Madera District Attorney introduces courthouse dog Callie to support child witnesses

The Madera County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on April 15, 2025, beginning with an invocation led by Jesse Chavez, executive director of the Madera Rescue Mission. Following the invocation, the board moved to public comments, which are allocated the first 15 minutes of each session.

During public comments, Dennis Hart from the Madera County Historical Society introduced a new book titled "May 1955: The Month That Saved Madera's History," commemorating the society's 70th anniversary. Hart highlighted the book's content, which includes historical context and notable events from that month, and invited the community to an open house on June 1 to celebrate the anniversary and reveal the results of the "Best of Central California" contest.

Sally Moreno, the district attorney, presented a significant achievement: the introduction of a courthouse dog named Callie, aimed at providing comfort to sensitive witnesses, particularly children. Callie, a rescue dog trained by inmates at Valley State Prison, will assist in court settings to help ease the stress for young witnesses. Moreno expressed her excitement about this initiative, emphasizing its positive impact on the community.

Charlotte Brewer, representing Relay for Life, invited the board and the public to participate in their upcoming event on April 26, themed "Give Cancer the Boot." Brewer acknowledged Supervisor Poitras's involvement in the opening ceremonies and thanked the board for their ongoing support of the event.

The meeting showcased community engagement and initiatives aimed at enhancing local support systems, particularly for vulnerable populations. The board's acknowledgment of these efforts reflects a commitment to fostering community well-being and historical awareness. Further discussions and actions from the meeting will continue to shape Madera County's initiatives in the coming months.