Residents of Madera County deserve clear, factual information about how local government finances work and how public services are delivered. Confusion about city versus county responsibilities, property tax distribution, and population data can lead to misunderstandings about how budgets function. Understanding the structure of local government helps voters make informed decisions. City vs. County responsibilities Many residents assume that programs such as public health, be

To say that Lisa Jackson is a prolific writer is an understatement. She has 15 million books in print in nine languages. She has published 75 novels and is a “New York Times Bestselling Author.” So, I picked up a copy of “Left to Die” (2008, 496 pages in paperback format). This book, the first in Regan Pescoli/Selena Alvarez series, is set in Grizzly Falls, Montana, during a blizzard the likes of which can only be known in Montana. In blindingly cold wind and heavy falling sn

As Women’s History Month comes to an end, I’d like to recognize two women who were developing the modern computer long before most Americans even knew about the electronic device. Their contributions, one in the mid-19th century and the other a hundred years later in the mid-20th century, introduced novel ways of solving problems. Although they lived a century apart, both women helped to guide the development of the computers that we use every day. Ada Lovelace Augusta Ada Ki

Amy Brenner is a second-year medical student whose ultimate goals in terms of specialization are not clear, except that she knows that she does not want to be a psychiatrist.Eight years ago, when she was 16, her best friend Jade Carpenter had been confined to a mental hospital, and Amy visited her.It was an experience that left a lasting scar on her memory. However, Pauline Walter, Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Psychiatry has assigned Amy to an overnight rotation

In Fresno recently, a gentleman convicted of possessing child sex abuse material took out papers to run for the Fresno City Council. A political firestorm erupted. Plans were made to introduce a law in the state assembly to prevent convicted sex offenders from running for local or state public office. However, the gentleman in question could not get 20 registered voters to sign his paperwork to run and, therefore, will not appear on the June ballot. Sometimes things take care

“Pushing up daisies” may no longer be just a colloquial expression about being dead. It now appears that some of us may, indeed, be pushing up daisies, and vegetables, and palm trees… someday. In Madera County? Well, right next door in Friant. It’s already happening, according to Your Central Valley. This becomes possible because of actions taken by our lawmakers and reported in SFGate. In 2022, Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia introduced AB351, which was passed by the legislatu

In times of war, rising oil prices, and sudden market swings, many Americans begin to question whether the stock market truly reflects supply and demand. When retirement accounts fall while energy prices rise, it can feel as if the system is manipulated or disconnected from reality. Yet the truth is more complex. The modern market is shaped by global capital flows, massive investment institutions, and expectations about the future economy. Understanding these forces helps exp

“Twisted” (2019, 337 pages in paperback format) is a bit of a departure from Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series, except… Everything about Twisted is “except,” beginning with the title pages. Pages? Yes, the first title page reads, “Twisted” by Steve Cavanagh.The second title page reads, “Twisted” by J.T. LeBeau. The story begins with Paul Cooper waiting outside a theater where a memorial service is being held for the late J.T. LeBeau, the reclusive author who has sold 75 mil