SACRAMENTO — During the COVID-19 outbreak, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is alerting customers to be aware of potential scam phone calls or emails threatening to shut off power if a payment is not made. Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, PG&E’s Corporate Security department has received several reports regarding scammers requesting payment on past due utility bills immediately with ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY — The Madera County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that it would be modifying its operations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. “In an effort to do our part to help contain COVID-19 and curtail potential exposures, we are modifying our lobby/front office protocol at the Madera Sheriff’s Office and Oakhurst Substation,” said MCSO’s Facebook post. “The purpose is ...

OAKHURST — The board of directors of the Children’s Museum of the Sierra has made the decision to close the popular facility in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Given the current health crisis in the world, and in an ongoing effort to curtail the possible spread of coronavirus between people, the Children’s Museum of the Sierra will close until ...

BASS LAKE — Two popular local resorts have opted to postpone opening this season due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. Miller’s Landing and The Forks Resort both announced Thursday their opening day will now be April 10. “In the best interest of our employees, customers and our community, we have decided to postpone opening day to Friday, April 10,” ...

OAKHURST — An overnight burglary at a local wireless business shattered the early morning quiet — and the store’s front window. Surveillance cameras captured the crime and now authorities are hoping someone might recognize the thief. In the pre-dawn hours Wednesday morning, Madera County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ryan Lutz responded to the Oakhurst Verizon Wireless store regarding a report of ...

MADERA — Prompted by concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the Madera County Community and Economic Development Department has began to implement changes to its menu of services. “At this time Planning and Building/Fire Safety is evaluating essential services to determine appropriate staffing and we are considering implementing an appointment-only protocol,” said a post on the County’s Facebook page. “For ...

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – Yosemite National Park officials have announced the park’s campgrounds are closing due to COVID-19. “Yosemite National Park campgrounds currently open, Upper Pines and Camp 4, are now closed,” said a brief statement issued by park officials late Wednesday. “These closures will remain in effect through March 31, 2020.” “Where it is possible to adhere to the ...

FRESNO — Fresno Mayor Lee Brand has issued an emergency “shelter-in-place” order starting at midnight tonight and lasting through March 31. In issuing the unprecedented executive order to the city’s more than 500,000 residents, Brand said, “We are literally making life and death decisions here.” “The intent of this order is to ensure the maximum number of people self-isolate in ...

BASS LAKE — Nearly 1,000 PG&E customers continued to be without power Wednesday in the eastern Madera County foothills as well as a section of Mariposa County, according to the utility company. The power reportedly went out just after 10 p.m. Monday and remained out in many of the affected areas throughout the day Tuesday. Impacted areas include rural customers ...

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK — Concern over spread of COVID-19 is shuttering all hotels and restaurants in Yosemite National Park, including the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. Park concessionaire Aramark announced late Monday that all park facilities will be closing Tuesday for at least the rest of the month. Roads and trails will remain open throughout the park. The impacted facilities include the ...