Local News

Western States Join California Scientific Safety Review Workgroup to Ensure Safety of COVID-19 Vaccine

SACRAMENTO – Washington, Oregon, and Nevada have joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, which will independently review the safety and efficacy of any vaccine approved by the FDA for distribution. Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the panel made up of nationally acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health.

“California has led with science and data through the COVID pandemic and when a vaccine becomes available, we will leverage our scientific expertise to verify its safety to give everyone the confidence they need to make important decisions regarding the health of their families,” said Governor Newsom. “This virus transcends our borders and we are grateful to partner with our neighboring states through our Scientific Safety Review Workgroup for a healthy and safe path forward for all our communities.”

Arrest Made in September Killing of Madera Teen

MADERA - Detectives with the Madera Police Department arrested Michael Regalado Jr (18) for the murder of Alejandro Gonzalez (19). Police are investigating the homicide of a teenager in Central Madera. Officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of West 4th Street around 9:30 PM Wednesday, September 16th regarding a man who had been shot.

The 19-year-old victim was transported to Madera Community Hospital where he died from his wounds. Michael is a known, violent gang member who was, at the time of the shooting, out on bail for illegal firearms possession. He is currently in the Madera County Department of Corrections.

Attorney General Busts Fresno Republican's for Fake "Official" Ballot Boxes

SACRAMENTO – Monday afternoon California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and California Secretary of State Alex Padilla sent a cease and desist order to the California Republican Party to stop operating unofficial ballot drop boxes. This follows reports of unofficial drop boxes being operated by Republican campaigns in Fresno, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties.

"There is nothing more precious or fundamental in a real democracy than the vote," said Attorney General Becerra. "Anyone who tampers with the vote is tampering with free and fair elections. We will do all that's necessary under law to protect Californians' right to vote."

Madera County Vote Centers & Mobile Voting Center Schedules

MADERA - Rebecca Martinez, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters announced that prior to the opening of two Vote Centers on October 24, she is providing voters with an additional opportunity to vote in-person, on Saturday, October 10, 2020. Between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm, voters can visit the Elections Division, located in the County Government Center at 200 W. Fourth Street in Madera. Safety protocols will be in place, masks will be available and social distancing will be enforced.

On weekdays, beginning October 1 through October 23, early voting is available in the County Clerk’s office by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call the Elections Division at 800-435-0509. Thereafter, starting on October 24th, Vote Centers will be open daily, including weekends, to serve you – no appointments needed!

DOJ Charges 500+ Domestic Violence-Related Firearm Cases in FY20

SACRAMENTO. – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 500 domestic violence cases involving firearms during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. A Department priority since 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr created the Department of Justice’s first ever-Domestic Violence Working Group, these charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made domestic violence firearms-related investigations a priority.

“Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminal offenders is one of the Department of Justice’s top priorities,” said Attorney General Barr. “This is especially important when it comes to individuals with prior domestic violence convictions. The statistics are clear that when domestic violence offenders have access to guns, their partners and their families are at a much greater risk of falling victim to gun violence. In fact, in some communities across America, roughly half of the homicides are related to domestic violence. The Department of Justice is committed to keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them, and we will continue investigating and prosecuting all domestic violence firearms-related crimes.”