Josh Pedrozo Merced County Supervisor

Great Week in Merced County

Monday: I attended the California High Speed Rail Authority meeting in Sacramento and provided comments on the Business Plan, which was essentially adopted. Here is a portion of my remarks:

“We also recognize there are differing views and ongoing concerns about the project. Even so, it is important to focus on ensuring it delivers real, measurable benefits, including reduced congestion on Highway 99, expanded transportation options and progress toward California’s environmental goals.

The Business Plan reflects commitments made to Merced County and it is important those commitments are followed through. We will continue working to ensure this investment delivers for our residents and future generations.”

The day concluded with the All Star Game, where Lucy and several of her teammates were selected to participate. I am incredibly proud of her dedication to the sport and the hard work she continues to put in.

Tuesday: Board meeting day. We received an update from our consultant on an assessment of how we can better provide benefits to our employees. It was also Election Day. Congratulations to everyone who ran for office. If you were not successful, it is still important to recognize the courage it takes to step up and participate in our democracy. Putting yourself out there is not easy and doing so demonstrates a commitment to community over self.

Wednesday: Breakfast meeting with the Mayor and City Manager where we discussed opportunities for collaboration, shared updates on issues affecting both the City and County and identified ways we can continue working together. Later, I attended the Hills Ferry Bridge ribbon cutting and a Cemetery District meeting.

Thursday: Discussions regarding the Livingston and Merced revenue sharing agreement, an issue that has been ongoing since at least 2008. The day concluded with Merced County Elks Night.

Friday: Breakfast meeting with presumed Supervisor-elect Lara to discuss his priorities and ideas for what we can collectively accomplish for Merced County. Later, I spent time on High Speed Rail policy research before attending a meeting on Vehicle Miles Traveled (SB 743) and how we can best coordinate a successful approach that benefits Merced County and the region.

Saturday: Attended the Merced Art AF ribbon cutting. I am incredibly proud of the talent we have here in Merced County. The evening ended at the MAC for a performance of You Can’t Take It With You by the Perennial Players. Congratulations to the talented cast and everyone involved in a fantastic production.

Sunday: Move-in day at the fair. Come visit Mabel and Millie! It is officially fair week, which means things are about to get very busy. The Merced County Fair begins Wednesday and runs through Sunday. I hope to see you there.

One final note: Lucy’s godfather and one of my closest friends recently traveled to Lithuania to visit family and sent me a photo of his mom. Apparently my face is now internationally known!

Have a great week everyone!

Busy week with important discussions, community events and some great family moments.

T: Board briefing on budget issues. Some positive developments, but more to come.

W: Started the day with a meeting with a member of the Workforce Development Board, followed by a constituent meeting on senior health care and a briefing on an analysis of health care for Merced County employees. There will be a full presentation at Tuesday’s Board meeting.

I also chaired the Central California Alliance for Health meeting. The uncertainty around health care funding remains frustrating. We need to make sure people are taken care of while also making it clear that counties cannot continue to absorb responsibilities that belong to the state.

Later, I attended the monthly Merced Booster Club meeting hosted by Mr. Lorenzi. He is a pioneer, leader and mentor of mine. Proud to call him a friend and honored to be part of the family.

R: Board briefings on budget and closed session matters, then my nephew AJ’s promotion to high school. Proud of you, AJ.

F: Mass at OLM for Lucy’s last day of school, a policy discussion with an Atwater council member, coffee with a Workforce Development Board member and then Lucy’s championship game. They won, and I could not be prouder of her effort and determination. I missed the preview show at the Playhouse, but I heard Owen and everyone involved crushed it.

S: Ribbon cutting for Cali-Rays. It is always great to recognize entrepreneurs willing to take a chance on Merced. Their investment helps strengthen our community and create opportunities for others.

Sunday: Cal Poly is headed to the Super Regionals. Ride high, ye Mighty Mustangs.

Board mtg. Tuesday 6/2, 10:00am.

Busy week with an even busier weekend capped off with a nice evening at home.

Monday: Supervisor Pacheco and I met with MCOE early childhood education staff to discuss the importance of finding solutions for TK child care. As a parent, I remember the struggle of finding adequate care for my children so that my wife and I could provide for our family. We were lucky to have Trish Leverett and Kelly Devaurs until both kids were ready for preschool at OLM. We need more people in Merced County to get involved in this field. Later in the day we had an in house revenue sharing discussion regarding the City of Livingston followed by the NACo AgRa meeting.

Tuesday: What a day. Board meeting, Salute to Service honoring students graduating high school and choosing to serve our country then another board meeting where our Housing Element was successfully approved by the board.

Wednesday and Thursday: Meetings in Sacramento focused on water, HR 1, rail and suburban CSAC discussions about what to expect with the State of California budget. The good thing is we are in better shape than most but the uncertainty is still confusing and frustrating.

Friday: Keynote at IYT then the Early Education Awards Gala recognizing the important work of those who work with our youth.

Saturday: I joined Supervisor Pacheco at Le Grand Community Day where I ran into a friend from high school that I had not seen in at least 10 years. I love that Merced County supports communities like Le Grand, Planada and all of the unincorporated communities as they celebrate their heritage. Then we celebrated Kaylie’s graduation from Berkeley. One of the best things is when former students reach out to share milestones with you. Proud of you Kaylie. Later it was the Art Flop downtown. It was great to see how busy it was and the number of people accessing and appreciating the arts culture in Merced. Also proud of Earvin and the local artists for putting this together.

Sunday: I attended a memorial service for a man I had gone to school with since 1st grade. Marcin was one of the nicest, most laid back, down to earth and intelligent people you could ever meet yet he never made anyone feel like he was the smartest person in the room. Godspeed friend.

Today is Memorial Day. Don’t use today as just another holiday. Remember the sacrifices so many made so that we could have the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy every day. Have a great week everyone.

Weekly recap:

Monday: First 5 Merced County. It’s awesome to be part of this commission where we make decisions that directly impact children ages 0 to 5 and their families. Also had a great discussion with President Vitelli and Merced College leadership about growth and potential partnerships and I am really excited about what we can build together.

Tuesday: Board meeting. We received a presentation on the impacts of H R 1. The biggest frustration continues to be the financial uncertainty and the strain it puts on all 58 counties that are left footing the bill for critical programs and services.

Wednesday: Peace Officers Memorial. A somber and important moment to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service. Followed by a housing briefing, BHRS update, senior interviews at El Capitan, school site council and a Farm Bureau hosted candidate forum. The candidates did a great job and it was very well organized.

Thursday: Monthly meeting with the mayor, CEO and city manager. Then I had the chance to watch Lucy receive a writing award which was pretty special, had an IT briefing, the Food Bank State of Hunger event, and the Merced County Law enforcement awards night.

Friday: I had a San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority meeting. The SJJPA is an authority board that oversees Amtrak/Goldrunner as well as ACE. I also had a meeting in Turlock about health care. Owen was cast in a cabaret fundraiser for Treehouse tutoring. The cast did an amazing job. Got some tough news before leaving for the show that my dad was going to the ER. He is out of the hospital now but not out of the woods yet. Please keep him in your thoughts.

Saturday: Culture Day at the Lao New Year event. One of the many reasons I appreciate Merced County our cultural diversity is something special.

Sunday: Softball tournament for Lucy in Los Banos. The girls won and I am beyond proud of how far they have come, and I promise I am not yelling just giving direction. Back to Merced to see Owen’s film premiere. It’s incredibly surreal to see a film that your son did on the big screen.

Board meeting on Tuesday at 10 and 3. Have a great week everyone.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers who take care of the day to day. It is kind of funny that Heidi and I have two children Owen and Lucy but she really has three, as she likes to say I’m the 3rd one. I am blessed.

Monday through Friday was booked with the National Association of Counties on behalf of the California State Association of Counties. Had great meetings in regard to emergency preparedness planning and water. My friend Commissioner Amanda McKinney, future Congresswoman from Washington, spoke on a panel about bringing people to the table to make common sense decisions as it relates to the decisions that affect us every day.

Saturday we weighed pigs and spent time in Turlock for a softball tournament for Lucy. I am really proud of the effort the girls put in. I spoke at UCM at the Guardians of Hope event on the importance of listening to foster youth. It was also Merced Hmong Awareness Day. I am always proud to celebrate our county’s cultural diversity. Owen also had his showcase. It was a full day but a meaningful one.

Sunday- I made dinner with my helper, I mainly listened while she directed. Have a great week everyone.

Another great week in Merced County:

Monday: Area Agency Advisory Council meeting. We are working on adjusting the bylaws to ensure quorum so we can have votes that truly represent our seniors. As a board member we are each assigned to different boards and committees. Ironically I am the youngest board member, but this remains one of my favorite committees. I also watched the Senate Transportation hearing for an update on the High Speed Rail business plan. I have been spending a lot of time at the Capitol advocating not just for District 2, but for the county and the Valley as well. Regardless of your position on the project, I am committed to making sure Merced County is heard, not dictated to. Thank you to Senator Cortese, Chair of Senate Transportation, and Assemblymember Wilson, Chair of Assembly Transportation, for listening and standing with us, as well as our local leaders Asm. Soria and Sen. Caballero who have been instrumental in this effort as well.

Tuesday: Monthly check in with the city manager, mayor, and CEO. The collaboration has been strong and we are continuing to work together on a fire agreement and development. I also had a great conversation with the Lao Boat Race group. They reminded me we finished third last year. Challenge accepted. Later I attended an event in Madera to support a colleague and friend running for reelection. Jordan is doing great work in Madera County.

Wednesday: Follow up meetings with our advocates in Sacramento on High Speed Rail, then Owen’s final track meet of the season and softball with Lucy.

Thursday: Senior interviews at Merced High School and County Day at the Spring Fair. I also had a board briefing on workforce development. They are doing great work responding to demand, and I learned more about how we can better address supply. There is a lot happening around Campus Parkway in District 2. There is also growing national conversation around data centers. I would appreciate your thoughts.

Friday: Attended Golden Valley Engineering’s 28th anniversary. Duane Andrews is a friend and the founder, and they do great work in Merced. I also emceed the MCOE Legislative Conference focused on early child care and education. Then I made it to the Fresno State softball game where I introduced my daughter and her teammate Kora to Merced High alum and silver medal winning softball player for USA Bubba Nickles.

Saturday: More softball, then a night at the races supporting Our Lady of Mercy and St Patrick’s. Thank you to the Maxey family for the invitation. Kelly was the winning jockey of the evening.

Sunday: Heidi and I went to Modesto to see The Da Vinci Code. Joe Hypes, Carol Vandegrift, and David Hambley did a fantastic job. Merced truly has incredible talent. Also, do not forget to submit your name ideas for the bear at Courthouse Park. I hope everyone has a great week ahead.
Side note: The House of Representatives passed its version of the Farm Bill this week. As Chair of the National Association of Counties Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, I am proud to have had a seat at the table to ensure our issues continue to be heard. There is no such thing as being on the rise. It is knowing you are there and continuing the journey.

I hope everyone had a great week and an even better one ahead here in Merced County.

Monday: I had a check in with our Director of Public Health to discuss goals, priorities and the continued uncertainty around HR 1 and the state budget. Regardless of politics, counties need a commitment from the Legislature and Administration that funding for state mandated programs will be upheld. We are actively working to navigate these challenges.

Tuesday: Board meeting day. We appointed Dora Crane to the Cemetery Board, approved a new agreement with TJPA and MCAG and authorized new gates for the Veterans Hall in District 2. I also attended the Political Science graduation reception at UC Merced. Impressive students and great work by the faculty.

Wednesday: During public comments following Tuesday's board meeting I proposed a community naming contest for the bear carving at Courthouse Park and it is happening. We filmed a video and details on how to participate are or will be available at countyofmerced.com. I wrapped up the day at the Hilton Garden Inn ribbon cutting. Thank you to Dan and Grace Moradzadeh for your investment in our community.

Thursday: I attended a renewable energy meeting followed by the District Attorney’s Victim Awareness Ceremony. DA Nicole Silveira continues to do an outstanding job advocating for victims and holding offenders accountable.

Friday: I met with the Sheriff’s Department to follow up on the vehicle leasing program approved in October. I appreciate their responsiveness and commitment to public safety. Later I attended the Burchell Bridge ribbon cutting and the Boys and Girls Club annual fundraiser. It was great to be part of the catering crew led by my dad John and helped by Jeremiah.

Saturday: I took Lucy to the ribbon cutting and celebration of Kiddieland at Applegate Park. I am proud that First 5 of Merced County contributed $623,000 in grant funding to support this project. Then it was softball practice and a date night at the CASA event. CASA does incredible work giving foster youth a voice.

Sunday: Lucy’s tournament was canceled but I was able to support my friend Pao Mua in his city council run, attend the Old Timers event with Mrs. Herkert followed by a memorial service for Mr. Joel Knox.
A long week but a good one. Thank you all for your continued support. As always if there is anything I can do to help please reach out.

Also thank you Glen Camarda for tagging me in the picture!

What a week in Merced County:

Monday – First 5 meeting followed by my town hall. Thank you to everyone who came out and to our department heads for showing up supporting and engaging with the public.

Tuesday – NACo meeting and prep for the HSR meeting. Good news: after ongoing conversations with legislators the proposed spending cap on the Merced to Bakersfield segment was addressed with amendments accepted by Sen. Stern. Grateful for our partners in Sacramento and proud that Merced County’s voice is being heard. Then Lucy’s game to wrap the day.

Wednesday – Owen’s final track meet of the year. Also participated in a CSAC discussion on the impacts of H.R. 1 also known as the Big Beautiful Bill followed by an MCAG meeting.

Thursday – A full day: LAFCO, Dispatcher of the Year Awards followed by a DPH reaccreditation celebration. I had the opportunity last year to meet with the site visitors to highlight the important work our public health team does. Incredibly proud of Dr. Sullivan and her team. Also attended the MCAG meeting, state of the College address and then the ribbon cutting for Bob Hart Square. The college and city are doing such a great job in not only highlighting what’s great in Merced but also what’s great in Merced County.

Friday – Cal Fire No Man Left Behind benefit and Friends of the Fair event.

Saturday – Week of the Young Child at Applegate Park with Lucy. Then Junior Olympics where 1244 students from across the county competed. It was awesome to see the athletes compete. One thing I have noticed about track is that everyone wants to win but at the end they are all respectful of each others efforts. Lucy and Heidi also attended the courthouse’s annual tea party. Lucy told me after we played catch that she needed to get ready so she could do her makeup.
I went to the Friends of the Library event, it was saw former Mayor and Supervisor Hub Walsh. My dad and I donated a dinner for the auction and then Heidi and I attended the Burgers and Brews event to support local aquatic programs in Merced.
One of the biggest highlights this week was seeing the completion of the bear statue at Courthouse Park the only park in District 2. Proud to have played a small part in bringing it to life.

Board meeting Tuesday. Have a great week everyone!

This is awesome! Thank you to the artist, and county staff for thinking outside of the box. When our Deputy Director of Public works Lindsey Johnson came to me and asked what I thought about the idea I said, “let’s do it.” Incredibly proud of the work we’re doing in Merced County.

Introducing our newest neighbor, the Bear. His creator is Tommy McCarty Jr.