Central Valley Daily

Proposition 39 in California would implement a voter ID requirement in California. Supporters say it bolsters trust in elections, but opponents say it’s a tool for voter suppression. We speak to Michael Farren, assistant director of the State and Local Governance Initiative at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He breaks down what the proposed changes are and the potential impact on a state, where a majority of ballots is cast by mail.

The District 1 seat on the California Board Of Equalization is up for grabs this November with two Central Valley candidates competing for it. The politicians are making a name for themselves in a region that extends far beyond the San Joaquin Valley. We speak to KVPR reporter Samantha Rangel about the race and the role of the Board Of Equalization. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno leaders vote to create “defense fund” for immigrants; and recent crime surge leads to changes in a Fresno neighborhood. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The Fresno County community of Kerman is facing a wave of ICE activity. At a recent high school homecoming football game, residents took a break to cheer on their town, as Kerman mayor Maria Pacheco described the impact of ICE operations in the city. Plus, the latest news headlines: Bakersfield doctor found guilty of negligence; and Kings County declares storm emergency. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Voters in November will decide on Prop 4, a ballot measure that would open access to public funding for local and state political campaigns in California. We speak to Calmatters reporter Yue Stella Yu about arguments for and against the measure. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County is no longer discussing privatizing its public libraries; and voters to decide whether to tax tourists for local stays. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

As immigration operations increase the number of detainees filling detention centers, the amount of people who manage to be released is also growing. Today KVPR’s Soreath Hok shares the story of Kern Welcoming And Extending Solidarity to Immigrants (KWESI), a local volunteer network that’s helping those recently-released people get back home. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno city leaders address recent uptick in violence in Fresno’s Tower District; and three Fresno County residents accused of voter fraud. Today’s episode is hosted by Kerry Klein and produced by Jonathan Linden

Our national parks are filled with a hidden history of scientific discoveries. A Fresno State professor unearths the experiments that paved the way for human knowledge and advancement. We speak to Robert Lull, author of Our Natural Lab – Remarkable Stories of Science from America's National Parks.

Medical students are learning how to treat emergencies in remote environments. UCSF Fresno offers a wilderness medicine course, taken amid the backdrop of Yosemite National Park. KVPR Reporter Samantha Rangel tells us how the training applies to any medical discipline. Plus, the latest news headlines: ICE arrests reported in Bakersfield; and Fresno County test scores show improvement. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The candidates vying for California State Insurance Commissioner may be from the same Democratic party, but their politics couldn’t be more different. We unpack what there is to know about who the candidates are, and their priorities for the role. We speak to Marisa Lagos, co-host of Political Breakdown on KQED. Plus, the latest news headlines: ICE agent pleads not guilty to charges in Fresno; and farmers are feeling the pinch of diesel prices. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A proposed blast mine near the San Joaquin River will soon go before the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. The mining company CEMEX wants to blast deeper to collect gravel aggregate, used for road and building materials. But public opposition to the plan is mounting. We speak to KVPR Senior Correspondent Marek Warszawski about the latest discussions. Plus, the latest news headlines: An ICE officer is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting a Fresno family, and a former Kern County doctor is on trial after the death of a pregnant woman in his care. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Increased ICE operations in October have heightened fears and concerns across Central Valley communities. We speak to Nora Zaragoza-Yáñez about how the Valley Watch Network from the nonprofit Faith in the Valley is responding to immigrant needs during the operations. Plus, the latest news headlines: Charges are pending for ICE officer shot in Fresno; and what to know about measures competing with billionaire tax proposal. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.