Chris Moreno

Saturday Afternoon

Firm Build defendants plead no contest in asbestos case

The state criminal case against three former executives of the defunct nonprofit Firm Build culminated Friday with the trio pleading no contest to felony charges of exposing high school students to cancer-causing asbestos.

The plea agreement was reached with Rudy Buendia III, 50, Patrick Bowman, 46, and Joseph Cuellar, 73.

They pleaded no contest to felony treating, handling or disposing of asbestos in a manner which caused an unreasonable risk of serious injury to the nine students, with knowing or reckless disregard for the risk.

Documents detail questioning after USP Atwater correctional officer's killing

One of the two inmates accused of killing an Atwater prison guard was so drunk on a potent brew dubbed "White Lightning," he couldn't understand an FBI agent's Miranda warnings afterward, defense attorneys claim in revealing new documents filed in federal court.

Merced Police Department incidents for Friday, May 17, 2013

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Cautious optimism as Merced County's unemployment rate drops

More people are finding jobs these days, but there are still plenty of folks looking.

Father, son graduating UC

David Brantley was running out of room on his desk at home so he added an extension.

The left side of the desk was designated for his photography business. The right side is where his school work piled up.

Brantley, 60, of Merced has spent countless hours at that desk the past three years as he ran his own business while working toward his anthropology degree at UC Merced.

Stanislaus sweep sends a message to gang members

The day after dozens of Stanislaus County gang members were picked up on warrants, jailed for violating their parole or probation, and stripped of illegal weapons and drugs, more than a quarter were back on the streets. While they are out of jail, they aren't off the hook.

Welcome, Grads: Merced's annual Cap & Town offers food, fun, celebration

The weather was perfect for Merced's fifth annual Cap & Town event, dubbed "Merced's biggest outdoor celebration."

Friday's event honored all graduating students in the area and their families. Between 5 and 10 p.m., Mercedians of all ages gathered for food, music and dancing.

With more than 40 vendors, the block party is an opportunity for people to get to know various local businesses or join a local club, said Karen Baker, the event organizer.

DEBBIE CROFT: Classic boat show this weekend at Bass Lake

The Antique and Classic Wooden Boat Show will be held this weekend at the Bass Lake Marina and Pines Resort. Cary Winslow, coordinator of the show, says, "The main marques will be there: Chris-Craft, Mercury, Higgins, Century, Gar Wood and Belmont."

Fishing event for children at San Luis Reservoir on Saturday

Little anglers are the focus of a promotional day at the San Luis Reservoir this weekend. The 24th annual Kids' Fish, Swim and Play Day, hosted by California's Department of Water Resources and state parks staff and volunteers, is planned at San Luis Creek on the O'Neill Forebay on Saturday.

MY FAVORITE RIDE: Original owner, daughter restore classic Porsche

The car: 1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Super Coupe The owner: Original owner Jack R. Willson of Atwater; given as a gift to daughter Kathryn W. Enos, Merced.