Central Valley Daily

The Bakersfield Californian was founded in 1866, and remains in print to this day. This year, the newspaper’s coverage of Bakersfield and Kern County history marks its 160th anniversary. A special art exhibit showcases its history in the community. We speak with Bakersfield Californian Executive Editor Christine Peterson and Jeanette Richardson of the Arts Council of Kern in Bakersfield.

State housing requirements are not being met at the local level – hurting the supply as the population grows. This is fueling growing tension between state and local governments. We speak to CalMatters housing reporter Ben Christopher on the state’s latest progress report. Plus, the latest news headlines: Prosecutors cite two women’s prisons over sexual abuse; and Fresno officials miss key tax mea...

A new plan aims to create a roadmap to restore natural ecosystems in the central San Joaquin Valley. The effort comes as California continues to regulate groundwater and farmers deal with what’s left of their land. Today we speak with Logan Robertson Huecker, the executive director of the Sequoia Riverlands Trust. The group put together this new restoration plan. Plus, the latest news headlines: F...

What contributes to a home’s survivability in a wildfire? New research from UC Merced looks at the factors that can determine how structures can be more resilient. We speak to Mukesh Kumar, a post-doctoral scientist who led the research and John Abatzoglou, a professor of climatology at UC Merced. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County officially moves forward with transportation tax; and...

There may be hope for a new drug to treat the most severe cases of Valley fever. Olorofim has shown promising results in clinical trials. We speak to Dr. Fariba Donovan from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Valley Fever Center for Excellence, who is researching the drug and a possible new rapid test to check for an infection. Plus, the latest news headlines: A long-awaited downtow...

In the wake of Cesar Chavez’s sexual abuse allegations, how will educators approach teaching about the civil rights leader and his legacy? As the new school year draws near, we speak with Bakersfield College history professor Oliver Rosales to hear his perspective and his new approach. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A court-appointed medical review shines a spotlight on conditions inside a Kern County ICE detention facility. A closer look at what an independent investigation found at the California City location. We speak to a medical expert, Dr. Joseph Nwadiuko, to help analyze the results of the report. Plus, the latest news headlines: Gov. Newsom signs a bill to place a local Fresno County tax on the Novem...

A multi-state outbreak of the intestinal infection cyclosporiasis has sickened thousands. But how is California monitoring potential cases? We speak to an official at the California Department of Public Health about where California stands and precautions to take over food safety. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors, state leaders fight over tax measure; and Bakersfield open...

A new documentary celebrates the life and legacy of Luis Valdez, a Delano native and prolific artist known as the father of Chicano theater and film. We speak with the director, David Alvarado, ahead of a special event and screening in Fresno. Plus, the latest news headlines: How public land protection could sway voters in House District 22; and Merced officials place a new city tax on the Novembe...

More questions are unfolding following a marathon session at the Fresno City Council last week. On today’s episode, we look at the flurry of measures discussed, and what it will mean for the November ballot. Fresno Bee reporter Melissa Montalvo helps us break it all down. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Valley Republican now leads her party in the Assembly; and what a report says about farmwork...

California’s public defense system is in chaos. A new report documents the counties in the state where caseloads are sky-high and where questions abound over financial conflict of interest, including in the Central Valley. We speak to Josh Schwartz, a researcher with the Wren Collective, about his findings. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

California ecosystems are highly invaded by non-native species that have creeped in for hundreds of years. Getting rid of those species is a big, costly job. But KVPR News Director brings us a story of one effort in Fresno County where conservation groups are using a natural solution to help bring back some of the original landscape. Plus, the latest news headlines: Residents rally to support a tr...

Is the Central Valley prepared for another wet year? A strong El Niño is brewing, and the Tulare Lake Bed is at risk of flooding once again. We speak with Fresno-based civil engineer John Ennis about new research he hopes will help those in the lake’s path. Plus, the latest news headlines: Children have been picked up by ICE in the Valley; and a new report outlines concerns for healthcare amid pol...

Critical transportation funding is on the line this November in Fresno County as a tax is poised to expire. The delay of a citizen-led tax initiative is pushing Fresno city leaders to oversee a radical plan to create their own tax measure. We speak to a Fresnoland reporter who is following the proposal, which is under a tight deadline. Plus, the latest news headlines: A new report details medical...

Can performing arts help you stay sharp as you age? Jane Parsons and Mac McIntosh say so, and there’s scientific research to back them up. Today we hear from KVPR reporter Rachel Livinal, who spoke with Parsons, McIntosh, and others about how being on the stage helps them feel young. Plus, the latest news headlines: Former Kern County District Attorney Ed Jagels has been formally charged with a DU...

The massive San Andreas Fault line in California has not produced a major earthquake in decades. But new research indicates it's under major strain. We speak to scientist Dr. Liliane Burkhard, who authored a new study that explores the increasing potential for the next big quake. Today’s episode was hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Major construction is happening at Arte Américas. For the first time in the cultural art center’s nearly 40-year history. This first phase of construction will tackle persistent problems, and executive director Arianna Paz Chávez envisions its future in the Valley. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno city leaders propose a new sales tax; and measles cases on the rise in California.

The demand for pistachios is booming worldwide, but here in the Central Valley, growers are worried that this year’s pistachio harvest could be smaller than expected. Today we hear from KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel, who visited a local orchard to hear from a farmer and learn more about what’s at stake. Plus, the latest news headlines: New details emerge on sale of ICE facilities; and residents in...

The Fresno Police Department is addressing growing community concerns over privacy and data that is captured by AI-powered cameras spread across the city. The cameras are from the company Flock Safety, and are a form of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology. Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto answers questions from Central Valley Daily about the use of the technology. Plus, the latest...

A Fresno church is taking advantage of a new state law that allows housing to be built on empty land. It’s part of a growing movement across the state and country. We speak to KVPR News Director Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado about what the project seeks to accomplish and how it’s being done. Plus, the latest news headlines: Residents plan to protest plans for Valley data centers; and California read...

Should the Democratic party be making a stronger push to appeal to voters who are in the political center? Merced Congressman Adam Gray thinks so. Today we speak with Gray about a new initiative called “Promise To America,” that he helped launch. The program is a counter attack to “socialist” politics.

Data centers have sprung up around the country to meet the growing demand of artificial intelligence and tech boom. But they’re facing steep opposition from communities because of the strain on local resources. Megan Fan Munce, a reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle, joins us to discuss a new idea that could bring the centers to local fairgrounds. Plus, the latest news headlines: Effort begin...

Yosemite National Park gets four million visitors every year, and summer is the busiest time. But how is the park managing its peak season with fewer staff and no reservation system in place? We speak to former Yosemite ranger and wilderness manager Laurel Munson Boyers, who is also the author of the new book “Across Yosemite’s Wilderness.” Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisor...

California Poet Laureate and Fresno resident Lee Herrick’s poem “My California” was selected for the America250 time capsule, one of seven contributions from the Golden State. In today’s episode, he talks about how his own background shaped his writing of the poem and what it represents about the experience of living in California. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors shoot d...

The growth of California’s ag industry is fueled by research funding – and much of it comes from the U.S. Farm Bill. But as Congress struggles to update the legislation, scientists are working with limited resources and growing needs. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about what is at stake. Plus, the latest news headlines: California congressmen request more fighter jets at the Lemoore na...