Happy Birthday America!

This Fourth of July marks the 244th birthday of the United States of America. Our Founding Fathers wrote these words with purpose and thought: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” And although things are very different today, we still have something to celebrate: Freedom.

Happy Birthday America! Be sure to celebrate safely.

Thank You for Your Support

My May Day DRIVE THROUGH Dinner was a great success! Thank you! It was great seeing all of you and although it wasn’t the celebration we’ve come to enjoy, I appreciate your support. I’m looking forward to next year where we can visit, enjoy each other’s company and catch up. If you’d like to plan ahead, my May Dinner 2021 will be Thursday, April 29th. See you there!

Dos Palos Water Update

Thank you to the staff and hard work of many, the Boil Water Order is now LIFTED. Dos Palos residents are once again able to use their tap water. Although the immediate emergency has passed, Congressman Costa, Assemblyman Adam Gray, Mayor Hogue and I are working closely to find a long-term solution. We won’t be able to fix this overnight, however, we have to start somewhere. Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions. I will keep you updated as we progress.

COVID-19 Update

Here is the official notice from the County:

Due to the increased levels of transmission and hospitalizations, and at the direction of the Governor, Merced County Health Officials are mandating the closure of higher risk business sectors by Friday, July 3, 2020. All bars, brew pubs and breweries must cease operations (indoor and outdoor). In addition, the following business sectors must close all indoor operations:

• Restaurants (socially-distanced outdoor dining still permissible)
• Wineries and Tasting Rooms
• Family Entertainment Centers (e.g., bowling, movie theaters, etc.)
• Zoos and Museums
• Cardrooms

The above sectors will remain impacted for a minimum of 21 days, or until the County data monitored by CDPH improves. The ability of Merced County to reopen these sectors and prevent closure of other sectors is dependent on collective community action to reduce spread.

Further, to prevent further holiday-related spikes in COVID-19 cases, Merced County’s regional parks will be closed to the public over the Fourth of July holiday weekend (Friday-Sunday). This includes Lake Yosemite, Hagaman Park, and Henderson Park. These parks will reopen Monday, but physical distancing must be adhered to and group gatherings of greater than 10 people will continue to be prohibited.

We cannot emphasize enough that if the community fails to take the threat of COVID-19 seriously, the State will not allow these sectors to reopen, and may close additional sectors. As a reminder, it is a statewide mandate to wear a cloth face covering inside of, or in line to enter any indoor public space, or when unable to maintain six feet of social distance outside. Merced County Health Officials strongly recommends all residents (including business sectors) to practice the following safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a cloth face covering or face shield;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door handles & elevator buttons;
• Practice Social Distancing;
• Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds;
• When handwashing is not possible, use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol base, and;
• If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms (review SYMPTOMS) stay home and self-monitor.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the Department’s resource website at www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus.

If I can be of service, you are having an issue, or need assistance, please call me at (209)385-7366, or send me an email at scott.silveira@countyofmerced.com.

Scott