MAH Magazine Art for Animals

04.21.2018

ART HOP MercedArtHop.org l This Inspiration

Animals Need Spay & Neuter Shelter Vaccinations Food/Water Training Shade A Voice

The Untz // Spoke'N'Heard // Merced Zoo Arts Commission // Paw Patrol // Fashion Week

PAW PATROL

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THE MERCED ZOO

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ANIMAL SERVICES

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THE MAP

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MERCED FASION WEEK PAGE 12 ARTS COMMISSION PAGE 14

View Online: mercedarthop.org/mahmagazine Help Support local arts Advertise Here!

Artists: Dob Francise

PUBLISHER Kevin Hammon

MARKETING Kevin Hammon

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Chloe Peterson

EDITORIAL John Miller

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kimberly Zamora

PHOTOGRAPHY John Miller

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kimberly Zamora PRESIDENT/CEO Kevin Hammon

BOARD MEMBERS Jared Covert Robert Matsuo Celeste Sharp Kimberly Zamora Kevin Hammon

Notice of Copyright© All materials contained within the Merced Art Hop Quarterly publication are protected by copyright unless otherwise stated, or in the case of any provided materials, the owner of that content retains the copyright. You may not alter, reproduce, distribute, publish, transmit or broadcast any material contained within the Merced Art Hop Quarterly publication without prior consent from the Merced Art Hop Board or other copyright owner. Merced Art Hop Quarterly takes care to ensure that all information is correct at the time of printing; however the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained within the publication or advertisements. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or editorial staff.

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Dear Reader and Art Enthusiast, With the Equinox behind us and now well into the Spring season, we've decided to take on a theme of Animal Awareness for the April Art Hop. Inside the current issue of MAH magazine, we take a closer look at the how our fourlegged friends are doing throughout Merced County with stories and art exhibits that look at the interactions between humans, their environments, and the animals that they share the area with. From the local Facebook group Paw Patrol Lost and Found Pets in Merced to the local artistic endevours that look to explore the relationship between human and their four-legged friends, it seems that the environment and the many species that depend on it is on the forefront of more than just our minds.. Throughout the downtown Merced Art Hop celebration, we challenged local artists to dissect the issue themselves and show us what animal awareness means to them and invited young residents to participate in activities including clay animal sculpting and bird feeder building.

Kevin Hammon & Kimberly Zamora Art Hop Co-Founders

FIND US

WEBSITE : www.MercedArtHop.org FACEBOOK : Facebook.com/DowntownMAH TWITTER : Twitter.com/MercedArtHop EMAIL : Kimberly@MercedArtHop.org ADVERTISING : 209-349-8682 ADDRESS : Post Office Box 3351 Merced, CA 95344

MAH Epekel Gallery : 1733 Canal Street, Merced CA, 95340

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Paw Patrol With the recent shuttering of the Merced Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, local animal lovers have been left with one less outstanding resource to turn to when they are looking to help our four-legged friends around town. During that time however, one of the many animal welfare groups that has stepped in to fill the void has been the Facebook group Paw Patrol Lost and Found Pets in Merced. Founded in 2012 by Marti Rabon, the Paw Patrol group came to exist to help Mercedians find their lost pets and those who find pets reunite them with their owners.

Since it’s inception, the group has grown in popularity and currently boasts over 17,000 community members who help keep an eye out for stray, lost, or pets that are in need. In addition to the many members helping to reunite pets with their owners, the page is managed by four administrators who work with other local organizations, such as New Beginnings for Merced County Animals Rescue and check other websites such as those maintained by the Merced County Animal Shelter, to streamline the process. When asked why they dedicate so much time to helping others through the page, Paw Patrol administrator Susan Kimes notes that all of the work is worth it when she gets to see pets reunited with owners.

Kimes herself has had as many as 19 cats and one dog that she has worked

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with as rescues, as well as working with New Beginnings for Merced County Animals Rescue alongside of the pages fellow administrators. During her time helping animals, Kimes has seen some common misconceptions pop up from time to time when it comes to rescuing animals.

“Some misconceptions are with our shelter system. Many people hesitate to take a found pet there as they are a kill shelter” said Kimes. “But the shelter works closely with several rescues and more get rescued than euthanized.” She went on to say that of the many breeds encountered, Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas are the most bred in this County and have the most strays running around.

When asked about what pet owners can do to make sure they are reunited with their family pet in the event that it runs away, the answer was simple for Kimes.

“Microchipping and keeping your info current with chip company is a surefire way to get your pet back. If not a chip a collar and name tag” Kimes explained. Other methods to locate your pet include posting across social media, Craigslist, and placing calls to local publications to post notices, and of course the local Paw Patrol group.

Heading to the Merced County Animal Shelter in person is also a good idea according to Kimes, who noted they also update their website with photos of the animals they are currently holding.

If during your time traveling around Merced you happen to see a stray or lost animal, it’s encouraged that you work in accordance with the law to locate the pets rightful owner. It is encouraged that you either bring the animal to animal control who will work to reunite the animal with its owner, or you notify them within 24 hours that you intend to hold the animal, at which point you must post a free threeday ad in a local newspaper and wait ten days for the owner to contact you. In short, an animal found on the side of the road cannot be assumed homeless and taken away or adopted out by the party that picks it up, which must make a good faith effort for two weeks to contact the owner or turn the found animal over to animal control who will do so.

To learn more about the Facebook group Paw Patrol Lost and Found Pets in Merced, readers can log onto Facebook and make their way to the groups page. As a public page, you are able to both join the page to receive updates as well as view posting made by other community members from around Merced.

Left - A cat at animal shelter in Merced calls for attention as a volunteer walks by.

Bottom Photo - A puppy looks out across lawn to adjusted to its new life after being adopted by a loving family.

Paw Patrol Facebook Rules ALL NEW MEMBERS AND POSTERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING THE RULES OF THIS PAGE! - Lost and found only! This group does not allow any offers of rehoming - One post per lost or found, NO pictures of deceased animals - NO GoFundMe - NO blocking of admin or you will be deleted from the group.

- When posting please include a picture, town and street where the animal was lost or found.

Please call and report any injured or deceased animals to the correct agency.

City of Merced 209-385-6905 County of Merced 209-385-7436 or 385-7444.

City of Atwater 209-357-6396 City of Livingston 209- 394-7917

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Merced Zoo and the Zoological Society

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Since 1962 The Merced Zoo has served as a safe heaven for rescued and rehabilitated wild animals that are no longer able to survive in their natural habitats. With over 75 mammals, birds, and reptiles that are native to the California environment, these animals

or experience Butterfly Day next to the Butterfly Garden. For those looking for more in-depth learning about the animals on-site, during the summer months the Merced Zoo organizes a Zoo Camp where children can take part in four days of activities.

now serve a glimpse into the areas across the state that remain wild. For countless children and families in the area, the Merced Zoo also serves as a window into what those who work to protect these habitats are working to save.

Run by the Merced Zoological Society in conjunction with the City of Merced, the Merced Zoo hosts a variety of special projects and fundraiser throughout the year to benefit the animals that call the zoo home. During the spring months, residents can stop by the zoo to take part in Teddy Bear Day and have their child’s favorite stuffed animal receive a checkup

During a behind the scenes tour offered by the Merced Zoo, visitors can get an extraordinarily close look at many of the zoo’s residents. Offered by appointment for groups of two or more at $12.50 per person, the tours take you into the areas that are normally off-limits to anyone but Merced Zoo staff so that you can get a closer look at Mac the mountail lion, Wizzer the fox, the mascot for UC Merced Boomer the bobcat, and countless others.

As part of the Behind the Scenes tour your also encouraged to feed certain animals, including some of the zoos feathery friends, raccoons, and some

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of the largest animals at the Merced Zoo including the bears Missy and Windfall.

Those who make their way to the Merced Zoo on Saturday’s can benefit from the guided docent tours. Hosted with students from UC Merced, the docent tours guide visitors through the park to provide a weekly educational tour and provide additional insight into the animals.

When the holiday season arrives, Mercedians are invited to take part in the annual Zoo Boo event for Halloween and the Lights Before Christmas Event for the winter holiday. During the Zoo Boo events, the zoo is transformed into a scary sight for young trick or treaters in costume to make their way around the park at night

admission is $1.50, and for members of the Merced Zoological Society admission is free. To become a member of the Merced Zoological Society, a membership form can be found online at MercedZoo.org. Once you become a Merced Zoological Society member, you can begin receiving other perks such as a 10% discount inside of the gift shop and free or discounted admission to other zoos around the country.

Membership dues start at $20.00 for students, seniors, and individuals, and go up to $35.00 for families, with the option of purchasing a lifetime membership as well.

Other ways to support the Merced Zoo and the animals inside include making donations.

'mascot for UC Merced Boomer the bobcat'

to collect candy. At the end of the trick or treating route, a mini carnival is on sight as well as a petting corral and other fun activities. During the Lights Before Christmas event, the Merced Zoo is made into a winter wonderland complete with Santa’s Workshop where children can help make decorations, a Christmas tree forest, reindeer, and other holiday fun.

The Merced Zoo is located at 1045 West 25th street and open 7 days a week from 10:00AM until 4:45PM. Admission to the zoo is free for those under 5 years old, $2.00 for those ages 5 to 15, and $3.00 for ages 16 to 61. For those 62 and older

Currently the Merced Zoo is seeking landscaping tools like rakes, shovels, wheel barrels, and commercial grade water hoses; cleaning supplies like bleach, scrub brushes, and towels; enrichment tools like heavy duty animal toys, balls, bowling pins, children’s toys for ages 0-3, chew toys, and puzzle feeders; grocery store gift cards for purchasing fruits and vegetables; and building supplies like wood, screws, nails, hammers, electric tools. For those who believe they have something else that is not listed but they believe would be useful to the Zoo, it’s encouraged to speak to a zookeeper.

All proceeds from purchases of animal themed gifts inside of the Merced Zoo’s gift shop, which include educational toys, books, and gifts, help support the zoo’s operations, as well purchases made to bring younger ones into the Kiddie Corral to pet and feed kid-friendly animals at the park. The Merced Zoo also has a program that allows animal lovers and nature enthusiasts to adopt an animal, and of course, anyone who would like to volunteer at the Merced Zoo is encouraged to speak with staff members at the zoo.

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Artist: Chloe Peterson

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SPOKE|N|HEARD POETRY SLAM The Hip Hop Movement club from the University of California, Merced is bringing poetry to the Downtown Merced art scene on April 28th with their 8th Annual Spoke’n’Heard Poetry Slam. Hosted at the Merced Arts Center from 6PM to 10PM, the yearly event brings together a dozen of the area’s best poets for a 2-round competition. Judges for the competition are pulled from the audience and score poet’s 3-5 minute pieces on a scale of 1-10, with the higher scoring poets moving onto the next round.

Throughout the event, audience members are encouraged to try to sway the judges in favor of their preferred poet. By the end of the night, the two highest scoring poets will receive a cash prize of $100 and $50 respectively, with a final tie-breaking round consisting of a freshly written poem or Haiku battle taking place if necessary.

Event organizer Marcy Poe, who performed during last year’s event and was a coambassador, is excited to be bringing the event back to Downtown Merced as a way to help expand the poetry scene in Merced. Drawn in by the impact that the performing poet’s words were able to have on an individual and spurred on by the potential to improve the community, she didn’t question the decision to lead the Spoke’n’Heard Poetry Slam event. “For me Poetry is a release. The hypothesis of a situation, and the eventual diagnosis or conclusion of a situation” Poe explained. “Its therapy, and it’s the documentation of a poet or writer’s life and the poetry evolves along with the poet.

This year’s event will be emceed by Modesto native Orlin Francisco Reyes, otherwise known as Revol. Growing up in West Modesto in the mid 90’s, Revol overcame the tragedies of his childhood home being torn apart by domestic violence, divorce, and neglect by using music as an outlet. From that early point in the young artist’s life, Revol was exposed to street life in Modesto while being influenced by Modesto’s hip-hop culture. With his mother raising him

and his three other siblings, Revol managed to look past the gang activity, street violence, gang activity, drugs, and poverty and soon “managed to filter his thoughts and emotions in poetry and lyrics.” Revol will be joined on the stage with DJ Perksun, a fellow resident of Modesto.

Poe noted that Revol’s use of poetry as a lyrical outlet is just one of the many ways that the spoken word can benefit society. “Poetry can absolutely connect people with others and always does. Sharing one’s work is essential to the universal experience of revealing the vulnerability a poet experiences” said Poe. “It opens up the potential for an audience member to relate and therefore have healing or understanding to a complex circumstance.”

Doors to the 8th Annual Spoke’n’Heard Poetry Slam open at 5:30, with The first 100 guests to make their way into the event receiving an exclusive button from UC Merced’s Hip Hop Movement to commemorate the event. Hosted at 645 West Main Street inside of the Merced Arts Center, the event will be ticketed at $5.00 for general admission and free to students, and concessions will be available throughout the event at the front desk.

Provided that there is room at the start of the event, local poets wishing to compete may be able to sign-up as they enter, and themes for the night’s presented works are expected to cover a variety of topics ranging from lighthearted and humorous to more mature and personal subject matter. Event organizers would like to remind everyone who plans to join the audience that while swaying the judges to vote for your favorite poet each round is encouraged, respect should be shown to the performing poets at all times.

For more information, UC Merced’s Hip Hop Movement can be reached by email at HHMUCM@gmail.com, and the Merced Arts Center can be reached by calling 209.388.1090 or by logging onto ArtsMerced.org.

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Canal St.

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mercedarthop.org

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more info 209.349.8682

Businesses + Artists

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Info Table

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1. MCAC Printmaking Exhibition + The Arbor Gallery 2. Valley Cutz Barbershop Christian Vaughn 3. Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce Eric Hernandez 4. United Way Merced Sofia Prado 5. MAH Epekel Gallery Natalie Wadlington + Kirk Cruz + Merced Shakespearefest 6. The Montgomery Blg. Artists Roger Wyan + Cheryl Lockett + Karen Lecocq Andrew Neufeld + Lori Dimuro 7. Zane - It Zane Fierro 8. The Cut & Shave C⁰ Albert Avedissian 9. Blooming Affair and Floral Diana Romero 10. Aces and Kings Jennifer Tim + Nathaniel Pruitt 11. J & R Tacos TBA 12. Little Oven Pizza Brittany McCarthy 13. Cold Stone Creamery Judith Bayardo Guzman 14. Asip Coffee Dob Francise 15. 400 BLOCK TBA 16. Coffee Bandits Mary Lou Brinich 17. Cloud 9 Collection Sandee Smith 18. Strawberry Alarm Clock TBA 19. Merced Antique Mall Della Salas 20. Ingrams Music House Artist 21. Bella Luna Bistro House Artist 22. Trevino’s Mexican Restaurant Bob Smith + Cheri Ann 23. Tigers and Daggers House Artist 24. The Cue Spot Billiards Scarlet Asmodeus + Marlyn Huesgen + Kathryn Stitzel 25. Destino’s Deana Gore 26. Bob Hart Square Interactive Art Activities + Paul Longo + Lulu Gamez 27. 510 Bistro Ashlee Chan 10

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April 21, 2018 5|9pm 24 23

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MLK Jr. Way

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Businesses + Artists

28. Country Comfort

Marina Abrescy + Mia Rodriguez + Angel Freeze House Artist House Artist

29. Grizzly Barber Shop 30. Strangers Stop n Shop

MAIN ATTRACTIONS Main Place

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The MAC

EC Spring Art Sale

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Spray paint demo

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Spray paint demo

6:30

Spray paint demo

Bob Hart Square

MAH Epekel

97.5 Dave Luna Projector Screen Art Pens and Markers Workshop

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The Taming of the Shrew

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Exhibitions

Natalie Wadlington [Mah Epekel Gallery 1733 Canal St] The 12th Annual California Centered: Printmaking Exhibition [MAC 645 Main St]

Bob Hart Square - Interactive Art Activities

Egg Carton Flowers | African Mud Cloth | Jackson Pollack Canvas | Yarn Animals | Earth Day Plants | Plastic Bag Fish | Magazine Animals M A H

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MERCED FASHION WEEK SEPTEMBER 2018 me rce d

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**Models (18+), Fashion Designers, Hair Stylists, Makeup Artists, Photographers, Videographers and Volunteers** Models (email photos or social media links of your work) Fashion Designers (email photos, website link or social media links of your work) Hair Stylists (email photos or social media links of your work) Makeup Artists (email photos or social media links of your work) Photographers (email photos, website link or social media links of your work) Videographers (email photos, website link or social media links of your work) E: kimberly@mercedarthop.org Apply online at mercedarthop.org/fashionshow 12

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mercedarthop.org

Art Hop Downtown Merced

Celebrating the importants of art in our community for

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DOWNTOWN ART SCENE Arts can have a significant economic impact on local communities

Art + Business Bella Luna Bistro: 350 W Main St. Coffee Bandits: 309 W Main St. Grizzly Barber Shop: 600 W Main St. J&R Tacos: 437 W Main St. Merced Antique Mall: 320 W Main St. Strangers Stop n Shop: 616 W Main St. Trevino’s Mexican Restaurant: 408 W Main St. Zane-It for Costumes, makeup and special effects: 1742 Canal St.

New Arts Commission

to Beautify Merced As we see more examples of what public art projects can do for the City of Merced, local leaders are taking a step forward as they announce plans to form a commission that will focus on beautifying Merced and public art. In its current form, city leaders are planning to establish the commission from a group of 11 local residents with either formal or informal training in the arts, with six of the members being chosen to represent the city council district they reside in and the remaining members

Studios Cheryl Lockett Voice: 1812 Canal St. Karen LeCocq Art Studio: 1812 Canal St. Roger Wyan Photography: 1812 Canal St. Tonia Hemme Fine Art: 561 W 18th St. Suite C

Gallery MAH Epekel Gallery: 1733 Canal St.

Arts Center The MAC: 645 W Main St.

Venue Lens 360: 1729 Canal St.

Above - Mayor Mike Murphy speaks with residents about the new Arts Commission during the Grand Revealing of the Poppies Galore mural.

being chosen at large.

“The City of Merced is putting a real emphasis on beautifying our public spaces and so we are putting together a new commission that will report to the city council and it will be tasked with coming up with public art projects for the city to pursue” said City of Merced Mayor Mike Murphy. “We all love the new poppies at bob hart square and the art at the G Street underpass and the murals around town, and we want to have more of that at places like the M Street Bridge over Bear Creek, which is in real need of something to give it some character. Right now the M Street Bridge is like a blank canvas.”

"Right now the M Street Bridge is like a blank canvas.”

— Mayor Mike Murphy At the moment, the city is holding stakeholder meeting with anyone who is interested in giving input into the commission as it forms. City leaders are looking for a well rounded group of residents that can cumulatively provide insight into every medium and subject.

Plans for the commission also include the general beautification of the Merced area. In a city with 36 parks, over 70 miles of bike path, and upwards of 80,000 city-

owned trees, the beautification aspect of the commission will encompass quite a bit as well.

“We’ve renovated McNamara Park and Stephen Leonard Park in the last few years and now we’re making investments in Applegate Park” said Mayor Murphy. “So take Applegate Park for example, where we’re making some real investments in that park to beautify the rose garden and to renovate Laurel Fountain and the playground. We will continue to invest in parks like that. We have 36 parks in Merced and it’s a way for us to really put an emphasis on beautifying the city.”

As the formation of the commission is still just in its infancy, there is still quite a bit to be determined. At the moment the city is meeting with residents to get feedback from them, which will then be taken to the city council who will determine the exact parameters that the commission will operate with. “We’ve had a broad cross section of people and quite a bit of interest in the stakeholder meetings we’ve had, and that’s encouraging, and we want newcomers to continue coming as well. Just because you weren’t there the first week doesn’t mean you can’t jump in now” noted Mayor Murphy.

Currently the next stakeholder meeting for the new commission is scheduled to take place on April 17th from 5:00PM until 6:30PM inside of the Sam Pipes Room at City Hall. For those who can't make the first meeting, another meeting on April 27th from 3:00PM until 4:30PM will take place inside of the City Council Chambers.

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Discovery Everything MAH Epekel Gallery has to offer

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1 Paint Party 2nd Thursday of each month The MAH Epekel Gallery Paint Party is not just a paint class it is ART FUN at its finest.

Awesome local artists, make for an amazing experience letting your inner artist out to create a masterpiece.

No experience necessary all painting levels accepted.

Do you love DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Crafts?

First Monday of each month at MAH Epekel Gallery. This is your chance to have fun and create.

No experience necessary, all levels accepted.

Each month we‘ll have different types of workshops.

1.Spring paint class with Jennifer Dudley 2. DIY class with Madison 3. Art exhibition with Natalie Wadlinton 4. Kids Art Class 5. Valentines paint class with Jennifer Dudley 16

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Kid‘s Art Classes

Gallery Exhibition

Classes start June 2018

Accepting Artist Exhibition Proposals for 2019 Calendar .

For information visit, mercedarthop.org/ mah-epekel-gallery

For information visit, mercedarthop.org/mah-epekel-gallery

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MERCED COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

Your Partner in EDUCATION After School Programs

METV

Alternative Education

Teacher Training & Credential Advising

Camp Green Meadows

Technology Support

Charter School

Special Education

District Finance Guidance

Special Events

Head Start Preschools

Student & Teacher Achievement Recognition

Migrant Education

MERCED COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

Steve M. Tietjen,Steven Ed.D.,E.County of Schools Gomes, Superintendent Ed.D. County Superintendent of Schools

632 W. 13th St., Merced CA, 95341 • (209) 381-6600 • www.mcoe.org

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