For many years, the U.S. has had only two parties: the Democrats and Republicans. Most democracies have numerous parties, with our neighbor to the north having five. The U.S. is not functioning well at all with its two parties, and a third party would be most helpful. I am not alone in this appraisal. A significant majority of Americans express dissatisfaction with the two major parties, with recent polls (late 2025/early 2026) showing that around 60 to 62 percent believe tha

A couple of years ago, I wrote about the lifespan of a refrigerator. In 44 years of marriage, we have had four refrigerators in our house, each one lasting about half the time of the previous one.  The refrigerator we have now is about two-and-a-half years old, so I’m thinking I’d better start looking around for another one soon. I’m not fond of the refrigerator we have now. When the last one quit working, after six years, I almost cried. We could not find one like it. It had

For The Madera Tribune Attorney Joe Barcroft got boxer Jack Dempsey off on a speeding charge in Madera County, but he couldn’t help him in the ring. Life as a Madera traffic cop in 1926 was not the most exotic way to spend one’s days (or nights). Traffic along the state highway near town was light. That’s why traffic officer M.A. Harrison was keeping watch from the shoulder of the road. That’s where he was when he saw the roadster speeding south on March 26. The car zoomed pa

SACRAMENTO — Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced) has announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at preventing registered sex offenders from running for any local or state public office in California.  The action stems from reports of a registered sex offender in Fresno expressing interest in running for Fresno City Council, an election taking place this June. “It’s deeply disturbing that this issue is unfolding in my own backyard. The idea that a registered sex o

The Madera County Clerk-Recorder’s office announced it is extending the filing period for Madera County Supervisor, District 5, to March 11.  The dates, March 7-11 are an extension for nomination and declaration of candidacy period.  Interested parties can visit www.votemadera.com and click on the “Interested in Running for Office” link on the home page or call the Elections Division.

For The Madera Tribune From left, Madera Elks Lodge #1919 Bingo Chair Gen Buckley, Madera Rescue Mission Executive Director Jesse Chavez, Madera Food Bank Executive Director Ryan McWherter, Leading Knight Jesus Hernandez, and Bingo Committee member Susan Flores stand together after announcing programs that received the proceeds from the Elks’ Bingo Nights. The Madera Elks Lodge #1918 made cash donations to four organizations last week.  The funds were distributed from Bingo N

For The Madera Tribune A traffic stop for reckless driving led to a discovered gun and cocaine, as well as a black ski mask. The suspect was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction. Madera Police Department Corporal Jeremy Smith conducted a traffic stop near W. 4th Street and north I Street after observing a vehicle being driven recklessly by Alan Guillen.  During the Sunday night stop, Corporal Smith noticed a firearm on the floorboard next to Gu

While on patrol Saturday morning, Madera Police Department contacted 35-year-old Gumaro Frias.  During the interaction, a vehicle drove by without headlights, and was swerving. Concerned the driver might be impaired, the officers left to investigate, and conducted a traffic stop.  The officers’ instincts proved correct. A 50-year-old Madera resident was found to be driving with a blood alcohol concentration over twice the legal limit.