City of Merced

The City of Merced and Merced County teamed up last week for media training at the California Specialized Training Institute. Led by a group of talented instructors, we spent time refining our messaging, sharpening interview skills, and strategizing key communications. A highlight was the collaboration between partner agencies—including Dr. Ignacio Santana, John Ceccoli, and Megan Black—which will strengthen our communication efforts even further. We also took time to celebrate Government Communicators Day, recognizing the essential role PIOs play in keeping the public informed—whether during emergencies, major events, or the everyday updates our community relies on. A big thank you to our instructors and teammates for a productive and impactful training.

Today, the City of Merced joined the Downtown Merced Property Owners Association (DMPOA) to celebrate the launch of the Clean and Safe Initiative! This boots-on-the-ground effort brings dedicated teams to Downtown Merced to provide enhanced maintenance, hospitality, and beautification services, creating a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming downtown. It was great to see so many community members come out to support this important initiative. Thanks to the DMPOA, its partnership with Restore Merced, and a grant from the Central Valley Opportunity Fund, this initiative creates valuable job opportunities while supporting local businesses and the community. Stay tuned for updates at the DMPOA's www.downtownmerced.org.

Merced is Growing—Join Us on the Journey! The City of Merced is on the rise. With exciting developments, community-driven initiatives, and a vision for the future, we are looking for a seasoned and passionate legal professional to join our team as Chief Deputy City Attorney. If you're looking for an opportunity to make a real impact, work alongside dedicated public servants, and help shape the future of a dynamic and thriving city, this is your chance. Why Merced? * A city experiencing transformational growth * Meaningful work that directly serves our residents * A collaborative, forward-thinking team committed to public service * Opportunities to influence policies and legal strategies that support our community We’re looking for legal professionals who are ready to take on a rewarding challenge and be a part of something bigger. Apply today and be a key player in Merced’s bright future! Job Opportunities City of Merced Employment Opportunities We appreciate you sharing this opportunity with your network. 

We all know and work with heroes. Officer Cruz Ramirez is one of them. When a 911 call came in about a 14-month-old girl choking, Officer Ramirez arrived to find her not breathing. Without hesitation, he delivered back thrusts until the blockage cleared. She gasped—then cried. The best sound in the world. The next day, he stopped by to check on her. Not for recognition, just to make sure she was okay. Because that’s what he does. That’s what Merced Police officers do. At a recent City Council meeting, Chief Steven Stanfield-MA Stanfield, MA, presented Officer Ramirez with a challenge coin—a small token of appreciation for someone who never asks for one. 

Celebrating High School Sports and the Benefits They Bring to Our Youth Youth and high school sports play a vital role in our community, teaching valuable life lessons like teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. They inspire our youth to set goals, work hard, and achieve greatness both on and off the field. At a recent City Council meeting, the Merced High School Girls Water Polo team was recognized for their historic achievement: winning their first-ever Section Championship Title. This accomplishment is particularly significant as it marks the first section championship for Merced High School in 16 years. The City of Merced is proud to honor these athletes and their coaches for their extraordinary dedication and hard work, which have set a new standard of excellence for our community. Their determination and teamwork are a testament to the positive impact of sports in shaping future leaders. Congratulations to the Merced High School Girls Water Polo team on this remarkable achievement. You have made history and inspired all of us to strive for excellence!

We are proud of Merced City Fire Department personnel assisting in Southern California as part of the mutual aid response to the Eaton Fire. Since January 8th, Captain Van Hagen, Engineer Kraft, and Firefighter Fleming have been serving on Task Force 5803, working on mop-up, structure protection, and perimeter control. Collaborating with teams from Bakersfield Fire, Kern County Fire, and experienced task force leaders, they exemplify dedication and teamwork. We commend their efforts and commitment to serving our community and beyond.

January 1st at 0800, Engine 53 was updated to Advanced Life Support (ALS) status with 24/7 paramedic staffing. January 2nd at 0900, Interim Fire Casey Wilson welcomed members of the community to a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating this milestone in emergency medical care. This ALS upgrade ensures that our residents have access to life-saving care when every second counts. We are proud to invest in the health and safety of our community. Gratitude to Battalion Chief Mickey Brunelli and all fire department personnel who are certified paramedics or are training to become paramedics. Their hard work and dedication make this service upgrade possible. Thanks to former Chief Derek Parker for helping lay the groundwork for this enhancement to our emergency services.

The City of Merced is proud of its strong commitment to recognizing and embracing the diverse cultures that make our community unique. We are especially honored to celebrate the Hmong New Year, an important cultural tradition that reflects the rich history and heritage of the Hmong community. Mayor Matt Serratto, Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Boyle, Council Member Darin DuPont, Council Member Mike Harris, Police Chief Steven Stanfield, and Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero were privileged to take part in the opening of the 2024-2025 Merced Hmong New Year Celebration. This event serves as a reminder of the strength that comes from our shared cultural experiences and the value we place on honoring each other's traditions. The Hmong New Year Celebration is a beautiful reflection of Merced's dedication to fostering inclusivity and cultural pride for all its residents.

This week, the City of Merced and the Hincapie team kicked off planning for the Gran Fondo Hincapie gravel cycling event, which will take place the weekend of March 15, 2025. Last year's inaugural event brought nearly 500 cyclists from near and far. This year, event organizers are expecting even more participants, and the course lineup will have something for just about everyone, including a short and two longer rides. If you've never ridden the beautiful Merced grasslands, you're in for a treat—it's absolutely stunning and well worth the ride. Don’t miss your chance to join the adventure. #RegisterNow: https://lnkd.in/gCRTmeqS. Links to hotel sites will be up soon! #WeWillNeedVolunteers