Community News

October 17, 2022

Phoenix Project, a program of the Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) in partnership with Merced County Probation, honored the accomplishments of 22 graduates Wednesday night at an exclusive ceremony held at the MCOE Downtown Center.

Graduates are Phoenix Project participants who successfully completed a Career Technical Education (CTE) training and obtained an industry-recognized certificate.

CTE courses are rigorous and vary in length from two to six months. Participants attend full-time and learn industry skills required for success in the workplace such as attendance, teamwork and commitment.

Representatives from Merced County Office of Education and Merced County Probation pose for a photo at the Phoenix Project graduation ceremony on Oct. 12.

“The Phoenix Project is a program that provides opportunities and hope,” said Phoenix Project Career Educator Toula Eccles. “Hope is the driving force behind the success of the program.”

The program serves adults referred by Merced County Probation and helps lead them to successful employment through education and training.

Many of the night’s graduates completed CTE courses in a variety of industries which include automotive technology, construction, transportation, medical and more.

The ceremony included guest speakers and representatives from MCOE, Merced County Probation and Merced County Board of Supervisors as well as two graduate speakers.

A large percentage of Phoenix Project graduates obtain full-time employment after graduation. Research has shown that employment is the best predictor of post-release success.

For more information on Phoenix Project contact Career Educator Toula Eccles at teccles@mcoe.org or (209) 381-6682.

return to top

October 17, 2022

Nearly 150 people attended Merced County Education Foundation’s (MCEF) annual Oktoberfest Fundraiser where they helped raise more than $40,000 in support of outdoor education at Camp Green Meadows Outdoor School and arts education programs that help create meaningful experiences for students outside of the classroom.

The annual fundraiser, held at the MCOE Downtown Professional Development Center, featured drone footage that highlighted Camp Green Meadows and an art showcase which featured artwork by students from Merced and Livingston High Schools.

Support for these programs will help with student scholarships to Camp Green Meadows and improvements to facilities. Funds will also support a variety of visual and performing arts opportunities throughout Merced County.

MCEF also supports art programs such as the Merced Symphony Children’s Concerts and the UC Merced Opera for Children. Foster Youth are also eligible for scholarships to attend visual and performing arts classes throughout the year.

“Experiences outside the classroom benefit students with improved motivation, confidence and teamwork skills,” said MCEF Executive Director Stacie Arancibia. “We were happy to welcome our supporters back to an in-person event to highlight and support these wonderful student programs.”

Title sponsors included Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), The Hate Dust Project, Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union (MSEFCU) and Tinetti Realty Group. Tinetti Realty Group and The Hate Dust Project committed to match donations up to $10,000 each.

Additional event sponsors included El Capitan Hotel, Merced Credit Union and UC Merced.
Money was also raised in a dessert auction with desserts donated by elected officials and candidates for local offices. The dessert auction raised nearly $3,500.

For more information about the MCEF and how you can support their programs, contact Stacie Arancibia at (209) 381-5910.

return to top

October 17, 2022

Planada — The California Transportation Commission (CTC) this week allocated nearly $3 billion for projects to repair and improve transportation infrastructure throughout the state. The allocation includes more than $452 million in funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and more than $123 million in funding from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
“This allocation – which includes a significant federal investment – allows Caltrans and our local partners to continue building the equitable, sustainable, and safe transportation system on which future generations will depend,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares.
Projects approved this week include the construction of sidewalks, driveways, ADA curb ramps, crosswalk pavement markings, a bike lane and railroad pedestrian flashing beacons along the east side of Plainsburg Road in the Merced County community of Planada. This project allocation includes $1,351,000 in federal IIJA funds.
The CTC allocated more than $2.1 billion to Caltrans' Division of Local Assistance in its annual federal fiscal year investment. These local assistance funds are used by more than 600 cities, counties and regional agencies throughout California to build and improve roads, bridges, tunnels and other transportation infrastructure, and for projects that enhance safety and help protect the environment. Annually, more than 1,200 new projects are authorized through the Local Assistance Program.
SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually that is shared equally between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1. For more information about transportation projects funded by SB 1, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov.

return to top

October 17, 2022

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform various operations on State Route 49 (SR-49), SR-132, and SR-140 next week in Mariposa County.
State Route 49
• One-way traffic control from Tiptop-Usona Road to Hirsh Road/Woodland Road for tree work beginning Tuesday, October 18, through Friday, October 21, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• One-way traffic control from the Mariposa/Tuolumne County Line to Bear Valley Road for shoulder work beginning Thursday, October 20, through Friday, October 21, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
State Route 132
• One-way traffic control from the Mariposa/Tuolumne County Line to State Route 49 for shoulder work beginning Monday, October 17, through Wednesday, October 19, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• One-way traffic control at 4th Street for sign work on Monday, October 17, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
State Route 140
• One-way traffic control from Climbing Lane to Bear Creek Bridge for tree work beginning Monday, October 17, through Thursday, October 20, from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, October 21, 2022, from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Long-term one-way traffic control from Bear Creek Bridge to Bull Creek Road for slope repair through October 31, 2022.
• One-way traffic control from the Mariposa/Merced County Line to Trower Road for highway construction beginning Monday, October 17, through Friday, October 21, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Motorists should expect 10-minute delays and use alternate routes 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

October 7, 2022

Student Services Secretary Mandie Onate from Merced Union High School District was named employee of the year; Principal Diana Dietz from Atwater Elementary School District was named administrator of the year; and Merced Scholars Charter School Teacher April Amaral received the teacher of the year award.

This is the 17th year that the program, which is open to school districts across Merced County, has awarded exemplary teachers, administrators and school employees. There were ten honorees for school employee of the year, six honorees for administrator of the year and ten honorees for teacher of the year.

In addition to the reveal of the three county winners, the Oct. 6 ceremony recognized all 26 honorees and featured video presentations, produced by Merced Educational Television (METV), that highlighted the three county winners.

Merced County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Tietjen and EECU CEO Elizabeth Dooley both shared their praises to the honorees and winners for their exemplary work in education.

The winners of the Merced County Teacher of the Year and School Employee of the Year are now eligible to move on to apply at the state awards program.

The 2022 Excellence in Education video vignettes and event program can be found at www.mcoe.org/eie.

* Excellence in Education winner

TEACHERS:

Cristen Camp
Atwater Elementary School District

Adam Suleiman
Delhi Unified School District

Bobby Hanning
Dos Palos Oro-Loma Joint Unified School District

Olga Iniguez
El Nido Elementary School District

Danet Estabillo
Gustine Unified School District

Maggie Santos Machado
Merced County Office of Education - Special Education Preschool

*April Amaral
Merced County Office of Education - Educational Services

Tammy Rodriguez
Merced City School District

Kyle Clinton
Merced Union High School District

Julia Robertson
Weaver Union School District

SCHOOL EMPLOYEES:

Claudia Villafan
Atwater Elementary School District

Angelica Prado
Delhi Unified School District

Charlotte Coleman
Dos Palos Oro-Loma Joint Unified School District

Janneth Del La Torre
El Nido Elementary School District

Helen Encinas
Gustine Unified School District

Yadira DeMartinez
Merced County Office of Education - Special Education

Lucas Lopez
Merced City School District

Delcio Gois
McSwain Union Elementary School District

*Mandie Onate
Merced Union High School District

Erendira Alamillo
Weaver Union School District

ADMINISTRATORS:

*Diana Dietz
Atwater Elementary School District

Priscilla Whiteaker
Dos Palos Oro-Loma Joint Unified School District

Jesus Lopez-Moreno
Le Grand Union High School District

Mary Whited
Merced County Office of Education - Educational Services

Mary Williams
Merced City School District

Joel Sebastian
Merced Union High School District

return to top

October 7, 2022

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform
various closures on Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route 33 (SR-33) and SR-99 for maintenance
and construction operations. Work to occur as follows;
INTERSTATE 5:
• Full closure of the John C. Erreca Rest Areas on northbound and southbound I-5
beginning Monday, April 4, 2022, through July 2023.
o ALTERNATE LOCATIONS: Motorists are advised to use either the Westley
Rest Area (San Joaquin/Stanislaus County line) or the Coalinga-Avenal
Rest Area (Fresno/Kings County line). Electric vehicle charging stations
are available at the Westley Rest Area.
STATE ROUTE 33:
• One-way traffic control from I-5 to SR-152 for construction beginning Monday,
October 10, through Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 99:
• Alternating closures of the #1 (left) and #2 (right) lanes of northbound and
southbound SR-99 from Colony Slough to SR-140/SR-59 (V Street) beginning
Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 9:00 p.m. until 6:00
a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022,
from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022,
from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Long-term, full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at G Street for
construction through March 24, 2023.
• Full on-ramp closure from G Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at R Street for construction
beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from R Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from SR-140/59 (V Street) to northbound SR-99 for
construction beginning on Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022,
from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at SR-140/59 (V Street) for
construction beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022,
from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from 16th Street to northbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at 16th Street for construction
beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from Hammatt Avenue to southbound SR-99 for pavement
work beginning Sunday, October 9, through Monday, October 10, 2022, from
11:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at Hammatt Avenue for pavement
work beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 10:00
p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Winton Parkway for
construction beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022,
from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Shanks Road for
construction beginning Sunday, October 9, through Friday, October 14, 2022,
from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from Bradbury Road to southbound SR-99 for pavement
work beginning Monday, October 10, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Motorists should expect five to 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

October 7, 2022

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltans) will perform various operations next week on State Routes 49, 132 and 140.
Work is scheduled as follows:
Route 49
• One-way traffic control from Tiptop-Usona Road to Hirsch Road for tree work beginning Monday, October 10, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Route 132
• One-way traffic control from the Stanislaus/Tuolumne County Line to Route 49, Coulterville, for shoulder work beginning Tuesday, October 11, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Route 140
• Full highway closure from Fifth Street to Route 49 North for a special event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022.
• Long-term one-way traffic control from Bear Creek Bridge to Bull Creek Road for slope repair and clearing through October 2022.
• One-way traffic control at various points from the Merced/Mariposa County Line to east of Trower Road for highway construction beginning Monday, October 10, through Friday, October 14, 2022, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• One-way traffic control from Triangle Road to Ponderosa Way for tree work beginning Monday, October 10, through Thursday, October 13, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022.
Motorists should expect 10-minute delays and use alternate routes 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

October 4, 2202

Over 250 Atwater High School FFA members participated in the 19th annual FFA “Bowling Tournament” Meeting on September 28th at Bellevue Bowl in Atwater. The purpose of the meeting was to create an opportunity for FFA members to participate in a recreational activity and develop one’s social and team building skills.

The Atwater FFA holds monthly meetings, scheduled at a regular time and guided by a sound agenda, that provide an efficient transaction of business, promote chapter unity and encourage better attendance. Chapter meetings are excellent learning and teaching tools. “The important thing to realize is that the chapter meetings are planned and run by the students,” says FFA Advisor Kim Mesa, “Tonight’s meeting was an excellent way to bring everyone together as a chapter.”

Trophies were awarded to the top three teams. Atwater High School agriculture students Ruby Mondragon, Anthony Tucker, Louis Angel Chavez, Bryan Heitman, Luke Sanchez, and Erik Gonzalez placed 1st overall as a team and won the tournament. Tony Corarrubias, Julian Zaragoza, Favian Tristan, Adrian Tinoco, and Aadan Cisneros placed 2nd overall as a team. Ayden Silveira, Kaleb Shannon, Alfonso Gomez, Adrian Garcia, and Evan Goucher were recognized as 3rd place team finishers. Specialty awards were given to individuals during the tournament. The “Sports Center Highlight” award went to Zachary Karastathas, the “Maybe I Need a New Sport” award went to Eric Garibay, the “I’m Just Happy to be Here” award went to Evan Goucher, the “Ms. Queen Pin” award went to Danica Chrstofferson, and the “Strike It Up” award went to Marissa Silva.

FFA is a dynamic youth organization within agricultural education that changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. FFA was created in 1928 as Future Farmers of America; the name was changed in 1988 to the National FFA Organization to represent the growing diversity of agriculture. Today, over half a million-student members are engaged in a wide range of agricultural education activities, leading to over 300 career opportunities in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. Student success remains the primary mission of the FFA.

This was the 19th year the newly rennovated Bellevue Bowl has sponsored and supported this popular student event. “Bellevue Bowl is just one example of the continued support our AHS students and agriculture program receives from our community and local businesses,” said Atwater High School FFA advisor Shelby Fishman. “Our goal is to make a positive difference in young people’s lives, and this event is an example of being able to get together and enjoy each other’s company.”

For more information on the Atwater High School Agriculture Department and Atwater FFA, please log on the website www.AtwaterFFA.org .

return to top

October 4, 2022

The focus of my career as an educator has always been to serve students, families and the community, whether as a teacher, school district superintendent or in my current role as Merced County Superintendent of Schools.

Of the many programs and opportunities I have seen for students, a truly unique opportunity is the Virginia Smith Trust, which awards grants and scholarships for students to pursue higher education.

Virginia Smith was a native Mercedian whose grandfather settled in Merced in the 1850s. He built a land legacy that spanned more than 15,000 acres across three Central California counties. Virginia never married or had children so when the time came, she made a decision to benefit the children of Merced County with her wealth. Virginia provided in her will that the remaining land in her control would be granted to the Merced County Office of Education in a trust for the children of Merced County to be used for college scholarships, thus the Virginia Smith Trust was born.

The VST gifted 7,100 acres of land to the Merced County Office of Education Board of Trustees to support needy and deserving students, which has benefitted more than 3,000 Merced students through nearly $6 million scholarships since 1975.

The VST and land associated with it was vital in the University of California regents selecting Merced as the home for the tenth University of California campus.

I’ve worked with our Board of Trustees and several other organizations to fulfill the wishes of Virginia Smith in providing scholarships for Merced students. In fact, this year the Virginia Smith Trust for the first time provided nearly $100,000 in grants to high school seniors, along with $590,000 in scholarships to 83 students, which is an increase of 50 students from the previous year.

While the grant and scholarship is currently only available to students who attend school in the city of Merced, we are working on expanding this for students across Merced County.

Projected income for the endowment could be as much as $1.7M by 2026 and up to $10M for Merced County students by the time the VST development project is complete in the late 2030s.

The VST planned development will provide housing for all income levels, with large lots for residents in the custom home market and smaller lots for homes that are more affordable. In fact, more than 10% of the housing in the development, (more than 400 homes) will be targeted at affordable housing markets.

The VST development has set aside property for schools, parks and public safety, like police and fire stations. The development will fund these amenities and will not raise costs for other parts of Merced.

This is all possible because of the unique nature of the VST development.

One of the key reasons we can move forward now is that Assemblymember Adam Gray carried legislation that allows the city of Merced to annex UC Merced. Once annexed, the City has the ability to annex neighboring properties adjacent to the university. The VST will then have access to city services and those properties will begin paying appropriate use fees and taxes, as we all do. Property taxes from the UC will begin accruing to the city of Merced after annexation.

The future is bright, but it does need action by locally elected officials. The VST’s Environmental Impact Report and plan will go before the Board of Supervisors in Spring of 2023 and it will be up to the Merced City Council to annex the VST property later in the spring after annexation of UC Merced.

Let’s all support the dream of scholarships for all deserving students. When the time comes, I will need your support to make this long held promise a reality by calling on elected officials and attending meetings. Let’s make those meetings a true celebration of Virginia’s visionary gift for Merced.

Steve Tietjen, Ed.D.
Merced County Superintendent of Schools

return to top

October 4, 2022

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform
various closures on Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route 99 (SR-99) and SR-152 for maintenance
and construction operations. Work to occur as follows;
INTERSTATE 5:
• Full closure of the John C. Erreca Rest Areas on northbound and southbound I-5
beginning Monday, April 4, 2022, through July 2023.
o ALTERNATE LOCATIONS: Motorists are advised to use either the Westley
Rest Area (San Joaquin/Stanislaus County line) or the Coalinga-Avenal
Rest Area (Fresno/Kings County line). Electric vehicle charging stations
are available at the Westley Rest Area.
STATE ROUTE 99:
• Alternating closures of the #1 (left) and #2 (right) lanes of northbound and
southbound SR-99 from Colony Slough to SR-140/SR-59 (V Street) beginning
Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from 9:00 p.m. until 6:00
a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from
8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Long-term, full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at G Street for
construction through March 24, 2023.
• Full on-ramp closure from G Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 37, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at R Street for construction
beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from R Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from SR-140/59 (V Street) to northbound SR-99 for
construction beginning on Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022,
from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at SR-140/59 (V Street) for
construction beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from 16th Street to northbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at 16th Street for construction
beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Winton Parkway for
construction beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure on northbound SR-99 at South Avenue for pavement repair
on Thursday, October 6, 2022, from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Shanks Road for
construction beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 152:
• Various closures of the #1 (left) lane of eastbound and westbound SR-152 from I
Street to Ward Road in Los Banos for striping operations, utility work and sign work
beginning Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, 2022.
Motorists should expect five to 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

October 4, 2022

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltans) will perform various operations next week on State Routes 49 and 140 next week.
Work is scheduled as follows:
Route 49
• One-way traffic control from Tiptop-Usona Road to Hirsch Road for tree work beginning Monday, October 3, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• One-way traffic control from Moccasin Creek to Bear Valley Road for shoulder work beginning Monday, October 3, through Wednesday, October 5, 2022, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Route 140
• One-way traffic control at Fourth Street for sign work from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 3, 2022.
• One-way traffic control from Triangle Road to Ponderosa Way for tree work beginning Monday, October 3, through Thursday, October 6, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2022.
• Long-term one-way traffic control from Bear Creek Bridge to Bull Creek Road for slope repair and clearing through October 2022.
• One-way traffic control at various points from the Merced/Mariposa County Line to the beginning of the passing lane for highway construction beginning
Monday, October 3, through Friday, October 7, 2022, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Motorists should expect 10-minute delays and use alternate routes 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

September 29, 2022

Nearly 800 students from Delhi High School will learn to save lives through the Hands-Only CPR Training on Friday.

Delhi High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Medical Pathway Instructor Carolyn Rodriguez and students from the Delhi Patient Care Pathway, teamed up with Riggs Ambulance Education Manager Greg Peterson to help train students on proper Hands-Only CPR techniques.

All students, from ninth through 12th grade, will participate in the training during their Social Science or College and Career classes.

This is the third year that the training is provided to the entire Delhi High School student body.

Hands-Only CPR is CPR without rescue breaths and follows a two-step method. The training will help provide students with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to stay calm in a medical emergency and potentially help a person in need.

According to the Center for Disease Control, performing CPR immediately can improve the odds of surviving cardiac arrest.

Rodriguez, who helped organize the event, says the training is all about empowering students to be the difference for someone they love.

For more information, contact CTE Medical Pathway Instructor Carolyn Rodriguez at (209) 656-2050 or Delhi High School Principal Edward Taylor at (209) 656-2050.

return to top

September 27, 2202

The “FFA Take-Out BBQ” is one of two current fundraisers for Atwater FFA. The other current fundraiser taking place is the placemat ad sales. “All the money that is raised goes directly toward the students in providing resources and opportunities for all of them to achieve personal growth, academic success, and career objectives,” said FFA advisor Shelby Fishman. Over $25,000 in funds and agriculture resources is expected to be raised this school year to help support the agriculture program’s operation and activities.
The success and growth of the Atwater FFA and agriculture program is due to the continued support of the Atwater High School staff and administration, the Merced Union High School District, the Atwater Ag Boosters, and the hundreds of local community members and parents.
“We want to ensure that there is a return on the community’s investment by motivating and encouraging our students to go after their educational and career interests,” said FFA advisor Taylor Helton, “The excitement and effort we are seeing this year from our students is generating just a “taste” of what is still to come!”

For more information on the Atwater High School Agriculture Department and Atwater FFA, please log on the website www.AtwaterFFA.org .

return to top

September 23, 2022

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform
various closures on Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route 33 (SR-33), SR-99 and SR-152 for
maintenance and construction operations. Work to occur as follows;
INTERSTATE 5:
• Full closure of the John C. Erreca Rest Areas on northbound and southbound I-5
beginning Monday, April 4, 2022, through July 2023.
o ALTERNATE LOCATIONS: Motorists are advised to use either the Westley
Rest Area (San Joaquin/Stanislaus County line) or the Coalinga-Avenal
Rest Area (Fresno/Kings County line). Electric vehicle charging stations
are available at the Westley Rest Area.
STATE ROUTE 33:
• One-way traffic control from SR-152 to I-5 for construction beginning Monday,
September 26, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 99:
• Alternating closures of the #1 (left) and #2 (right) lanes of northbound and
southbound SR-99 from Colony Slough to SR-140/SR-59 (V Street) beginning
Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from 9:00 p.m. until
6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from 9:00
p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at G Street for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from 9:00
p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from G Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday,
September 30, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday,
September 30, 2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at R Street for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from 8:00
p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from R Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from SR-140/59 (V Street) to northbound SR-99 for
construction beginning on Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at SR-140/59 (V Street) for
construction beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from 16th Street to northbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from 8:00
p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at 16th Street for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at East Atwater Boulevard for
construction beginning Monday, September 26, through Friday, September 30,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from East Atwater Boulevard to southbound SR-99 for
construction beginning Monday, September 26, through Friday, September 30,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at Applegate Road for
construction beginning Monday, September 26, through Friday, September 30,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Applegate Road for
construction beginning Monday, September 26, through Friday, September 30,
2022, from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• West Atwater Boulevard on-ramp to northbound SR-99 will be closed to traffic
due to construction through September 26, 2022.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at West Atwater Boulevard for
construction beginning Monday, September 26, through Friday, September 30,
2022, from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from Hammatt Avenue to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Tuesday, September 27, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Winton Parkway for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Tuesday, September 27, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Collier Road for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Tuesday, September 27, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at South Avenue for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Tuesday, September 27, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Shanks Road for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Tuesday, September 27, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from Bradbury Road to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Tuesday, September 27, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at Bradbury Road for construction
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Tuesday, September 27, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 152:
• Various closures of the #1 (left) lane of eastbound and westbound SR-152 from I
Street to Ward Road in Los Banos for striping operations, utility work and sign work
beginning Sunday, September 25, through Friday, September 30, 2022.
Motorists should expect five to 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

September 23, 2022

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltans) will perform various operations next week on State Routes 49 and 140 next week.
Work is scheduled as follows:
Route 49
• Moving lane closure for sweeping operations at Fairground Road Entrance and from the California Ranger Station to Bear Valley Point beginning Monday, September 26, through Tuesday, September 27, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Traffic breaks south of Penon Blanco Road/Haigh Road for utility work from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.
• One-way traffic control from Mocassin Creek to Bear Valley Road for shoulder work beginning Monday, September 26, through Thursday, September 29, 2022, from 7:00 .m. to 3:30 p.m.
Route 140
• One-way traffic control from Morse’s Nursery to Triangle Road for tree work beginning Monday, September 26, through Thursday, September 29, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2022.
• Long-term one-way traffic control from Bear Creek Bridge to Bull Creek Road for slope repair and clearing through October 2022.
• One-way traffic control at various points from the Merced/Mariposa County Line to the beginning of the passing lane for highway construction beginning
Monday, September 26, through Friday, September 30, 2022, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Motorists should expect 10-minute delays and use alternate routes 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

September 20, 2202

This year the theme for the Merced Mariposa Sectional FFA is “Breaking Barriers”. Various activities were held at the conference which included understanding body language, proper etiquette, chapter fundraising, public speaking, facilitating a meeting, analytical skills, and finding team strengths. “I learned the advantages, strengths, and importance of communicating with my team, others, and to not be afraid to speak up,” said Dulce Campos. The conference one of many leadership conferences the officer team will be attending this year.
Other FFA chapters that attended the conference included Buhach Colony, Delhi, Pacheco, Livingston, Merced, Golden Valley, Hilmar, Gustine, Dos Palos, El Capitán, Los Banos, LeGrand, Stone Ridge Christian, and Mariposa FFA.

For more information on the Atwater High School Agriculture Department and Atwater FFA, please log on the website www.AtwaterFFA.org .

return to top

September 20, 2202

MERCED, Calif. - University of California, Merced head men's soccer coach Albert Martins has been named the NAIA Coach of Character, a national honor presented annually to a NAIA head coach who is dedicated to teaching character through sport.
"Being named this year's NAIA Coach of Character recipient is validation of all the hard work these great student athletes have put in to thriving not only academically and athletically, but into being positive contributors to our community," Martins said. "Our alumni have helped set a wonderful foundation for our current team to continue showing that being a member of the UC Merced soccer program is about more than soccer. It is also about continuing to improve our communities, enhancing the opportunities for our youth, and receiving a world class education. I am very grateful for our athletic staff at UC Merced for continuing their support and encouragement of all of our student athletes to strive to become outstanding pillars in society."
From recruiting to coaching to teaching, the importance of building character is ingrained daily in all of Coach Martins' interactions and his commitment to his student athletes is unparalleled.
Celebrating each student athlete and being inclusive is a huge part of Martins' heart and with that comes creating an atmosphere where everyone wants to be a part of it all the time. He mentors good champions of character and good young men and multiple student athletes say Martins "serves as a father figure and role model when they need it most."
Helping develop these young men into great members of society are just as important as wins and losses to Martins. A key component of reaching that point includes providing his student athletes with countless opportunities for leadership and responsibility.
Martins is committed to reaching out to student athletes in the Central Valley of California for whom college has not been a priority, much less to play soccer at the collegiate level. It is this commitment to providing access to higher education, with a focus on developing character, that is the starting point for Martins to begin building the family spirit of his team.
"We are excited that Albert is receiving this recognition for the great work he has been doing since the inception of the men's soccer program," Dunham said. "Albert has built a strong foundation of providing opportunities for our student athletes to excel in soccer, in the classroom and in making a difference in the community in which they live and study. It is a pleasure to work with Albert and witness the energy he brings to the program every day."
An awards luncheon and ceremony will be held for Martins and other NAIA National Award winners during the 2023 NAIA National Convention in New Orleans, La., which takes place March 30-April 3, 2023.
Martins, who has been named the California Pacific Conference men's soccer Coach of the Year four times in his nine seasons at the helm, has guided the Bobcats to two regular season titles, two Cal Pac Tournament Championships, and five national tournament appearances. He has compiled an overall record of 108-46-13 and a 74-19-3 record in Cal Pac play. In 2020, Martins was a part of the United Soccer Coaches West Region Staff of the Year, and in 2018 he was named the Cal Pac Coach of Character.

return to top

September 17, 2022

To help students start the school year off successfully, Project Support Services — a project management firm — provided backpacks and school supplies to more than 150 students at El Nido Elementary School.

Each student received backpacks stocked with books, notebooks, writing utensils and earbuds to use in school and at home. Students also received colorful insulated water bottles to use while at school to ensure student health.

“We want to give back to the districts that really need help,” said Project Support Services CEO Natassia Melenderez-Knutson in a statement. “Our purpose is to build better environments where students, educators and communities can prosper by a team that genuinely cares.”

El Nido Elementary School Interim Superintendent Paula Heupel said the school had received donations in the past but nothing compared to the donation provided by Project Support Services.

“We are grateful for their service and generosity to our community,” Heupel added. “Our students are more attentive and have already shown an increase in work completion.”

Project Support Services specializes in Division of State Architecture (DSA) issues to help districts, architects and engineers meet compliance. They have helped more than 50 school districts close out on old projects.

return to top

September 17, 2022

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will conduct a pavement rehabilitation project during daytime hours beginning Tuesday, September 20, 2022, weather permitting, on State Route 140 from the Mariposa/Merced County Line to approximately 1 mile east of Trower Road in Mariposa County.
Construction crews will employ one-way traffic control between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday until winter 2022. Originally, one-way traffic control was scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.
The change is due to an industry-wide truck shortage during nighttime hours. Caltrans will monitor traffic conditions to ensure there are no long delays.
Approximately 24 lanes miles of roadway will be ground then overlayed with rubberized
asphalt concrete to improve ride quality and prevent costly repairs in the future on a key route for residents, businesses, and visitors of Mariposa, surrounding communities, and Yosemite National Park.
Motorists should expect delays of up to 10 minutes and are advised to take alternate routes whenever possible.
The estimated $5.1 million project will be conducted by Cal Valley Construction of Fresno, CA.
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 Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

September 16, 2022

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform
various closures on Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route 99 (SR-99), SR-152, and SR-165 for
maintenance and construction operations. Work to occur as follows;
INTERSTATE 5:
• Full closure of the John C. Erreca Rest Areas on northbound and southbound I-5
beginning Monday, April 4, 2022, through July 2023.
o ALTERNATE LOCATIONS: Motorists are advised to use either the Westley
Rest Area (San Joaquin/Stanislaus County line) or the Coalinga-Avenal
Rest Area (Fresno/Kings County line). Electric vehicle charging stations
are available at the Westley Rest Area.
STATE ROUTE 99:
• Alternating closures of the #1 (left) and #2 (right) lanes of northbound and
southbound SR-99 from Colony Slough to SR-140/SR-59 (V Street) beginning
Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23, 2022, from 9:00 p.m. until
6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23, 2022, from 8:00
p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at G Street for construction
beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23, 2022, from 8:00
p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from G Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday,
September 23, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday,
September 23, 2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at R Street for construction
beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23, 2022, from 8:00
p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from R Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from SR-140/59 (V Street) to northbound SR-99 for
construction beginning on Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at SR-140/59 (V Street) for
construction beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
* Full on-ramp closure from 16th Street to northbound SR-99 for construction beginning
Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00
a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at 16th Street for construction
beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at East Atwater Boulevard for
construction beginning Tuesday, September 20, through Friday, September 23,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at Applegate Road for
construction beginning Tuesday, September 20, through Friday, September 23,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• West Atwater Boulevard on-ramp to northbound SR-99 will be closed to traffic
due to construction through September 26, 2022.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at Hammatt Avenue for construction
beginning Wednesday, September 21, through Friday, September 23, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Winton Parkway for
construction beginning Tuesday, September 20, through Thursday, September 22,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Collier Road for
construction beginning Monday, September 19, through Friday, September 23,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at South Avenue for
construction beginning Monday, September 19, through Friday, September 23,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Shanks Road for
construction beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from Bradbury Road to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Monday, September 19, through Tuesday, September 20, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at Bradbury Road for construction
beginning Sunday, September 18, through Monday, September 19, 2022, from
11:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from South Turlock/Golden State Boulevard to southbound
SR-99 for construction beginning Sunday, September 18, through Monday,
September 19, 2022, from 11:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 152:
• Various closures of the #1 (left) lane of eastbound and westbound SR-152 from I
Street to Ward Road in Los Banos for striping operations, utility work and sign work
beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23, 2022.
• Intermittent (10-minute) full closures at Flanagan Road for utility work on
Wednesday, September 21, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
STATE ROUTE 165:
• One-way traffic control from Merced College Campus to Phillips Road for survey
work beginning Thursday, September 22, through Friday, September 23, 2022,
from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Motorists should expect five to 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

September 16, 2022

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltans) will perform various operations next week on State Routes 49 and 140 next week.
Work is scheduled as follows:
Route 49
• Moving lane closure from Mount Bullion to Route 132 for pavement marker replacement beginning Monday, September 19, through Thursday, September 22, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Route 140
• One-way traffic control from Morse’s Nursery to Triangle Road for tree work beginning Monday, September 19, through Friday, September 23, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Long-term one-way traffic control from Bear Creek Bridge to Bull Creek Road for slope repair and clearing through October 2022.
• One-way traffic control at various points from the Merced/Mariposa County Line to the beginning of the passing lane for highway construction beginning Sunday, September 18, through Friday, September 23, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Motorists should expect 10-minute delays and use alternate routes 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

September 13, 2202

Atwater High School horticulture students transplanted over 5000 flowering annuals and perennials the past two weeks in preparation of next month’s annual FFA plant sale scheduled for Friday, October 7th (8am-4pm) and Saturday, October 8th (8am-4pm) at the Atwater High School Agriculture department.

The recent efforts of the students will be followed by the regular care and maintenance of the plants and flowers over the next six weeks. The “hands on” learning represents knowledge and skills implemented in the nursery and landscape industry.The primary purpose of this sale is to generate funds to support the Atwater High School Horticulture program where funds go directly back into the program to assist in the funding of future student, school, and community horticulture and landscape projects.

A variety of flowering annual and perennials will be available to the community. “All plants are priced to sell,” says agriculture instructor Dave Gossman, “The students have put together great quality at a price that is under what you would find at our local stores and nurseries.” Plants being grown include, houseplants, ferns, succulents, flowing annuals & perennials, and “Spooky Halloween” pansies that will bloom both orange and black flowers for the holiday!

The Atwater High School Agriculture program was the first-ever recognized certified high school horticulture program through the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC). The certification represents the quality of horticulture program, curriculum and facilities, career awareness by students in the horticulture industry, and encourages students to continue their education towards a career in horticulture. “People don’t realize that the horticulture industry is a multi-billion dollar industry in the state of California”, said Gossman, “There are numerous opportunities for students to be successful in this field of agriculture.”

The goal of the Atwater FFA is to expand and develop plant products that meet the community’s needs and interests. This school year students have been taking part in horticulture class where they select and grow their own plants to sell at the school’s plant sales.

For more information on the Atwater High School Agriculture Department and Atwater FFA, please log on the website www.AtwaterFFA.org .

return to top

September 13, 2202

Los Banos – The Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority (Authority) is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event in conjunction with the City of Los Banos community clean up on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 8:00am – 12:00pm. The HHW event will be held at the fairgrounds located at 403 F Street in Los Banos. Please note, the clean up is for City of Los Banos residents only, but the Household Hazardous Waste event is open to all residents and businesses of Merced County.
Recycling batteries is a top priority for the Authority this fall as there have been several fires at the Billy Wright landfill near Los Banos which appear to have been caused by batteries that had been improperly disposed of in household trash bins. All batteries are considered hazardous waste as they are prone to combustion and should never be placed in household garbage containers or blue bins. Lithium-ion batteries such as those in mobile phones, laptops, tablets, power tools, drones, scooters, and hover boards are especially dangerous. Batteries can be disposed of for free at the landfill, at HHW events, at Home Depot or through the biggreenbox.com program.
There is no cost for residents within Merced County to bring HHW to the event but a discounted rates will apply to businesses. Before bringing items out to the facility, residents may call Clean Harbors at 916-396-1505 to identify the amount and type of HHW that will be dropped off. Please note, under State of California transportation regulations, there are quantity limitations on how much HHW can be brought to the event at one time; contact Clean Harbors for details.
HHW is any household product that contains ingredients that are corrosive, reactive, flammable, and/or toxic. Some examples of HHW are ammonia-based cleaners, fluorescent tubes, car batteries, paint, and used motor oil. Items commonly found in homes that cannot be brought to the landfill at any other time except HHW collection days include wet chlorine tablets, full or partially full aerosol containers, and lithium-ion batteries that have started to bulge or become hot.
For more information on types of HHW or what quantities will be accepted at the landfill, please visit www.mcrwma.org/31/Household-Hazardous-Waste or call the Regional Waste Authority at (209) 723-4481.

The Merced County Association of Governments provides administrative oversight of the Merced County Regional Waste Authority. The Regional Waste Authority operates two regional landfills, one in Merced on North Highway 59 and the Billy Wright landfill in Los Banos. For more information, visit www.mcagov.org or the Regional Waste Authority page on Facebook.

return to top

September 10, 2022

As part of a commitment to reduce chronic absenteeism throughout the county, the Merced County Board of Education recognizes September as National Attendance Awareness Month, with the goal to educate families through programs like the Supporting Attendance and Families through Education (S.A.F.E.) parenting class.

The S.A.F.E. parenting class – a collaboration between multiple Merced County agencies and families in the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) process – is designed to help educate families and increase understanding on the significant role attendance plays in student success.

MCOE Caring Kids Project Manager and Behavior Support Specialist Monica Adrian teaches a S.A.F.E. parenting class.

The S.A.F.E. parenting class – a collaboration between multiple Merced County agencies and families in the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) process – is designed to help educate families and increase understanding on the significant role attendance plays in student success.

“The S.A.F.E. program has been a great tool in reaching families and their educational needs.” said Supervising Deputy District Attorney Nicole Silvera. ”Ensuring our kids receive quality education is the one of the greatest ways to keep our county safe and community productive.”

The goal of S.A.F.E. is to reduce youth and family involvement in the criminal justice system, develop healthier families and provide resources to improve academic success.

“Sixty-one families have attended the S.A.F.E. parenting class since its inception, and we hope that families will take advantage of the resources offered to them throughout the county,” said Merced County District Attorney Investigator Andrea Valtierra Gongora, who works with school districts across the county on student attendance. “We look forward to seeing improvements in their child’s attendance and academics.”

S.A.F.E. began as a two year commitment, with the upcoming classes offered on Nov. 3, Feb. 2, 2023 and May 4, 2023.

S.A.F.E. is a collaboration between multiple Merced County agencies including Merced County Behavioral Health, Merced County Human Services Agency, Merced County Probation Prevention and Intervention Program, Merced Police Department School Resource Officers and Merced County District Attorney’s Office Attendance Engagement Program.

“We are grateful to all of the participating agencies for their involvement and proud of parents for taking an active role in bettering attendance for their children,” added Silvera.

For more information on S.A.F.E. and Attendance Awareness Month contact the Merced County District Attorney’s Office Here to Learn Attendance Engagement Program at (209) 385-7383.

return to top

September 10, 2022

Merced County Education Foundation (MCEF) will host the annual Oktoberfest Fundraiser on Oct. 8 at the MCOE Downtown Center, 1715 Canal St. Merced.

The annual fundraising event helps support programs like outdoor education at Camp Green Meadows, Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA), STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and College & Career scholarships for students throughout Merced County.

“We are excited to be back in person and share all the great work the MCE Foundation has accomplished to support experiences outside the classroom for Merced County students,” said Merced County Education Foundation Executive Director Stacie Arancibia. “Camp Green Meadows Outdoor School turns 60 this year and we want to be sure that outdoor education and other important programs continue for generations to come.”

MCEF invites the community to the annual Oktoberfest Fundraiser in support of MCEF programs.

Tickets are $75 per person and include dinner, a commemorative mug and drink. Sponsor tables are also available for groups of eight and range from $750-$2500 per table. View all ticket options at www.bit.ly/mcefoktoberfest22.

Title sponsors include Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), The Hate Dust Project, Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union (MSEFCU) and Tinetti Realty Group. Tinetti Realty group has also committed to matching donations up to $10,000.

The Merced County Education Foundation seeks to expand the horizon for Merced County students through meaningful educational experiences outside of the classroom. Last year’s drive-thru event raised more than $16,000 for MCEF programs.

To purchase tickets visit http://www.bit.ly/mcefoktoberfest22.

To make a donation visit https://bit.ly/donate2mcef.

For more information on the MCEF Oktoberfest Fundraiser contact Stacie Arancibia at (209) 381-6602 or email events@mcoe.org.

return to top

September 10, 2202

MERCED, Calif. - University of California, Merced Executive Director for Recreation & Athletics David Dunham named Kellie Bernard the Bobcats new head women’s basketball coach on Friday afternoon.
“We are excited to have Kellie join our staff to lead our women’s basketball program,” Dunham said. “I look forward to working with her to continue to build on our tradition of success within our women’s basketball program.”
Bernard comes to UC Merced after spending 2021 as the lead assistant at Menlo College. While in Atherton, Bernard helped direct the Oaks to 16 wins and a berth to the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship Opening Round a year ago. She also coached an All-American center in Kiara Brown and saw her Oaks squad take down a Top-10 nationally ranked opponent on the road.
"I am thrilled and honored to be named the new head coach of UC Merced women’s basketball,” Bernard said. “This program has a history of success and excellence that I am excited to build upon. With this strong foundation, an exceptional school, and a skilled group of players, I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead this program to new heights. I'd like to thank David Dunham and the hiring committee at UC Merced for this opportunity, as well as the coaches I have worked with in the past who have helped form me into the coach I am today."
Prior to her position at Menlo College, Bernard was on the coaching staff for two years at Ohio Christian University. In her two seasons with the Trailblazers, she split time between an assistant coach as well as taking the helm as the interim head coach for time. Over those two seasons, Ohio Christian amassed a record of 29-22, produced two NAIA All-Americans, and in 2020, won the school’s first ever River States Conference Title.
Bernard also spent two years as an assistant coach at Ohio Wesleyan University, helping turn around their program and saw the team go from one win in 2017-18 to eleven wins the following season.
Prior to collegiate coaching, Bernard was the head coach of junior varsity and varsity girls basketball teams at Academia Los Pinares in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. In five seasons, Bernard led her squad to two second place finishes at the Honduran "Ten Best" Tournament and a second place finish at the Honduran National Championship.
The Swayzee, Ind., native was a two-sport athlete at Clarks Summit University in Pennsylvania, playing basketball and tennis. Bernard also played basketball in Honduras.
Bernard holds a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education from Clarks Summit University and a master's degree in Adapted Physical Education from Western Michigan University.

return to top

September 9, 2022

The Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) and Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) once again invite the community to celebrate the annual Excellence in Education event with an in-person awards ceremony on Oct. 6.

The program has three categories that recognize teachers, school administrators and school employees who made an impact in their school district.

The awards ceremony, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the historic Merced Theatre.

In addition to learning about all 26 honorees and the reveal of the three county winners, guests will enjoy videos produced by Merced Educational Television (METV) that highlight the winners and their work, and comments from EECU CEO Elizabeth Dooley and Merced County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Tietjen.

There are six honorees for administrator of the year, ten honorees for school employee of the year and ten honorees for teacher of the year.

Winners of the Merced County Teacher of the Year and School Employee of the Year are eligible to move on to apply at the state awards program.

For more information on the Excellence in Education program or to RSVP, call Stacie Arancibia at (209) 381-5910 or email events@mcoe.org.

The district honorees this year are:

TEACHERS:

Cristen Camp
Atwater Elementary School District

Adam Suleiman
Delhi Unified School District

Bobby Hanning
Dos Palos Oro-Loma Joint Unified School District

Olga Iniguez
El Nido Elementary School District

Danet Estabillo
Gustine Unified School District

Maggie Santos Machado
Merced County Office of Education - Special Education Preschool

April Amaral
Merced County Office of Education - Educational Services

Tammy Rodriguez
Merced City School District

Kyle Clinton
Merced Union High School District

Julia Robertson
Weaver Union School District

SCHOOL EMPLOYEES:

Claudia Villafan
Atwater Elementary School District

Angelica Prado
Delhi Unified School District

Charlotte Coleman
Dos Palos Oro-Loma Joint Unified School District

Janneth Del La Torre
El Nido Elementary School District

Helen Encinas
Gustine Unified School District

Yadira DeMartinez
Merced County Office of Education - Special Education

Lucas Lopez
Merced City School District

Delcio Gois
McSwain Union Elementary School District

Mandie Onate
Merced Union High School District

Erendira Alamillo
Weaver Union School District

ADMINISTRATORS:

Diana Dietz
Atwater Elementary School District

Priscilla Whiteaker
Dos Palos Oro-Loma Joint Unified School District

Jesus Lopez-Moreno
Le Grand Union High School District

Mary Whited
Merced County Office of Education - Educational Services

Mary Williams
Merced City School District

Joel Sebastian
Merced Union High School District

return to top

September 9, 2022

MERCED COUNTY – Caltrans recently began a traffic operations and safety
improvement project that will install new raised medians at various locations on State
Route 152 in the city of Los Banos.
Raised medians will be installed on SR-152 at the intersections of I Street, 4th Street, 6th
Street, 7th Street, and Ward Road. Medians at these locations are required to help
reduce or eliminate potential traffic collisions.
This $318,000 project began on September 7, 2022, with completion expected October
19, 2022 (weather permitting.) Work will be performed by Genuine Engineering Inc.,
(Corona, CA.)
Work is scheduled to occur mostly during night-time hours (Sundays-Fridays, 9:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.) and will require various single-lane closures on eastbound and
westbound SR-152.
Caltrans will have changeable message signs alerting motorists of the lane closures and
potential delays.
Future traffic advisories will alert the public of scheduled lane closures on SR-152 to
perform this work.
Schedules are 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 Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

September 9, 2022

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform
various closures on Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route 33 (SR-33), SR-99, SR-140, and SR-152 for
maintenance and construction operations. Work to occur as follows;
INTERSTATE 5:
• Full closure of the John C. Erreca Rest Areas on northbound and southbound I-5
beginning Monday, April 4, 2022, through July 2023.
o ALTERNATE LOCATIONS: Motorists are advised to use either the Westley
Rest Area (San Joaquin/Stanislaus County line) or the Coalinga-Avenal
Rest Area (Fresno/Kings County line). Electric vehicle charging stations
are available at the Westley Rest Area.
STATE ROUTE 33:
• Overnight, one-way traffic control from I-5 to SR-152 West for construction
beginning Monday, September 12, through Friday, September 16, 2022, from 9:00
p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 99:
• Alternating closures of the #1 (left) and #2 (right) lanes of northbound and
southbound SR-99 from Colony Slough to SR-140/SR-59 (V Street) beginning
Sunday, September 11, through Friday, September 16, 2022, from 9:00 p.m. until
6:00 a.m.
• Long-term full on-ramp closure from Childs Avenue to northbound SR-99
beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, through 5:00 a.m. on
Wednesday, September 14, 2022.
• Full off-ramp closure on northbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for construction
beginning Sunday, September 11, through Monday, September 12, 2022, from
9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, September 11, through Friday, September 16,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, September 11, through Friday, September 16, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, September 11, through Friday, September 16, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Long-term, full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at G Street for
construction beginning Sunday, September 11, through March 24, 2023.
• Full on-ramp closure from G Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, September 11, through Friday, September 16, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, September 11, through Wednesday,
September 14, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, September 11, through Friday,
September 16, 2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at R Street for construction
beginning Sunday, September 11, through Monday, September 12, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from R Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, September 11, through Friday, September 16, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Long-term, full on-ramp closure from SR-140/59 (V Street) to northbound SR-99 for
construction beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, through 5:00 a.m.
on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at SR-140/59 (V Street) for
construction beginning Sunday, September 11, through Friday, September 16,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from 16th Street to northbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, September 11, through Monday, September 12, 2022, from
9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at 16th Street for construction
beginning Sunday, September 11, through Friday, September 16, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure on northbound SR-99 at Applegate Road for construction
beginning Sunday, September 11, through Friday, September 16, 2022, from 9:00
p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• West Atwater Boulevard on-ramp to northbound SR-99 will be closed to traffic
due to construction through September 26, 2022.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Winton Parkway for
construction beginning Wednesday, September 14, through Friday, September
16, 2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Collier Road for
construction beginning Sunday, September 11, through Wednesday, September
14, 2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 140:
• Full highway closures for special events (parades) from SR-33 West to Sixth
Avenue/Fourth Street at the following dates/times;
o Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and from 8:00
p.m. until 10:00 p.m. On Sunday, September 11, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. until
3:00 p.m., and on Monday, September 12, 2022, from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30
p.m.
STATE ROUTE 152:
• Various closures of the #1 (left) lane of eastbound and westbound SR-152 from I
Street to Ward Road in Los Banos for striping operations, utility work and sign work
beginning Monday, September 12, through Friday, September 16, 2022.
Motorists should expect five to 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

September 9, 2022

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform a
traffic shift of northbound State Route 99 (SR-99) and is scheduled to complete
extended full closures of the Atwater Boulevard on and off-ramps in the city of Atwater,
as work progresses on the SR-99 Atwater Rehabilitation Project. Two travel lanes will
remain open on northbound and southbound SR-99 during this traffic shift.
Beginning Monday, September 26, 2022, the #2 (right) lane of northbound SR-99 will be
shifted from the median of northbound SR-99 to the newly constructed concrete
pavement of the standard #2 (right) lane, from just north of the Atwater Expressway
Overcrossing to south of Westside Boulevard Overcrossing.
The #1 (left) lane of northbound SR-99 will remain shifted to the median of southbound
SR-99 as motorists will then travel northbound between temporary k-rail (concrete
barrier) on southbound SR-99 and the newly constructed center median barrier. While
traveling between these barriers, motorists will not have access to off-ramps to exit the
highway.
Additionally, the Atwater Boulevard off-ramp of northbound SR-99 is scheduled to open
to traffic on September 8, 2022, while the Atwater Boulevard on-ramp is scheduled to
open on September 26, 2022. The Applegate Road on and off-ramps will remain open.
This closure will require the following detour route that will be marked with roadside
signage:
NORTHBOUND SR-99 ATWATER BOULEVARD ON-RAMP DETOUR:
• From all locations within the city of Atwater, use the Applegate Road on-ramp to
northbound SR-99
Motorists should expect 10 to 15-minute delays. Alternate routes should be taken
whenever possible.
These traffic shifts and ramp closures are required to ensure the safety of both
construction workers and the travelling public. Motorists are reminded that speed limits
will be reduced to 55 miles per hour within the work zone.
The SR-99 Atwater Rehabilitation Project will repave and make improvements to over 16
lane miles of northbound and southbound SR-99 from Buhach Road to Westside
Boulevard, providing a smoother and more reliable route for commuters and
commercial vehicles through the city of Atwater.
The project also calls for the reconstruction of the on- and off-ramps at Applegate
Road and at Atwater Boulevard. The project is estimated to be complete by
December 2022.
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 Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

September 9, 2202

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltans) will perform various operations next week on State Routes 49 and 140 in Mariposa County next week.
Work is scheduled as follows:
Route 49
• Moving lane closure from Blacks Creek Road to the Mariposa/Tuolumne County Line for pavement marker replacement beginning Monday, September 12, through Thursday, September 15, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• One-way traffic control from Route 140 North to Mariposa Creek for crack sealing beginning Tuesday, September 13, through Friday, September 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Route 140
• One-way traffic control from Route 140 North to Lakeview Road for tree work beginning Monday, September 12, through Thursday, September 15, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022.
• Long-term one-way traffic control from Bear Creek Bridge to Bull Creek Road for slope repair and clearing through October 2022.
• One-way traffic control at various points from the Merced/Mariposa County Line to the beginning of the passing lane for highway construction beginning Tuesday, September 13, through Friday, September 16, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Motorists should expect 10-minute delays and use alternate routes 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

September 7, 2202

return to top

September 7, 2202

MERCED, Calif. - Johnny Bega, a NCAA National Champion while on the staff at Cal and a longtime San Jose State coach, has been named the first head men's and women's water polo coach at University of California, Merced, Executive Director of Athletics David Dunham announced today.
"I am excited to have Johnny to lead the start up of our men's and women's water polo teams," Dunham said. "He brings a wealth of experience from all levels of water polo and his experience with water polo in the Valley will allow us to build a successful program. I look forward to working with him to grow our water polo programs."
Bega comes to UC Merced with over 25 years of coaching experience across various levels and has been a part of winning teams at every stop of his coaching career. Bega, who has coached both men and women at the collegiate level, has also worked with some of the world's brightest water polo minds.
Bega was an assistant coach at Cal under Kirk Everist where he helped the Golden Bears men's team during their run to the 2016 NCAA Championship. Bega moved to Cal after ten years at San Jose State, including three years as the head women's water polo coach.
"I am truly excited about joining University of California, Merced Athletics and am looking forward to mentoring student athletes at the highest level," Bega said. "I'm coming with "Anything is possible". Anything is possible for student athletes and I look forward in guiding their journey. The Valley has such a rich history in men's and women's water polo, I'm excited! What an opportunity and new chapter. I want to thank David Dunham and his team for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to start water polo at UC Merced."
Bega led San Jose State to a pair of top-10 final rankings and 20-win seasons in his three years at the helm. The Atwater High School and Long Beach State alum was named the MPSF Coach of the Year in his interim year in 2014. Bega's team set school records for most goals in a
season with 393 that year and defeated three top-ten teams. Bega holds a collegiate head coaching record of 61-37.
Bega was the Associate Head Coach at SJSU under the late longtime women's water polo head coach Lou Tully from 2009-13 and was an assistant coach as early as the 2006 season.
Most recently, Bega served as the Aquatics Director at Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs, CO., while also running water polo youth camps nationwide from California to Florida. Bega has also been working with five-time Olympian and Water Polo Silver Medalist Tony Azevedo and 6-8 sports.
Bega had stints as a volunteer assistant coach at Santa Clara and Long Beach State prior to San Jose State. In addition, he has reached lofty heights of success at several high schools and clubs around California, winning multiple CIF Division One titles and several medals at Junior Olympics.
On the international level, Bega has served as the USA National Zone 11 junior girls and youth boys head coach. From 1997-2001, he coached in Japan, Hungary, Brazil, Greece and Holland.
The 1999 Long Beach State graduate majored in vocational education. Bega will relocate to the Central Valley from Colorado with his wife Alexandra, daughter Keira, and two English bulldogs.
"I am super excited to come back to the Valley (Atwater High School graduate) and the rich history of water polo."

return to top

September 7, 2202

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will begin a pavement rehabilitation project next week on State Route 140 from the Mariposa/Merced County Line to approximately 1 mile east of Trower Road in Mariposa County.
Approximately 24 lanes miles of roadway will be ground then overlayed with rubberized asphalt concrete to improve ride quality and prevent costly repairs in the future on a key route for residents, businesses, and visitors of Mariposa, surrounding communities, and Yosemite National Park.
Construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 12 and continue until November 2022. Crews will employ one-way traffic control between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Motorists should expect delays of up to 10 minutes and are advised to take alternate routes whenever possible.
The estimated $5.1 million project will be conducted by Cal Valley Construction of Fresno, CA.
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 Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

September 2, 2202

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform
various closures on Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route 33 (SR-33), SR-99, SR-140, and SR-152 for
maintenance and construction operations. Work to occur as follows;
INTERSTATE 5:
• Full closure of the John C. Erreca Rest Areas on northbound and southbound I-5
beginning Monday, April 4, 2022, through July 2023.
o ALTERNATE LOCATIONS: Motorists are advised to use either the Westley
Rest Area (San Joaquin/Stanislaus County line) or the Coalinga-Avenal
Rest Area (Fresno/Kings County line). Electric vehicle charging stations
are available at the Westley Rest Area.
• Full connector ramp closure from northbound I-5 to westbound SR-152 for
electrical work on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
STATE ROUTE 33:
• Overnight, one-way traffic control from I-5 to SR-152 for construction beginning
Wednesday, September 7, through Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 9:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 99:
• Alternating closures of the #1 (left) and #2 (right) lanes of northbound and
southbound SR-99 from Colony Slough to SR-140/SR-59 (V Street) beginning
Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9, 2022, from 9:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9, 2022, from
8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at G Street for construction
beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9, 2022, from
8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from G Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday,
September 9, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday,
September 9, 2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at R Street for construction
beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9, 2022, from
8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from R Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from SR-140/59 (V Street) to northbound SR-99 for
construction beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at SR-140/59 (V Street) for
construction beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from 16th Street to northbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9, 2022, from
8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at 16th Street for construction
beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9, 2022from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at East Atwater Boulevard for
construction beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at Applegate Road for
construction beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• West Atwater Boulevard on-ramp to northbound SR-99 will be closed to traffic
due to construction through September 15, 2022.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Collier Road for
construction beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 140:
• Full highway closures for special events (parades) from SR-33 West to Sixth
Avenue/Fourth Street at the following dates/times;
o Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and from 8:00
p.m. until 10:00 p.m. On Sunday, September 11, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. until
3:00 p.m., and on Monday, September 12, 2022, from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30
p.m.
STATE ROUTE 152:
• Full off-ramp closure from eastbound SR-152 to northbound I-5 for electrical work
on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Motorists should expect five to 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

August 30, 2202

Over 400 Atwater High School agriculture students and FFA members participated in the annual FFA Ice Cream Social FFA meeting last week. The purpose of this events was to promote the high school’s agriculture program and the numerous academic, personal growth, leadership, and social activities and events scheduled for the upcoming school year.

Later this month, Atwater High School will have over twenty active club and youth organizations on display with the annual high school Club Rush with students promoting various clubs and organizations that get kids involved outside the classroom. The event is organized by the Atwater High School Leadership class. Some of the highlighted clubs/organizations included Asian Youth Club, Art, Band, Chess Club, Choir, Drama, DECA/ROP, FCA, FFA, GSA, Key Club, Leadership, Link Crew, and Percussion.

“The FFA “Ice Cream Social” was a tremendous turnout overall, with many students engaged and interested in FFA activities,” said Atwater High School FFA Advisor Kim Macintosh. “We feel the event is especially valuable for the new 9th grade students as it helps them get connected with Atwater High School and the agriculture program.”

For more information on the Atwater High School Agriculture Department and Atwater FFA, please log on the website www.AtwaterFFA.org .

return to top

August 26, 2202

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltans) will perform various operations next week on State Routes 49 and 140 in Mariposa County next week.
Work is scheduled as follows:
Route 49
• One-way traffic control from Mariposa/Tuolumne County Line to Bear Valley Road for drainage work beginning Monday, August 29, through Thursday, September 1, 2022, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Route 140
• Full closure from Fifth Street to Route 49 North for a special event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2022.
• Long-term one-way traffic control from Bear Creek Bridge to Bull Creek Road for slope repair/clearing from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through October 2022.
Motorists should expect 10-minute delays and use alternate routes 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.

For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

August 23, 2202

As the importance of agriculture continues to be a focus throughout the world, students around the country understand the vital role it plays in everyday life. No more is this more evident than in the growth of membership in the National FFA Organization.

Today, the National FFA Organization announced a record-high student membership number of 850,823, an increase of 15% from last year. In addition, chapter numbers increased by 178, resulting in 8,995 chapters in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Interest in FFA and agricultural education continues to grow as membership and the number of chapters increase. The top five student membership states are Texas, California, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. This year, the organization has more than 132,700 Latino members, more than 47,000 Black members and more than 13,000 American Indian and Alaska Native members. Forty-three percent of the membership is female, and 50% is male, with .5% reporting as nonbinary, 4.7% undisclosed, and 1.2% unreported.

“Our FFA members are the future generation of leaders who make a difference in their communities as well as agriculture and other industries,” said National FFA CEO Scott Stump. “As we continue to grow, we see the enthusiasm for agricultural education and FFA reflected in our membership.”

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For more information on the Atwater High School Agriculture Department and Atwater FFA, please log on the website www.AtwaterFFA.org .

return to top

August 23, 2202

Merced County Office of Education Adult Regional Occupational Program (ROP) student Diana Cortes received statewide recognition through the Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) California Adult Education Students Succeed program.

The OTAN California Adult Education Students Succeed program recognizes students who found success through adult education agencies and highlights their hard work in pursuit of personal, academic and professional goals.

Cortes completed the Foundations in Early Education Adult ROP course and is currently enrolled at Merced College where she is working towards an associate's degree in child development. In addition, Cortes was hired at the Merced College Child Development Center as an instructional assistant.

“My experience in the Foundation in Early Education program was great. I gained knowledge in infant/toddler development and caregiving practices.” Cortes said of the program. “Also, having the opportunity to intern helped me gain real-world skills and to be prepared to apply for a job.”

Cortes was nominated by MCOE Adult ROP Instructor Andrea Cruthird-Mays, who teaches the Foundations in Early Education course. Her instructor stated, “Diana is an amazing student who is modeling and teaching her young daughter that educational advancement is an economic equalizer. Diana is an inspiration!”

The Merced County Office of Education 2021-2022 Award of Excellence, which honors Adult ROP students for their educational and professional achievements, was also awarded to Cortes for her success.

Cortes’ achievements and story are featured on the California Adult Education Students Succeed website: https://adultedlearners.org/Students/Student/304

Program honorees were selected based on criteria such as employment status, contributions to the community, continued higher education, achievement of goals and the ability to overcome personal challenges in the pursuit of professional and educational advancement.

For more information on the MCOE Adult ROP courses contact Dora Robles at (209) 381-6684.

return to top

August 23, 2202

return to top

August 20, 2202

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform
various closures on Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route 99 (SR-99) and SR-165 for maintenance
and construction operations. Work to occur as follows;
INTERSTATE 5:
• Full closure of the John C. Erreca Rest Areas on northbound and southbound I-5
beginning Monday, April 4, 2022, through July 2023.
o ALTERNATE LOCATIONS: Motorists are advised to use either the Westley
Rest Area (San Joaquin/Stanislaus County line) or the Coalinga-Avenal
Rest Area (Fresno/Kings County line). Electric vehicle charging stations
are available at the Westley Rest Area.
STATE ROUTE 99:
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at Mission Avenue for guardrail work
beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Alternating closures of the #1 (left) and #2 (right) lanes of northbound and
southbound SR-99 from Colony Slough to SR-140/SR-59 (V Street) beginning
Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from 9:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from
8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at G Street for construction
beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from G Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at R Street for construction
beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from R Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from SR-140/59 (V Street) to northbound SR-99 for
construction beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from
8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at SR-140/59 (V Street) for
construction beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from 16th Street to northbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at 16th Street for construction
beginning Sunday, August 21, through Friday, August 26, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• East Atwater Boulevard off-ramp from northbound SR-99 will be closed to traffic
through August 31, 2022. DETOUR: Use Applegate Road.
• West Atwater Boulevard on-ramp to northbound SR-99 will be closed to traffic
due to construction through September 15, 2022.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at South Avenue for
construction beginning Thursday, August 25, through Friday, August 26, 2022,
from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Shanks Road for
construction beginning Tuesday, August 23, through Thursday, August 25, 2022,
from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Bradbury Road for
pavement work beginning Sunday, August 21, through Tuesday, August 23, 2022,
from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 165:
• One-way traffic control from Wolfsen to Salt Slough Bridge for pavement work
beginning Monday, August 22, through Wednesday, August 24, 2022, from 6:00
a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Motorists should expect five to 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

August 19, 2202

SAN JOSE, Calif – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) Board of Directors today certified the Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIR/EIS) and approved the approximately 43-mile project for the San Francisco to San Jose section. This action completes the environmental clearance for high-speed rail in Northern California and extends environmental clearance to 420 miles of the project’s 500-mile alignment from San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim.

“With environmental studies completed in Northern California, we are closer than ever to realizing a first in the nation, statewide high-speed rail system,” said Authority Chairman Tom Richards. “We look forward to working with all of our regional partners and stakeholders in developing modern, sustainable transportation infrastructure, completing our work in the Central Valley and connecting to the Bay Area as soon as possible.”
The approval of the San Francisco to San Jose high-speed rail project section and its environmental document represents a major milestone in advancing the entire statewide program by linking the San Francisco Bay Area and the Peninsula to San Jose, the Central Valley, and Los Angeles County in Southern California. Connecting these major economic regions with high-speed rail will change how people travel throughout the state and foster more equitable employment and housing opportunities.

The Board’s certification of the San Francisco to San Jose Final EIR/EIS and approval of its project section will move the project section closer to being “shovel ready” when funding for final design, pre-construction and construction becomes available.

In approving this project section, the Authority Board of Directors selected the Preferred Alternative (Alternative A). This alternative builds on the Caltrain electrification project and incorporates the infrastructure necessary to run high-speed rail service in the corridor. The approved Alternative A extends from the previously approved San Jose high-speed rail station and includes new high-speed rail stations in San Francisco and Millbrae; construction of a light maintenance facility on the east side of the Caltrain corridor in Brisbane; and improvements for safety and speed in the region.

The Final EIR/EIS can be found on the Authority’s website here: https://hsr.ca.gov/programs/environmental-planning/project-section-environmental-documents-tier-2/san-francisco-to-san-jose-project-section-draft-environmental-impact-report-environmental-impact-statement/

California high-speed rail is currently under construction along 119 miles in California’s Central Valley at 35 active job sites. To date, more than 8,000 construction jobs have been created since the start of construction. For more visit: https://www.buildhsr.com/

return to top

August 19, 2202

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltans) will perform various operations next week on State Routes 49 and 140 in Mariposa County next week.
Work is scheduled as follows:
Route 49
• Lane restrictions at 4th Street for sign work from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, August 22, 2022.
Route 140
• One-way traffic control from Bear Creek Bridge to Bull Creek Road for slope repair/clearing beginning Monday, August 22, through Thursday, August 25, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022.
Motorists should expect 10-minute delays and use alternate routes 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

August 18, 2202

The Merced California Student Opportunity Access Program (Cal-SOAP) and Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) will host a California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) statewide financial aid workshop for the Merced region on Monday, Sept. 19.

The free CSAC workshop will provide high school counselors, student outreach coordinators, community education partners and other youth advocates with financial aid knowledge they can use to help students apply for and receive financial aid benefits.

Training topics include updates to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), California Dream Act Application (CADAA), Cal Grant programs, Middle Class Scholarship (MCS), programs for foster youth and the California Dream Act Service Incentive grant.

Information on the AB469 legislation, which requires local education agencies (LEAs) to confirm that all high school seniors have completed the FAFSA or CADAA, is also included in the training.

The workshop will take place at the MCOE Downtown Professional Development Center at 8 a.m. and is open to the public.

Access the CSAC statewide financial aid workshop registration page here.

For more information contact Cal-SOAP Project Director Shawn McCall at smcall@mcoe.org or (209) 381-5917.

return to top

August 18, 2202

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) Board of Directors today approved contracts to advance design of the 52.4 total miles that will extend the project into Merced and Bakersfield. The contracts bring the project closer to constructing the final Central Valley packages that will complete the 171-mile high-speed rail electrified segment and ultimately connect to the Bay Area and Los Angeles.

“Taken together, these contracts bolster the Authority’s effort to have high-speed trains operating in the heart of California by the end of the decade,” said Authority Chairman Tom Richards. “These contracts demonstrate our ability to leverage lessons learned from past contracts, increase project readiness and prepare for continued progress on this transformative project.”

The Authority awarded the $41 million Merced to Madera extension design contract to Stantec Consulting Services Inc. which covers approximately 33.9 miles with 40 structures. The $44.9 million Fresno to Bakersfield (Locally Generated Alternative) extension contract was awarded to HNTB and covers approximately 18.5 miles between the cities of Shafter and Bakersfield in Kern County with 31 structures. The contracts are expected to last two years, and the two companies will work with the Authority to finalize the project configuration footprint and advance design work to refine costs and travel time enhancements, and map right of way and utility relocation. These critical steps will move the sections closer to construction, with the goal of electrified high-speed trains running between Merced and Bakersfield by the end of the decade.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the Authority $25 million in federal grant funding to advance the project into downtown Merced. The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant will provide more than half of the cost for the Madera to Merced design contract.

The Board is expected to take action Thursday on the San Francisco to San Jose section environmental document, potentially finalizing environmental work for more than 420 miles of the 500-mile long project.

The California high-speed rail project is currently under construction along 119 miles in California’s Central Valley at 35 active job sites. To date, more than 8,000 construction jobs have been created since the start of construction. For more on construction, visit: www.buildhsr.com

The following link contains recent video, animations, photography, press center resources and latest renderings: https://hsra.app.box.com/s/vyvjv9hckwl1dk603ju15u07fdfir2q8

These files are all available for free use, courtesy of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

return to top

August 18, 2202

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will conduct a slope repair project on State Route 140 near the community of Briceburg in Mariposa County.
The project is needed to restore the integrity of the slope beneath an existing 84-inch concrete pipe culvert.
Crews will install rock slope protection to prevent further erosion of the roadway. Other work includes upgrading guardrails to current standards.
The project will take place along the eastbound side of Route 140 about 2 miles west of Bull Creek Road and 2 miles south of Briceburg.
Construction is expected to begin August 22, and conclude in November 2022. Crews are expected to work from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
Work may occur off the roadway on weekends. One-way traffic control via traffic signal lights will be employed during construction, beginning tentatively on August 26.
Motorists should expect delays of 10 minutes or longer at times and use alternate routes whenever possible.
The estimated $4.5 million project will be conducted by Granite Construction of Watsonville, CA.
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 Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

August 17, 2202

Raise a glass: Merced Theatre kicks off its 2022-2023 season on September 10, 2022 with A Toast to The Rat Pack!
The legendary friends who made history on the stage of a Las Vegas showroom are brought to life again with this incredible tribute. With music, comedy, and spot-on impersonators, fans are transported to a bygone era as they sing along with such hits as Fly Me to the Moon, Everybody Loves Somebody, The Candy Man, and many more! You won’t want to miss this crowd-pleasing show!
A Toast to the Rat Pack will be at the Merced Theatre on September 10, 2022 at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mercedtheatre.org, by phone at (209) 381-0500, or in person at the Merced Theatre Box Office, located at 301 W Main Street. Box Office hours are Tuesday to Friday, from 1 PM to 5 PM.

return to top

August 16, 2202

The Atwater High School Agriculture Department welcomes Fresno State University’s Kyle Pawling to its agriculture and FFA program. Mr. Pawling is finalizing his agriculture teaching credential program as a fall student teacher. Over the past twenty years, Atwater High School has had over thirty-five university level student teachers. The process involves a semester of teaching in the classroom, agriculture project supervisions, and FFA leadership under the mentorship of experienced agriculture teachers and FFA advisors within the department. “This is an opportunity to shape, develop, encourage, and support new teachers into the profession which is in dire need of effective and productive educators to fill in the growing need throughout the state and nation,” said Atwater High School agriculture mechanics instructor Sam Meredith.

Mr. Pawling’s area of interest in the agriculture mechanics pathway which includes shop classes in welding, wood, and engines. “I wanted to be an agriculture teacher so I can give back to the next generation of students and impact their lives in a positive way just as my agriculture teachers did for me,” said Pawling. Originally from Riverside, California, Mr. Pawling was an active FFA member at Norte Vista High School and attended Mt. San Antonio College and Fresno State University. His goal is to learn, observe, and gain as much experience to establish a solid foundation towards his teaching tenure. “I hope to have the opportunity to teach in the central valley and continue to call the valley my home,” said Pawling.

The Merced Union High School District along with the agriculture high school programs within the district are strong supporters of the teacher credentialing program and student teachers. UC Davis, Chico State University, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Cal Poly Pomona are the agriculture credentialing universities in California that send students to quality, productive agriculture programs to provide new teachers the experience associated with their chosen profession.

Atwater High School has over 1100 individual agriculture students. “The challenge agriculture education faces is the stereotype that agriculture education is for agriculture students only,” says Atwater High School agriculture instructor Dave Gossman. “The reality is that agriculture education and the FFA has value for all students in terms of skills, experiences, activities, and involvement that benefits all regardless of career interests.”

The Atwater High School agriculture education program and FFA focuses on academic success, personal growth, leadership, and career exploration for students. The Atwater and California FFA is a high school youth leadership and career development organization that is a state association of the National FFA Organization, a federally charted corporation under Public Law 105-225. The California Association currently serves over 95,000 student members in 338 high schools, from urban schools in Los Angeles and the Bay Area to rural schools all across the state.

For more information on the Atwater High School Agriculture Department and Atwater FFA, please log on the website www.AtwaterFFA.org .

return to top

August 13, 2202

As the school year kicks off, expect updated COVID-19 guidelines from Center for Disease Control in the next week or so. We will have more information on that soon from the California Department of Public Health.

Between students back in the classroom, upcoming events, staff professional development and new dual language programs, there is a lot to look forward to this year.

Have a great year!

Steve M. Tietjen, Ed.D.

return to top

August 13, 2202

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform
various closures on Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route 33 (SR-33), SR-99 and SR-165 for
maintenance and construction operations. Work to occur as follows;
INTERSTATE 5:
• Full closure of the John C. Erreca Rest Areas on northbound and southbound I-5
beginning Monday, April 4, 2022, through July 2023.
o ALTERNATE LOCATIONS: Motorists are advised to use either the Westley
Rest Area (San Joaquin/Stanislaus County line) or the Coalinga-Avenal
Rest Area (Fresno/Kings County line). Electric vehicle charging stations
are available at the Westley Rest Area.
STATE ROUTE 33:
• One-way traffic control from Almond Street to Blossom Street for utility work
beginning Monday, August 15, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from 6:00 a.m.
until 6:30 p.m.
STATE ROUTE 99:
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at Mission Avenue for guardrail work
beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Alternating closures of the #1 (left) and #2 (right) lanes of northbound and
southbound SR-99 from Colony Slough to SR-140/SR-59 (V Street) beginning
Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from 9:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from
8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at G Street for construction
beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from G Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at R Street for construction
beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from R Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from SR-140/59 (V Street) to northbound SR-99 for
construction beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from
8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at SR-140/59 (V Street) for
construction beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from 16th Street to northbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from 8:00 p.m.
until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at 16th Street for construction
beginning Sunday, August 14, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• East Atwater Boulevard off-ramp from northbound SR-99 will be closed to traffic
through August 31, 2022. DETOUR: Use Applegate Road.
• West Atwater Boulevard on-ramp to northbound SR-99 will be closed to traffic
due to construction through September 15, 2022.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Hammatt Avenue for
construction beginning Thursday, August 18, through Friday, August 19, 2022,
from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Winton Parkway for
construction beginning Wednesday, August 17, through Thursday, August 18,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Collier Road for
construction beginning Tuesday, August 16, through Friday, August 19, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at South Avenue for
construction beginning Monday, August 15, through Tuesday, August 16, 2022,
from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Shanks Road for
construction beginning Tuesday, August 16, through Wednesday, August 17,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Bradbury Road for
pavement work beginning Monday, August 15, through Tuesday, August 16,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 165:
• One-way traffic control from Santa Fe Grade Road to Salt Slough Bridge for
pavement work beginning Monday, August 15, through Friday, August 19, 2022,
from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Motorists should expect five to 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

August 12, 2202

“This grant is vital for the Authority to advance its initial electrified service between Downtown Merced and Bakersfield. It reflects the strong state-federal partnership now in place to see the nation’s first true high speed rail service commence right here in California,” said Authority CEO Brian Kelly. “Next week, our Board will consider awarding the contract to advance the design work for this transformative project.”

The funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation will provide more than half of the expected $41 million cost for the Madera to Merced design contract. That contract will be brought before the Authority’s Board of Directors during their two-day Board meeting next week for consideration.

This is the second grant the high-speed rail program has received under the Biden Administration since November 2021. Last fall, California’s high-speed rail project was awarded $24 million for crucial safety, efficiency and construction projects in and around the City of Wasco and State Route 46. Construction in the region will build safe, multimodal connectivity projects around Wasco to prepare for future high-speed rail service.

The Authority is also pursuing $1.3 billion in federal grant funding to double-track the 119 miles currently under construction and purchase new, clean, electric train sets capable of speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour. The funding requested by the Authority will help accelerate construction for electrified high-speed between Merced and Bakersfield by the end of the decade.

Since the start of construction, the California high-speed rail project has created more than 8,000 construction jobs, a majority of which go directly to those living in the Central Valley. There are currently 119 miles under construction in the Central Valley with more than 30 active construction sites.

return to top

August 12, 2202

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltans) will perform various operations next week on State Route 49 in Mariposa County next week.
Work is scheduled as follows:
Route 49
• Moving lane closure from Mount Boullion to Route 132 for pavement marker replacement beginning Tuesday, August 16, through Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• One-way traffic control from Bear Valley Road to the Mariposa/Tuolumne County Line for drainage cleaning/inspection beginning Tuesday, August 16, through Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Motorists should expect 10-minute delays and use alternate routes 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

August 11, 2202

This September marks the tenth year of the Young Patriot Challenge (YPC) — the annual competition that offers students throughout Merced County the opportunity to share their perspectives on the U.S. Constitution.

The contest is open to all Merced County public school and homeschool students and helps them learn about the U.S. Constitution in a creative and fun way.

YPC also provides both public and homeschool teachers with the opportunity to meet the federal requirements to teach students about the U.S. Constitution every year on Constitution Day, Sept. 17.

Kindergarten to sixth-grade students will create posters, middle school students will write essays and high school students will prepare speeches as part of the annual competition.

Poster display at the Merced Mall from the 2021 Young Patriot Challenge competition.

Students who participate have the chance to win cash, gift cards and other prizes.

The prompt for this year is “Which amendment of the U.S. Constitution would you repeal or rewrite? Please explain why you would take this action and the beneficial outcome(s) for the nation.”

Constitution Week takes place between Sept. 12-16 with all submissions due to the Merced County Office of Education by Sept. 16. Selected posters are displayed at the Merced Mall from Oct. 6-18.

The award ceremony for parents and contest winners of all grade levels is scheduled for Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Atwater Community Center, 760 E. Bellevue Rd.

When asked about the competition, YPC Chairperson Barbara Riis-Christensen quoted Abraham Lincoln, “Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.”

For more information on this year's Young Patriot Challenge contact YPC Chairperson Barbara Riis-Christensen at 358-8404 or visit https://www.ypcusa.net.

return to top

August 10, 2202

Merced Scholars Charter School is starting a new Hmong and Spanish classroom-based Dual Language Immersion program that will begin this week.

The Dual Language Immersion program takes the place of a traditional public school where students learn only one language.

While in the program, students will receive instruction in a second language, which includes either Hmong or Spanish.

The benefits of Dual Language Immersion programs include improved cognitive development, proficiency in multiple languages, cultural awareness and strong social connections with Merced County communities.

Enrollment for the 2022-23 school year is currently open for students in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade.

Space is limited and some students may be placed on a waitlist until space is available. Waitlisted students are chosen based on a lottery system.

Click here to view the Dual Language Immersion program intent to enroll form.

For more information on the Merced Scholars Charter School Dual Language Immersion program, contact the school at (209) 381-5165 or email MSCS at mercedscholars@mcoe.org

return to top

August 9, 2202

“Leading Tomorrow’s Legacy” was selected as the 2022-2023 Atwater FFA theme as advisors and chapter officers gathered in South Lake Tahoe for their annual Atwater FFA Chapter Officer Leadership Retreat on August 5th-7th. The primary goals of the three day retreat was to plan the calendar, identify yearly objectives to help strengthen and continue the growth of its members and program, and strengthen team building skills.

“Our officer team starts the school year with focus, vision, and enthusiasm in leading their organization and our students,” said FFA advisor Kim Mesa. This year’s officer team hopes to inspire student leadership, expand personal success, increase participation from current members, and strengthen recruitment of new members. “This year’s theme represents the past successes and contributions of agriculture students and FFA members with the goal of continuing, expanding, influencing, and developing more opportunities and successes to current and future agriculture students and FFA members,” said Atwater FFA Secretary Dulce Campos.

Leadership retreat highlights included a ropes and zip line course at Treetop Adventure Park and kayaking at Lake Tahoe. For many students and some staff members, this was their first trip to South lake Tahoe and the activities involved. “The opportunity to explore and visit a beautiful place such as Lake Tahoe while getting to know fellow students and teachers was a highlight and a lifelong memorable experience.” said FFA officer Guadalupe Millan.

The Atwater High School agriculture program has been recognized as one of the state’s most productive agriculture programs by the California Agricultural Teacher’s Association (CATA) and the National Association of Agriculture Educators (NAAE). “We have tremendous support from our school administration, school district, and our community in supporting FFA and agriculture education as a way to get students involved and provide individuals with purpose, direction and self-confidence in life,” said agriculture instructor and FFA advisor Jose Vargas.

The new officer team is looking forward to the opportunities and rewards the upcoming 2022-2023 school year holds for them. This year’s officer team includes Joshaua Medeiros , President; Alexa Bracamontes, Vice President; Dulce Campos, Secretary; Guadalupe Millan, Treasurer; Jacqueline Velazquez, Reporter; Kayleigh Trindade, Sentinel; Alany Guzman, Historian; and Giselle Varela, Parliamentarian.

For more information on the Atwater High School Agriculture Department and Atwater FFA, please log on the website www.AtwaterFFA.org .

return to top

August 5, 2202

MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform
various closures on Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route 33 (SR-33), SR-99 and SR-140 for
maintenance and construction operations. Work to occur as follows;
INTERSTATE 5:
• Full closure of the John C. Erreca Rest Areas on northbound and southbound I-5
beginning Monday, April 4, 2022, through July 2023.
o ALTERNATE LOCATIONS: Motorists are advised to use either the Westley
Rest Area (San Joaquin/Stanislaus County line) or the Coalinga-Avenal
Rest Area (Fresno/Kings County line). Electric vehicle charging stations
are available at the Westley Rest Area.
STATE ROUTE 33:
• One-way traffic control at Cypress Road for core drilling beginning Monday,
August 8, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
STATE ROUTE 99:
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at Mission Avenue for guardrail work
beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. until
6:00 a.m.
• Alternating closures of the #1 (left) and #2 (right) lanes of northbound and
southbound SR-99 from Colony Slough to SR-140/SR-59 (V Street) beginning
Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 9:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from
8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Childs Avenue for
construction beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. until
5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-140 East for construction
beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at G Street for construction
beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. until
5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from G Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on northbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12,
2022, from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at SR-59/Martin Luther King Jr.
Way for construction beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12,
2022, from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from northbound SR-99 at R Street for construction
beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. until
5:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from R Street to southbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from SR-140/59 (V Street) to northbound SR-99 for
construction beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from
8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
• Full off-ramp closure from southbound SR-99 at SR-140/59 (V Street) for
construction beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from
10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from 16th Street to northbound SR-99 for construction
beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. until
5:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at 16th Street for construction
beginning Sunday, August 7, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 10:00 p.m.
until 6:00 a.m.
• East Atwater Boulevard off-ramp from northbound SR-99 will be closed to traffic
through August 31, 2022. DETOUR: Use Applegate Road.
• West Atwater Boulevard on-ramp to northbound SR-99 will be closed to traffic
due to construction through September 15, 2022.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Shanks Road for pavement
work beginning Sunday, August 7, through Monday, August 8, 2022, from 11:00
p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on and off-ramp closures on southbound SR-99 at Bradbury Road for
pavement work beginning Monday, August 8, through Tuesday, August 9, 2022,
from 11:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
• Full on-ramp closure from South Turlock/Golden State Boulevard to southbound
SR-99 for construction beginning Sunday, August 7, through Monday, August 8,
2022, from 11:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
STATE ROUTE 140:
• One-way traffic control from Kibby Road to Santa Fe Avenue for electrical work
beginning Wednesday, August 10, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 9:00
p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Motorists should expect five to 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

August 5, 2202

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltans) will perform various operations next week on State Route 49 in Mariposa County next week.
Work is scheduled as follows:
Route 49
• Moving lane closure from Agua Fria Road to Route 132 for pavement marker replacement beginning Monday, August 8, through Friday, August 12, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• One-way traffic control from Bear Valley Road to the Mariposa/Tuolumne County Line for drainage cleaning/inspection beginning Monday, August 8, through Thursday, August 11, 2022, from 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Motorists should expect 10-minute delays and use alternate routes 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.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

August 4, 2202

Merced County — Caltrans announced
today it is beginning work to widen
southbound State Route (SR) 99 from two
to three lanes for nine miles from
Livingston to Turlock. The $41 million
project stretches from south of the
Hammatt Avenue exit in Livingston to the
Merced/Stanislaus County line.
Approximately 77,000 vehicles use this SR
99 corridor every day, and of that, more
than 24 percent of the trucks are five-axle, heavy trucks.
“This project will benefit commuters, local traffic, and of course, Merced
County’s important farming communities,” said Caltrans District 10 Director
Dennis T. Agar. “Upon completion, trucks carrying Central Valley goods such as
almonds, grapes, dairy and tomatoes will move more efficiently throughout the
state.”
Crews are scheduled to work mostly during weekdays and perform temporary
lane, ramp, and shoulder closures. No two consecutive ramps will be closed
simultaneously. There are no current plans for full highway closures on SR-99;
however, motorists should expect reduced speed limits throughout the work
zone while crews are at work. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, use
alternate routes, and Be Work Zone Alert.
The contract was awarded to Security Paving of Westlake Village, California.
Work is scheduled to be completed by fall 2023.
The work schedule is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather,
availability of equipment and/or materials, and/or construction-related issues.

return to top

August 4, 2202

STOCKTON – Caltrans recently completed a bridge preventative maintenance project
that made necessary repairs at nine different locations within Merced and Mariposa
Counties.
Work began the week of April 24-30, 2022, and varied per location to include the repair
of existing bridge deck concrete, installation of polyester concrete overlays, and the
replacement of various joint seals and bridge deck approach and departure slabs. This
project finished well ahead of schedule, with the original estimated completion date
not expected until September 2022.
Project locations included structures at:
This estimated $2.93 million maintenance project was performed by Myers & Sons
Construction LP, of Sacramento, CA.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

return to top

MyMerced.com

CONTENT

Home
About Us
Events
News
Sponsors
Contact Us

NEWS & EVENTS

If you have a press release or
an upcoming Event,
please send to:

update@mymerced.com

Terms of Use   |   Privacy Statement

© 2022 MyMerced
All Rights Reserved.

Powered by  Imedia West