Local business donates hoodies to school
For the fifth year in a row, Cal-Pacific Supply owner Mike Alamari and Pacific Farm Management donated hoodies to every student and staff member at schools in Madera Unified with Alpha Elementary School getting this year’s donation. The donation comes just in time as colder weather approaches the Central Valley. “I recall when I was […]
Local college student writes for ambitious movie project
From a young age, Alyssa Gonzalez was fascinated by the idea of writing for films. So when four social media influencers turned filmmakers — Marcus Johns, Christian Del Grosso, Darrick Landreneau and Jesse Dueck — posted a casting call seeking 100 writers, Gonzalez answered. Gonzalez, who was born and raised in Madera, is a senior […]
Pine and palm trees to be moved for SR 99 expansion
Heading southbound to Fresno from Madera, sits the iconic pine and palm trees that many believe mark the center of California down State Route 99. Dubbed by locals as “Where the Palm Meets the Pine,” the trees have stood since the early 1920s. The trees are set to be relocated to make way for the […]
Local pharmacy shuts down after 44 years
After 44-and-a-half years in operation, pharmacist Debra Chu-Yep closed the doors of the Pill Box Pharmacy at the La Esperanza Food Center on North Lake Street on July 30 as she prepares for retirement. “I’ve been thinking about it (retirement) for several years, but it was hard,” Chu-Yep said. “I’m the watchdog of the property, […]
Sizzlin’ Smash Burgers smashes grand opening
Sizzlin’ Smash Burgers officially celebrated its official grand opening with giveaways, community recognition, and support from the local community. The restaurant, at 1512 Howard Road, is owned and operated by Sam Nasser, Walid Nasser, Mike Alammari and Moe Utqi. Sizzlin’ Smash Burgers specializes in fresh, made-to-order smash-style burgers using Certified Angus Beef. The menu also […]
Leighton’s celebrates grand opening
After a long-anticipated transition, Leighton’s Custom Jewelry and Repair officially opened its doors to the public. Following the retirement of former owner Chris Miller at the end of 2024, he passed the business on to his daughter, Suzie Gran, and longtime jeweler Virgil Anderson. Gran and Anderson are taking the business into a new direction, […]
Hoffrage rebuilding vintage PT-17 Stearman airplane
Mike Hoffrage grew up just a mile from the Madera Municipal Airport where his love for aviation began at the age of 2, watching airplanes and crop dusters take off and land. As he got older, Hoffrage would ride his bike to the airport to talk with crop duster, Ray Pool. Over time, Pool became […]
J&P Spine & Joint Center expands to Madera
J&P Spine & Joint Center Inc., a medical practice specializing in patient-centered pain management, has opened a new location in Madera. Founded by husband and wife duo Dr. Justice Otchere and Nurse Practitioner Princess Otchere, the clinic focuses on restoring function and health through a holistic approach to pain management. The duo hosted a ribbon […]
Tricia Protzman sworn in as Madera County Superintendent of Schools
Patricia Protzman was sworn in as the new Madera County Superintendent of Schools during a ceremony held at the Early Education Center Playground, a fitting location, as it symbolized the beginning of her education career decades earlier. The ceremony was led by now-retired County Superintendent Dr. Cecilia A. Massetti, who celebrated her final day in […]
MCDPH brings resources to Courthouse Park with monthly community health fair
The Madera County Department of Public Health hosted its monthly One Stop 4 Health event at Courthouse Park, offering residents access to health resources and services from various county departments and community partners. “The mission for One Stop 4 Health is to create a welcoming and accessible space where Madera County residents are able to […]