Valley Headlines

Lesson: Don’t piss off librarians

Merced County Times. Outrage erupts as word spreads Merced County mulling library privatization.
Synopsis: Jon Whitaker writes about the viral emails flying around Merced County after supervisors decided to consider a plan to privatize the county’s libraries. Former Merced College librarian Susan Walsh started the email uproar and later confronted board chair Josh Pedrozo. He told her that privatization is only a proposal and not yet a “policy discussion.” But Walsh, who is also active in the League of Women Voters, said privatization means closure with the county’s smallest branches the first to go. Among those quoted were Katherine Graves who called the idea “appalling.” And Jolene Schadler who said such a plan could not save money in the long run. Patricia Ryan said once turned over to a private firm, the cost of reopening would be “crippling.” Donald Barclay, a retired UC Merced librarian, pointed out that Merced County already spends very little on its libraries, so privatization would save even less. Karl Libsch wondered how “library bullying” became an annual event in Merced.
MAD Note: Librarians are known for shushing patrons, but this idea got loud in a hurry.

RFK’s solution: More bird flu

Ag Daily. RFK Jr. proposes letting bird flu spread in poultry – to better ID any immunities.
Synopsis: While scientists are rushing a vaccine against highly pathogenic avian influenza into production, infamous vaccine skeptic Robert Kennedy Jr., -- now our nation’s top health official -- wants to let flu run its course in henhouses then use any survivors to rebuild flocks. He’s also advised all of his agencies against vaccinating birds. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins agrees. But actual veterinarians – people who have been educated in animals and diseases -- think this is a “really terrible idea,” In the words of the Kansas state vet, Gail Hansen. The scientists point out that allowing the disease to incubate in a larger population provides a far greater chance the virus will mutate into something even more deadly for the animals and humans.

Water, water everywhere

Redding Record Searchlight. ‘Actually awesome’: How close to full is Lake Shasta?
Synopsis: With 24,158 cubic feet per second flowing into CA’s largest reservoir, it is only 23 feet from the top and 113% of normal capacity for March. With quickly warming temperatures predicted next week, federal managers are releasing 15,000 cfs to make room. Authorities expect the lake to rise another 10 feet by the end of May.

It's all about the bass

Maven’s Notebook. Ignoring role of bass in salmon decline is negligence.
Synopsis: Edward Ring of the CA Policy Center responds to a column written by Dennis Wyatt in which he suggested putting a bounty on bass – something done in Oregon to bring down their numbers. Since bass eat 90% of the salmon that exit the Tuolumne, Stanislaus and Merced rivers, having fewer bass might help. But the sport-fishing industry is dedicated to preserving an invasive species because it’s fun to catch and eat. Ring says, “this is one issue that needs to be brought up repetitively until something changes.” He also notes that CA’s six salmon hatcheries release 30 million smolts every year, yet the number of salmon continues to decline. That’s because even on the Sacramento, American and Feather rivers bass are now running rampant. “Before we devastate our agricultural industry and further dehydrate our cities, CDFW needs to lift restrictions on bass fishing,” writes Ring. “Until they do, they are not serious about saving salmon.”
MAD Note: Ring and Wyatt got one thing wrong. Bass don’t eat “90 percent” of salmon on the San Joaquin River, they eat 97%.

Playing politics

Politico. California Playbook.
Synopsis: Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs has collected a “swath of endorsements” in his campaign to become lieutenant governor. Most are from places like SF, LA and Orange County -- far from the Valley, where he served a single term.

Merced County Times. Assemblywoman Soria announces candidacy for state Senate.
Synopsis: Saying “The Central Valley is my home,” former Fresno city councilwoman Esmeralda Soria is vying to replace Anna Caballero, who is termed out. Soria told Jon Whitaker about her plans at the Rotary Club shrimp feed last weekend. It’s already shaping into a hot race. Another Fresno councilmember, Nelson Esparza, is running and former Merced mayor Mike Murphy is rumored to be considering it.

LA Times. ‘I wish you’d be angry’: CA Democrats face voter fury over Trump, Musk.
Synopsis: Story is focused on “deep-blue” districts in SoCal where constituents say they want to see more fight, more pushback and more of their anger at Trump reflected by representatives. “I am so angry. I am so scared. I feel our democracy is in danger … I wish you’d be angry,” said one speaker. One resident said the nation can’t wait for the midterm elections in 2026. “As I speak, a South African Nazi and his criminal hackers are raiding federal buildings. That’s not normal. That’s a coup.” The story notes that typical Democratic explanations of “they’re the majority, there’s not much we can do” aren’t cutting it. At least Democrats are hearing the outrage, Republicans refuse to listen, canceling meetings and turning off their phones. Elected officials such as Pete Cisneros say they are taking actions to protect Medicaid, but those aren’t being reported.

Dos Palos airfield lands buyer

Fresno Bee. WWII airstrip in Central CA sold; it was ‘the country club of training bases.’ 
Synopsis: Once used to train pilots for WWII, Eagle Field south of Dos Palos had more recently been used for drag races. “What made Eagle Field stand out from others was that it was viewed as the country club of training,” said historian Jim Bertao. It was landscaped and had a swimming pool and rec room complete with bowling alley. The hangars have been popular as party barns. No price was provided, but the airfield was listed for $1.1 million.
MAD Note: According to Valley Solutions sources, the buyers are planning to create a “primary pilot training school” for. The group is “dedicated to developing multi-domain vehicles that seamlessly integrate driving and flying capabilities.”

Cattle, poultry shows canceled

Westside Connect. Merced County Spring Fair approaching.
Synopsis: The live cattle and poultry portions of the annual Spring Fair were canceled due to bird flu. The May 1-4 fair will proceed with rides, auctions and other events.

Shipping fees could hurt farmers

Ag Daily. Proposed fees on ocean carriers could hurt farmers.
Synopsis: US trade negotiators are proposing to add new fees of up to $1.5 million per ship on any carrier registered or built in China – which has the largest commercial fleet in the world. The American Farm Bureau thinks that is a stupid idea. “Bulk agricultural exporters would face an additional $372 million to $930 million in annual transportation costs,” according to an AFBF report. AFBF president Zippy Duval noted that grain farmers have had three successive down years, and “higher freight rates could make things even worse.”

Top majors at CSUs, UCs

SF Chronicle. These are the most popular majors at every CU and CSU, and how to get accepted.
Synopsis: “Popular” means crowded, leading some universities to cap the number of students allowed to enroll. Other schools make requirements for entering some majors extremely rigorous. One college counseling firm says allowing campuses to set their own rules leads to “chaos.” At UC Merced the top majors are biological sciences, computer science and business. At Fresno State there are 20 majors listed as “most popular,” ranging from Ag Business to Viticulture. Stan State lists only two: Nursing and pre-nursing.

Los Banos educator honored

Westside Express. Cruz Berumen Flores named Secondary co-Administrator of the year by ACSA.
Synopsis: The Association of CA School Administrators has named the learning director at Pacheco High its top admin. She began teaching in 2010. She oversees the English Language Learners program and hosts it annual multicultural night, which this year had 3,500 guests. She strongly believes that student success is “deeply connected to cultural awareness and collaboration.” She has expanded education to entire families, not just students.

Busy day for law enforcement

Merced Sun Star. 4 stabbed in Merced County attack; suspected arrested after brief chase.
Synopsis: A rampage of violence started Wednesday morning in Atwater at First and Atwater Blvd. Isidro Chavez Gonzales, 38, was arrested after fleeing in a stolen car.

Merced Golden Wire (Facebook). Ambulance jumper sought.
Synopsis: A person being transported via ambulance to Mercy Medical Center for clearance for incarceration jumped out of the ambulance on Thursday morning. He had been arrested for retail theft and was due to be booked before he took a detour.

ABC30 / KMPH. 4 stabbed with sickle at bus stop and food plant in Atwater.
Synopsis: Four people were hospitalized Wednesday morning after Isidro Chavez Gonzales attacked three people at a bus stop with field sickle. One of the victims was using a walker and waiting for a bus; the other two ran for help. After that attack, he went into the Teasdale Foods store and stabbed another person before stealing a car and fleeing. He didn’t get far as authorities from Merced SO, Atwater police, CHP and elsewhere responded. He crashed at Buhach and Hwy 140. Chief Rich McEachin said, “it appears to be a random act.” The victims were taken by helicopter to the hospital.

Valley Sun. Fresno man sent to prison for possessing 100 pounds of fentanyl.
Synopsis: Carlos Lopez, 29, will pass his 30s in federal prison after being convicted of planning to distribute 107 pounds of fentanyl and 39 pounds of cocaine. He was captured during a traffic stop on Sept. 8, 2023. In his pickup, police found 485,000 fentanyl pills and 18 bricks of cocaine.