Local News

Disneyland Resort Closes Deal With Largest Labor Unions For One of the Highest Minimum Wages in the Country

ANAHEIM - The Disneyland Resort announced today that it has reached agreement with its largest labor unions for a minimum wage rate increase of 40 percent within two years of the agreement. This will put cast members represented by Master Services Council at $15 per hour by 2019, which will be one of the highest minimum wages in the country. This agreement, benefitting more than 9,700 cast members, is one of the most aggressive entry-level offers in the country and demonstrates Disney's commitment to its valued cast members.

"Disneyland Resort has long taken pride in providing an exceptional employee experience, and this agreement sets a new bar with minimum wages that are among the highest in the country. Our unprecedented offer shows our commitment and care for our cast members and is the largest increase in our history," said Josh D'Amaro, president, Disneyland Resort. "Our cast members are at the heart of making our guests' dreams come true and this meaningful pay increase reflects the valuable roles they play at the resort."

Criminal Investigations Uncovers Alleged Fraud Issues in Madera County Fire Department: Whistle-Blower Feels Punished by County

MADERA – While the brave men and women of Cal-Fire fight the Ferguson Fire in Madera, Merced and Mariposa Counties, a criminal investigation conducted by the Madera County Sheriff’s Department was turned over this week to the Madera County Distrcit Attorney’s Office regarding the Madera County Fire Department. The existence of the criminal investigation isn’t being discussed in the open Board of Supervisors meetings but it was confirmed last week to BVN by Madera County Council Regina Garza.

The county, which contracts its county-wide fire services though the State of California, provides office support staff to the state which houses its offices on the first floor of the Madera County Government Center in Madera. Earlier this year the county was informed by a whistle-blower within the department of an employee, who may have access to approve her own hours on the county’s payroll system, had allegedly padded her paycheck with over 100 unearned hours.

Offender Who Walked Away from Bakersfield Reentry Program Apprehended

BAKERSFIELD – A man who walked away from the Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) in Bakersfield on July 15, 2018, was apprehended today in Bakersfield.

Following investigative leads, agents from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Office of Correctional Safety (OCS) located Ronald Brooks, 31, at Valley Plaza Mall in Bakersfield. He was arrested after a short pursuit on foot. He was taken into custody and transported to North Kern State Prison.

Former Fresno-Area Auto Dealer Facing Federal Charges of Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

FRESNO - Scott Radtke, 56, of Clovis, was arraigned today on a nine-count indictment charging him with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. According to court documents, Radtke owned California Motoring Company, a car dealership in Clovis. Beginning as early as January 1, 2016, and continuing through June 2017, Radtke executed a scheme to defraud banks. When customers wanted to buy vehicles that Radtke’s dealership did not have in its inventory, Radtke offered customers the opportunity to buy them from other dealerships.

Radtke received up-front payments from the customers or their banks, but did not give that money to the other dealerships. Instead, he spent it on business and personal expenses. Radtke then signed the customers’ names on sale documents and loan applications, which led banks to issue loans without the customers’ knowledge or authorization. Radtke’s actions involved at least 48 vehicles and over $2 million in fraudulently obtained goods and funds.

Chowchilla City Council Votes to Place Public Safety Tax on the Ballot

CHOWCHILLA - In response to a strong demand by the community, the Chowchilla City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to place a 1 percent public safety sales tax measure before its voters this November. This measure is in response to concerns raised by the public during a recent survey that, while a majority of Chowchilla residents say they feel save in the City, there is a widespread perception that crime is increasing.

Sixty-one percent of the public stated in the survey that residents are safe in Chowchilla, but 80 percent say that crime in the City is on the rise. Additionally, gangs and drugs rank among the City’s most serious problems. The Public Safety Transaction and Use Tax will be dedicated solely for the needs of the Police and Fire Departments.