It can cost a person who has a total hip replacement much more to have the procedure done in Merced at Mercy Medical Center than at Fresno Community Hospital in Fresno.

In fact, the price can be twice as much.

Why?

That depends on a lot.

Diana Westmoreland Pedrozo, an outspoken voice for county farmers and their interests, resigned Thursday after six years as executive director of the Merced County Farm Bureau, she said.

Pedrozo, who was not shy when expressing her opinions, was known for aggressively fighting development.

A Merced County jury Friday convicted a 58-year-old man of attempted murder after he shot a woman at a 16th Street motel last year.

NBC journalist Lester Holt will speak at UC Merced's 2010 commencement ceremony.

WASHINGTON -- San Joaquin Valley Democrats will feel the heat whichever way they vote on the massive health care package now set for House action as early as today.

LIVINGSTON -- A man robbed Westamerica on Friday morning, taking an undisclosed amount of cash, a Livingston detective said.

A Sun-Star reporter was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Friday in Merced, police reported.