Central Valley Daily

Not many Valley natives can say they’ve worked for multiple U.S. presidents, but Ken Khachigian can. In his new book, “Behind Closed Doors,” the Visalia native takes readers behind the scenes from Richard Nixon’s resignation to Ronald Reagan’s last speech as president at the Republican National Convention. He joins today’s episode for a conversation.Plus, the latest news headlines, a racehorse dies at the Big Fresno Fair before opening day, and a Valley water official avoids prison in a water theft case.

A new PG&E rate increase was approved by California regulators earlier this month. It’s not the first one this year, and the average customer is now paying $40 to $50 more per month, compared to 2023. Mark Toney leads The Utility Reform Network, or TURN, which is a nonprofit that advocates for rate-payers. Toney discusses what he is hearing from customers, and ways his organization is responding to rising utility rates.Plus, the latest news headlines, including the push to get out the vote in swing House districts in the Valley, and a memorial for victims of a 1948 plane crash west of Coalinga.

Chinese immigrants first came to Hanford seeking work with local railroads and farms. Some estimate the town at one point had a Chinese immigrant population of 1,000. While many of them are gone, remnants of Hanford’s Chinese heritage remain. Arianna Wing discusses Hanford’s Chinese history and efforts to restore the physical history.Plus, the latest news headlines, including a shakeup in the Merced City School District leadership and a judge appointing a receiver for Assemi cropland.

In 1948, a plane carrying mostly Mexican farm laborers crashed near Coalinga, killing all on board. When first reported, a local paper only referred to the laborers as “deportees.” Decades later, Tim Z. Hernandez went on a search to find their names and connect with their families. Hernandez discusses his new book that remembers the crash victims.Plus, the latest news headlines, including former Congressman TJ Cox’s day in court, and how voting trends in the San Joaquin Valley compare nationally.

Nearly three months ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that cities can crack down on homeless encampments. Now, some cities in the San Joaquin Valley have enacted new rules to keep unhoused people off the streets. Fresnoland reporter Pablo Orihuela joins us to share more.Plus, the latest news headlines, including a new poll that shows Valley Democrats have an edge in close House races, and local businesses oppose a state warehouse bill.

In July, a ferocious fire burned through the historic mountain community of Havilah in Kern County, leaving only destruction in its path. Two months after the disaster, KVPR’s Joshua Yeager visits Havilah to hear how it’s recovering.Plus, the latest news headlines, including the City of Fresno’s approach to homelessness under a new camping ban, and the discovery of a record-breaking pine tree in Yosemite.

The Central Valley and other inland regions of California experienced record-breaking heat this summer. This comes as more people are also moving inland for its affordability. According to new reporting from CalMatters, this combination could be deadly. CalMatters reporter Alejandra Reyes-Velarde shares more.Plus, the latest news headlines, including the United Farm Workers wrapping up its convention in Bakersfield and voters hitting the streets in Valley swing districts.

With the temperatures set to start cooling down and more people staying at home, health experts are encouraging people to get the latest flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. CVS Pharmacist Dr. Bobby Dhaliwal joins us and tells us the latest information.Plus, the latest news headlines, including how voters are feeling about the upcoming election and the Assemi family’s response to financial challenges.

How does climate change impact our relationship with protected wilderness? KALW’s Marissa Ortega-Welch recently dived deeper into that topic and joined us to discuss her new podcast.Plus, the latest news headlines, including the push by Valley legislators to improve healthcare, and the arrest of a Fresno police officer.

In August, 100 incarcerated women at the Chowchilla State Prison were allegedly pepper-sprayed and tear-gassed by staff for more than an hour. We catch up with KQED’s Madi Bolanos about an investigation that is now underway.Plus, the latest news headlines, including a million-dollar wage theft settlement in Bakersfield and growing financial pressure on a prominent Fresno family.