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Merced council recognizes Ramadan, honors Riggs family; residents urge unity and report charter-school reprieve
Summary
At Wednesday27s meeting the council read a Ramadan proclamation and honored Riggs Ambulance Service; public commenters urged community healing and announced a prayer event, and parents reported Merced Scholars Charter School will remain open after county officials reversed a planned closure.
The Merced City Council opened Wednesday27s session with ceremonial recognitions and public comment that focused on community unity and local education.
Mayor Matthew Serrato read a proclamation formally recognizing the observance of Ramadan and extended the city27s respect to Muslim residents. A community representative recited a verse and a Central Valley CAIR speaker thanked the council for the recognition, saying it affirms the city27s commitment to inclusion.
Council member Mike Harris read a proclamation honoring the Riggs family and Riggs Ambulance Service for decades of pioneering work in emergency medical services in Merced.
During the public-comment period, members of Merced Community Intercessors urged partnership between churches, schools, nonprofits, law enforcement and city leaders to address recent shootings and violence. "Public safety is important. Law enforcement plays a vital role. City leadership plays a vital role," Jeremy Jenkins said, adding that the group would host a community prayer event Saturday at Bob Hart Square.
Israel Salgado, speaking for parents and advocates, said Merced Scholars Charter School will remain open after recent communication with the county office of education and announced registration dates and bilingual-program offerings. "They went ahead and changed their mind, and they're gonna go ahead and continue this school for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year," Salgado said.
The ceremonial recognitions and public comments preceded the council27s consent and action items.
