News

The Reunification of Madera Department of Corrections and Madera County Sheriff After 43 Years

MADERA - The Madera County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted today, March 9, 2021, to approve the reunification of the Madera Department of Corrections and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.

The Reunification Plan was developed collaboratively by administrative representatives from both the Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Corrections. The proposed plan will be implemented in phases and will conclude by consolidating the Madera County Department of Corrections with the sheriff’s office and officially transferring oversight and management of county jail operations to the elected Sheriff.

Recall Gavin Newsom Campaign Nears Two Million Signatures

SACRAMENTO - Gavin Newsom is one step closer to being removed from office as the Recall Gavin Newsom Campaign nears two million signatures. Mike Netter, of RecallGavin2020.com, announced on Sunday that he, his team, and thousands of volunteers, have gathered 1.95 million signatures (he only needs 1.495 million). That was before the Sacramento Recall rally, sponsored by Joe Collins, on the steps of the State Capitol, where tens of thousands gathered to support the recall effort.

"This recall movement has mobilized democrats, republicans, and independents to band together in a common voice to remove the Governor, that has failed small business and the people of California," said Joe Collins. "Our rally on Sunday proved that the people are behind making a change."

CRŪ Winery Launches Scholarship with California State University System

MADERA - In honor of International Women's Day, CRŪ Winery, a family-owned winery that produces award-winning wines from premier appellations on California's Central Coast, is launching a scholarship inspired by winery founder Richard Spencer's Aunt May. The scholarship will support undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Viticulture and Enology at California State University Fresno.

Aunt May encouraged Spencer to go after his dreams, financing his first deal and partnering on a renovation that ultimately kick-started his successful construction business. She was quietly accomplished, generous, witty, sometimes a hot mess but pretty much always brilliant. CRŪ Winery also produces a limited release Chardonnay in her honor.

One in Custody Following Homicide in Madera County

MADERA - Madera County Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating the murder of 53-year-old Hortencia Arambula. Ms. Arambula was reported missing by family members around 5:45 pm on March 2, 2021, after they were unable to reach her for several days. Deputies responded to the residence, in the 16000 block of Road 28 1/2 in Madera County, and were unable to locate Ms. Arambula, her vehicle, or her adult son, who also lived at the residence.

Around 1:50 am on March 3, the Madera County Sheriff’s Communications Center received a call reporting the discovery of Hortencia’s remains. Her husband, who had been out of town for work, returned to their home and found her partially concealed remains in the backyard of their property.

FAX Temporarily Suspending Fares - Ride for Free, but Stay COVID-safe

FRESNO - Effective Monday, March 1, 2021, Fresno Area Express (FAX) will provide free rides on its fixed route and Handy Ride paratransit vehicles. This temporary fare-free service was approved by the Fresno City Council on February 18, 2021, to assist passengers experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All passengers and bus drivers are required to wear masks. Due to social distancing requirements to help prevent the spread of COVID, seating is limited to 10 passengers per fixed route vehicle and 3 passengers per Handy Ride vehicle.

Clovis Community College Second in Country with With The Best Laptop Loaner Program

LEHI, Utah - My College Laptop, an education resource website that advocates for technology immersion in colleges believe technology has been unfairly vilified as the driver of income inequality. The Pew Research Center recently highlighted the technology gap, particularly access to technology by low-income Americans, as a key driver of income inequality

Studies by K-12 education researchers at Michigan State University demonstrate positive student outcomes of 1:1 laptop programs, teacher training programs and technology immersion programs.

Mendota Man Indicted for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering

FRESNO - A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Oscar Armando Orellana Guevara, 23, of Mendota, charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, on Aug. 28, 2020, Guevara and others assaulted a man by punching, kicking, and stabbing him with a straight-blade knife. They stabbed him in his chest, thigh, abdomen, and arm. During the confrontation, Guevara announced the group’s affiliation with Mara Salvatrucha or MS-13 and threatened to kill him and a companion. The assault occurred in and around an area of Mendota over which MS-13 claims control, and before assaulting him, Guevara and others told the victim he could not be there.