When I was a kid, I remember the centers at McNamara and Stephan Leonard parks being the heart and life of the community. The Mac was so beautiful. I swam in the pool, watched my mom play softball and spent my weekends there. I remember the Mac center being staffed by Parks and Recreation workers.
backthemack mcnamara mcnamara youth center merced parks spotlight youth youth developmentAs Merced schools lie within one of the poorest counties in the state, many students fit within one or more of the groups eligible for additional funding under LCFF. According to Kidsdata.org, 79% of students in Merced County are eligible for free or reduced price lunch, available for children whose family’s income is 185% or less of the federal poverty line, or about $44,000 for a family of four in 2013-2014.
buhach high school golden valley high school LCAP LCFF merced high school MUHSD school spotlightNow youth advocates are pushing the City Council to invest $29,000 in the Mac’s operating budget to close some of the gaps and pay for a part-time staff member to ensure consistent programming. On May 27, supporters held a rally in front of the youth center, urging community members to #BackTheMac.
#backthemac mac center mcnamara mcnamara youth center merced south merced spotlight youth developmentA Fresno FAX bus advertisement, commissioned by BHC Fresno, that depicts the difference in green spaces between the two parts of the city through public information, has been rejected by Mayor Ashley Swearengin as 'political' and in violation of city codes for bus ads. Below, We'Ced youth reporters reflect on the issue occurring in our neighboring city and question the validity of Mayor Swearengin's decision.
#onehealthyfresno fresno fresno bhc Mayor Swearengin north fresno parks south fresno spotlightOur community is not going to stop pushing for health coverage for all the tax paying and hardworking citizens of Merced County and our surrounding areas. The lives of our undocumented families, friends, and neighbors matter just as much as those lives of documented people.
#health4all health care merced sb4 spotlight undocumentedOver 270 people packed into the May 8 event, representing a diverse array of ethnic communities in the area. Many offered personal testimony about how they had been affected by the exclusion of undocumented immigrants from the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
#health4all adam gray anthony cannella building healthy communities health care merced spotlight undocumented