Merced County has gotten so, so dirty. Enforce those $1,000 fines for littering

As a citizen of Merced County, I am appalled at the amount of trash I see every day on the streets, in the waterways, on our yards and orchards. I have lived in this area only since 2010, but my husband’s family roots run deep into the 1800s. It sickens me to walk or drive somewhere and see the absolute disregard for our land and community. It is getting worse by the day.

I volunteer with Love Merced and clean up the garbage others think nothing of throwing away. It is a labor of love from people who care. You see young and old out spending hours in this effort, but it is a tiny Bandaid. Our society is becoming immune to this terrible habit of littering. I am not the only one affected.

There are signs on my street indicating a $1,000 fine for littering. Is there, really? If so, can we please start enforcing that law?

Another thought, why not bring back county prisoners to clean up our streets and highways. What happened to that program?

We need answers and we need them fast. Otherwise, my friends, we are going to lose this dirty battle!