Editor’s note: The following was sent to the Times by Unit 30 – Merced County Sheriff Sergeants & District Attorney Investigators. This is in response to Supervisor Darron McDaniel’s recent op-ed, “Pay raises for Merced County deputies were necessary for public safety.” After reading his piece, we came to the…

In 2014, a Merced County Deputy Sheriff earned a base salary of $64,916.80. In 2025, that same role earns $99,840, a 54 percent increase in just over…

Editor’s note: This op-ed was originally published in the Merced County Times print edition on June 26, 2025. When I was first elected to…

Recently, Assembly Bill 1441 passed out of the Assembly and currently is in the Senate awaiting committee hearings.  This bill proposes the creation of a redistricting commission specifically for Merced County. The Merced County Board of Supervisors is deeply committed to fair, transparent, and representative government. Our…

Every year, on the Fourth of July, communities across the country gather to celebrate America’s independence with parades, picnics, and fireworks.…

The problem with a one-size-fits-all approach is that it leads to unintended consequences where only one side — Big Business — comes out the winner.…

Another graduation season has come and gone at Merced College, and our students continue to inspire us. Last month, we celebrated with joy the achievements of hundreds of graduates whose hard work and perseverance have transformed not just their own lives, but also the lives of their families and communities. As we turn the page…

For far too long, the people of California – especially those of us in the agriculturally vital San Joaquin Valley – have been presented with a false…

When Luke Bryan brought his Farm Tour to Castle Airport, he didn’t just play a concert, he made history in Merced County. With over 20,000 people in…

This past December, 826 Merced County residents took part in a survey conducted by Data for Social Good, sending a clear message: Boys & Girls Club of Merced County is essential and must continue serving local youth.  In 2024 alone, the Club served 3,713 members, with an average daily attendance of 315 youth across 9 sites, 5…