Central Valley Daily

The New York Times’ investigation into abuse by the late labor rights leader Cesar Chavez led to swift condemnation by the public. On today’s episode we discuss the fallout with Manny Fernandez, a Fresno native who co-authored the report. Plus, the latest news headlines: Judge orders physician to oversee Kern County immigration center; and support for major water tunnel dwindles.

Comedian, writer and actor Patton Oswalt will debut his latest stand-up material on Friday at Warnor’s Theater in Fresno. On today’s episode, Oswalt discusses creativity, artificial intelligence, and why he’s secretive about what’s in his show. Plus, the latest news headlines: California's snowpack is dismally low; and the CSU releases a major study on artificial intelligence.

Universal transitional kindergarten fully launched last year after a multi-year rollout by Gov. Gavin Newsom. It aims to ensure high quality early childhood education for children no matter their income. But KVPR's Rachel Livinal reports the program is behind in a few ways. She joins today's episode to discuss her new reporting. Plus the latest news headlines: Researchers worry farmworkers are not being protected from the early heatwave; and a new baseball rivalry series launches in the Valley.

For years, March 31st has been known as “Cesar Chavez Day.” But earlier in March, the New York Times published a bombshell investigation alleging the late civil rights leader sexually abused and assaulted women and girls in the 1960s and 70s. Some states have scrambled to rename the day. And farmworker communities are reeling – especially in Kern County. KVPR’s Kerry Klein has the view from the town of Delano, where the labor movement was born. Plus, the latest news headlines: Kings County and Avenal tussle over fire services; and Merced College claims KVPR is costing them money amid reporting investigation.

In his latest book, a Bakersfield College professor explores the lesser-known history of civil rights with a focus on Bakersfield. Oliver Rosales, who holds a doctorate in history, discusses his research and highlights the introduction of ethnic studies courses into local schools.

Bull riders are descending on Fresno for the Professional Bull Riders Velocity Tour at the Save-Mart Center this weekend. On today’s episode, bull rider Edgardo Figueroa tells us what eight seconds on a bucking bull is really like.

In the small Kings County town of Avenal, city leaders are embroiled in a very messy dispute. The majority of its city council members are facing a recall by residents, and the county and city have slung lawsuits at each other over public meeting laws and special elections. KVPR’s Jonathan Linden speaks with us about how this all started. Plus, the latest news headlines: California threatens Valley cities, counties over housing; and a bill to protect houses of worship fails to advance in the state senate.

Public outrage was palpable after allegations of sexual abuse against Cesar E. Chavez were published in the New York Times last week. His public image was virtually erased in mere hours. On today’s episode, we discuss the downfall of a civil rights icon with writer Miriam Pawel, who published the 2014 biography “The Crusades of Cesar Chavez.” Plus, the latest news headlines: Republican lawmakers push for menstrual products for farmworkers, and the son of a Filipino farmworker activist speaks out on Cesar E. Chavez.

The Fresno arts community was shaken after reports that $1.5 million in taxpayer funding was allegedly embezzled from the Fresno Arts Council. When reporter Doug Hoagland wasn’t getting answers from the city, he published an open letter calling out one official in particular. On today’s episode, Hoagland discusses what prompted the letter and where the investigation stands today. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County won’t recognize Cesar Chavez Day, and Attorney General Rob Bonta weighs in on lawsuit against desert ICE facility.

Students across the country left school in February to protest the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions. In the city of Clovis, school district officials said they witnessed adults encouraging students to leave school. Then, threats of criminal charges followed. On today’s episode, Nigel Duara with our news partner CalMatters breaks down where things stand today.