Merced County Times

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 represents North Merced neighborhoods beyond Yosemite Avenue and Merced College, and the annexed UC Merced campus.
Bliss is a lifelong resident and family man who has taught thousands of local students as a high school government teacher and basketball coach for 36 years.

Bliss calls for stronger, safer Merced where families thrive — Merced County Times   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 represents North Merced neighborhoods beyond Yosemite Avenue and Merced College, and the annexed UC Merced campus. Bliss is a lifelong resident and fam...

The Merced City Council voted 6-1 on Monday night to place a 1-cent general sales tax measure on the November election ballot in an effort to help “maintain the city’s financial stability and preserve general services residents have identified as priorities — including fire and emergency response, public safety, street and pothole repair, safe and clean parks and public spaces, and other local services.”

City leaders agree to put 1-cent tax measure on ballot — Merced County Times   The Merced City Council voted 6-1 on Monday night to place a 1-cent general sales tax measure on the November election ballot in an effort to help “maintain the city’s financial stability and preserve general services residents have identified as priorities — including fire and emergency re...

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights pays tribute to pioneer heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne in the all-original haunted houses, “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness,” inspired by his prolific solo career. Guests can anticipate a wild ride as they climb aboard the Crazy Train for a terrifying trip through his disturbing world of rock and roll.

Universal Studios to pay tribute to Ozzy during Horror Nights run — Merced County Times   Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights pays tribute to pioneer heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne in the all-original haunted houses, “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness,” inspired by his prolific solo career. Guests can anticipate a wild ride as they climb aboard the Crazy Train for a terri...

Photos from the Teeyan Da Mela festival on Saturday at the Senior Community Center in Merced. Teeyan da Mela is a vibrant traditional Punjabi women's festival celebrated during the monsoon month of Sawan to welcome the rains through joyful folk dancing like Giddha, swinging on decorated trees, and celebrating womanhood.

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.

Merced City Councilman Shane Smith launches reelection campaign — Merced County Times   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 impr...

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 appointed after the resignation of Ronnie DeAnda. Felipe Rojas-Flores is also listed as a candidate in the District 2 race. Meanwhile, Lee Robert Boese, Jr. was added to the candidates list for District 4 since this story was written.

The Times starts its City Council candidate profiles this week with Yader Zeledon, a barber turned Realtor with a remarkable story of escaping a troubled childhood and extended hardships through hard work and determination, and then making a comeback through small business and community service.

Zeledon carries perseverance, self-determination in race for District 6 seat on Merced City Council — Merced County Times   The mid-summer campaign season is starting to heat up as local races take shape for the General Election in November. While there are some high-profile runoffs going on, attention is turning to the all-important races for City Council seats across Merced County. In Merced, three council seats are...