Victor Patton

1 month ago | themercedfocus.org | Victor Patton

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe ever-changing appearance of Merced’s downtown is getting another important upgrade. Merced leaders held a noon ceremony Tuesday to officially kickoff the $3.5 million renovation of Bob Hart Square, the historic central hub of the city’s downtown at West Main and Canal streets. City leaders planned to give the square an overhaul since 2018, but the COVID-19 pandemic paused those plans for several years.

1 month ago | themercedfocus.org | Victor Patton

Reading Time: 3 minutesAn effort to provide financial support to fire services in the city of Dos Palos appears to be headed for success. Dos Palos voters on March 4 cast ballots in a special election for Measure S, which would raise the city’s sales tax rate from 7.75% to 8.25% to generate $200,000 annually for fire services. As of Friday, the measure received 76% support from Dos Palos voters who cast ballots. The measure requires two-thirds support to succeed.

2 months ago | themercedfocus.org | Victor Patton

Reading Time: 5 minutesIn a bid to avert potential litigation, Merced is taking another look at its rules around how flags are flown in downtown’s Bob Hart Square. The issue was discussed during the City Council’s most recent meeting at the urging of Councilmember Shane Smith. Smith came to the council meeting with a list of proposed revisions to the flag policy. He said those proposed changes are geared toward proactively protecting the city from liability in the event of a free speech lawsuit.

2 months ago | hanfordsentinel.com | Victor Patton

Amid the search for an ornate display sign stolen from Applegate Zoo, two members of the Merced City Council say they’re offering a cash reward for its return. At the conclusion of Monday’s City Council meeting, Councilmember Mike Harris said he’s offering $250 for the return of the sign. Councilmember Sarah Boyle followed up by saying she would match that amount, meaning the total reward would be $500. “We need to find that sign. I know it’s out there,” Boyle said, after Harris made his offer.

2 months ago | themercedfocus.org | Victor Patton

Reading Time: 3 minutesAmid the search for an ornate display sign stolen from Applegate Zoo, two members of the Merced City Council say they’re offering a cash reward for its return. At the conclusion of Monday’s City Council meeting, Councilmember Mike Harris said he’s offering $250 for the return of the sign. Councilmember Sarah Boyle followed up by saying she would match that amount, meaning the total reward would be $500. “We need to find that sign.