Latest news with #Merced
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
Cats press against windshield of U-Haul van outside Taco Bell. Officers take 134 from vehicle
A U-Haul van was found in a California Taco Bell parking lot on Sunday evening crawling with cats. Officials said the van contained 134 cats, most in distress and about one-fifth of them dead. Disturbing images provided by the Merced County Sheriff's Office show cats pressed up against the front windshield of the vehicle. More of the animals — some kittens as young as a week old — were found squeezed into cardboard boxes in the back. A Long Beach woman was arrested on 93 counts of animal cruelty after 106 "extremely emaciated" cats and 28 dead cats were taken from the van, according to the Sheriff's Office. According to a release posted to Facebook, a deputy discovered the cats in the van parked outside of the Taco Bell in Santa Nella. They immediately saw at least 20 cats in need of assistance through the car windshield. Animal control officers removed the sick and dead cats. They found that there was no food or water inside the vehicle, the release said. Officials said the cats' ages ranged from 1 week to 8 years old. The emaciated cats were taken to the Merced County Animal Services shelter to receive treatment. The animals will be available for adoption once they are medically cleared, the release said. Authorities identified the cats' owner as 69-year-old Jeannie Maxon, from Long Beach. She was booked into Merced County Jail. The case was under investigation, officials said. The Sheriff's Office noted that the incident occurred on a summer day — the temperature in Merced County reached a high of 100 degrees on Sunday — and took the opportunity to remind pet owners of the dangers of leaving any animal in a car. "The Merced County Sheriff's Office would like to remind the public that leaving any animal in a vehicle during the summer months is very dangerous," the release said. "Please ensure that when you're traveling with your pet, they're provided with a cool place to stay, offering plenty of shade, lots of water, and food." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CNBC
13-06-2025
- Health
- CNBC
Here's the No. 1 phrase dads 'hate hearing' on Father's Day, says parenting expert—what to say instead
As a child, I was often curious about my father's absence. My mother navigated those awkward questions with grace, never speaking negatively of him, even on Father's Day. She'd soften the truth without burdening me with the complexities of his situation: "He loves you, even if you can't see him." Her words resonated deeply, illuminating feelings I didn't fully comprehend until I became a father myself. Now, as a therapist and the author of "Present: The Crisis of American Fatherhood and the Power of Showing Up," I've dedicated over a decade to supporting fathers who want to reconnect with their kids. Many of these dads are often misunderstood. They face barriers like divorce, incarceration, substance use, unemployment and mental health challenges. A common narrative paints them as uncaring simply because they aren't physically present. So let's pause and challenge this assumption. One phrase I hate hearing on Father's Day is, "You should step it up." (A similar one is, "Why aren't you more present?") Instead, we should acknowledge these fathers. A simple gesture can go a long way: "You are important, and we celebrate you today. Support is here if you ask for it." Here are a few things I've learned over the last decade in working with dads. It's tempting to join the chorus of voices that equate physical absence with emotional unavailability or lack of interest. Yet, if we take a moment to reflect on that first time we held our children, we realize that no father dreams of being apart from their child, especially on special days like Father's Day. For many dads, the day is a painful reminder of their absence, and acknowledging them can provide a much-needed lifeline. As a therapist, it would be remiss of me not to say that it is okay to go to therapy as a man. Just like athletes rely on coaches and teammates, parents need their own support systems. Do you have someone to call when you're feeling under the weather? If not, consider finding a trusted doctor. Do you have a friend you can lean on when you're feeling down? If not, think about reaching out someone you've always felt comfortable talking to. Every parent, especially fathers facing challenges, benefits from a supportive community. Parenting isn't something we can do effectively in isolation. For many, this involves grappling with past choices, regrets and the journey toward reconciliation. Instead of labeling themselves as "bad fathers," many dads might shift their narrative to: "I am an imperfect father who tries my best." This re-translation of self-perception is crucial for healing. They might acknowledge, "I've made mistakes, but I'm working on making things right." When you confront your past, you can set the stage for growth and connection. Recent studies, including a working paper from economists at the University of California, Merced, the U.S. Census Bureau and the University of Maryland, reveal the profound effects parental separation has on children, particularly due to divorce. Factors such as lost financial resources, changes in neighborhood quality and reduced parental involvement account for a significant portion of the negative outcomes children face. Despite the challenges, one truth remains: Separated or struggling parents, whether mothers or fathers, always want the best for their children. Two narratives can coexist — one of struggle and one of care. Dads may be distant for various reasons, but that doesn't mean they don't love and want to support their children. Recognizing the duality in these stories enables us to approach Father's Day with empathy and understanding. Let's rewrite the narrative surrounding fathers, especially those who are struggling or absent. Let's offer recognition and support. A simple acknowledgment can remind these fathers that their roles matter and that they are not alone in their journey. By understanding that all fathers, regardless of their struggles, want to do their best for their children, we can help create an environment where all dads feel valued and supported. Such acknowledgment transforms Father's Day into a celebration not just of fathers, but of the unbreakable bond of love and dedication they strive to uphold even in their weakest moments.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How did Merced County food businesses, schools fare in latest health inspections?
Reality Check is a Merced Sun-Star series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email tips@ All 22 food businesses and schools visited by Merced County health inspectors in the past week received passing marks for cleanliness and food-safety compliance. The latest inspections across the county were conducted between May 27 through May 29. Nineteen of the food businesses and schools received a 'good' rating and three received a rating of 'satisfactory.' The county gives 'good' ratings to businesses with six or fewer violation points, 'satisfactory' ratings for seven to 13 violation points, and 'unsatisfactory' ratings for 14 or more violation points. Two Los Banos food businesses Taco El Tono and Dino Mart both received 'good' ratings after re-inspections were conducted after both locations received 'unsatisfactory' ratings earlier this year. Businesses that received perfect scores with no violation were: ▪ Dos Palos Elementary School ▪ Dos Palos High School ▪ Valley Community School, Merced ▪ Farmdale Elementary School, Merced ▪ Escuela Popular Instituto de Cesar Chavez, Merced ▪ El Nido Elementary School ▪ Ada Givens School, Merced ▪ Cruickshank Middle School, Merced ▪ Westside High School, South Dos Palos ▪ Tenaya Intermediate, Merced ▪ Plainsburg Elementary School Cafeteria, Merced ▪ El Capitan High Food and Pool, Merced ▪ Dino Mart, Los Banos The inspections represent a snapshot of conditions found at the time of a visit and may not indicate a pattern of good or bad food safety practices. In most instances, if an inspector finds a problem, it's something that can be fixed on the spot. This can include having enough bleach or sanitizer in the water used to wipe down food-preparation areas, replenishing soap, paper towels and toilet paper in the restrooms, or reminding employees to wash their hands and wear gloves and hairnets. But some violations are considered more serious and, in some instances, can result in immediate closure of restaurants or food businesses when they are observed by health inspectors. Those may include insect or vermin infestations; refrigerators that don't keep food cold enough or steam tables that don't keep food hot enough to inhibit bacterial growth, or clogged sinks or drains that cause contaminated water to back up into kitchens. A lack of hot water is one of the most common violations that health inspectors find when they make their routine visits. Hot water at a temperature of at least 120 degrees is considered important by inspectors for safely washing pots, pans, dishes and glasses, and 100 degrees for employees to wash their hands. Merced County's Environmental Health Division maintains a database of restaurant and food inspections online for public viewing at its web page, click the 'Food Inspections' tab along the left side of the page.
Gizmodo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Trump's DOT Threatens to Pull Funding for California's High-Speed Rail
California's long-promised high-speed train project, first approved in 2008, has hit lots of roadblocks in its development process, and now it may be looking at the end of the road. The Trump administration's Department of Transportation released a report this week that does not paint a pretty picture of the project, and DOT head Sean Duffy has given California just over a month to respond to concerns or face having $4 billion in government funding rescinded, according to Reuters. The threat to cut off California follows a 315-page report published by the Federal Railroad Administration that claims California has missed several deadlines related to the high-speed rail and has failed to identify how it will secure $7 billion in funding to build a segment of rail between Merced and Bakersfield, California, which it needs to secure by next summer in order for the project to move forward. The report concludes, in quite Trumpian language, that California 'conned the taxpayer out of its $4 billion investment, with no viable plan to deliver even that partial segment on time.' The Department of Transportation gave California until mid-July to respond to the report, threatening to terminate federal contracts if it fails to sufficiently address concerns raised in the report. The California High-Speed Rail Authority called the report 'misguided,' according to a report from the Los Angeles Times, and said it will issue a formal response soon. 'We remain firmly committed to completing the nation's first true high-speed rail system connecting the major population centers in the state,' a spokesperson for the agency said. Trump has been on California's ass about the rail project basically since he returned to office. His administration launched a yet-to-be-completed review of a $3.1 billion federal grant to help fund construction back in February, and last month he singled out the project during a joint appearance with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada, stating, 'That train is the worst cost overrun I've ever seen,' and 'This government is not going to pay.' The scrutiny from Trump and company isn't exactly a surprise to officials involved in the high-speed rail's buildout, as officials signaled earlier this year that there may be funding shortfalls from the federal government on the horizon. And while plenty of people are frustrated by how long the California rail project has taken to come together and how much it costs, the federal government really is not on the hook for that much of it. Per the LA Times, California has paid for 82% of the project, relying on federal grants for just 18% of funding. While California's high-speed rail has had plenty of issues—mostly inflicted by politics—the 'train to nowhere' label that it often gets hit with no longer matches the picture on the ground. More than 119 miles of rail have been laid between Merced and Bakersfield, and the project is close enough to completion that abandoning it at this point would be more wasteful than finishing it, especially with communities along the route expecting a potential economic boom once it is up and running. But good luck telling that to Trump (and Elon Musk who has opposed it from the beginning).
Arab News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Trump administration may rescind $4 billion for California High-Speed Rail project
WASHINGTON: The Trump administration said Wednesday there is no viable path forward for California's High-Speed Rail project and warned it may rescind $4 billion in government funding in the coming weeks. The US Transportation Department released a 315-page report from the Federal Railroad Administration that cited missed deadlines, budget shortfalls and questionable ridership projections. One key issue cited is that California has not identified $7 billion in additional funding needed to build an initial 171-mile segment between Merced and Bakersfield, California. USDOT gave California until mid-July to respond and then the administration could terminate the grants. Trump said last month the US government would not pay for the project. The FRA report Wednesday said California had 'conned the taxpayer out of its $4 billion investment, with no viable plan to deliver even that partial segment on time.' The California High-Speed Rail System is a planned two-phase 800-mile system with speeds of up to 220 miles per hour that aims to connect San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim and in the second phase extend north to Sacramento and south to San Diego. The California High-Speed Rail Authority said it strongly disagrees with the administration's conclusions 'which are misguided and do not reflect the substantial progress made to deliver high-speed rail in California.' It noted California, Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal before the legislature extends at least $1 billion per year in funding for the next 20 years 'providing the necessary resources to complete the project's initial operating segment.' The authority noted in May there is active civil construction along 119 miles in the state's Central Valley. Voters approved $10 billion for the project in 2008 but the costs have risen sharply. The Transportation Department under former President Joe Biden awarded the project about $4 billion. The entire San Francisco-to-Los Angeles project was initially supposed to be completed by 2020 for $33 billion but has now jumped from $89 billion to $128 billion. In 2021, Biden restored a $929 million grant for California's high-speed rail that Trump had revoked in 2019 after the Republican president called the project a 'disaster.'
