The Maddy Report

Don Wright, Editor of WaterWrights sits down with Executive Director Blake Zante to break down some of the most pressing issues in California’s water landscape. They discuss how water moves through the state, the complexities of water rights, and the growing challenges facing Valley agriculture and local communities.

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Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Danielle Bergstrom, Founder and Executive Director of Fresnoland, and Jordan Mattox, Co-Host of the Fresnolandia Podcast.

Together, they explore The Future of Political Journalism—diving into how local and regional outlets are reshaping political coverage, the challenges of maintaining trust and independence, and the evolving role of media in informing California’s democracy.

For more resources, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Dr. Lisa Bryant, Professor of Political Science at CSU Fresno, Blake Jones of Politico, and Alexei Koseff of CalMatters.
Together, they explore Breaking Down Prop 50—examining the measure’s background, its impact on California politics, and what it reveals about accountability, transparency, and governance in the state.

For more resources, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Ken Cooley, State Assemblymember (Ret.).
Together, they explore the History of California’s Legislature and Capitol Building—highlighting the evolution of state governance, the stories behind the Capitol’s development, and how history continues to shape policymaking and civic life in California today.

For more resources, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Caitlin O’Neil, Legislative Analyst's Office, and Rachel Michelin, President & CEO of the California Retailers Association.

Together, they explore Retail Theft in California: What’s Changed?—diving into recent policy shifts, the impacts on businesses and communities, and the broader conversation around public safety, accountability, and economic stability across the state.

For more resources, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Danielle Bergstrom — Founder, Executive Director & Managing Editor, Fresnoland and Dr. Naomi Bick, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Fresno State.

Together, they explore the future of transportation in the San Joaquin Valley—discussing whether a light rail system is possible, the challenges of funding and infrastructure, and how improved transit could transform access, equity, and economic growth across the region.

For more resources, ⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Paul Mitchell, Owner of Redistricting Partners and Vice President of Political Data, Inc. and Matt Rexroad, CEO of Strategy Insights and President of Redistricting Insights.

Together, they explore the complex world of redistricting in California—from its impact on political representation and voter engagement to the strategies shaping district maps across the state. Tune in to learn how redistricting influences elections, policy priorities, and the future of California’s political landscape.

For more resources, ⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Pedro Nava, Chair of the Little Hoover Commission, and Adam Silver, Chair of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Together, they explore How Technology is Influencing State Government—from improving services and accountability to raising critical questions about privacy, ethics, and the future of public institutions. Tune in to learn how emerging technologies are reshaping policymaking, transparency, and civic engagement across California.

For more resources, ⁠click here⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Robert Phipps, Executive Director of the Fresno Council of Governments, and Kendall Flint, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Planning at DKS Associates.

Together, they break down what Measure C means for Fresno County—from transportation funding and infrastructure improvements to long-term planning that will shape the region’s future. Tune in to learn how this local measure could impact your daily life, economy, and community.

For more resources, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.

On this episode of Valley Views, Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Dr. Bob Nelson, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Fresno State and former Superintendent of Fresno Unified School District, for a thought-provoking conversation on “School Board Politics in Education: Good or Bad?”
Together, they explore the evolving role of school boards in shaping public education, examining how political dynamics at the local level influence everything from curriculum decisions to district leadership.
Drawing from his experience as a superintendent and educator, Dr. Nelson offers valuable insights into the benefits and drawbacks of political engagement in school governance—and what it means for students, teachers, and communities across the Central Valley.

For more resources, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.