Adam C. Gray

People are tired of empty promises and partisan rhetoric. They want to know that their government works for them. That’s what I’m bringing to Washington.

Today's reports about Eric Swalwell's conduct while in office are deeply disturbing. Harassment, abuse, and violence of any sort are unacceptable. Given these serious allegations, I am withdrawing my support and Eric Swalwell should end his campaign immediately.

We need more of this in DC. @BlueDogBark

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, once Fresno’s police chief, made extremely important points in his speech to the US Conference of Mayors. He said ICE has lost the trust of Americans due to their violence and disregard for our Bill of Rights. Until ICE comes under new leadership, that trust will not be repaired. Change needs to be made. We’ll keep you posted at valleysolutionsca.org

When Planada was flooded back in 2023, it wasn’t due entirely to an act of God. Part of the blame rested with the state, who delayed approving removal of debris and thick vegetation from Miles Creek. So it was good to read in The Merced Focus that the county has been out three times this year to keep the creek clear. When government works, you don’t notice. When it doesn’t work, you can’t miss it. Keep up on Valley news: valleysolutionsca.org

Modesto found something that helped people work their way out of poverty and despair – the Downtown Street Teams. Rather than let the program die, as many CA cities did last year, Modesto kept it alive and made it better with Hope Works. Hope is the only thing that does work, but sometimes it needs some help. Hats off to the City Council, Gospel Mission and United Way.

Impressive, the study that shows #UCMerced has an annual economic impact of $1.2 billion. But that’s NOT what matters most. UCM is leading the way in energy efficient buildings, in proving solar-over-canal tech works, in finding the water content of soil and air, and so much more. UCM grads are making a real difference in our Valley, our state and our world. Priceless.

One of our greatest needs in the Valley is health care. So, it’s great to see Del Puerto Canyon Health Care District make plans for a new hospital. It could be open by 2032, giving us time to solve our nation’s healthcare problems – including finding a way to keep rural hospitals solvent. Fixing that problem will take creative thinking and tough decisions. Keep up on Valley news: valleysolutionsca.org

When I told my staff to light the menorah in our Merced office, someone asked if I was Jewish. You don’t have to be Jewish to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Light. We all must become part of the light that confronts and does away with evil. When violence preys on people for their beliefs or ethnicity, I stand and shine with them. As our Merced rabbi said: “To hide scared is not the way to win over the darkness.”  Keep up on Valley news: valleysolutionsca.org

What will become of the Crows Landing Naval Air Station? Hard to tell, but things are finally starting to happen. The World War II-era facility has a mile-long landing strip, nearby highways and rails – a trifecta for logistics, manufacturing or technical staging. Putting in water, power and roads sets the stage for big projects. I’m not only excited about Crows Landing’s future, but ready to roll up my sleeves. Keep up on Valley news: valleysolutionsca.org

Every time a student from UC Merced enters med school, our dreams are realized. Every time a student engineers putting solar panels on top of canals, creates robotics or advances biomolecular engineering, our Valley’s university is validated. Still, learning that the remarkable MacKenzie Scott has given a “landmark gift” of $38 million to UC Merced was both breathtaking and inspiring. It’s validation of our efforts, our campus and our dreams.

When you say “purple potatoes” it conjures up something, well, different. Like green eggs and ham – but real. Merced County is the only place in the US where you can grow organic sweet potatoes. Our combination of soil, temperature and clean water is perfect. With help from the UC Cooperative Extension, our growers are adding color. I’ll take a helping of Purple Rayne and some Purple Majesty fries. Keep up on Valley news: valleysolutionsca.org 

When Madera’s hospital came out of bankruptcy this year, it was great news for the community. But one portion of the hospital didn’t reopen -- the maternity ward. That means expectant mothers must travel for care. It’s not just in Madera; maternity wards in rural communities across the US are closing. That’s why Republican Ashley Hinson and I wrote the MOMS Act to train and fund rural midwife services. It’s too important to let partisan politics get in the way. Keep up on Valley news: valleysolutionsca.org

I read in the Chronicle about the activist who “rescued” four chickens. She considers consuming meat a crime. But for 80% of the world’s population, meat provides essential nutrients. It’s not just a choice, it’s a necessity. The judge required the activist to pay $102,548 in restitution for stealing $24 worth of poultry. Petaluma Poultry says it will donate that money to a local food bank. That’s a choice I admire. Keep up on Valley news: valleysolutionsca.org

Best pizza in Stanislaus County is ‘proportioned perfectly’ with ‘the best crust.’ The Modesto Bee’s pizza poll came up with an interesting winner – Luigi’s on Yosemite Blvd. To be honest, I’ve never tried Luigi’s, but that will change. Jennifer Warda and her son Anthony apparently aren’t making, pizza, they’re making “happiness in a box.” I’ll take a box full. Keep up on Valley news: valleysolutionsca.org

Across the state, our reservoirs are basically full. We just had record-setting November rain. Yet, the Dept of Water Resources tells farmers that they can count on only 10% of the water they’ve been promised. DWR admits this number isn’t final or even realistic. But it’s the number. Do they plant tomatoes, corn, hay or take a flier on trees? They need to know sooner, not later. We’ve had enough. DWR needs a much better way to send its water signals. Keep up on Valley news: valleysolutionsca.org

Gratitude carries us through the toughest times. I’m grateful to represent a community filled with caring, generous, and compassionate people. The countless meals prepared and served across our Valley remind me how quickly neighbors step up for one another. Yet I’m humbled by how much need still remains, and I pray we continue to find the strength and resources to meet it in the days ahead.

When I wrote an op-ed for The Hill – Need for Speed: Why permitting reform can’t come soon enough – I had no idea that two days later the Department of Interior would heed my call and issue Secretary Order 3446. That order will make it easier to plan, build and complete projects across 17 states. One of the most important will be the elevation of BF Sisk Dam at San Luis Reservoir. Keep up on The Valley at valleysolutionsca.org

What happened to the Los Banos Creek Detention Reservoir Storage project? Farmers liked it, conservationists didn’t hate it and all agreed it would reduce flood risk while raising groundwater levels. For 13 years it’s been stuck in paperwork purgatory, like hundreds of other projects. That’s why I was one of 2 Democrats to vote for the SPEED Act. Like many Americans, I’m tired of the slow pace of progress. Let’s get moving! Read more valleysolutionsca.org

The Hilmar volleyball players are STATE CHAMPS after sweeping Elsinore in straight sets to win the Division V State title last Friday. Emma Gomes had 10 kills while Emma Nyman had 10 digs for Coach Patti Harris’ team. Setter Stella Pires had 38 assists. The Yellowjackets were down 23-24 in the pivotal second game when Reese Ahlem blocked a kill then flushed a pass to put the Yellowjackets in front for good. Read more valleysolutionsca.org

BEST in the state! Few can make that claim, but the young women of Merced High’s water polo team earned the right by beating Los Altos 10-7 in the D3 title game Saturday. Having played water polo, I know how cold the water is in the morning, how heavy your arms feel in that last minute. Audrey O’Bruba made 12 saves, Sarah Slocum had 3 goals and 5 steals as the Bears went 31-2 and finished as the 14th ranked team in the U.S. I’m impressed and proud. Read more valleysolutionsca.org