Central Valley Daily

It’s been 60 years since Filipino farmworkers in Delano protested for better wages and sparked a nationwide movement for labor rights. The Delano Chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society is hosting a free public event on Saturday to mark the occasion. In this episode we speak with Suzanne Villaruz, an event coordinator, who has a personal connection to the movement in the 1960’s. Plus, the latest news headlines: Why there are questions about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s whereabouts; and what a study says about the Valley’s economy.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has spent years cracking down on fossil fuels and on the state’s oil industry. Now, he and other Democratic lawmakers are in talks to boost in-state oil production. We discuss why, and what this sudden shift could mean for Kern County, with CalMatters reporter Alexei Koseff. Plus, the latest news headlines: A historic mining town is scorched by a wildfire; and a progressive U.S. Representative is backing a Valley candidate looking to unseat a House Republican.

Many students have internships, but what about one that teaches you the art of craft coffee industry from the inside? On today’s episode of Central Valley Daily, KVPR’s Rachel Livinal takes us behind the scenes of a Merced-based apprenticeship program for coffee connoisseurs. Plus, the latest news headlines: A federal judge rules against the Trump administration’s use of National Guard troops in Southern California; and the largest immigrant detention facility in California is now operating in Kern County.

The Trump Administration has infused historic funding into immigration enforcement efforts. Among the things getting funding are detention centers that can hold large numbers of immigrants. The Washington Post’s Douglas MacMillan obtained records showing how much the administration plans to expand these centers and joins us to discuss his reporting.

You might know the sport of fencing. But have you ever seen a parafencer on stage? One athlete from Bakersfield is at the top of his game and is getting ready for a competition in South Korea. We catch up with Parafencer Kevin Reeve about the sport and what got him interested. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County supervisors declare state of emergency over wildfire, and a Fresno businessman accused of arson appears in court.

A centerpiece of the Trump Administration is cutting public spending. However, as grants and contracts are cut, Valley nonprofits providing critical services are feeling the effects. KVPR associate editor Kerry Klein breaks down how much funding is at stake and who has been hit the hardest. Plus, the latest news headlines: Clovis breaks ground on the largest county library, and a state legislator wants to break the state into two.

Two years ago, two civil rights groups sued the City of Fresno, alleging city leaders violated a public meeting law by negotiating the city’s budget behind closed doors. On today’s show, Fresnoland reporter Omar Rashad brings us an update to that investigation – including a batch of illuminating emails he obtained between city leaders. Plus, the latest news headlines: A popular restaurant owner in Fresno was arrested by federal authorities, and a very expensive home is on sale by Central Valley farming billionaires.

Former Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro has died at the age of 58. He left a long legacy of promoting education in the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. On today’s show, KVPR News Director Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado shares Castro’s impact, reflecting on his time as a student newspaper editor at Fresno State. Plus, the latest news headlines: What California’s redistricting election is expected to cost the state; and what a new cost analysis says about the state’s high-speed rail project.

Dolores Huerta helped launch the modern farm labor movement. At 95 years old, she still has a lot to say about labor conditions and immigration policies today. Central Valley Daily’s Producer Jonathan Linden sits down with Huerta to discuss her views on the current political moment, and her legacy.

The Fresno State Bulldogs will kick off their football season Saturday against the University of Kansas Jayhawks. And there’s a lot of change afoot for the Bulldogs, including a new coach and quarterback. For today’s show, Central Valley Daily producer Jonathan Linden heads to Valley Children’s Stadium to speak with the team’s Offensive Coordinator, Josh Davis, about his strategy for the Bulldogs 2025-2026 season.Plus, the latest news headlines: What Valley voters say about California’s redistricting election; and new details on Mariposa County District Attorney’s resignation.