Josh Pedrozo Merced County Supervisor

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers who take care of the day to day. It is kind of funny that Heidi and I have two children Owen and Lucy but she really has three, as she likes to say I’m the 3rd one. I am blessed.

Monday through Friday was booked with the National Association of Counties on behalf of the California State Association of Counties. Had great meetings in regard to emergency preparedness planning and water. My friend Commissioner Amanda McKinney, future Congresswoman from Washington, spoke on a panel about bringing people to the table to make common sense decisions as it relates to the decisions that affect us every day.

Saturday we weighed pigs and spent time in Turlock for a softball tournament for Lucy. I am really proud of the effort the girls put in. I spoke at UCM at the Guardians of Hope event on the importance of listening to foster youth. It was also Merced Hmong Awareness Day. I am always proud to celebrate our county’s cultural diversity. Owen also had his showcase. It was a full day but a meaningful one.

Sunday- I made dinner with my helper, I mainly listened while she directed. Have a great week everyone.

Another great week in Merced County:

Monday: Area Agency Advisory Council meeting. We are working on adjusting the bylaws to ensure quorum so we can have votes that truly represent our seniors. As a board member we are each assigned to different boards and committees. Ironically I am the youngest board member, but this remains one of my favorite committees. I also watched the Senate Transportation hearing for an update on the High Speed Rail business plan. I have been spending a lot of time at the Capitol advocating not just for District 2, but for the county and the Valley as well. Regardless of your position on the project, I am committed to making sure Merced County is heard, not dictated to. Thank you to Senator Cortese, Chair of Senate Transportation, and Assemblymember Wilson, Chair of Assembly Transportation, for listening and standing with us, as well as our local leaders Asm. Soria and Sen. Caballero who have been instrumental in this effort as well.

Tuesday: Monthly check in with the city manager, mayor, and CEO. The collaboration has been strong and we are continuing to work together on a fire agreement and development. I also had a great conversation with the Lao Boat Race group. They reminded me we finished third last year. Challenge accepted. Later I attended an event in Madera to support a colleague and friend running for reelection. Jordan is doing great work in Madera County.

Wednesday: Follow up meetings with our advocates in Sacramento on High Speed Rail, then Owen’s final track meet of the season and softball with Lucy.

Thursday: Senior interviews at Merced High School and County Day at the Spring Fair. I also had a board briefing on workforce development. They are doing great work responding to demand, and I learned more about how we can better address supply. There is a lot happening around Campus Parkway in District 2. There is also growing national conversation around data centers. I would appreciate your thoughts.

Friday: Attended Golden Valley Engineering’s 28th anniversary. Duane Andrews is a friend and the founder, and they do great work in Merced. I also emceed the MCOE Legislative Conference focused on early child care and education. Then I made it to the Fresno State softball game where I introduced my daughter and her teammate Kora to Merced High alum and silver medal winning softball player for USA Bubba Nickles.

Saturday: More softball, then a night at the races supporting Our Lady of Mercy and St Patrick’s. Thank you to the Maxey family for the invitation. Kelly was the winning jockey of the evening.

Sunday: Heidi and I went to Modesto to see The Da Vinci Code. Joe Hypes, Carol Vandegrift, and David Hambley did a fantastic job. Merced truly has incredible talent. Also, do not forget to submit your name ideas for the bear at Courthouse Park. I hope everyone has a great week ahead.
Side note: The House of Representatives passed its version of the Farm Bill this week. As Chair of the National Association of Counties Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, I am proud to have had a seat at the table to ensure our issues continue to be heard. There is no such thing as being on the rise. It is knowing you are there and continuing the journey.

I hope everyone had a great week and an even better one ahead here in Merced County.

Monday: I had a check in with our Director of Public Health to discuss goals, priorities and the continued uncertainty around HR 1 and the state budget. Regardless of politics, counties need a commitment from the Legislature and Administration that funding for state mandated programs will be upheld. We are actively working to navigate these challenges.

Tuesday: Board meeting day. We appointed Dora Crane to the Cemetery Board, approved a new agreement with TJPA and MCAG and authorized new gates for the Veterans Hall in District 2. I also attended the Political Science graduation reception at UC Merced. Impressive students and great work by the faculty.

Wednesday: During public comments following Tuesday's board meeting I proposed a community naming contest for the bear carving at Courthouse Park and it is happening. We filmed a video and details on how to participate are or will be available at countyofmerced.com. I wrapped up the day at the Hilton Garden Inn ribbon cutting. Thank you to Dan and Grace Moradzadeh for your investment in our community.

Thursday: I attended a renewable energy meeting followed by the District Attorney’s Victim Awareness Ceremony. DA Nicole Silveira continues to do an outstanding job advocating for victims and holding offenders accountable.

Friday: I met with the Sheriff’s Department to follow up on the vehicle leasing program approved in October. I appreciate their responsiveness and commitment to public safety. Later I attended the Burchell Bridge ribbon cutting and the Boys and Girls Club annual fundraiser. It was great to be part of the catering crew led by my dad John and helped by Jeremiah.

Saturday: I took Lucy to the ribbon cutting and celebration of Kiddieland at Applegate Park. I am proud that First 5 of Merced County contributed $623,000 in grant funding to support this project. Then it was softball practice and a date night at the CASA event. CASA does incredible work giving foster youth a voice.

Sunday: Lucy’s tournament was canceled but I was able to support my friend Pao Mua in his city council run, attend the Old Timers event with Mrs. Herkert followed by a memorial service for Mr. Joel Knox.
A long week but a good one. Thank you all for your continued support. As always if there is anything I can do to help please reach out.

Also thank you Glen Camarda for tagging me in the picture!

What a week in Merced County:

Monday – First 5 meeting followed by my town hall. Thank you to everyone who came out and to our department heads for showing up supporting and engaging with the public.

Tuesday – NACo meeting and prep for the HSR meeting. Good news: after ongoing conversations with legislators the proposed spending cap on the Merced to Bakersfield segment was addressed with amendments accepted by Sen. Stern. Grateful for our partners in Sacramento and proud that Merced County’s voice is being heard. Then Lucy’s game to wrap the day.

Wednesday – Owen’s final track meet of the year. Also participated in a CSAC discussion on the impacts of H.R. 1 also known as the Big Beautiful Bill followed by an MCAG meeting.

Thursday – A full day: LAFCO, Dispatcher of the Year Awards followed by a DPH reaccreditation celebration. I had the opportunity last year to meet with the site visitors to highlight the important work our public health team does. Incredibly proud of Dr. Sullivan and her team. Also attended the MCAG meeting, state of the College address and then the ribbon cutting for Bob Hart Square. The college and city are doing such a great job in not only highlighting what’s great in Merced but also what’s great in Merced County.

Friday – Cal Fire No Man Left Behind benefit and Friends of the Fair event.

Saturday – Week of the Young Child at Applegate Park with Lucy. Then Junior Olympics where 1244 students from across the county competed. It was awesome to see the athletes compete. One thing I have noticed about track is that everyone wants to win but at the end they are all respectful of each others efforts. Lucy and Heidi also attended the courthouse’s annual tea party. Lucy told me after we played catch that she needed to get ready so she could do her makeup.
I went to the Friends of the Library event, it was saw former Mayor and Supervisor Hub Walsh. My dad and I donated a dinner for the auction and then Heidi and I attended the Burgers and Brews event to support local aquatic programs in Merced.
One of the biggest highlights this week was seeing the completion of the bear statue at Courthouse Park the only park in District 2. Proud to have played a small part in bringing it to life.

Board meeting Tuesday. Have a great week everyone!

This is awesome! Thank you to the artist, and county staff for thinking outside of the box. When our Deputy Director of Public works Lindsey Johnson came to me and asked what I thought about the idea I said, “let’s do it.” Incredibly proud of the work we’re doing in Merced County.

Introducing our newest neighbor, the Bear. His creator is Tommy McCarty Jr.

Courthouse Park projects continue!

I hope everyone had a great Easter week. If you were able to take time off during spring break, just a reminder that school starts again tomorrow, so please be patient around school zones.

Monday I attended the city council meeting, shared about my upcoming town hall, and listened to a discussion on development impact fees. Smart growth and thoughtful planning matter, and the city is doing a great job preparing for the future.

Tuesday we had a board meeting where we heard from the Merced County Spring Fair Heritage Foundation students, recognized Public Health and BHRS, held a public hearing on county vacancies, and approved a new fire agreement with the City of Livingston.

Wednesday I spoke with Senator Dave Cortese, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, about high speed rail and the issues impacting Merced County. I shared our concerns and asked for a commitment to the Central Valley.

Thursday focused on policy work and had a meeting with the director of First 5 to ensure more than 7,000 children ages 0 to 5 have access to the resources they need.

Friday included more high speed rail work, CalCog and an event with our Assemblymember to celebrate her birthday.

Saturday I attended a graduation celebration for a friend’s niece. It was a Lao event, and I am always impressed by the turnout, welcoming spirit, and cultural diversity in Merced County.

Sunday was for pigs and getting ready for the week ahead.

Town hall tomorrow night from 6 to 8 at the Mondo Building in downtown Merced. Hope to see you there.