Central Valley Daily

The queer community can face added challenges in establishing a safe space for housing. But a well-known TikTok star and trans advocate is lending her voice to the cause. We speak with Mercury Stardust, also known as the “Trans Handy Ma’am” about how she broke into the home repair industry. She will be a guest at this year’s Queer Housing Summit in Fresno. Plus, the latest news headlines: California is experiencing one of the highest rates of West Nile virus; and what data says about deaths at nearby national parks. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

Thanks to a California law placing stringent water restrictions on Central Valley farmers, many are looking for alternatives in new crops that require little water. They’re planting a succulent often used in Mexico to make tequila and mezcal called agave. On today’s episode, KVPR’s Rachel Livinal takes us to a Merced farm to learn why many farmers are betting on this plant, and how they intend to localize the agave industry. Plus, the latest news headlines: Bakersfield residents raise questions over ‘Flock’ cameras; and Fresno mayor joins others to support a housing bond. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The fight over a transportation tax in Fresno County has been through a maze of updates with local, state and city players vying for power over public funds. We speak to Fresnoland reporter Julianna Morano to help us sort through the dispute that’s turned into a legal fight between Fresno County and state leaders. Plus, the latest news headlines: A Fresno school official dismisses calls to resign; and a country singer wants to save a historic Bakersfield venue. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A state-funded program is preparing for a future that could threaten jobs in California’s oil and gas industry. The so-called Displaced Oil and Gas Workers’ Fund is helping with career transitions for thousands of high-skilled workers facing potential job losses as the state moves toward closures of oil refineries and net zero emissions by 2045. We speak to KQED reporter Julie Small about how the program works. Plus, the latest news headlines: Valley cities are gearing up to fight data centers; and a Fresno Unified school official faces a call to resign. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

The Bakersfield Californian was founded in 1866, and remains in print to this day. This year, the newspaper’s coverage of Bakersfield and Kern County history marks its 160th anniversary. A special art exhibit showcases its history in the community. We speak with Bakersfield Californian Executive Editor Christine Peterson and Jeanette Richardson of the Arts Council of Kern in Bakersfield.

State housing requirements are not being met at the local level – hurting the supply as the population grows. This is fueling growing tension between state and local governments. We speak to CalMatters housing reporter Ben Christopher on the state’s latest progress report. Plus, the latest news headlines: Prosecutors cite two women’s prisons over sexual abuse; and Fresno officials miss key tax measure deadline. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

A new plan aims to create a roadmap to restore natural ecosystems in the central San Joaquin Valley. The effort comes as California continues to regulate groundwater and farmers deal with what’s left of their land. Today we speak with Logan Robertson Huecker, the executive director of the Sequoia Riverlands Trust. The group put together this new restoration plan. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno Unified rolls out new app to track students; and major oil firm buys Kern County pipelines. Today’s episode was hosted by Elizabeth Arakalian and produced by Jonathan Linden. Soreath Hok conducted the interview.

What contributes to a home’s survivability in a wildfire? New research from UC Merced looks at the factors that can determine how structures can be more resilient. We speak to Mukesh Kumar, a post-doctoral scientist who led the research and John Abatzoglou, a professor of climatology at UC Merced. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County officially moves forward with transportation tax; and Fresno State opens new student dorms. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

There may be hope for a new drug to treat the most severe cases of Valley fever. Olorofim has shown promising results in clinical trials. We speak to Dr. Fariba Donovan from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Valley Fever Center for Excellence, who is researching the drug and a possible new rapid test to check for an infection. Plus, the latest news headlines: A long-awaited downtown Fresno housing project breaks ground; and a former nonprofit executive is sentenced for embezzlement. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

In the wake of Cesar Chavez’s sexual abuse allegations, how will educators approach teaching about the civil rights leader and his legacy? As the new school year draws near, we speak with Bakersfield College history professor Oliver Rosales to hear his perspective and his new approach. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.