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Join us in honoring the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps with a special dinner and dance event that supports disabled veterans!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #VeteranSupport #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvolvement #LosBanosVeterans
American Hero Initiative hosts Marine Corps 250th anniversary dinner and dance event
American Hero Initiative plans November 8 event to support disabled veterans and celebrate Marine Corps history.
citizenportal.ai
June 20, 2025 at 7:49 PM
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Los Banos City Council has just secured a $422K grant to replace aging HVAC units, promising enhanced comfort and safety in municipal buildings!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #LosBanosInfrastructure #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EnergyEfficiency #CommunityComfort
City Council secures $422K grant for HVAC unit replacements across municipal buildings
Council approves grant to replace 20 outdated HVAC units in high-use city facilities.
citizenportal.ai
March 23, 2025 at 12:41 AM
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As Los Banos grapples with new bike lane regulations, residents are rallying for safer cycling routes that could redefine the city's transportation landscape.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement #TransportationReform #LosBanosCycling
Khalid Sanchez campaigns for Las Banas City Council while addressing bike lane safety issues
Sanchez highlights new California bike lane regulations and advocates for safer routes.
citizenportal.ai
June 7, 2025 at 5:00 AM
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Residents are demanding answers after a recent ammonia leak exposed alarming gaps in emergency notifications and school messaging.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #LosBanosEmergency #PublicSafety
Residents cite notification gaps after Kagome ammonia leak; council orders post-incident review
Residents and a written letter raised concerns about delayed and inconsistent public notifications during a recent ammonia leak; fire, police and city staff said they will conduct a multiagency post-incident analysis and update emergency notification practices.
citizenportal.ai
March 7, 2026 at 7:24 PM
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Los Banos City Council has chosen state-approved pallet homes over the La Plaza Inn for bridge housing, citing faster and more flexible solutions to combat homelessness.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #AffordableHousing #LosBanosHousing #HomelessnessSolutions #CommunityInput
Los Banos council defends choosing state-approved pallet homes over buying La Plaza Inn for bridge housing
Mayor and staff said purchasing and rehabbing an older motel would add years, costs and legal hurdles; council favored state-approved pallet homes as a faster, flexible bridge-housing option while advancing a permanent ‘One Tree Village’ plan.
citizenportal.ai
December 29, 2025 at 8:38 AM
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Los Banos is paving the way for housing growth with a new RHNA overlay district, aiming to streamline approvals for over 3,000 new units!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LosBanosHousing #CommunityDevelopment #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing
Los Banos adopts 2024202032 housing element, establishes RHNA overlay for by-right housing approvals
The Los Banos City Council adopted the 2024202032 housing element carried in a countywide, multijurisdictional plan and introduced an ordinance creating a regional-housing-needs-assessment (RHNA) overlay district. The element assigns the city a RHNA allocation of 3,132 units and identifies sufficient sites and program measures to meet state law.
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 3:41 AM
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Exciting news for Los Banos! The Merced County Housing Authority is set to unveil 11 brand-new tiny homes tailored for seniors and individuals with disabilities, ready for move-in by early January!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #SeniorLiving #CitizenPortal #LosBanosHousing
Merced County Housing Authority outlines 11-unit tiny‑home project for seniors and people with disabilities in Los Banos
The Housing Authority of the County of Merced presented two tiny‑home infill sites in Los Banos — Mirador (860 F St., six 1‑bedroom units) and Lehi Villas (840 D St., five 1‑bedroom units) — targeted to residents 62+ and people with disabilities; completion is expected late Dec.–early Jan. and staff are preparing a wait list and HSA referrals.
citizenportal.ai
November 28, 2025 at 9:46 PM
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The Los Banos City Council just approved a $250,000 agreement with Merced County to repave Pioneer Road, ensuring a smooth ride for everyone!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #InfrastructureImprovement #CitizenPortal #LosBanosPublicWorks #CostEfficiency #CommunityPartnerships
City signs MOU with Merced County to repave Pioneer Road; city share $250,000
The council approved Resolution 7149 to formalize a cost‑share with Merced County for repaving Pioneer Road. Staff said the county completed the paving and the city’s cost is $250,000 for roughly half a mile; staff estimated about $50,000 savings versus contracting separately.
citizenportal.ai
August 22, 2026 at 6:35 PM
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The Los Banos City Council just took a major step forward by approving funding for Fire Station No. 4, paving the way for enhanced emergency services in the community!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety #LosBanosFireStation
Council authorizes preconstruction MOU for Fire Station No. 4; $283,125 preconstruction phase included in $13M budget
Council approved Resolution 7148 to enter a preconstruction memorandum of understanding with the selected design‑build team to refine scope and deliver schematic documents. Staff said the preconstruction amount is $283,125 and is intended to help reach a guaranteed stipulated sum within the existing $13 million budget.
citizenportal.ai
August 22, 2026 at 3:42 AM
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Los Banos Police Department's military-equipment report reveals significant purchases and zero complaints, prompting the City Council to renew a crucial ordinance.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LosBanosPolice
Police annual military-equipment report: department bought suppressors and ammunition; council renews ordinance
City attorney and police staff reported that between July 2025–July 2026 the police department purchased suppressors and 25 cases of .223 ammunition (about $11,500) and logged more than 100 UAV missions; the departmental AB 481 report recorded zero complaints and zero uses of military equipment, and council voted to renew Ordinance 12-17.
citizenportal.ai
August 10, 2026 at 11:37 PM
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Major transportation upgrades are on the horizon for Los Banos, including $34.8 million in road repaving and several new roundabouts aimed at enhancing safety and travel efficiency.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #ActiveTransportation #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Caltrans lays out multi-year plan for roundabouts, pavement upgrades affecting Los Banos
Caltrans–backed projects in Merced County include multiple roundabouts and large pavement projects — a $34.8 million Highway 152 repave, a $28.1 million Highway 165 upgrade, several roundabouts and a $94.8 million I‑5 rehab — with construction staged from 2026 through 2032 and planned work intended to preserve four-lane traffic during dam-raising operations.
citizenportal.ai
August 10, 2026 at 11:36 PM
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The Los Banos Unified School District is on the brink of a $99 million bond decision that could reshape local education and tackle overcrowding, but critical messaging debates could sway voter support.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LosBanosSchools #PublicFunding
Los Banos board reviews $99 million Prop 39 bond plan, debates whether to highlight new elementary schools
At a July board workshop, trustees and consultants reviewed outreach and polling that put support near the 55% Prop 39 threshold, debated whether to emphasize construction of new elementary schools in voter messaging, and discussed tradeoffs in the draft project list and ballot language.
citizenportal.ai
July 14, 2026 at 12:55 AM
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A local resident is fighting to save lives by urging the city to install free naloxone display cases in public lobbies after alarming overdose statistics, particularly among teenage girls.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LosBanosPublicHealth #SubstanceUseReform
Resident asks Los Banos to install naloxone displays in city lobbies after recent overdoses
A resident with lived experience urged the council to approve naloxone display cases in city department lobbies following several local overdoses and county hospital data showing a concerning opioid‑related ED visit rate for teen girls; she offered county contacts for placement and distribution.
citizenportal.ai
July 3, 2026 at 12:56 PM
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Los Banos is taking a bold step to revamp downtown parking, focusing on management to boost accessibility and support local businesses—will the new plan meet the community's needs?

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LosBanosParking #PublicSafety #EconomicDevelopment
Los Banos moves forward with downtown parking study as merchants, residents urge clearer employee parking rules
City staff proposed an RFP for a consultant to produce a downtown parking management plan after presenting an inventory of more than 2,000 spaces and drone snapshots showing low utilization; merchants urged turnover controls, clearer signage and short‑term stalls to protect customer access.
citizenportal.ai
July 3, 2026 at 12:53 PM
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Los Banos City Council just approved a major amendment to their Transportation Master Plan, paving the way for innovative local roadway improvements after scrapping the costly SR-152 bypass!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #TrafficCirculation #LosBanosRoads #InfrastructureImprovement
Council approves study of local alternatives after dropping SR‑152 bypass from plan
The council adopted a resolution authorizing an amendment to the Transportation Master Plan to evaluate up to six local roadway packages after staff concluded a state‑funded SR‑152 bypass is not feasible; the amendment adds $53,914 in consultant services funded by the city’s traffic‑impact fee.
citizenportal.ai
July 3, 2026 at 12:46 PM
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Los Banos City Council has approved a groundbreaking $165 million budget for FY 2026-27, featuring 21 new positions and ambitious capital projects to enhance city services!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LosBanosCityCouncil
Los Banos adopts $165 million FY 202627 budget, adds 21 positions and large capital program
The City Council approved the FY 202627 budget (Resolution 7114), a $165 million spending plan including a $71 million capital program, 21 new staff positions, and a 30% reserve. The general fund shows an operating surplus and targeted one-time projects including design of a services center and street rehabilitation.
citizenportal.ai
June 19, 2026 at 9:13 AM
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The Los Banos City Council has taken a bold step towards potentially transforming the treasurer's role from elected to appointed, sparking a debate on accountability versus expertise.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #ElectionReform
Los Banos council places treasurer appointment measure on November ballot
Council voted to place a measure on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot asking voters whether the city treasurer should be appointed rather than elected (Resolution 7115). Staff said the treasurer currently receives a small stipend and that day-to-day finance work is performed by the finance director; proponents argued appointment allows professional recruitment.
citizenportal.ai
June 19, 2026 at 9:12 AM
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The Los Banos City Council has just approved major infrastructure upgrades and a new grocery store permit, paving the way for exciting changes in the community!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #PublicSafety #LosBanosInfrastructure #HousingReform
Los Banos council approves street rehab contract, OKs grocery’s off-sale beer-and-wine permit and introduces ADU ordinance changes
At its May 20 meeting Los Banos City Council approved a $1.58 million street rehabilitation contract, granted a conditional use permit for Santa Fe Mercado to sell beer and wine off-site, and waived first reading of an updated ADU ordinance to align with state law; staff also reported a 4.9% vacancy rate under AB 2561.
citizenportal.ai
May 21, 2026 at 9:32 PM
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Parents and teachers are demanding urgent action from the Los Banos City Council to enhance safety for students near local schools after alarming near-misses and crashes.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #TrafficSafety #CitizenPortal #PedestrianProtection #LosBanosSchools
Residents and educators press Los Banos leaders for quicker fixes after student-area crashes
Parents, teachers and residents urged the Los Banos City Council on May 20 to prioritize pedestrian and school-area traffic safety — including crossing guards, speed cushions and improved crosswalks — after recent crashes and near-misses. Police said a focused enforcement operation deployed 18 officers to the city.
citizenportal.ai
May 21, 2026 at 9:31 PM
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Los Banos is taking a big step toward tackling homelessness by proposing a new tiny-shelter village to provide essential services for those in need.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #LosBanosTinyShelters #CitizenPortal #HousingInnovation #CommunityDevelopment #EmergencyShelter
Los Banos council backs CDBG application, directs tiny-shelter site on G Street
The council authorized staff to apply for state CDBG funds to build a 30-plus-unit tiny-shelter village and directed use of a city-owned G Street parcel between 9th and 10th Streets as the preferred site, amending the application budget structure and stressing readiness for a competitive grant process.
citizenportal.ai
March 7, 2026 at 10:58 PM
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Los Banos' Finance Director announces a surprising $1.33M revenue boost and an $804K surplus in the midyear budget review!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #ExpenditureManagement #LosBanosBudget
Council adopts midyear FY 2025–26 budget amendments; general fund now projected to surplus
Finance Director Minnie Moreno reported projected FY25–26 changes that increase general fund revenues by $1.33M, reduce expenditures by about $276,849 and yield a projected $804,000 operating surplus; the council adopted a resolution to amend the budget.
citizenportal.ai
February 23, 2026 at 2:54 PM
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Congressman Adam Gray has secured over $16 million for 15 vital projects in our district—get ready to apply for community funding soon!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #FederalSupport #CitizenPortal #CommunityFunding #LosBanosCommunity
Congressman Adam Gray’s office says it secured $16M+ for district projects
A representative for Rep. Adam Gray told the council the congressman secured more than $16 million in funding for 15 projects in the district via the recent appropriations package and that his office will accept applications for community project funding once guidance is released.
citizenportal.ai
February 23, 2026 at 2:50 PM
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Merced College is set to transform the future of tech education with a new semiconductor technician program, backed by a $50,000 grant and key partnerships!

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #EconomicGrowth #WorkforceDevelopment
Merced College seeks to build semiconductor technician program with $50,000 study grant
Merced College told the Los Banos City Council it has a $50,000 North Valley Thrive grant to study creating a semiconductor technician program at the Los Banos campus and is pursuing partnerships and additional state grant funding to develop curriculum and a public–private training facility.
citizenportal.ai
February 23, 2026 at 2:45 PM
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The Pioneer Complete Streets project is set to transform traffic flow with its first phase nearing completion and an ambitious $150 million vision for the future.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #EnvironmentalReview #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #TransportationInnovation
Council hears multi‑year update on Pioneer Complete Streets project; phase 1 nearing completion
Public Works Director reported the first phase of the Pioneer Complete Streets project is near completion with a $6.67 million contract and March 2026 target; the overall program is a long-range plan with an estimated total near $150 million and multiple funding sources under pursuit.
citizenportal.ai
February 9, 2026 at 5:31 PM
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Major updates have been made to Los Banos' building and fire codes, paving the way for enhanced safety and energy efficiency in the community.

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#LosBanosMercedCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LosBanosHousing #PublicSafety #CommunityDevelopment #EnergyEfficiency
Los Banos council adopts local amendments to 2025 California Fire and Building Codes and creates RHNA overlay district
The council waived second readings and adopted three ordinances: local amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code (Ordinance 12‑11) and Building Code (Ordinance 12‑12), and Ordinance 12‑13 establishing a RHNA overlay district to implement the city’s 2024–2032 housing element; votes were recorded by roll call.
citizenportal.ai
November 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM