Central Valley Daily

A Visalia police officer is suing the city, alleging high-ranking officers are imposing an illegal ticketing quota. The officer alleges he suffered retaliation when he refused to participate in the quota system. On today’s episode of Central Valley Daily, we speak with Dave Adalian, a reporter at the Valley Voice, who is following the case. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno County supervisor pushes “In God We Trust” motto in meeting chambers; and how federal funding cuts are hitting Valley nonprofits.

A historic piece of Bakersfield history is no more. This month, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace shuttered its doors. The iconic music venue was put up for sale last summer, but after a year with no buyers the family decided to wind down operations. KGET reporter Robert Price explains the significance of the venue, and why the family decided to sell. Plus, the latest news headlines: Kern County supervisors agree to launch investigation into CPS; and what the GOP is saying about California’s imminent special election on redistricting.

On today’s show, we discuss the vermin that is causing millions of dollars of damage to crops in the San Joaquin Valley. Niamh Quinn is an advisor with the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She breaks down how roof rats are wreaking havoc on one of the Valley’s key crops. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno restaurant manager is caught in President Trump’s mass deportation campaign; a Kern County murder suspect speaks from jail.

A new law, recently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, will require the High-Speed Rail Authority to provide a detailed funding plan for the Merced to Bakersfield segment. On today's show, we speak with the bill's author, Republican Assemblymember David Tangipa. He discusses the intent of the law, his thoughts on the project's future, and what it's like to be the youngest person in the state legislature.

A new type of housing has been unveiled in Fresno. We speak with Kiel Lopez-Schmidt of the South Tower Community Land Trust about what so-called land trusts are and how they could potentially help lower the cost of housing. Plus, the latest news headlines: Valley fever cases in the state are on the rise – again; and the big change coming to Valley pediatric care.

Many people love to cook for friends and family, and some Valley residents have decided to monetize their expertise. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel spoke with folks who are turning their passion for food into a profit through their backyard businesses. Plus, the latest news headlines: A state audit says California can save money by keeping workers remote; and Kern County residents urge investigation into CPS.

State leaders across the country have responded to Texas’ unprecedented push to redraw political districts to favor Republicans. The move, supported by President Trump, would increase Republican-held seats in the House of Representatives. Blake Zante, executive director of the Maddy Institute, breaks down how California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom is responding and the impact Newsom’s proposed plan could have on the Central Valley. Plus, the latest news headlines: Police records show departments are hiring formerly fired officers; and the deal struck by California and the Trump administration over high-speed rail funding.

The Trump Administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration has stoked fear in immigrants with and without legal status. But now, that fear has extended to even U.S. citizens. Fresno Bee reporter Melissa Montalvo spoke with several of them in Fresno who say they have started to carry their passports out of fear they will be racially profiled by immigration agents. Plus, the latest news headlines: A historic Bakersfield venue is shutting down; and Democrats’ update on redistricting amid fight with Texas.

Many visitors enjoy Yosemite National Park in the spring and summer, but behind the scenes, it hasn’t been so pretty lately. A hiring fiasco amid federal budget cuts has left some seasonal workers without pay. NPR reporter Chiara Eisner spoke with the workers who were asked to volunteer, and spoke with us about the status of hiring at the park during its busiest season.

A group of horse riders from Clovis is competing in this year’s “Run For A Million” competition in Las Vegas. We speak with some of the competitors about how they hope to fare at what is known as the “richest event in the history of horse reining.” Plus, the latest news headlines: The Fresno teachers union calls for open meeting on former official’s six-figure severance; and the two Valley colleges where you can get a return on your investment, according to a new study.