Local News

MENDOTA - On June 2, 2018, just before 5:30 pm, Fresno County Sheriff’s dispatchers received an emergency call saying a man and a young girl had been swept away in the San Joaquin River.  Deputies and our EAGLE One helicopter responded to the area where they were last seen, which was at the intersection of San Mateo Rd. and the river in Mendota. 

Deputies arrived and found several people in the water searching for the man and child.  They learned that a Fresno family was there to go swimming and fishing.  As the adults were setting up items on the shore, four children ran out to a sandbar in the shallow water.  As they were playing, the current of the river took the kids downstream. 

LOS ANGLES -  Earlier today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) held a press conference in his district to address concerns regarding numerous reports that the Trump administration had lost track of 1,475 unaccompanied minors last year.

During the event, an array of immigration topics were discussed, including the shameful practice of using family separation policies as a deterrence, unsanitary conditions at immigrant detention centers, and the surge of anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies targeting communities across the country. Local and national immigrant and children’s rights groups joined the congressman on stage as he called on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to investigate the treatment of immigrant children in federal custody.

CHOWCHILLA - Chowchilla is enjoying strong housing growth, expanding at a rate of 8.57% per year.  According to the Business Journal, it has become the 2^nd fastest growing municipality behind Clovis, up from 11^th last year. This expansion in new home construction can be seen throughout the City.  To the east, the neighborhoods of Greenhills and Pheasant Run are anticipated to be completely built-out within the year. 

To the west, new houses are going up, with more developments nearing complete entitlement.  Even the older parts of the City are growing as empty lots see new homes constructed, owing in large part to the City’s Infill Program. This infill growth has also had the collateral effect of existing homes being fixed up or rebuilt as values go up.

MADERA – This month, a bat found in Oakhurst tested positive for the rabies virus, marking the second confirmed animal rabies diagnosis this year in Madera County. Sara Bosse, Madera County Department of Public Health Director says, “The rabies virus is a fairly rare and often fatal disease affecting the brain.  Mammals, including humans, are susceptible.”  .

The rabies virus is typically detected in skunks and bats, less often in animals like coyotes, foxes and raccoons, with domestic animals being infrequently diagnosed.  The rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of a rapid animal that bites another animal or human, or when contagious saliva infects a break in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose). If you are bitten by a wild animal, promptly wash the wound with soap and water. Immediately consult with your health care provider or Madera County Department of Public Health to determine if the wound requires further attention and whether preventive rabies treatment is required.