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Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers
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Merced County DA angered by Newsom's decision to commute death sentences

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to commute the death sentences of more than 500 inmates on California’s death row has angered Merced County’s district attorney, Nicole Silveira. In a statement released Friday, Silveira specifically pointed out the case involving perhaps Merced’s most notorious slaying. Cuitlahuac Tahua “Tao” Rivera was a gang member when he gunned down Merced police Officer Stephan Gray during a traffic stop on April 15, 2004 . Rivera, is the only person from a Merced County case currently on California’s death row. “It is an unprecedented abuse of power, complete disregard of the will of both voters and juries in California and an appalling violation of the rights of victims and survivors,” Silveira said of Newsom’s decision. “Regardless of the Governor’s personal feelings on the death penalty, due process should still stand in California, and it is being denied to those affected by this decision.” Rivera shot Gray during a foot pursuit. He was convicted in 2007. A statue honoring Gray stands outside the Merced Police Department. “Because Rivera has prior felony convictions, his commutation cannot take effect unless the California Supreme Court reviews his case and recommends it,” Silveira said. “My office will work to formally oppose

Merced County, CA · 6h

Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers
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A teen arrest, a hit-and-run and Dunkin' comes to Merced County. What to know

Merced County saw a busy week of news, from a Dos Palos shooting arrest to voters turning out at UC Merced. Here’s a quick rundown of what happened across the county. Here are key takeaways: A 17-year-old from Dos Palos turned himself on Sunday and was booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of attempted murder after a Saturday morning shooting on Valeria Avenue that left a 32-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. More than 42,000 ballots were cast across Merced County on Election Day, with UC Merced students lining up to vote on issues ranging from education cuts to immigration enforcement. A 22-year-old Merced County man, Jonas Bond, suffered an internal decapitation, traumatic brain injury and other life-threatening wounds after being hit by a driver who fled the scene on Henry Miller Road on Oct. 16, CHP said. A Livingston man, Jose Vasquez, was arrested Wednesday after an altercation at Mercy Hospital’s emergency room that left a sheriff’s deputy with a significant hand injury, with deputies finding three firearms on him and in his vehicle. Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira is vowing to oppose Gov. Gavin Newsom’s commutation of death row inmate Cuitlahuac Tahua “Tao” Rivera, who was convicted

Merced County, CA · 4h

YourCentralValley.com

partner publisher · 92.5K followers
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CHP asks for help finding driver accused of pedestrian hit-and-run in Merced County

The California Highway Patrol is seeking public assistance to locate a driver involved in a hit-and-run on Henry Miller Road that occurred on October 16.

Merced County, CA · 2d

The Modesto Bee

partner publisher · 26.9K followers
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Modesto gang leader convicted in jail assault that left inmate with broken jaw, nose

A Modesto man described by prosecutors as a leader of a white supremacist criminal street gang inside a Stanislaus County jail has been convicted of felony assault after authorities said he orchestrated the beating of another inmate over perceived disrespect. Buik James Hooton, 38, was found guilty Thursday, Oct. 29, of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, according to Stanislaus Superior Court records. The jury returned its verdict shortly after 3 p.m. following deliberations that began earlier that day. The conviction stems from an Aug. 14, 2024, assault at the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s REACT facility at 194 E. Hackett Road in Modesto. The victim suffered multiple fractures to his nose and jaw after being attacked inside a jail cell, according to court documents. Prosecutors said Hooton was the ranking member of the Peckerwood gang in his housing unit and exercised authority over other members. The victim, who was also associated with the gang, allegedly had been involved in a disagreement with Hooton before the assault, according to an arrest warrant affidavit filed by sheriff’s Detective Darwin Summerton. Hooton directed another inmate, Caleb Bronson, to assist him in confronting the victim, while a third inmate, Kristopher

Modesto, CA · 2d

The Fresno Bee

partner publisher · 34.7K followers

Election results 2026: How the Valley is voting for Congress and California leaders

Central Valley voters are helping decide who represents them in Congress and the California Legislature, who will lead the state and which statewide ballot propositions will become law. These are the latest election results for races affecting Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Madera and Merced counties, including congressional and legislative contests, statewide offices and California’s 14 ballot propositions. Results will be updated as ballots are counted following Tuesday’s election. Unofficial results in the Nov. 3, 2026, California general election from the California Secretary of State’s Office and county election offices. These preliminary results, known as a semifinal official canvass, are updated as counties count ballots. Vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day may be counted if received by Nov. 10. Counties must certify election results by Dec. 3. The secretary of state must certify the final statement of vote by Dec. 11.

Merced County, CA · 2d

Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers

Boyenga, Lopez in tight battle to become Merced County superintendent of schools

Ana Boyenga and Richard Lopez are locked in a close race to become the next Merced County superintendent of schools. Boyenga has a slight lead over Lopez, 50.96% to 49.04%, in early unofficial results released at 2:06 a.m. on Wednesday. Boyenga has 19,012 votes compared to Lopez’s 18,297. The next results update will be posted no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, according to the Merced County website. “Running for Merced County Superintendent of Schools has been an incredible journey, and I can honestly say that I am proud of the campaign we have run,” Boyenga said in an email. “We approached this race with purpose, passion, and a genuine commitment to the students, families, educators, and communities of Merced County. “While every vote has yet to be counted, I am humbled and grateful for the tremendous support this campaign has received.” Boyenga is the assistant superintendent of the Atwater Elementary School District. Lopez is superintendent of Merced River School District. Boyenga and Lopez advanced to Tuesday’s general election after a four-person primary in June. The county superintendent is responsible for oversight of school district budgets, approval of Local Control and Accountability Plans and the supervision of education for incarcerated

Merced County, CA · 2d

CBS Sacramento

partner publisher · 205.2K followers

Six suspected gang members arrested in connection to Modesto home invasion

Six men have been arrested in connection to a home invasion robbery on Goldrun Drive earlier this week, Modesto police said on Friday.

Modesto, CA · 4h

Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers

Dunkin' opens first Merced location. See what's on the menu, take a look inside

A new coffee shop has officially opened in Merced. After announcing plans to come to the city in October 2025, Dunkin’ is now serving coffee, doughnuts and breakfast items at a new location. Here’s where to find the new coffee shop — and what’s on the menu: Where is new coffee shop in Merced? Dunkin’ opened at 805 South Coffee St. in Merced’s Gateway Marketplace shopping center. The coffee shop is among the several businesses expected to join the retail development, including HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Five Below. Costco Wholesale is also planning to relocate to the shopping center. What is Dunkin’? Dunkin’ is one of the largest coffee and doughnut chains in the country. The coffee company was founded in 1950 by William Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts. Since then, the chain has expanded to more than 14,000 locations worldwide . What’s on the menu at the new Dunkin’ in Merced? Dunkin’ is known for its coffee, doughnuts and breakfast offerings, with a menu that includes hot coffee , iced drinks, cold brew and espresso beverages. Customers can choose from a variety of flavors, including caramel, butter pecan and vanilla. Hot drinks are available in 12-ounce, 16-ounce and 20-ounce cups,

Merced, CA · 13h

Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers

Week 11 of Merced County high school football: 5 games to watch

It’s the final week of the regular season in high school football, and there are some big matchups slated for Friday night. None is bigger than the 46th Santa Fe Bowl between Merced and Atwater, which will determine the champion of the Central California Conference. The matchup features a Merced team that has been dominant during CCC play, outscoring its league opponents 214-27, against an Atwater squad that has rattled off four consecutive victories after starting the season 0-5. The Bears, who are 7-2 overall and 4-0 in the CCC, are the clear favorite. The Falcons, who are 4-5 and 4-0 in the CCC, will have home-field advantage. “We started out 0-5 and we’re 4-0 now in league and going for a championship,” Atwater junior running back/linebacker Hudson Pimentel told the Merced Union High School District’s Shawn Jansen. “It’s going to be exciting.” Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Dave Honey Stadium in Atwater. Here’s a look at the four other key games this week: Hughson at Hilmar: The Yellowjackets have been flawless up to this point, going 9-0 and 5-0 in the Trans-Valley League. But to finish off a TVL title and perfect regular season, the Yellowjackets will

Merced County, CA · 2d

Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers

Merced County election roundup: Council, superintendent, sales tax and legislative races

Merced County voters weighed in Tuesday on a slate of local and state contests, from City Council seats to a sales tax measure and congressional races. Early returns show leads in several key races, though ballot counting continues. Here are key takeaways: John Bliss and Felipe Rojas-Flores took early leads in Merced’s contested City Council races , with Bliss holding an edge over incumbent Fue Xiong in District 6 and Rojas-Flores ahead of Councilmember Yang Pao Thao in District 2. Ana Boyenga and Richard Lopez are locked in a tight race for Merced County superintendent of schools , with Boyenga leading 50.96% to 49.04% in early returns. Measure B, a 1% sales tax increase in Merced , appears headed to passage with 58.18% support in early returns. The tax would raise the local rate to 9.25% and generate an estimated $18 million annually for police, fire, roads and parks. Rep. Adam Gray, D-Merced, defeated Republican Kevin Lincoln to retain California’s 13th Congressional District seat , pulling about 61% of the vote — a commanding margin after winning by just 187 votes in 2024. Republican Alexandra Duarte held an early lead over Democrat Jaron Brandon in the race for California Senate

Merced County, CA · 2d

westsideconnect.com

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Santa Nella man killed in Interstate 5 crash

A 29-year-old Santa Nella man was killed Saturday night after his vehicle struck a guardrail and overturned on Interstate 5 in Stanislaus County, according to the California Highway Patrol. Arbin Perez-Chaparro was driving a 2002 Honda sedan southbound near Ingram Creek Road when the crash was reported at approximately 9:10...

Stanislaus County, CA · 2d

KMPH.com

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Deputies arrest man after erratic behavior at hospital in Merced

MERCED, Calif. (FOX26) — Merced County sheriff’s deputies arrested a man after authorities said he was acting erratically at Mercy Medical Center in Merced and was found with multiple firearms. The sheriff’s office said it received a call Wednesday afternoon about an unknown individual who was “acting paranoid,...

Merced, CA · 1d

fastfoodclub.com

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Out In Oakdale, The Cowboy Breakfasts At Cafe 120 Feed Ranch Hands Before Dawn

Oakdale calls itself the Cowboy Capital of the World, so it is easy to assume that every busy spot on the main drag starts serving before the roosters wake up. The truth about the place behind this headline is a little different, and honestly more interesting. Its doors open at...

Oakdale, CA · 2d

SFGate

publisher · 63.8K followers

Families demand answers after Modesto teens killed in crosswalk

The two teens were leaving a high school football game when they were hit by a car.

Modesto, CA · 2d

hoodline.com

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Jail Tablet Dispute Escalated Into Attack On Black Inmate

A dispute over who was next in line to use a jail tablet escalated into a six-on-one attack on a Black inmate at the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center in Stanislaus County, California, according to Yahoo News. A ranking gang member directed the assault. Peckerwood Activity Inside the Jail. Separately,...

Stanislaus County, CA · 1d

westsideconnect.com

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Rash of pedestrian hits in county prompt warnings, tougher enforcement

Local law enforcement officials are asking motorists to be more alerts on the road following a rash of crashes involving pedestrians and bike riders in Stanislaus County. One such crash occurred in Ceres when a bicyclist was hit by a vehicle on Oct. 13 on Mitchell Road at Dale Avenue. According to Ceres Police, the crash occurred at 5:44 p.m. when a man riding a bicycle was riding eastbound across Mitchell Road when he was struck by a northbound driver in the number two lane. The driver did not see the bicycle cutting across the lanes due to the obstruction of heavy traffic to avoid hitting the rider.

Stanislaus County, CA · 1d

ABC30 Central Valley

partner publisher · 97.5K followers

'Operation Christmas Star' aims to brighten holidays for Merced County families

Families in Merced County can now apply for Operation Christmas Star, a holiday gift-giving program that helps provide presents for local children during the holiday season.

Merced County, CA · 2d

Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers

When will rain return to the Merced area? ‘Active weather' is on the horizon

Enjoy the calm before the storm, Merced. California could see its first atmospheric river of a developing Super El Niño weather pattern, with potential impacts reaching the Merced region, The Sacramento Bee reported. Merced-area residents still have a few more days of sunshine and warmer temperatures to enjoy before the weather turns wetter, according to forecasters. “While a shift toward more active weather remains on the horizon around mid to late next week, a period of drier weather and warm temperatures is anticipated through the weekend and into early next week,” the National Weather Service said in a post on X on Friday. When will rain return to the Merced area? Here’s what the latest weather forecasts show: Will an atmospheric river hit California in November? There’s still a strong signal for lasting rains and Sierra Nevada snow in mid-November thanks to a likely atmospheric river taking shape. As our calm ridge of high pressure pushes east late next week, a low out of the Gulf of Alaska will quickly dive into its place. As it does so, the collision of cooler air from the north with the warm moist air from El Niño will rapidly condense the jet stream

Merced, CA · 7h

Merced Sun-Star

partner publisher · 8.8K followers

‘We want to see change': Merced voters make their voices heard

The line to enter the Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Auditorium on the UC Merced Campus stretched nearly around the building Tuesday as a crowd of students waited to vote, many for the first time. Across the county, voters cast more than 42,000 ballots. More than 6,000 people voted in person on Election Day and, according to Registrar of Voters Melvin Levey, ballot boxes had to be cleared up to three times throughout the day. The last voters concluded just before midnight. Levey also noted the county received about 2,000 provisional or conditional ballots from people who registered to vote at the same time they cast their ballots. “We have to go through and check and make sure that the voter is eligible to vote in this election,” Levey said, which means confirming they have not voted in another county, are at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Merced County. Those votes have yet to be tabulated, as they require extra processing time. UC Merced students talk about why they voted While waiting in line to vote, some UC Merced students reflected on the issues that brought them to the polls. From cuts

Merced County, CA · 2d

ABC30 Central Valley

partner publisher · 97.5K followers

El Nido's community hall gets major renovation project

Volunteers with Lowe's Red Vest associates unveiled renovations to El Nido's Community Hall.

Merced County, CA · 8h