Which issues matter the most in Merced County? Local political races taking shape
This week marks the next step toward bringing the 2020 campaign season from distant headlines right to Merced residents’ front doors.
Wednesday kicked off the 90-day period leading up to the March 3, 2020, election that allows candidates to post political signs around Merced County. Friday is the final day for local candidates to file with the county to be placed on the ballot.
Not that the 90-day law has prevented many candidates’ signs from going up early, said Barbara Levey of the Merced County Registrar of Voters. Levey said her office has already received many complaints concerning campaign sign placement, but that complaints will hopefully die down now that the official 90 days have begun.
While signs may now be placed around Merced, there are limits about when and where. Vandalizing political signs is a misdemeanor, Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke said. Candidates may face penalties if signs are placed on public property, or private property without permission, said Warnke.
Here are local names that may begin to pop up on campaign signs around Merced County as the race for Board of Supervisors begins. Nine candidates are vying for three county seats.
District 1
Rodrigo Espinoza- Incumbent District 1 Supervisor Rodrigo Espinoza was sworn in Jan. 3, 2017. The district spans from Le Grand to Livingston.
Espinoza grew up in Delhi after coming to the US from Mexico when he was 10. He attended CSU, Stanislaus and obtained a degree in criminal justice. He served on the Livingston City Council before becoming the city’s mayor.
Espinoza and his family are long-time peach and almond farmers. He has stressed the importance of preserving agricultural land in Merced County also while attracting new businesses.
Espinoza’s time as District 1 Supervisor has seen multiple controversies. In September 2017, he angered members of the Jewish community after sharing an anti-Jewish Facebook post. Espinoza deleted the post after facing criticism.
In November 2018, he faced accusations of misdemeanor battery against a woman who claimed Espinoza made unwanted advances against her. A jury found Espinoza not guilty.
Ryan Bret Williams- Ryan Bret Williams grew up near Snelling among a family of farmers. After attending Atwater High School, he studied soil science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Williams is retired from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection but has continued to farm.
Williams said in an interview with the Sun-Star that he is running because Espinoza has failed to do his job and represent District 1. Williams cited what he described as terrible road conditions and inadequate water supply as major issues.
His platform also seeks to support Calfire and address homelessness, he said.
Williams has been involved with several conservative campaigns over the years. He said he is currently helping out Kevin Cookingham- the only Republican to challenge Democratic incumbent Congressman Jim Costa.
Sonia Alshami- Sonia Alshami is also facing off against Espinoza. Alshami is an alcohol drug counselor with Penal Code 1000- a drug diversion program that provides educational and counseling services as an alternative to legal action.
Alshami also ran for Merced City Council in 2016. Her platform pitched public safety and access to healthy food in south Merced as top priorities.
District 2
Lee Lor- Incumbent District 2 Supervisor Lee Lor has served on the Board of Supervisors since 2017. District 2 covers most of the city of Merced.
Before becoming District 2 Supervisor, Lor was executive director of the Merced County Education Fund. She is the first Hmong American woman to hold an elected position in the Central Valley.
Lor said she began her term with intent to change the perception and attitude toward Merced. She said she hoped to invest in Merced residents and increase skill level in the area to attract higher paying jobs. Lor has supported efforts to improve Merced’s homeless crisis.
Josh Pedrozo- A former Merced City Council member and son of a one-time Merced County supervisor, Josh Pedrozo is challenging Lor for her District 2 supervisor seat.
In a March interview with the Sun-Star, Pedrozo said he has seen a breakdown in communication between the City and County of Merced, specifically with rail issues and transportation projects. He said he wants to strengthen that relationship in anticipation of major projects that will transform Merced.
Pedrozo’s platform focuses on roads and transportation, public safety and homelessness.
Angel Barragan- After dropping out of high school, the Rev. Angel Barragan worked his way from Merced Adult School to the University of California, Merced. Now, as a pastor at Yosemite Church and dean of students at Stone Ridge Christian School, Barragan is challenging Lor for District 2.
Barragan said in a July interview with the Sun-Star that he supports the county’s plan to end homelessness. Before going back to school, Barragan was at times homeless himself.
Barragan’s platform seeks to improve roadways and highways, improve the homeless problem, increase first responder presence and make wages more competitive.
Ricky Aguilera- Ricky Aguilera has lived in Merced his whole life. He is the general manager at Merced Indoor Sports.
Aguilera’s parents were both temporarily homeless when they first came to Merced. They worked hard to improve their position, and instilled the same work ethic in him, Aquilera said.
Aquilera said his parents’ experience informs how he would tackle homelessness, which he sees as Merced’s biggest issue.
Road issues and what he described as insufficient water supply are other major targets of his platform.
District 4
Lloyd Pareira- District 4 incumbent Lloyd Pareira has represented the areas from Snelling to Gustine since 2017.
Pareira, who has a history as a dairy farmer, said when first running for supervisor that he considers Merced County to be a “hidden jewel.” Pareira has made efforts to improve roads, secure the expansion agreement with Foster Farms and found the Mid-California International Trade District.
Mario Mendoza- Mario Mendoza filed with the county and is officially a candidate for District 4. Mendoza is listed as a college board trustee. He could not be reached for comment this week.
This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 7:00 AM.
