September 2, 2010

CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY CERTIFIES REVISED FINAL PROGRAM EIR FOR BAY AREA TO CENTRAL VALLEY

SACRAMENTO – Clearing a major hurdle after an intensive public outreach effort, the California High-Speed Rail Authority today certified its Revised Final Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Bay Area to Central Valley portion of the state’s high-speed train system.
The Revised Final Program EIR includes responses to more than 3,700 comments from more than 500 agencies, local governments and members of the public received in the 45-day comment period in March and April, when the Authority circulated the draft revised document to comply with a court judgment. The ruling did not affect the Authority’s continuing project-level work to evaluate the environmental impacts of the San Francisco to San Jose or San Jose to Merced sections of the system.
“Today’s decision marks another major step forward in making California the home of the nation’s first high-speed rail network,” said Authority Chairman Curt Pringle. “Californians want this project done right, and that means a careful and thoughtful assessment of how to minimize environmental impacts while building a project that creates enormous opportunity for the people of our state.”
While the revised report includes a number of revisions, public comments and new responses to those comments, like the 2008 report that preceded it, the newly certified report identified the Pacheco Pass Network Alternative serving San Francisco via San Jose as the preferred option to connect the Bay Area to the Central Valley. The report noted that the Pacheco Pass alternative minimizes the impacts on wetlands, bodies of water and the environment.
As required by the court, the revised report includes a revised description of the project between San Jose and Gilroy that incorporates impacts on surrounding homes and businesses, impacts on the Monterey Highway and impacts on Union Pacific’s use of its right-of way.
The revised report also addresses statements made by Union Pacific regarding the use of its right-of-way for the project and the implications for land use and property impacts in the region, finding that the railroad’s position would not render any of the alternative alignments analyzed in the EIR infeasible.
In March, the Authority circulated a Revised Draft Program EIR to comply with a court judgment challenging the 2008 report. The Authority held two public hearings in the region earlier this year, and also accepted public comment on the revised report at two meetings this week before taking a final vote to certify the report and select a preferred network alternative to connect the Bay Area to the Central Valley.
Bakersfield to Palmdale
The Authority also approved a preliminary Alternatives Analysis for the Bakersfield to Palmdale section of the project. The analysis calls for continued study of three alternatives in the Bakersfield region, two adjacent to the north side of State Route 58 and one along Edison Highway.
The report also identifies four different options for bringing the project out of the Central Valley through the Tehachapi Mountains and two different options for the project as it moves into the Antelope Valley. One alternative calls for running the tracks between the Union Pacific Railroad and Sierra Highway, while the other alternative calls for the tracks to be primarily elevated and to run adjacent to or within Sierra Highway itself.
The alignment alternatives identified in the analysis will be included in the draft project-level Environmental Impact Report for the section.
Fresno to Bakersfield
The Authority also approved a Supplemental Alternatives Analysis for the Fresno to Bakersfield section of the project. The analysis called for revising one alternative for the project in Kings County to minimize agricultural impacts. In addition, the analysis recommended against further study of two alternative alignments that would have placed tracks for the high-speed train through the city of Hanford.

September 2, 2010

THE UNIVERSITY OF PACIFIC PRESIDENT ELECTED TO
GREAT VALLEY CENTER BOARD

Modesto, CA (September 1, 2010) – The University of Pacific President Pamela A. Eibeck has been elected to the board of the Great Valley Center, a regional planning and action nonprofit serving the Central Valley.

The Great Valley Center, which is in partnership with UC Merced, works with community organizations and local governments to improve the quality of life for residents of the 19 counties in the region. Its 12-member board is composed of business, government and education leaders.

September 2,2010

Dejeuné Shelton New Interim Great Valley Center Leader

Modesto, CA (September 1, 2010) – Dejeuné M. Shelton has been named interim President of the Great Valley Center, a Valley-wide nonprofit organization devoted to regional planning and action. She begins her new responsibilities September 1.

“We’re looking forward to Dejeuné stepping into this role for this Valley-wide organization” says Great Valley Center Board President Kathy McKim, VP of External Affairs for AT&T in the Central Valley. “She has been the senior program manager for two years now, and her enthusiasm and leadership skills will help us as the Great Valley Center meet its mission to help improve the quality of life in our region.”

September 1, 2010

Research Arm Continues to Grow at UC Merced
Research expenditures increase again, reaching new high of $14.1 million in 2009-10;
Awards received hold steady near $22 million despite uncertain economy

MERCED, Calif. — Last week, the University of California, Merced, began its sixth academic year by welcoming some 4,000 students, a new record for the UC’s newest campus.

The bustling, vibrant student body is perhaps the most visual sign of UC Merced’s continued growth. Just as indicative of that growth is the continued expansion of the campus’ research arm, which saw expenditures increase for the fifth consecutive year despite a challenging economic landscape.

According to numbers released by the campus’ Business and Financial Services, research expenditures — the amount of money spent on UC Merced research, including graduate student salaries and benefits along with supplies and equipment for research projects — surpassed $14.1 million in the 2009-10 fiscal year, the highest total in the campus’ history and nearly a 10 percent increase over the $12.9 million in expenditures in 2008-09.

Expenditures are the most relevant measurement of a research university’s production, said UC Merced Vice Chancellor for Research Sam Traina, as they represent money being spent on current projects and being fed back into the economy.

“A major aspect of UC Merced’s mission is research, and these numbers are concrete proof of the vast amount of groundbreaking research being done by our faculty and students,” Traina said. “That our operation was able to grow despite these economic challenges is a testament to the staying power of the University of California system and the bright future of the Merced campus.”

The amount of research awards received also held steady in 2009-10, ensuring that expenditures will remain strong in the coming years. UC Merced faculty pulled in nearly $22 million in awards, a decrease of less than 4 percent from 2008-09’s $22.8 million. And the 2010-11 fiscal year got off to a rousing start, with more than $4.5 million in research awards received by UC Merced researchers in July alone.

The $22 million received in 2009-10 included some notable awards:

• Two CAREER Awards — the National Science Foundation’s faculty early career development award — received by UC Merced professors Elliott Campbell and Lin Tian.
• A grant of $1.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to create the Center of Excellence for the Study of Health Disparities in Rural and Ethnic Underserved Populations.
• A three-year, $1.3 million grant awarded to Professor David Kelley for his research into finding a less expensive method to harness and use solar energy.
• A $1 million Renewable Energy Secure Communities program grant from the California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research program to implement renewable energy applications on campus that can also used by professors in their research.
• A $974,523 grant from the U.S. Department of Education awarded to Professor William Shadish to develop new statistics for measuring the effects of educational interventions on individual students.

The money spent on research at UC Merced benefits society on many levels. It feeds money into the local economy by way of graduate student salaries; it funds outreach programs designed to improve health and education in the San Joaquin Valley; and it leads to new innovations that address many of our greatest societal challenges on the local, state and global level.

For example, UC Merced’s Stem Cell Instrumentation Foundry — funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine — is expected to be a catalyst for the formation and growth of the biotech industry in the Merced area. The state-of-the-art facility will also be a tool shared with researchers across the state.

“From helping underserved young students make healthy choices and fulfill their utmost potential, to helping understand and solve the state’s water crisis, to finding new and more efficient ways to harness solar energy, the research done at UC Merced has been invaluable,” Traina said. “As the campus continues to grow over the next several years, the impact of our faculty and student research will only increase.”

September 1, 2010

GALGIANI BILL PROVIDES ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FOR STATE TO MANAGE FAST-GROWING HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT

Galgiani’s AB 289 will enable agency to fulfill stringent oversight and reporting measures for the huge California High-Speed Rail transportation and jobs project
SACRAMENTO, CA – Assembly Bill (AB) 289 by Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani passed its final hurdle today, in a vote by the Assembly concurring with Senate amendments. AB 289 authorizes the High-Speed Rail Authority to create an Office for Project Controls and Risk Management, hire needed professional staff and develop a process for the expenditure of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.

“The High-Speed Rail Authority Director has the task of building the largest transportation project in the country with an agency that still has only nine employees,” stated Galgiani. “I introduced AB 289 last year when it was immediately apparent that the agency was in dire need of additional professional staff to keep up with the burgeoning project.

“These positions are absolutely essential if we expect the agency to oversee the largest infrastructure project in the country and meet the reporting requirements of the Bond Measure and the legislature,” according to Galgiani. “If we want the job done right we must provide the resources needed to do it.”

The federal ARRA money will be available for preliminary engineering, environmental work, design and construction for certain corridors, and this will allow the High-Speed Rail Authority to use these dollars to fully take advantage of the job creation potential of the high-speed train. AB 289 ensures the process which the High-Speed Rail Authority uses to spend this federal money is consistent with the High-Speed Bond Act approved by the voters in 2008.

The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.
The California High-Speed Rail project has been in development for nearly 15 years. In 2008, California voters passed Assemblymember Galgiani’s High-Speed Rail Bond Act that provided $9.9 Billion for the project. The High-Speed Rail Authority was awarded a $2.25 billion Federal Stimulus grant this January and recently applied for another $1 billion Federal grant.

The High Speed Rail Authority will create 600,000 jobs in construction alone over the life of the project and will address many of California’s future transportation needs. AB 289 will provide more oversight and accountability in the management of the High-Speed Rail Authority as the state moves into the construction phase of the high-speed train project.

August 31, 2010

Merced Farm Bureau Endorses Berryhill for 18th District
Powerful local organization supports Mike Berryhill for Congress.

CERES, CA- The Merced County Farm Bureau has endorsed Mike Berryhill (R-Ceres) in the race for the 18th Congressional District. The Farm Bureau's endorsement sends a strong message that local farmers are tired of Dennis Cardoza and ready for a change in Washington. The Merced Farm Bureau promotes and supports policies and legislation that protect Merced County's agricultural industry.

"The Merced County Farm Bureau takes pride in the endorsement process, and we believe Mike Berryhill to be the best candidate for the 18th Congressional District. Our Board believes Mike will represent his constituents concerns and build awareness of the important role agriculture plays here in Central California and in the United States. We can count on Mike to fight for agriculture, the Central Valley's leading industry," said President Jeff Marchini.

"I am honored to have the support of the Merced County Farm Bureau. It's vital that our representative in Washington have a strong understanding of agriculture and the role it plays as our Valley's number one industry. Protecting local agriculture is critical for moving our economy forward and providing good jobs for Valley residents. I am proud that the Farm Bureau recognizes that I will be a leader on this issue in Congress," said Berryhill.

The Merced County Farm Bureau's endorsement is the latest in a string of high profile endorsements for the Berryhill Campaign including Congressman Tom McClintock, former Senator Jim Brulte and former California Governor George Deukmejian.

Mike Berryhill has devoted his life to agriculture and public service. Berryhill spent his career growing wine grapes and producing ornamental flowers. He is also a 26 year veteran of the Turlock Irrigation District Board of Directors.

For more information or to get involved in the Berryhill campaign please visit www.BerryhillforCongress.com .

August 31, 2010

Congressman Cardoza Announces $120,141 in Crime Fighting Grants

Congressman Dennis Cardoza announced $120,141 in law enforcement grants for communities in California’s 18th Congressional District today. The awards were provided through the Justice Department’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

The program provides states and local governments with critical funding to support law enforcement, prosecution and court, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, planning, evaluation, and technology improvement, and crime victim and witness initiatives.

August 31, 2010

Greater Merced Chamber Accepting Donations for Fire Victims

MERCED – The Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce announced today that it will act as drop-off location for clothes, blankets, non-perishable food and other items for the displaced victims of the Willowbrook Apartment Complex fire. The Chamber of Commerce is located at 360 E. Yosemite Avenue, Suite 100 (between Millenium Sports Club and Patient’s First Urgent Care).

Several Chamber members, including ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning of Merced, the complex owner Maxwell Construction and the American Red Cross have already offered their help to the victims and others affected by the devastation of this morning’s fire.

In addition to accepting donations in the Chamber’s office, the Chamber will also be accepting donations this Saturday, September 4th during its “Cook-off at the Courthouse” barbecue event. The BBQ will be open to the public between 11am and 8pm at Courthouse Park, located on M Street between 21st and 20th streets in Merced. The event, which is co-sponsored by the Merced Sun-Star, will give members of the community easy access to a drop-off location for clothes, blankets, toys and other items that are clean and in good condition.

For more information, the Chamber can be contacted at (209) 384-7092. To make a monetary donation to the victims, the American Red Cross can be contacted at (209) 383-2150.

August 31, 2010

Steven Stayner statue dedication
was held last Saturday

The Steven Stayner and Missing Children’s Memorial dedication was held Saturday, Aug. 28, in Applegate Park.

Steven Stayner was the Merced youth who was abducted while walking home from school in 1972. Nearly eight years later Stayner created national headlines when he escaped from his kidnapper with 5-year-old Timmy White.

August 31,2010

Local American Red Cross Volunteers Respond to 16 Families in Merced

The American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter volunteers have responded to a 16 unit apartment fire in Merced CA. The Red Cross Disaster Action Team Volunteers were called out at 2:00 AM this morning to help 16 families whose homes were totally destroyed by the fire. The Red Cross Volunteers assist each family to be sure they had a safe place to sleep, nutritious meals, clothing and emotional support as these families start to rebuild their lives.
The assistance for these families is free and only made possible by contributions from the community. The local American Red Cross does not receive government assistance for disaster relief for families in our community.
The Central Valley Chapter of the Red Cross responded to 446 fires last year in our community, helping over 1,614 individuals. Since 1917, the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter has provided assistance in time of local and national disasters. The chapter’s outreach activities are supported 100% by local community donations. Outreach includes assistance to displaced individuals and families affected by a natural disaster, support military personnel and their families, community health and safety training.
Those interested in supporting the community’s Save-A- Family campaign can make a tax deduction contribution to the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter. These contributions will help our neighbors in a time of need. American Red Cross disaster assistance is free. The assistance provided to these families is made possible by local donations to our Save A Family Relief Fund. Please send your donation to American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter, 2002 N. Fine Ave, Fresno, CA. 93727 or by visiting our website at www.ARCcentralvalley.org

August 31, 2010

Greater Merced Chamber Endorses Cannella

MERCED – The Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce today announced that it has endorsed Ceres mayor Anthony Cannella in his bid for California’s 12th Senate District. The Chamber’s Government Review Committee (GRC) interviewed Mayor Cannella and his Democratic opponent, Assemblymember Anna Caballero, and then made a recommendation to the full board of directors.

The GRC and board issued the endorsement after finding that Mayor Cannella’s platform is consistent with the Chamber’s goals to promote business and job-creation in Merced and the region.

August 30, 2010

Head Start Participates in USDA’s Free and Reduced Lunch Program

Merced County’s Head Start participates in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Child Care Food Program. The program is available, without charge, to all eligible Head Start participants.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability or political beliefs. Persons with disabilities who require alternate means for USDA communications or program information (Braille, audio tapes, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
For more information on the program, contact Merced County Head Start, 2926 G Street, Suite 201, Merced, CA 95340, or call (209) 381-5170.

August 30, 2010

Berryhill Joins Call for Geithner's Dismissal

Mike Berryhill, Republican Nominee for the 18th District suggests that the architect of the Administration's failed economic policies be terminated.
CERES, CA- With unemployment stagnating at over 10% and climbing in parts of the country the Administration's "Recovery Summer" is on life support and fading fast. Congressional Candidate Mike Berryhill believes that the architect of the White House's economic policy, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, should be fired.

In a speech delivered Tuesday, House Republican Leader John Boehner, called on the President to extend tax cuts due to expire, freeze federal spending and fire Geithner, the Administration's top official on the economy. In his remarks Boehner singled out Geithner as having promoted "19 months of government-as-community organizer" and stating that "it hasn't worked."

Since Boehner's statement even some embattled Democratic House Members have called for Geithner's ouster. Virginia Congressman Tom Perriello, believed to be one of the most vulnerable Democrats in Congress, called for the Treasury Secretary's termination during a town hall meeting. Local Tea Party activists confirmed Perriello's stance in a press release of their own applauding the Congressman's sentiment.

"I call on Congressman Dennis Cardoza to join his colleague Tom Perriello, and acknowledge that his party's leadership on the economy has failed and to demand that Secretary Geithner be held accountable. It's never too late in America and with fresh leadership we can chart a course towards real economic recovery," said Berryhill.

August 27, 2010

Community Conversations on UC Merced students return, economic effect

The return of UC and Merced College students, the outlook for the County’s youth and Open Cockpit Day at Castle Air Museum are among the features this week on Community Conversations, a public service program on KYOS.

La'Trice Curl, Director of Student Life and Judicial Affairs at UC Merced, discusses the start of the school year at the university and efforts to help students make the transition; City of Merced’s Frank Quintero talks about the economic effect of UC and Merced College students on the community; Debbie Glass and Nellie McGary, board members with the Merced County Youth Council, explain the role of the council, its collaboration with other agencies, and services to Merced County youth.

Also this week Rob Hypes, artistic director of Playhouse Merced, announces the season opener, “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat;” Merced Police Officer Emily Christensen speaks on the Junior Leadership Merced program and Joe Pruzzo, CEO of the Castle Air Museum, talks about Open Cockpit Day on Sept. 5.

The show focuses on community, education and government news affecting residents throughout Merced County. It airs on KYOS, 1480 AM, at 7 p.m. Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday. The hour-long show covers news that has gone unnoticed or underreported.

The show is hosted by Nathan Quevedo, the public information officer for the Merced County Office of Education and engineered by Rick McMillion of KYOS. The show is produced by MCOE, the City of Merced Public Information Office and Roger Wood, in association with UC Merced and the County of Merced.

August 25, 2010

MERCED – If you’re a talented artist who can draw a creative logo design that shouts “Saddle Up for Fun!” – the Merced County Fair wants you!

The race is on to find the best graphic design to illustrate the 2011 Merced County Fair’s theme -- “Saddle Up for Fun!” The deadline to submit entries in the logo design contest is Friday, Sept. 24 at 3 p.m.

What artist wouldn’t want to see their artwork everywhere – on billboards, posters, T-shirts, newspaper and magazine ads, schedules, banners, the fair’s website, Facebook and more. The creator of the first place logo design wins $500 and a pair of season passes to the fair. The competition is open to Merced County residents only.

Karen Arnold of Merced is the winner of the fair’s theme contest. The theme commodity for the 120th anniversary fair is horses. The fair is June 16-20, 2011.

“We’re hoping for a stampede of fun and clever logos to go with our new theme,” said Tom Musser, the fair’s CEO.

The fair’s board of directors will select the first, second and third place graphic design winners at their October 18 board meeting. All eligible entries will be assigned a number for judging. The numbered entries will be reviewed by the fair’s marketing/promotions committee before the winning entries are selected by the fair board. The entrants’ names won’t be revealed until after the winners are picked. The second and third place winners will each receive a pair of season passes to the fair.

To enter the contest, artists may use any medium and submit a maximum of three entries
on 8 ½ by 11-inch paper. All entries become the Merced County Fair’s property and won’t be returned to the artist. The winning entry may be altered for marketing purposes. Entries may be submitted to the fairgrounds office, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way or mailed to the Merced County Fair, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced CA. 95341.

Submissions should include the entrant’s name, address and phone number and a copy of the following statement with your signature: “The logo entry (entries) are the artist’s own original, artistic creation and intellectual property.” A news release and photo about the logo winners may be issued by the fair. Information on the contest is available on the fair’s website www.MercedCountyFair.com. For more information, call the fair office at (209) 722-1507.

August 24,2010

Save Mart S.H.A.R.E.S.
Support for Atwater FFA

Over the past couple of years, the Atwater High School FFA and agriculture program has tripled in size. Nearly one-half of the entire student body is enrolled in at least one agriculture class. With the increase in student involvement, comes the need for increased resources and for the past couple of years, Save Mart Supermarkets has been supporting the Atwater FFA through their S.H.A.R.E.S. program with over $5000 directly supporting the students and agriculture program.

“We owe a tremendous amount of thanks to the Atwater Save Mart and manager Roy Torres in communicating the opportunity of this fundraiser,” said Atwater FFA advisor Dave Gossman. The S.H.A.R.E.S. card program is an easy and efficient way to fund-raise where organizations receive 3% of the qualified purchases made by customers. Over 4.5 million dollars has been pledged in 2010 by Save Mart, Food Maxx, and S-Mart Foods to various non-profit organizations overall.

“We wanted to say ‘thank-you’ to our community members for utilizing the S.H.A.R.E.S. program and let them know that it is a program that is working,” said Gossman. “We want to encourage people to continue utilizing the cards when they shop because it benefits all organizations involved.”

The Atwater High School FFA and agriculture program has utilized the funds to purchase various shop, horticulture, and science supplies and equipment. In addition, the funds have supported the hundreds of students who attend monthly FFA meetings with free BBQ dinners.

“The program is a win-win for all,” said Gossman. For more information on how Atwater FFA, please log onto www.AtwaterFFA.org.

Watch G Street construction from home

Residents can follow the progress of the G Street underpass construction with the help of a web-based camera. Every 20 minutes the camera takes three pictures of the work site, looking at G and 23rd streets, G and 24th streets and the railroad undercrossing. The camera operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Links to the photos are available on the City’s website, www.cityofmerced.org.

The City of Merced and the Merced Redevelopment Agency are building the $18 million four-lane road that will go under the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad tracks. Construction started in July and will finish by December 2011.
All businesses along G Street remain open, even though the road is closed to through traffic between 23rd and 25th Streets. Local detour signs will guide drivers to those businesses.

Once the project is finished, drivers will be able to cruise under the tracks while trains roll through town.
The City awarded the $5,059,272.10 contract to Teichert Construction for the project. The City has encouraged Teichert to hire local employees and subcontractors whenever possible.

The project is funded by:
- California Transportation Commission $9 million
- Merced Redevelopment Agency $4.8 million
- City Public Facility Financing $2.3 million
- Burlington Northern & Santa Fe RR $1.9 million

In addition, the City is spending another $2.4 million for improvements in the project area, including a $1.1 million water line replacement.

The road project has its roots in a tragedy that occurred almost 80 years ago. It was at the intersection of G Street and the then Santa Fe railroad tracks that a school bus coming from Fremont School was struck by a train. Six students were killed and another 23 were injured. That tragedy on May 7, 1931, helped lead to the legislation that requires all occupied buses to stop at railroad crossings.

During construction traffic is expected to be heavier on other main roads. Residents are asked to plan their routes ahead, leave early, consolidate their trips and talk to their employers about alternative work schedules that will avoid peak traffic times. Telecommuting, carpooling, riding The Bus, biking and walking are strongly encouraged.

The completed project will eliminate the delay motorists and trucks experience on our streets. The undercrossing will help improve air quality, save fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And the project will improve public safety by providing a route under the tracks.

Updates on the G Street project will be posted regularly on the City’s web site, www.cityofmerced.org. and also on Facebook @ The Streets of Merced.

August 23, 2010

Local FFA Students Attend World Horse Judging Competition

Atwater FFA’s 2010 FFA State Champion Light Horse judging team competed at the the American Quarter Horse Youth World Show in Oklahoma on August 2-6th in preparation for the teams National FFA Finals in Indianapolis, Indiana this October. Thirty –five teams composed of 135 individuals from throughout the nation participated in the competition with Atwater FFA’s team placing 11th overall and 3rd high overall in the FFA division.

The American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show is one of the largest horse shows in the world with nearly 1000 exhibitors and 1200+ horses taking part in the show representing Canada, Germany, Venezuela, United Kingdom, and the United States. “This was an opportunity for our students to be part of a large scale competition arena with some of the world’s best horses,” said Atwater High School FFA advisor/coach Beth Knapp. “Our students came away with a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience that will benefit them at the National FFA Finals in October.”

Individual highlights included Nikki Schiber placing 11th high individual overall and Briana Hamamoto placing 1st high individual overall in the Performance class. “To accompany and share in the cross country travel with these students, of which was the first experience being on an airplane for some, was truly rewarding and provided a valuable opportunity for them to see other parts of the nation and our agriculture industry,” said Knapp.

The Atwater FFA Horse judging team has been fundraising the $10,000 needed to cover the Oklahoma and Indianapolis trip. To date, they are halfway there with a total of $5000 being donated by local community organizations and agriculture industries. If you are interested in learning how you can support the team and their trip to the FFA National Finals in October, log onto www.AtwaterFFA.org for more information.

Written by: Carolyn Schiber, Atwater FFA Reporter
Photos by Dave Gossman, FFA Advisor

August 21, 2010

CANNELLA BEGINS AGGRESSIVE GROUND CAMPAIGN

Mayor Anthony Cannella joined Modesto City Councilman Joe Muratore over the weekend to host the first post-primary door to door voter contact operation. The walk was held in Modesto in Councilman Muratore’s district. More than 25 volunteers covered 1300 households and 3000 voters.

Cannella leads his opponent in local endorsements and is leading in the efforts to personally contact voters. Volunteers are walking precincts everyday for Cannella and the campaign plans to continue non-stop to November 2nd.

The race to replace Senator Jeff Denham is the number one priority target for the Senate Republican leadership in 2010.

To volunteer for the campaign sign up at www.anthonycannella.com

August 20, 2010

CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MEETS WITH
MERCED REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
Local leaders show their support of high-speed rail, a station in downtown Merced and advocate for the heavy maintenance facility at Castle Commerce Center

MERCED – The Greater Merced High-Speed Rail Committee (Committee) leadership is meeting with the new Executive Director, Mr. Roelof van Ark of the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) today to discuss the overall development of the statewide high-speed rail system.

Merced County Supervisor John Pedrozo, Merced Mayor Bill Spriggs and Greater Merced High-Speed Rail Committee co-chairman Dr. Ben Duran are among the leaders that will be meeting with Mr. van Ark to determine how the Committee Merced Community can assist the Authority in advocating for federal funding to construct the Merced to Bakersfield section of the high-speed rail system. Additionally, they will discuss the design and engineering progress of the downtown Merced high-speed rail station which ahead of schedule.

The Committee will also continue to advocate for the Castle site for the high-speed rail heavy maintenance facility which will provide the local community approximately 1,500 jobs.

The Committee is the leading authoritative voice on high-speed rail in the Merced community. Comprised of local elected officials, and representatives from cities, Merced County, UC Merced, Merced College, Merced Farm Bureau, community based organizations, labor and private industry, the committee advocates for the development of California’s first high-speed rail line with a station in downtown Merced and the heavy maintenance facility located at Castle Commerce Center.

For more information on the Greater Merced High-Speed Rail Committee and high-speed rail in general visit www.mercedhighspeedrail.com

For more information, contact Mike Conway of the City of Merced at 209-385-6834 or Mark Hendrickson of the County of Merced at 209-628-6147.

August 19, 2010

Berryhill Weighs in on Mosque Controversy
Mike Berryhill, Republican Nominee for the 18th District calls on supporters of Mosque to exercise sensitivity and build elsewhere.

CERES, CA- The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants all American Citizens the freedom to assemble, the freedom of the press and the freedom of religion; but it does not give us freedom from insensitivity and poor judgment. Congressional Candidate Mike Berryhill reminds supporters of the controversial Mosque planned for the site of the former World Trade Center that just because something is legal doesn't mean it is the right thing to do; and asks that the Mosque be built at an alternate location.

The site of the former World Trade Center is sacred ground to the victims and families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and should hold a place of reverence much like the battlefield at Gettysburg or the U.S.S Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Now out of the ruins of America's greatest national tragedy rises a towering Mosque? That is absolutely absurd! Thousands lost their lives here at the hands of Islamic extremists, clearly there should be room here for some sensitivity to that fact by the Mosque proponents.

Supporters of the Mosque argue that it will be a place that promotes tolerance and a sense of community among different faiths but tolerance is a two way street. In the wake of such an outcry against this project and its everlasting historical connection to radical Islam, is it tolerant to proceed with construction?

"There is a difference between what is just legal on one hand, and what is right and proper on the other. If the true intention of the Muslim leadership behind this Mosque is to foster tolerance and a sense of community, then it should be very clear to them that they should build it elsewhere," said Mike Berryhill, Candidate for the 18th Congressional District.

August 19, 2010

Merced County Fair Switching to Five Days

MERCED – Putting on the annual Merced County Fair is a labor of love but it also takes a lot of cash, from paying for security, maintenance and other seasonal workers, accommodating hundreds of livestock, cooling and lighting exhibit buildings and keeping the fairgrounds and buildings clean.

To save money, stretch budgets and avoid increasing admission and other prices, the Merced County Fair’s Board of Directors has decided to offer a five-day fair in 2011 – Wednesday, June 15 through Sunday, June 19. Reducing the fair’s run by one day – starting the fair on Wednesday instead of Tuesday -- will be done on a trial basis, said the fair’s CEO, Tom Musser.

“The Board carefully considered this decision,” Musser said. “The 2010 Fair was a big success, but for us to continue to put on a top quality fair without raising prices we need to make this move. By making the fair one day shorter we can invest some of that savings in our entertainment offerings and put on an even better fair. We want to be an excellent 5-day fair, jam-packed with fun.”

Switching to a 5-day event will mean significant savings in operational expenses, Musser said, adding that the fair board examined all the impacts of such a change including the carnival, vendors, exhibits, the community and the livestock showing and judging schedule. The livestock show schedule won’t change with a 5-day fair – judging will begin on Tuesday, June 14, the day before the fair kicks off.

August 19, 2010

STAR results show most Merced County students make gains in English, Math

School achievement test results released by the California Department of Education on August 16 from the Standardized Testing and Reporting system, or STAR, show Merced County students are making improvements in several areas.
In the area of math, students in second through seventh grade made gains, with fifth graders increasing 10 percentage points — the highest increase — in the 2009-2010 school year.
Merced County increased in seven of the 10 grade levels in English language arts, with fifth and ninth graders making the largest gains for the 2009-2010 school year.
English Learners in Merced County fared well in math with nearly every grade level making gains.
However, English Learners were the group with the smallest gains in English language arts. Five of the 10 grade levels declined in score from previous years.
“Math scores gained in all grades, second grade through seventh grade, with fifth grade students making the most significant gains,” said Lee Andersen, Merced County superintendent of schools.

August 18, 2010

Stimulus Grant to Improve Broadband Service in San Joaquin Valley
$46.6 million grant will improve Internet access for homes, schools and businesses

MERCED, CA – Congressman Dennis Cardoza joined with Congressman Jim Costa and Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today to announce a $46.6 million grant aimed at enhancing broadband Internet access for the San Joaquin Valley. The funding is being made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and was awarded to the Central Valley Independent Network (CVIN).

“I am pleased to see these funds being directed to the San Joaquin Valley,” said Congressman Cardoza. “Improving our broadband infrastructure will not only provide a better future for the next generation but ensures we remain economically competitive. This investment in our businesses and our students will serve us well in the coming years.”

According to a June 2009 report by the Public Policy Institute of California, Internet and broadband use has increased in all regions of California except for the Central Valley, where 49 percent of households cannot access high-speed service.

Moreover, current broadband infrastructure in the region is largely inadequate to meet the needs of local businesses and community anchor institutions.

In response to this situation, CVIN will use the funds to deploy a 1,371-mile fiber backbone network through 18 Central Valley counties. This will benefit the over 1,500,000 households and 160,000,000 businesses in the region by allowing local Internet service providers to utilize the new network. Among the counties benefitting are Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin.

August 18, 2010

Don't Overrule the American People
Mike Berryhill, Republican Nominee for the 18th District calls on Cardoza to pledge opposition to a Lame Duck Session of Congress.

CERES, CA- As the chances of a Republican takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives and possibly the Senate become more probable, House Democrats have hinted they may use the Lame Duck session of Congress to pass the remainder of their unpopular agenda. Mike Berryhill (R-Ceres), Candidate for the 18th District, calls on Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) to sign a pledge opposing the lame duck session should he be defeated this November.

A lame duck session of Congress occurs when members of the House and Senate are called into session in the period after an election and prior to the swearing in of the new Congress to enact unfinished legislation. Some lawmakers who return for this session will have lost their bids for another term and will not be in the next Congress. Thus, they are informally called "lame duck" members participating in a "lame duck" session. Leading Democrats have suggested that if they lose control of Congress this fall they may resort to a lame duck session in order to pass items such as Cap and Trade.

Senator John Kerry (D-MA) recently stated:

"I have to tell you, [cap and trade] is not dead...if it is after the election, it may well be that some members are free and liberated and feeling that they can take a risk or do something."

Our Declaration of Independence states that a legitimate government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

Elected representatives only exercise legitimate power when the American people, through the act of an election, support their agenda not when they are "free and liberated and feeling that they can take a risk". On occasion lame duck sessions have been called to pass continuing resolutions to fund the government at existing levels until the new Congress is sworn in, not to enact sweeping legislation.

"I call on Dennis Cardoza to adhere to the will of the people and should he be defeated in this election, oppose any legislation brought up in a lame duck session of Congress. I invite Congressman Cardoza to sign American Solutions No Lame Duck Pledge," said Berryhill.

The No Lame Duck Pledge reads:

"I, undersigned Member of the 111th Congress, pledge to the citizens of the State of California, I will not participate in a Lame Duck session of Congress. I believe reconvening the Congress after the November 2nd election and prior to the seating of the new 112th Congress, smacks of the worst kind of political corruption. Attempting to pass unpopular legislation subverts the will of the American people and is an abusive power grab."

August 16, 2010

Local Agriculture Science Teachers Attend Zoo Conference

Atwater High School agriculture department’s Jackie Ioimo and Natalie Kirschner recently attended San Diego Zoo’s Conservation and Research Station’s annual high school life science and biology conference. The conference was held at the San Diego Wild Animal Park and hosted 25 high school science instructors representing twelve states and three countries. The three day conference included “hands on” daily laboratories that included extracting California Condor DNA, collecting and testing progesterone levels in elephants to determine cycles and pregnancies, and utilizing electrophoresis and bioacoustics in various science practices.

Teachers also received tours of the exotic animal veterinary facility and behind the scenes tours of the rhino and giraffe exhibits. “The entire experience was geared towards utilizing today’s science practices and technologies in the biology and veterinary science pathways as a vehicle of knowledge and experience to implement back in the classroom,” said agriculture instructor Natalie Kirschner. “It was great to go from my background of agriculture livestock and experience various aspects of exotic animals.”

During the conference, teachers were housed in tents on the conservation site within fifty yards of free-wandering wild life. The opportunity also exposed teachers to the various practices and research zoos are encompassing in educating society on ecological and environmental conservation.

August 15, 2010

Deukmejian/Brulte Endorse Berryhill
Mike Berryhill, Republican Nominee for the 18th Congressional District, has been endorsed by former California Governor George Deukmejian and former Senate Republican Leader Jim Brulte.

CERES, CA- Mike Berryhill, Republican Nominee for the 18th Congressional District, has received the endorsement of respected former Governor George Deukmejian and former State Senate Republican Leader Jim Brulte. The endorsement by two of California's leading conservatives comes as the Berryhill campaign continues to build momentum in the race for the 18th Congressional District.

Deukmejian served as California's 35th Governor and held office from 1983 to 1991. During his Administration Deukmejian fought for lower taxes and improved public safety, proposing new efforts to fight crime. Clare Berryhill, Mike Berryhill's uncle, served in the Deukmejian Administration as Secretary of Food and Agriculture.

Jim Brulte served in the California State Legislature for 14 years and held the position of Republican Leader in both the Assembly and Senate. Brulte has built a national reputation as a dynamic leader and prior to the election of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was regarded as the most powerful elected Republican in California.

Brulte is regarded as an expert on fiscal issues and served as the Republican's lead negotiator in several billion dollar budget negotiations.

"Few politicians are as well respected as Governor George Deukmejian and Senator Jim Brulte. Should I prevail in November I hope to follow their example and serve the people of California with honor and distinction," said Berryhill.

Governor Deukmejian and Senator Brulte join conservative icon, Congressman Tom McClintock and others in supporting Berryhill. Mike Berryhill is running against embattled Congressman Dennis Cardoza to represent California's 18th Congressional District.

August 14, 2010

Junior Leadership Merced Recruiting for Class 7

MERCED – Junior Leadership Merced, a program of the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce, is looking for a few good high school students. Now entering its seventh year, the program has seen over 120 Merced-area high school students graduate with great foundational experience in practical leadership.

All 11th and 12th grade students residing or attending school in Merced County are eligible to apply for the program, which features several one-day sessions throughout the year, as well as a 3-day retreat. Upon completion of the program, the students will have earned 1 unit of credit at Merced College through Jonae Pistoresi’s national award-winning “Thrive and Survive” program.

The application is available on the Chamber’s website at www.merced-chamber.com, as well as any of the career centers located at Merced Union High School District campuses.

For more information, contact Adam Cox at (209) 384-7092.

August 13, 2010

California High-Speed Rail Authority Chairman Issues Statement From Transbay Center Groundbreaking Ceremony

San Francisco – Today, the California High-Speed Rail Authority participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the multi-model Transbay Transit Center. The fully re-designed station, when complete will be the first in the nation to meet the design specifications for a high-speed train system.
“We are all committed to building a world-class high-speed rail system and this groundbreaking signals another step in the process of making that system a reality. We’re pleased that the Transbay Joint Powers Authority has made the future development of a high-speed rail system a centerpiece of its planning for this multi-model transit center. Projects like these if done right have the potential to truly transform a city and reinvent the way Californians travel – making it faster, cheaper, more convenient and better for the environment,” said Authority Chairman Curt Pringle.

While the California High-Speed Rail Authority is not yet in the construction phase, the Transbay Joint Powers Authority’s groundbreaking is a significant step supporting the development of the statewide high-speed rail system.
The Authority has evaluated a station at Transbay for both Altamont and Pacheco alternatives that are currently under consideration and is working to complete the necessary program level and project-level environmental analyses. This state of the art station is a significant step toward getting ready for high-speed rail in the future and bringing jobs to the region.
In 2009 in a show of confidence in California’s high-speed rail project, the federal government awarded California $2.25 billion in funding for high-speed intercity passenger rail – the largest award of any state.

August 13, 2010

Local FFA Students Attend National Leadership Conference

Atwater FFA’s Nikki Schiber and Buhach Colony FFA’s Megan Morales joined 2,300+ FFA members from throughout the nation in Washington, D.C. at the National FFA Organization’s annual Washington Leadership Conference. The focus of the event was to take student leadership skills to the highest level by learning to know their purpose, value people, take action and serve others.

Located in our nation’s capital, the Washington Leadership Conference is a five-day event held each July that trains FFA members to make a positive impact in their school, local community, state and country. “This trip was one of the most memorable experiences in my life,” said Nikki Schiber. “It made a powerful impact on me personally in terms of the leadership and patriotic magnitude of being among other student leaders and our nation’s government.”

The capstone event of the Washington Leadership Conference was a civic engagement activity, which took leadership and service learning to new standards where all participants put forth over 11,000 hours of community service throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Other highlights for the two students included meeting with Atwater’s own U.S. House of Representative Congressman Dennis Cardoza and touring the various National Monuments.

For more information on how your son/daughter can get involved, contact your local high school agriculture program or log onto www.AtwaterFFA.org

Megan Morales and Nikki Schiber pose next to congressional art award winning photograph “The Journey” from Atwater High’s Jose Hernandez where his photograph is currently on display in the U.S. Capitol.

Atwater FFA’s Nikki Schiber and Buhach Colony FFA’s Megan Morales meet with Congressman Dennis Cardoza at his Washington, D.C. office.

Nikki Schiber and Megan Morales gather in front of the U.S. Capitol prior to a VIP tour.

Written by: Carolyn Schiber, Atwater FFA Reporter
Photos by Dave Gossman, FFA Advisor

August 12, 2010

Berryhill Calls for an End to Culture of Corruption
With resent ethics charges brought against Representatives Rangel and Waters, Candidate Mike Berryhill calls on voters to make a change in Congress.

CERES, CA- Congressional Democrats have many reasons to worry about their chances in the upcoming midterm elections due in large part to their support for an unpopular legislative agenda including the failed stimulus and the healthcare takeover. The ongoing ethics troubles of Representative's Charles Rangel (D-New York) and Maxine Waters (D-California) help to illustrate Congressional Candidate Mike Berryhill's assertion that the only way to end Washington's culture of corruption is to make a change in Congress.

A defiant Rangel took to the floor of the House of Representatives Tuesday and spoke at length before a packed chamber inviting the members to "fire your best shot at getting me expelled." It takes a two-thirds vote of the House to remove a member. A House ethics panel has brought Rangel up on 13 charges of ethics violations including failure to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in income, using taxpayer-funded resources for campaign purposes and abusing his free congressional mail privilege to solicit donations.

In an effort to distance themselves from Rangel many Democrats have returned donations from Rangel to their campaigns. Dennis Cardoza, (D-Merced), used the thousands of dollars of funds he received from Rangel to contribute to the League of Women Voters in Merced. Despite the attempt by some to distance themselves from Rangel, at the conclusion of his speech several Democrats were seen to applaud some even offering a standing ovation.

Four years ago House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pledged to "drain the swamp" of Washington corruption but has done little or nothing to make good on her promise. The charges against Rangel; some of which he has even admitted to, are serious and could lead to prosecution in court but that hasn't stopped some House Democrats from proposing nothing more than a simple reprimand in contrast to Speaker Pelosi's pledge to run "the most honest, most open and most ethical Congress in history."

Rangel and fellow Democrat Maxine Waters, who is also being brought up on charges of ethics violations, will face trial this September just months before the midterm elections. Several have called for Rangel's resignation and President Obama went so far as to say that Rangel should "end his career with dignity."

"When Congressional Democrats stand and applaud the defiant comments of someone facing serious corruption charges it's a sign that things are extremely bad! We must end the culture of corruption by electing responsible Republicans in November. I pledge to hold myself to the highest ethical standards should I prevail in November and I will work with all members of the House leadership on both sides of the isle to usher in a zero tolerance policy for ethics violations," said Mike Berryhill, candidate for the 18th Congressional District.

August 12, 2010

Fair Reveals Theme Contest Winner

MERCED – Karen Arnold may not know much about horses, but she knows a lot about words. That gift helped the language arts teacher come up with the winning slogan for the 2011 Merced County Fair -- “Saddle Up for Fun!”

She submitted six entries in the contest and one was selected by the Fair’s Board of Directors as the winner of the theme competition. The theme commodity for the 120th fair is horses.

Arnold will receive $100 for her theme idea and a pair of season passes to the fair next June.
Arnold, who lives in Merced, is getting ready to start a new school year at Mitchell Senior Elementary School in Atwater, where she has taught for 27 years. She teaches language arts to 7th graders.

Entering the contest has become a tradition for Arnold and she’s good at it. She’s giddy with pride that her entry finished first among more than 200 submissions. She also won the competition in 1995 for her slogan, “Spirit and Pride County Wide,” and more recently, she took third place honors with her entry, “Buzzin’ With Fun,” in 2009.

What was her inspiration for this year’s contest? “I’m a city girl -- I don’t know too much about horses, so I followed the advice that I give my students -- brainstorm -- just write down everything you can think of on a topic.”

Arnold and her husband, Alan, are big fans of the fair and are thrilled the fair moved to June. “It was so much cooler – we really enjoyed it,” she said. They always have fun running into friends they haven’t seen in awhile and spend lots of time in the exhibit buildings. “We like the gardens, home arts and crafts and the artwork,” she said, adding, “When I’m retired I just might enter something in the fair.”

Judy Douglas of Merced entered “The Mane Attraction,” the second place contest winner. Douglas is a farmer, whose family’s business, Pellissier Farms, grows all kinds of crops including almonds, corn, cotton and alfalfa. She also is a tennis instructor at Merced High School and Merced College and is a previous contest winner.

Joy Gort of Merced, who works for the Merced County Association of Governments, MCAG, as an administrative assistant, took third place in the contest with her entry, “Shake, Saddle and Roll.” The second and third place winners will each receive a pair of season passes to the fair.

Now that the 2011 fair has a theme, the race is on to find a winning graphic design. The fair is sponsoring a contest to find a logo that best illustrates the theme.

August 12, 2010

MCOE and Schneider Electric Host Energy Symposium for County Schools

Schneider Electric, a global energy management company, has teamed with Merced County Office of Education to conduct an energy symposium for Merced County school districts on Aug. 19, with a keynote speech from U.S. Congressman Dennis Cardoza.
School administrators from the county’s 20 school districts will learn of the most recent developments in energy efficiency; energy-related grants and funding; California utility company rebates; and recent energy legislation, in order to equip local schools with the tools necessary to create long-term, energy-efficient practices and purchases that will save money, which can be channeled back into education.
According to the California Energy Commission, energy cost is the second highest expense in most school districts and accounts for more than $6 million in Merced County schools alone. Projections based on recent disclosures by PG&E indicate electric costs will rise by more than 6.5 percent in 2011.
Lee Andersen, county superintendent of schools, has endorsed the workshop as a “positive step in making sure our schools have all the necessary tools to make decisions that ensure operational savings in these tough economic times.”

August 10, 2010

Back-to-School Supply Drive Launched
UC Merced teams up with nonprofit to benefit local students

MERCED — In keeping with university’s mission of public service, the University of California, Merced, has partnered with Rock Da Block, a program run through a local nonprofit, to provide backpacks and school supplies for Merced County children in preschool through 12th grade.

According to Merced County Superintendent of Schools Lee Andersen, this year more children than ever are expected to lack the supplies they need to go back to school prepared for success.

“In these challenging economic times, many of our local families do not have the means to purchase school supplies after they have taken care of their basic living expenses,” said UC Merced Chancellor Steve Kang. “We are excited to join Rock Da Block and the greater community to provide students with the materials they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond.”UC Merced and Rock Da Block hope to hand out thousands of backpacks during the “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive, which ends Aug. 31.

“This event will give kids a jump start on getting ready for school and will help level the playing field for even our most impoverished families,” said Rock Da Block organizer Nellie Muniz Smith. “We encourage those members of the community who can contribute to do so.”

Suggested donation items include new backpacks, pencils (No. 2 with eraser), ballpoint pens, crayons (in the box), lined paper, glue sticks, construction paper, erasers, colored pencils and markers, safety scissors, pencil cases, spiral bound notebooks, pocket folders, rulers and protractors, white school glue, three-ring binders, scientific calculators, graph paper, staplers, pencil sharpeners (small), highlighters and hand sanitizer.

Individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate new school supplies in the barrels or boxes at the ongoing collection sites listed below or at school buses located in the parking lot on the day of the drop off events.

Ongoing Collection Sites (during normal business hours)
Board of Supervisors, Merced County Building, 2222 M St., Merced
BBVA Compass Bank, 3065 G. St., Merced
Christian Life Center, 650 East Olive Ave., Merced
Merced City Council, Merced Civic Center, 678 West 18th St., Merced
Merced Police Department, 611 West 22nd St.
Merced Schools Employees Federal Credit Union
1021 Olivewood Dr., Merced
1935 M St., Merced
101 Bellevue Road, Atwater
1450 South Mercey Springs Road, Los Banos
Mondo Building, 1715 Canal St., Merced
Rabobank - 2000 M St. branch and 731 East Yosemite Ave. branch

Drop Off Event Locations
Dates: Aug. 14 and Aug. 21
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Locations:
Merced AAA Insurance parking lot, 3065 M St.
Kohl's parking lot at the Merced Mall
Target parking lot at the Merced Mall
Atwater Kmart parking lot, 1085 Bellevue Road
Los Banos Target parking lot, 1405 West Pacheco Blvd.

Once the school supplies are collected, sorted and stuffed, UC Merced students and staff will help distribute the backpacks to schools throughout the county. People without the time to shop can make a monetary donation to help with the basic supplies needed. For more information or to make a donation, call (209) 224-1794 or (209) 777-7272.

August 9, 2010

Westamerica helps the homeless

Kristina Mahy, Branch Manager for Westamerica Bank in Merced, recently presented Su Briggs, Deputy Director of Merced County Community Action Agency with a check for $1000.00 to help provide blankets for the D St. Shelter.

August 9, 2010

California Seeks to Bring Additional Federal Funds
to State’s High-Speed and Intercity Rail Systems

SACRAMENTO – Today, California formally applied for up to $1.582 billion in additional federal funding to help build a portion for of the state’s high-speed rail system.
The application filed on behalf of the California High-Speed Rail Authority and Caltrans, seeks part of the $2.3 billion the U.S. Department of Transportation has available for high-speed train and intercity rail projects nationwide. For the Authority, the funds would help complete engineering and other work on the project not covered by earlier federal funds. Caltrans is pursuing $582 million for projects designed to connect its existing intercity passenger rail system in California to the future high-speed rail service.
“We are leaving no federal stone unturned in our effort to bring new dollars to California’s high-speed train project,” said Authority CEO Roelof van Ark. “We are pleased to be working in cooperation with Caltrans as we make case that the best place for true high-speed rail to start in the United States is here in the Golden State.”
This application seeks to augment funding for one of the sections of the high-speed rail system that are currently eligible for the previously awarded American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding: Merced to Fresno, Fresno to Bakersfield, Los Angeles to Anaheim or San Francisco to San Jose. The Authority submitted four separate applications for this current round of funding – one for each section – because it has not yet been determined where that Recovery Act funding will be put to use.
In January, the four sections of California’s high-speed train project won $2.25 billion, the largest share of federal funding set aside for such projects under the Recovery Act.
The Authority’s proposal submitted today seeks:
• $754.6 million dollars for track and signaling work in the Merced to Fresno section, extending this section up to 20 miles south of the proposed new high-speed rail station in Fresno.
• $1 billion dollars for track and signaling work in the Bakersfield to Fresno section, between Corcoran and Shafter, CA.
• $1 billion dollars for track, signaling, and other infrastructure on the Los Angeles to Anaheim section from Santa Fe Springs to the Anaheim station.
• $1 billion dollars for the electrification of the alignment along the San Francisco to San Jose section and construction of a high-speed train station in the Mid-Peninsula area.
Caltrans proposal submitted today includes improvements to Caltrans' three existing passenger rail lines: the Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin and Pacific Surfliner.

August 5, 2010

“Wheel Solutions” opens at D St. Shelter

What was just an idea on a piece of paper four months ago is now a full-blown project that is officially up and running at the D St. Shelter. The concept behind Wheel Solutions is that mobility is one of the biggest challenges the homeless face every day. Getting to job interviews and medical appointments is crucial to finding a way out of the cycle of poverty, and yet, that is often an insurmountable obstacle if you don’t have reliable transportation. Merced County Community Action Agency was able to secure a grant to provide start-up funds and out of that was born Wheel Solutions, a weekly program that makes replacement parts and tools available to homeless people with bicycles in need of repair. In addition to bicycle parts, Wayne Morris was hired as a bicycle technician and is on site, along with some volunteers, each week to help train the homeless in bicycle repair.

Wheel Solutions is located at the D St. Shelter and is open every Tuesday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Help and supplies are available on a first-come, first served basis. A limited number of replacement bikes are available to those whose bikes are beyond repair.

Wayne Morris (center) works with volunteers on one of the first bikes to be repaired through the Wheel Solutions program.

Donations of new or used bikes or bike parts are welcome to continue to make this an ongoing, viable project. For more information contact Matt Hirota at (209) 382-6774.

August 5, 2010

Amendment to Protect Traditional Marriage
In the wake of a federal judge's decision to overturn California Proposition 8, Congressional Candidate Mike Berryhill calls for a constitutional amendment protecting Traditional Marriage.

CERES, CA- U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn Walker struck down Proposition 8, the California Marriage Protection Act, in a ruling issued Tuesday. In response to Judge Walker's ruling Congressional Candidate Mike Berryhill (R-Ceres) has called for a constitutional amendment that would forever protect marriage as an institution between a man and a woman.

California voters approved Prop 8 with over 52% of the vote in 2008 when nearly 80% of registered voters headed to the polls. Judge Walker's ruling is another case of members of the judiciary legislating from the bench in direct defiance of the will of the people.

Since the dawn of time traditional marriage has been the foundation of human society. Prop 8 was written to strengthen society by encouraging monogamous and loving marriages and to ensure the well being of children. California is one of 31 states to have put this issue to a vote and in every instance the people have voted in favor of protecting traditional marriage.

Californian's have taken this issue to the ballot box twice, once with Prop 8 and previously in 2000 with the passage of Prop 22 which passed by 61% of the vote.

Activist judges like Judge Walker, himself one of three openly homosexual jurists serving on the federal bench, have made same sex marriage legal by overturning popular state wide initiatives. Five states, Vermont, Iowa, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia currently allow same sex marriage.

"Time and again the people have spoken, in California and in 30 other states across the nation, and their message is that marriage is an institution that should only be between one man and one woman. Traditional marriage is the bedrock upon which our society is founded and should not be brushed aside or redefined on the whim of the judiciary. When I am elected to Congress I will work to pass a constitutional amendment that will protect traditional marriage for generations to come." said Berryhill.

August 4, 2010

Message from Jeff

After serving almost eight years in the State Senate, I still come to the conclusion that drastic change is needed to get California back on track. There are too few of us in the Legislature willing to buck Party Leaders and willing to shake-up the status quo. Those of us with real jobs outside the Legislature often times have real world solutions that differ from those offered by professional politicians who dominate the process.
All Californians should be outraged with a government that produces chronic multi-billion dollar budget deficits and has the Golden State teetering precariously on the brink of bankruptcy. The once deliberative, effective and respected California Senate that I serve in has devolved into a body that consistently shirks the State Constitution with impunity. One of the dire results of this is a consistently late and unbalanced State Budget. We must end this unconstitutional power-grab by "The Big 5" who formulate and force a vote on a take-it-or-leave-it budget they alone have crafted, usually weeks after the deadline for a budget has passed.
No wonder public opinion of lawmakers is at an all-time low!
It is imperative that lawmakers again honor and follow the State Constitution in letter and in spirit. As the Constitution demands, the Budget must be introduced in both the Senate and Assembly, followed by real public hearings in budget committees of each house. Then the entire budget bill must be taken up for a vote on both the Senate and Assembly Floors to allow legislators to openly debate and make the changes necessary to pass, what should be, a responsible and balanced budget. We must bring back transparency in government and encourage Californians' involvement and oversight in the process. Today's crisis may fuel the return to the true citizen-representative part-time legislature that California once had.
In my remaining time in the Senate, please be assured that I will continue speaking out against the political game-playing and I will keep offering alternatives to the go-along, get-along attitude that pervades the Capitol.

Denham's Bill Helping Farmers and Ranchers Signed by the Governor
Senate Bill 1229 allows the use of All-Terrain Vehicles on two-lane roads for Ag Business
Senator Jeff Denham's Senate Bill 1229, which allows farmers, ranchers and their employees to use all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for agricultural business on two-lane roads with specific limitations, was signed into law on July 15, 2010.
ATVs are often used by farmers and ranchers to manage day-to-day operations over many tracts of land in a safe, effective manner. These vehicles are designed specifically for off-road travel and make the job much easier. ATVs can easily travel where highway vehicles cannot due to their size and off-road capabilities.
Many tracts of land are separated by public roads. In the course of farm and ranch operations, it is often necessary to use these roads to access the next property, but ATVs are currently not allowed to do so.
Current law only allows farmers and ranchers to cross a public road only at a certain angle and greatly limits their ability to navigate road areas between properties. Often parcels of land don't line up directly with the section of road being crossed. Access gates may not line up for geographic or safety reasons.
SB 1229 adds ATVs as implements of husbandry to Section 36000 of the California Vehicle Code.
"ATVs are an efficient and economical substitute for pick-up trucks, the horse and the tractor for farmers and ranchers today," said Denham. "SB 1229 is a simple fix, which will greatly help agricultural workers in California and help bring California's transportation code into the 21st century."

Representatives of SENATOR Jeff Denham's Merced District Office - Daron McDaniel and Shannon Watts - took a tour recently of the Central California Women's facility (CCW) in Chowchilla to gain a better understanding of the inmate programs provided at our state prisons. They were able to see first-hand how state budget cuts have affected their vocational and educational capabilities, and how the facility has risen above such difficulties to provide more services then expected. According to prison staff, the educational teachers have been cut from 42 teachers to 12. This facility, however, is not without its opportunities. They learned that CCW provides a very successful cosmetology program, dental manufacturing facility, and a fire station, all staffed by inmates. In fact, those inmates that have earned the privileges to participate in the fire fighting program contract with the County of Madera to provide supplemental firefighting assistance when needed. Other inmates have the opportunity to work directly with the prison staff on janitorial and transportation projects within the prison containment. In all, the prison seemed to have many facilities in which the inmate population could better their lives.
Through conversations with the prison staff it was made apparent to us that the largest concerns for them and the officers were the upcoming Governor proposed statewide minimum wage cuts and the need for more vocational programs for inmates. Senator Denham's staff representatives were taken on a tour of the inmate intake center as well as the general housing. A visit to CCW's skilled nursing center revealed that they have the only skilled nurse's facility throughout all the California State Prison system and the staff sees an average of 1/3 of the inmate population everyday. This is roughly 1,300 inmates a day.

Gratitude and appreciation goes out to Chief Deputy Warden Javier Cavazos and the rest of the CDCR staff for the time and effort they put into making our experience a positive one.

Madera Chamber of Commerce Honors Senior Farmer of the Year
Johnny Deniz, who has farmed in Madera County for 60 years, was recognized by the Madera Chamber of Commerce at the Senior Farmer of the Year dinner. He was acknowledged for the vital role he has played in advancing the agricultural industry in Madera County and the Central San Joaquin Valley. Senator Denham was pleased to provide a resolution honoring his many accomplishments and dedicated service to the community.
Throughout the years, Mr. Deniz has become renowned for his superb ability to work with a diverse group of people in order to forge solutions to the challenges that face the agricultural community. His commitment to protecting the Madera County water supply, including historical rights and federal contracts, is unparalleled.
Mr. Deniz has held an active membership on the board of directors of the Friant Water Users Authority and the Association of California Water Agencies. As a long-standing Chair of the Madera Water District, he worked diligently to obtain and manage affordable surface and groundwater supplies in a manner that will ensure the long-term viability of irrigated agriculture in the District.
As a successful farmer he has grown a variety of crops including almonds, peaches, nectarines, plums, table grape varieties, cotton, tomatoes, prunes and alfalfa.
This Senior Farmer of the Year honoree has dispensed wise counsel as a member of the Boards of Directors of both the Madera County Farm Bureau and Western Growers. An individual who has always believed in his obligation to improve the quality of life for future generations, Mr. Deniz has been a Board of Directors member of St. Joachim's School and generously supported youth sports and programs.
Johnny Deniz joins a distinguished list of farmers honored by the Madera Chamber of Commerce as "Senior Farmer of the Year."

Fight the Bite - West Nile Virus Prevention Tips
The state's first two confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus (WMV) this year were in Stanislaus County. Thankfully, both victims recovered without hospitalization. However, there are steps you can take to prevent yourself and your family from contracting this sometimes deadly disease.
Experts refer to the "four Ds" as the most effective ways to prevent WNV:
1. DEET - Apply inspect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
2. DRESS - Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure.
3. DAWN AND DUSK - Exposure to mosquitoes is most common during the early morning and evening, so it is important to wear repellent at that time. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.
4. DRAIN - Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish (available from your local mosquito and vector control agency) or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.
For more information, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov.

Protecting Your Family from the Whooping Cough Epidemic
This month, state public health officials urged Californians, particularly those who spend time with infants, to update their vaccinations against whooping cough or pertussis. Whooping cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory condition, with symptoms starting out like the common cold, later becoming more serious as it escalates, and often causing those infected to make a tell-tale "whooping" sound as they gasp for air.
The vaccines are safe for pregnant women, contain only dead virus particles, and are preservative-free. The fears many have about vaccines, which in the past contained the preservative "thalidomide," may have led to many to initially opt out of vaccines. Those fears have now led to an increase in diseases that had been nearly wiped out.
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health website:
http://www.cdph.ca.gov

August 4, 2010

Military Service Academy Information Night To Be Held Sept. 28

WASHINGTON, D.C – Congressman Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, along with Congressman George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, will sponsor “Academy Information Night” on Sept. 28 to familiarize high school juniors and seniors, their parents, and high school guidance counselors with educational and career opportunities available at the U.S. military service academies. The seminar provides an opportunity for all high school students within the 18th and 19th Congressional Districts to discuss the requirements and procedures for seeking a nomination to the U.S. military academies.

Representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy will be available to answer questions at the open house.

Members of the Congressmen’s staff will also be available for consultation and will provide service catalogs, application kits, and other descriptive materials. Additional information will be provided with a video and power point presentation.

Academy Information Night will be held Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Harvest Hall located at the Stanislaus County Ag Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Each member of Congress is allowed a total of five appointees in each service academy. For each vacancy, Congressman Cardoza can nominate 10 individuals. Those interested in applying may download a copy of the application by clicking here.
For more information on the application process or to reserve a spot for the information session please contact Lisa Mantarro Moore with Congressman Cardoza’s office at (209) 527-1914 or by email at Lisa.Mantarro@mail.house.gov.

August 3, 2010

McClintock Backs Berryhill
Mike Berryhill, Republican Nominee for the 18th Congressional District, has gained the support of California's Conservative Icon, Tom McClintock.

CERES, CA- Mike Berryhill, Republican Nominee for the 18th Congressional District, has received the endorsement of Congressman Tom McClintock, an icon to California Conservatives. The endorsement comes as Berryhill continues to build a strong grassroots campaign aimed at replacing endangered liberal Democrat Dennis Cardoza.

"Mike Berryhill is the kind of common sense conservative we need in Washington DC to fight the ultra liberal agenda being implemented by Nancy Pelosi's Congress. Mike has the knowledge and experience to make a difference for the Valley and I look forward to serving with him next year," said McClintock.

"No California politician since President Ronald Reagan has so embodied the conservative movement like Tom McClintock. Tom has been the standard bearer for lower taxes and limited government, he is a leader that can always be counted on to stick to his principles and I am honored to have his support," said Berryhill.

Congressman Tom McClintock is the undisputed leader of California's conservative movement having held the line on issues from lower taxes and limited government to social issues such as the protection of traditional marriage. McClintock was a long serving member of the California State Legislature and candidate for statewide office before being elected to Congress.

Of McClintock's many credentials as a tax fighter he can be credited with proposing the two-thirds reduction in California's car tax when the state was hit with the bursting of the dot.com bubble in 2000 and with leading the effort to stop then Governor Gray Davis from repealing the reduction in 2003. McClintock has carried his fight against taxes to the federal government as a signer of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

Mike Berryhill shares Congressman McClintock's free market ideals and has joined him in signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, he'll fight to cut taxes and red tape in order to create jobs and move the economy forward.

August 3, 2010

Atwater FFA – “Like it. Love it. Gotta have it."

“Atwater FFA – Like it. Love it. Gotta have it.” is geared as the 2010-2011 Atwater FFA theme as advisors and chapter officers gathered this past weekend at Lake McClure for the annual Chapter Officer Leadership Retreat. The primary goals of this three day retreat are to plan the calendar, identify goals 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 Beth Knapp. This year’s officer team hopes to encourage leadership, expand personal success, increase participation from current members, and strengthen recruitment of new members. This year’s chapter theme of “Atwater FFA – Like it. Love it. Gotta have it.” reflects the tremendous growth, success, and enthusiasm of the Atwater High School Agriculture program, FFA, and the agriculture students. The officer team is focused on generating enthusiasm and encouragement in students taking advantage of the numerous opportunities agriculture and agricultural education has to offer students in pursuing their personal, educational, and career goals. “The opportunities in agricultural education and FFA benefit students beyond academics and agriculture,” said FFA Chapter President Jose Vargas, “It is an opportunity to gain purpose, direction, self-confidence, and excitement in one’s life.”

Some of the highlighted goals for the 2010-2011 FFA school year include getting more students involved and expanding the horticulture facility. “We have numerous opportunities and resources thanks in part to the continued support of our school administration, school district, and our community in strengthening and developing student skills in our agriculture pathways.” said agriculture mechanics instructor Sam Meredith.

The new officer team is very excited and ready for the challenges that the 2010-2011 school year holds for them. This year’s officer team includes, Jose Vargas, President; Sarah Rogers, Vice President; Sandra Flores, Secretary; Courtney Miscione, Treasurer; Carolyn Schiber, Reporter; Marisa Jorge, Sentinel; and Cheyenne Schoonover, Historian. Atwater FFA also has students representing the FFA Central Region with Nikki Schiber as regional President.

For more information on the Atwater High School Agriculture Department and highlights of this event, please log onto the Atwater FFA website at www.AtwaterFFA.org.

August 2, 2010

Fair’s Contest Deadlines Thursday

MERCED – Time is running out to enter the 2011 Merced County Fair theme contest.

Horses are the theme of the 120th annual event. The deadline to submit theme ideas is Thursday, August 5 at 3 p.m.

The winner of the contest will receive $100 and two season passes to the fair. The second- and third-place entries will each be awarded a pair of season passes to the fair. The contest is for Merced County residents only.

All eligible entries are assigned a number for judging. The numbered entries are reviewed by the fair’s marketing/promotions committee before the winning entries are selected by the fair’s board of directors. The entrants’ names are not revealed until after the winners are picked.

The first-place theme will be used as the fair’s theme. Once the top theme is picked, there will be a contest to find a logo design to illustrate the theme. Each year the theme and logo appear on billboards, posters, fliers, T-shirts, advertising, programs, banners and on the fair’s website and Facebook pages to promote the fair.

“If you’ve got some clever ideas for the fair’s theme, you bet we want to see them,” said Tom Musser, the fair’s CEO, adding, “You could find yourself in this year’s winner’s circle.”

Agriculture is big in Merced County and horses continue to play an important role in our community and at the fair – from the Junior Horse Show and livestock showmanship to the Rodeo and other Grandstand events.

To enter the competition, print or type entries on a single piece of paper.

Each entry must be five words or less and a maximum of eight entries per person can be submitted. No entries will be accepted that are the same or similar to other trademarked slogans.

Email ideas to Info@MercedCountyFair.com or entries may be dropped off at the fairgrounds office, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced. Submissions should include the entrant’s name, address and phone number. Information about the theme competition is on the fair’s website, www.MercedCountyFair.com. For more information, call the fair office at 722-1507.

August 2, 2010

Support Local Arts!

The Merced County Arts Council is looking for participants to join them in the Race for the Arts in Sacramento on Saturday, August 28. This 5K walk/run will be filled with entertainment along the way as well as have refreshments at the finish. All pledges received by local participants will benefit our local Arts Council directly. Registration is only $20 which includes a T-shirt and refreshments. You may download a registration form at www.artsmerced.org or call 209-388-1090 for more information.

The Arts Council will be coordinating transportation to the event so please be sure to register soon. Registration forms and fee must be received by August 7.

Please send to:
Merced County Arts Council
645 W. Main Street
Merced, CA 95340

August 2, 2010

CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY SEEKS UP TO $1 BILLION IN NEW FEDERAL FUNDS

SACRAMENTO – Continuing its efforts to secure the kind of ongoing federal commitment necessary over the long term, the California High-Speed Rail Authority will seek up to $1 billion in a new application for federal funding for the state’s high-speed train project to be submitted next week.
The application would bring additional federal support to augment the sections already awarded stimulus funding: Merced to Fresno, Fresno to Bakersfield, Los Angeles to Anaheim and San Francisco to San Jose.
“This is another opportunity to bring federal dollars to California to help build the largest infrastructure project in the country – a project that will create thousands of jobs and enormous new opportunities for our economy – and we’re determined to take advantage of it,” said Authority Chairman Curt Pringle.
The new funding request followed a trip this week by Chairman Pringle and Authority CEO Roelof van Ark to Washington D.C. to meet with federal transportation officials and Congressional leaders, where they emphasized the need for ongoing support for high-speed rail projects.
In January, California’s high-speed train project won $2.25 billion, the largest share of federal funding set aside for such projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

For this round of funding, the U.S. Department of Transportation has made $2.3 billion in additional funds available for high-speed and intercity rail projects nationwide. The funds would help complete engineering and other work on the project not covered by the ARRA grants. The Authority’s proposed application includes:
• Track and signaling work in the Merced to Fresno section, including work to connect the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line to the Amtrak station in Fresno.
• Track and signaling work in the Bakersfield to Fresno section, both near Fresno and between Bakersfield and Wasco.
• Track and other infrastructure on the Los Angeles to Anaheim section on the west side of the Los Angeles River.
• Electrification of the alignment along the San Francisco to San Jose section and construction of a station in Millbrae.
The Authority’s application was reviewed today at a meeting of the agency’s Executive Committee. The Authority will work jointly with Caltrans to submit a single application for the state. The final amount of funding sought will be determined before the application is submitted Aug. 6.

July 31, 2010

Rep. Cardoza’s Grown in America Resolution Passes House
Legislation Encourages Farmers and Ag Producers To Display American Flag On U.S.-Grown Product Labels

WASHINGTON, DC – The Grown in America Act was passed by the House of Representatives today. Introduced by Congressman Cardoza, the resolution encourages both consumers and producers to show their pride for American agriculture. Specifically, H.Res. 1558 encourages producers and farmers to display the American flag on U.S.-grown product labels.

It passed by a vote of 403-1.

“American farmers produce the finest crops found anywhere in the world. I am especially proud of their work and the enormous bounty of fruits, vegetables and nuts that are grown by our farmers in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Congressman Cardoza. “I continue to believe it is extremely important that we raise awareness and consciousness about products produced in the greatest country in the world.”

The resolution notes that the American flag is the country’s most honored national symbol and that farmers regularly display it on their barns and in their homes. The resolution further notes that the flag, like American agriculture, shows commitment to hard work and the nation’s historic ability to rise to any occasion.

The resolution goes on to say:

“Whereas the American flag symbolizes the noble dreams of our founding fathers, the freedoms fought for by our soldiers and the most noble aspirations in history of the human spirit; and

“Whereas the American flag has served throughout our nation’s history as the needle with which we have sewn our patriotic seed: Now, therefore, be it

“Resolved that fruit and vegetable and commodity producers are encouraged to display the American flag on U.S. grown product labels, reminding us all to take pride in the healthy bounty produced by American farmers and workers.”

July 30, 2010

SURVEY FINDS STRONG SUPPORT FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL
Findings Bolster Effort to Attract Federal and Private Investment

SACRAMENTO – In the first gauge of public opinion since voters approved a 2008 bond measure, a survey released today shows that clear majority of Californians support the state’s high-speed train project, with more than three-quarters saying they would like the project to be built.

Some 76 percent of Californians indicated support for the project, with 34 percent saying they would like to see the project move forward “as quickly as possible,” 42 percent saying they would like to see the high-speed trains built despite some concerns over cost and timing, and only 13 percent indicating opposition to the project.

“Californians are telling us loudly and clearly that they support the state’s high-speed rail project, and that’s the message we will be delivering in Washington this week to the Administration and the Congressional leadership,” said Curt Pringle, Chairman of the California High Speed Rail Authority.

The survey, carried out in May as part of the project’s outreach efforts by two California research firms, Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates and Public Opinion Strategies, included telephone interviews with 800 registered voters in California. The results have a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.5 percent.

The survey also found that a large majority of Californians who travel long-distance would prefer to travel by high-speed train. More than seven out of ten long-distance travelers said they would prefer to take the high-speed rail line after being informed that a trip between San Francisco and Los Angeles was likely to cost less than an airline ticket or than travel by car, while being more environmentally friendly.

Though challenges will accompany any project of this magnitude, voters don’t see them as a reason to delay the project. Nearly twice as many voters indicated that the benefits of the train make it worth moving forward with the investment now, as opposed to delaying based on uncertainties about costs, ridership or environmental benefits.

The findings were presented in a detailed report by the two firms. Authority officials will share the survey’s findings with federal officials and Congressional leaders over two days of meetings starting Wednesday.

“It’s critical that we be able to show federal officials – as well as our potential partners in the private sector – that Californians remain firmly in support of the high-speed train project,” Pringle said. “These results demonstrate that support, and show that the more Californians know about this project, the stronger their commitment to it. That’s gratifying to see – and it underscores the importance of ensuring that every Californian remains informed about this historic project.”

July 30, 2010

Make a difference - Volunteers needed to work with senior citizens

It has been said that “no one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” And perhaps no group can use our help more than our senior citizens. The Merced County Community Action Agency is a local agency that helps this segment of our society with some of the most basic needs, not the least of which is food. Monday through Friday Cherish is open in seven communities in Merced County from 8 am to 1 pm. Hot, nutritious meals are available at the site where seniors came come together for a time of socializing, playing games or even just watching TV together, which is then followed by the meal. For those that are 60 or older and home-bound, Meals-on-Wheels is available to deliver a hot meal to them at their home. Compassionate volunteers do more than deliver a meal. For many of the clients this is often their only connection to the outside world other than trips to the doctor.
If you have been looking for a way to get involved locally in your community and make a difference in people’s lives, Community Action Agency could be just what you are looking for. Volunteers are needed to help at the Cherish site as well as delivering meals to shut-ins right in your own community. No special skills are needed- just a caring heart. To find out how you can help contact Su Briggs at (209) 723-4565 ext. 1121.

July 30, 2010

Congressman Cardoza Announces $14.6 Million to Construct the Delta-Mendota Canal/California Aqueduct Intertie Project

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza announced today that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Region has awarded a $14.6 million contract for construction of the Delta-Mendota Canal/California Aqueduct Intertie Pumping Plant and Pipeline (Intertie).

The Intertie will connect the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC) and California Aqueduct via a new pipeline and pumping plant located near the City of Tracy. It will improve conveyance conditions, allowing greater utilization of the capacity at the state and federal Jones Pumping Plant. The Intertie will also allow for maintenance and repair activities, and provide a greater ability to respond to emergencies.

“Constructing the Intertie will provide greater flexibility for water projects and help to get additional water flowing to San Joaquin Valley farmers. This is one of the most important water infrastructure projects that can be built in the short-term to address the water supply crisis,” said Cardoza.

“This is another piece in the puzzle of trying to get additional water and a more reliable water supply to south of delta water contractors. We appreciate Congressman Cardoza’s support in getting this project funded and also appreciate the BOR’s efforts and perseverance and the Department of Water Resource’s cooperation on this project. It has truly been a team effort,” said Dan Nelson, Executive Director of the San Luis Delta Mendota Water Authority.

Congressman Cardoza has long championed the Intertie, bringing it to Secretary Salazar’s attention when he first met with him to discuss the severity of California’s water supply crisis. “Water district managers and farmers in the Valley have highlighted the Intertie as a way to get increased reliability and flexibility through the use of existing facilities,” said Cardoza.

In July 2009, Congressman Cardoza and Congressman Costa introduced amendments to help address the water supply crisis. One amendment eased restrictions on water transfers and the other increased funding for the California Bay-Delta Restoration Program, providing $10 million in funding for water projects, including the Intertie. The amendments passed Congress in October as part of a conference report for the FY 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill.

The $14.6 million award will be used to build a pumping station and underground pipeline connection, install four pumps and motors and build an electrical switchyard. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2010 and be completed by early 2012.

July 30, 2010

Congressman Cardoza Announces $14.6 Million to Construct the Delta-Mendota Canal/California Aqueduct Intertie Project

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza announced today that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Region has awarded a $14.6 million contract for construction of the Delta-Mendota Canal/California Aqueduct Intertie Pumping Plant and Pipeline (Intertie).

The Intertie will connect the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC) and California Aqueduct via a new pipeline and pumping plant located near the City of Tracy. It will improve conveyance conditions, allowing greater utilization of the capacity at the state and federal Jones Pumping Plant. The Intertie will also allow for maintenance and repair activities, and provide a greater ability to respond to emergencies.

“Constructing the Intertie will provide greater flexibility for water projects and help to get additional water flowing to San Joaquin Valley farmers. This is one of the most important water infrastructure projects that can be built in the short-term to address the water supply crisis,” said Cardoza.

“This is another piece in the puzzle of trying to get additional water and a more reliable water supply to south of delta water contractors. We appreciate Congressman Cardoza’s support in getting this project funded and also appreciate the BOR’s efforts and perseverance and the Department of Water Resource’s cooperation on this project. It has truly been a team effort,” said Dan Nelson, Executive Director of the San Luis Delta Mendota Water Authority.

Congressman Cardoza has long championed the Intertie, bringing it to Secretary Salazar’s attention when he first met with him to discuss the severity of California’s water supply crisis. “Water district managers and farmers in the Valley have highlighted the Intertie as a way to get increased reliability and flexibility through the use of existing facilities,” said Cardoza.

In July 2009, Congressman Cardoza and Congressman Costa introduced amendments to help address the water supply crisis. One amendment eased restrictions on water transfers and the other increased funding for the California Bay-Delta Restoration Program, providing $10 million in funding for water projects, including the Intertie. The amendments passed Congress in October as part of a conference report for the FY 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill.

The $14.6 million award will be used to build a pumping station and underground pipeline connection, install four pumps and motors and build an electrical switchyard. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2010 and be completed by early 2012.

July 29, 2010

Chamber Endorses Cathleen Galgiani in Run for 17th Assembly District

MERCED – The Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has endorsed Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani in her re-election bid for California’s 17th Assembly District. The Chamber’s Government Review Council (GRC) interviewed both Galgiani and her opponent, Jack Mobley, and made the recommendation to the Chamber’s board of directors on July 16th.

“The board made its decision based upon set criteria, which included support for local business, efforts to restore Merced’s economic vitality, and involvement in promoting major infrastructure projects in the area, such as the High Speed Rail and the G Street undercrossing.

The Chamber has previously announced its endorsement of these important projects, and continued support at the State level is needed to ensure their success," said Jennifer Krumm, Chamber COO. "Ms. Galgiani has been substantially responsible for the progress of these projects to date, and it's just not a good time to switch horses."

July 27, 2010

Boxer in Need of a Reality Check on What Makes a Veteran
Mike Berryhill, Republican Nominee for the 18th Congressional District calls on California Senator to apologize for her latest show of disrespect for the American military

CERES, CA- In comments made earlier this week, California Senator Barbara Boxer once again offended members of the military and veterans who have served our country. Boxer made her remarks at a campaign stop in Southern California where she equated serving in Congress to serving in the military.

Boxer stated:

"We know that if you have veterans in one place where they can befriend each other and talk to each other. You know when you've gone through similar things you need to share it. I don't care whether you are a policeman or a fireman or a veteran or by chance a member of Congress," and "[Democratic Rep.] Maxine [Waters] and I could look at each other and roll our eyes. We know what we are up against. And it is hard for people who are not there to understand the pressure and the great things that go along with it and the tough things that go along with it."

"I think that comparing her service in the U.S. Congress to the service of the brave men and women who have fought and died for this country in far off places around the world is just another example of how out of touch with reality Barbara Boxer has become! She should do the right thing by apologizing," said Mike Berryhill, Republican Nominee for the 18th Congressional District.

This is not Boxers first public display of contempt for those who serve in uniform. Last year Boxer upbraided a Brigadier General for daring to politely refer to her as "Ma'am". Boxer was also one of only 25 Senators to vote against condemning MoveOn.org after the organization attacked General David Petraeus in the New York Times and claimed he had "cooked the books" regarding the success of the troop surge in Iraq.

"Senator Boxers comments underscore the need for new leadership in Congress and I for one pledge to honor our veterans and servicemen with my service in Congress should I prevail this November," said Berryhill.

July 24, 2010

Congressman Cardoza Votes to Extend Unemployment Benefits

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Cardoza voted to extend unemployment benefits for millions of Americans who have lost their jobs during the recession.

The legislation had been blocked by Senate Republicans for nearly two months. Today, the bill finally moved forward to the House of Representatives for final passage allowing Congressman Cardoza to vote in favor of it. It will be quickly signed into law by the President.

“It is unconscionable that at a time when so many people are suffering from the economic downturn, there would be any debate about the need for unemployment benefits in Congress. My community continues to suffer the highest unemployment rates in the country. Through absolutely no fault of their own, many of those I represent have lost their jobs and simply have not been able to find employment,” said Cardoza.

“American workers have paid their taxes and earned these unemployment benefits. This needed to have been passed weeks ago. Shame on those who held this process up when people all across America – people across my district – have been struggling to put food on their kitchen table while they’ve been out of work.”

Now that it has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits programs will extend unemployment benefits through November 30, 2010. The legislation also restores benefits to those who lost them during the legislative stalemate in the Senate.

July 23, 2010

Berryhill Condemns Passage of Financial Reform Bill

CERES, CA-Congressional Democrats are seeking to change the way Wall Street does business by implementing the largest change in rules governing the financial system since the Great Depression. The legislation is the brainchild of Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd who is not seeking re-election largely due to his involvement in numerous scandals related to his position as Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.

The bill creates a consumer bureaucracy at the Federal Reserve, a council of regulators to monitor firms for systemic risk to the economy and a system for selling off large financial firms whose collapse would threaten the economy. The final bill hopes to strengthen consumer protection, simplify complex financial products, create a new system for dismantling large, failing financial firms, and protect them from financial failure. The House version of the bill was passed on June 30, 2010.

Politicians are making the system worse by introducing more regulations. The financial crisis was brought on when the housing bubble burst.

Banks collapsed because of exposure to turmoil in the mortgage market. The growing debt of the Government and consumers brought the flow of credit to a halt.

"More regulations are just a way for Congress and President Obama to look like they are doing something to prevent another financial crisis, but most of this is redundant window dressing. This crisis was caused by federal regulators who were asleep at the wheel and failed to enforce rules that were already on the books. Hundreds of pages of new rules aren't the answer to our present problems! Congress needs to address the crisis we have in unemployment. The road to recovery is to create jobs, we do that by reducing regulations, cutting red tape, and providing temporary tax incentives to get the economy rolling," said Mike Berryhill, candidate for California's 18th Congressional District.

July 23, 2010

Kiddie Corral at Applegate Park Zoo

Visitors to Applegate Park Zoo will now have the opportunity to have a hands on experience with baby animals at the new Kiddie Corral! For $1 extra, you can pet and hold animals such as ducklings, chicks, bunnies, kittens, a puppy, a guinea pig and a tortoise. The Kiddie Corral is open Monday-Friday from 10am-12:30pm. Children under 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult. For more information please call 385-6298.

July 21, 2010

Congressman Cardoza Supports Legislation Helping American Workers and Manufacturers

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancements Act with Congressman Cardoza’s support. The miscellaneous tariff bill (MTB) is expected to help economic recovery by helping U.S. manufacturers compete at home and abroad. The bill temporarily suspends or reduces duties on imported products and materials used by U.S. businesses that are not available in the United States, but are used to manufacture products that are made here, and more importantly, by U.S. workers. This helps American businesses lower costs in production and thereby increases the competitiveness of their products.

Part of a broader manufacturing strategy, the reductions and suspensions of import duties will promote the competitiveness of U.S.-made products, innovation, and exports. The bill is estimated to support tens of thousands of jobs, while helping to increase U.S. production and expand gross domestic product (GDP).

“Made-in-the-USA is something we can’t lose sight of. I’m proud to stand up for the American manufacturer who is trying to compete in the global marketplace, and for the American worker who makes the product,” said Congressman Cardoza. “This bill will cut costs during this difficult economic time and help American businesses compete, which is exactly the kind of common-sense legislation that will help put our country on the right track.”

The bill is supported by over 130 businesses, including the Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, and leading U.S. textiles associations.

July 21, 2010

Law Enforcement Leaders Say Cannella is the Right Choice

Five respected law enforcement leaders have joined numerous city council members and county supervisors in supporting Anthony Cannella for State Senate. Cannella is the Republican nominee for the 12th State Senate seat currently held by Senator Jeff Denham (R-Atwater) and he will face opponent Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) in November’s general election.

Law Enforcement leaders backing Cannella include:

John Anderson, Madera County Sheriff
Adam Christianson, Stanislaus County Sheriff
Les Weidman, Former Sheriff, Stanislaus County
Mark Pazin, Merced County Sheriff
Richard Hawthorn, Atwater Chief of Police

As Mayor of Ceres, Anthony Cannella helped create a multi-agency task force work that worked to dismantle criminal gangs and suppress gang activity before it started. As a City Councilmember, Anthony also increased the number of police on patrol.

July 20, 2010

Congressman Cardoza Chairs Committee on Upcoming Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Cardoza conducted a hearing today on implementation of agriculture support programs established in the current 2008 Farm Bill. Congressman Cardoza chairs the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture. The hearing was part of Congressional work to receive input for the upcoming 2012 Farm Bill.

Farm bills, written every five years, establish and amend federal farm, conservation, energy, trade, marketing, research, nutrition and rural development programs. The most recent farm bill, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 was signed into law in 2008. It made an unprecedented $1.7 billion investment in specialty crops – such as those grown in California – through research, marketing and federal food purchase programs. Many of the provisions in the bill will expire in September 2012.

At today’s hearing, seven witness representing a host of interests – ranging from production to packing – provided testimony at the two-hour hearing in Washington, DC. For a complete list of today’s witnesses, please click here.

“I am once again reminded of the extraordinary diversity of products and practices represented by the specialty and organic sectors of our nation’s agriculture industry,” said Congressman Cardoza. “It is imperative we work together to promote these products while also addressing health and nutrition issues in this country by increasing accessibility to healthy fruits and vegetables.

Based on what I have heard today, it is clear we have work to do but are on the right track.”

Today’s hearing comes on the heels of the first round of field hearings conducted by the full House Agriculture Committee on the 2012 Farm Bill. The Committee convened a hearing on May 3, 2010 in Fresno, CA. To read more, please click here. To provide testimony for the 2012 Farm Bill, please click here.

“The Farm Bill is critical for our nation’s farmers and agriculture producers. As we continue to review support programs established under the 2008 Farm Bill, I encourage the public to remain engaged in this process. Our farmers play a critical role in feeding our country and supporting our economy. It is imperative Congress does all it can to support them.”

July 19, 2010

Reps. Cardoza and Putnam Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Veterans and Their Families

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congressman Dennis Cardoza introduced bipartisan legislation that would ensure each veteran returning to civilian life receives a CD for a personal computer that clearly explains the benefits to which they are entitled. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) was the original co-sponsor of the bill.

H.R. 5719 would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide the CDs to service members as the process out of the military. The CDs would help veterans and their families quickly access information about their service-earned benefits, including for health care and education. The CD would also help veterans and their families navigate the VA website.

“Our nation’s veterans, many readjusting to civilian life after returning from combat, deserve the best treatment and care available,” said Cardoza. “The last thing they need is to be given the run-around by our government bureaucracy or be forced to navigate complicated websites when they need immediate help with their benefits. This legislation will help give them the information they need to succeed when they are done serving our country.”

“Our offices regularly receive complaints from former military service members who simply haven’t received essential information about the benefits they earned in service to our nation,” said Putnam. “This legislation is a common sense solution that will make up-to-date information available in an easy to access electronic format for these American heroes.”

The bill would additionally mandate that the VA maintain an easy to navigate website describing all of the benefits available to veterans. The VA already has a website which contains some, but not all, of this information. Among other things, the website would describe how family members could receive a copy of the CD-ROM.

July 18, 2010

Cook-off at the Courthouse…You be the Judge!

MERCED – The Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce announced today that it will be holding a barbecue cook-off on Labor Day weekend. The event will be open to the public (free admission) and will give Merced County’s backyard chefs a chance to prove that their dinners are the most delectable.

The cook-off will take place on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 at Courthouse Park, located on “M” Street between 20th and 21st streets in Merced.

Participants and non-food vendors may download applications on the Chamber’s website at www.merced-chamber.com.

Members of the public may also visit the website to purchase discounted sampling tickets up until the week before Labor Day. The tickets will be used to purchase all of the barbecued goods that will be for sale.

July 16, 2010

Cardoza Assists Homeowners with Flood Insurance

WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Flood Insurance Reform Priorities Act of 2010. Included in the bill is language by Congressman Cardoza aimed at saving Stockton area residents money on their premiums.
The bill overhauls the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to certify levees and update flood maps. When FEMA completes its certification and mapping process, homeowners all across the country, and many in California, will suddenly find themselves within an area deemed to provide insufficient protection from 100-year floodplains and be required purchase flood insurance. The Cardoza language eases the burden on these homeowners by phasing in the insurance premium over a five-year period. The bill also includes a 5-year delay in the mandate to purchase for newly-mapped areas, so with the Cardoza language, newly-mapped areas wouldn’t pay the full premium until the tenth year.

“My constituents are getting hit twice – they are suffering the highest foreclosure rates in the country and will soon suddenly find themselves facing an expensive new flood insurance premium when they thought they lived behind protective levees. As we make necessary reforms to the flood insurance program, we must be cognizant of the impact this legislation will have on unsuspecting residents suddenly determined to be inside the floodplain,” said Cardoza.

“This amendment blunts the impact the re-mapping process will have on those homeowners, many of whom are low- and moderate-income earners, who have been hardest-hit by the recession and are in most need of assistance.”

Since FEMA and the Corps of Engineers first announced in 2005 that they would be reviewing flood maps and re-certifying levees, it has been a top priority to mitigate the impact on residents who will be affected by the changes.
“The need for the re-mapping is clear, but residents of the newly-designated unprotected areas should not bear the entire cost of the government’s negligence to re-certify more responsibly. And we cannot over-state the need to consider the economic impact that this will have on a community and region that have been hardest hit by the recession,” continued Cardoza.

July 15, 2010

Atwater High School Receives Outstanding Agriculture Program Award

The agriculture program at Atwater High School has been selected as the 2010 California Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Agricultural Education Program. Dave Gossman, Beth Knapp, Dan Flatt, Sam Meredith, Jackie Ioimo, Natalie Kirschner and Erica Cardey serve as instructors for the program. The award was presented at the annual California Agriculture Teacher’s Association (CATA) conference in San Luis Obispo, CA. MUHSD Board member Dave Honey, MUHSD Superintendent Scott Scambray, and Atwater High School Principal Alan Peterson were present at the awards ceremony. “This honor is a result of our student’s efforts, school/district support, and the tremendous support and encouragement from the community and agriculture industry,” said instructor Dave Gossman. “Our primary goal is to get students involved and make a positive difference in their personal, academic, and career endeavors through agriculture education and the FFA.”

This award, given by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE), recognizes the nation’s most successful agricultural education programs by highlighting the local programs and teachers that achieve success. Winners are educators who have developed an outstanding agricultural education program at either the middle school or high school level. Applicants are judged on a variety of criteria, including teaching philosophy, effective classroom and experiential instruction, development of partnerships, and professional growth.

Over the past three years, the agriculture program at Atwater High School has nearly tripled with more students taking advantage of the various opportunities agricultural education has to offer. A recent $1.7 million dollar renovation made possible by state grants and the Measure “M” bond has expanded student learning resources which has led to an increase in “hands on” learning”, expanded development of student skills, and current state-of-the-art technology. “We strive to ensure the students, parents, community, and industry gets a return on their investment,” said instructor Beth Knapp.

Atwater High School will compete against Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Ag Ed Program Award winners from surrounding states for the opportunity to be named the 2010 NAAE Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Ag Ed Program for Region I. Regional winners will receive a plaque and expense paid trip to attend the 2010 NAAE convention in Las Vegas as well as an invitation to a special awards dinner during convention.

The Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Ag Ed Program Award is sponsored by the National FFA Alumni Association as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

Agriculture education and the FFA provide students with the opportunity to gain “hands-on” learning through agricultural education. For more information on how your son/daughter can get involved, contact your local high school agriculture program or log onto www.AtwaterFFA.org.

Atwater High School Agriculture Program instructors Dan Flatt, Jackie Ioimo, Dave Gossman, Beth Knapp, Natalie Kirschner, Sam Meredith, and Erica Cardey (not pictured).

MUHSD Board member Dave Honey, AHS Principal Alan Peterson, Dan Flatt, Jackie Ioimo, Dave Gossman, Beth Knapp, Natalie Kirschner, Sam Meredith, and MUHSD Superintendent Scott Scambray gather together following the CATA awards ceremony in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Written by: Carolyn Schiber, Atwater FFA Reporter
Photos by Dave Gossman, FFA Advisor

July 15, 2010

San Benito Elected Officials Rally Around Cannella

The Cannella for Senate campaign announced that it had secured endorsements from four prominent leaders within opponent Anna Caballero’s home Assembly District.

The San Benito elected officials supporting Cannella include: San Benito County Supervisor, Jaime De La Cruz; Hollister Mayor, Victor Gomez, Raymond Friend of the Hollister City Council, and former Hollister Mayor, Brad Pike Sr.

Cannella spokesman, Josh Cook, said the campaign was particularly pleased by having support from local elected officials who are very familiar with Caballero’s track record and who believe Anthony Cannella is better suited to represent the interests of the people of the 12th Senate District in Sacramento.

July 15, 2010

G Street groundbreaking Friday

The groundbreaking ceremony for the G Street Underpass project will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, July 16, the first day of actual road work at the site.
Using a backhoe, the Mayor will take a ceremonial scoop of dirt, followed by the Council and other officials turning a shovel (or more) of dirt.
The groundbreaking will take place near the intersection of 24th and G Streets.

There is media parking available at the Bernie’s parking lot, G and 23rd streets. Parking access is from the alley on East 23rd St. next to the Bernie’s building.

Friday is the first day that digging will begin on G Street. The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad will begin its work on the site Monday, July 19.

The $18 million City of Merced/Merced Redevelopment Agency project is expected to take 18 months to complete. It will be the first railroad undercrossing in the City, providing a direct link between Central and North Merced.

July 14, 2010

Record Number of Bobcats Headed to UC Merced This Fall
Campus sees 35 percent jump in Statements of Intent to Register for Fall 2010

The groundbreaking ceremony for the G Street Underpass project will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, July 16, the first day of actual road work at the site.
Using a backhoe, the Mayor will take a ceremonial scoop of dirt, followed by the Council and other officials turning a shovel (or more) of dirt.
The groundbreaking will take place near the intersection of 24th and G Streets.

There is media parking available at the Bernie’s parking lot, G and 23rd streets. Parking access is from the alley on East 23rd St. next to the Bernie’s building.

Friday is the first day that digging will begin on G Street. The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad will begin its work on the site Monday, July 19.

The $18 million City of Merced/Merced Redevelopment Agency project is expected to take 18 months to complete. It will be the first railroad undercrossing in the City, providing a direct link between Central and North Merced.

At this point, the campus has received 524 more Statements of Intent to Register (SIR) than it realized this same time last year. The SIR is an interim step in the overall application, admission and enrollment cycle. Final enrollment figures for the fall term typically are available in late October.
“We are seeing students from all parts of California, throughout the United States and the world,” said Chancellor Steve Kang, praising UC Merced students, alumni and staff for their strong collaboration and outreach efforts. “The fact that UC Merced is recognized in the minds of high-performing students and their families is a compliment to the visionaries who built this campus.”
Hundreds of admitted students and their families have already attended New Student Orientation, which began in June.

July 13, 2010

Fair Success for Atwater FFA Students

Over 350 Atwater High School FFA students participated and exhibited a variety of livestock, horticulture, and agriculture mechanics projects at the 2010 Merced County Fair last month. This was the largest groups of Atwater FFA students in more than a decade. “Our program continues to grow each year,” said FFA advisor Dave Gossman, “The increased student involvement is a direct reflection on our strong community support.”

Sixty-five students exhibited various livestock projects. Competition highlights included Terilyn Bettencourt earning Overall Reserve Grand Champion Replacement Heifer and Nikki Schiber earning FFA Grand Reserve Champion Market Goat. Atwater FFA Goats earned Outstanding Chapter group with ther Atwater FFA Swine earning 2nd overall for Outstanding Swine Chapter Group. “We had many 1st and 2nd year FFA exhibitors and overall they did an outstanding job with their efforts,” said FFA advisor Beth Knapp.

Showmanship highlights included Briana Hamamoto winning the Horse Showmanship, Kaylyn Schiber earning 1st overall for Novice Goat Showmanship and sophomore Samuel Lord-Huff placing 4th overall in Swine Showmanship. Atwater FFA won the Goat Clean Barn award with Atwater FFA winning the overall Chapter Scoop award for overall clean barns in all species. “This highlights the effort and teamwork of our students throughout the fair,” said Knapp.

The Atwater FFA Horticulture and Floriculture program won the Horticulture and Floriculture Sweepstakes award based on their plant exhibits and 1st place finish overall for their FFA landscape exhibit. “The Atwater High School Horticulture program continues to grow and expand and we’re excited to see more students getting involved.” said FFA advisor Jackie Ioimo.

In addition to plants and animals, the Atwater FFA exhibited agriculture mechanics projects that correlated with their classroom and ag shop curriculum. The efforts of Atwater FFA students earned them 1st place overall in the Agriculture Sweepstakes award. “The fair is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their skills in tool repair, wood working, electrical wiring, plumbing, welding, and metal fabrication,” said Atwater FFA Beef and Agriculture Mechanics advisor Sam Meredith, “The students have an opportunity to display and take pride in their efforts.”

Students involved in the FFA program have been raising their animal projects since early spring. Students invested their own money or received agriculture loans through American Ag Credit towards the expenses related to their projects. “If it wasn’t for the tremendous support of our community, many of these students would not have the opportunity to experience this opportunity of responsibility, business, learning, personal pride, and accomplishment,” said Agriculture instructor Dave Gossman, “It is the continued support of the community that drives our goal of getting students involved.”

FFA provides students with the opportunity to gain “hands-on” learning through agricultural education. For more information on how your son/daughter can get involved, contact your local high school agriculture program or log onto www.AtwaterFFA.org.

July 13, 2010

Fair’s Theme Will Be About Horses

MERCED – From equestrian competitions and showmanship to rodeo events, there will be a lot of horsing around at the 2011 Merced County Fair.

The Merced County Fair is kicking off its annual theme contest for the 2011 Fair and horses will be the theme of the 120th event. The deadline to enter theme ideas is Thursday, Aug. 5 at 3 p.m. The 2010 fair recently ended, but planning for the next fair has already begun, so the new theme must be selected soon.

The winner of the contest will receive $100 and two season passes to the fair. The second- and third-place entries will each be awarded a pair of season passes to the 2011 Fair, June 14-19. The contest is for Merced County residents only.

“This contest is a fun way for our community to be a part of the fair from the start,” said Tom Musser, the fair’s CEO. “If you’ve got some clever ideas for the fair’s theme, you bet we want see them, so stop horsing around, get a jump on the competition and you could find yourself in this year’s winner’s circle.”

Agriculture is big in Merced County and horses continue to play an important role in our community and at the fair – from the Junior Horse Show and livestock showmanship to the Rodeo and other Grandstand events.

The first-place theme will be used as the fair’s theme. Once the winning theme is picked, there will be a contest to find a logo design to illustrate the theme.

July 12, 2010

Student Group to Bring Karl Rove to UC Merced
Former advisor to President George W. Bush will speak and hold a book signing during appearance coordinated by the College Republicans at UC Merced

MERCED, Calif. — The University of California, Merced, will welcome its latest high-profile figure to campus this fall, as former presidential advisor Karl Rove will speak and hold a book signing on campus Oct. 8.

Rove, who served as deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to President George W. Bush, will also take part in a question-and-answer session after his speech. He is the third speaker with ties to White House to visit UC Merced, joining first lady Michelle Obama and President Jimmy Carter.

The Rove event was coordinated by the College Republicans at UC Merced, a student group. Obama’s appearance as the keynote speaker at UC Merced’s 2009 commencement was similarly brought about after a student-led campaign. Carter visited in May to take part in the National Parks Institute seminar and receive the university’s Spendlove Prize for 2010.
“We are very proud of our students for once again taking the initiative to bring to their campus someone they truly look up to and respect,” said Steve Kang, UC Merced chancellor. “We have a strong diversity of cultures and viewpoints on our campus, and we welcome what should be a spirited appearance by Mr. Rove.”

The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation and Wellness Center on campus. Tickets will be distributed to 325 students during the fall semester on a first-come, first-served basis, and 400 tickets will be available to the general public at $35 each.

Ticket sales will help cover Rove’s $25,000 speaking fee, with the remainder to be paid by the Associated Students of UC Merced, a student enterprise with elected student representatives.

ASUCM maintains an annual budget of $420,000 that comes from student fees and goes toward student services, clubs and other activities.

The College Republicans will be fundraising to cover any additional costs associated with the event. There will be no cost to the university for this event.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.KarlRoveatUCMerced.com