DJ BECKER – Freelance investigative journalist, with 20 years of covering local governments, crime, and other hard news.  18 years with The Madera Tribune Newspaper, until the passing of publisher Chuck Doud, my mentor, and friend. Acknowledged for my work with local journalism by Transparent California, the non-profit watchdog data group publishing and reporting on municipal and government salaries. 

In conjunction with Madera County Animal Services Director Kirsten Gross, 20 years publicized Madera’s animal overpopulation crisis – in print and with Fresno television stations, focusing on cases of animal neglect, abuse and cruelty. Also advocating for spay and neutering, and responsible, humane pet ownership. Volunteer public relations coordinator for the Friends of Madera Animal Shelter (FMAS) volunteer group. Increased public awareness of local outbreaks of canine parvo and distemper and cases of rabies in bats, cats, and dogs.  Worked with local law enforcement agencies to prioritize and prosecute cases of animal cruelty. 

As an animal shelter volunteer since 2002 have fostered hundreds of homeless puppies and dogs and rescued, treated, and rehabilitated many sick, or injured dogs, cats, and birds.  

Traveled to Sacramento in 2007 to advocate for responsible pet ownership and spoke with lawmakers and lobbyists about the need to support a mandatory state spay and neuter ordinance under the California Assembly bill AB 1634, which ultimately did not pass.  

Developed, publicized, and operated monthly low-cost dog and cat vaccine rabies shot clinics with FMAS volunteers for eight years, serving up to 500 animals a month in peak months. The vaccination effort greatly reduced local cases of canine parvo and distemper and provided a significant income stream for volunteer operations along with the spay and neuter fund. 

Lobbied for, received, and equipped a donated 10 x 40 ft medical modular trailer for the Madera County Animal Shelter to provide a separate dedicated space to care for sick, injured or other animals requiring specialized care, and for a future spay and neuter surgery suite.  

Drafted and filed an incremental, temporary sales tax measure to be placed on the ballot in Madera County to fund, build and equip a new, larger animal shelter. The measure was opposed by the Madera County Supervisors and was not placed on the ballot. 

Currently serving as chair of volunteer committees The Madera Americans with Disabilities Council and The Madera Block Grant Commission.

Volunteer Emergency Medical Technician, certified in California in 2004

Founder and CEO of a small real estate development company outside of Geneva Illinois, specializing in one acre residential lots and 10 acre hobby farm properties.  

Co-founder and Vice President of a software start-up in the mid 1980’s. Developed software design and function, along with operation and training manuals.  Traveled nationwide selling and installing the accounts receivable, payable and inventory office software systems. Over 2,000 customers and 25 employees upon sale of the company.  

Associate of Arts, University of South Carolina. Additional business and other credits.

Veteran of The United States Marine Corps