City of Merced

Today, Police Chief Steven Stanfield had the privilege of swearing in ten newly promoted and newly hired police officers. A common theme resonated as each officer expressed pride in working for leaders who value every department member and prioritize service to the community. Chief Stanfield remarked, “There are many opportunities with police departments throughout California. People are going to come here because of our community and the values we hold within our department.” Congratulations to Captain Dan Dabney, Lieutenant Jose Barajas, Sergeant Christian Lupian, Sergeant Taylor Rocha, Officer Nicholas Dabney, Officer Luis Prado-Salcedo, Officer Cruz Ramirez, Officer De’Anthony Taijeron, Officer Adriyan Garcia-Resendez, and Officer Arturo Castro. Thank you to the friends and family of these officers and to city, county, state, and federal representatives who support the important work of these dedicated individuals, and to our friends at Merced College for the venue. #CommunityFirst #ProudToServe

Merced County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Approves UC Merced Annexation into the City of Merced Merced, Calif [July 18, 2024] – The City of Merced is pleased to announce the successful approval of the annexation of the University of California, Merced campus into the City of Merced by the Merced County Local Agency Formation Commission, which has approval authority over annexations. This momentous decision encompasses approximately 1,040 acres of the UC Merced campus, along with a crucial two-mile stretch of Bellevue Road, culminating in 1,140 acres being incorporated into the city.  The annexation signifies a strategic, planned, and logical progression of urban expansion, reinforcing the City’s commitment to fostering efficient delivery of urban services and bolstering the overall growth of the community. By integrating UC Merced into the City of Merced, the City aims to enhance collaboration and streamline services, ultimately benefiting students, faculty, and residents alike.  Mayor Matthew Serratto commented, “This annexation is pivotal in Merced’s journey towards sustained economic growth and development. By bringing UC Merced within city limits, we are expanding our geographical boundaries and strengthening our community’s educational and infrastructural framework. This decision reflects our dedication to promoting efficient urban planning and delivering top-notch services to all residents.”  "We are pleased that LAFCo has approved the city’s application for the annexation of UC Merced. It has been a true collaborative effort to get us to this point and we are grateful to our city partners for their commitment and hard work. Being annexed to the city is an integral piece of the long-term strategic plans for both the university and the City of Merced,” said UC Merced chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “This strengthens our partnership with the city and will enhance opportunities for students, faculty and the entire community as we build a brighter future for Merced together.”  City Manager Scott McBride added, “The annexation will pave the way for more cohesive planning and development between the City of Merced and UC Merced. This partnership will enable us to better address the needs of the university and the community, fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence and urban vitality.”  Following a 30-day administrative review process, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) will officially record the annexation.  The City of Merced is committed to ensuring that this annexation translates into tangible benefits for all stakeholders. Plans are underway to enhance infrastructure, streamline public services, and promote sustainable development within the newly annexed area.  ###

Today, the City of Merced proudly celebrates the graduation of the City of Merced Fire Department Recruits from Academy 24-01. This milestone is the result of the collective efforts of many dedicated individuals who created numerous opportunities, including securing crucial grant funding, providing exemplary leadership, and offering outstanding training and mentorship. Thank you to all the fire personnel who balanced their duties while providing invaluable support to these new firefighters. This is a significant achievement for the recruits and their families and a proud moment for the Merced community.

Today in Merced, local artist Patricia Pratt, from Kreepy Kawaii, showcased her latest masterpiece—a vibrant mural near Applegate Skate Park—to Alex Ruiz of ABC 30. Collaborating with talented artists from Urbanists Collective, Patty's mural represents our very gifted artistic community. Check out the Urbanists at urbanistscollective.com. We're blown away by the artistic talent in Merced. Local artists have transformed large spaces into captivating artwork with support from the City of Merced, the Heartland Creative Corps, Caltrans Clean California, and YLI-sponsored art projects. Don't miss the chance to explore Merced's growing art scene: from the murals near the Tower Theater, the Applegate Zoo Gift Shop, downtown utility boxes, Joe Herb Park, Hwy 99 Undercrossings, McNamara Skate Park, and now Applegate Skate Park. Partnering with local artists who honor our landmarks, like the iconic rocket playground at Applegate Park, and celebrate our agricultural heritage with vibrant colors is exciting. So, whether you're local or visiting Merced, take a walk through Applegate Park to the skate park, snap a photo with the mural, and share it tagging the city. Support local artists and keep Merced a dynamic hub of creativity!

Meet Angel Nunez, Public Works Supervisor for Parks and Trees and Certified Arborist Angel wears several hats around the City, but people know him as the City's tree guy and a vital Public Works crew member. Angel has a passion for keeping our City green and vibrant. With six years of service to Merced, Angel brings knowledge and a deep-rooted connection to our community. Raised just a stone's throw away in Dos Palos, Angel's childhood memories of Kiddieland and family sports outings in our parks fuel his dedication to preserving our green spaces. In his role, Angel manages and supports a crew of 9 to maintain Merced's impressive array of trees. Whether it's the majestic oaks lining our streets or the hidden treasures in our parks, our Public Works Trees and Parks crews work to ensure they receive the care they deserve. Almost every day is Arbor Day for Angel, so let's talk about Arbor Day. This year, City crews and community members will plant 41 new trees at McNamara Park: Chinese pistachio, sturdy red oak, sunset maple, and Eastern redbuds – all contributing to our urban forest. If you live in the area, join our local Girl Scout troops and other green-thumbed enthusiasts to plant these beautiful trees (that will bring much-needed shade in months to come). Just bring your gloves and comfy clothes, and we'll supply the shovels. Merced isn't just any city—we're a proud Tree City USA, a title earned through our commitment to preserving and nurturing our urban forest. The trees that line our streets and parks are just the beginning of thousands of trees that canopy our residents' fronts and backyards. If you live in the area, mark your calendars for Saturday morning, April 27th, and join us at McNamara Park to plant some trees!

City of Merced Announces Appointment of Interim Fire Chief During Transition Period  Merced, Calif - April 5, 2024— City Manager Scott McBride announced the appointment of Casey Wilson as Interim Fire Chief. Wilson will oversee administrative services for the Merced Fire Department during the transitional period while the city conducts a search for a new Fire Chief. “Interim Chief Wilson brings solid experience to this role, having served this community in all ranks within the organization, including five years in a chief officer role,” stated City Manager Scott McBride. With a proven track record of dedication to public safety and commitment to excellence, Wilson is well-positioned to lead the Merced Fire Department during this critical transition.” In his role as Interim Fire Chief, Wilson will provide strategic direction and guidance to the department, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality fire and emergency services to the residents of Merced. He will work closely with city officials, department personnel, and community stakeholders to maintain operational efficiency and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within the department. "I am honored to step in at this time to ease the transition of leadership,” stated Wilson. “I look forward to supporting the momentum of the Department's strategic plan. I am committed to upholding the mission of protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention, education, and emergency response. I look forward to working closely with the dedicated men and women of the Merced Fire Department as we continue to serve and safeguard our community." During this transitional period, the City of Merced will also launch a comprehensive search for a new fire chief. Details regarding the recruitment process and timeline will be announced in the coming weeks. Interim Chief Wilson, a Merced native and graduate of Le Grand High School and Merced College, resides locally with his wife, Tiffany, and their three children. His strong ties to the community and educational background reinforce his dedication to guiding the Merced Fire Department through this important transition, prioritizing the safety and welfare of our community. About the City of Merced: The City of Merced is a vibrant community in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley. With a rich history, diverse population, and thriving economy, Merced is proud to offer its residents and visitors a high quality of life and a range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.