“A City on the Rise…”2018

The Gateway to Yosem�e ®

8102

On behalf of the City of Merced and all of itsresidents, we hope you enjoy your stay here.Whether you are here for a quick visit with

friends, as part of your job, or if this is thestart of a new phase of your life, weknow you will discover some of themany virtues of Merced that weknow and love.

Merced has managed tomaintain a small town environ-ment in an urban setting. It’s asmall town of 84,000 people, andI say “small town” because youare constantly running into yourfriends and neighbors in thiscommunity, and always making newfriends.

We are the proud home of theUniversity of California, Merced,Merced College, Fresno Pacific Uni-versity’s satellite campus and an excellent system ofpublic and private schools preparing our students forhigher education and the workforce.

Affordable land and labor costs, good trans-portation access, and a location central to majormarkets have made Merced a home to a wide-rangeof businesses and industries, from Fortune 500

companies to small start-ups. We have containermanufacturers that ship specialized cartons around

the world and food packagers that freeze locally-sourced fruits and vegetables. In Merced

we produce competitive boats, nationalmagazines and high tech parts andmachinery.

Neighborhoods are still thebuilding blocks of this town.Wide, tree-lined streets andspacious homes offer a pleasantcontrast to the congestedresidential areas of larger cities.Neighbors spend time togetherand watch out for each other. Herebackyard barbecues are a way of life.Merced boasts dozens of tree-shadedparks, miles upon miles of bike paths,and plenty of nearby choices for

sailing, water skiing, and fishing. And YosemiteNational Park is just up the road.

Merced is a wonderful place to live, work andvisit – and the community is committed to preservingour special quality of life.

Thanks for coming to Merced. We know youwill enjoy it here.

2018 PAGE 2

Mike MurphyCity of Merced Mayor

PAGE 1 2018

Everyone matters.For generations, Mercy Medical Center has provided compassionate, quality health care to our community. While our technology and medical expertise continue to evolve, our role as a caring, dedicated member of this community remains the same. We will always be there when you need us most.

To learn more, find a doctor, or explore our services, visit mercymerced.org or call 209.564.5000.

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Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Introducing our Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

About the Greater MercedChamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Introducing our Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Working in Merced:Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Geographic Advantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Ready Workforce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Planning for Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Living in Merced:Merced’s History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Arts and Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Parks and Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

The Make-Up of Merced:Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Community Service Organizations . . . . . . . . . . 45Elected Officials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

2018 PAGE 4PAGE 3 2018

Welcome to Merced, the glorious Gateway to Yosemite™, and home

to the UC Merced Bobcats!We encourage you to explore all

that our beautiful region has to offer.

This guide will help you navigate your

way through all that we have to share.

“Merced Today”®

is a publication of the

Greater MercedChamber of Commerce

531 West Main Street Phone (209) 384-7092Merced CA 95340 Fax (209) 384-8472

www.mercedchamber.com info@mercedchamber.com

MANUEL ALVARADO | CEO/President and Publisher

VICTOR BAHENA | Member Services

MARTY CHRISTMAN | Administrative Assistant

SANDRA RODARTE | Marketing Assistant

YOUR CHAMBER

MATT HOFFMAN | Hoffman Electronic Systems

Chairman of the Board

KYLE HAMPTON | The Hampton Firm

Chairman-Elect

ROBERT DYLINA | Envoy Mortgage

Immediate Past Chairman

JOE RAMIREZ | Rabobank

Treasurer

ANDREW ALKEMA | Bear Creek Properties

MAURICIO CIFUENTES | Wells Fargo Bank

DENISE DEMERY | VIA Trailways

DOUG FLUETSCH | Fluetsch & Busby Insurance

TOM LEACH | Mid-Valley IT

MIKE JENSEN | Merced Irrigation District

CORI LUCERO | University of California – Merced

ROBERT MATSUO | five.ten.bistro

ROBERT McLAUGHLIN | Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center

JACOB MORGNER | Tinetti Realty Group

MARY-MICHAL RAWLING | Central California Alliance for Health

TABLE of CONTENTSABOUT our COVER

The UC Merced educational programs,

students and employees have made their

mark on the landscape and lifestyle in

this community. Our cover photo, taken

by the university’s Multimedia Coordinator

Veronica Androver, celebrates the

UC Merced Downtown Campus Center

which brought 300 UC employees into the

city’s downtown core.

_____________

Photographer John Miller captures

special moments all around town to share

with our readers. The first shows Merced

Certified Farmers Market where people

find everything from grapes, peaches and

apricots to zucchini, peppers and lettuce.

In this case, fresh strawberries.

Next we have students from the Merced

College Nursing Program working with their

instructor in a tailor made program that

creates qualified nurses for local medical

facilities.

The last cover photo shows a Merced

Symphony performance at the famous

Merced Theatre. Comprised of professional

musicians from across the state, our

symphony has been delighting residents

with classical music for more than 60 years.

_____________

We extend our thanks to our contributing

photographers, who helped to share a peek

with you at our very special home.

Kevin HammonMerced Art Hop

John MillerJohn Miller Photography

Manuel AlvaradoSandra RodarteGreater Merced Chamber of Commerce

Veronica AndroverUniversity of California Merced

John WhitakerMerced County Times

Jill HeiserGrupo Rotoplas

Jon KwiatkowskiMerced Regional Airport

_____________

Project Graphic Designer

Gwen HagamanMarketing Consultant

© 2018 Greater Merced Chamber of CommerceLocal country rock act Cottonwood Creek fills the air with musicduring the Taste of Merced event in Downtown Merced.

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Welcome. Having grown up in Merced and livedhere nearly my entire life, I have heard everypositive and negative comment about Merced.

Once I returned to run our family businessin 1999, I had seen firsthand thechallenges and opportunities thatlocal business people face. WhileMerced was ground zero for therecent housing crisis, our Cityhas come out stronger and con-tinues to see strong economicgrowth in the future.

Merced has built upon ourrich agricultural heritage, and hascontinued to expand with educa-tional and business partnerships.Highlighted as the newest Universityof California campus, UC Merced hasbeen an economic and cultural driverthat has had a major impact on ourcommunity. Our school districts, alongwith Merced College, a leading community college,provide a path for residents of Merced to expandtheir educations.

I was honored to be selected as the Chairmanof the Board for the Greater Merced Chamber ofCommerce Board of Director’s for the 2017-2018 year.With my Father, Steven Hoffman, and my Mother,

Barbara Hoffman, having served as the Chairman,I was well aware of the importance of the Chamberin our Community of Merced. The Chamber is the

premier business resource providing advocacy,education, networking and communitystewardship for the Merced Area.

Guided by our core principles,the Greater Merced Chamber ofCommerce partners with business,government and community leadersto promote a strong local economy.

Merced continues to be a“City on the Rise”, and is muchmore than just “The Gateway toYosemite.” We are vastly becoming

the crown jewel of the San JoaquinValley, with coming partnerships withHigh Speed Rail and the ACE Train.We will be on the forefront of connect-ing the Valley with Southern Californiaand the Bay Area. We continue to see

future Business Developments both off Highway 99and in our Downtown Area.

To me, Merced is a fantastic place to live, dobusiness, and raise your family. I am excited aboutthe future of Merced and the opportunities that liein store as we grow into the next decade. I invite youto join us.

PAGE 5 2018 2018 PAGE 6

District 2 Merced County Supervisor Lee Lor cut the ribbon to officially open the Merced office of Richard A. Ciummo & Associatesand celebrate their membership in the GMCC. Local dignitaries and elected officials often attend to welcome business people andprovide recognition certificates for new businesses.

GMCC’s December 2017 CEO Roundtable luncheon featured adiscussion on “Childcare in the Workplace.” Christie Hendricks(left), from the Early Education Department of Merced CountyOffice of Education, shared statistics and information about thechildcare options currently available in Merced County.

“Current Trends in Higher Education” was the topic for the GMCCEggs & Issues breakfast held in August 2017. Speakers fromMerced College, including Vice President of Student Services Dr.Mike McCandless, fed the minds of the 65 plus local businessleaders in attendance, while they enjoyed a breakfast buffet.

The Morgan Hill based Aztec dance group, Kalpulli Izkalli inspired and entertained Youth Leadership Institute and We’Ced YouthMedia guests on Bob Hart Square during their GMCC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in February 2018.

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Chairman, Greater MercedChamber of CommerceMatt Hoffman

CEO, Hoffman Security

The Greater Merced Chamber of Com-merce was established in 1936 andcurrently has over 400 members.

The Chamber is fully committed topromoting the economic vitalityand positive image of the business,industrial and entrepreneurialcommunity of Greater Merced.

CommitteesA number of committees have

been organized to assist the Chamberin focusing its approach to improvingthe business vitality of the GreaterMerced area.

The Government Review Council(GRC) meets monthly to review federal, state andlocal business issues. On occasion, the GRC bringsin speakers/presenters who outline their positionsand reasoning on relevant issues. Their discussionslead to policy recommendations, which are submittedto the Chamber’s Board.

The Chamber works with state and federallegislators to improve the business climate throughits cooperative partnerships with the California

Chamber of Commerce, the MercedCounty Association of Governments(MCAG) and others.

The GRC committee bringsinformation to the Chamber’smembership concerning healthand safety, new legislation, andother workplace issues.

The Ambassador Commit-tee serves as goodwill liaisons ofthe Chamber with its membership,

but particularly with new members.They meet, greet and introduce newmembers at various functions. OurAmbassadors are the volunteer basefor the Chamber.

The Leadership Merced Committee plans andorganizes the Leadership Merced Program. Now inits 35th year, a group of about 15 people spend 1 0months getting an in-depth study of various aspectsof our community, including: Government and theEconomy, Communities and Cultures, Environmentand Natural Resources Infrastructure, Agriculture,Healthcare and Education, Land Use, Housing andTransportation.

Manuel AlvaradoCEO/President, Greater Merced

Chamber of Commerce

2018 PAGE 8

Merced Mayor Mike Murphy swore in the GMCC’s new Board ofDirectors using a parody of our nation’s Presidential Oath. Themembers promised to “…protect the Chamber’s bylaws from allenemies, foreign and domestic…” with both honor and laughter.

The Leadership Merced Class 33 attended the 2017 World AgExpo in Tulare, California.

PAGE 7 2018

Likewise, the Junior Leadership Merced Com-mittee ensures local high school Juniors and Seniorsare afforded an opportunity to learn about the fascin-ating economics of Merced County.

The Special Events Committees plan the GolfTournament, the LobsterFest Dinner and other specialevents held throughout the year.

CollaboratorsThe Chamber works with other community and

government organizations to enhance opportunitiesfor local businesses. Here are just a few:

• California Chamber of Commerce• California Welcome Center• City of Merced• County of Merced• Merced College• Merced College Workplace Learning Center

• Merced Conference & Visitor’s Bureau• Merced County Association of Governments• Merced County Office of Education• Merced County Hispanic Chamber• Merced Main Street Association• Small Business Development Center (SBDC)• Service Corps Of Retired Executives (SCORE)• University of California Merced• U.S. Chamber of Commerce• Western Association of Chamber Executives

Above: Doug Fluetsch (back) of Fluetsch & Busby Insurance and GMCC President Manuel Alvarado (right) announced MikeCarpenter (left) of Leap/Carpenter/Kemps Insurance as the “GMCC 2017 Man of the Year” saying, “This is how Mike works. Hebrings people together for a common goal and then shares the success once achieved.”

Below: The inaugural LobsterFest for the GMCC was held Nov. 4, 2018 at the Merced Senior Center. Guests dined on fresh seafoodfrom giant Oysters Rockefeller to loads of shrimp to smoked salmon to a mountain of lobsters. Mark Purnell is shown cooking lobsterover an outdoor grill. They served 185 lobsters and raised more than $8,000 in a live auction and $6,500 in a raffle.

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PAGE 9 2018 2018 PAGE 10

Benefits of MembershipAs a member of the Greater Merced Chamber of

Commerce, your voice is heard through thebusiness advocacy efforts of the Government ReviewCommittee.

The Chamber represents you on the manybusiness and economic development organizationswithin Merced County, the Central Valley region andthe state. Members also receive:

• Referrals from business inquiries• Business development opportunities through participation in Chamber Committees

• Company listings in the Chamber’s annual “Merced Today” publication

• Company listing in the Chamber’s online Business Directory

• Exposure through Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening Ceremonies

• Networking opportunities with other business people at Chamber Mixers

• New Member Orientation• Marketing and promotional opportunities• Major community event sponsorships• Display of information in our lobby

Be part of a dynamic alliance of businesspartners. Join the Greater Merced Chamber to opennew opportunities for promoting your business,being heard in local, state and federal government,and experience growth as a strong steward of yourcommunity.

GMCC encourages interaction with candidates for localgovernment offices like this mixer event. County SupervisorCandidate Lee Lor is shown talking with local business people.

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2018 PAGE 12

MEET our MEMBERSAccountants/CPA/Tax PreparerBayne Bookkeeping& Tax Services25 W.19th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 383-1673www.baynebookkeeping.com

Cassabon Fung, LLP3181Collins DriveMerced CA 95344Hilary Kirschman(559) 435-3650www.cassabonfung.com

Stapp Accountancy, Inc.110 W. Alexander AvenueMerced CA 95348Lorelei Stapp(209) 383-3955www.stappcpa.com

Ag Financing & ConsultingAmerican Ag Credit, FLCA711W. 19th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 384- 1050www.agloan.com

Ag Manufacturing/ProcessorsBorder Valley Trading14503 Harding RoadTurlock CA 95380Suzanne Humphries(209) 669-6000www.bordervalley.net

California Sweet PotatoCouncilP.O. Box 366Livingston CA 95334Accounts Payablewww.casweetpotatoes.com

Del Rio Nut Company15391Vinewood CircleLivingston CA 95334Mona Menezes(209) 394-7945www.delrionut.com

Hilltop Ranch Inc.13890 Looney RoadBallico CA 95303Dave Long(209) 874-1875www.hilltopranch.com

Zymex Industries, Inc.168 Hawk DriveMerced CA 95341Ahmad Foroutan(209) 722-2770www.zymex.com

Airport/Airlines/Aviation ServicesBoutique Air Inc.548 Market StreetSan Francisco CA 94104(415) 449-0505www.boutiqueair.com

Merced Regional Airport20 Macready DriveMerced CA 95341Nancy Lee (209) 385-6873www.flymercedairport.com

Ambulance ServiceRiggs Ambulance Service100 Riggs AvenueMerced CA 95341(209) 725-7000Fax (209) 725-7044www.ri ggsambulance.com

ApartmentsBear Creek Housing1509 North Plainsburg RoadPlanada CA 95365Eric Arias (209) 382-0261

Castle Apartments3044 G StreetMerced CA 95340castleapts@sbcglobal.net

Central Valley I & II Apartments1130 D StreetLos Banos CA 93635(209) 826-9270www.cbmgroup.net

Desert Plaza Apartments217 S. MarylandLas Vegas NV 89101(760) 438-8484

Dorothy Lee ApartmentsP.O. Box 813Atwater CA 95301Dorothy Bizzini (209) 358-4239

Sahara Apartments200 Seneca StreetMerced CA 95340Viviana Lozano (209) 723-7262

The Grove340 S. Parsons AvenueMerced CA 95340Nicole Hernandez(209) 384-3600www.thegrovemerced.com

Associate MembersCrookham Ranch2615 2nd AvenueMerced CA 95340Kathleen Crookham(209) 383-2379

Louise Farley1640 N Street, Suite 210Merced CA 95340209-723-5466

Jerry O’Banion(209) 385-7366

Shannon Picciano1640 N Street, Suite 210Merced CA 95340209-723-5466

Associations/OrganizationsUnited Way of Merced County535 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 383-4242Fax: (209) 383-4254www.unitedwaymerced.org

Attorneys/Legal ServicesBerliner CohenAttorneys at Law2844 Park AvenueMerced CA 95348(209) 385-0700www.berliner.com

Callister, Hendricks & Spencer544 W. 20th StreetMerced CA 95340Stuart Spencer (209) 722-8126

Richard A. Ciummoand Associates139 W. El Portal Drive, Suite DMerced CA 95344(209) 691-7280www.ciummolaw.com

Hampton Firm3174 Collins Drive, Suite BMerced CA 95348Kyle Hampton (209) 846-4258www.hamptonfirm.com

Robbins Browning Godwin& Marchini700 Loughborough DriveSuite D, Merced CA 95348Ken Robbins (209) 383-9334www.mrgb.org

Automobile Dealers-New/UsedMcAuley Motors, Inc.744 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 722-2777www.mcauleylincoln.com

PAGE 11 2018

Merced Chevrolet1485 W. 15th StreetMerced CA 95340Wilbert Dean (209) 383-3306 www.mercedchevrolet.com

Merced Honda1775 Auto Center DriveMerced CA 95340Gary Hogston (209) 722-8100www.honda.com

Merced Toyota1400 Auto Center DriveMerced CA 95340Robert Zamora(209) 725-9000www.mercedtoyota.com

Razzari Automotive Group1234 Auto Center DriveMerced CA 95340(209) 383-0100 www.razzari.com

Automobile Paint & EquipmentAmerican Powder CoatingCompany133 Heron WayMerced CA 95341(209) 722-3457Fax (209) 722-3455www.amerpowdercoat.com

Automobile Repair & ServiceDom’s Electric Motor Shop551 S. Highway 59Merced CA 95341(209) 383-1980

Pete’s Auto Body, LLC1002 Martin Luther King Jr.WayMerced CA 95340(209) 722-3565

Automobile WreckingValley Auto Wreckers1330 N. Lander AvenueStevinson CA 95374Albert Romero(209) 667-0191Fax (209) 667-2846

Banks/Credit UnionsBeneficial State Bank268 N. Main StreetPorterville CA 93257(559) 784-1780www.beneficialstatebank.com

Central Valley CommunityBank3337 G Street, Suite BMerced CA 95340Kari Ross May(209) 725-2820www.cvcb.com

Educational EmployeesCredit Union755 E. Yosemite AvenueSuite A, Merced CA 95340(209) 726-74 21www.myeecu.org

F & M Bank2936 G StreetMerced CA 95340Ginger Taylor (209) 626-4118www.fmbonline.com

Farmers Insurance GroupFederal Credit Union87 W. Alexander AvenueMerced CA 95348Daisy Aleman (800) 877-2345www.figfcu.com

Merced School EmployeesFederal Credit Union1021 OlivewoodMerced CA 95348Nancy Deavours(209) 383-5550www.mercedschoolcu.org

MERCO Credit Union1911 M StreetMerced CA 95340Patrick Myhre (209) 723-4285www.merco.org

Rabobank, N.A.2000 M StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 726-3650www.rabobankamerica.com

Travis Credit Union1194 W. Olive AvenueMerced CA 95348Loretta Villegas(209) 723-0732www.traviscu.org

Wells Fargo Bank555 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340Dulce Kowalkowski(209) 722-5772www.wellsfargo.com

WestAmerica Bank605 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340Kristina Mahy (209) 384-6880www.westamerica.com

Yosemite Farm Credit760 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340Melba Miyamoto (209) 383-1116www.yosemitefarmcredit.com

Banquet Facilities/Halls

Italo-American LodgeP.O. Box 949Merced CA 95341(209) 723-8541Fax (209) 723-5002www.italoamericanlodgemerced.wordpress.com

Barber Shops

The Cut & Shave Company1722 Canal StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 384-2726www.facebook.com/TheCutNShaveCo

Beverage Distributors

Delta-Sierra Beverage3700 Finch RoadModesto CA 95357Robert Stewart (209) 522-9011Fax (209) 523-2149www.dsbeverage.com

Buses-Charter/Rental

VIA Trailways, Inc.300 Grogan AvenueMerced CA 95341Denise Demery(209) 384-1315Fax (209) 384-7441www.viatrailways.com

Business Partners Bank MemberCarrell and Company115 S. Kentucky StreetMcKinney TX 75069(972) 542-8889

R Valley Parkway LLCP.O. Box 60National City CA 91951Lorens Attisha(619) 726-6159

Shirley Kiyoko OsumiProperties & Design351 California Street, Suite 410San Francisco CA 94104(415) 956-3658

Car WashRapid Xpress Car WashCorporation2905 G StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 349-8866www.facebook.com/rapidxpresscarwash

Sonya Severo of Riggs Ambulance makes her way out of the backof an ambulance with gifts in hand for local families to ensurethat Mercedians from every walk of life have a good Christmas.

When customers review McAuley Lincoln, they often say,“Whenyou come to McAuley you are going to get 100 percentsatisfaction service.” This premier Lincoln dealership has wonthe national Ford President’s Award (top 10 percent) 14 timesand the One Ford Elite Award (top five percent) four times.Owner Aaron McAuley is committed to excellence. “From themoment you walk into our showroom, you’ll know ourcommitment to customer service is second to none,” he said.

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Casino/Hotel/Entertainment Casino Merced1459 Martin Luther King Jr. WayMerced CA 95340(209) 722-5050www.facebook.com/CasinoMerced Table Mountain Casino8184 Table Mountain RoadFriant CA 93626(800) 541-3637www.tmcasino.com

Churches/Ministries/Non-Profit Organizations/Associations The Salvation Army1440 W. 12th StreetMerced CA 95341Cpt. Marjorie Miller(209) 383-4225www.salvationarmyusa.org Yosemite Church2230 E. Yosemite AvenueMerced CA 95340Polly Alterman(209) 383-5038www.yosemitechurch.com Harvest Park EducationalCenter/HPEC Afterschool557 W. 26th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 756-6777www.pblt.org

Clinics & Medical GroupsHealth Services Golden Valley Health Centers737 W. Childs AvenueMerced CA 95340Tony Weber (209) 383-1848 Livingston Community Health1140 Main StreetLivingston CA 95334LeslieMcGowan(209)394-7913www.visitlch.org

Computers-Sales/Service/Consultants/Web SiteDesign/Hosting Aureus Consultants, Inc.P.O. Box 3529Merced CA 95344-1529(209) 230-5818www.aureusconsultants.com Mid Valley IT1170W.OliveAvenue, Suite BMerced CA 95348(800) 931-2043www.midvalleyit.com

Construction Suppliers Santa Fe Aggregates11650 N. Shaffer RoadWinton CA 95388(209) 358-3303www.teichert.com/materials/santa-fe-aggregates

Consultants GwenBortner.comP.O. Box1133, Merced CA 95341(209) 261-4272

SCOREc/o Modesto Chamber ofCommerce1114 J Street, Modesto CA 95354(559) 487-5791www.modestomerced.score.org

Contractors-Concrete Jim Brisco Enterprises, Inc.221Airpark, Suite AAtwater CA 95301George Morrow (209) 356-3275www.briscoenterprises.com Central Valley Trucking/Concrete3823 N. Highway 59Merced CA 95348BrandonWilliams (209)723-8846www.centralvalleyconcrete.com

Contractors-General Rolfe Construction3573 Southern Pacific AvenueAtwater CA 95301Suzin Rolfe(209) 358-5548www.rolfeconstruction.com Webcor Builders5290 North Lake RoadMerced CA 95343(415) 278-2056www.webcor.com

Contractors-Industrial/ Commercial Clendenin Bros., Inc.P.O. Box 1342Merced CA 95341Tom Clendenin(209) 383-9367www.clendeninbros.com Commercial ConstructionCompany1425 Motel DriveMerced CA 95341Skip George (209) 384-3943www.porch.com/merced-ca/home-builders/commercial-construction-company-of-merced-inc-/pp

Webcor Builders5290 North Lake RoadMerced CA 95343(415) 278-2056www.webcor.com

Contractors-Landscaping Evergreen Landscape ServiceP.O. Box 3902Merced CA 95344Bob Edwards(209) 357-1516www.evergreen-landscape-service.com

Contractors-Remodeling Artisan Construction & Design2949 Sunnyfield DriveMerced CA 95340(209) 725-2000Fax (209) 725-2002www.artisanconstruction.com

Dairy Distributors California Dairies Inc.1175 E. Pacheco Blvd.Los Banos CA 93635(209) 826-4901www.californiadairies.com

Saputo Dairy FoodsUSA, Inc.299 5th AvenueGustine CA 95322(209) 854-6461

Dentists/Orthodontists Olive Dental Care3040 Park Avenue, Suite HMerced CA 95348(209) 722-7789www.olivedental.com

Scott A. Smith DDS1156 Olivewood DriveMerced CA 95348Dr. Scott Smith(209) 722-2367www.smithdds.com

DispensaryMerced Pharmers Market1112 W. 16th StreetMerced CA 95340Jason Sweatt(559) 908-4912

Disposal Service/Waste Management Waste Management - Winton Disposal730 Industry WayAtwater CA 95301Julie Cabral (209) 358-2159www.wm.com

2018 PAGE 14PAGE 13 2018

Distributors McLane Pacific, Inc.3876 E. Childs AvenueMerced CA 95340(209) 725-2500 McLaughlin Hay Service, Inc.P.O. Box 230, El Nido CA95317John McLaughlin(209) 777-5090 Safeway Inc.2761Cooper AvenueMerced CA 95340(209) 381-2710www.safeway.com

Domestic Violence Services Valley Crisis Center1960 P StreetMerced CA 95340Reina Nino (209) 725-7900Fax (209) 725-7908www.valleycrisiscenter.org

Economic Planning/ Development City of Merced Office ofEconomic Development678 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340Frank Quintero (209) 385-4788www.cityofmerced.org/depts/econdev Provost & PritchardConsulting Group3341M StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 809-2300www.ppeng.com

Educational Institutions/Schools American Red Cross -Central Valley Region301W.18th Street, Suite104Merced CA 95340(209) 383-2150www.redcross.org/local/california/central-california

California State University,Stanislaus UniversityExtended EducationUniversity CircleTurlock CA 95382Scuna Shahbazian(209) 667-3735www.csustan.edu/uee

Central Valley Opportunity Center6838 Bridget CourtWinton CA 95388(209)357-0062www.cvoc.org

Fresno Pacific University Merced Center3379 G Street, Bldg. PMerced CA 95340April Holloway(209) 354-5900www.fresno.edu/location/merced-campus Merced City School District444 W. 23rd StreetMerced CA 95340Dr. Rose Mary Parga-Duran(209) 385-6600www.mccd.edu

Merced County Office of Education632 W. 13th StreetMerced CA 95341Steven Tietjen (209) 381-6601www.mcoe.org

Merced Union High SchoolDistrictP.O. Box 2147Merced CA 95344Alan Peterson (209) 325-2020www.muhsd.org Sierra College of Beauty1340 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 723-2989www.sierracollegebeauty.net

University of California,Merced5200 North Lake RoadMerced CA 95343(209) 228-4400www.ucmerced.edu

Employment Agencies & Consultants Employment DevelopmentDepartment1205 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 726-5407 www.edd.ca.gov

Kings View Work ExperienceP.O. Box 774, Atwater CA 95301(209) 357-0321www.kingsview.org Merced County Department of Workforce Investment1205 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340David Mirrione (209) 724-2000www.co.merced.ca.us

Engineering Consultants/ Civil/Structural Golden Valley Engineering & Surveying405 W. 19th StreetMerced CA 95340Duane Andrews (209) 722-3200 www.gves.us

Provost & PritchardConsulting Group3341 M StreetMerced CA 95348(209) 809-2300www.ppeng.com Quad Knopf2816 Park AvenueMerced CA 95348Garth Pecchenino(209) 723-2066www.qkinc.com

Equestrian Barn/Lessons/Training & Breeding Silver Bell Barn7160 Highway 140Atwater CA 95301Cynthia Bell (209) 358-3010Fax (209) 358-1070www.silverbellbarn.net

Equipment Rental/Truck & Trailer/Tools Holt of California,Sacramento7440 California 140Merced CA 95340(916) 921-8966www.holtca.com U-Haul International749 N. Blackstone AvenueFresno CA 93701(800) 742-1898www.uhaul.com

Event CoordinatorsKevin Wright ProductionsP.O. Box 286Modesto CA 95353(209) 579-0580Fax (209) 579-0581www.kevinwrightproductions.net

Fairs & Festivals Merced County Fair900 Martin Luther King Jr.WayMerced CA 95341Teresa Burrola(209) 722-1506Fax (209) 722-3773www.mercedcountyfair.com

Farm Equipment-Sales/Service/SuppliesBelkorp Ag, LLC1486 S. Highway 59Merced CA 95340Don Emerick (209) 722-8031www.belkorpag.com

Webcor Builders has been selected to construct 14 structures forthe UC Merced 2020 Expansion, which will double the studentcapacity of the university. The student housing programaddresses existing and future demand for on-campus housing,and includes 289,600 square feet and 1,700 beds. Stand aloneparking totals 1,571 stalls. Webcor self-performed concrete,carpentry, building specialties, and doors, frames and finishhardware.

Periodontics specialist Dr. Scott Smith demonstrates the use oflaser gum disease treatment using a model of teeth and hisLANAP® unit. The laser tip is inserted between teeth and gumsto remove bacteria and infected gum tissue.

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Kellogg Supply45 S. Highway 59Merced CA 95340(209) 722-1501www.kelloggsupply.com Laird Manufacturing531 S. Highway 59Merced CA 95341Isacc Isakow (209) 722-4145www.lairdmanufacturing.com N & S Tractor600 S. Highway 59Merced CA 95341Bob Souza (209) 383-5888www.nstractor.com

Farmers Markets Merced Certified Farmers MarketCorner of 16th & Canal StreetsMerced CA 95340Lesanne Jacobsen(209) 761-6717www.mercedcfm.com

Farms/Ranches/Dairies Palazzo Ranch13355 W. Bisignani RoadLos Banos CA 93635(209) 826-4632

Pellissier Farms2507 N. Arboleda DriveMerced CA 95340(209) 384-9231www.facebook.com/pages/Tim-Pellissier-Farms/167693313246497 Montague Pig Farm2736 W. Chamberlain RoadEl Nido CA 95317Norman Montague(209) 722-0087 Merced River Farms Inc.13640 Collier RoadDelhi CA 95315Henry Te Velde(209) 394-8008 Gallo Cattle CompanyP.O. Box 775Atwater CA 95301Michael Gallo (209) 394-7984www.josephfarms.com Cunningham Ranch1115 N. Cunningham RoadLe Grand CA 95333Jim (SA) Cunningham(209) 382-0222

Ed Silva Farms117 E. El Nido RoadEl Nido CA 95317Edward Silva (209) 722-7738www.silvafarm.com

McClane Pacific3876 E. Childs AvenueMerced CA 95341Chris Spera (209) 725-2500

Finance Companies One Main Financial113W. El Portal DriveSuiteAMerced CA 95348(209) 383-5929Fax (209) 383-5790www.onemainfinancial.com

Financial Planners/ Consultants Ameriprise FinancialServices, Inc. - Advisor3337 G Street, Suite DMerced CA 95340Steve Teranishi (209) 383-6577www.ameripriseadvisors.com/steve.h.teranishi Nations Lending3313 G Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 383-3733www.mmcdcorp.com UBS Financial Services Inc.860 W.Olive Avenue, Suite BMerced CA 95348(209) 723-3911www.financialservicesinc.ubs.com/branch/mercedmx

Food Processors Hilmar Cheese Company9001N. Lander AvenueHilmar CA 95324Denise Skidmore(209) 667-6076www.hilmarcheese.com Joseph Gallo FarmsP.O. Box 775Atwater CA 95301(209) 394-7984www.josephfarms.com

Food-Snacks/Sales Merced Fruit Barn4526 E. Highway 140Merced CA 95340Paul & Heidi Raggio(209) 385-2222Fax (209) 385-1215www.mercedfruitbarn.com

Funeral Services Evergreen Funeral Homeand Memorial Park1480 B StreetMerced CA 95341Rebecca Cruz (209) 383-4651www.evergreenfuneralhomemerced.com

Ivers & Alcorn Funeral Home901W.Main StreetMerced CA 95340Vincent Martinez(209) 722-6201www.iversandalcorn.com/merced Stratford Evans Merced1490 B StreetMerced CA 95341Kent Floro(209) 722-4191www.dignitymemorial.com/stratford-evans-merced-funeral-home

Furniture Acosta’s Furniture/ SatelitesAguilera1033 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 724-0414www.facebook.com/acostasfurniture Slater’s Home Furnishings345 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340Dennis McKim(209) 722-1534www.slatershome.com

Gasoline/Oil/Propane Distributors Pazin & Myers Inc.129 W. 15th StreetMerced CA 95341(209) 725-2050

Tesei Petroleum Inc.1450 G StreetMerced CA 95341Gail Tesei(209) 723-5402www.teseipetro.com

Glass-Auto/Plate/Window Don’s Mobile Glass/Don’sTire &Automotive Service1635 T StreetMerced CA 95340Justin Manuel(209) 723-4576Fax (209) 723-3617www.donsmobileglass.com

Golf Courses/Ranges Merced Golf &Country Club6333 N. Golf RoadMerced CA 95348Berna Lucas (209) 722-6268Fax (209) 722-2542www.mercedgolfandcountryclub.com

2018 PAGE 16PAGE 15 2018

Government Assembly Member Adam Gray690 W. 16th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 726-5465www.a21.asmdc.org City of Merced678 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340Stephanie Dietz (209) 388-7100www.cityofmerced.org City of MercedPolice Department611W. 22nd StreetMerced CA 95340Interim Police ChiefChristopher Goodwin(209) 385-6915www.cityofmerced.org/depts/police Congressman Jim Costa2222 M StreetMerced CA 95340Dominic Farinha(559) 495-1620www.costa.house.gov

Merced County Admin-istrative Services Dept.2222 M Street, Room OneMerced CA 95340Mark Cowart (209) 385-7690www.co.merced.ca.us Merced County Library2100 O Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 385-7485www.co.merced.ca.us/1301/Library-Locations-Hours

Merced County Human Services2115 W.Wardrobe AvenueMerced CA 95340Scott Pettygrove (209) 385-3000www.co.merced.ca.us/74/Human-Services-Agency

San Joaquin Joint PowersAuthority - Amtrak949 E. Channel StreetStockton CA 95202(209)595-0219 www.sjjpa.com Merced County Associationof Governments369 W.18th StreetMerced CA 95340Patrick Pittenger (209) 723-3153www.mcagov.org

Graphic Design Image Masters429 Grogan AvenueMerced CA 95340Tim O’Neill (209) 723-1691Fax (209) 723-9726www.imagemasters.com

Grocers-Retail/Wholesale Costco WholesaleWarehouse1445 R StreetMerced CA 95340Elayne Matthews(209) 725-5020www.costco.com Food 4 Less1115 W.Olive AvenueMerced CA 95348Juan Pulido (209) 725-2150www.food4less.com

Raley’s3550 North G StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 722-2150www.raleys.com Rancho San Miguel Markets1930 Yosemite ParkwayMerced CA 95340Benny Perez (209) 384-9801www.ranchosanmiguelmarkets.com Richwood Meat Company2751 N. Santa Fe DriveMerced CA 95348(209) 722-8171www.richwoodmeat.com

Health & Fitness/NutritionCurves/Jenny Craig28 W. Olive AvenueMerced CA 95348(209)722-8783 Fax(209)722-8778www.curves.com

Health ServicesAlpha Pregnancy Help Center700 Loughborough Drive, Suite AMerced CA 95348(209)383-4700 www.alphaphc.com

Central Valley IntegratedHealthcare Organization1901G StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 580-4952www.yellowpages.com/merced-ca/mip/central-valley-integrated-healthcare-533422931

Dr. Don De Long2511 Palora AvenueAtwater CA 95301(209) 358-9364

El Portal Imaging Center3365 G StreetSuite 100Merced CA 95340(209) 384-4250www.elportalimaging.com

Merced Faculty AssociatesMedical Group, Inc.220 E.13th StreetMerced CA 95341Becky Shaw (209) 723-6351www.mfamg.com

Mercy Medical Foundation2740 M StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 564-4200www.supportmercymerced.org

Merced Radiology MedicalGroup315 Mercy Avenue, Suite 151Radiology DepartmentMerced CA 95340Blanca Martinez(209) 722-9729www.healthcare4ppl.com/medical-group/california/merced/merced-radiology-medical-group-1658354386.html

Heating & A/C Service/SalesAce Air Inc.137 Heron WayMerced CA 95340(209) 722-2200www.aceairconditioningheating.com

Modern Air Mechanical2200 Cooper AvenueMerced CA 95340Mark Cauwels(209) 722-1815www.modernair.biz

Hospice/Assisted LivingCommunity Hospice4368 Spyres WayModesto CA 95356Kristin Mostowski(209) 578-6300www.hospiceheart.org

Mission Gardens1450 E. 27th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 384-3300www.amiesseniorcare.com

Park Merced3050 M StreetMerced CA 95348(209) 384-3300www.amiesseniorcare.com

Hospitals/Surgical CentersDignity Health - MercyMedical Center Merced333 Mercy AvenueMerced CA 95340Robert (Bob) McLaughlin(209) 564-5000www.dignityhealth.org

Since 1954 N&S Tractor Co. has been a successful partner foragriculture and construction equipment; providing qualityequipment, parts and superior service. They offer Case IH, Claas,and New Holland farm equipment; and Case, JCB constructionequipment; both New and Used Sales, Rental, Parts or Service.

Local Special Olympians stand alongside of Merced LawEnforcement Officers as they bag residents’ groceries to raisemoney for the “SaveMart Bagging for Bucks” program throughtips from shoppers.

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2018 PAGE 18PAGE 17 2018

Valley Children’s Hospital9300 Valley Childrens PlaceMadera CA 93656Tim Curley (559) 353-7052www.valleychildrens.org

Insurance Companies/ AdjustersCentral California Alliancefor Health530 W. 16th Street, Suite BMerced CA 95340Scott Fortner (209) 381-5300www.ccah-alliance.org

Century 21- Salvadori Realty3500 G StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 383-6475www.century21.com

Chuck Meyer Insurance Co.2824 Park Avenue, Suite CMerced CA 95348Chuck Meyer (209) 383-7774www.chuckmeyerinsurance.com

Fluetsch & Busby InsuranceP.O. Box 780Merced CA 95340Doug Fluetsch (209) 722-1541www.fandb1912.com

Leap/Carpenter/KempsInsurance3187 Collins DriveMerced CA 95348Mike Carpenter(209)384-0797www.lckinsurance.com

State Farm Insurance1124 Olive Avenue , Suite 102Merced CA 95348Peggy Biddison (209) 384-8811www.statefarm.com/agent/US/CA/Merced/Peggy-Biddison-Y05ZT4PZRAL

State Farm Insurance - Justi Smith830 W. 19th StreetMerced CA 95340 Justi Smith (209) 383-3208www.statefarm.com/agent/US/CA/Merced/Justi-Smith-078M0662QAK

Thompson InsuranceAgency 450 W. 21st Street, Suite BMerced CA 95340Larry Thompson(209) 384-1889

Winton Ireland Insurance Agency687 E. Canal DriveTurlock CA 95380Norma Cederlind(209) 667-0995www.wisg.com

Winton Ireland, Strom &Green Insurance503 Main StreetLivingston CA 95334Renee Waite (209) 394-7925www.wintonireland.com

Investment CompaniesLos Banos Investment Group1010 Racquet Club Drive Suite 108Auburn CA 95603(530) 823-2477

Janitorial Maintenance/ ServiceA. Escalante’s PressureWashing165 S. G Street, Merced CA95341(209) 421-6456

ServiceMaster Cleaning & Restoration2150 Wardrobe AvenueMerced CA 95341(209) 726-9182www.servicemasterclean.com

Valley Commercial CleaningServices201RiggsAvenue,MercedCA95340Jack Mobley (209) 726-9190www.valleycommercialservices.com

JewelersLeighton’s Jewelers514 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340Corey Miller (209) 722-5906www.leightonsfinediamonds.com

Judd’s Jewelers1714 Canal StreetMerced CA 95340Bruce Ingraham (209) 722-1114

Landscape/Gardening ServicesYard Masters1968 Business ParkwayMerced CA 95348(209) 722-3056www.yardmastersworld.com

ManufacturingGreat Spaces USA360 Grogan AvenueMerced CA 95341Jan Conas (209) 384-1337www.greatspacesusa.com

Greif Inc.2400 Cooper AvenueMerced CA 95340Farrell Smith (209) 383-4396www.greif.com

Label Technology, Inc.2050 Wardrobe AvenueMerced CA 95341Vinton Thengvall (209) 384-1000www.labeltech.com

Scholle Corporation2500 Cooper AvenueMerced CA 95348(209) 384-3100www.scholleipn.com

Marketing/ProductionYoubiquicast Studio (The Ark)1505 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340Dan Hong (209) 606-8833www.youbiquicast.com

Meat-Retail/WholesaleLosBanosAbattoir Company1312 W. Pacheco Blvd.Los Banos CA 93635Steven La Salvia(209) 826-2212www.facebook.com/Los-Banos-Abattoir-Co-120967507962207

Yosemite Valley BeefPacking Company970 E. Sandy Mush RoadMerced CA 95340Michael Ban (209) 383-4060www.facebook.com/Yosemite-Valley-Beef-143981888984358

Medical Equipment/SuppliesAspiranet3360 N. Highway 59, Suite KMerced CA 95348(209) 726-3090www.aspiranet.org

Medical Services/TrainingCalifornia Sleep Center3389 G Street, Suite BMerced CA 95340Veronica Zaragosa(209) 384-9400www.facebook.com/pages/California-Sleep-Center/158516240835860

Shahroukh A. BakhshayM.D. F.A.C.S.3315 M Street, Merced CA95348(209) 384-1400

Valley Children’s MedicalGroup Pediatric1190 Olivewood DriveMerced CA 95348Tim Curley (559) 353-7052www.valleychildrenspediatrics.org/valley-childrens-medical-group/valley-childrens-pediatrics-home

Member with no Business ClassificationMary Ann McKissick580 Seminole DriveMerced CA 95340mamaauthor@sbcglobal.net

Mortgage CompaniesArgus Lending700 Loughborough Drive Suite CMerced CA 95348Tony Smith(209) 761-8821www.argus-lending.com

Robert DylinaEnvoy Mortgage53 W. Alexander AvenueMerced CA 95348Robert Dylina(209)631-1681www.rdylinaenvoy.mortgagewebcenter.com

Primary ResidentialMortgage, Inc.1160 W.Olive Avenue, Suite AMerced CA 95340(209) 725-9405www.primeresmerced.com

Supreme Lending3174 Collins Drive, Suite AMerced CA 95348Jeff Schanze (209) 600-7690www.supremelending.com

Motel/Hotel/Bed & BreakfastHoliday Inn Express151 S. Parsons AvenueMerced CA 95341Elaine Davis (209) 384-3700www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/merced

Motel 61983 E. Childs AvenueMerced CA 95340William Mincey (209) 384-1303www.motel6.com

Studio 6 Merced1213 V StreetMerced CA 95341Jay Patel(903) 388-2551

Travelodge Merced Yosemite1260 Yosemite ParkwayMerced CA 95341Naresh Parsotame(209) 722-6224www.wyndhamhotels.com/travelodge

Moving & StorageSmith Van & Storage Co., Inc.1120 W. 15th StreetMerced CA 95340Jim (SA) Hagerman(209) 722-8166

MuseumsDouble TAgriculture Museum22368 W. 2nd AvenueStevinson CA 95374Carol Azevedo (209) 634-0187www.thedoublet.com

Merced County HistoricalSociety621W. 21st StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 723-2401www.mercedmuseum.org

NewspapersMerced County TimesA Division of Mid Valley Publications6950 Gerard AvenueWinton CA 95388(209) 358-5311www.mercedcountytimes.netwww.countytimesonline.com

Merced Sun-Star3033 G StreetMerced CA 95340Ken Riddick (209) 722-1511www.mercedsunstar.com

Non-Profit Organizations/ AssociationsAmerican Cancer Society1101 Sylvan Avenue, Suite C105Modesto CA 95350Michael Riddle (209) 524-7241www.facebook.com/americancancersocietystanislaus

Aspiranet3360 N. Highway 59, Suite KMerced CA 95348(209) 726-3090www.aspiranet.org

Boys and Girls Club of Merced615 W. 15th StreetMerced CA 95341Michael Pierick(209) 722-9922www.bgcmerced.org

Central Valley Coalition forAffordable Housing3351 M Street, Suite100Merced CA 95340Christina Alley(209) 388-0782www.centralvalleycoalition.com

Challenged Family ResourceCenter827 W. 20th StreetMerced CA 95340Linda Collins (209)385-5314www.challengedfrc.org

Habitat for Humanity ofMerced CountyP.O. Box 423Atwater CA 95301(209) 726-0850

League of California Cities6508 Walnut Haven DriveHughson CA 95326Stephen Qualls(209) 614-0118www.cacities.org

Livingston FarmersAssociationP.O. Box 456Livingston CA 95334(209) 394-7941

Merced Booster ClubP.O. Box 1562Merced CA 95341DonBergman (209) 761-0815

Merced City TeachersAssociation4926 West Avenue, Suite 2Atwater CA 95301

Merced County Community Action Agency1235 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340Brenda Callahan-Johnson(209) 723-4565www.mercedcaa.org

Merced County Food Bank2000 W. Olive AvenueMerced CA 95348Bill Gibbs (209) 726-3663

Merced County HistoricalSociety621W. 21st StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 723-2401www.mercedmuseum.org

Merced Lao FamilyCommunity Inc.1748 Miles Court, Suite BMerced CA 95348Keith Vang (209) 384-7384

Merced Main StreetAssociationc⁄o Greater Merced c ⁄o Chamber of Commerce531W. Main Street, Suite B Merced CA 95340(209) 384-7093www.mercedmainstreet.com

Merced Symphony AssociationP.O. Box 894Merced CA 95341Judy Smith (209) 383-3277www.mercedsymphony.org

Mercy Medical Center’s 2017 5K Stroke Awareness Run attractshundreds of local runners. This annual fun run was created toeducate the community on the signs, symptoms and treatmentof strokes. Funds raised from the race benefit the Stroke Programat Mercy Medical Center, which is a Primary Stroke Center andhas been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval from the JointCommission.

Bruce Ingraham of Judd’s Jewelers is a talented and highlyskilled jewelry designer. His shop carries a full line of affordablesilver and gold jewelry, on up to fine pieces in platinum andgold. Ingraham does all of his repair and custom jewelry makingin his shop including stone setting and diamond setting. Becausehe does all repairs in-shop, Ingraham has developed a reputa-tion for impressive heritage pieces and Eco Jewelry.

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Playhouse Merced452 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 725-8587www.playhousemerced.com

Sierra Saving Grace Home-less ProjectP.O. Box 1301Merced CA 95341Kristin Bizzack(209) 626-5660www.sierrasavinggrace.org

Sierra Vista Child & Family Services642 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 205-1058www.sierravistacares.org

Valley Sierra Small BusinessDevelopment Center1735 M Street, Suite 111Merced CA 95340(209) 386-1008www.valleysierrasbdc.com

NotariesMerced Notary SigningServices11W. 15th StreetMerced CA 95341Ruth Alejo(209) 535-1511www.bailmerced.com

Nursing/Home Health/ Hospice ServicesComfort Keepers478 E. Yosemite AvenueSuite CMerced CA 95340Margaret Ortiz(209) 726-8007

Pacifica Senior Living -Merced3420 R StreetMerced CA 95348(209) 384-9700

OptometristsAdvanced Eye Healthcare -Optometry197 W. El Portal DriveSuite AMerced CA 95348(209) 384-2110Fax (209) 384-8756

Party Rentals/SuppliesStandard Party Rentals4623 McHenry AvenueModesto CA 95356Lynda Cremin(209) 521-1530Fax (209) 521-0444

Payroll ServicesPaychex9 River Park Place East, Suite 210Fresno CA 93720(559) 432-1100Fax (844) 751-3600www.paychex.com

Pest Control ServicesBob’s Community Pest Control2911 Business ParkwayMerced CA 95348Bob Crites (209) 722-9923

Clark Pest Control1370 Merced AvenueMerced CA 95341TimO'Reilly (209) 383-0662www.clarkpest.com

D & D Pest Control870 Beechcraft AvenueMerced CA 95341Ramiro Rodriguez(209) 383-6070

Pet StoresArmstrong’s Pet World2941 G StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 722-2350

PharmaciesSan Joaquin Drug9215 E. Highway 140Planada CA 95365(209) 382-1291

PhotographersJohn Miller Photography645 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 761-8052

Physical Fitness/ExerciseCurves/Jenny Craig28 W. Olive AvenueMerced CA 95340TaraWhitledge (209) 722-8783www.curves.com

Rayford Shorin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo100 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 658-6955www.rayfordshorinryudojo.com

Physical TherapistsRascal Creek Physical Therapy3327 M Street, Suite AMerced CA 95348(209) 722-5408www.rascalcreekpt.com

Plumbing Supplies & Repair ServiceShannon Pump275 S. Highway 59Merced CA 95341(209) 723-3904

Postal Service/ShippingThe UPS Store3144 N. G StreetSuite 125Merced CA 95340(209) 723-8543Fax (209) 723-6014www.merced-ca2452.theupsstorelocal.com

Printing/CopyingBrightdart Print & Design528 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340Melissa Villegas(209) 385-3800www.brightdart.com

Quad Graphics2201 Cooper AvenueMerced CA 95340Lesley Peeler (209)384-0444

Seeger’s Printing210 N. Center StreetTurlock CA 95380Norma Ross (209) 667-2750www.seegersprinting.com

Propane/Gasoline/Oil DistributorsCardgas, Inc.1812 Canal StreetSuite118Merced CA 95340Chrissy Pazin (209)383-3223

Amarant Propane5500 Fleming RoadAtwater CA 95301(209) 358-2257

Property ManagementBear Creek Properties2825 G StreetMerced CA 95340Andrew Alkema(209) 233-9229www.bcpmerced.com

Real Property ManagementValley Wide2750 G Street, Suite LMerced CA 95340(209) 722-7761www.valleywiderpm.com

2018 PAGE 20PAGE 19 2018

Radio StationsKAMB 101.5 Celebration Radio90 East 16th StreetMerced CA 95340Tim Land (209) 723-1015

Radio Merced - MapletonCommunications1020 W.Main StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 723-2192

Real Estate/AppraisalAppraisal Alliance of Merced860 W. 19th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 726-0991www.appraisemerced.com

Bob ArnoldP.O. Box 272Merced CA 95341Bob (SA) Arnold(209) 617-8249

Real Estate/DevelopmentLyons Investments10555 Maze Blvd.Modesto CA 95358(209) 522-1762

Rucker Construction Inc.102 W. Alexander AvenueMerced CA 95348Micki Rucker (209)383-2640

Stonefield Home923 E.Pacheco Blvd., Suite CLos Banos CA 93635DanaHowell (209) 826-6200www.stonefieldhome.com

Real Estate/InvestmentCrescent ManagementCompanyP.O. Box 302, Palo Alto CA94302(800) 278-9880www.crescentmanagement.com

Real Estate/ManagementColdwell Banker/GonellaRealty701 W. Olive AvenueMerced CA 95348LorenGonella (209) 383-2171www.gonellarealty.com

Flanagan Realty2098 G StreetMerced CA 95340Kay Flanagan-Spinelli(209) 723-4337www.flanaganrealtor.com

Gonella Realty PropertyManagement/MondoBuilding701W. Olive AvenueMerced CA 95348Tina Winek (209) 383-6277www.gonellarentals.com

Heritage Management Group755 E. Yosemite Avenue Suite JMerced CA 95340Hilary Woodring(209) 383-2244 www.hmgt.com

Merced County Associationof Realtors635 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 725-2165www.mercedcounty.com

Tinetti Realty Group - Jacob Morgner2930 G StreetMerced CA 95340JacobMorgner (209) 617-2679www.mercedrealestate.com

Tinetti Realty Group2930 G StreetMerced CA 95340Steve Tinetti (209) 384-3885www.mercedrealestate.com

Recreational FacilitiesLos Banos Sportsman’sAssociationP.O. Box 746Los Banos CA 93635Larry Hernandez(209) 769-5581

RecyclersUniversal Service RecyclingMerced Inc.450 N. Tower RoadMerced CA 95341(209)233-3100 Fax(209)726-3126www.usrscrap.com

Rehabilitation HospitalsAnberry RehabilitationHospital1685 Shaffer RoadAtwater CA 95301(209) 357-3420Fax (209) 209-3566www.anberryhospital.com

Restaurants/CafésAlmond Tree Restaurant1490 Sycamore AvenueAtwater CA 95301(209) 358-6331

Bobcat Diner755 E. Yosemite AvenueSuite HMerced CA 95340(209) 354-4863www.bobcatdiner.com

Cooperation McDonald’s140HeronWay,MercedCA95340(209) 723-3716

Travelodge of Merced is a beautiful modern hotel withcomfortable, affordable accommodations. Guests may enjoy thewonders of the Sierra Nevadas at the Travelodge MercedYosemite hotel, located near Lake Yosemite and UC Merced.

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Brightdart Ad

Di Cicco’s Italian Restaurant of Merced3360 N. State Highway 59Merced CA 95348(209) 384-1801

Espana’s Restuarant1460 E. Pacheco Blvd.Los Banos CA 93635(209) 826-4041

Five.Ten.Bistro510 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340RobertMatsuo (209) 381-0280www.facebook.com/FiveTenBistroAfterFiveBar

King’s Asian Cuisine360 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 383-9838

Paul’s Place2991 G StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 723-1339

Port of Subs731 E. Yosemite, Suite EMerced CA 95340(209) 723-2436

Subway - Merced Mall851W. Olive AvenueMerced CA 95348Antonia Rayo (209) 383-1788

Sizzler1334 W. Olive AvenueMerced CA 95348Katie Myers (209) 723-7100

Strings Italian Café731 E.Yosemite AvenueSuite AMerced CA 95340Albert Simonian (209) 383-9777www.stringsitaliancafe.merced.com

Subway No. 450543360 Highway 59, Suite DMerced CA 95340Samantha Manager(209) 233-9348

Toni’s Courtyard Cafe516 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340Toni Fiorenza (209) 384-2580

Retail/Department StoresAtwater Village Shopping Center800 Garden Street, Suite KSanta Barbara CA 93101(805) 963-8621

Sears1011W. Olive AvenueMerced CA 95348Andrea Schwerandrea.schwer@searshc.comwww.sears.com

Walmart Stores Inc.3055 Loughborough DriveMerced CA 95348(209) 384-1275www.corporate.walmart.com

Screen Printing/EmbroiderySoccer City739 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 233-9003

Security Services/SystemsGuardco Security Services, Inc.1360 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340MaxHernandez (209)723-4273www.guardcosecurity.com

Hoffman Electronic Systems2301 Aviation DriveAtwater CA 95301BarbaraHoffman (209) 384-3305www.hoffmanelectronics.com

Pro Lube Incorporated23 E. 23rd StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 383-9000 PROtech Security &Electronics, Inc.104 E. 13th StreetMerced CA 95341(209) 388-1376www.protechsecurity.us

Self Storage/Storage Facilities Central Self Storage3 W. 23rd and G StreetsMerced CA 95340AlmoLorenzi (209) 777-2886www.centralselfstorage.com

Derrel’s Mini Storage Inc.2425 Santa Fe DriveMerced CA 95348Tammi Delatorre (209)722-9840

Senior Assisted Living/ Independent Living Mission Gardens1450 E. 27th StreetMerced CA 95340AmieMarchini (209)384-3300www.amiesmissiongardens.com

Park Merced3050 M StreetMerced CA 95348(209) 384-3300www.amiesseniorcare.com/parkmerced.html Sierra Meadows of Merced720 W. 15th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 383-0300

Senior Services Merced Senior Citizens, Inc.755 W. 15th StreetMerced CA 95340BettyHansen (209)385-8803

Shopping Centers Merced Mall Ltd.713 Merced MallMerced CA 95348Nanette Vilegas (209) 723-3981Fax (209) 723-3558www.mercedmall.com

Solar Power/Contractors APG Solar2339 N. Buhach RoadAtwater CA 95301(209) 358-1468www.centralvalleysolar.business.site Extreme Solar Solutions2315 Alabama StreetAtwater CA 95301(209) 489-0297www.extremesolarsolutions.com

TEA Solar3797 N. Highway 59, Suite BMerced CA 95348(209) 564-8359www.teasolar.com

Sporting Goods Big 5 Sporting Goods1746 W. Olive AvenueMerced CA 95348Kyle Bengtson (209)384-1079www.big5sportinggoods.com

Soccer City739 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340Armando Mendoza(209) 233-9003

Telecommunications/Communication Services/Sales AT&T5555 E. Olive Avenue, Room 108Fresno CA 93727(559) 454-3602

Creative Voice & Data Networking128 Heron Way, Suite DMerced CA 95341Ted Steffen (209) 723-6047 The Phone Connection3797 N. Highway 59Merced CA 95348Beth Wehtje (209) 383-4546www.the-phone-connection.com

Tire Dealers-Sales/Service Hansen Tire1631MStreet,Merced CA95340Cory Ruiz (209) 723-4181

Les Schwab Tire Center430 W. 16th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 722-0133 Tire World1021 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340DaveNannini (209) 384-8473

Title Insurance Providers Fidelity National TitleInsurance Company105 W. El PortalMerced CA 95340Gary Vondi (209) 722-3911www.fnf.com

TransCounty Title Company635 W. 19th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 383-4660www.transcountytitle.com

Translation Kramer Translation893 Massasso StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 385-0425Fax (209) 385-3747

Travel Agents Chamber Discoveries1300 E. Shaw AvenueSuite 127Fresno CA 93710(866) 952-2884Fax (559) 244-0316www.chamberdiscoveries.com

Trophies/Awards Ingraham Trophies & Gifts540 W. Main StreetMerced CA 95340Robin Ingraham, Jr.(209) 723-3091www.trophiesandplaques.com

Trucking/Transport West Mark2704 Railroad AvenueCeres CA 95307(209) 537-4747

Utilities Merced Irrigation District744 W. 20th StreetMerced CA 95340Mike Jensen (209) 722-5761www.mercedid.com Pacific Gas & Electric3185 M StreetMerced CA 95348(209) 726-6303 www.pge.com

Veterinarians Santa Fe Pet Hospital3113 N. Beachwood DriveMerced CA 95348(209) 722-0249Fax (209) 383-3259

Web Site Design/Hosting AuREUS Consultants, Inc.P.O. Box 3529Merced CA 95344-1529(209) 230-5818www.aureusconsultants.com

Mid Valley IT1170 W.OliveAvenue, Suite BMerced CA 95340(800) 931-2043www.midvalleyit.com

Wineries/Tasting Rooms Vista Ranch and Cellars7326 E. Highway 140Merced CA 95340Aide Marchini (209) 722-8200Fax (209) 722-8700www.vistacellars.com

To join the Greater Merced

Chamberof Commercecall (209) 384-7092stop by our offices at

531W. Main Street, Suite Bin Merced or visit

www.MercedChamber.com

2018 PAGE 22PAGE 21 2018

Guests at five.ten.bistro restaurant and bar have the option todine inside in a spacious and comfortable setting. But manychoose their outdoor seating, where they enjoy the fountain andpublic art in Bob Hart Square, or “people watch” in the scene ofMain Street in downtown Merced.

An APG Solar customer had a solar system installed in 2016 topower his home and outdoor swimming pool area. His twoground mounted arrays include 44 panels and generate enoughpower to reduce his electric bill that once ran $700 a monthdown to only $6.

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Dave Luna of K97.5-KABX, also known as “Radio Merced,” recordsa commercial to air for a local business. KABX can be heard acrossthe valley playing your favorites of yesterday and today.

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2018 PAGE 24PAGE 23 2018

MercedCounty has approximately 5,500 businessemployers. Government agencies, school districtsand educational institution also employ many

local citizens.The County of Merced is the largest employer

in the government sector, followed by citygovernments in descending order of population.Education organizations – including UC Merced,Merced College, Merced County Office of Educationand the several elementary and high school districtsin the county – employ significant numbers.

Mercy Medical Center and Golden Valley HealthCenters employ hundreds of health care employees,along with many medical clinics and professionals.

Retailers with multiple locations in the countythat have significant employees include Walmart,Target, Save Mart, Home Depot and Lowe’s. Retail

and service employment as a sector accounts for morethan half of all private business employment.

Manufacturing and processing businesses, num-bering around 135 county-wide, are large employers.Food processing and packaging operations accountfor much of the employment base, although othersectors such as printing, watercraft and buildingmaterials, contribute significant numbers.

Merced County’s manufacturing employmentbase has been relatively stable and employs about13,200 people. The single largest employer is FosterFarms, with more than 3,500 workers.

Among the largest employers in MercedCounty are: Borrell USA, Nut Harvesting Equipment;California Fiber Drum, Food Containers/Fiber Drums;E&J Gallo Winery/Ranch, Ranch,Vineyard andWinery;Fine Line Industries, Boat Manufacturing; Foster

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Farms, Poultry; Frito Lay, Snack Distribution; GreifInc., Metal Containers; Hilmar Cheese, Cheese andRestaurant; Dole Frozen Foods, Frozen Fruits; JohnB. Sanfilippo and Son, Nuts; KODA Farms, RiceProducts; Live Oaks Farms, Fruits, Vegetable Growerand Shipper; Malibu Boats, Competition Boats;McLane Pacific, Labels and Packing; Morning StarPacking, Tomato Canning and Packing; NCI BuildingSystems, Building Materials; Olde World Corpora-tion/Great Spaces USA, Cabinet and StorageManufacturing; Passion Fruit Farms, Grocers-Whole-sale; Pusateri Nut Co., Nuts; Quad Graphics, Printing;Richwood Meats, Meat Packing and Sales; Rotoplas,Water, Feed and Chemical Storage; RTS Packing,Packing; Scholle Corporation, Bags and Packing;Sensient Dehydrating, Dehydrating Vegetables;Teasdale Quality Foods, Canning; Safeway/Lucerene,Bottling, Salsa and Jams, Packing; White Oak FrozenFoods, Reduced Moisture Frozen Vegetables; and,Yosemite Wholesale, Wholesale Grocers.

ROTOPLAS CHOSEMERCED FOR ITS FIRST

U.S.A. SITE

The facility in Merced wasthe first plant we openedhere in the U.S. We have

since opened two additional plants,in Fort Worth, Texas and near

Atlanta, Georgia. Merced is ideallylocated to serve the fast growingmetropolitan and agricultural

centers, both in Northernand Southern California.

C. Austin ChoateU.S. National Sales Manager

Rotoplas Group

Rotoplas manufactures polyethylene storagetanks for residential and commercial watercatchment and storage (cisterns and irrigation) aswell as poly tanks for fertilizer/ chemical transportand storage (widely used in agriculture).

The company has grown to operate morethan 20 plants located in 13 countries. Thecompany started in Mexico more than 40 years ago.The Merced facility opened in 2015 and employsan average of 20 workers, with a springtimeseasonal increase.

“

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Shoppers choose holiday pumpkins at Vista Ranch and Cellar’sannual Pumpkin Patch event. The ranch, a popular touristdestination, includes farm plots, a vineyard, a wine tasting room,an outdoor picnic area and an event center.

Merced Mall has served California’s Central Valley and mountain residents since 1969. It’s the only enclosed regional mall within a43-mile radius. Its anchors are national retailers JCPenney, Target, Kohl’s and Sears, plus over 70 stores and specialty shops. Themall is undergoing extensive renovations to add entertainment and activities, more outdoor shopping, trendy dining options and atwo story movie theatre. Completion is expected by 2020.

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2018 PAGE 26PAGE 25 2018

GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGES

Located within a two hour drive from San Fran-cisco, San Jose, Sacramento and Fresno, thegreater Merced area is in easy reach of major

population areas of California. With its centrallocation, proximity to natural resources and abundanceof affordable land, Merced County attracts businesses.

Because the location is a natural transporationhub, Merced County has emerged as a financial,industrial, trade and commercial capital for theCentral Valley. More than 1.2 million acres run fromthe Coast Range to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada,the county includes six incorporated cities: Merced,Atwater, Livingston, Los Banos, Dos Palos and Gustine.

Our climate is unique. Merced enjoys dry,rainless summers and winters with cool, rainy daysand foggy mornings. Average rainfall is about 10inches, but in the eastern portion of the countywhere higher elevations are found,precipitation can exceed 34 inches ina year.

With vast wetlands and some ofthe world’s most fertile agricultural land,Merced County enjoys an unparalleleddiversity. Our soils consist of an agri-culturally rich alluvial plain which wasformed by the Chowchilla, San Joaquinand Merced rivers. More than one

million acres are used for agricultural purposes, withabout half used for grazing livestock.

Due to the absence of seismic faults within 60miles, Merced County is seismically stable, whichhelps assure uninterrupted operations, unfazed byevents occurring in other areas of the state or theregion.

READY WORKFORCE

Merced County is one of the fastest growing areasin the state. There are more than two millionpeople living within a one-hour drive. Businesses coming to Merced are able to take

advantage of a large and ready workforce. Rising costand operating constraints for businesses in SouthernCalifornia and the San Francisco Bay Area are insharp contrast to the Merced area’s open space andaffordability.

Above: Merced Farmer Paul Thao works on his field of strawberries alongHighway 140 in West Merced. Thao embraces a holistic approach to working withlocal produce. He prefers to keep a close eye on his crop, which he sells to bothdistributors and the general public directly, over making use of heavy pesticides.

Left: At the crossing of Highway 59 and the San Joaquin River, a public riveraccess including a boat launch, allows fishing, hiking and simply enjoying thebeauty of the Merced area landscape and wildlife.

Workers are able to purchase a home in MercedCounty and provide a traditional upbringing for theirchildren.

PLANNING for GROWTH

The economic base of the county is driven byagriculture, which is a multi-billion dollar industy.Three of the world’s largest food processing facil-

ities – Foster Farms, Hilmar Cheese and MorningstarPacking – along with one of the largest wineries (E&JGallo) are located in Merced County.

While Merced will remain a leader in agricul-tural production in the near future, the local economyis set for growth in new areas that support industry,innovation and entrepreneurs. The resulting higheremployee incomes support growth for retail opera-tions. The expanded array of goods and services willimprove lifestyle and prosperity for all residents.

The cities and County of Merced have embraceda regional perspective and support the valley-wideinitiatives of the California. One of the best examplesof regional teamwork is the Enterprise Zone, whichoffers significant savings to local businesses thatinvest or hire within the county.

Supporting innovation and technology, devel-oping the region, and making it able to compete forinvestment and jobs are the main goals for the area.Fostering research, commercializing new productsand enabling advanced technologies are key toexpanding economic diversity in the county.

The county’s goal of growing the economyincludes the retention and expansion of all existingenterprises, new business investments, employmentgeneration, improved services for residents and visitors,and a better quality of life that includes better accessto health care, less commuting, higher incomes andstabilized home ownership for residents.

The opening of Merced High School’s Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union branch office allows student tellers to learnabout financial literacy while getting job experience. MSEFCU now has student-run offices in four high schools.

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2018 PAGE 28PAGE 27 2018

Highway SystemThe road system in Merced County includes

about 30 miles of federal interstates, 330 miles ofstate highways and 1,050 miles of major countyroads taking travelers to all parts of the county andbeyond.

Traffic volumes vary from a high of 75,000vehicles per day on State Route 99 to roads withfewer than 1,000 vehicles traveling per day. Trafficon most of the roads in the county is well below theirphysical capacity.

Mass TransitThe Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced

County (TJPAMC) is the single consolidated publictransit service provider in the county. They admin-ister and govern the countywide transit service,known as “The BUS,” with an 11 member board ofelected officials: one each from the cities of Atwater,Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, andMerced, along with five members of the Board ofSupervisors of Merced County.

The BUS operates 15 routes throughout thecounty, two deviated fixed routes serving Dos Palosand Gustine, general “dial-a-ride” within the cities ofDos Palos, Gustine and Los Banos, and paratransitservice that compliments the fixed route services.

The Bus offers many safety and conveniencefeatures. All of the buses in the fleet have ramps or

TRANSPORTATION

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Passengers board and depart an Amtrak commuter train at theMerced Amtrak depot (MCD). Designed with an Arts and Craftsaesthetic, the depot is an important gateway to nearby Mariposa,El Portal and Yosemite National Park. Merced is on the “SanJoaquins” line with service to Los Angeles in the South, SanFranciso (with connection to BART) in the Northwest orSacramento in the Northeast. Passengers may tour YosemiteValley, including the most famous National Park sites, usingAmtrak’s YARTS program departing from MCD.

Boutique Air flys three roundtrips from Merced Regional Airport (MCE) to Los Angeles (LAX) and two roundtrips to Oakland (OAK)most days of the week using Beechcraft King Air 350 turboprop aircraft.

Above: In 2015 passengers on The BUS took 874,056 trips*around town or to visit other towns in Merced County. Buses arefully accessible and equipped with bicycle racks.

Right: Robert Tyler, Chairperson for the City of Merced’s BicycleAdvisory Commission, rides his bicycle from home to work and back daily. The city’s commitment to being a bicycle-friendlyenvironment has resulted in the construction of more than 70 miles of bike paths.

* SOURCE: U.S. Department of Transportation National Transit Database; Monthly Module Adjusted Data Release

Sacramento) and Bakersfield, where Amtrak Thruwaybuses connect you to great Southern Californiadestinations. Other stops along the way includeStockton, Modesto, Merced, Martinez and Fresno.Easy Thruway bus connections to San Francisco aremade at Emeryville.

The Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) willreceive $400 million for service expansion to Mercedand Stanislaus Counties as a key component of theTransportation Funding Measure (SB1) which wasapproved by the Legislature in April 2017. ACEis expected to extend service to Ceres no laterthan 2023.

Started in1998, ACE runs four daily round tripsstarting at the Cabral Station in downtown Stockton,through the Tri-Valley, and into downtown San Jose.ACE carries over 1.3 million riders a year. Ridershiphas doubled since 2011.

“ACE service to Modesto, Ceres, Turlock, andMerced will bring great economic benefit to ourregion – providing a safe, reliable, affordable andcomfortable alternative to driving to the Bay Area.

The I-580/I-680 Altamont Corridor is certainly oneof the most congested traffic corridors in the State,”said Senator Cannella.

The High-Speed Rail station in Merced will belocated adjacent to State Route 99 and the UnionPacific Rail Road line on Martin Luther King Jr. Wayat Highway 59 near the State Route 99 interchange.The City of Merced and California High-Speed RailAuthority are working together to develop a stationarea plan serving downtown Merced, UC Merced,Merced County and the upper Central Valley.

Two railroad companies provide freight servicethrough Merced County: Union Pacific Transpor-tation Company and Burlington Northern. UnionPacific operates 84 miles of track in both the easternand western parts of the county. Burlington NorthernRailway Company maintains 43 miles of track withinthe western part of the county.

Both companies provide freight rail service.Freight is moved by several types of rail car, includ-ing: flat bed, piggy-back, refrigerated, fuel tanker andregular stock box cars. Industrial and agriculturalcompanies in the county regularly use freight railservice. The largest of these users are located in thecities of Merced, Atwater and Los Banos.

2018 PAGE 30PAGE 29 2018

lifts and can accommodate two or three wheelchairs.There are multiple video cameras on all of the busesfor passenger safety. Each bus has a bike rack on thefront of the bus what will accommodate two to threebicycles on a first-come-first-served basis.

People may track the location of their desiredbus in real time, with arrival prediction by going tothebuslive.com or downloading the “MercedTheBus”APP from GooglePlay or iTunes. Riders may enjoyfree Wi-Fi on all buses.

The Bus also offers a curb-to-curb paratransitservice to people with disabilities who cannot get toand from the bus stops or on and off the busdependably. To apply, visit www.adaride.com or call(877)232-7433.

Regional AirportThe Merced Regional Airport/Macready Field

(MCE) offers a short commute from the Greater Mercedarea, free parking, simple check-ins, short lines andprofessional TSA baggage inspection services. Takinga commuter flight from MCE is much faster than thelong drives to San Francisco or Oakland airports andmuch easier than driving south to Orange County orLos Angeles.

In addition to housing the exceptional andreliable service of Boutique Air, MCE offers facilitiesfor general aviation aircraft, Avis and Enterprise carrental agencies, the Gateway Air Center for privateaircraft, offices for government agencies, great conces-sionaires, and hangars for corporate and privateaircraft.

Bicycle TrailsThe City of Merced’s bikeway system is one of

the best in the nation. With more than 70 miles ofBicycle Lanes and Routes that run throughout theCity, and near Lake Yosemite and UC Merced. North-south routes includes G Street, R Street and V Street.East-west routes are on Childs Avenue, 11th Street,East Main Street and Yosemite Avenue. Bicyclistscan get almost anywhere in the city by using thebikeways.

Class One bike paths run along Bear Creek andBlack Rascal Creek, and extend from McKee Road toHighway 59.

Railway SystemsAmtrak’s “San Joaquins” line runs multiple

times daily between the San Francisco Bay Area (or

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2018 PAGE 32PAGE 31 2018

Merced County boasts a rich history that wasinfluenced by Native Americans, Spaniards,Mexicans and the 1849 Gold Rush.The first people to live in the area were the

Yokut and Miwok tribes, who lived peacefully forthousands of years. By the 1700s, there were about18,000 Native Americans living in what would be-come Merced County.

In 1806 Merced County got its name fromSpanish soldiers who were traveling through thearea during the hot summer. They came to a riverwhich they named “El Rio De Merced,” or the riverof mercy. The Merced River gave the area its name.

The Gold Rush brought thousands of newpeople to the area, hoping to strike it rich. The rail-road came through bringing people and supplies.

The town of Merced was born. By 1872, land wasbeing sold and town began taking shape.

The county seat was moved from Snelling toMerced. A three-story courthouse was built in 1875.Now on the National Register of Historic Places, it’sone of the oldest historic buildings in California andis still open to the public as the Merced CountyCourthouse Museum. Historic exhibits, art exhibi-tions, performers and events are held in the buildingand surrounding park.

Settlers to the area soon discovered that thearea had rich soil, perfect for growing crops. AndMerced also prided itself on being known as the“Gateway to Yosemite.™” Agriculture still dominatesthe county, but the campus of the University of Cali-fornia, Merced is now a major influence in the area.

MERCED’S HISTORY

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Playhouse Merced was founded as a communitytheater in 1994. It has brought plays to the area formore than 20 years. Everything from comedy to

drama and children’s offerings are performed. Theorganization’s Children’s Conservancy providesafter-school instruction in acting, voice and dance,along with offering production opportunities andtwo summer camps.

The Merced Symphony, organized in 1958,provides first-quality classical music to Merced audi-ences. The regular season includes classical concertsand special events, including the popular children’sand family concerts, presented to school childrenduring the day and to a community audience in theevening.

For many years, the Merced Theatre in Down-town Merced showed movies every day. Built in 1931,the theater opened on Halloween that year with themovie “Local Boy Makes Good,” starring Joe E. Brown.

The theater is Spanish Colonial style. It was apopular place for local residents to catch the latestmovies. It was the second building to have air con-ditioning in Merced and was built with the mostmodern projection and sound technology available

More than 60 theater students participated in the PlayhouseMerced performance of “Cinderella,” Directed by DanaelleRodriguez. This rehearsal of the famous slipper-fitting sceneincludes actors ranging from a young four-and-a-half years oldto high school students.

Merced County’s Old Courthouse Museum provides the perfect setting for high school mock trial competitions. It’s monumentalfeeling bolsters the students as they present the first trials held in the historic building since it closed from official court duty in 1975.Larry D. Morse II, Merced County District Attorney, served as the presiding judge during the 2017 Mock Trials. The museum houses8500 square feet of exhibits, both permanent and rotating, which depict the history of Merced County and settlers of the Great CentralValley. This three-story courthouse, built in 1875, is one of the oldest historical buildings in California. It is listed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places as designed by State Capital Architect, Albert A. Bennett with an Italianate architectural style.

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at that time. The theater seated more than1,600 peopleand was home to both movies and live performancesfor more than 47 years.

After the theatre closed, the City of MercedRedevelopment Agency purchased the building andrestored the venue. Merced Theatre has become anicon of the city and is one of the most recognizedbuildings in Merced.

The theatre is home to the Art Kamanger Centerand hosts a variety of entertainment acts includingA-List performers. Regal Hollywood Merced 13 on Main Street is a

modern movie multiplex, complete with 3D andiMax screens and a Dolby sound system, inside anhistoric downtown building.The UA Regency 7 is also a Regal Cinema theater.

It’s in Merced Mall and offers high technology enter-

tainment, comfortable stadium seating and popularfirst run movies.Both movie houses bring the best of big screen en-

tertainment for young children, adults and datenights for younger adults.

TheMerced Multicultural Arts Center (MAC)building is a 28,000-square-foot multipurpose artscenter. It provides both a gallery space and a per-formance venue. The MAC features four art galleriesfor showings by local and visiting artists, the co-opArbor Gallery, the 2,400 sq. ft. “Black Box” theatre,and a variety of classrooms for teaching visual andperforming arts. Exhibits are rotated every three-fourmonths.

The MAC is operated by the Merced County ArtsCouncil, whose mission is to inspire and nurture thearts in Merced County.

The Merced Art Hop (MAH) isan arts fair and community event thathappens four times a year in down-town Merced. People enjoy a strolldown Main Street, taking in the workof local artists. MAH Epekel Galleryshowcases the work of local artists.

The MAH Pub Crawl, held twicea year, leads participants to Down-town establishments to make merryand enjoy a scavenger hunt, raffles anddoor prizes.

2018 PAGE 34PAGE 33 2018

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Nestled within a diverse landscape, Merced Countyoffers recreational opportunities for tourists andlocal residents, whether home bodies or adven-

ture seekers.Yosemite National Park, located up Highway140

in Mariposa County, is such breathtaking and ruggedcountry that it became our nation’s very first nationalpark. It’s a popular attraction, with more than fourmillion visitors a year. In the park’s thousand-plus acresof scenery, visitors may experience Half Dome,El Capitan, Tuolumne Meadows and a variety of water-falls. Guided bus tours available to visitors, andfor the more adventurous, there is rock climbing,rafting on the Merced River, bicycling, snowshoeingand skiing in the winter. More information aboutYosemite National Park and its attractions may befound at www.nps.gove/yos/.

Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System(YARTS) offers hassle-free bus rides to the park year-round. There is ample room for bicycles and luggage.Buses depart daily from the Merced Transportation Cen-ter. YARTS bus fares include roundtrip transportationand park admission. For information or tickets visitwww.yarts.com/routes-and-schedules/merced-hwy-140/.

Merced Senior Community Center is a busy andversatile facility located at 755 W. 15th Street in down-town Merced. The Merced County Area Agency onAging provides the following services on an ongoingbasis:

• Health Insurance Counseling • Mature Driver’s Course.• Lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. for $1.75 per person.

• Sunday Ballroom Dancing every fourth Sunday of the month from 1 to 5 p.m.

• Pool Room & Library open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monthly meetings of organizations including theInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,AARP’s local chapter and Merced Senior Citizens Inc.Other activities at the Senior Center include play-

ing cards and games, line dancing and yoga.Applegate Community Park is located at 1045

W. 25th Street, between R and M Streets. The park is32.37 acres and includes the Applegate Park Zoo andKiddieland amusement park. The zoo has been hometo many wild animals in need of a safe place to live.It has approximately 75 native California mammals,

PARKS & RECREATION

Above: The annual Merced FEAST (Festival Engaging Agriculture Sustainabilityto the Table), held each September by the Merced Main Street Association, servesguests on a long banquet table running continuously from Canal Street to M Street.

Right: The Merced County Sheriff’s Posse is shown participating in the 2017Merced Veterans Day Parade. The Posse was selected for the honor of representingCalifornia at the Jan. 20, 2017 Inauguration of President Donald Trump. They haveperformed at three previous Presidential Inaugurations.

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2018 PAGE 36PAGE 35 2018

birds and reptiles, most of which came from wildliferescue centers.

Kiddieland, operated by the Kiwanis Club ofGreater Merced since 1957 has been an asset to thecommunity for nearly six decades. Children mayride six amusement rides for a nominal fee of 50cents each. The Kiddieland Express train ride costsonly $1 to ride. Kiddieland is usually very busy onweekends. Special parties may be held by reserva-tion on weekends prior to the park’s opening.

Merced Youth Sports Complex is a 12.34 acrefacility on the1800 Block of Wardrobe Avenue. It hasballfields, restrooms, soccer fields, drinking foun-tains and a concession stand.

Lake Yosemite, located right next to theUC Merced campus on Lake Road in Merced, offerssailing, swimming and picnic grounds. The lake is areservoir owned by Merced Irrigation District. It’swater is distributed to local growers to support theregion’s strong agriculture industry. The park at LakeYosemite is operated by the County of Merced. It’samenities include the Fish and Game Building, ScoutIsland, Veteran’s Cove, Rotary Cove I and RotaryCove II.

The City of Merced has graciously set aside asignificant amount of land for parks in its neighbor-hoods. Many include playgrounds and sports fields:

• Dwight Amey Park• Bernasconi Park• Black Rascal Creek Bike Way Park• Bob Carpenter Neighborhood Park• Brooks Park• Burbank Park

• Davenport Park• Fredrick Douglas Park• Charles Richard Drew Park• Dennis Chavez Park• Fahrens Park• Fahrens Park Old & Bike Path• Flanagan Park• Carolo Gabriault Park • William Lloyd Garrison Park• Ada Givens Park• Stephan Gray Park• Hagaman Park• Hansen Park• Henderson Park• Joe Herb Park• Stephen Leonard Park• MacReady Park• Gilbert Macias Park• McNamara Community Park• Rudolph Joseph Merino Park• Elmer Murchie Park• Rahilly Park• Diego Rivera Park• Santa Fe Strip Park• Benjamin Tannager Memorial Park• Harriet Tubman Park• Love Veasley Family ParkSmall Neighborhood Parks:• 11th & H Streets• E. 12th & G Streets

Merced Dog Park is on eight acres at WestYosemite Avenue and R Street. Its amenities includedrinking fountains, bocce ball courts, picnic tables,restrooms, walking paths, bike paths, small dog area,any size dog area and pet waste bag dispensers.

People who spend time in the Merced area oftenexpress appreciation for the feeling of openhospitality they experience: a nice hotel stay,

great food at distinctive local restaurants, and thequaint and artsy walkable downtown.

“We celebrate what we grow and who we are,” isthe way Chamber CEO/President Manuel Alvaradoputs it. “We’re a diverse multi-cultural group that’sdeeply embedded in an agriculture community.”

Whether people come for adventure in one ofthe nearby National Parks and rivers, for a collegeconference, to enjoy touring farmland and tastingfresh foods and wines, or just to visit family –Merced will hang out its “Welcome” sign. It offersammenities to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

Because of its central location, Merced is aperfect home base for day trips to any part of theCentral Valley. It’s within a couple of hours’ drive ofwine country, gold country, timberlands, ski resorts,Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Monterey, and San Jose. AndMerced is the “Gateway to Yosemite!”

These are some favorite spots in Merced Countyvisitors enjoy:• Castle Air Museum

It’s home to over 70 restored vintage military aircraft rangingfrom pre-WWII to present-day fighters, including an “Air ForceOne” which served six Presidents. The museum houses a fascin-ating collection of wartime memorabilia, uniforms, historic photosand personal military artifacts from the past century. It displaysthe most complete lineage of Bomber Aircraft on the WestCoast dating from prior WWII to the end of the Cold War .

• Hilmar Cheese CompanyLearn how cheese is made and explore interactive, hands-on exhibits about cows, dairies and cheesemaking. Visitor’sCenter, restaurant and gift shop on site. Tours available.

TOURISM

At the Applegate Park Zoo Rossotti Ed-Zoo-Cation Center,families were greeted by Merced County Master Gardeners eagerto teach them about the important role that butterflies play in ahealthy ecosystem. They witnessed a release of Monarch andPainted Lady butterflies. Since 1962, Applegate Park Zoo hasbeen home to many wild animals, including native Californiamammals, birds, and reptiles, most of which came from wildliferescue centers. The Merced Zoological Society (MZS) operatesthe gift shop and hosts special events and fundraisers to supportof the zoo operations.

The Merced National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 10,258 acres of wetlands, native grasslands, vernal pools, and riparian areas. Itwas established in 1951 under the Lea Act to attract wintering waterfowl from adjacent farmland, host to the largest winteringpopulations of lesser Sandhill cranes and Ross’ geese along the Pacific Flyway. Each autumn more than 20,000 cranes and 60,000arctic-nesting geese terminate their annual migrations from Alaska and Canada to make the Refuge home for six months. Here theymingle with thousands of other visiting waterfowl, water birds, and shorebirds.

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Local children escape the summer heat at McNamara Pool.Located in McNamara Park at 1040 Canal Street, the pool opensThursdays through Sundays during June and July.

Young residents learn the ins and outs of sailing during asummer camp at Lake Yosemite put on by the Lake YosemiteSailing Association.

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The Greater Merced communityenjoys events and festivals held bylocal non-profits, schools and privateclubs. Here are a few of our annualfavorites:• Art Hop (Downtown 4 times a year)

• Arts Merced Festival • Atwater Chamber Fall Festival • Atwater Christmas Parade• Atwater Fourth of July Celebration & Parade

• Open Cockpit Day (Twice a year at Castle Air Museum)

• Central Valley Blues Festival• Fall Fest Hot Boat Exhibition

(at Lake McSwain)

• Fall Trout Fishing Derby(at Lake McSwain)

• Fog Jog Fun Run (at Lake Yosemite)

• Gateway Quilters Guild Show• Heartland Festival• Hilmar Cheese Holiday Extravaganza

• Hmong New Year Celebration• Hot Summer Nights Car Show• Livingston Kite Festival• Livingston Sweet Potato Festival• LobsterFest (Hosted by Greater Merced Chamber)

• Los Banos Tomato Festival• Love Merced• Bill Kirby Western BBQ & Auction• Merced Christmas Parade• Merced College Aggiefest• Merced College Hartfest• Merced County Fair• MercedFEAST (Hosted by Merced Main Street Assn.)

• Merced Shakespeare Festival

• Merced Veterans Parade• Mercy Medical Center Family Festival,Health Fair & 5K Run

• Movies at the Park• “Pick and Gather” (at Riverdance Farms)

• Playhouse Merced Gala Dinner• Polynesian Dance Festival Tahiti Fete• Spring Fling Car Show (at Lake McSwain)

• Spring Trout Fishing Derby (at Lake McSwain)

• Tea Party (at Old Courthouse Museum)

• Turkey Trot Fun Run (at Applegate Park)

• Western Shootout Drag Boat Races (at Lake McSwain)

• Zoo Boo at Applegate Park Zoo

2018 PAGE 38PAGE 37 2018

• Laura’s FountainThis fountain was built in 1888 by Charles Huffman inmemory of his beloved wife Laura. Originally established infront of the El Capitan Hotel, it was moved to its currenthome in Applegate Park in 1935.

• Merced Antique MallIn an 8,000 square foot Main Street facility, 35 antique dealersshowcase treasures from all categories of collectibles.

• Merced Certified Farmers MarketOn Saturday mornings local farmers bring a bountifulvariety of fresh foods they have harvested to the FarmersMarket in Downtown Merced. You may ask any questionsand get the answer directly from the growers.

• Merced County Fair The Fair brings great fun and entertainment every June:music headliners, rodeo events, auto and motorcycle racing,tractor pulls, midway fun, rides and thrills for all ages! Thefair presents an array of exhibits including agriculture,horticulture, floriculture, fine art, photography, crafts,hobbies, home arts (such as baking and sewing),mechanical science, and large and small animal showing,judging and auctions.

• Merced Fruit BarnLocated on East Highway 140 heading towards Yosemite, theFruit Barn offers a variety of locally dried fruit and nuts,fresh produce, deli sandwiches, gift baskets, and unique giftitems. Families enjoy their picnic areas and interaction withbarnyard animals.

• Merced National Wildlife RefugeMany interpretive amenities throughout the RefugeComplex help visitors understand the importance of Valleywildlife. Look for information kiosks, elevated viewing

platforms, and interpretive panels along the auto tourroutes and nature trails. There are diverse opportunities forwaterfowl hunting, such as free-roam, using blinds, andhunting by boat.

• Merced Swap MeetLocals flock to this hometown flea market to find treasures,great produce, and friendly vendors. You never know whatyou will find!

• Orchid BarnWith over 140,000 square feet of land and three largegreenhouses, the Barn grows Cybidiums, Dendrobiums andPhalaenopsis Orchids in a variety of colors andarrangments. They started the business in Korea andsuccessfully expanded to the United States in 1999.

• Rancho Del Rey Golf CourseWhether you’re looking for lunch at the Handicap Café andLounge or bringing your friends for a full game, you’ll lovethis course designed by Bob E. Baldock. Rancho is a semiprivate 18-hole, par 72 parkland golf course with a fulldriving range and two practice putting greens.

• San Luis Reservoir State Recreation AreaSan Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is noted forboating, board sailing, camping, fishing and picnicking.Led by a trained Naturalist, the “Path of the Padres” hike (51/2 miles roundtrip) explores the wilderness area whereSpanish Padres from Mission San Juan Bautista oncetraveled.

• Vista Ranch and CellarsIn 2010, Vista Ranch began with the hope to share anagriculture experience with those who visit. Its amenitiesinclude farm plots, a vineyard, a wine tasting room, anoutdoor picnic area, seasonal events and an event center.

VISITOR CENTERON YOUR WAY

TOUR TASTE SHOP EAT & SPECIAL EVENTS

9001 N. Lander Avenue/HWY 165 Hilmar, CA 95324 209.656.1196 800.577.5772 hilmarcheese.com

HOME OF THE “BIG CHEESE”

The Livingston-Merced and Cortez chapters of the Japanese American CitizensLeague began work in 2008 on a monument to commemorate the 4,669 detainees ofJapanese ancestry who spent their summer of 1942 at the Merced Assembly Center.At its dedication a year later, the Japanese-American Detainment Camp Memorialthey made was dedicated to Japanese-Americans who were taken from their lives,homes and businesses, and sent to internment camps during WWII. After the war,the fairgrounds was turned over to the 35th District Agricultural Association andthe fair returned in 1946 with a record-breaking attendance of 30,000 people.

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Merced Transpo Center gives Merced’s California Welcome Center a large entrance and plenty of parking. It has brochures and maps –free of charge to its visitors – from the Merced area and destinations all over the state. Souvenirs are available at its gift shop, includinglocally-made products like Buchanan Hollow Nuts from Le Grand.

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Merced County has the unique position ofbeing one of the biggest agriculture regions in theworld. Future Farmers of American (FFA) and 4-Hstudents learn about agriculture, starting as young asfirst grade. Students are able to raise livestock, alongwith learning life skills, by participating in theseprograms.

Merced County honors students and teacherswho excel at their craft. The Merced County AcademicDecathlon is a way for students to compete scholas-tically with their peers in a challenging and rewardingcontest. Top students receive scholarships. Teachersare also honored.

Since the early1960s,Merced College has offeredclasses to students, including lifelong learning classes,career and job skills workshops academic offeringsand community-based learning.

Growth is the major goal of Merced College,including personal and professional growth, alongwith business and workforce growth. Their goal ofdeveloping healthy individuals and a healthy societyis why the college focuses on student success.

Merced College continues to expand its instruc-tional facilities with renovated and newclassrooms and support service buildings.

In 2002, local voters approvedbond measures for both the Mercedand Los Banos campuses of the college.Because of the bonds, the college hasintroduced its students to a new learn-ing center, the Bill and Dorothy BizziniInterdisciplinary Academic Center,the new downtown Business ResourceCenter, completely renovated science,math and engineering buildings, theremodeled Lesher Student ServiceCenter, Barker Administration Buildingand the Student Union. For more than50 years, Merced College has remainedone of the most vital and importantengines of personal and professionalgrowth in the region.

Merced is home of the tenthcampus of the University of Californiasystem. Located near Lake Yosemite,the campus opened on Sept. 5, 2005.It was the first new public American

research university in the 21st century. Almost 100professors and faculty members lead students inpursuing their chosen majors.

In January 2018 the UC Merced DowntownCampus Center was opened, showing their commit-ment to be in Merced long term and to be an activepart of this community.

The Downtown Campus Center is believed tobe the most energy efficient building of the entire UCMerced campus. It’s an all electric power systemwith hydronic radiant heating in the floors. It’s threestories high and holds 67,400 square feet of offices,seminar and conference rooms and mixed-use spacesto accommodate up to 370 employees. The studentbody grows every year, and more than 75 clubs areavailable for students.

The list of UC Merced’s research strengthsincludes climate change; renewable energy; waterquality and resources; artificial intelligence; cogni-tive science; stem-cell, diabetes and cancer research;air quality; big-data analysis; computer science;mechanical, environmental and materials engineer-ing; political science; and much, much more.

In Merced County, more than 20 school districts, madeup of more than 104 schools, gives today’s studentsthe best education possible. Many years see increasedscores in California’s Academic Performance Indextests for the 55,000 students in kindergarten throughhigh school in the county.

Along with numerous preschools and privatechild care facilities in Merced County, many publicschools also offer state-run preschools or Head Startprograms. Head Start offers students with disabil-ities, which make up about 15 percent of the studentpopulation, an opportunity to be in classes withnon-handicapped students to foster diversity.

Career technical education is a growing cur-riculum in Merced County. Regional occupationalprograms are available at high schools, which helpstrengthen students’ skills in both emerging technol-ogies and traditional vocational areas.

Merced Educational Television Station offersstudents a chance to learn about technologies usedin the media. Students broadcast and web-stream

local and syndicated education programming 24 hoursa day.

Leadership groups are at the forefront of provi-ding needed skills to students. The “P-16 Council”promotes coordination between preschools, K-12schools, colleges and universities. The outcome isincreased success in learning and, ultimately, incareer achievement.

“Get SET,”which stands for Science Engineeringand Technology, sends UC students to elementaryand high school sites in Merced to provide sciencedemonstrations. They engage younger students andincrease interest in science and math.

Merced College is an important ally to CareerTechnical Education (CTE), and early education. If astudent takes, and passes, a CTE class in high school,they are eligible for college credit for that coursewhen they successfully pass the college credit exam.

Along the same lines, students taking automotiveservices class may earn credits at Merced College byputting in extra hours after their school day ends.

EDUCATION

Superintendent and President of Merced College,Chris Vitelli welcomes residents to the openingceremony of the Field of Honor in celebration ofVeterans Day. Numerous community organiza-tions host the annual event to honor V eterans’service by allowing community members toplace flags with their loved ones’ information ina large display of flags.

Above: A Merced High Bears receiver makes their way past thedefensive line and continues down the field after a stunningpass during the team’s homecoming game.

Left: Merced Mayor Mike Murphy and UC Merced ChancellorDorothy Leland use the giant scissors to cut the ceremonialribbon for the new Downtown Campus Center at its GrandOpening Jan. 23, 2018. P

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migrant and seasonal farm workers and their fam-ilies, and to provide culturally appropriate care forlimited English speaking patients.

University Surgery CenterAn outpatient center that is owned and oper-

ated by local physicians, University Surgery Centeroffers a wide variety of medical procedures toMercedians, including bariatric surgery, cardiology,general surgery, ophthalmology and more. Locatedat1390 Yosemite Avenue in north Merced, the centeropened in 2002. More than 95 percent of patientsgive the center an “excellent” rating for their care.

Mercy Cancer CenterMercy Cancer Center, which is affiliated with

Mercy Medical Center in Merced, offers medical andradiation oncology, including university-affiliatedclinics experts and state-of-the-art technology treat-ment options and education resources. The center isan affiliate of the well-known U.C. Davis CancerNetwork.

Mercy Cancer Center is located at 3850 G Streetin Merced.

Valley Childrens HospitalValley Childrens Hospital is located south of

Merced in the City of Madera. Their Merced PediatricSubspecialty Center is located at 1190 OlivewoodDrive, Suite A, in Merced.

For more than 50 years, the hospital has pro- vided care to the valley’s children. It is one of 10largest freestanding children’s hospitals in thenation. It has about 300 beds and is on a 50-acrecampus in Madera County.

Valley Childrens has received the presti-giousMagnet Nursing Services Award in the past, whichis given to less than three percent of all hospitals inthe country. It’s the only pediatric m agnet hospitalwest of the Rockies.

Merced County Public Health DepartmentMerced County Department of Mental Health

offers a selection of mental health and alcohol anddrug recovery services to children, youth, adults andtheir families.

Services are available in English, Spanish andseveral Asian languages. The center is located at 480E.13th Street in Merced.

Dignity Healthcare Mercy Medical Center in Merced

Merced is home to a new campus for Mercy Med-ical Center. The hospital, located 333 MercyAvenue in north Merced, offers the community

a fully-integrated health care system. The hospitaloffers acute care, a cancer center, a family care clinic,general medicine clinic, health education center,home care services and kids care clinic.

Golden Valley Health CenterGolden Valley Health Center, with clinics

throughout Merced County, is a private, nonprofitorganization established in 1972. Offering a team ofdoctors, dentists and other professionals, GoldenValley has a network including more than 20medical sites. The center offers healthcare to familiesin Merced and the surrounding area, regardless oflanguage, financial or cultural barriers.

The Golden Valley network also includesfreestanding women’s centers, three school-basedcenters and a homeless health care program to servethe community. Their team of doctors and healthcareprofessionals has a special mission to care for

HEALTH CARE

Lead Mammography Technologist Robin Reese prepares MercyMedical Center’s Selenia Dimensions 3D imaging equipment forthe next scan. The clarity and resolution of each image is crystalclear. And similar to CT technology, the Selenia makes aseparate image for each one millimeter “slice” as it rotatesthrough each scan.

Golden Valley Health Center and Neighbors United for a BetterSouth Merced celebrate National Health Centers Week in SouthMerced with a block party including food, bounce houses, facepainting, music and more for local families.

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2018 PAGE 44PAGE 43 2018

Merced lives up to its “hometown character”with about 75 percent of residents being nativeborn. Nearly 20 percent of our residents have

origins in other states.With a population of 84,464 residents, Merced

is California’s 99th largest city of 482, according tothe League of California Cities 2017 City PopulationRankings.

Merced experiences a 3.4 percent annual growthrate. Nearly half of the county’s population resideswithin the City of Merced’s urban area.

Demographic OverviewsPopulation:

City of Merced 82,594

Urban Merced Area 119,338

Merced County 268,672

Average Household Size 3.32 people

Median Age 28 years

Owner Occupied Homes (42.7%) 10,637

Total Housing Units 27,446Source:U.S.CensusBureau(www.census.gov),DepartmentofFinance (www.dov.gov)

Merced County’s population is younger thanthe state average, with minors accounting for morethan two-thirds of the population. Seniors accountfor about 10 percent of the population.

UC Merced enrollment of 7,900 and MercedCollege enrollment of 10,200, many of whom areresidents of other cities, swell our ranks with energic,creative young adults who are both discerningconsumers and an educated workforce.

DEMOGRAPHICS

58% Hispanic

29% White

8% Asian

4% Black

1% Other

Merced County Ethnicity

Source: 2015 U.S. Census

Above: Bob Hart Square got a colorful upgrade thanks to local Mural Artist Monika Modest and countless residents who workedtogether to create the colorful tiles that now adorn the planter box. Inspired by the installation, a group of citizens purchased andplanted new trees, bushes and flowers.

Left: A student tries on a set of Oculus Virtual Reality Goggles inside the Merced County Library. The equipment was awarded aspart of a grant awarded to the library by Facebook to bring emerging technology to areas outside of thebay area and allow for state-of-the-art gear to be used in educational ways. After receiving the grant, the Merced County Library became the first recipient statewideto receive the virtual reality gear.

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Merced has one of the highest per capita in retailsales in the Central Valley region because of itsdiverse array of shopping choices. National

retailers, along with a variety of unique shops, selleverything from clothing and jewelry to homesupplies, groceries and everything in between.

Downtown Merced has been the site of uniqueshops since the town was founded in the 1800s. Wellestablished businesses are found in the downtown “

area, including the 15,000 square foot MercedAntique Mall, which is filled with a collection ofauthentic, one-of-a-kind items, ranging from vintagejewelry, furniture, clothing, pottery and art. McNa-mara Plaza on 18th and Canal Streets has a mix offashion, jewelry and gift shops and dining establish-ments.

Farther north in Merced, the Merced Mall is ashopper’s dream. The retail center has more than 70stores including JCPenney, Target, Kohl’s, and more.On Olive Avenue, west of the mall, the MercedMarketplace offers several national chains includingPier 1 Imports, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, and Lowe’s.

East of the Merced Mall is the college GreenCenter, which is home to Save Mart Supermarket,Staples, the local business Kevin’s Bikes, and more.

Additional shopping areas include the Raley’sShopping Center at G Street and Yosemite Avenue,Bear Creek Galleria at G Street and Bear Creek Drive,and the area surrounding Costco south of Highway99 near Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

New shopping centers include the El PortalPlaza in North Merced, the Promenade on YosemiteAvenue, and a new shopping center in South Merced.

SHOPPING

Local Students make their way through the Merced Mall withsome of Merced’s finest law enforcement in tow as they shop forthe holidays as part of the charitable “Shop with a Cop” eventthat helps ensure that all residents have a memorable holiday.

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2018 PAGE 46PAGE 45 2018

Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Merced County Historical Society

Merced County Legal Secretaries’ Association

Merced County Master Gardeners

Merced County National Alliance on Mental Illness

Merced County Republican Party

Merced Elks Lodge 1240

Merced Emblem Club No. 327

Merced Fish & Game, Inc.

Merced Garden Club

Merced Golden Lions Club

Merced Golf & Country Club

Merced Horsemen’s Association

Merced Lao Family

Merced Host Lions Club

Merced Lodge 208 I.O.O.F.

Merced-Mariposa Associationof Life Underwriters

Merced-Mariposa County Medical Society

Merced-Mariposa Division of California Retired

Merced-Mariposa Uni-Service Council

Merced Music Guild

Merced Mustangs Pathfinder Club

Merced Organizing Project

Merced Over 50 Club

Merced Pilots Association

Merced Police Officers Association

Merced Republican Women, Federated

Merced Rescue Mission

Merced Rotary Club

Merced Runabouts

Merced Saturday Women’s Aglow

Merced Senior Social Club

Merced Shakespearefest

Merced Society for the Prevention of Cruelty toAnimals (SPCA)

Merced Sunrise Rotary Club

Merced Symphony Association

Merced Theatre Foundation

Merced Track Club

Merced Trade Club

Merced Women’s Club

Merced Zoological Society

Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation

Moms Club of Merced Mood Disorders Support Group

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

Multiculturalnconnection, Inc.

New Beginnings of Merced County

North Merced Rotary Club Old Timers of Merced County, Inc.Ophir Rebekah Lodge No. 255Overeaters Anonymous Parents Raising Accountable Teens

Pathways, Therapeutic Horseback RidingPhi Theta Kappa Merced CollegeS. E. S.Salvation ArmySan Joaquin Raptor - Wildlife Rescue Center

Sierra Club

Sigma Delta Alpha Sons of the American Legion No. 83Soroptimist Internationalof Merced Toast Masters SunriseToast Masters Talk ShowT.O.P.S. No. 973Tsunami Collaboration Inc.Turlock-Merced Bridge Unit 545United For Life of Merced County

United Way of Merced County

U.P.E.C. Council No. 29 - Fraternal Insurance Society

United Ancient Order of the Druids - Merced Grove 36

University of California Merced Martial Arts Club

University of CaliforniaMerced PoliceMentor Program

Valley Crisis Center

Valley Vintage Car Club

Valve Burners

Veritas Parlor #75 Native Daughters of the Golden West

VFW Auxiliary to Post No. 4327

Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.

Volunteers of Mercy Hospital

White Shrine of Jerusalem

Women’s SpotlightNetwork

Yosemite Chapter Retired Officers Association

Yosemite Corvette Club

Yosemite Kennel Club, Inc.

Yosemite Lodge No. 99, F@AM

Youth Experiencing Sorrow (YES)

Community Initiatives/ ProjectsThe programs listed

below are collaborationsbetween multiple agen-cies and programs whichhave joined forces to makea stronger and more pos-itive impact for residentsin our community.

Business and Education Alliance of Merced County – “BEAM”632 W. 13th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 201-2590

This is a partnership betweencommitted business, education,government and communityleaders who support educa-tion, workforce developmentand economic growth in MercedCounty. The mission is to sup-port each child’s journey –from preschool to productivity.The major focus of the programis to advocate and obtainquality childcare for allchildren in Merced County.

Community Violence Intervention and PreventionProgram–“COMVIP”678 W. 18th StreetMerced CA 95340(209) 385-6232

This partnership consists oflocal agencies, individuals,faith-based community or-ganizations working collabo-ratively to reduce violence inour community.

The Greater Merced com-munity is fortunate tobe served by organiza-

tions addressing amyriadof needs, activities andpassions.Please find theirorganizational missions,and contact informationonline.

Alcoholics AnonymousAll Dads Matter and AllMoms MatterAlpha Pregnancy Help CenterAlzheimer’s AssociationAmerican Association of Retired Persons Merced Chapter #282American Association of University WomenAmerican Business Women’s AssociationAmerican Cancer SocietyAmerican Heart Association, Merced-MariposaAmerican Legion Merced Post 83American Legion Post No. 83 - AuxiliaryAmerican Red Cross Merced/Mariposa ChapterBear Creek GrangeBoy Scouts of America –Greater Yosemite CouncilBoys and Girls Club of Merced CountyBuilding Healthy Communities - MercedUnited Way of Merced CountyBuilding Young Leaders California Indian Education Association

California Widows and Widowers Club (WOW)

California Women for Agriculture - Merced Chapter

Camp Green Meadow

Castle Air Museum

Catholic Charities USA

Center for Vision Enhancement – COVE

Central Valley CoalitionCerebral Palsy Association of Merced County

Challenged Family Resource Center

Child Advocates of Merced County/CAPClub MercedesCoats 4 KidsCommunity Action AgencyCommunity Catalysts of CaliforniaCommunity ConnectionsCommunity Partnership Alliance Cryptic Masons

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Center, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dos Palos Youth in Crisis and Outreach

Eastern Star, Mercedes Chapter No.126 OES

Emergency Food Bank

Experience WorksFraternal Order of Eagles No. 2194

4-H Youth De velopment Program

Friday Night Live (FNL)

Friends of the Merced County Library, Inc.

Gateway A’s - Model A Ford Club

Gateway Coin Club of Merced County

Gateway Quilter’s Guild

Girl Scouts – Heart of Central California

Girl Scouts Muir Trail

Golden Valley Chorus - Men’s Barber Shop

Golden Valley Health Centers

Habitat for Humanity

Harley Owners Group

Harmony Valley Chapter

SweetAdelines International

Healthy House

HICAP of Merced County

Hinds Hospice

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Merced & Mariposa

Italian Catholic Federation St. Cecilia Branch No. 39

Italo-American Lodge

International Order of Job’s Daughters

K-C Arena

Kiwanis Club of Merced

Knights of Columbus

Knights Templar, Merced Commandery No. 69

La Leche League

League of Women Voters of Merced County

Leo Club-Merced High School

Liberty Fellowship

Lifeline Community Development Corporation

Living with Loss

Livingston Medical Group

Love INC

Merced Antique Study Group

Merced Area Newcomers Club

Merced Art Hop

Merced Bicycle Coalition

Merced Breakfast Lions

Merced Business & Professional Women’s Club

Merced Camera Club

Merced Center for Performing Arts

Merced Christian Businessmen’s Committee

Merced College Anime Club

Merced Colony Women’s Club

Merced Compatibles User Group

Merced County 4-H Management Team

Merced County Area Agency on Aging

Merced County Arts Council, Inc.

Merced County Association of Realtors

Merced County Bar Association

Merced County Chapter of Project Linus

Merced County Farm Bureau

Merced County Food Bank

Merced County Genealogical Society

The real importance of Veterans Day is not lost on this youngboy as he honors a senior veteran. Merced County VeteransCouncil, Merced County Human Services Agency, and UnitedWay of Merced County sponsor the popular Veterans Day Paradeat Bob Hart Square in downtown Merced, with an openingceremony, events and an impressive parade.

Red Nose Day is a fun day of fundraising United Way provideswith family friendly activities, entertainment, raffle prizes andfood. Families come out to support our Merced County studentsby providing them with the funds they need to purchase newschool clothes and school supplies.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

2018 PAGE 48PAGE 47 2018

Emily LangdonMerced City Elementary Trustee 4

Jessica Kazakos, ClerkMerced City Elementary Trustee 5

Merced River School District4402 W. Oakdale Road, Winton CA 95388(209) 358-5679 · www.mrusd.us

Bryan Fillebrown, Trustee

Robert Gamble Jr., School Board President

Lorrie McDowell, School Board Clerk

Scot Sherman, Trustee

George Soares Sr., Trustee

Weaver Union School District3076 E. Childs Avenue, Merced CA 95341(209) 723-7606 · www.weaverusd.org

Renee Nelson, ClerkWeaver Union Trustee 1

Harry Hose, Vice PresidentWeaver Union Trustee 2

Jennifer BertuccioWeaver Union Trustee 3

John Curry, Superintendent/SecretaryWeaver Union Trustee 4

Karen Wallace, PresidentWeaver Union Trustee 5

Merced Union High School District3430 A Street, Atwater CA 95301P.O. Box 2147, Merced CA 95344(209) 325-2000 · www.muhsd.org

Greg Opinski, Board MemberMerced Union High Trustee 1

David Honey, Board PresidentMerced Union High Trustee 2

Julio Valadez, ClerkMerced Union High Trustee 3

John Medearis, Vice PresidentMerced Union High Trustee 4

Richard Lopez, Board MemberMerced Union High Trustee 5

Merced County Office of Education632 West 13th Street, Merced CA 95341(209) 381-6600 · Fax: 209-381-6767www.mcoe.org

Steve M. TiejtenCounty Superintendent of Schools

Dennis HanksMCOE Trustee 1

Christopher ChavezMCOE Trustee 2

Stan Mollart, Vice ChairpersonMCOE Trustee 3

Frederick HonoreMCOE Trustee 4

Thomas Bates, ChairpersonMCOE Trustee 5

Cindy LashbrookMerced Community College Trustee 1

Ernie Ochoa, Vice PresidentMerced Community College Trustee 2

L. Carmen Ramirez, PresidentMerced Community College Trustee 3

Dennis Jordan, ClerkMerced Community College Trustee 4

Joe GutierrezMerced Community College Trustee 5

Jean UptonMerced Community College Trustee 6

Leonel VillarrealMerced Community College Trustee 7

Merced Irrigation DistrictJeff Marchini, Vice President/SecretaryMerced Irrigation Director 1

David ColeMerced Irrigation Director 2

David Long, PresidentMerced Irrigation Director 3

Suzy HultgrenMerced Irrigation Director 4

Robert (Bob) WeimerMerced Irrigation Director 5

State of CaliforniaEdmund G. Brown, Jr.Governor of Californiac/o State Capitol, Suite 1173Sacramento, CA 95814(916) 445-2841 · Fax: (916) 558-3160www.gov.ca.gov

Gavin Newsom, Lieutenant Governor

Xavier Becerra, Attorney General

Alex Padilla, Secretary of State

Betty T. Yee, State Controller

John Chiang, State Treasurer

Dave Jones, Insurance Commissioner

George Runner, DirectorDistrict 1 Board of Equalization

Anthony Cannella12th District State Senator1640 N Street, Suite 210, Merced CA 95340(209) 726-5495 · Fax (209) 726-5498 www.cannella.cssrc.us

Adam C. Gray21st District Assemblyman690 W. 16th Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 726-5465 · www.a21.asmdc.org

United States of AmericaJim Costa16th District Congressman2222 M Street, Suite 305, Merced CA 95340(209) 384-1620 · www.costa.house.gov

Dianne FeinsteinUnited States SenatorOne Post Street, Suite 2450San Francisco CA 94104(415) 393-0707 · Fax (415) 393-0710www.feinstein.senate.gov/public

Kamala HarrisUnited States Senator2500 Tulare Street, Suite 5290Fresno CA 93721(559) 49 7-5109 · Fax (202) 228-3864www.harris.senate.gov

City of MercedMerced City Hall678 W. 18th Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 388-7000 · www.cityofmerced.org

Michael Murphy, Mayor

Anthony Levi Martinez District 1 CouncilmemberMichael Belluomini District 2 CouncilmemberJill McLeod District 3 CouncilmemberKevin Blake District 4 CouncilmemberMatthew Serrato District 5 CouncilmemberJosh Pedrozo District 6 Councilmember

County of MercedMerced County Administration2222 M Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 385-7434 · www.co.merced.ca.us

Rodrigo Espinoza District 1 SupervisorLee LorDistrict 2 SupervisorDaron McDanielDistrict 3 SupervisorLloyd PareiraDistrict 4 Supervisor

Jerry O’BanionDistrict 5 Supervisor

Merced County Assessor2222 M Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 385-7631 · Fax (209) 725-3956www.co.merced.ca.us/59/Assessor

Barbara J. LeveyAssessor/Recorder/County Clerk

Merced County Office of Auditor - Controller2222 M Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 385-7511 · Fax (209) 725-3900www.co.merced.ca.us/60/Auditor/Controller

Lisa E. Cardella-PrestoAuditor/Controller

Merced County Treasurer - Tax Collector2222 M Street, First FloorMerced CA 95340(209) 385-7307 · Fax (209) 725-3905www.co.merced.ca.us/2490/Treasurer

Karen D. AdamsTreasurer/Tax Collector

Merced County District Attorney550 W. Main Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 385-7381 · Fax (209) 725-3669www.co.merced.ca.us/2350/About-The-Office-of-the -District-Attorney

Larry Morse II, District Attorney

Merced County Sheriff ’s Office700 W. 22nd Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 385-7444 · Fax (209) 385-7659www.co.merced.ca.us

Vernon H. Warnke, Sheriff/Coroner

Superior Court of California - Merced Countywww.mercedcourt.org

MAIN MERCED COURTHOUSE2260 N Street, Merced CA 95340 (209) 725-4100

JUVENILE DIVISION2840 W. Sandy Mush RoadMerced CA 95340(209) 725-4119

LOS BANOS DIVISIONThe Robert M. Falasco Justice Center1159 G Street, Los Banos CA 93635(209) 725-4124

Mark BacciariniSuperior Court Judge 1

vacantSuperior Court Judge 2

David MorandaSuperior Court Judge 3

vacantSuperior Court Judge 4

Carol AshSuperior Court Judge 5

vacantSuperior Court Judge 6

Jeanne E. Schechter Superior Court Judge 7

Brian McCabeSuperior Court Judge 8

Paul LoSuperior Court Judge 9

Donald Proietti, Presiding JudgeSuperior Court Judge 10

vacantSuperior Court Judge 11

John KiriharaSuperior Court Judge 12

David MorandaSuperior Court Judge 13

EducationMerced City School District444 W. 23rd Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 385-6600 · Fax (209) 385-6399 www.mcsd.k12.ca.us

Mike CrassMerced City Elementary Trustee 1

Miguel LopezMerced City Elementary Trustee 2

Adam Cox, PresidentMerced City Elementary Trustee 3

Residents voiced their desire to see Merced labeled as a Sanctuary City at atown hall meeting at Tenaya Middle School, and inquired about a variety ofother policies related to immigration enforcement at the local level. This wasone in a series of Town Hall meetings held by the Merced City Council, eachset in a different part of town.

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California Secretary of State Alex Padilla speaks with students and communitymembers about the importance of voting during a special event held on theMerced Community College campus.

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PATRONIZE our ADVERTISERSAlice Contreras CPS . . . . . . . . . . Page 2847 W.19th Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 722-6778 · Fax (209) 722-3419www.contrerascpafirm.com

APG Solar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 82339 N. Buhach Road, Atwater CA 95301(209) 358-1468www.centralvalleysolar.business.site

Art Hop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 321733 Canal Street, Merced, CA 95340(209) 349-8682 · www.mercedarthop.org

Bear Creek Properties . . . . . . . . . Page92825 G Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 233-9229 · www.bcpmerced.com

Business Resource Center . . . . . . . Page 3630 W.19th Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 386-6733www.mercedworkplacecenter.org

California RHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 29Region C: Central Valley MotherlodeTerry Plett at Merced College3600 M Street, Merced CA 95348(209) 386-6735www.centralvalley-motherloderht.org/index.html

Dignity HealthMercy Medical Center . . . . . . . . . Page 1333 Mercy Avenue, Merced CA 95340(209) 564-5000www.dignityhealth.org

GoldenValleyHealth Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50737 W. Childs Avenue, Merced CA 95340(209) 383-1848www.gvhc.org

Hilmar Cheese Company . . . . . Page 379001N. Lander Avenue, Hilmar CA 95324(209) 667-6076www.hilmarcheese.com

Hoffman Security . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 32301Aviation Drive, Atwater CA 95301(209) 384-3305www.hoffmanelectronics.com

John Miller Photograpy . . . . . . . Page 2645 W. Main Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 761-8052JohnMiller@MidValleyPub.com

Merced College . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 513600 M Street, Merced CA 95348(209) 384-6000 · www.mccd.edu

Merced Main Street Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10531W.Main Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 384-7093www.mercedmainstreet.com

Merced Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 43713 Merced Mall, Merced CA 95348(209) 723-3981 · Fax (209) 723-3558www.mercedmall.com

Merced - The BUS . . . . . . . . . . . Page 27369 W.18th Street, Merced CA 95340(209) 723-3100 · www.mercedthebus.com

Minuteman Press . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 413090 M Street, Suite 8, Merced CA 95348(209) 626-5288www.merced-ca.minutemanpress.com

Riggs Ambulance Service, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 42100 Riggs Avenue, Merced CA 95341(209) 725-7000 · Fax (209) 725-7044www.riggsambulance.com

Table Mountain Casino . . . . . . . Page 348 184 Table Mountain RoadFriant CA 93626(800) 541-3637 · www.tmcasino.com

2018 PAGE 50PAGE 49 2018

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Merced County Veterans and their families are waiting to board a plane headed for Washington D.C. and the war monuments there.Central Valley Honor Flight is committed to honoring local WWII veterans and Korean War veterans by sending them to see theirmemorials in Washington D.C. Since its inception in May 2013, our all-volunteer group has sent almost 800 Veterans and their travel

“Guardians” on 12 separate trips and counting.

PAGE 51 2018