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Deputies Investigate Shooting in Central Fresno

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Fresno County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a late night shooting in Central Fresno that sent at least one person to the hospital.

Deputies were on scene at the 3000 block of E. Clinton Avenue between Cedar Avenue and 9th Street.

Around 10:15 p.m., an eyewitness says she was sitting in her upstairs bedroom, when she heard about seven shots fired nearby. She says she could see the gunfire from her bedroom window.

Around 10:30 p.m., an ambulance took away a wounded man from the scene.

A helicopter flew above the area with a search light.

No further details were immediately available.

Bomb Scare Forces Evacuations in Parlier

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The investigation continues into a bomb scare that forced the evacuation of a neighborhood in Parlier.

Parlier Police got a call about a suspicious device found duct-taped to a car.

Officers evacuated the neighborhood at Tulare and J Street and the Fresno Sheriff's bomb squad was called in.

"We're not sure if it was a bomb or not so just to take a safety precaution we have to make sure all the residents are safe and sound. That is the reason we evacuated. If it is a bomb threat we don't know if it is live or not so that is the reason for the evacuations," said Richard Rubalcaba from the Parlier Police Department. 

The device turned out not to be an explosive.

Police are now looking for the person who taped the device to the victim's car. 

Fresno Pacific University Graduation

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It was a big day for 250 students at Fresno Pacific University.

One by one the new graduates walked across the stage and received their diplomas.

Hundreds of family and friends were on hand for the special occasion.

Winter graduation is typically smaller than the Spring, but school officials say the moment always looms large.

"This ceremony really is a milestone that marks that moment in their life where they can go out and use their degrees to really impact the world and their communities around them," said Becky Bradley.

Fresno Pacific holds the distinction of being one of the only Christian universities in the Central Valley.

Parker's Pals Blood Drive Happening Today

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This holiday you can be the reason local hospital patients will be home with their families by giving blood at the 10th Annual Helping Parker's Pals Blood Drive and Marrow Registry.

It was started by Parker Fritsch who survived leukemia as a child with weekly blood transfusions. He and his family started the drive as a way to give back to the community.

Parker appeared on Sunrise to talk about the blood drive happening today, Monday, December 16 at the Save Mart Center from 10am-7pm. Donors will also receive 
a commemorative T-shirt with Parker's art, a five pound Dubuque Holiday Ham, an award winning CCBC 2014 Calendar, and automatic entry into a drawing to win $100 gift cards to Sierra Vista Mall, plus a chance to win pairs of tickets to upcoming Save Mart Center events.

Are you the next Mega-Millionaire?

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A $586 million dollar prize awaits the possible winner of Tuesday's Mega-Millions jackpot. Find out how our state could be a big winner as well.

Man Accused of Trying to Kill Fresno PG&E Worker Stands Trial

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It was a bizarre case from the start.  A man allegedly drives into a PG&E Crew, and is then attacked with hatchet by a hitchhiker he picked up.  Monday, opening statements began in the trial of Jett McBride.
McBride is charged with the attempted murder of a Fresno PG&E worker. 

But, the trial will be missing a key witness; Caleb McGillivary, aka, Kai the hitchhiker.  "Kai" was indicted by a grand jury in November in the murder of an elderly New Jersey man.

As for 55 year old McBride, he's accused of trying to kill Rayshawn Neely.  It all happened back on February 1, 2013.  McBride was driving from his home state of Washington.  Along the way, he made a stop in Bakersfield, where he picked up "Kai." The two made their way to Fresno to the area of McKinley and Marks, where Neely and other members of the PG&E crew were doing some roadside work. 

The prosecution pointed out testimony by Kai during the preliminary hearing who said McBride claimed he was Jesus Christ and  purposely plowed his car into the PG&E workers and pinned Neely into the work truck. But, the defense told the jury about a phone call McBride made to his wife the day following the incident.  McBride claimed it was in fact Kai who grabbed the wheel and caused the crash.  McBride's attorney also said his client was suffering mental health issues when this all happened. He even quoted a police interview where McBride said he never meant to hurt anyone. 

The prosecution however, is painting a different picture saying McBride drove his car into crew members with no intention of stopping and even caused a scene afterwards.

Prosecutor Becky Gong says, "He goes toward Mr. Neely and he says I'm Jesus Christ I'll save you; I'll take you home,  and Mr. Neely is yelling 'get this guy away from me' because the defendant is pulling on him."

McBride's defense attorney
Scott Baly says, "He says I am so sorry for him and I would die right now not to hurt him or anybody.  I swear to God."

McBride is also accused of attacking a female bystander who was trying to help; that's when Kai says he grabbed his hatchet and attacked McBride.

The prosecution also says McBride's attack on Neely was racially charged, citing some racial slurs that were made, but the defense says any racial slurs that came from McBride were completely out of character.

McBride has been charged with attempted murder, assault and misdemeanor battery.

Merced Sheriff: Wife Lives After Husband Shoots Her, Kills Himself

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Merced County Sheriff Mark Pazin says a woman is recovering after her husband shot her at his house, before turning the gun on himself.

The wife, identified as Nancy Mackey was found lying on her husband's front lawn bleeding.

Investigators say her estranged  husband Steven Mackey lured her to the house, then chased her outside and shot her atleast twice, then killed himself.

It started out as a fight, and turned violent fast. Their daughter was also there, and says she intervened, but isn't hurt. She sat by her mother's bedside at a Modesto Hospital.

Neighbors say the couple is still married, but haven't lived together fro a few years.

Investigators are still looking into what led up to the shooting.

Panhandling Prohibited

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Monday night in Visalia, city council members unanimously approved an ordinance which makes it illegal to panhandle in parking lots.

In the past, people were only prohibited from soliciting others when it was dark out.  Now it’s not allowed during all hours of the day.  The city enacted the ordinance after many folks complained of being bothered in shopping centers.

We spoke with a woman named Claudia who supports the new law.

“To be approached in a dark parking lot or any kind of parking lot, it’s scary,” said Claudia, a Visalia resident.

Meanwhile, Shelly Huff thinks the ordinance will prove to be insignificant.

“You know if they’re panhandling in the first place, they’re probably not going to be able to pay a fine,” said Shelly Huff, a Visalia resident.

Non-profit groups collecting donations will not be in trouble as long as they have the store’s permission.

Panhandler David Fryar does not fall under the new guidelines because he holds a sign out on the street not in a parking lot.

“I want to work.  I don’t want to do this,” said David Fryar, a panhandler.

Fryar lost his job a couple months and is now on the verge of losing his home.  He’ll do whatever it takes to support his two children, except hassle people.

“I totally respect that and understand that and I won’t do that at all,” said Fryar.

Those who violate the rules could face hefty fines.

“$100 for the first offense, $200 for the second and $500 for the third,” said Lt. Steve Phillips, Visalia Police Dept.

Police say it’s you who ultimately holds the power to reduce the amount of begging.

“The real solution is to stop giving money to them and give it to reputable charities,” said Lt. Phillips.

That is the route Claudia takes.

“Actually I do support the Visalia Rescue Mission.  I put a check in the mail today,” said Claudia.

This ordinance takes effect January 15th­, 2014.


Enrollment Deadline Nears for Health Insurance

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The deadline to enroll for health insurance beginning January 1st is Monday, December 23rd.

Covered California manages plans under the federal Affordable Care Act. There are call centers where operators can help answer your questions. There are also certified enrollment entities where you can make an appointment for further assistance. Here is a list of those facilities.

Coalinga Regional Medical Center  559-935-6562
Fresno Healthy Communities Access Partners 559-320-0242
Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries 559-487-1500
Gerawan Farming (Kerman, Reedley & Fresno) 559-840-4341
Kings Winery Medical Clinic 559-255-6476
La Mexicana (Selma) 559-318-6416
Mt. Zion (Fresno) 559-840-1538
Panacea Services, Inc. (Fresno) 559-241-0364
Transitional Childrens Services 559-222-5437
Valley Health Team, Inc. (Kerman) 559-846-9359

Please click on "related links" for more comprehensive help.

Kings County Fighting Truancy Rates

Las Vegas Bowl Originated in Fresno

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Before it was the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl, it was called the California Bowl, and it was played at Bulldog Stadium. Bowl game President Nick Dvorak shared his memories of the genesis of the game on KSEE 24 Midday.

Amendments to Revenge Porn Law Aim to Protect More Victims

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Tuesday, a California state senator announced amendments to the anti-revenge porn law that passed this year.

The law, which was the first revenge-porn specific in the nation, passed in October. Some critics have said the law has too many loopholes.

Currently, the law makes it illegal for people to distribute a sexually explicit photo they took of someone else without consent with the intent to cause harm. It excludes people who take photos of themselves.

Also, prosecutors have to prove that the poster intended to cause serious emotional distress and that the victim actually suffered it.

Sen. Anthony Cannella, R-Ceres, aims to change that.

"The consequences have destroyed the lives of the victims, some even committing suicide," Cannella said.

Cannella announced the legislation Tuesday outside the Old Courthouse in Madera. He was joined by Madera County District Attorney Michael Keitz and Charlotte Laws, a victims advocate.

Laws knows the kind of damage this kind of cyber bullying can cause. Two years ago, her daughter took a topless photo of herself and saved it on her computer. The photo was meant to be private.

"Three months later she was hacked. Nine days after that, her topless shot appeared on the most notorious revenge porn website next to her name, city, and social media link," Laws said.

Eighty percent of revenge porn victims took the photos themselves, according to the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, of which Laws is a board member.

The proposed amendments include protection for victims such as Laws' daughter.

Cannella also wants to change the stipulation to the law that says the poster needs to have intended to cause emotional distress, and actually cause the victim to suffer it.

"This bill will make the law apply to anyone who distributes revenge porn knowingly that has the depicted person, and they have not consented to those pictures being distributed," Cannella said.

Just last week in San Diego, the creator of a revenge porn website, 27-year-old Christopher Kevin Bollaert, was arrested. He's now being charged with 31 felonies.

While other states are considering their own version of the law, advocates are pushing for a federal law that will address the issue.

Cannella will introduce his bill to the state legislature in January.

Eyewitness News Investigates: Mail Theft

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A security camera above the front door of this Madera County home captures a suspect walking up the driveway empty handed, and walking away with a UPS box from the porch.  She gets away in a tan car.
A home in Clovis is hit by this suspect, also caught on camera.  A neighbor says it's just not right. 

"I don't believe in stealing, I don't care what it is," said Betty Gould, a Clovis resident. 

The victim in Clovis said off-camera the item stolen was a gift for her husband.  She reported the crime to police, which is exactly what the U.S. Postal Service says victims of theft should do.  An undisclosed number of federal investigators in Fresno work with local agencies to solve crimes. 

"We're federal agents.  We carry guns; we make arrests.  Mail theft is a federal crime.  The potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine," said Jeff Fitch, U.S. Postal Inspector.

Other ways to try and prevent theft is to buy insurance, request a signature for delivery, or have the package shipped to the nearest post office.

FedEx has a new feature this year called "delivery manager."  It's a customized alert that lets you know when your order is being delivered.

"If you know you're not going to be there, you can either choose a hold at option, where you can pick up your package from a FedEx Express or FedEx Office location, or you can leave us instructions for exactly where at your address you need your package left," said Shelly Joyner, FedEx Express Manager. 

Gould considers herself a watchful neighbor and says others should do the same to help curb the problem.

"I'm out a lot, but I have seen this girl's face," said Gould.

If you need to report a crime or tip to the U.S. Post Office, the number to call is 877-876-2455.

Fresno's Jack of All Trades

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To many, it's a lost craft. But one of the few real carpenters left...is
right here in Fresno.

He's working out of his one car garage, to build and restore
wasted wood.

Jack Ellena calls himself "the Jack of All Trades."

KSEE 24's Lemor Abrams has his story in today's We Are Fresno report.

Jack Ellena is hard at work.

78 years old, retired...but still the Jack of All Trades.

"Jack is pretty nimble and pretty quick I might say."

Building anything from desks, to decorations...from scratch...for pure satisfaction.

"My old boss used to say that satisfaction is your second paycheck. And the others always seem to be spent before you get 'em."

Furniture is stained...never revealing the scars.

"Most of it comes from pallets or from box springs that people throw out."

Wasted pieces of wood brought back to life...to serve a purpose.

"I found a lot of people don't mind receiving it."

His one and only just got a Santa Clause.

"I think that's the third one I made for her. The others walked out the door."

His son is always first in line.

"We've had a set of cabinets, various tables, shelves...at least one clock and a Santa Clause," said Jack's son, Randy Ellena.

Dad was always hands on...even in the Korean War.

"It kept me busy with my hands. I was an electronics technician aboard the destroyer."

Using the tools his dad gave him...and instilled in him at the ol' shop
on the family ranch, during the Depression.

"Dad had a shop simply because if we needed furniture...he made it."

Jack believes everyone must leave something behind.




 


 

Fresno State Football Team Arrives in Las Vegas

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Fresno State's football team arrived in Las Vegas Tuesday night.  The Bulldogs take on USC in The Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl this Saturday at 12:30 p.m.  The Trojans are 6.5 point favorites.

Prior to departing Fresno Yosemite International Airport, the team wrapped up its final practice of the season at Bulldog Stadium.  For Senior Quarterback Derek Carr, it's the last time he'll ever  play on this field.

"It's weird that it's all coming to an end like this as a Bulldog, but I don't regret anything.  I love this place," said Quarterback Derek Carr.

Situated just a little more than 200 miles apart, the two teams have become somewhat of a regional rivalry over the years.  However, tackling the Trojans for a 12th win will be a tall task.

"It's definitely going to be a challenge playing USC, but we wouldn't want it any other way.  We're looking forward to it and we're excited for the challenge," said Safety Derron Smith.
     
Coach Tim Deruyter says the trip to Vegas is not strictly business.  He plans to incorporate some fun activities as well.

"Bowl games are rewards for players and coaches for the season.  You try to balance the reward part, but we still have some work to do.  We'll do a little of both and hopefully have the right mix for Saturday," said head coach Tim Deruyter.

Fresno State's box office started with 11,000 tickets for sale.  So far 7,700 have sold.
      
Bob Sabroe has his tickets and is happy to see so many others do as well.

"It does show the airline fares didn't discourage people.  They're going to find a way to get over there and support the team.  That's going to be great," said Bob Sabroe, a Bulldogs fan.

Jenelle Graham and her group of friends can't wait to take in the game as well as the other sites of Vegas.

"We had it planned for a week now.  It's a good after finals celebration," said Jenelle Graham, a Bulldogs fan.

If you're still thinking of going to this game Fresno State's box office will continue selling tickets up until noon on Thursday.  All tickets are $55.  However, students pay just $15.

The last time these two teams met during the postseason was the 1992 Freedom Bowl.  Fresno State won that game 24-7.
      


Priceless Reaction to Selling Winning Lottery Ticket

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The store owner who sold the Mega Millions winning ticket in California gave a priceless  interview upon learning the news.

One of at least two winning tickets from Tuesday night's Mega Millions lottery drawing was sold at Jenny's Gift Store in San Jose.

The store owner, Thuy Nguyen, was at home when he got the call from Lottery officials. He was so happy he rushed to his store where news cameras were waiting.

"I feel good, feel good, come to my store, I feel good, I don't even know if I can sleep tonight!" he said excitedly to a reporter on scene. When the reporter asked if Nyguen had any idea who the winner may be, Nyguen replied, "no, but most of the customers here are my friends, yeah, that's why, I don't know, if somebody wins I feel good."

Nguyen has one million reasons to be ecstatic. He'll get a one million dollars just for selling the winning ticket.

Tessanne Chin visits KSEE 24 Midday

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The newest winner of "The Voice" talks about her huge win and her extremely bright future with Carina Corral and George Takata.

FUSD Improves in Math, Reading in Nation's Report Card

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The Nation's Report Card is out, and the Fresno Unified School District has made progress in some subject areas.

FUSD is one of 21 urban school districts in the U.S. to participate in the National Assessment of Educational Progress test where fourth and eighth grade students, selected at random, are tested every other year.

Wednesday, the results showed that Fresno Unified was one of five districts to show significant improvements in math and reading for both grades.

FUSD Superintendent Michael Hanson said he was extremely pleased with the results; however, he added that the district still has a long way to go.

"We still, while we have passed some districts in the past that we were behind, we started really at the bottom of the bottom, we are still toward the bottom of these 21 districts," Hanson said.

In Estela Coronado's 4th grade class at Webster Elementary, students were learning how to multiply large numbers Wednesday afternoon.

Three years ago, the school used to be one of the most underperforming schools in the Fresno Unified School District.

It has since turned around, making it one of the top performing schools in the district.

Officials credit the progress to school days that are 30 minutes longer, a school year that starts two weeks earlier, and teachers who meet at least three times a week to do planning.

On a conference call Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan praised Fresno Unified for their progress.

"They are models for other large cities across the country that are struggling with improving student achievement. They can learn from them and try to figure out how to accelerate the rate of progress," Duncan said.

The most significant progress in the district was made in eight grade reading.

Eyewitness News Investigates: Drugs in Kindergarten

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Tonight, Eyewitness News investigates a shocking discovery of drugs in a local kindergarten classroom.  A teacher found the drugs in the student's backpack.  It happened at Stephen's Elementary School in Chowchilla.  Some parents are angry about how the district handled the situation.

A 23-year-old mother of a kindergarten student is facing felony charges after her son accidentally came to school with drugs in his backpack.  According to the Chowchilla Police Department, the teacher discovered the drugs in the student's backpack, moments after class started on December 5th. 

"It was wrapped and wrapped and wrapped.  Basically, he couldn't get it open, so the teacher saw it, took it immediately and turned it over," said Lt. Dave Riviere. 

Police can't disclose the type of drug or quantity, but say students' safety wasn't compromised.

"None of the kids, at all, were exposed to anything. None of the kids, at all, had contact with it. And none of the kids were in danger, at that time, of anything. The school handled it perfectly," said Riviere.

But parents Eyewitness News spoke to, say the district should have told them anyway.

"They did not tell us anything, which I was very shocked as to why," said kindergarten parent Zavanna Ledesma.

After Eyewitness News's investigation, the district wrote a letter to parents that'll be distributed on Thursday.  In it, in clarifies what happened that day, and addresses rumors that children were playing with the drugs. The name of the woman arrested is not being disclosed to protect the privacy of her son.

Kindergarten Teacher Finds Drugs in Studentj's Backpack

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Earlier this month, drugs were brought into a classroom at Stephens
Elementary School in Chowchilla.

The controlled substance was in a 5-year-old student's backpack.

The teacher saw it, and turned it over to the principal, who then called
police.

The child's mother was arrested. But parents aren't satisfied.

CBS 47's Lemor Abrams is live in Chowchilla with why parents are so
upset.


 

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