MERCED—In an effort to protect customers and employees amidst increasing COVID-19 infections, Merced County and its six cities are working with local businesses on a self-certification safety process. Branded as “Ready2Open,” the process allows local businesses to complete an online checklist to verify that they’ve taken steps to ensure the safety of customers and employees.…… MORE
No Charges Filed Over Clash at Visalia Black Lives Matter Protest
(KMJ) – The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office says no charges will be filed following an incident between protesters and a driver that was caught on camera in Visalia. Back in May, video captured a Jeep that appeared to hit two women at a Black Lives Matter protest on Mooney Boulevard. Wednesday, District Attorney Tim Ward…… MORE
University of California System Names New President
(KMJ) – The University of California system has named Dr. Michael Drake as the replacement of outgoing president Janet Napolitano. And, in doing so, makes Drake the first Black president in its 150-year history. The University of California Board of Regents announced the appointment of Michael V. Drake, M.D., as the 21st president of UC’s system…… MORE
David Brumit
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office most wanted person of the week is: David Brumit of Sanger. A bench warrant has been issued for failing to report to court on charges of indecent exposure and lewd and lascivious acts with a minor. Deputies arrested David Brumit in September 2018 after investigating a report, which revealed…… MORE
Motive Still Unknown in Brutal Sanger Stabbing
(Photo courtesy: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office) (KMJ) – Fresno County Sheriff’s Investigators are still trying to figure out what motivated a Sanger man to stab a 70-year old woman. Here are the circumstances of the case according to a Sheriff’s Office News Release: Just before 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sheriff’s dispatchers received a call of a…… MORE
One Arrested, Another Sought After Valley Fruit Vendor Robbery
(Photo courtesy: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office) (KMJ) – The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office continues to search for a second suspect after a pair of men reportedly beat and rob a Valley fruit stand vendor. Saturday, just before 3:30 p.m., a Sheriff’s Detective was driving near Road 204 and Avenue 256 in Exeter when he saw…… MORE
Demo “Climate-Friendly” Ag Plan Gets Mixed Reaction
The House Democrats’ climate change committee released an ambitious framework for slashing greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition says those plans include agriculture playing a key role in the goal. The emission cutting would be achieved in part by ramping up conservation programs for ag producers that cover…… MORE
South Valley Teen Busted for Sharing Child Pornography
(Photo courtesy: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office) (KMJ) – A tip given to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office sets off a month-long investigation into the distribution of online child pornography. It lead to the Wednesday arrest of 18-year old Britney Vasquez of Orosi. Investigators say she created a fake social media account and then shared dozens of nude…… MORE
Search Continues for Silver Car Involved Fatal Fresno Hit-And-run
(Photo Courtesy: California Highway Patrol) (KMJ) – The California Highway Patrol is now searching for a 2010 to 2013 silver Toyota Corolla believed to be involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident Wednesday afternoon in Fresno. Officers say a man in his 60s was struck and killed by this type of vehicle around 5 p.m. while…… MORE
Shortage of Ag Inspectors
A coalition of more than 150 agricultural organizations is urging Congressional appropriators to close an estimated $630 million funding shortfall for Agricultural Inspectors at ports-of-entry. The coalition stated its case in a letter written to key members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Customs and Border Protection Specialists, Technicians, and Canine Teams inspect…… MORE
