Brittany Martinez, Executive Director of Principles First, Gabe Ferris, City Hall and Courts Reporter at ABC 30, and David Taub, Senior Reporter at GV Wire, sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante to provide an outlook on the June 2026 Primary Election, including the California governor’s race and key Central Valley congressional districts following Proposition 50.

To learn more, visit our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠.

The Maddy Institute is dedicated to providing a civil, fact-based approach to public policy, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help advance our work and raise awareness of important issues throughout the San Joaquin Valley. If you believe in the work we do, consider supporting us by donating at https://themaddyinstitute.org/donate/.

The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

Senator Shannon Grove and Josh Fryday, California Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante.

To learn more, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠social media⁠⁠.

The Maddy Institute is dedicated to providing a civil, fact-based approach to public policy, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help advance our work and raise awareness of important issues throughout the San Joaquin Valley. If you believe in the work we do, consider supporting us by donating at https://themaddyinstitute.org/donate/.

The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

Chris Micheli, attorney, lobbyist, and government relations specialist, and Dan Schnur, political analyst, speaker and commentator, sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante for an analysis on California's 2025 legislative session and the passage of Proposition 50.

To learn more, visit our ⁠website⁠ or follow us on ⁠social media⁠.

The Maddy Institute is dedicated to providing a civil, fact-based approach to public policy, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help advance our work and raise awareness of important issues throughout the San Joaquin Valley. If you believe in the work we do, consider supporting us by donating at https://themaddyinstitute.org/donate/.

The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

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.

To learn more, visit our website or follow us on social media.

The Maddy Institute is dedicated to providing a civil, fact-based approach to public policy, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help advance our work and raise awareness of important issues throughout the San Joaquin Valley. If you believe in the work we do, consider supporting us by donating at https://themaddyinstitute.org/donate/.

The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

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.