News

Madera Police Officer Accused of Accessing State Records for a Friend; Accused of Attendance Fixing at Madera High Nine Years Prior

MADERA – There’s an old saying that ‘The leopard cannot change its spots, nor can the tiger change its stripes’. This week we seem to have been given a recent example of this in a former Coyote football player and now Madera Police officer who has been accused of illegally accessing state computers for the benefit of his friends. Officer Anthony Martinez was suspended from duty and resigned his position with the department following his arrest for the crime of Unauthorized Furnishing of State Criminal History Information in violation of Penal Code section 11142.

According to the criminal complaint filed with the California Superior Court – Madera County, Martinez accessed the Madera Police Departments California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) for a third party that was not authorized to receive such information around January 7^th, 2021.

Governor Newsom Announces Over 200,000 Educators Have Been Vaccinated Last Week

SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that, since the state began dedicating 10 percent of vaccine supply for education workers on March 1, over 200,000 education workers have been vaccinated, far exceeding the state’s goal of 75,000 vaccines per week.

“This is welcome news for teachers, students, and parents as more and more schools reopen safely across the state,” said Governor Newsom. “We will continue working with our local partners to accelerate this effort in communities across the state so that all school staff has access to a vaccine within weeks.”

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.