Planada News

Merced County Supervisor John Pedrizo will host town hall meetings in four communities in January and February.

Every year, a few crime stories always make readers laugh, wince, cringe and cry out in disbelief.

The spirit of giving filled the air at Planada Elementary School on Sunday, as officers from the California Highway Patrol were on hand to provide Christmas gifts to more than 200 needy families.

Defense contends another assailant fired into Planada home in June. A dangerous drive-by shooter, or a case of mistaken identity? Those questions will face jurors as testimony continues this week in the trial of 23-year-old Alejandro Vargas.

The Merced County Board of Supervisors will meet today to decide several issues and hold public hearings on new planning laws.

The group that feeds thousands of impoverished Merced County residents each Thanksgiving is facing a serious shortage of supplies this year.

The Merced County's Rescue Mission needs donations for its Thanksgiving Day dinner, according to CEO Herb Opalek.

A Planada man suspected of a stabbing over the weekend was arrested Tuesday after leading Merced County Sheriff's deputies on a foot chase.

A 25-year-old validated gang member was Tasered by a Merced County sheriff's deputy Monday night after the suspect fled and resisted arrest, the sheriff's department reported.

Editor: Since about 2002, the Merced County Housing Authority has encumbered upwards of $17 million for the 'immediate' renovation of Planada's farmworker housing.

The incident was reported around 9 p.m. during the Empressa Valdivia Spanish Dance event.

Kenneth Mackie says there are a few simple reasons why he's the best choice for one of the open seats on the Merced Union High School District Board of Trustees.

A 25-year-old man is recovering after being stabbed Saturday by rival gang members in Planada, the Merced County Sheriff's Department reported.

A 31-year-old Merced man is recovering after allegedly being stabbed with an ice pick on Tuesday.

The people have spoken and a commission has decided what Merced needs is more jobs and economic growth.

A 19-year-old man was injured Friday evening after his car was shot in Planada. Merced County Sheriff's investigators say the victim was driving a silver four-door Chevy Impala with two female passengers, a 14-year-old and a 20-year-old, when the shooting happened.

A 19-year-old man was injured Friday evening after his car was shot in Planada. Merced County Sheriff's investigators say the victim was driving a silver four-door Chevy Impala with two female passengers, a 14-year-old and a 20-year-old, when the shooting happened.

A 19-year-old man was injured Friday evening after his car was shot in Planada. Merced County Sheriff's investigators say the victim was driving a silver four-door Chevy Impala with two female passengers, a 14-year-old and a 20-year-old, when the shooting happened.

A gang member from Planada was arrested Thursday after Merced police found him in possession of a loaded .25-caliber semiautomatic handgun, according to the department.

Many districts have no hopefuls; others have single candidates. By CORINNE REILLY creilly@mercedsun-star.com Merced County voters will decide races for 60 seats on nearly two dozen local school boards in November -- unless no one runs.