Local News

The University of San Francisco Agrees to Pay over $2.5M for Alleged False Claims in Its Administration of AmeriCorps Grants

SACRAMENTO - The University of San Francisco (USF) has agreed to pay $2,561,727 to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that it knowingly presented false and fraudulent claims to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in order to secure federal grant funds under the AmeriCorps State and National Program. CNCS is an independent federal agency that administers the AmeriCorps national service program.

USF obtained AmeriCorps funding to support the San Francisco Teacher Residency Program that allowed students working towards teaching degrees to earn living allowances and money towards their tuition costs by serving as teacher apprentices in high‑needs schools within the San Francisco Unified School District. To receive an AmeriCorps education award, among other requirements, each volunteer had to serve a specified number of hours that were required to be timely and accurately documented.

Fresno Man Admits Sexual Exploitation of at Least 50 Children Through Multiple Social Media Apps

FRESNO - Jacob Blanco, 28, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, as well as one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. According to the plea agreement,

Blanco’s activities were discovered in March 2017 when the parents of a then six-year-old discovered that the minor had communicated with and created sexually explicit images at the request of another user on the social media application Musical.ly (now TikTok). Law enforcement investigators subsequently identified the offender as Blanco. Investigators searched Blanco’s residence and digital devices and discovered that he had successfully persuaded and coerced multiple minors to produce sexually explicit material.

There's a New Sheriff in These Parts - Varney to Move to CAO Spot with County

MADERA – Madera County Sheriff Jay Varney is no stranger to a suit and tie and the non-exciting life of a municipal administrator. He spent two years doing just that as the city manager for the city of Chowchilla when the city was going through a financial crisis. The Madera County Board of Supervisors announces today that they have extended an offer of employment for Madera County Administrative Officer (CAO) to Sheriff Jay Varney.

Board Chairman David Rogers stated, "All members of the Board feel strongly about Sheriff Varney's integrity, leadership, and commitment to making Madera County the best county in which to live, work, and play."

Graduation for Madera 2020 Seniors is Back-On in a Virtual Way to the Tune of $140,000

MADERA – The senior classes of both Madera High School and Madera South High School will have graduation after all. It might look a little different than in the past and if definitely will cost a little more than in the past. The Madera Unified Board of Trustees approved a contract between the district and Windsong Productions to develop a “high-quality keepsake video honoring the students of the graduating class of 2020” for $140,000. That price does not include stage rentals, decoration, or staffing.

Superintendent Todd Lile said to board members Tuesday, “Graduation is a major accomplishment and unfortunately, because of this unprecedented time, 2020 graduates are losing something that is fundamental to their educational experience. A live graduation also contains a specific meaning to students. Its format is what students are most familiar with. It means marking a moment with friends, family, and teachers who all have had an impact on who they are today and doing it all together, in one place. Graduation-on-video will be a much different experience and by the nature of “safer-at-home”, it will be a much more singular and passive experience.”

COOKIES: Global Cannabis Culture Leader Opens Berner's in Downtown Merced Friday

MERCED - The world's best-selling, most in-demand cannabis varieties are coming to Merced with the grand opening of Cookies' 9th and newest cannabis dispensary - Berner's Merced - located in one of the fastest-growing communities in the 209 area code.

Officially opening on May 15, 2020, this special location marks the ninth store opening for Cookies since 2018. Not only will Merced shoppers get access to the most legendary cannabis products in the world in a contemporary, licensed, and secure store; store visitors will also have the opportunity to shop an exclusive, Merced-inspired line of clothing and accessories designed by internationally-recognized lifestyle clothing brand, CookiesSF.