Christian De Jesus Betancourt / The Merced FOCUS

The new kitchen in downtown Merced offers a way to market imperfect produce through meals, salads, desserts, food boxes, and aguas frescas.

While Merced’s farming fields and packing plants appear to be operating as usual, advocates and workers say the more fragile, migrant cash-based economy of the region’s swap meets, colloquially known as “remates,” is showing signs of strain.

Two years after a flood ravaged the town, even a member of the California State Assembly says she’s unhappy with the slow pace of repairs promised to residents.

The flood was catastrophic for the town of 4,000 residents. Around 80% of Planada’s population was impacted and suffered some level of property damage.

Residents can apply in March and receive funding as soon as April. But not all are happy with $15,000 limit for direct assistance.

The city manager recently presented leaders with an update on the latest efforts.

See the vibrant culture of the local Hmong community.

It’s the latest suit that’s been filed in the aftermath of floods that hit Planada and Merced.

After several meetings and months of waiting, Planada residents received a better look Tuesday evening at what $20 million in flood relief might look like for the community.