News

Three More Aryan Brotherhood Prison Gang Members Convicted of RICO Charges

SACRAMENTO - Following a nine-week trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller, three members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang were found guilty of racketeering activity that included murder and drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

A federal jury found California State Prison Sacramento inmate Ronald Yandell, 61, guilty of one count of murder in aid of racketeering for the murder of Hugo Pinell, conspiracy to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity, five counts of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering for the murders of Kenneth Johnson, James Mickey, Paul Diaz, Michael Trippe, and Doug Maynard; two counts of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin; five counts of distribution of heroin; and one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

Fresno Man Indicted for Receiving Child Pornography

FRESNO - On May 2, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Timothy Austin Panuco, 34, of Fresno, charging him with receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The indictment was unsealed following his arrest today.

According to court documents, between Feb. 1, 2023, and March 22, 2024, Panuco received material depicting at least one or more minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

99 Cents Only Stores Announces Going-Out-of-Business Sale Across All Locations

NORTHBROOK, Ill. - 99 Cents Only Stores LLC (the "Company" or "99 Cents Only Stores") has commenced going-out-of-business sales at all of its locations. Hilco Global is managing the liquidation event, and Jefferies LLC and Hilco Global are managing the sale of the Company's real estate assets, both owned and leased, in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas. These real estate assets comprise desirable retail locations and development parcels in densely populated urban areas.

The liquidation sale will include all the approximate 371 locations across the states mentioned above, offering unprecedented discounts on a wide range of products, from everyday household items to fresh produce, an assortment of seasonal and party merchandise, and more. Shoppers will find significantly reduced prices on name-brands and regularly available food and beverage products such as produce, deli, and other grocery items. Store fixtures, furniture, and equipment will also be available for sale.

Former Madera Mayor and Community Leader Passes at 86: Margaret “Marge” Medellin

MADERA - Former City of Madera Mayor and community leader Margaret “Marge” M. Medellin passed away on March 31, 2024, at 86. Marge was a lifetime resident of Madera, California, born October 8, 1937, to Mary and James Martinez. On July 1, 1956, she started working at the Madera County Office of Education until her retirement in December 2002. As a child, Marge discovered her love of reading and learning new things, which led to her forty-six-year career at MCOE.

Marge’s political journey spanned from 1978 to 2002. She campaigned in 1977, winning her first term as the First Councilwoman in the City of Madera, California. She won her second term in 1982 and was elected Mayor on April 20th, making history as California's First Hispanic Female Mayor. Margaret Medellin served the residents of Madera and the northern and southern communities of the Central Valley for over 40+ years. Her passion for learning, listening, and having a get-the-job-done attitude all contributed to her love of helping people.

USPS Celebrates the Former First Lady’s Life and Legacy of Candor: Stamp Honors Betty Ford

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA — Today, the Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp celebrating the life of former First Lady Betty Ford on the campus of Eisenhower Health, adjacent to the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, CA. She was the wife of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president, and was widely admired for her support of women’s rights and her candor about the serious health challenges she faced.

The stamp was dedicated by Amber McReynolds, vice chair of the Postal Service’s Board of Governors. Also attending were Susan Ford Bales, Betty Ford’s daughter; Marty Massiello, CEO of Eisenhower Health; Dr. Joseph Lee, president and CEO of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation; and Tessa Voss, also of the foundation.

Fresno Unified School District Completes a 17.5 MW Solar Energy Project

FRESNO - March 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresno Unified School District celebrated the completion of a 17.5 MW districtwide solar energy and storage portfolio with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hoover High School. Developed in partnership with ForeFront Power, a leading developer and asset manager of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy and storage projects, the Fresno Unified solar portfolio is expected to save the District over $40 million throughout the system's 20-year lifespan.

Now completed, the Fresno Unified portfolio includes 40 different projects with solar canopies and energy storage systems across 31 district sites, representing one of California's largest K-12 solar and battery storage portfolios. The labor used on the projects in the Fresno USD portfolio came from contracting services based out of the Fresno region, creating 56 new local jobs.

Former Redevelopment Director Passes: James Taubert (71)

MADERA - James “Jimbo” Taubert (71) unexpectedly passed away on March 20, 2024, at the age of 71 in Marina, California. It was on the day of his late mother’s birthday and the day after his wedding anniversary to his loving wife, Mardi, of 41 years. Jim’s parents, Bette and Ron, had four kids, Jim being the only son. He will be remembered by his sisters Cheryl (Steve), Joni (Danny), Candi, and their families.

Jim and Mardi started their adventure in Madera in 1983 and soon created a family with three beautiful children: Jared, Courtney, and Cameron. As they’ve spent time together since his passing, they realize they were blessed with the most amazing father and life mentor a child could ask for. Jim showed his dedication to his family in many ways, from coaching them in sports to supporting their ambitions and dreams.