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

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.

For The Madera Tribune Although the City of Madera is conducting its annual Curbside Cleanup Program, the Madera Police Department reminds residents that discarded items must be placed neatly by the curb. Illegal dumping like this creates traffic hazards and fines are associated with it. As many residents are aware, the City of Madera is currently conducting its Annual Curbside Cleanup Program. Zone 2 cleanup services will continue through March 13 with Zone 1 completed over

For The Madera Tribune Judge Joe Barcroft. A few folks in Madera still remember Joe Barcroft. He was one of Madera’s most colorful judges and a prominent attorney in the early 20 century. In 1933, in collaboration with Lilbourne Winchell, he co-authored the highly popular history of Fresno and Madera County — a work that is much sought after today. Judge Barcroft has been gone for 85 years, and he is one of those significant pioneers of Madera that we are in danger of forgett

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls reporting subjects breaking into vehicles in the area of El Vado Drive and Avenue 18 1/2. Deputies responded to the area Sunday morning at about 1 a.m., and found a vehicle matching the description provided by callers. The vehicle immediately fled at a high rate of speed. The vehicle lost control, and was involved in a single vehicle collision at Avenue 17 and State Route 99.

During the Valentine’s Day night shift, Officer Tyler Aldecoa responded to the 600 block of South Street after a citizen reported a subject spray painting a residential fence. Upon arrival, Officer Aldecoa located, and attempted to contact 19-year-old Brayan Pacheco, who matched the description provided by the witness. When Officer Aldecoa approached, Pacheco immediately fled on foot, and attempted to discard two spray paint cans. He was apprehended a short distance away.

The Madera Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are seeing an increase in scam calls designed to create fear and panic within the community. This rise appears to be linked, in part, to the widespread media coverage surrounding the Nancy Guthrie missing person case. In this latest scheme, scammers are contacting residents and falsely claiming that a family member has been kidnapped. They then pressure victims to send immediate ransom payments, often requesting