Local Politics · Turlock, CA
Republican-aligned groups have spent over $4.34 million in California's 13th Congressional District race this year as of Oct. 11, compared to less than $400,000 from Democratic-aligned groups, according to campaign finance records. Incumbent Democrat Rep. Adam Gray, who won the seat by 187 votes in 2024, faces Republican former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln in a contest spanning communities from Stockton to Merced along State Route 99. GOP Speaker Mike Johnson held a rally for Lincoln in Chowchilla, while House Democrats sent their campaign committee chair to Modesto and dozens of volunteers launched canvassing at a Modesto union hall Saturday. The race centers on issues including the $100 million Campus Parkway road project in Merced County connecting Highways 99 and 140 to UC Merced, water access, and agricultural policy. The Cook Political Report moved the race from 'toss-up' to 'lean Dem' in January following California's Proposition 50 redistricting.
Community News · Madera, CA
Dr. Sony Sidhu, CEO of Madera Community Hospital since July 2025, presented updates to the Madera Noon Rotary Club on services available following the hospital's reopening after a two-and-a-half-year closure. The hospital now offers emergency care, inpatient services, surgery, diagnostics, advanced X-ray imaging, nuclear medicine, MRI, and 3-D mammography. As of September 14, MCH holds a Base Hospital designation with the Central California EMS Agency (CCEMSA), providing 24-hour physician and Mobile Intensive Care Nurse direction for field EMS. Sidhu emphasized restoring community trust and keeping patients close to home for care.
Community News · Madera County
The Madera County Sheriff's Office Homeless Engagement and Assistance Response Team (HEART) hosted its first annual HEART Fair on October 9, connecting more than 75 participants with housing assistance, employment resources, healthcare services, and pet care. Madera County Animal Services provided vaccinations, pet supplies, and dog food, while Pawfection Mobile Grooming volunteered grooming services for attendees' dogs. Partners included Madera County Public Health, Camarena Health, Workforce Connection, Madera County Food Bank, Madera Rescue Mission, San Joaquin Valley Veterans, and others. Sheriff Tyson Pogue said the HEART team plans to bring similar events to other areas of Madera County.
Local Politics · Madera County
The Madera County Farm Bureau, along with the Madera County Cattlemen's Association and Fresno-Madera Young Farmers & Ranchers, held a 2026 Candidate Forum on October 7 at the Will Gill Pavilion. Candidates running for Congress, State Senate, State Assembly, Madera County Supervisor, and Chowchilla mayor participated, with discussion focused on agriculture and Central Valley concerns. The article features extensive remarks from Darin DuPont, a Merced city council member and water-law attorney running for State Senate, who advocated for deregulation of farming policies and criticized California's overtime laws affecting agricultural workers.
Want tomorrow's Madera County edition in your inbox? It's free.
Subscribe free
Social Events · Madera, CA
The VForce Dreams Project, a nonprofit supporting local athletes through scholarships and training, will host a Veterans Day Golf Tournament on November 11 at Dragonfly Golf course with 7 a.m. check-in. Individual golfers pay $175 and teams of four cost $700; hole sponsorships range from $300 to $2,000, including options to honor a veteran. Registration is available at givebutter.com/veterans-golf-tournament-kds591 or by calling V-Force Gymnastics at (559) 447-1609.
Social Events · Madera County
The defending Div. V Central Section champion Matilda Torres Toros girls basketball team will host a Tip-Off Dinner and Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament on October 24 at The Barn, 14621 Road 18 1/2. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., and the poker tournament starts at 6 p.m. with a $35 buy-in. Dinner tickets are $35 individually or $300 for a table of 10, purchased separately from poker entries. The event also includes a dessert auction, silent auction raffle, music, and dancing. Contact Jose Villalobos at (559) 917-5007 for ticket information.
Education · Madera, CA
Madera Unified School District celebrated its 60th anniversary Monday morning at Madera High School, the district's oldest school. Madera Mayor Cece Gallegos presented a certificate of recognition from the City of Madera honoring the district's educational service. Current principal Robyn Cosgrove, noted as the first MHS alumna to lead the school in its 130-year history, honored past principals Julia O'Kane and Ron Pisk. Approximately 100 students participated in the event, which included a National Anthem performance by the MHS choir. MUSD Student Board Representative Noah Hernandez spoke about the district's impact on students across six decades.
