[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6166147,"mediaKeyId","5416094-f059c615dc039998b1f663709b1d4d51","parentId",5416094,"title","Resident letter and council comments raise speeding concerns on Ward Road; city to refer matter to traffic safety committee","audioSeconds",90,"startMs",1068000,"endMs",1158000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416094-f059c615dc039998b1f663709b1d4d51&start=1068&end=1158","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416094-f059c615dc039998b1f663709b1d4d51/thumbnail_1068000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166147/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Resident-letter-and-council-comments-raise-speeding-concerns-on-Ward-Road-city-to-refer-matter-to-traffic-safety-committee","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166147-9c06cbe45d2ad6db56ce75822a2757d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770778945&Signature=dVnPu3KbNcXu-iy9y0PL6QlKvgvbl94ByvjIATDITttcgCkO5hw60rwDIpnXI08A2rfh03wjHRVb5FAS1iUHrh8HrdMTpnSAdjrOxoIxKq8MezbVE6i5wzDHStDeVA20C0EuiNXgRwCzd32A1iLS2~h0uLD~kwf7R~qxbS2Z6E6ZFXM2Ynr5n5dIp6NvJ90-3oC54x1lDia6kVGLExnJM12B6NNsMli0TPNzbcpX3i8pLwLOBoaARThQE82utsY3-XUqyGp1PNVPCdZfPnPA8X-Yl0foL9CtRnsyflw6He5e9tu55L8gQzSwfXMAoHutBE7u-11s~af-Rw~25DRyRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Los Banos CA","date","2025-07-18T04:11:56.967Z","article","A resident’s letter and subsequent council comments on July 16 highlighted recurring concerns about vehicle speeding on Ward Road and asked for traffic-calming measures.City Clerk Lucy read a letter from resident Brida de la Rosa describing “frequent speeding of vehicles along Ward Road” and recommending speed bumps or raised crosswalks, more signage, regular police patrols and better street lighting to reduce hazards to pedestrians and children.

Why it matters: Council members said speeding in residential areas poses a safety risk for pedestrians and asked the city’s Traffic Safety Committee and the police chief to review the request and consider engineering and enforcement responses.

Council response: The mayor said he would forward the letter to the police chief and noted that the Traffic Safety Committee meets periodically; the chief will consider the suggestions at the next safety meeting. Separate public comments and council member remarks during the meeting also raised general concerns about speeding in neighborhoods and asked staff to consider traffic-calming budgets and options.

Next steps: The council instructed staff to provide the letter to the chief and for the Traffic Safety Committee to evaluate possible measures (engineering changes, enforcement patrols, signage and lighting) and return any recommendations to the council according to standard committee timelines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Los Banos California, City Council Meeting, July 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A resident letter read during public forum cited frequent speeding on Ward Road and asked the council to consider speed bumps, raised crosswalks, enhanced signage, police patrols and improved lighting; the council said it will forward the letter to the police chief and the Traffic Safety Committee for consideration.","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},6166152,"Los Banos Unified launches community schools program, schedules backpack giveaway Aug. 2",157,602000,759000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416094-f059c615dc039998b1f663709b1d4d51&start=602&end=759","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416094-f059c615dc039998b1f663709b1d4d51/thumbnail_602000.jpg","/articles/6166152/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Los-Banos-Unified-launches-community-schools-program-schedules-backpack-giveaway-Aug-2","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166152-0f4eb3732b959a589ab686177b21d8ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1770778945&Signature=fnKh3uD12FzRl3cO~fn9adr1ZjxqEqRUDnTvMl~gbHPOWH1iizpf3~W3KIG5unqviU8Rs8h0x~0myk~T9YDxxyeZ-wcsjsmVwWuyA5YYiWSN9yAtrVGJf2VdulEeiLZJYzApftJHYfMgwmnrE8CDKsJdaWqNAsiHZZuQ2A6urZ5YnVMXWaJmmYDjWzdM6QIA8EKTYvFXA0SkNNeM5C7~v1wwkyyv1xyK3uRtfq5I4jN~mlGEeRxQGMlJ8qB5-EQod76QgReYbcFOvaMwxw-2Bf2PCeHaisAKowIoIGfFtpC9hYjPTr8H41-q1BZ-teYixBbC7q5~GyzqAW8N51wXZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of Los Banos Unified School District briefed the City Council during public forum on a new Community Schools Partnership program and announced a community backpack giveaway set for Aug. 2.

Why it matters: The program, funded by a new grant to the district, aims to coordinate school and community resources to support student success by addressing nonacademic barriers such as food insecurity, housing instability and medical needs, and will include a family resource center.

District staff summary: Heather Wheeler, community schools program coordinator, said the program will open a family resource center adjacent to Milano Elementary once the district’s early learning/TK center is completed; in the meantime the district is already holding community events and partnering with city recreation and other community organizations. Wheeler listed an Aug. 2 backpack giveaway that will run about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with giveaways, games and free food, and said the program will also partner with parks and recreation on seasonal events such as trunk-or-treat and holiday giveaways.

No city action was required. Wheeler encouraged residents to attend the Aug. 2 event and to contact the district’s community schools staff for more information.","Los Banos Unified School District introduced a new Community Schools Partnership program, funded by a recent grant, that will open a family resource center next to Milano Elementary once the district's early learning center is complete; staff announced a community backpack giveaway set for Aug. 2.",{"_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},6166155,"Council pulls Ranchwood Park lease amendment for daycare, asks staff for utility and cost details",763,1677000,2440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416094-f059c615dc039998b1f663709b1d4d51&start=1677&end=2440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416094-f059c615dc039998b1f663709b1d4d51/thumbnail_1677000.jpg","/articles/6166155/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Council-pulls-Ranchwood-Park-lease-amendment-for-daycare-asks-staff-for-utility-and-cost-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166155-db42b218e95dc686704e83e6c9f9e7ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1770778945&Signature=dQkCT-clkzTAeZXy7t0VKH6DygXCI-0hwX7DMtxk63HrH-O0znldpBBHZfwcRMoiCH~~Lp-VdSHgg4Fk8ejhtk2QO6tJDXGzO~c2pjvPIEjKqZiYaXNCCH~oEWCdvqosrqhUgv6QPnQH-Rwf5IzMKoAg19YsLOCOYxnzJ8OxwAwKgere2EkJxnHScXPQYX~aXZVxinumGBGqx-lpwIGiaUI6DGAB5TEarHnOEbahcSMOKUEJNVnV1QYej8FTaVQhoqm538CcaSrYRBf1ZMKMdT~Tr2WXPEqiIBuZSysQMU6YXskH1kW-zg2t1TQYolF4R-bCEV~fLOB1gpEgcKykAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Los Banos councilmembers on July 16 removed from the consent agenda a proposed two-year lease amendment for Ranchwood Park and asked staff to return with more financial detail before approving the agreement.The item, Resolution No. 6953, would amend the lease with Marlene Pennington for use of the Ranchwood Park facility for daycare: the proposed amendment covered a two-year term at $2,500 per month in year one and $2,600 per month in year two, according to the staff report.

Why it matters: Council members said Ranchwood Park was built for community use and that long-term leasing to a childcare provider can reduce public access and may impose ongoing maintenance and utility costs on the general fund. Members asked whether the rent covered utilities, maintenance and the site’s separate metering.

Discussion and staff responses: Council members asked whether the building has a separate electrical meter and whether the lessee pays utilities under the existing lease. Acting Public Works Director Joe Heine said the building does have a separate meter and that some stewardship and maintenance costs are charged to the general fund; he offered to return with a detailed accounting. Council members said the current monthly rent appears low compared with other city facility rentals and asked whether the city should increase rent or consider selling the building rather than continuing to subsidize utilities and upkeep.

Council action: Councilmember moved and seconded a motion to pull the item from the consent agenda and return it to the next council meeting with additional analysis; the motion carried by voice vote. The council requested that staff report on: current utility billing for the Ranchwood building, whether utilities are billed directly to the lessee, the age and condition of the facility, prior lease language regarding utility responsibility, and comparative rental revenue from other city facilities.

Next steps: Staff said the current lease term has expired and that they will bring the amendment back at the Council’s Aug. 6 meeting with the requested financial and contract detail.","Councilmembers paused approval of a two-year lease amendment for a daycare at Ranchwood Park after questions about whether the proposed rent covers utilities and maintenance; council directed staff to return Aug. 6 with utility bills, meter details and analysis of long-term options.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166159,"Los Banos council opts for ‘clean closure’ of Las Palmas landfill and seeks financing plan",1591,5199000,6790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416094-f059c615dc039998b1f663709b1d4d51&start=5199&end=6790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416094-f059c615dc039998b1f663709b1d4d51/thumbnail_5199000.jpg","/articles/6166159/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Los-Banos-council-opts-for-clean-closure-of-Las-Palmas-landfill-and-seeks-financing-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166159-477485d883332ceec6e3c24831825f54/orig.mp4?Expires=1770778945&Signature=EL-DXg1OGi7E7aplyUQQh29bfBTUOFswOFRXJIB1pQUBLoUtpMeOyMVNytZOC12x9jCzZgBpZzJKitsd6pusOVhFjOXOMeLyAgYs7SS0N3fIuolDEcOv912yBK2NnpQbc0ZSRtmE0S~xbBNoZJPhVyMUmPU1aRcZyfrPN5VFYQDKaRGTmJRNuKaJs8voyhkCUd4AokW1TLoujKpWjGtRXR4ypdH710CEzgi4w0qSAg9~p51e78ksUPIft-GR7vYsQoEA48boPNWbjP80wIQ9cIg3E8t5WkL~TdGHM8CE-7CovKsQqLQIBs4w8U0f59NZQC~T5fDUIo-jqOj07ZKS6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Los Banos City Council on July 16 directed staff to pursue a clean closure of the Las Palmas solid waste disposal site and asked staff to return with financing details.Staff presented two closure options for the city-owned parcel east of the Ag Sports Complex: a cap (prescriptive cover) option that leaves waste in place and installs a permanent cover and monitoring, and a clean-closure option that removes landfill material and allows wider future site uses.

Why it matters: The site contains historic disposal material and is subject to state closure requirements. The choice affects upfront costs, long-term monitoring obligations and future land use for roughly 11.6 acres that were used for waste disposal.

Staff and consultant summaries: City staff and consultant Sarah Stevenson explained that a cap would cost an estimated $6,750,000 up front, with state-required post-closure monitoring estimated at roughly $90,000 per year (about $2.7 million over 30 years). By contrast, staff estimated the clean-closure option at about $16,820,000; proponents said that removal would reduce long-term environmental liability and enable site redevelopment or sale. Acting city and regional landfill representatives noted uncertainties such as potential additional contaminated material found during excavation and the need to coordinate hauling with the Billy Wright facility.

Regional Waste Authority Director James Moore, who has overseen similar clean-closure efforts in the region, told the council that excavations often proceed without discovery of widespread unexpected hazardous materials, but cautioned that hauling logistics and timing could affect contract schedules. Moore also warned that thirty years of post-closure monitoring under a cap is a regulatory minimum and not a guaranteed end to monitoring obligations.

Financing considerations: Staff proposed using solid waste fund reserves and a private loan repaid from the solid waste fund (an enterprise rate-funded account). The solid waste fund held roughly $10.07 million in reserves; staff estimated the clean-closure option would require financing beyond that reserve and presented a 20-year loan example with an annual payment of about $538,844. Staff also noted the possibility of offsetting some costs with the sale of non-contaminated acreage, subject to completing closure work.

Council action and next steps: After questions from council about haul routes, monitoring obligations and potential saleable acreage, Councilmember moved and seconded a motion directing staff to pursue clean closure and bring back detailed financing and implementation steps. The motion passed by voice vote.

Ending: With council direction to pursue clean closure, staff will proceed with coordination with state regulators, the Regional Waste Authority (for hauling and tipping logistics) and return with formal financing proposals and an implementation timeline.","After hearing cost comparisons, the City Council directed staff to pursue a clean closure for the Las Palmas solid-waste disposal site; staff presented a clean-closure cost estimate of about $16.8 million vs. a cap option of about $6.75 million plus long-term monitoring costs, and recommended private financing repaid from the solid waste fund.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166161,"Los Banos council reviews $13 million concept for Colorado Ballpark, asks staff to pursue grants and refine financing",1824,3175000,4999000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416094-f059c615dc039998b1f663709b1d4d51&start=3175&end=4999","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416094-f059c615dc039998b1f663709b1d4d51/thumbnail_3175000.jpg","/articles/6166161/Los-Banos/Merced-County/California/Los-Banos-council-reviews-13-million-concept-for-Colorado-Ballpark-asks-staff-to-pursue-grants-and-refine-financing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166161-fb1b5c7c8488163e5e9ea4afc35b5f90/orig.mp4?Expires=1770778945&Signature=HBWk3owD66F9wgNUig2ue2bRvjxFqV1NJOkdSsN5geoOd8Nm16pG~kEFDH6TF2xH3xd95E08~q4H5Jaa9nU8MdPwmFG5qDo3I3Zxwfp~AG8BM2vAvhbYgrWnKguxsujfVeVtD7cKjQdooVzW6pJ40iTFG0fF3pEw77EgxFidLM21GqGt8aMSduarGU4154KCo7ZhhmxPL1erMWANptlnYvlxtLv1TcxDu4LbJjewwwymZRjWvY0PELrtc1qTjmTYDUkpOGFlSTo~0e33FXq0e7SL0d1llsU1aBculcvmR4R~9oUaXl7~R~Pao5oZghcIBD1mjwzig7h4fBLRd4Jhng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials reviewed a concept design and financing plan for renovating Colorado Ballpark and asked staff to continue design work and pursue grant funding.The presentation, made by Acting Public Works Director and Parks and Recreation staff, covered a conceptual layout for two smaller ball fields, a consolidated parking plaza, expanded skate amenities, and an open family space. Staff proposed a project budget of about $13,000,000 and presented several financing scenarios.

Why it matters: Colorado Ballpark is one of Los Banos’s older parks, hosts Little League play and community events, and city leaders said improvements would address structural and accessibility concerns while creating year-round recreational space.

City staff said the plan grew from public outreach that began in 2019 and was reinforced in the 2021 parks master plan and recent community meetings. Acting Public Works Director Joe Heine told the council, “we're proposing an estimated $13,000,000 project budget for this particular improvement.” He said the concept preserves the existing park footprint while adding a pedestrian loop, consolidated parking and upgraded support buildings.

On financing, staff outlined a preferred approach that would pair a $1,000,000 legislatively specified grant with $5,000,000 from the Park Development Fund reserve and a $7,000,000 private loan to be repaid over 20 years from park impact fee revenue. Heine said the Park Development Fund had a projected fiscal-year-end reserve of about $10.93 million and five-year average operating income near $951,000, figures staff used to assess repayment capacity. Staff also said the city would apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant that could provide up to $6,000,000 in matching funds, which would materially reduce borrowing need.

Council members asked about alternatives, the timing of grant awards, and possible tradeoffs with other planned park projects (Westside dog park, pump track, and Southpointe Basin). Several council members emphasized caution about borrowing and suggested options such as delaying less-urgent projects, increasing the amount drawn from reserves if the council chose to reduce borrowing, or extending loan terms if necessary. Heine said the staff recommendation preserved capacity to pursue other park projects and that loan prepayment would be allowed with no penalty.

No binding vote was taken on the concept; the council provided direction to continue design work, pursue grant applications (including LWCF), and return with refined financing options and more detailed cost estimates.

Staff and next steps: Heine said staff will continue engineering and community engagement, refine cost estimates, pursue the LWCF application (due in August), and return to council with financing options and implementation details.

Ending: The council’s review cleared a path for staff to keep developing the concept and to seek external grant funding; because no formal adoption or contract award was requested, the project will return to the council for future budget and financing approvals.","City staff presented a $13 million concept plan for Colorado Ballpark renovation July 16 and outlined financing options that rely on a mix of a $1 million legislatively specified grant, park development reserves and a proposed $7 million private loan repaid from impact fees; council directed staff to continue design work and pursue grant funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident letter and council comments raise speeding concerns on Ward Road; city to refer matter to traffic safety committee

Los Banos Unified launches community schools program, schedules backpack giveaway Aug. 2

Council pulls Ranchwood Park lease amendment for daycare, asks staff for utility and cost details

Los Banos council opts for ‘clean closure’ of Las Palmas landfill and seeks financing plan

Los Banos council reviews $13 million concept for Colorado Ballpark, asks staff to pursue grants and refine financing