How we can really change Merced
I have lived in Modesto pretty much my whole life, but I commute to Merced every day for work. Why don't I live here? Because of the very reason this site was created. There is not enough things to do to lure anyone here, not to mention the fact that this city is so stock full of crime that trying to find a place to live and be safe is a task I am not willing to undergo. But to offer a solution you have to get to the root of the problem.
• Why is there nothing to do in Merced?
Some retail experts responsible for bringing businesses to cities like Merced recently came here to discuss with the public why Merced doesn't have the restaurants and entertainment everyone would love to have. A short answer: People don't patronize the businesses that are already here. Why would a restaurant like Olive Garden or the Cheesecake Factory want to locate in Merced when restaurants like Applebees and others already here don't do that well. Merced has become known as a place where not a lot of people dine out.
Also, the population. Businesses like the Cheesecake Factory won't even consider a new location without a certain population number. And let's just say Merced doesn't even come close. And that comes back to people like me, who would rather commute than live here. And that has to change.
So basically, it is up to the people already here to make something of this town. Then more people will want to live here and more venues for entertainment will want to locate here. If you want something to do in this town, then get out and support the businesses that are already here.
Until the time when Merced is a good city full of entertainment, you have to get creative. Seek out things to do that maybe you wouldn't normally be interested in. You might find you like it. Keep coming to this Web site and I will later post some ideas. Also, give us some of yours.
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MeetMerced.com would like to
MeetMerced.com would like to invite you as a regular blogger to offer a differing view about a positive Merced. If you would to take us up on the offer let us know. We are trying to come up with a five day a week schedule of talking about things. Monday, we talk about politics, Tuesday, Crime, Thursday upcoming events, etc. Let us know by emailing staff@meetmerced.com.
If you don't live in Merced,
If you don't live in Merced, then you can't talk about what it's like to live here. How would you know?
Merced has its share of crime, but the majority of the town is quite "safe" and there are several lovely areas to live in. Overall, I would venture to say there is probably less crime in Merced than in Modesto.
There is also plenty to do in and outside of Merced. The real problem is that events are never advertised effectively. I don't hear about most events until after they have happened. One reason for this is that our local paper sucks. They focus too much on Modesto, Fresno, Stockton and the Bay Area. Most events in Merced are completely ignored by our only local paper.
Another problem is that employers in this area do not pay enough for the cost of living here. It is a fact that Merced is one of the lowest paying areas in California! That comes down to businesses trying to make a profit by paying their employees less. Several businesses have relocted to this area, such as the AT&T call center, because they realized they could get away with paying their employees in this area less than they would pay in any other area. That means more profit for them. The business owners don't care if their employees don't make enough to feed their familys.
Lastly, Merced is still a small town that has been run, for the most part, by certain familys for many years. Since the incorporation of Merced, those familys have been selfish, near-sighted, and have reaped all the benefits of their control. If they could benefit from a deal, they would do it. If there was no monetary or social benefit for them personally, it wouldn't get done. As our population grows, those familys are struggling to maintain control. I hope that future city leaders will act for the benefit of the majority and think about our future as well.
Very Nice Insider
This was an excellent article and very insightful. This comment will serve as a test.
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