#mercedcitycouncil

Yang Pao Thao seeks growth, investment for South Merced

Jonathan Whitaker Sep 6, 2026

Yang Pao Thao is the incumbent candidate in the race for the District 2 seat on the Merced City Council to be decided this November. However, it was not long ago when Councilman Thao was relatively unknown on the local political scene. In fact, last year at this time, Thao was serving on the city's Planning Commission — a panel made up…

Local News

Xiong presents another review of tenant protections at…

Jonathan Whitaker Aug 20, 2026

Two months after the Merced City Council approved the creation of a Repeat Housing Code Violators program, Councilman Fue Xiong on Monday night…

Politics

Bliss calls for stronger, safer Merced where families thrive

Jonathan Whitaker Aug 7, 2026

Long before there was news about the elections for Merced City Council in 2026, John Bliss was starting plans to run for the District 6 seat that…

Politics

Merced City Councilman Shane Smith launches reelection campaign

John Miller Jul 31, 2026

Shane Smith, who represents District 4 on the Merced City Council, launched his reelection campaign for a second term on Tuesday night in front of a large crowd of supporters in the backyard of the wonderful home of Kenra and Don Bragonier. The incumbent spoke in particular about his work to improve public safety in Merced,…

Politics

Zeledon carries perseverance, self-determination in race for…

Jonathan Whitaker Jul 30, 2026

UPDATE: Yang Pao Thao was added to the candidate list for District 2 since this story was written. Thao is the current District 2 representative who was…

Politics

Barbershop owner, Realtor, Yader Zeledon announces campaign…

John Miller Jul 2, 2026

Yader Zeledon — a Merced barber who started his own business on Main Street and then extended his talents to the local real estate market — kicked off…

Local News

Bliss kicks off campaign for District 6 seat on Merced City Council

Jonathan Whitaker Mar 13, 2026

Editor's note: This updated story corrects an editing error in the story that was published in print in this week's newspaper. The correct election district has been added to the story. John Bliss, a lifelong Mercedian and teacher at Buhach Colony High School, is returning to the local political scene and a race for the District 6 seat on the…

Local News

Merced City Council to fill Dist. 2 vacancy by appointment

Jonathan Whitaker Nov 6, 2025

If you live in southwest Merced, and you’re interested in representing the area on the Merced City Council, you don’t have to go through a long,…

Local News

City Councilman De Anda decides to step down

Jonathan Whitaker Oct 21, 2025

Merced City Councilman Ronnie De Anda announced he is stepping down from his position as the District 2 representative on the Merced City Council…