Christmas wish list for Merced: Better bike paths, more vaccines, less public pooping

Since 2013, my Christmas wish list for Merced has annually requested 10 items that I hoped could make our fair city and county fairer still. Over the years, some have been realized (like requests for Main Street realignment and diagonal parking) while others (like a Trader Joe’s or a Mediterranean restaurant) have gone unanswered. Still, I continue to hold out hope for those seemingly tougher requests.

So, dear Santa, with the knowledge that hope springs eternal, here’s my 8th annual Christmas wish list for Merced:

1. Promote more public art — The local arts community has done some amazing work this past year, including turning those ubiquitous gray utility boxes around town into things of beauty. But there are still many “canvases” left, such as sign poles, manhole covers, “green weenies,” MID end caps, plus signal and fuse boxes. What a great “Merced Signature” this could become with everyday art everywhere! I urge all true artists out there to keep at it!

2. Peace and quiet — Cars, trucks and motorcycles in Merced used to be equipped with things called mufflers. In addition, a “Fast and Furious” racing culture has seemingly become the norm. I was never one for camera ticketing, but maybe it’s time.

3. A city ordinance to outlaw Styrofoam and plastic — This would prevent all those one-time-use plastic and Styrofoam plates, cups, straws, and containers from ending up in Bear Creek (and, thus, eventually the ocean) as well as our landfill.

4. Tree and stump removal — While the city’s tree crews did an outstanding job following the fall windstorms, when dead trees are removed, the stump should also be grinded and new water-wise trees planted nearby to replace the old. When I surveyed an area within just one block surrounding a downtown school, I found 55 stumps and 72 spots that should have been replanted.

5. Xeriscaping rewards — Homeowners in Merced who remove water-guzzling lawns and flora and re-landscape with water-wise plants should continue to receive rebates from local government. SoCal desert communities waste millions of gallons of water just to keep their golf courses green, but we can still be responsible in our neck of the woods.

6. Public restrooms — Since moving to the downtown area a year ago, I’ve come across too many examples of why we need public restrooms in town. And while defecation concerns usually don’t make most Christmas lists, a solution (like the 25-cent public restrooms in Palo Alto) would be very welcome.

7. Disagree without being disagreeable — Whether at City Councils, Board of Supervisors, school board meetings, or public events in general, civility should reign. As a fan of the saying, (attributed to Voltaire) “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” it’s preeminently important to allow a person their opinion without lowering oneself to ad hominem argument, profanity, invective or cancellation.

8. Get vaccinated! — Don’t let misinformation make you and yours a statistic! Sadly, only 53% of Merced County residents have been vaccinated and our county’s vaccination rate is 47th among the state’s 58 counties. In mid-November, Merced County was first in the state for deaths per capita due to COVID. You unvaccinated out there, get your shot.

9. Bike path beautification — Merced has one of the best bike path systems in the Valley. Let’s make it even better with lighting where necessary and landscaping.

10. Peace and goodwill — As we climb out of the COVID morass, let’s remember to be kind. The world would be a better place if all would heed a preeminent commandment of the Prince of Peace: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!