Josh Pedrozo Merced County Supervisor

We have a name for the bear!

Meet Henry.

The name is a nod to our heritage and represents both the east and west sides of Merced County. It honors Charles Henry Huffman, who went by Henry, a pioneer in the City of Merced whose leadership in agriculture and business helped lay the foundation for our community. It also recognizes Henry Miller, the legendary cattle rancher whose legacy shaped the west side of the county.
Thank you to everyone who submitted a name. We received more than 690 submissions, making this a very difficult decision.

I’m proud we chose a name that reflects our history and honors two of the pioneers whose vision helped build Merced County.

Weekly Recap:

Monday: I met with Aubrie Tone, Comcast’s new Government Relations representative, and asked her to help my friend Donna Bradley with the overgrown conditions on Moomjean. Later, I joined our NACo Agriculture and Rural Affairs resolutions call. I’m always proud to represent Merced County on the national stage.

Tuesday: Briefings on TRC and Castle reminded me there’s a lot of good work happening across our county. I also filmed a video for America’s 250th anniversary. The highlight of the day was the MCOE Transitional Graduation. Those students worked incredibly hard, and it was an honor to celebrate their accomplishments. Thank you to El Capitan and the Mainzer for helping make it happen.

Wednesday: I attended the inaugural Contour Airlines flight in Merced, which means more flights and more opportunities for our community. I also toured our new Workforce Development building and saw the great work Erick Serrato and his team are doing. I wrapped up the day in Los Banos at Congressman Adam Gray’s Sportsmen’s event, where I was happy to help with the barbecue. It was also great to spend time with Fresno County Supervisor Brian Pacheco, who is running for the State Assembly. As a dairyman, he understands the Valley, and we need more farmers representing our region.

Thursday: I received updates on a solar project, attended a Sheriff’s Office communications briefing, and met with the Governor’s Office regarding High-Speed Rail. No matter your opinion on the project, know that we are working hard to hold everyone accountable. The best part of the day was Mercado on Main.

Friday: I spent part of the day working on policy before celebrating my dad’s birthday. If your sister says she’s hosting a small family barbecue and your family is Portuguese, Italian, German, and Hispanic, cancel your plans and buy more food. And yes, I was texting our CEO before 5:30 a.m.

Saturday: I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July. The Atwater Parade was another great community tradition with an incredible turnout. Thank you to Heidi for powering through a summer cold. We also randomly got stuck behind a fallen tree limb blocking the road. Two strangers immediately jumped out to help clear it, and I told Owen, “Let’s go help.” Those small moments of neighbors helping neighbors are what make Merced County such a special place.

Sunday: World Cup and unfortunately Giants baseball.

Looking ahead, tomorrow we’ll choose a name for the bear at the park and Tuesday’s Board meeting begins with closed session at 8:30 a.m. followed by regular session at 10. All are invited to attend, participate or submit comments beforehand.
Have a great week, everyone!

Another great week in Merced County.

M - Started the week talking strategy for the Lao Boat Race, one of my favorite events of the year. We finished third last year and are already preparing for this year. I also attended the Merced County Historical Society volunteer recognition and met with Lao Family Community leaders to discuss ongoing operations.

T - At our Board meeting, we approved the operating/proposed budget ahead of final adoption in September. Later, I joined High Speed Rail CEO Ian Choudri, city and county staff, UC Merced, Merced College and community leaders at Merced College to discuss rail and economic opportunities for our region. Then I had the opportunity to be a part of panel discussing hate crimes and create a community of belonging. I appreciated being a part of it and will always work and fight for everyone that I am honored to represent.

W - One of the coolest events I’ve attended was the swearing-in ceremony for Parker, the victim services support dog. Seeing K-9 officers from agencies throughout the area made me wonder if the dogs were having their own conversations. I’m convinced they were.

R - Participated in the NACo Rural Advisory Committee meeting and attended MCAG, where we received an update on homelessness. I also joined friends Congressman Adam Gray and Fresno County Supervisor Brian Pacheco at an event supporting their continued leadership and common-sense approach to governing.

F - Met on Campus Parkway issues, attended a Juneteenth celebration with Lucy and enjoyed opening night of Olympians at Playhouse Merced. One more weekend remains, so please support the arts and catch the show.

S - Softball tournament weekend meant plenty of miles between Turlock and Merced. Proud of how much these girls have grown. We wrapped up the day with another performance of Olympians.

Su - The tournament came to an end, but I couldn’t be more proud of the girls. Lucy headed off to 4-H Camp, which brought back memories of my own time there. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and to the moms who sometimes fill that role as well. The GOAT grandfather, the GOAT dad and me holding a kid who currently plays a goat in Olympians.

Have an awesome week everyone!

It was a long but great week in Merced County.

Fair warning: you’re about to see a lot of fair pictures. Before I get into the recap, thank you to the Merced County Fair Board, fair staff, volunteers, sponsors, buyers and exhibitors who help make fair week possible. The fair showcases the best of our community and provides incredible opportunities for our youth to learn responsibility, hard work and leadership.

M – Weigh-in for the pigs and plenty of phone calls.

T – Meetings in the morning focused on health care, then time with my new interns, who begin this week. It’s always encouraging to see students interested in public service and the legislative process. In the afternoon, I helped BBQ for Friends of the Fair while my dad underwent a procedure.

W – Show day at the fair. Both Lucy and Owen won their classes but didn’t advance any farther. They were okay with that because they made it to market. I’m incredibly proud of the work they put into their projects while balancing other commitments like softball, theater rehearsals and everyday life.

R – Lucy participated in showmanship for the first time with one of her softball teammates cheering her on from the background. Watching Owen and Lucy show their animals is definitely a hurry-up-and-wait experience but one I wouldn’t trade for anything.

F – High Speed Rail pre-meeting, discussions regarding Campus Parkway development and then the rodeo at the fair. It was literally Heidi’s first rodeo. It was great to see Sheriff Vern Warnke serving as Grand Marshal and my cousin Hailey taking part in mutton busting.

S – Sale day at the fair, then Congressman Adam Gray’s campaign office opening. Adam is not only a friend but also someone who has been a political mentor to me for many years. He follows a long line of people who have taught me a great deal and I appreciate his support and friendship. He continues to be a strong voice for the Valley and works hard on behalf of our communities. I finished the day at Alyssa McCabe’s fundraiser as she prepares for her move to New York. I’m proud of her, excited for her future and grateful for the mentorship she has provided to Owen.

S – Agenda review, finishing NACo resolutions and taking a little time to rest before another busy week.

Also, Tuesday is Proposed Budget Day for Merced County. The meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. in the Board Chambers at 2222 M Street.

Busy week with an even busier weekend capped off with a nice evening at home.

Monday: Supervisor Pacheco and I met with MCOE early childhood education staff to discuss the importance of finding solutions for TK child care. As a parent, I remember the struggle of finding adequate care for my children so that my wife and I could provide for our family. We were lucky to have Trish Leverett and Kelly Devaurs until both kids were ready for preschool at OLM. We need more people in Merced County to get involved in this field. Later in the day we had an in house revenue sharing discussion regarding the City of Livingston followed by the NACo AgRa meeting.

Tuesday: What a day. Board meeting, Salute to Service honoring students graduating high school and choosing to serve our country then another board meeting where our Housing Element was successfully approved by the board.

Wednesday and Thursday: Meetings in Sacramento focused on water, HR 1, rail and suburban CSAC discussions about what to expect with the State of California budget. The good thing is we are in better shape than most but the uncertainty is still confusing and frustrating.

Friday: Keynote at IYT then the Early Education Awards Gala recognizing the important work of those who work with our youth.

Saturday: I joined Supervisor Pacheco at Le Grand Community Day where I ran into a friend from high school that I had not seen in at least 10 years. I love that Merced County supports communities like Le Grand, Planada and all of the unincorporated communities as they celebrate their heritage. Then we celebrated Kaylie’s graduation from Berkeley. One of the best things is when former students reach out to share milestones with you. Proud of you Kaylie. Later it was the Art Flop downtown. It was great to see how busy it was and the number of people accessing and appreciating the arts culture in Merced. Also proud of Earvin and the local artists for putting this together.

Sunday: I attended a memorial service for a man I had gone to school with since 1st grade. Marcin was one of the nicest, most laid back, down to earth and intelligent people you could ever meet yet he never made anyone feel like he was the smartest person in the room. Godspeed friend.

Today is Memorial Day. Don’t use today as just another holiday. Remember the sacrifices so many made so that we could have the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy every day. Have a great week everyone.

Weekly recap:

Monday: First 5 Merced County. It’s awesome to be part of this commission where we make decisions that directly impact children ages 0 to 5 and their families. Also had a great discussion with President Vitelli and Merced College leadership about growth and potential partnerships and I am really excited about what we can build together.

Tuesday: Board meeting. We received a presentation on the impacts of H R 1. The biggest frustration continues to be the financial uncertainty and the strain it puts on all 58 counties that are left footing the bill for critical programs and services.

Wednesday: Peace Officers Memorial. A somber and important moment to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service. Followed by a housing briefing, BHRS update, senior interviews at El Capitan, school site council and a Farm Bureau hosted candidate forum. The candidates did a great job and it was very well organized.

Thursday: Monthly meeting with the mayor, CEO and city manager. Then I had the chance to watch Lucy receive a writing award which was pretty special, had an IT briefing, the Food Bank State of Hunger event, and the Merced County Law enforcement awards night.

Friday: I had a San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority meeting. The SJJPA is an authority board that oversees Amtrak/Goldrunner as well as ACE. I also had a meeting in Turlock about health care. Owen was cast in a cabaret fundraiser for Treehouse tutoring. The cast did an amazing job. Got some tough news before leaving for the show that my dad was going to the ER. He is out of the hospital now but not out of the woods yet. Please keep him in your thoughts.

Saturday: Culture Day at the Lao New Year event. One of the many reasons I appreciate Merced County our cultural diversity is something special.

Sunday: Softball tournament for Lucy in Los Banos. The girls won and I am beyond proud of how far they have come, and I promise I am not yelling just giving direction. Back to Merced to see Owen’s film premiere. It’s incredibly surreal to see a film that your son did on the big screen.

Board meeting on Tuesday at 10 and 3. Have a great week everyone.