For The Madera Tribune Shirley Lawson gives MCSO Deputy Martin a hug after she received a Random Act of Kindness. Lawson was pulled over for a minor moving violation, and was apologetic. She received her card and cried without even seeing the monetary gift. She couldn’t stop hugging Deputy Martin. For the 12th annual Random Acts of Kindness with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and donations from Agriland, more than money was given out — love.  Agriland and its employees ga

Early Saturday morning, the Madera Police Department’s weekend night shift patrol team made several arrests for driving under the influence in different parts of the City. Each incident involved a traffic collision resulting in property damage. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. As the New Year approaches, the Madera Police Department reminds the community to plan ahead and never drink and drive. If anyone plans to drink, please use a rideshare service or designate a sobe

Ceeseven, Wikimedia Commons Crab meat makes a delicious filling for fried wonton appetizers. For those who would like to ring in the New Year with some nibbles, here are a few tried-and-true recipes that have been kicking around in my family for years. So far, nobody has gotten tired of them, but perhaps they are just too polite to complain. Whatever the case may be, they always manage to disappear. They are not like the chocolates my cousins used to take one bite of, then hi

Cat Campbell/For The Madera Tribune Try a platter of fresh corn chile relleno tamales for your holiday meal. A lot of people stick with family traditions for holiday meals, but I am noticing a willingness to explore beyond, and perhaps add something new. You never know when something will be a big hit and become a new tradition. I think I am right about in the middle, as I like to do both. It is also interesting to check out foods and ingredients from various cultures. I admi

The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  The Madera Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence. From December 14 through New Year’s Day, Madera Police Department will have addi

For The Madera Tribune From left, Madera Police Department Officer Mayorga, Officer Mao, Records Clerk Galindo and Officer Diaz show off the stars they picked off the Star of Hope tree from the Madera PD lobby. Pick up and drop off a gift by Monday to help a child in need.  The Madera Police Department announced the launch of “A Star of Hope,” a collaborative holiday giving initiative designed to bring joy and hope to local children in need.  This year, the department has joi

‘Tis the season for gaining weight. It starts before Thanksgiving and lasts until after the ball drops in New York on New Years Day. There are parties and dinners, and get-togethers with spreads of appetizers and desserts, chocolates, cheeses, breads, chips, wines, and other spirits, cakes, pies, potatoes, egg nog, and much more.  The list goes on, and depending on the culture of the gathering, it could be much more extensive than what I have just described. Many years ago, w