct the needed water storage in California, and across the nation. If we can’t do it in the fifth largest economy in the world – and manage our water supply – god help the rest of the planet.”

May 16, 2018

Atwater FFA Students Earn Top State Recognition and Awards

Written by: Grace Reyes - Atwater FFA

With over 300 high schools throughout the state and over 300o individual high school students competing, the Atwater High School agriculture and FFA program’s students earned recognition and awards that put them at the top of the state during the recent Fresno State University, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo University, and California State Leadership Convention events taken place over the past couple weeks.

The Atwater FFA Milks Quality and Dairy Foods team of Callie Norton, Luke van Warmerdam, Kendyll Cruz, and Natalie Frontella placed 2nd overall in the Cal Poly state championship in a contest where students demonstrate their knowledge and skills in milk quality (tasting), cheese identification, real vs imitation dairy foods, and a written exam on the dairy industry.

The Atwater FFA Marketing Plan team comprised of Jasmine Sandoval, Anessa Cardenas, and Alison Melanader placed 2nd overall at the Cal Poly state championship in a contest that seeks to effectively prepare students for the opportunities and expectations of the agricultural business workplace. Students seeking careers in agriculture business must develop a high degree of knowledge and skill as well as the capacity to create and present a marketing plan.

The Atwater FFA Novice Parliamentary Procedure team comprised of Nandani Patel, Teresa Cavallero, Isabel Murrillo, Jennifer Velazquez, Simarjot Gandhoke, Jerrod Nickerson, and Celeste Chargoy and the Advanced Parliamentary Procedure team comprised of Emily Junez, Anessa Cardenas, Michael Bray, Natalie Frontella, Emmanuel Mejia, Callie Norton, and Cristal Venegas each placed 5th overall in the state championships held at fresno State University. Parliamentary procedure is a set of rules, ethics, and customs governing meetings of clubs, organizations, legislative bodies, and other deliberative assemblies. FFA students throughout California participate in various parliamentary procedure contests where students demonstrate their public speaking, understanding, and implementation of skills.
“This is an opportunity to get students involved in an application that develops and strengthens public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership skills that can be applied towards any academic and career endeavor,” said West.

The Atwater FFA Farm Business Management team comprised of Ricardo Ortega, Zion Brigham, Liliana Vargas, and Belinda Espinoza placed 4th overall at the Cal Poly State Finals competition. The Atwater FFA Poultry team comprised of Anna Lozano, Victor Mejia, Stephania Valdovinos, Sayra Ramos placed 5th overall at the Cal Poly State Finals. The Atwater FFA Land and Soil Evaluation team comprised of Audrey Esau, Micheal Bray, Jose Ruiz, Arturo Valdovinos placed 6th overall in the state with a combined state finals contest at Fresno State University and Cal Poly, SLO. The Atwater FFA Meats team comprised of Daisy Flores, Emily Junez, Mariah Castro, and Bailey Weimer placed 6th overall in the state. The Atwater FFA Agronomy team comprised of Luz Soto, Elisabeth Garner, Maria Ruelas, Jennifer Velazquez placed 8th overall in the state. The Atwater FFA Vegetable team comprised of Dillon Guillen, Jose Montanez, Tyler Brawley, Kelsi Kamesch placed 11th in the state. The Atwater FFA Nursery and Landscape team of Brissa Garcia, Noemi Perez, and Vanessa Varela placed 13th overall in the state at Cal Poly. The Atwater FFA Ag Mechanics team comprised of Joel Rojas, Daisy Flores-Mota, Marie Corado, Juanable Perez placed 20th overall in the state at Cal Poly.

During the 90th annual California State Leadership Convention held in Anaheim a few weeks ago, Atwater FFA members were recognized throughout the state in front of over 7000 high school agriculture students in attendance. Atwater FFA’s Kaya Briscoe-Mattis was the California State Proficiency winner in Small Animal Production. Her application is now going on to the National FFA for national recognition. Atwater FFA Reporter Grace Reyes was recognized as one of the state’s Star Reporters. Belinda Espinoza, Anna Lozano, and Callie Norton were all scholarship finalists and recipients in various state-wide FFA scholarships given to a select few throughout the state.

There are over 87,000 high school agriculture students in California representing over 375 high school agriculture programs, and the success of the Atwater FFA agriculture program can be attributed to the agriculture pathway sequence of courses at Atwater High School, the increased student involvement/participation outside of the classroom, and the tremendous support from the school/district, community, and agriculture industry. “We will say it time and time again,” says FFA advisor Kaylyn Davenport, “We are seeing a positive return on everyone’s investment with our students, and we all should take tremendous pride in their accomplishments.”

Atwater High School agriculture students Anessa Cardenas, Allison Melander, and Jasmine Sandoval of the Marketing Plan team placed 2nd overall in the state during the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo FFA State Finals Field Day.

Atwater High School agriculture students Luke Van Warmerdam, Callie Norton, Kendyll Cruz, and Natalie Frontella of the Milk Quality and Dairy Foods team placed 2nd overall in the state during the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo FFA State Finals Field Day.

Atwater FFA's Kaya Briscoe-Mattis and her FFA advisor Shelby West gather together during the recent state FFA State leadership Convention in Anaheim where Kaya was recognized as the state proficiency winner in Small Animal Production. Her application goes on to the National FFA Finals in Indianapolis, Indiana this summer.

For more information on this event, upcoming events, and information on the Atwater FFA, log on their website at www.AtwaterFFA.org or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

May 16, 2018

Hilmar Dual Language Immersion Program Teaches Students Portuguese

Elementary school students in Hilmar are learning the Portuguese language through a dual language immersion program and the results are proving encouraging.
Isabel Cabral-Johnson, superintendent of the Hilmar Unified School District, said the Portuguese program began last August and will expand to a second-grade class for the next school year.
Hilmar is the only school district in California to offer the Portuguese dual language immersion program.
“It speaks to the innovativeness of the district and the value we place on languages and cultures,” Cabral-Johnson said. “This is a great enrichment activity. In six months, students are speaking Portuguese and solving problems together. They are attentive and engaged.”
Melissa Cunha teaches the Portuguese-math class to first-graders at Elim Elementary School. She said they start their day with math, science and social studies, all in Portuguese.
“Through exposure and repetition the students have picked up the language very quickly. By November, over half the class was participating eagerly in Portuguese. By January, all of the students openly spoke and participated using the Portuguese language,” Cunha said.
Cabral-Johnson, who also speaks Portuguese and Spanish, said almost all Hilmar students who applied have passed the test to get their seal of biliteracy recognition, which appears on their diploma and high school transcripts. Hilmar has conducted a similar Spanish language immersion program for about 20 years, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through all grades.
She said there has been a lot of interest in the Hilmar community to offer Portuguese language instruction. Hilmar educators last year visited a school near Provo, Utah that offers a similar program and are planning a return visit soon.
A monthly meeting is held to update parents on the program. She said it is progressing very well and students are like sponges, capable of learning a new language if they are given the resources.
Cunha explained since the Portuguese language is the seventh most used language in the world, the students at the beginning of the year were informed how important and how special an opportunity they had to be able to learn another language.
“Many students became very eager and excited because they wanted to work for the government in the future. We discussed many times how many different jobs require a second or third language. And how important it is for their future success,” Cunha said.
Cabral-Johnson said students are provided visual aids and manipulative, hands-on materials. They learn the same first grade math material mandated in state standards that other students receive, as well as the Portuguese language.
“We have found out they are not losing anything in English while doing this. By very animated teaching, we are bringing the language to life,” Cabral-Johnson said.
At least 40 percent of Hilmar's students have a Portuguese heritage. It is easier to create pathways in the brain to learn a language at an early age. Children are not afraid to speak another language, according to Cabral-Johnson.
Hilmar has 2,400 students from transitional kindergarten through high school.
“The kids don’t care. You get an opportunity to practice language without inhibition. We are always looking for things to enhance the education of students,” Cabral-Johnson said.
Cabral said this has been an amazing opportunity, not only for her, the students and their families. She said she can't wait to see what the future holds for all of these language learners.

Hilmar Unified School District second-grade teacher Melissa Cunha reads to her students in Portuguese. She teaches California's only Portuguese dual language immersion program at Elim Elementary School.

Pictures and Portuguese descriptions adorn the hallway and door outside of Melissa Cunha's second grade class at Elim Elementary School in Hilmar.

Students in Melissa Cunha's second grade Portuguese dual language immersion program are encouraged to speak only Portuguese during part of the school day and are pictured here in different regions of Portugal.

PHOTOS BY DYLAN MCMULLEN COURTESY MERCED COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

May 16, 2018

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
OVERNIGHT FULL HIGHWAY CLOSURES
STATE ROUTE 140 FROM BERT CRANE ROAD
TO HULL ROAD IN MERCED COUNTY

The Merced Irrigation District will be working on a project in the area to install piping.

Detours are as follows:

East on SR-140:
- Left on Bert Crane Road
- Right on Atwater Jordan Road
- Right on Applegate Road
- Left on eastbound SR-140

West on SR-140:
- Right on Applegate Road
- Left on Atwater Jordan Road
- Left on Bert Crane Road
- Right on westbound SR-140

Motorists should expect 10 minute delays. Alternate routes should be taken whenever possible.

This work is scheduled to begin as listed, but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials and construction related issues.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
LONG-TERM FULL HIGHWAY CLOSURE
STATE ROUTE 132 FROM GRANITE SPRINGS ROAD
TO PINEY CREEK ROAD IN MARIPOSA COUNTY

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has closed eastbound and westbound State Route 132 (SR-132) for approximately half a mile from Granite Springs Road to Piney Creek Road for repair work after heavy rain on March 22, 2018.

The closure is expected to be long term in order to repair the roadway after a wash-out.

The roadway on this stretch of SR-132 was severely eroded due to the massive amount of water, and must be fully repaired and given a new foundation before re-opening. This effort is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the roadway for motorists.

Motorists can expect an additional 15 minutes of travel time due to the closure. There is a local detour available before the closure on either side.

Work is scheduled to begin as listed, but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials and construction related issues.

For videos on the storm repair work being done by Caltrans and our construction partners, go to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_XAGWcbbqoV2h6LOQR7WnQ.

For the safety of workers and other motorists,please Slow For the Cone Zone.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
RAMP CLOSURES
STATE ROUTE 99 FROM OWENS CREEK IN MERCED TO
GOLDEN STATE BOULEVARD IN TURLOCK

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform various road construction activities on northbound and southbound State Route 99 (SR-99) from Owens Creek to Golden State Boulevard. Ramp closures are scheduled as follows:

• Various full on and off-ramp closures on northbound and southbound SR-99 from Owens Creek to Webber Canal in Atwater beginning Monday, May 14, 2018, through Friday, May 18, 2018, from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. for striping work.

• Various full on and off-ramp closures on northbound and southbound SR-99 from Childs Avenue to Bradbury Road in Delhi beginning Monday, May 14, 2018, through Friday, May 18, 2018, from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. for bridge work.

• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 to Golden State Boulevard beginning Monday, May 14, 2018, through Friday, May 18, 2018, from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. for shoulder work.

• Full on-ramp closure from Golden State Boulevard to southbound SR-99 beginning Monday, May 14, 2018, through Friday, May 18, 2018, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. for shoulder work.

The work at Golden State Boulevard is part of a project that will replace the two outside lanes and shoulder on both northbound and southbound SR-99, from just north of Bradbury Road to just north of the county line.
Motorists should expect 10 minute delays. Alternate routes should be taken whenever possible.

This work is scheduled to begin as listed, but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials and construction related issues.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
LONG-TERM FULL HIGHWAY CLOSURE
STATE ROUTE 49 FROM STATE ROUTE 120/MOCCASIN IN TUOLUMNE COUNTY
TO BEAR VALLEY ROAD IN MARIPOSA COUNTY

The closure is expected to be long term in order to repair the roadway after a wash out.

Motorists can expect an additional hour of travel time due to the closure. Access to the town of Coulterville is available using alternate routes.

Work is scheduled to begin as listed, but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials and construction related issues.

For videos on the storm repair work being done by Caltrans and our construction partners, go to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_XAGWcbbqoV2h6LOQR7WnQ.

May 16, 2018

Congressmen Costa, Denham, Garamendi, and McClintock Introduce Legislation to Update Water Infrastructure Projects

Washington, D.C. – In their ongoing work to improve access to safe and reliable water, Congressmen Jim Costa (D-CA-16), Jeff Denham (R-CA-10), John Garamendi (D-CA-3), and Tom McClintock (R-CA-4) introduced H.R 5726, the Non-Federal Reservoir Operations Improvement Act, in the House of Representatives today. If enacted, the bipartisan legislation would resolve a technicality that impedes structural and operational improvements of water reservoirs and prevents reservoirs from functioning as efficiently as possible.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates the flood-control operations of many federal and non-federal reservoirs, guided by criteria set down in a “Water Control Manual” for each project. Up-to-date manuals, guidelines, and flood-control information help improve the efficiency of reservoir operation, creating more useable water. However, these manuals are often not reviewed and updated for decades by the Corps, who cite budget constraints. While current law allows the Corps to accept non-federal funds to review and update this information for Corps-owned reservoirs, it cannot accept similar funds for reservoirs not owned by the Corps, such as those owned by states, counties, or irrigation districts.

This effectually prevents dam owners, like Merced Irrigation District, from raising the spillway gates at New Exchequer Dam, because the project requires that the Corps updates the flood control manual for Lake McClure. The Non-Federal Reservoir Operations Improvement Act fixes this issue by allowing the Corps to accept non-federal funding to review and update operational documents and flood information for non-federal, locally-owned projects.

“This bill is a straightforward solution to a senseless problem that blocks improved water supply in the San Joaquin Valley, and in communities across the United States,” said Rep. Costa, lead sponsor on the bill. “Merced Irrigation District has been trying to raise the spillway gates at New Exchequer Dam to increase the carryover storage capacity of Lake McClure for years, but cannot move forward without updated operations guidelines and flood information. This project, when complete, will increase water supplies for eastern Merced County by 57,000 acre-feet during some years, and every additional acre-foot of water is vital to the future of our community. Merced Irrigation District is willing to pay to update the information and move the project forward, but the Army Corps of Engineers, which regulates Exchequer, indicated that the law prohibits it from accepting these non-federal funds. This is absurd, and I introduced the Non-Federal Reservoir Operations Improvement Act to remove this ridiculous obstacle from hindering progress in securing water for our Valley.”

Congressman Jim Costa

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“We must address California’s lack of storage,” shared Rep. Denham, lead Republican on the legislation. “In the Valley, we’ve seen water tables dry up, community water systems completely empty, and the economic viability of some towns completely dried up as well. We must move this issue forward.”

Rep. Garamendi, an original cosponsor on the bill, stated, “Water is one of California’s most scarce and precious resources, but can also do incredible damage. By removing bureaucracy and making it easier for the Corps to update its operations manuals and flood control guidelines using modern data, this bill will increase water supply availability while also providing better flood protection for communities downstream of dams.”

“Droughts are nature’s fault. Water shortages are OUR fault,” said Rep. McClintock, who is also an original cosponsor on the legislation. “This bill is an important step in reforming the bureaucratic mess that has made it all but impossible to manage our crucial water supplies. After our local water agencies have spent years trying to satisfy one bureaucracy, another suddenly pops up to claim jurisdiction with an entirely new set of demands in an often endless permitting process. This bill will cut through the red tape and allow us to store more water from wet years so that we will have it in dry ones.”

The Non-Federal Reservoir Operations Improvement Act was included as a provision in the Senate’s current version of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act, indicating support for the measure in the Senate.

May 16, 2018

MERCED COUNTY “MUCH SAFER” ONE YEAR AFTER OPERATION “SCRAPBOOK”

One year after a gang sweep he termed “the most successful in Merced County history,” District Attorney Larry D. Morse II said today that “Merced County remains much safer as a result of Operation Scrapbook.”
In a one-year anniversary review of the criminal prosecutions that resulted from the May 10, 2017 sweep of Sureno gang members operating in Merced County and state prisons, Morse noted that 79 defendants were implicated in Operation Scrapbook. In Merced County, there have been 34 convictions, 21 cases are still pending in the court system, and one defendant resolved their case by admitting a violation of probation. One defendant remains at large with an active warrant for his arrest. Fourteen defendants were charged with felonies in federal court and three defendants were referred to San Joaquin County for prosecution, Morse said. Five of those arrested were ultimately not charged with crimes, he added.
Out of the 34 convictions in Merced County, 18 have been sentenced to prison and at least three will be spending the rest of their lives in prison, Morse said.
Following an investigation that began in early 2017, more than 500 federal, state and local law enforcement personnel gathered in Merced County on May 10th to serve arrest and search warrants throughout the county on suspected Sureno gang members and some who were conducting gang business in county jail and in state prisons. By day’s end law enforcement officials had recovered more than 120 firearms, including dozens of assault weapons, seized 21,000 rounds of ammunition, $225,000 in cash and six and a half pounds of methamphetamine, Morse said, adding that the entire operation was concluded without any injuries to law enforcement or those targeted for arrest.
“Operation Scrapbook not only took violent and dangerous gang members off our streets, the seizure of so many high powered guns and ammunition
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
LARRY D. MORSE II
550 W. Main Street
Merced, CA 95340
Phone (209) 385-7381
Fax (209) 725-3669
Chief Deputy District Attorney HAROLD L. NUTT
Chief Deputy District Attorney
ROBERT O. CARROLL
Director of Administrative Services
JEANNETTE M. PACHECO
INVESTIGATIONS
(209) 385-7383
Chief Investigator
WILLIAM K. OLSON
VICTIM WITNESS
(209) 385-7385
Victim Witness Program Director
LISA DeSANTIS
LOS BANOS DIVISION
445 I Street
Los Banos, CA 93635
Phone (209) 710-6070
Fax (209) 827-2029 www.countyofmerced.com/da
undoubtedly saved innocent lives, including law enforcement officers who very likely would have been confronting these well-armed gangsters at some point,” Morse said.
Based on information gathered through this investigation from MAGNET, (Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team) and the District Attorney’s VIPER intelligence unit, local law enforcement was able to gather information on at least eight homicides and violent assaults and prevented at least a dozen additional violent crimes, Morse noted.
Merced County’s homicide rate had topped 30 per year between 2013 and 2015, much of it gang related, and making the county one of top three deadliest in California. In the aftermath of 2014’s Operation Red Right Hand, which targeted Norteno gang members in Merced County and resulted in more than 50 arrests, gang investigators noted an increase in rival Sureno gang activity, Morse said, which led to Operation Scrapbook.
Morse said results from the two major gang sweeps have been dramatic. In 2016, there were only nine reported homicides in Merced County. In 2017 there were 19, but only three were gang related, he noted. Overall, Morse said, homicides in Merced County have been reduced by half in the last two years and gang violence is down dramatically as a result of both Operation Red Right Hand and Operation Scrapbook.
“Working closely with Sheriff Vern Warnke, the police chiefs and our allied agencies, and utilizing the intelligence gathering capabilities we’ve developed through the VIPER program, we have made significant progress in reducing gang violence in Merced County,” Morse said, adding, “it’s a trend intend to continue.”

THIRTEEN ARRESTED IN AUTO INSURANCE FRAUD RING

Thirteen people were arrested Friday following a lengthy investigation by the Merced County District Attorney’s office into an automobile insurance fraud ring involving 10 different insurance companies that paid out more than $430,000 in bogus claims, District Attorney Larry D. Morse II announced.
Last month, a Merced County Grand Jury indicted 21 people for their role in orchestrating staged auto accidents and vandalism and then submitting bogus claims. The scheme began in September of 2011 and continued through June 2016 during which time there were 20 fraudulent claims submitted to insurance companies for payment, Morse said.
The insurance fraud ring was brought to light in January 2016 when an investigator with the Special Investigation Unit of Allstate Insurance contacted Merced County District Attorney Investigator Sheri Carpenter regarding a claim that she believed was a staged accident. Carpenter started her investigation by running the names through an insurance database provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau which linked the claim to 19 other similar claims.
During the investigation it was discovered that some of the same vehicles were used for multiple claims, with the same damage being reported. The main method of theft, according to Carpenter, came from the alteration of hospital bills that were submitted by the suspects to the insurance companies for which they were paid directly. Carpenter found that many of the same bills were used in multiple claims with the names and dates of service being altered to reflect a new claim date. In some cases, she noted, the totals on the hospital bills were altered to reflect a larger amount so that the payouts to the suspects would be higher.
“Not only is insurance fraud a crime, it costs Merced County residents substantially more in premiums and insurance costs every year ,” Morse said. He praised the work done by Carpenter in “unraveling this sophisticated and far reaching conspiracy to defraud insurance companies and consumers. Investigator Carpenter worked this complex case relentlessly for the last two years in addition to her other work and did an incredible job of putting all the pieces together. It was a first rate effort,” Morse said.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), auto related insurance fraud, particularly staged accidents, are a significant component of the $30 to $32 billion lost to insurance fraud each year.
“Unfortunately, many individuals view insurance companies as their personal piggy banks and they engage in fraudulent behavior without any concern for the economic harm they cause all consumers,” said Frank Scafidi, public affairs director for the NICB. “NICB commends District Attorney Morse and the participating law enforcement agencies for their diligence and extensive investigative efforts in this case.”
Joanna Tucker, 29, from Livingston, was described by Carpenter as the “ringleader” of the scam and directly involved in 19 of the 20 claims.
Deputy District Attorneys Walter Wall and Scott Drexel presented the case over several days to a Merced County Grand Jury last month which returned with 19 felony counts of insurance fraud and 17 felony counts of grand theft against Tucker. The grand jury also handed down indictments of 20 other defendants on charges of insurance fraud and grand theft.
Tucker’s boyfriend, Johnathan Huerta, 30, also of Livingston, was indicted on 10 felony counts of insurance fraud and nine counts of grand theft.
Investigators from the District Attorneys office, with assistance from Merced Sheriffs Department, Merced Police Department, Merced County Probation, Livingston Police Department, Atwater Police Department, State Parole and the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET), arrested Tucker, Huerta and 11 other defendants in a coordinated sweep on Friday. Tucker was being held on $500,000 bail. Huerta’s bail was set at $100,000, Carpenter said.
Three defendants were already in custody outside Merced County on unrelated charges, Carpenter noted.
Also taken into custody Friday were Rhonda Valencia 45, Diana Tucker 26, and Freddy Barajas 29 all of Livingston; Jessica Valencia 27, Alejandro Cervantes 31, Patricia Diaz 31 and Angelina Galvan 35 all of Atwater; Britney Groves 29, Charlece Scott 27, and Monique Eguiluz 28 all of Merced.
Others for whom arrest warrants have been issued were Maria Hernandez, 59, Celina Garza-Hernandez, 27 and Sarai Bernal, 27 all of Merced; Rico Tucker, 28, Carlos Tucker, 26, Heena Birly, 25, and Jessica Barajas, 30 all of San Jose and Jairo Barajas, 29 of Livingston.

MAN CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED MURDER OF TWO-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER

Gerardo Ruiz-Lopez, 42, of Merced, was convicted of attempted murder and felony child abuse, by a Merced County jury on Wednesday afternoon, after he attempted to kill his two-year-old daughter in 2016, Merced County District Attorney Larry D. Morse II announced.
Ruiz-Lopez began sending his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his daughter disturbing texts messages, followed by phone calls on July 10, 2016, while he had custody of their daughter for the weekend. Due to the nature of the text messages and calls, the mother called the Merced Police Department to do a welfare check on Ruiz-Lopez and their daughter.
Once the police arrived at Ruiz-Lopez’s home and could not get anyone to answer the door, they forced entry into the home because they feared the child may be in danger. During their search of the home, they found Ruiz-Lopez and his daughter unresponsive and shut in the walk-in closet upstairs. Inside of the closet with them, were two five-gallon propane tanks that were both freely releasing propane gas due to the safety lines being purposely cut. Also in the closet were toys, a tablet and pillows.
The officers immediately picked up the victim’s limp body and took her outside, where she received treatment and ultimately survived. When officers spoke to Ruiz-Lopez, he claimed that he did not remember sending the texts, the calls, or taking the propane into the closet, however, the jury did not find that to be true. Ruiz-Lopez also attempted to plead insanity, and the jury found him not legally insane.
“I want to thank the police officer who acted quickly to save the child’s life,” said Deputy District Attorney Caleb Hegland who prosecuted the case. “I would also like to thank the jurors who gave their time and attention to this trial. The defendant is now facing a life sentence and will hopefully never have the chance to harm a child again,” he added.
Ruiz-Lopez will be sentenced at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 3 of the Merced County Superior Court and faces 7 years-life.

May 8, 2018

Atwater FFA Prepares for its Largest Spring Plant Sale

Written by: Grace Reyes - Atwater FFA

Atwater High School horticulture students have spent the past couple months preparing for the 13th annual Atwater FFA Spring/Summer Plant Sale scheduled for this Friday and Saturday, May 11th and 12th from 8am to 4pm at the Atwater High School Agriculture Department. Over 5000 annual and perennial plants, ferns, succulents, and fruit & shade trees will be available. This year’s crop includes organic strawberries. The plants have been grown and maintained by the students and all the funds generated from the sale go back into the horticulture program to cover supplies, equipment, and facility maintenance expenses.

“This is a hands-on approach towards learning plant/horticulture skills, responsibility, and the opportunity to strengthen communication and customer service skills during the sale,” said Atwater FFA instructor Dave Gossman. “The students have put in numerous hours towards in preparation and gain a tremendous amount of pride through the experience.”

Atwater High School became the state’s first certified high school horticulture program through the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC). The school’s nursery is a student run operation whose bi-annual plants sales help cover the costs of supplies, materials, equipment, and facility upgrades for the program.

For more information on this event, upcoming events, and information on the Atwater FFA, log on their website at www.AtwaterFFA.org or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Atwater High School horticulture students Jennifer Ambriz, Jaqueline Ceja, and Amy vang place plant tags on some of the 5000+ plant stock that will be available to community members during this weekend's plant sale.

Atwater High School horticulture students Jasmine Sandoval and Noemi Perez inspect the succulent plant stock in preparation for the FFA program's largest plant sale on May 11th and May 12th.

Atwater High School horticulture student Sarah Baird waters the various flowering plants in the school's greenhouse that will be available during this Friday and Saturday's FFA plant sale.

May 8, 2018

Costa Honors Fresno Students for Works in Congressional Art Competition

Fresno, CA – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) honored Fresno County high school students who participated in the 2018 Congressional Art Competition with an awards ceremony Friday evening at the Fresno Arts Council.

More than 50 pieces of art were submitted to the district-wide competition, with high school students from Fresno County submitting 24 pieces total. Fresno students’ work was judged by local artists and members of the Fresno arts community.

Rep. Costa honored all student entrants individually during Friday’s ceremony before awarding this year’s first and third place winners. “It is vital that we engage in creative and innovative thinking, which is why I seize the opportunity to host the Congressional Art Competition in our Valley every year,” said Costa. “Looking around this room – at these remarkable students and their moving works – I am proud of each and every one of these young people, for what they have created here and for sharing it with our community.”

Congressman Costa announced Anna Titteringten as this year’s third place winner and Emilie Haskell as this year’s first place winner. Anna attends Edison High School, and her third place piece is an oil on canvas work entitled “Tiny Tears.” Emilie also attends Edison High School, and her grand-prize-winning work is an acrylic on Masonite board piece entitled “Serene.”

This year’s second place winner is Lylah Carranza from Los Banos High School. Lylah was announced as the second place winner at the awards ceremony honoring Merced County students, which was held Wednesday, May 2nd at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center. Her prize-winning work is a colored pencil piece entitled “Hidden.”

Emilie’s “Serene” will be sent to Washington, D.C. in June, where it will hang on display with other first place pieces from across the country to be viewed by the millions who visit the Capitol each year. All first place winners, including Emilie, are also invited to the Capitol to attend the opening of the display exhibiting the 2018 winning works and the congressional reception celebrating the student winners.

Lylah’s “Hidden” and Anna’s “Tiny Tears” will be displayed in Congressman Costa’s district offices.

Rep Costa with first place winner Emilie Haskell

Rep Costa with third place winner Anna Titteringten

Left: Rep Costa honoring Fresno student entrants of Congressional Art Competition

May 8, 2018

Congressman Costa Continues to Lead on Trade for California Agriculture

Washington, D.C. – In his ongoing efforts to fight for California agriculture, today Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) led other California members of the U.S. House of Representatives in calling on the Administration to replace its tariffs with a “strategic,” allied approach for addressing unfair or unbalanced trade practices.

The message, sent to United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, expresses deep concern regarding the $3 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs China has imposed on more than 80 agriculture products since President Trump raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports on March 8th. “In 2017 alone, California exported approximately $28.5 billion in products to China,” the letter states.

After acknowledging that deceptive or unbalanced trade practices must be addressed, the letter continues with, “The currently proposed tariffs will not effectively advance our shared goal of changing China’s harmful practices” and calls on the Administration “to address these fundamental challenges through aligned efforts with our allies across the globe and abandon the current back and forth retaliation that will ultimately impact both rural and urban businesses in California and across the nation.”

Rep. Costa has been urging the Administration to rethink its approach to trade since the Administration’s plans to raise steel and aluminum tariffs became public in early March. Costa warned the House of Representatives in March that California agriculture would“likely feel the most intense and direct pain

Congressman Jim Costa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

from these tariffs. California farmers and ranchers earned roughly 44% of their total revenue from international trade in 2016. But this pain will radiate across the country.”

Congressman Costa was joined today in sending the letter to Lighthizer by lead Republican, Representative David G. Valadao (CA-21), and Representatives Jeff Denham (CA-10), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Steve Knight (CA-21), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-21), Jimmy Panetta (CA-21), and John Garamendi (CA-03).

May 5, 2018

Road project, Mall EIR on City Council agenda

A road repair project on N Street and the Merced Mall environmental impact report are topics on the Merced City Council agenda Monday night.
The meeting will be at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the Merced Civic Center, (City Hall), 678 W. 18th St. The Council meets the first and third Mondays of the month, except when there is a holiday, when it meets the following day.
The Council will be asked to award a $1,007,139.55 contract to Taylor Backhoe Services, Inc. of Merced for a roadway rehabilitation project.
The funds would reconstruct N Street from Childs Avenue to 8th Street and include the replacement of a 6 inch and 8 inch water main, curb and gutter work, concrete handicap ramps, sidewalks, driveway approaches and traffic loops.
The project will require partial lane closure of N Street so staff will coordinate the work with affected school officials and construction will not begin until school is out for summer break.
The Merced Mall has announced renovation and expansion plans for the 52-acre site. There would be an additional 50,000 square feet of building space added, along with facade improvements.
Council is being asked to approve the hiring of an environmental consultant for the project, along with an agreement by the Mall to reimburse the City for the $84,390 in consultants and staff time costs.
Staff will be giving Council an update on a report from Quad Knoff regarding property owner polling for Industrial Park Study Area No. 7. The City is considering the 1,267-acre site for a potential industrial park. The property owners were recently polled on whether they favored the concept and 88.5 percent participated.

Also on the agenda is a continued public hearing on the repeal of the Regional Transportation Impact Fee Ordinance. The City collected $5.1 million in fees from 2005 to 2016, with the funds earmarked for regional projects. However, not all jurisdictions in Merced County were consistent in collecting the fees, so there is a move to rescind the agreement that created the fee.
The Council will meet in closed session at 5 p.m. to confer with labor negotiators.
City Council meetings are streamed live on the Internet. A link to the live meeting is on the City’s web site at https://cityofmerced.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Videos of previous meetings can be found at that link, and are tied to each agenda item. Those services are in addition to the live broadcast of the regular meeting on Comcast’s Government Channel 96.
The Council agenda is posted online at www.cityofmerced.org and is available outside the chambers prior to the meeting. Request to Speak forms are available at the meeting or can be downloaded from the City's website. Cards must be turned in to the City Clerk in order for a person to be recognized by the Council. Hmong and Spanish translators are available at all Council meetings.

May 5, 2018

Merced Youth Council Music Festival

The City of Merced Youth Council is hosting their 3rd Annual Music Festival at Applegate Park’s Merced Open Air Theatre (MOAT) on Saturday, May 19.

Local and Bay Area bands and individuals will perform original music, sing, dance and read poetry during the event. There will be performances from Jukebox Breakers, M.A.D. Skillz, Rob Rivas, Hmong Student Association, Building Young Leaders and more.

Other activities include airbrush face painting, rock climbing, tie-dying, student clubs and raffles. All activities are free.

The event will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the MOAT, 1045 W. 25th St. For more information call 385-6235, visit the website CityofMerced.org, and click on Parks and Community Services or follow MercedYouthCouncil on Facebook.

Click here to see Flyer

May 5, 2018

ARRESTS MADE IN THE UC ORIENTAL MARKET FIRE IN DOWNTOWN MERCED

At 7:00 a.m. this morning, detectives from the Merced Police Department arrested the owners of the UC Oriental Market, 44-year-old Mai Moua and her husband 49-year-old Zang Her, in connection to the December 18, 2016 fire that left the building located at 630 W. Main in Merced completely destroyed, announced District Attorney Larry D. Morse II.
The blaze began around 10:00 a.m. that Sunday morning, and firefighters were on scene in just over four minutes after receiving the call. The fire was battled by a total of 51 firefighters from the City Fire Department, Turlock Fire Department, and Merced County Fire Department.
Although there were ultimately no injuries, firefighters have described this structural fire as one of the most significant in recent Merced history because of the risk to the firefighters involved in containing it.
Due to the nature of the fire, an arson investigation was initiated by the Merced Police Department and the Merced City Fire Department Investigation Unit, and was aided by a forensic accountant from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms.

The losses from the fire are estimated to be over $1 million in total.
Moua and Her recently purchased the UC Oriental Market, however, they did not own the building.
Both defendants were booked at the Merced County jail and have been charged with one count each of arson of a structure, and one count each of filing a fraudulent insurance claim. Arson is considered a strike offense under California law, requiring registration as an arsonist, and the charges carry a maximum of seven years in state prison.
“Arson is a strike offense under California law for good reason. Structural fires like this one pose great risk for the firefighters trying to contain them. We were extremely fortunate that none of the 51 firefighters battling this blaze were injured. It could have been so much worse,” Morse said.

May 5, 2018

Morse Releases His Personnel File

Today Merced County District Attorney Larry Morse released his 25 year personnel file from the County and called on his opponent, Stanislaus County Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Helms Lewis to do the same.

“The District Attorney’s office has an annual budget of about $13 million with nearly 100 employees,” said Morse. “I’ve managed it successfully through recession and recovery for 12 years.”

“Voters should be able to see Ms. Lewis’ employment history at the Merced County Counsel’s office to evaluate her work history in making their choice as to who is best qualified to lead the office,” continued Morse.

Morse told members of the Merced County Farm Bureau during a recent joint candidate appearance that he would release his employment history. Ms. Lewis did not say if she would do so.

Ms. Lewis worked for more than a decade at the Merced County Counsel’s office before joining the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s office late last year as a deputy district attorney assigned to auto theft.

A county employee’s personnel history can only be released with the employee’s consent.

“Managing offices in Merced and Los Banos with 27 attorneys, an investigations unit, our Victim Witness Division and our outstanding clerical staff is one of the biggest responsibilities of serving as District Attorney,” said Morse.

“In 20 years at the County, Ms. Lewis has never been a manager at any level,” Morse concluded. “I believe that is a critical distinction between us.”

May 5, 2018

Tacherra Campaign Calls on Poythress to Give Back High Speed Rail Donations

After expressing his opposition to High Speed Rail, Madera Supervisor Rob Poythress, under investigation by the California Attorney General’s office for corruption, should return “donations” to his campaign from HSR vendors and those who will benefit financially.

The Tacherra for Senate campaign today called out corruption-ridden Madera County Supervisor Rob Poythress on his two-faced positions on High Speed Rail: Speaking out publicly against it while pocketing thousands in contributions from those supporting it.

“Rob Poythress is showing every day why he is under criminal investigation for corruption,” said Tacherra spokesman Carl Fogliani. “It’s obvious he has hung out the “For Sale” sign to fund his failing campaign by shoving cash into his dirty pockets. It will be the voters who have to pay for this waste of money for not just High Speed Rail but for his continued prosecution as well.“

The leading candidate in SD 12, Johnny Tacherra, challenged Poythress when he heard the news.

“I hope Rob gives up his support of High Speed Rail and gives the money back,” said Tacherra. “I’m starting to see why the state Attorney General’s office is so interested in Rob’s “Pay to Play” schemes in local government and hope he will start thinking of the taxpayers. His values are very far away from what our party needs to send to Sacramento. We don’t need to send a corrupt liberal Republican to join the corrupt liberal Democrats.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Madera, Merced and San Benito Republican Committees have already endorsed the battle-tested Republican frontrunner Johnny Tacherra in the race for State Senate for the open seat of term limited Senator Anthony Cannella. Tacherra is a farmer from Fresno County who nearly upset Congressman Jim Costa in 2014 despite no support from the national GOP or California Republican Party. Tacherra is a recognized expert on water issues with a strong proven base in the core of this “swing” district.

“Poythress should not only consider leaving the race, he should apologize to all those members of the Senate Republican Caucus who endorsed his candidacy after he deceived them into believing he was a viable candidate,” said Tacherra consultant Carl Fogliani. “He is possibly the worst candidate for state Senate in California GOP history as a banker under investigation by the Attorney General for government corruption. If Senate Republicans do not want an even tinier caucus they need to cut bait on Poythress to have a chance to keep this seat.”

May 4 , 2018

Rep. Costa Visits Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School

Fresno, CA — Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) visited Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School in Clovis where he met with students and faculty and spoke to students about the importance of community engagement and his time serving in Congress. In addition, Rep. Costa heard directly from students about some of the programs and opportunities unique to Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School, the only Armenian school in the state of California from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Costa’s visit also featured components of Armenian culture, including sharing in a Mezza Table and student performances of traditional Armenian dances.

“One of the great things about our San Joaquin Valley is its diversity and the interweaving of all of its rich cultures,” said Rep. Costa. “Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School – in addition to providing students with a high-quality education – celebrates and engages students in the vibrant Armenian culture that plays a significant role in our Valley home. It was an honor to meet with these remarkable students and dedicated educators today.”

Curtis Shamlin, Principal of Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School, shared, “We truly appreciate the words Congressman Costa shared with us. We thank him for his service to our country and his continued recognition of our Armenian community.”

Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School focuses its educational courses and extra-curricular programs on academic excellence and the development of a rich appreciation of Armenian culture. To do so, the school broadly promotes technology and scientific advancements, visual and performing arts, and Armenian language, cooking, dance, and other Armenian culturally-significant areas.

Congressman Jim Costa

Rep Costa with Principal Shamlin and students at Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School

Rep Costa Speaking to Students at Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School.