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According to the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Planning Process, the Central Valley is expected to grow in the next 40 years until its population is more than doubled.
In the 40 years that I have lived in the Valley, I have seen the changes already taking place – busier highways, crowded streets, portable classrooms at schools, decreasing agriculture land, and increasing urban foot prints.
My vision for the Central Valley is that we can preserve the assets of the Valley that we value the most and plan for this growth locally and regionally if we begin to act now.
My vision for the Valley includes
* a robust public safety infrastructure
* the continuation of a prosperous agricultural industry,
* a thriving and diverse business and industrial community which that provides and promotes technologies and products needed not only by our valley but also by the world
* rich cultural and social opportunities that reflect the diversity of our communities
* the best technical / vocational education opportunities and the best transfer education opportunities available anywhere in the nation
* a diversity of transportation and transit options
* a healthy environment with breathable air and drinkable water
* health services infrastructure sufficient to provide care to the wide span of ages and medical needs of the valley’s population
* housing options for Valley residents that meet their needs across their life spans and in terms of family size, mobility, and income
There are several strategies which might prove useful in achieving this vision. One is to have an open planning process that includes all stakeholders from around the county. Another is to have a continuous process for updating the general plan.
Still another is to collaborate regionally. We need to work regionally on a Valley Vision, not county by county, or city by city. We are all in this together.
CRIME
I believe that the problem of gangs and gang associated issues is the most pressing crime issue in Merced County . Merced County has a growing gang problem and there are validated gang members in every city and community in the county.
Additional resources should be provided to law enforcement agencies. The county needs to provide as much support as possible to the sheriff, corrections, probation, and the district attorney. In addition, prevention services and alternative options to the gang lifestyle need to be enhanced. County supervisors need to advocate for the state and federal governments to provide additional funding to assist us in local anti-gang efforts.
It is also critical to understand that gangs are a community problem, not just a law enforcement problem. I quote Merced City Manager Jim Marshall who said
"Gang and youth violence is going to take involvement from the entire community if we are going to make a difference."
As Merced County Supervisor I would strongly support collaborative, inter-government programs that fight gangs, including the effort currently in place that was initiated by the county district attorney and law enforcement officials from every city in the county. I would have more county departments participate in the violence intervention and prevention program that is a collaborative effort of city and county government and school districts (MercedComVIP). I would also support community based organizational efforts targeted to move young gang members to gainful employment.
One recent success of this kind of collaboration is the change in Merced middle school release time that came about because of discussions among the district attorney’s office, the probation department, the city police department, and the Merced City School District .
Our county can and must do more to address gangs and violence. I pledge not only to support such efforts, but also to work with communities as we develop options for prevention and intervention.
EDUCATION
Education for our population across their life spans is a huge challenge. There are many players in this effort – parents, family members, K-12 school districts, public libraries, county offices of education, community colleges, CSUs, and UC Merced and other University of California offices.
I would encourage all Merced County and Valley organizations and agencies that work to meet the social, health, safety, and cultural needs of children – Boys and Girls Clubs, Girl and Boy Scouts, Campfire, faith-based organizations, foster parent organizations, county children’s services, juvenile justice facilities, etc. – to declare and promote educational attainment as one of their primary outcomes.
I would provide additional support to county library branches. Many low income families in Merced County , like the rest of the Valley, cannot afford local newspapers or books or magazines or other reading materials much less computers, or internet access. Public libraries provide a place where local information, reading materials and access to computers can be made available to all members of the community in all areas of the county and the region.
County government, with the exception of public library services, is not considered a direct provider of educational services. However, as county supervisor I would advocate for county departments and county employees to work collaboratively with local and regional educational institutions to support their efforts.
AIR QUALITY
As a County Supervisor I would propose that Merced County government officials and employees make it a priority to produce tangible reductions in air pollution emissions generated by county employees and county operations.
I would propose that that Merced County become an active partner in the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District Healthy Air Living Program and that the county actively encourage the five cities in the county to become active partners in this program with the county.
Merced County can become an example of reducing air pollution emissions.
I would ask the county staff to investigate such options as:
* reducing county vehicle miles
* developing alternative clean energy resources such as solar panels for county buildings
* reducing small engine emissions through use of electrical and or battery-powered equipment in landscape and open space maintenance
* developing incentives, such as reserved parking spaces, for employees who carpool
* assessing alternate work schedules to keep employees from commuting in peak smog
* buying high mileage, low or no emission vehicles for county use when new vehicles are acquired
* planning new buildings and remodeling current ones to include features that reduce use of energy and increase use of recycled and natural materials in building and landscaping
Merced County can work collaboratively with other governmental agencies, school district, large and small employers, Merced College, and UC Merced to develop a county-wide mind set that reducing air pollution is something where, collectively and individually, we can all make a difference.
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