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!

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!