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

When summer temperatures climb into the triple digits across the Central Valley, the impacts reach far beyond discomfort. Power demand rises, outdoor work becomes dangerous, and vulnerable residents face serious health risks. Extreme heat, along with flooding, drought, and wildfire, is one of several natural hazards that communities across California must plan for long before emergencies occur. In Madera County, that preparation is nearing completion.

David Richstone, CPA, Madera County Auditor Controller recently reported that the County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2025 was completed on time, and presented Madera County’s financial position fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Auditor Controller serves as the Chief Accounting Fiscal Officer for the County, providing independent oversight and saf

Last week, we covered the first eleven desirable characteristics of a third political party for the United States. This week, we’ll conclude the platform that I think most Americans would like to see in a viable third party. • The party would be concerned with wasteful spending and the increasing debt that the U.S. is amassing. For years, the U.S. dollar has been the global standard by which other currencies are measured. However, there is no assurance that the U.S. dollar wi

As we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, it’s worth reviewing the evolution of our revolution. Let’s review the status of American rights and obligations. We are at least superficially aware of some of our constitutional and statutory rights. Free speech, the right to bear arms, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion to name a few. Those with whom we politically disagree have those same rights. Not only do we have rights, but we all also have obligations vis-à-vis e

Allen Baraldi/The Madera Tribune Scott Farrell, center, is honored by the Madera City Council and the California State Legislature for his more than 40 years of service with the Madera Fire Department and later the California Department of Forestry (CDF) at Madera City Hall on March 4. Scott is shown with his fellow firefighters from CDF, Madera City Council members, and representative from the state Legislature. Scott Farrell, engineer, was honored for his more than 40 years

The City of Madera City Council issued a proclamation recognizing March as Red Cross Month to honor neighbors who deliver care and comfort through the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter. “As a community, we hope never to need it, but when the need is there, we are always thankful for the services they provide,” said Mayor Pro Tem Rohi Zacharia on behalf of the entire City Council at last week’s meeting. “We celebrate the humanitarian Spirit of the City of Madera and re