Happy weekend, Merced! In today’s happening-today edition: Firefighting helicopter support, tenant protection fees, and a tarot deck swap + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Merced protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Aerial fire support expands: PG&E’s Blackhawk helicopter is assisting Merced County firefighting efforts, adding water-dropping support on wildland fires, and officials say the public will be updated on its impact -- see the helicopter update.
Tenant protections take shape: Merced City Council approved an ordinance for repeat housing code violators, making landlords with three unresolved violations in 12 months post signs and pay fees, while penalties remain undecided -- see the housing ordinance.
Summer lineup takes shape: July in Merced County will bring more than fireworks, with July 4 shows featuring comedian Rosalee Mayeux, plus Shrek the Musical July 16-19 and Buck Ford performing George Strait classics -- see the full event calendar.
Thoughtful Father's Day gifts, ready by Sunday. Father's Day is tomorrow, which makes shipping anything now a gamble you'll probably lose. Skip it entirely. A whole range of Father's Day gifts is ready for same-day pickup in hours, so something personal is well within reach by tomorrow. -- get it today.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Camp next to history: Need a low-key reset this week without leaving town? Castle Air Museum RV Park puts you steps from vintage aircraft and quiet, easygoing campsites, so you can sneak in a mini staycation, sip sunrise coffee under winged neighbors, then brag that your campground came with its own museum.
Make practice fun: Major Golf Sports Center has Top Tracer bays that make practice actually fun, plus batting cages for non-golfers and a cozy bistro when you need fuel. Bring those scuffed grips too, because they handle repairs, and you can show up this weekend feeling suspiciously like a better version of yourself.
Breakfast worth waking for: Whether you’re craving eggs that taste like someone actually knows Merced farms, pastries still whispering "just baked," or a proper sit-down that doesn’t feel like an errand, Rainbird keeps breakfast bright, seasonal, and Central Valley proud. Treat yourself this week and let them handle the early morning heavy lifting.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The conversation no man wants to have with his doctor: Turns out ~70% of men over 50 are avoiding the exact same one. The hesitation, the awkward throat-clear, the hoping it just sorts itself out… you're far from alone. The good news? You don't need the waiting room at all. What used to mean a face-to-face appointment and an uncomfortable pharmacy run now takes a few clicks from the couch — discreet online evaluation, personalized treatment shipped straight to your door. *No appointment, no awkward small talk →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
👨 Dads & Grads Specials @ Milan Institute | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Celebrate Dads & Grads with real-deal savings on salon and spa services, now through June 30. Perfect for the grad still running on instant ramen, the dad who calls mowing “me time,” and you, the family logistics manager who earned a facial, a quiet room.
👨 Celebration of Fatherhood @ AppleGate Park/zoo | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Skip the tie, bring the crew to Applegate Park for a free celebration of fatherhood from All Dads Matter, with Kiddieland rides, Applegate Zoo tickets, a family photo booth, and kid-friendly chaos. Think community resources, real smiles, and zero pressure to grill.
✂ Scrapbooking Crop @ NK Designs & Gifts | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Saturday means one thing, a good old-fashioned crop, where we trim pages, not produce. Bring your scrapbooking, card making, and paper-craft stash, trade tips, and finally liberate those photos from your phone. Low-key, social, and satisfyingly tidy, so pack the label maker.
🧵 Free Restring Day @ Gottschalk Music Center | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Your guitar has earned a spa day. Free restringing for standard acoustic or electric, and the first 12 through the door get a free pack of Elixir light gauge strings, one per household. There is an in-store jam after, where missed notes count as character development.
🧘 Pilates in the Courtyard @ El Capitan Hotel | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – Start Saturday in the El Capitan Hotel courtyard with The Haus Studio leading a mellow mat Pilates session under actual sunshine, not fluorescent lights. Stretch, breathe, and pretend your core is on vacation, then linger for courtyard chatter, coffee, and smug well-being.
🏀 UC Merced Women's Basketball Elite Camp @ Joseph Edward Gallo Gymnasium | Sunday (6/21) at 9:00 AM – Got a hooper at home who treats the driveway like Madison Square Garden? UC Merced Women’s Basketball is running an Elite Camp with skills, development, and scrimmages, led by real coaches, real reps, and zero fluff. Less TikTok, more footwork, you get a quiet afternoon.
🔮 Bring a Deck ~ Take a Deck @ Rotary Scout Hut - Applegate Park | Sunday (6/21) at 6:00 PM – Bring your favorite tarot or oracle deck, then trade it for something with fewer ex vibes, and settle in for a mellow sound bath, journaling, and reflection on the Solstice and Father’s Day. Cozy, low-key, and just woo enough, without the incense hangover. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Merced report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 88. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 59. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 92°F — Low: 62°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 92. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 62. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. This house is wildThis meticulously maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bath North Merced home brings major style with an open floor plan, quartz kitchen counters, stainless appliances, and a stacked-stone fireplace that anchors the sunlit living room. The main-level bedroom adds flexibility, while the upstairs primary suite impresses with a walk-in closet and spa-like bath. Outside, an extra-large lot and sparkling pool steal the show.
Take a peek inside → |
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