Central Valley Daily

We speak with Esther Quintanilla, reporter with the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. She details how Misty Her made it to the Fresno Unified superintendent position and the criticism from some about her selection.

We speak with reporters Susie Neilson and Megan Fan Munce about their new investigation into a system known as “360 Value.” Their reporting uncovers how major insurance companies rely on the program’s faulty algorithm to insure homes. Plus, the latest news headlines: The City of Bakersfield walks back plans to raise some utility rates, and a Fresno writer is re-chosen by the state to be poet laureate.

Photographer Nevada Wier joins the show to discuss her craft and how she captures moments and people around the world. Wier is also presenting a keynote speech at a photography awards ceremony at Fresno City College. Plus, the latest news headlines: California’s high-speed rail leader says he’s committed to the project, and state leaders are trying to stem the impacts of U.S. tariffs.

Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg joins the show to discuss why he made a recent proposal to increase water and sewer rates. He also shares why the city’s current rates aren’t keeping up with infrastructure needs. Plus, the latest news headlines: California High Speed Rail CEO visits Fresno, and sequoia trees go up across the U.S. in honor of Earth Day.

April is Stress Awareness Month – but honestly, this is a topic we could talk about year-round. On today’s show, we speak with Bakersfield Memorial Hospital neurologist Dr. Laura Ragna. She outlines a few stress management techniques that can help us calm down when stress is running high. Plus, the latest news headlines: Valley residents mourn the death of Pope Francis, and why a local community college district has recently quadrupled the money spent on legal fees.

In California, many of us are dependent upon our cars. That includes some of the state’s most dangerous drivers. A new investigation by CalMatters reveals that the DMV rarely revokes licenses, even for drivers convicted of serious crimes, such as manslaughter. We speak to reporter Robert Lewis about his new investigation, “License to Kill.”

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, Mariachi Mestizo has released a new album. The group, based out of Delano, is composed of high school and middle school students, although you wouldn’t know by listening. We celebrate home-grown mariachi with band organizer Juan Morales and band member Joelynn Valencia. Plus, the latest news headlines: Dozens protest proposed Medicaid cuts outside Congressman David Valadao’s office, and Bakersfield is making plans to nearly triple its residential sewage rates.

When the U.S. Border Patrol conducted immigration raids earlier this year in Kern County, they said they were targeting undocumented individuals with criminal records. New reporting from CalMatters shows that wasn’t the case. Today, reporter Sergio Olmos tells us what he discovered during his investigation. Plus, the latest news headlines: Governor Newsom announces his latest lawsuit against the White House on a stop in the Central Valley, and Fresno Police arrest a murder suspect in what was thought to be a cold case.

Senator Bernie Sanders, along with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes, stopped in Bakersfield for his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour on Tuesday. But not all the thousands who showed up were “feeling the Bern.” KVPR sat down with the senator to discuss why he stopped in the historically conservative town. Plus, the latest news headlines: an escaped convict from Kern County is wanted for murder in Mexico, a Democratic challenger enters the race for Congressman David Valadao’s seat, and a food truck fight in Fresno’s popular River Park area.

The City of Fresno’s anti-encampment ordinance has finally been put to the test. The first unhoused person arrested for violating that ordinance was due in court in early April. Lawyers on both sides were ready to make their case in what was expected to be a precedent-setting decision. That is, until the judge surprised everyone by throwing it out. Today, we speak with Fresnoland reporter Pablo Orihuela, who has covered this case and even became a part of the story himself. Plus, the latest news headlines: Bernie Sanders heads to Bakersfield, ICE makes plans to expand its footprint in the Valley, and China Peak closes its ski season early.