Tulare woman sentenced to life for husband's murder

Pennie Henson Ince, a 54-year-old woman from Tulare has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of her 65-year-old husband. This sentence was handed down by the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center.

The case details reveal a chilling narrative. Ince was found guilty of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of lying in wait and using a firearm. The incident, which occurred on March 6, 2022, involved Ince ambushing and killing her husband with a shotgun in a cold-blooded execution.

Following the murder, Ince engaged in further criminal activity. She took her husband’s ATM card and withdrew $900 from his account. Subsequently, she fled to Fresno, where she was found at a bar. However, she managed to evade capture at that time.

Her arrest came on March 8, 2022, marking the end of a brief but intense manhunt. The severity of her actions and the methodical nature of the crime significantly influenced the court's decision to impose a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Tulare man convicted in molestation case

A Tulare County jury has convicted 52-year-old Steven Brian Arey of Tulare on 20 counts of molesting two girls and a boy. 

The verdict was reached on Friday, and Arey faces 300 years to life in prison at his sentencing on May 26. 

Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Wayt prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Sergeant Matt Muller of the Tulare Police Department. 

The Tulare County District Attorney's Office issued a news release announcing the verdict.

Funds short for Corcoran levee project

The Corcoran levee, which protects the town from the old Tulare Lake, is sinking due to subsidence caused by excessive groundwater pumping by farmers, according to a report by GV Wire.

With runoff from record-breaking snowpack expected to inundate the area, the levee needs to be raised by four feet to avoid flooding. 

However, the Cross Creek Flood Control District, which is responsible for the levee, has only $1 million to complete a project that is estimated to cost between $17 million and $21 million. The district and the city of Corcoran have urgently requested funding from various sources, including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, but it remains uncertain whether they will receive any financial assistance.

Gov. Newsom signs executive order to support Tulare Lake Basin flood response

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to protect the Tulare Lake Basin communities from significant flooding resulting from the historic storms that California experienced this winter and spring. The order aims to streamline state preparation, response, and recovery actions, and supports local flood response efforts.

State agencies, including the California Department of Water Resources, CAL FIRE, and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, have been actively engaging with local officials managing flood response efforts, providing technical assistance, resources, and support to protect public health and safety.

The Governor's order streamlines regulations to expedite emergency flood preparation and response activities, such as floodwater diversion, debris removal, and levee repairs in the Tulare Lake Basin. In addition, it waives work hour limitations for retired annuitants working with state agencies and departments on the emergency response to ensure adequate staffing for response efforts.

McCarthy criticized for releasing security footage to Tucker Carlson

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is facing criticism for giving Tucker Carlson, a Fox News commentator, exclusive access to police security footage of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. 

McCarthy of Bakersfield has vowed to make the footage available to the public, but said that Carlson will have first access. 

Some Democrats have raised concerns about the potential misuse of the footage as a political tool to rewrite the history of the attack. 

Access to the footage will also be made available to the nearly 1,000 defendants being prosecuted for their roles in the siege. Source: AP

Snowpack may endure despite rain storms

California is expected to experience rainy and snowy weather throughout March, even after the start of spring on March 20. 

The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center has modelled the continuation of the inclement weather. Forecasters are also monitoring the possibility of warmer storms hitting the state, which could increase the likelihood of flooding. 

Yosemite National Park closed last week due to heavy snow, while the China Peak ski resort is closed for the weekend. Fresno County has opened shelters for residents without power, but warns motorists against trying to drive in the Sierra due to deep snow.

It is uncertain whether the snow will melt or not. Some forecasters are keeping an eye on the potential for warmer storms that could hit the state, soaking the massive snowpack and raising the potential for flooding. 

Dan Walters: High-speed rail still lacks money to complete Valley segment

In a commentary in CalMatters, Dan Walters writes that the California High-Speed Rail project, a proposed statewide system of very fast trains, is still lacking enough money to complete its initial segment in the San Joaquin Valley. 

The High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) recently announced the “historic milestone” of creating over 10,000 construction jobs since the start of construction on the initial stage, but this number is open to debate. 

The San Joaquin segment is currently projected to cost $22 billion, roughly one-fifth of what the entire north-south system would need. While construction unions have ramped up pressure to continue work, the project still lacks the necessary funding to complete the San Joaquin segment and make it a statewide system. 

The solution may depend on what happens in national politics, with Democrats supporting high-speed rail as a tool to battle climate change and Republicans opposing it as a boondoggle. Source: CalMatters