Central Valley Journalism Collaborative

While Merced is more affordable than other California cities, it's considerably less affordable than many U.S. cities of its size.

Merced among nation’s most unaffordable small metro housing areas, says USA Today report Merced among nation's most unaffordable small metro housing areas. Top five most unafforable small housing metro areas in California.

She played a prominent role in the county’s public health response during the COVID pandemic.

Merced County public health director resigns after nearly seven years on the job Merced County public health director resigns after 7 years on job. She played prominent role in the county’s response during COVID

Meanwhile, a new noncriminal complaint has been filed against her at the City of Merced – the third complaint she has faced during her term.

No charges filed against Merced City Council member accused of making threats related to son’s criminal case, DA says No charges filed against Merced councilmember accused of threats related to son's criminal case. She faces a noncriminal city hall complaint

Amber Kirby, who this year was named "teacher of the year," says it’s her mission to give the “spirit of life” back to her students at Golden Valley High.

The Merced native's path to excellence didn't come without overcoming life challenges. Read about her inspiring story here. It's the third installment in the series "Landing a Dream" by higher education reporter Rachel Livinal.

The arts helped a Merced teacher find her voice. Now, she’s helping students find theirs Merced CA arts teacher helping students find their voice. She has annual field trips to Los Angeles, visiting arts colleges

One of the defendants is a prison inmate with a long history of drug offenses, federal prosecutors say

Three arrested after death of Atwater prison employee who was exposed to drug-laced letter Three arrested after death of Atwater CA prison employee. One of the defendants is a prison inmate with a long history of drug offenses

Artist Ruben Sanzhez has devoted his life to illustrating Valley farmworkers who bring fruits and vegetables to the tables of our families.

Merced FOCUS bilingual communities reporter Christian De Jesus Betancourt recently spent some time with Sanchez.

Betancourt discovered an artist who, through vibrant color and precise detail, captures the lives of those who cultivate the California soil.

A harvest of perseverance: How artist Ruben Sanchez is honoring the legacy of Central Valley farmworkers Artist Ruben Sanchez honors Valley farmworkers' legacy. Merced artist inspired by campesino workers in California

Now that the filing period has closed for Merced County candidates to run for office, we are getting a better look at the choices before voters on Nov. 5.

Merced County local races taking shape for November ballot. See who’s running Merced County CA November 2024 races take shape. See who's running for city council, school boards and other local seats

This story is the first in a series by Merced FOCUS/KVPR higher education reporter Rachel Livinal called "Landing a Dream," which looks at the efforts by determined students at a Merced high school to pursue careers in the arts.

In agricultural Merced, arts students follow their dreams ‘one step at a time’ Arts students follow their dreams in agricultural Merced. "Landing a Dream," looks at efforts by high school students to pursue arts careers

Thieves cut locks, forced open windows and took all of the items that make Merced Shakepearefest's performances possible.

Merced Shakespearefest suffers massive setback from burglary. ‘You never think something bad like this is going to happen’ Merced Shakespearefest suffers setback from massive burglary. The organization lost audio equipment, replica weapons and more

Media reports have said the suspected drug may have been fentanyl, but that has not been confirmed by federal officials.

Atwater federal prison employee dies after exposure to substance in inmate mail Atwater federal prison employee dies after drug exposure. Media reports have said the suspected drug may have been fentanyl

Merced College's new Dreamscape Learn Lab transports students to different worlds and experiences just by putting on a high-tech headset.

Merced College’s new virtual reality lab is no longer just a dream Virtual reality lab opens at Merced College. Officials are celebrating the launch of the Dreamscape Learn Lab

A half-cent sales tax measure to support law enforcement and firefighters is heading to the November ballot in Merced County. It would require two-thirds approval among voters to pass, and would be in effect for 30 years.

Merced County voters to consider public safety tax in November amid critical shortage of deputies Merced County voters to consider public safety tax. Half-cent sales tax would support sheriff, fire and district attorney

National Night Out happens 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 in Merced's Applegate Park. Merced Police Chief Steven Stanfield recently did an audio interview with KVPR to talk about why the event is important for the community.

How ‘National Night Out’ helps Merced police do outreach How 'National Night Out' helps Merced CA police outreach. Every year local police departments across California celebrate National Night Out

For years, victims of sexual assault in Merced had to travel for many miles to get a forensic medical exam, also known as a “r**e kit.”

A crucial service for victims of sexual violence is finally coming to Merced. What took so long? Crucial service for sexual assault victims coming to Merced. Forensic medical exans, also known as r**e kits, will be available locally

The former Bitwise employee recently spoke about his experience during a radio interview with KVPR. Audio interview included here.

‘The writing was on the walls.’ A former Bitwise employee speaks out after cofounders’ guilty plea Ex Bitwise employee speaks out after cofounders' guilty plea. Irma Olguin Jr. and Jake Soberal apologize for their actions.

An interactive play space for children in Merced is one step closer to coming into fruition, thanks to a $150,000 matching grant.

Upcoming exhibit will teach Merced children about city functions, careers Exhibit will teach Merced children about city functions. ‘Our City’ Outdoor Exhibit at Kids Discovery Station will be an outdoor play space

The new outpatient center will be able to help an additional 1,400 Valley residents a year once it opens.

How a dirt lot is being transformed to help Valley youth with mental health services Modesto CA center to offer youth mental health services. Nonprofit Center for Human Services broke ground on new outpatient faciity

The farmer, whose family roots in Merced County go back to the 1800s, said it could take many years for his farm to fully recover.

Merced County pistachio farmer still reeling one year after devastating flood. ‘It’ll probably be a decade before we recover’ Merced County pistachio farmer still reeling a year after flood. John McCorry suing California after Planada flood

Merced-based Golden Valley Health has taken over operations of clinics previously run by Stanislaus County. But some patients worry whether the quality of their care will be impacted.

Concerns raised as Valley healthcare provider takes over county clinics. Worries include long waits, busy doctors Concerns raised as Valley health provider takes over county clinics. . Worries include long waits and busy doctors

The largest union representing Merced County employees voted to authorize a strike Saturday, following months of talks that have failed to result in an agreement.

Merced County employees vote to authorize strike amid budget crisis Merced County CA employees vote to authorize strike a amid budget crisis and skyrocketing healthcare costs.

It's official, UC Merced will now be part of the City of Merced. The move annexes 1,140 acres into the city.

After opening two decades ago, UC Merced is finally annexed into city limits “UC Merced, you’re in the city!” That declaration was made by the chair of the Local Agency Formation Commission of Merced County on Thursday after a unanimous vote to annex UC Merced into the city of Merced. The annexation of the campus will be followed by the annexation of land known as the ...

One council member said the city still doesn't have an “articulable” reason to sell voters on the issue for the November ballot.

Merced leaders opt against putting hotel tax increase on November ballot. Here’s why Merced CA leaders won't put hotel tax increase on ballot. Transient occupancy taxes are revenue for governments from hotel guest taxes

A Regal Cinemas official said construction crews finished Merced's IMAX ahead of schedule.

Merced’s new IMAX theater opens weeks earlier than expected. Take a look inside Merced's IMAX theater opens weeks earlier than expected. The new theater opened July 4., as construction crews finished ahead of time

Who is taking over the downtown Merced former Bitwise building?

Merced’s former Bitwise building is getting a new tenant. Here’s who’s taking it over and what’s planned Merced CA former Bitwise building gets new tenant. After collapse of Fresno based company, new occupant is moving in downtown building

Despite the dangers that come with wildfire season, these Mariposa residents say there is no other place they would rather call home.

In fire-prone Mariposa, residents don’t lose sight of what keeps them there Mariposa CA residents resilient amid wildfire danger. Despite dangers residents prefer living in foothills over city life

The latest from our Health Equity Reporting Lab. Air pollution is costing San Joaquin Valley residents a fortune, particularly because of upper respiratory infections and asthma, researchers say.

Air-pollution study finds Valley residents pay millions on ‘completely preventable’ medical costs The hidden costs of air pollution in San Joaquin Valley revealed: medical expenses, school absences, and lost productivity.

Some say increasing the city's transient occupancy tax would help promote the Merced region as a destination spot, drawing more visitors via attractions like Yosemite National Park.

Merced considering hotel tax increase for November ballot. Here’s why businesses may support it Merced CA considering increasing hotel tax. Potential November ballot measure to increase the city’s transient occupancy tax rate.

Viewers of the upcoming Shark Week special will see a UC Merced ecologist getting a close underwater look at Great White sharks off the coast of New Zealand.

UC Merced ecologist sees Great Whites up close on Shark Week UC Merced ecologist sees Great Whites up close on Shark Week. Sora Kim appears on Discovery program "Jaws vs. Leviathan"

The Merced Civil Grand Jury report states district administration and trustees have "lost respect and trust from some of those they serve."

Grand jury finds multiple failures at Merced City Schools – including violations of California’s open meeting law, education code Grand jury finds multiple failures at Merced CA City Schools. Violations of Brown Act open meetings law by trustees

An $80 million bond measure to improve and upgrade facilities in Merced City School District will be among the important issues local voters will consider in November.

Merced voters will consider $80 million bond measure to upgrade school facilities Merced CA voters will consider $80 million schools bond measure. It's to improve and upgrade facilities in Merced City School District