Over 200 environmentalists, philanthropists, and journalists convened last week at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco at an event hosted by Green 2.0 (an initiative of The Raben Group) and New America Media to discuss an issue that’s become increasing urgent in effectively addressing climate change – the lack of diversity in the mainstream environmental movement.
In late 2014, the City of Merced received an $828,775 grant from the State of California's Housing and Community Development Department to improve and renovate Stephen Leonard Park. The park, which occupies a square block deep in South Merced, has seen better days. The basketball court is riddled with cracks and the pool has been empty for years. Renovation plans include installing a skate park and replacing the pool with a splash pad, as well as adding security cameras.
We’Ced reporters spent a chilly Saturday afternoon talking to visitors at Stephen Leonard Park about the new plans, and their memories of the place.
A federal judge on Monday blocked Obama’s executive actions on immigration from going into effect. But while immigration reform advocates say they are confident the judge’s decision will be reversed, they are concerned about the uncertainty the ruling could generate within immigrant communities.
Valentine's Day is upon us, the season of love, friendship and massive amounts of chocolate. For every giant stuffed bear, bouquet of roses and array of balloons, there is also the inevitable sting of disappointment from unrequited affection. We'Ced reporters asked around the community to find the best--and worst--Valentine's Day stories that people had to share.
by We’Ced reportersphotos by Alyssa Castro and We’Ced reportersEd Note: On January 31st, Merced resident and film maker Rodrigo Reyes screened Purgatorio: A Journey Into the Heart of the Border.Read More
On Thursday January 29th, the City Council of Merced held one of it’s two annual Town Hall meetings in the cafeteria of Tenaya Middle School. Over 50 people gathered to discuss how to improve the city. Many attendees shared their thoughts on public safety in Merced with We’Ced reporters.
Keeney said she is now very open about her depression. “I actually find that talking about it has been really helpful.” Though she also noted people need to understand “you can’t get over it in one day.” While in school, she’s also come up with ways to cope with bouts of depression. “If I feel myself get too stressed out, or too unmotivated, then I will just take a day and just breathe,” she said.
Like many people who grew up in the Central Valley, near Bakersfield, I have fond memories of our beloved Kern River. There is a bike path that runs parallel to the river, and on hot summer days, while walking or biking along the river, it was not uncommon to see whole families floating down the river on inner tubes. When I was in college, my friends and I would meet on the path several times a week to rollerblade.
Robert Cervantez, 19, says he's been dealing with feelings of depression since middle school. After Robert began resorting to self-harm as a coping mechanism, his family tried conventional therapy but it didn't seem to help. Ultimately, it was a particular brand of music and the community around it that provided a much needed cathartic outlet for Robert.
I have to say there is alot of gang violence in my neighborhood so you see the Sheriff’s Department coming down asking kids what they’re doing or asking them if they’re on probation and things like that. I think when youth see police officers arresting their friends, that hurts their trust with police. I think law enforcement needs to get involved more in the community, go out there more and see what it’s like.
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