[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6191805,"mediaKeyId","4421159-dd08cae65349dd54a9a2d799732a2722","parentId",4421159,"title","Police and fire outline 4th of July fireworks rules, increased enforcement in Los Banos","audioSeconds",643,"startMs",6100000,"endMs",6743000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=4421159-dd08cae65349dd54a9a2d799732a2722&start=6100&end=6743","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4421159-dd08cae65349dd54a9a2d799732a2722/thumbnail_6100000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6191805/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Police-and-fire-outline-4th-of-July-fireworks-rules-increased-enforcement-in-Los-Banos","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191805-e6e9cf87afe4863eaf8e0c744e5f0f1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771109504&Signature=kiCS8x78V5di1oUhs8RO6LLgmfkK6cSboe8073cXGgJO-KX5X8226LCj3y3nurwndWcmzZ2fWuHpilRokvwJM6PQPwhC4N~jXJhtM4fNwOYTkPhy4XeZ04gNlHQhbFh-4jPAp-vzGnf5ZJYY7nCOoOW-MSTTYT1O~oqLYe-OzSMBKQclbDoEWX4~PKJdkukAf2r~~12XxIAZjzDWzdXNAos6CagVT90cr9Q3D8REmaKIPVz8Ua6KvCNqB1jIEu81oK5WtS0eJl4guZzk9JLBv7IJDNh92LQt2S9hgv3dwagAsdeGoNDu3sYOj03RV1J8ltNIsngZd-M2f7AUmrNPzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Los Banos CA","date","2025-06-20T12:40:39.397Z","article","City police and fire officials briefed the Los Banos City Council on June 18 about the local fireworks ordinance, safety rules for \"Safe and Sane\" fireworks sales, and enforcement plans for the July 4 season.

Fire Chief Tuala explained the difference between state-approved \"Safe and Sane\" consumer products and illegal commercial/aerial fireworks. He said booths selling Safe and Sane fireworks must use products bearing the State Fire Marshal logo and that sales for those items are allowed beginning at noon on June 28 and must end by 8 p.m. on July 4. \"For safe and sane fireworks...they can display these July 1 through July 4 between the hours 9AM to 10PM,\" he said, while noting adult supervision and property-use rules.

Police Chief Reyna outlined enforcement plans and staffing for the holiday period. Reyna said officers, code-enforcement staff and dispatchers will be briefed and increased on duty during the season, and that violations can lead to confiscation, administrative fines and misdemeanor charges under the municipal code. \"The fine for possession or discharge of these illegal, fireworks is about $1,250,\" Reyna said, adding that last year’s single-night citations totaled roughly $25,000.

Nut graf: Officials described outreach to vendors, required safety meetings and a social-media education campaign. They stressed that even Safe and Sane products can cause fires if improperly disposed: staff advised soaking used fireworks in water before disposal.

Officials described common illegal items — small commercial ‘‘cakes,’’ rockets and aerial shells — and said these are handled as explosives when they lack proper markings. The city will conduct safety briefings for permitted vendors and has the authority to recover city costs for emergency response related to firework incidents.

The item was informational only; the council did not take action. Officials asked residents to report illegal fireworks to dispatch so officers can prioritize responses and build evidence if follow-up citations are necessary.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Los Banos California, City Council Meeting, June 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Police and fire officials briefed the council on the city's fireworks ordinance, public-safety risks, legal 'Safe and Sane' sale dates, and stepped-up enforcement including fines and vendor permit oversight ahead of July 4.","taxTitle","Los Banos, Merced County, California","taxId",55580,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6191811,"Los Banos adopts SB1 project list and outlines multi-million-dollar road plan after pavement review",1211,4699000,5910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4421159-dd08cae65349dd54a9a2d799732a2722&start=4699&end=5910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4421159-dd08cae65349dd54a9a2d799732a2722/thumbnail_4699000.jpg","/articles/6191811/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Los-Banos-adopts-SB1-project-list-and-outlines-multi-million-dollar-road-plan-after-pavement-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191811-bf57900102d407935c0990bd74265ef7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771109505&Signature=BFnqCPwcwT4TwmeAGlsoEokeSl5s0WekOxvW7ZIavqUMvMEHuKozwVJwVz7zNcuJiEMex~GLYLU9s7vTOCf3DSN3DTcsgK~2HDbkVkdsFD5p86dNxfTca7U6VNPZPC19T1U83uVNF1dH28hwkp9-TGWWzuKJRn9J8RMAzzy9QThaw-isEABPGHmh~ST~Zf9x~5IyUukiXNRDBqGGQzbs9eeO0KQ8yaD-1r1XaTRH2kBrjiuYGZZoM~-m-yiRHO-ed-YQTqAWLP~h5UFb6QyLau0sVWy-vKM9N2NH7VGczh4~vk7iI9PRmh9CRGRIn625Pvjw-kt0l0xUwUmfVxYuvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Los Banos City Council on June 18 approved a list of proposed projects funded by the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA, SB1) for fiscal year 2025–26 and discussed longer-term needs for street rehabilitation across the city.

Parks and Recreation Director Joe Heim, who led the RMRA presentation for streets work, said the city’s average pavement condition index (PCI) is 48 and that addressing the worst streets (PCI 0–24) would cost an estimated $23,400,000. \"Our average citywide PCI of 48,\" Heim said during the presentation, stressing the scale of the backlog and the need for multi-year planning.

The staff package proposed about $3.9 million in pavement spending in FY 2025–26 drawn from multiple sources: roughly $1.3 million in SB1 (RMRA) funds, $2.7 million in Measure V funding, and $300,000 from Measure V-Alt (alternative transportation) for sidewalks and ADA corners. The project list approved as Resolution No. 6949 includes a Phase 1 package (design underway, construction anticipated in fall) and a Phase 2 list (design to start soon, construction targeted in spring 2026).

Nut graf: Council approved immediate projects while acknowledging that current revenue streams and reserves will not fully close the long-term pavement gap. Staff urged a strategic multi-year approach to protect existing investments.

Heim outlined that this year’s program includes internal overlays to be done by city crews (noted as cul-de-sacs and smaller sections), contracted overlays previously performed across several streets, and planned crack sealing on 63 street segments. He also stressed that reserves are being used this year but that maintaining a sustainable, multi-year program will require a combination of grants, Measure V allocations and general fund contributions; staff said finance is exploring a potential $2.7 million general fund allocation for future years.

Councilmembers discussed tactics to reduce operating costs for high-expense assessment districts (lighting, irrigation), including possible capital investments like solar lighting to reduce PG&E expenses over time. Finance Director Moreno and staff explained that Landscape Lighting District 11 had a longstanding deficit and that earlier planned transfers were paused to avoid stressing the general fund; the newly budgeted transfers bring the district closer to a zero balance.

The council voted to adopt the SB1 project list as Resolution No. 6949 after a motion and second; the motion passed by voice vote.

Ending: Staff said they will begin design on Phase 2 this year so projects can be bid for construction in the 2026 season, and the council asked staff to pursue available grant opportunities and to provide progress updates as design and bids proceed.","Council approved the city's SB1 (RMRA) project list for 2025–26 and discussed a multi-year street-rehabilitation strategy after staff presented a pavement condition index showing an average citywide score of 48 and a $23.4 million estimated need for severely deteriorated streets.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6191816,"Los Banos council adopts $27.5 million budget with hires for public safety and infrastructure",564,2703000,3267000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4421159-dd08cae65349dd54a9a2d799732a2722&start=2703&end=3267","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4421159-dd08cae65349dd54a9a2d799732a2722/thumbnail_2703000.jpg","/articles/6191816/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Los-Banos-council-adopts-275-million-budget-with-hires-for-public-safety-and-infrastructure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191816-a0f92309c65905ec2e99b3a04f44acfa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771109505&Signature=kWed4W071JDjYJ3WT1JuEayzI3Nv36X75z7t33gYou7zojqfmQkRj8U3MIfIDnVvdHYQN1vvxQkwl6UEJtcofHvnKkEgbkuyo6qOfJbA0XibyEQ7xhhd7ZIwAAZliTIAT-hiVLeoil7nT-4YE-csbYSbUjFqTH8-As8EyEV~9NawmbCWBm9YYdUgoRFb9LbdItdgSJnE3iHGCrNoktvNOv6uvUbKeBMwR3reLCa-N9T2SyGXCX-OCyraRCaZ5Mfa~V~sMY0kWM~Sm2V33CvrBZ7c-trGudGLio3d3Q0jW5VSJHRXUc-VzfNVWr-QalerVUEfywELpw2skKR1XLSQZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Los Banos City Council on June 18 adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget by voice vote, approving estimated revenues of about $27,540,000 and estimated expenditures of about $27,520,000.

Finance Director Moreno said the budget reflects state-mandated calculations for the city’s appropriation limit and updated revenue estimates, including a 6.07% increase in the property tax base that raised the city’s projections. \"The municipal budget serves both a financial blueprint and a policy document,\" Moreno told the council at the public hearing, noting the city’s approach to reserves and one-time expenditures.

The council’s adoption funds 18 of 19 authorized new positions across police, community development, public works and facilities, and increases the general fund contingency. The adopted document keeps an operating surplus of about $15,143, maintains an unallocated general fund balance near $10,950,000 and sets a target reserve of 30% (about $8,170,000), the finance presentation said.

Nut graf: The plan preserves reserves while directing new money to council priorities. City leaders said the budget balances near-term service needs — adding staff for public safety, parks and streets — with an eye to long-term infrastructure work, especially street rehabilitation.

Most important items in the adopted budget include a near-$2,000,000 allocation for public safety and homeless initiatives, about $1,090,000 for parks, and more than $14,000,000 for infrastructure projects (funding sources and capital project schedules were left as shown in the packet). The budget also includes $822,000 in one-time expenditures and increased funding for a spay-and-neuter program (raised in the document to $50,000).

Councilmember Deborah Lewis praised the work of staff and department heads and framed the plan as both fiscally cautious and forward-looking: \"This budget reflects both a fiscal responsibility and the commitment to investing in the future of Los Banas,\" she said during the council debate.

Department heads described how the budget would support ongoing projects. Parks and recreation work noted in the packet — Shaughnessy Park and AG Sports Complex improvements — will continue under the approved appropriation. Interim City Manager Gary Breese said execution of capital projects and hires is now the administration’s priority.

The council also reviewed but did not fund an assistant city manager position that appears on an internal personnel authorization list; members asked that any future request to hire the position come back to the council with a formal justification. On fire staffing, members discussed funding for battalion chiefs: two of three battalion-chief positions discussed in budget reviews will be funded now, and council asked staff to revisit the third position for midyear consideration if operational needs require it.

The council approved the budget as Resolution No. 6948. The vote was recorded by voice as \"ayes have it.\" The budget was the product of multiple public sessions (including lengthy reviews on May and June dates) and a public hearing held June 18.

Ending: The council set its next regular meeting for July 16; staff said they will begin implementing the adopted spending plan immediately and return with any midyear adjustments or hiring requests that require council approval.","The Los Banos City Council adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget, approving roughly $27.52 million in expenditures and funding a package of personnel and capital priorities including public safety hires, parks and infrastructure projects and reserves set at 30 percent.","actionData","errors"]

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Police and fire outline 4th of July fireworks rules, increased enforcement in Los Banos

Los Banos adopts SB1 project list and outlines multi-million-dollar road plan after pavement review

Los Banos council adopts $27.5 million budget with hires for public safety and infrastructure