Central Valley Daily

What’s in a pile of dirt? For residents of the small Sierra Nevada community of Oakhurst, the answer is unity–and a little bit of mischief. On today’s show, KVPR reporter Rachel Livinal takes us to the town where a seemingly normal dirt mound became a viral sensation. We also hear what it inspired residents to do next. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the reason why some are taking part in a “day without immigrants,” and why normally dry rivers were flowing this past weekend in Tulare County.

San Joaquin Valley agriculture has a rich history, particularly the largely immigrant workers who have sustained it for generations. An education program in Bakersfield is calling teachers to learn about it. Today, we speak with Adam Sawyer, who is leading the project "California Dreamin’: Migration, Work, and Settlement in the Other California." We’ll hear about its goals and mission. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the impact of Trump’s orders on Valley refugee agencies and the capture of a Kings County kidnapping suspect in Mexico.

Water in California is a complicated subject. But now, President Donald Trump is pushing an idea to send water from Northern California down to places like Los Angeles. His reason? Provide enough water to fight fires. But moving water like that is not so simple. And then there are issues like drought. Today we speak with Alastair Bland from CalMatters, who brings us the logistical challenges of this idea. Plus, the latest news headlines, including what the latest strain of bird flu might mean for humans and should California leave the U.S.?

Immigration is a major topic driving the news these days. From a crackdown on immigrants without legal status – to a promise of mass deportations – there are human stories behind the headlines. Today, we speak with Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana, who is turning to art in order to showcase the faces of those affected by immigration policies. Plus, the latest news headlines, including Fresno Unified going after vaping and the new plans to fix budget issues at the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission.

The City of Fresno has been dealing with a pet problem. There are too many animals needing care and there are also not enough potential pet owners. Today, we speak with Alma Torres, Interim Director of the Fresno Animal Center, about how the shelter is trying to close the gaps in animal services in such a large city. Plus, the latest news headlines, including a new strain of bird flu found in Merced County and Rep. Gray's plans for a Valley swearing-in ceremony.

President Trump wants to enlist local law enforcement to implement his immigration policies, including deportation. But what does local law enforcement say about this? Today, we speak with Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, who has his own views on the broad sweep of immigrants in his county. Plus, the latest news headlines, including what led to a Fresno police pursuit on the Fresno State campus and how Fresno Republican infighting continues.

Before President Joe Biden left office, he was urged to designate a large area of the central Sierra Nevada as a national monument. But the proposed “Range of Light National Monument” was not among those actually established in Biden’s last days. Advocates for outdoor recreation say this is a win. In this episode, a leader of a group who opposed the monument shares her reasons and what’s next. Plus, the latest news headlines, including farm leaders proposing solutions for immigrant workers and mass layoffs coming to a Valley tomato plant.

Farmers in the Central Valley have relied on burning agricultural waste to get rid of it for decades. But a new law that finally took effect this year is putting an end to that practice. Today, we speak with a former legislator who crafted the ag-burning legislation in California, and we hear why it took so long to implement. Plus, the latest news headlines, including the UFW getting a threatening mailer and Fresno’s international airport seeing more traffic.

With the Democratic Party losing control of the federal government's executive and legislative branches, how will Democratic leaders in the Central Valley respond? Today, we speak with Ruben Zarate, chairman of the Fresno County Democratic Party. He discusses why Democrats might have struggled with this election and how they intend to respond to Trump’s immigration policies. Plus, the latest news headlines, including Trump’s orders to overhaul how the state conveys water and new state funding to recover from wildfires.

For first responders, fighting raging fires in Los Angeles County is one thing. But how do you fight misinformation building around the fires? In recent weeks, the news cycle has been consumed not just by fire coverage on the ground, but also by headlines sparked by false information online. Today, we’re joined by Lois Henry, editor of SJV Water, who helps debunk a claim that a billionaire couple hoarded state water as LA burned. Plus, the latest news headlines, including how bird flu has left beef cattle untouched and how some are teaching “climate resilience.”