Central Valley Journalism Collaborative

Journalists face trauma on multiple fronts — historical, first-hand, and vicarious. Psychoanalyst Zak Mucha and journalist Trey Bundy will share practical ways to recognize and manage the impact of trauma on your reporting and in your work with sources.

CVJC Training: Trauma for Journalists
📅 When: Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. PT
💻 Where: Zoom
🎙️ Speakers: Zak Mucha, LCSW (psychoanalyst; president, Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis) in conversation with journalist Trey Bundy, managing editor of The Intersection health equity reporting lab
✅ Cost: Free and open to all Central Valley journalists
🔗 RSVP here: https://forms.gle/ZTuFHdo9q8ej2wTF8

Merced approves more funding to continue providing "r**e kit" exams to sexual assault survivors after more than decade of not offering the service.

Merced police chief says cost of medical exams for sexual assault survivors 'worth it' Merced's city council has directed more funding to support forensic medical exams for collecting evidence associated with sexual assault.

Respected Valley journalist Esther Quintanilla has joined CVJC as our newest reporter, covering English Language Learner communities.

She received two Edward R. Murrow Awards for her coverage of the Madera Community Hospital closure and the push by farmworkers for new voting rights in California.

Welcome to the team, Esther!

Adam Gray declares victory over John Duarte in Congressional District 13 race.

Adam Gray declares victory over John Duarte in Congressional District 13 race With all counties reporting final votes, Adam Gray declares victory over incumbent Congressman John Duarte in CA-13 race

She has been called a pioneer who blazed a trail in the Valley for women in the legal field.

Betty L. Dawson, first female presiding judge in Merced County, dies at age 76 The Valley's legal community is in mourning after Betty Dawson first woman Merced County presiding judge dies at age 76

Gray pulls ahead of Duarte in race for Congressional District 13.

Adam Gray pulls ahead of John Duarte in Congressional District 13 race The race for California's Congressional District 13 continues to be tight. Adam Gray pulls ahead of John Duarte in CA-13 race

For members of the Indigenous community in Merced County and California, “Native American Heritage Month” is a year-round effort to protect and preserve their culture and traditions.

‘This land owns you. You don’t own the land.’ Celebrating the Valley’s Native American cultures The Merced FOCUS's Christian De Jesus Betancourt examines how Indigeous communities are celebrating Central Valley's Native American cultures

Three 9-week online courses are being offered for those interested in entering the cannabis industry.

Classes for cannabis? UC Merced Extension launching w**d workforce training Three different certificates will be available through UC Merced Extension program offering cannabis workforce classes

The qeej, a flute traditionally crafted from bamboo, is central to Hmong cultural rituals.

Celebrating the melodies of legacy: Hmong flute masters honored in Merced A special performance was held in Merced City Council chambers, as Hmong flute masters were honored with a special resolution

The race for the 13th Congressional District couldn’t be any more of a toss up, following Tuesday's vote count.

To the wire: John Duarte’s lead over Adam Gray now razor thin, latest results show Only 227 votes now separate the 13th Congressional District race, John Duarte's lead over Adam Gray is now just razor thin