Podcasts about Central Valley

Danny Bernstein, Founder & CEO, Reservoir joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss Physical AI and the growing role it is playing in agriculture.Currently, less than 2% of this high-value agricultural sector is automated, creating a significant growth opportunity that Reservoir is positioned to capture through a startup incubator specifically designed for Physical AI and specialty crops.By utilizing a 40-acre farm in Salinas paired with an adjacent 6,000-square-foot prototyping studio, Reservoir offers startups immediate access to a commercial testing ground. This infrastructure eliminates the traditional six-to-nine-month delay between raising venture capital and deploying on a real farm, allowing founders to roll their machines directly into the field.Reservoir's methodology emphasizes deep rural integration to solve complex labor and economic challenges. By encouraging founders to immerse themselves in local farming communities, Reservoir helps startups build trust and fit their solutions into existing agricultural cost structures. This approach has enabled successful innovations ranging from AI-powered drones for bird mitigation to specialized disease detection for vineyards.Reservoir's Physical AI ecosystem functions as the Olympic Village of Ag Tech, hosting dense cohorts of international and domestic startups working side by side. This collaborative environment enables companies to share foundational technologies while gaining direct access to major agricultural incumbents and corporate partners.To further fuel this ecosystem, Reservoir operates a $50 million early-stage venture fund dedicated to ag tech and Physical AI applications.Looking ahead, Danny envisions Reservoir expanding to five or six locations across the American West, with active and planned sites in Sonoma County, the Central Valley, Washington State, and Arizona.By elevating ag tech's position within the global autonomy economy, Reservoir aims to drive double-digit automation adoption within five years, fundamentally transforming rural workforce development and securing the global food supply.Episode Chapters00:00 Less than 2% of Specialty Crop Agriculture is Automated07:32 Physical AI on Farms13:35 The Six to Nine Month Farm Access Problem18:49 Inside Reservoir Farms26:01 The Olympic Village of Ag Tech32:29 Building Trust with Farmers43:19 The Growth of Automation and Autonomy on Farms47:50 The Future of Automation and Autonomy on Farms--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy is the definitive media brand covering the Autonomy Economy™. Through our podcasts, newsletter, and proprietary market intelligence, we set the narrative for institutional investors, industry executives, and policymakers navigating the convergence of automation, autonomy, and economic growth.Join institutional investors and industry leaders who read This Week in The Autonomy Economy every Sunday. Each edition delivers exclusive insight and commentary on the autonomy economy, helping you stay ahead of what's next.Subscribe today for free: https://www.roadtoautonomy.com/ae/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

California agriculture sits at the center of some of the state's most important policy debates—water supply, infrastructure, energy, and the future of farming. Those issues took center stage on the latest AgNet News Hour, where host Nick “The AgMeter” Papagni spoke with several key voices shaping the conversation. From a potential shake-up in California's natural resources leadership to a deep dive into the history of the state's water system, the program explored both the challenges and potential solutions facing farmers today. Steve Hilton Names John Duarte for Natural Resources Role One of the biggest stories discussed during the show was a press conference announcing that gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton plans to appoint John Duarte of Duarte Nursery as California's Secretary of Natural Resources if elected. Papagni attended the announcement near Millerton Lake and asked Hilton about the state's energy challenges, particularly the impact of regulations on California's oil and gas industry. Hilton argued that current policies have forced the state to import a large percentage of its oil and natural gas and said leadership changes could help restore domestic energy production. Following the announcement, Papagni spoke with Duarte about his vision for California's water future. Duarte emphasized what he calls a return to “water abundance”—ensuring that farms, cities, and households all have reliable water supplies. His approach includes better reservoir management, expanded infrastructure, and the use of long-range weather forecasting tools that could allow water managers to predict rainfall totals months earlier. He also highlighted ideas such as dredging the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta to improve water flow, strengthen levees, and help maintain colder water for fish while still improving water delivery reliability. According to Duarte, improving water infrastructure and planning could allow California to support both environmental needs and agricultural production. Fire Ant Control for Orchard Growers The episode also included a CLS Fire Ant Friday segment with Josh McGill speaking to John Mays of Central Life Sciences. They discussed Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait, a product that uses an insect growth regulator to disrupt the fire ant colony by targeting the queen's ability to reproduce. Mays explained that ants carry the bait back to the colony, where it gradually collapses the population. For almond growers, the optimal application window typically falls between May and July when ants are actively foraging. Understanding the History of California Water The second half of the show featured a detailed conversation with Jeffrey Vanden Heuvel of the Milk Producers Council, who walked listeners through the history of California's water system. Vanden Heuvel explained how early agricultural development in the 1800s eventually led to massive infrastructure projects like the Central Valley Project and State Water Project, which created reservoirs, canals, and pumping systems that allowed agriculture to flourish across the Central Valley. These projects helped create more than seven million acres of irrigated farmland producing hundreds of different crops. However, environmental regulations beginning in the 1970s and increased reliance on groundwater have significantly reshaped the state's water system. Vanden Heuvel also discussed the impact of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and how groundwater regulation could change farming across the San Joaquin Valley. More to Come in Part Two Papagni noted that the discussion with Vanden Heuvel is only the beginning. A second installment of the interview will explore potential solutions for California's water challenges and what they could mean for the future of agriculture. To hear the full interviews, deeper analysis, and the complete discussion, listen to the entire episode of the AgNet News Hour.

We had a great time at the Mellow Mushroom last week at the Nebraska girls state tournament with three terrific coaches; Elkhorn's Jen Wragge, Central Valley's Devon Beck and Norfolk Catholic's Tim Kassemeier! We discuss lessons learned from this season, what they're looking to learn about during the off-season, favorite shooting drills and a debate over a proposed rule change . . . enjoy!

The latest AgNet News Hour Podcast delivers another packed episode with Nick “The Ag Meter” Papagni and “Sir” Josh McGill, bringing listeners a wide-ranging discussion on agriculture, business, education, water policy, and crop protection. From inspiring entrepreneurship stories to the future of ag education and emerging orchard threats, this episode highlights the voices shaping agriculture across California. If you want to stay informed about the issues affecting farmers, ranchers, and the broader ag industry, this episode is one you won't want to miss. Entrepreneurship Lessons from Pappy's Seasoning The show begins with the final segment of a fascinating interview with Eddie Papulias, owner of Pappy's Choice Seasoning and Pappy Fine Foods. Papulias shares his journey from building a small family operation into a nationally recognized seasoning brand found in kitchens across the country. During the conversation with the Ag Meter, Papulias offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to launch their own food products. He explains that while starting a business is still possible today, the process has become much more complex due to regulations, insurance requirements, and rising operational costs. Papulias encourages new entrepreneurs to consider working with co-packers, manufacturers who produce products for emerging brands. This approach allows startups to bring family recipes or unique products to market without the heavy investment required to build their own manufacturing facility. His story highlights the perseverance required to build a successful business—and why maintaining strong family values and faith helped guide his company through decades of growth. Ag in the Classroom: Educating the Next Generation The episode also features an important conversation with Amanda Fletcher, Executive Director of the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. Fletcher discusses the organization's mission to connect students with agriculture and help them understand where their food comes from. Through curriculum resources and educational programs, the foundation now reaches approximately 1.3 million students across California each year. One of the organization's biggest upcoming initiatives is Virtual Farm Day on March 18, a live online learning event that takes students on a virtual journey through the farm-to-school process. The program will highlight produce operations, beef production, and school food service programs to show how food travels from the field to students' lunch trays. Fletcher also explains how agriculture offers a wide range of career opportunities—from technology and communications to engineering and mechanics—many of which students may not realize exist within the industry. Water History and the Central Valley Project The Ag Meter also previews an upcoming discussion with GeoffreyVanden Heuvel, who dives into the history of California water infrastructure and the development of the Central Valley Project. This massive project, launched in the early 1900s, included the construction of major dams, pumping stations, and hundreds of miles of canals designed to deliver water to California's Central Valley farms. The upcoming conversation promises a deeper look at how California's water system began and how water policy continues to impact agriculture today. Almond Growers Monitor Red Leaf Blotch The episode wraps up with Todd Burkdoll of Valent USA, who joins the “Growing Edge” segment to discuss the spread of almond red leaf blotch across the Central Valley. This fungal disease infects almond leaves during spring, causing orange-colored spots and potentially leading to significant defoliation if left untreated. Burkdoll explains that early monitoring, winter sanitation practices, and timely fungicide applications are critical for protecting orchard health. For growers across the valley, staying ahead of this disease is essential for maintaining long-term productivity. Listen to the Full AgNet News Hour Podcast From business success stories to ag education initiatives and critical crop protection updates, this episode of the AgNet News Hour brings together important conversations from across the agricultural industry. Be sure to listen to the full podcast to hear every interview with The Ag Meter and “Sir” Josh McGill, and stay informed about the issues impacting agriculture today.

California's agricultural land market is unlike anywhere else in the country, and right now it's navigating two forces at once: collapsing commodity prices for specialty crops like almonds and pistachios, and sweeping groundwater pumping restrictions that are rewriting land values from the ground up. Brian Neufeld, a land agent based in California's Central Valley with licenses across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, breaks down what those forces mean for buyers and sellers heading into 2026. He covers how water supply has become the first question every buyer asks, why some properties have sat unsold while sellers wait for a market that may not return, and where hidden value exists in so-called "white land" areas with restricted water delivery. For investors willing to do the underwriting work, Brian sees opportunity in a market that is painful today but structurally limited in supply long term. Talk to Brian Neufeld https://nationalland.com/real-estate-agent/brian-neufeld   Visit National Land Realty to see our listings https://www.nationalland.com   

There are new questions on Wednesday about the war with Iran and whether the country would consider attacking the United States and California in particular. Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed those reports on Wednesday. “As it relates to drone strikes, we have been aware of that information,” he said. “We have been working collaboratively through the (SOC), which we established right after the war began -- the State Operations Center. Working with the Office of Emergency Services, but also working locally to make sure we transmit any information that we have received.” Kai Trump, the 18-year-old granddaughter of President Donald Trump, brought her Secret Service detail and all her YouTube followers along on a run to luxury grocery store Erewhon, sparking widespread criticism on social media. Fresno and the Central Valley could see temperatures rise as high as 90 degrees by early next week — unseasonably warm weather that may signal a hotter spring and summer this year. JP Kalb, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Hanford office, said the warmer weather is the result of a large pressure system off the California coast and is thwarting rainy weather. A Texas spaceflight company is planning a rocket launch today for the first time in nearly a year from California. And despite the vehicle's smaller stature just shy of 100 feet tall, Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket is projected to be widely visible across the West Coast. A faulty 12‑volt battery caused a Cadillac Lyriq EV in Antioch to shut down completely, trapping a 1‑year‑old baby inside while all electronic locks, key fobs, the mobile app, and even OnStar stopped working. After nearly 30 minutes, the family freed the child by using a hidden mechanical key a solution they found through ChatGPT. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AgNet News Hour recently featured a fascinating conversation with Fresno entrepreneur Eddie Papulias, the man behind Pappy's Choice Seasoning and Pappy's Fine Foods. In an interview with host Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter”, Papulias shared the remarkable story of how a family legacy rooted in agriculture and meat processing evolved into a nationally recognized seasoning brand. What began as a small family effort in the Central Valley has grown into a business whose products now appear in grocery stores across California and much of the United States. Yet the story behind Pappy's success is about far more than spices and sauces—it's about perseverance, family, and navigating the increasingly complex world of food production and small business in California. A Family Legacy That Started More Than a Century Ago Papulias' story begins long before the seasoning business existed. His grandfather immigrated from Greece in 1896 and eventually settled in Fresno, where he raised sheep, lamb, and cattle in the foothills near Friant. Decades later, Papulias' father—known affectionately as “Pappy”—launched Pappy Meat Company in 1958, building a reputation for high-quality aged beef supplied to markets from San Francisco to Los Angeles. After his father passed away while Papulias was still in high school, the future of the family business became uncertain. But in the mid-1980s, Papulias decided to take a leap of faith and build something new from a seasoning recipe his father had created for meat customers. With just $30,000 in startup capital, Pappy's Fine Foods was born. Four Years of Hard Work Before Profit The early years were anything but easy. Papulias worked tirelessly while attending college, often packaging seasoning bottles late into the night with help from friends and family. Even with the support of longtime family friends who offered free rent for a year, the company took four years before turning a profit. But Papulias stayed focused on one goal: rebuilding his father's legacy. For 25 straight years, he says he never took a vacation while building the brand. Today, more than four decades later, Pappy's products are sold across the country—and Papulias still wakes up at 4:30 a.m. every day to go to work. From Seasonings to Sauces and Meat Partnerships Over time, the company expanded beyond seasoning blends to include a variety of sauces and marinades. Some of the most popular products include: Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Sauce Patty's Sweet and Spicy Buffalo Sauce Peppercorn sauce used in marinated tri-tip products A range of seasoning blends used for grilling and home cooking Papulias also partnered with Harris Ranch Beef Company, helping develop marinated meats, pot roast, stuffed bell peppers, and other prepared products sold through retail channels. One product—peppercorn tri-tip—became especially popular during a Southern California grocery strike, when Harris Ranch reportedly sold $87 million worth of the product through Smart & Final stores. Rising Costs and Challenges for Small Businesses While the brand has grown significantly, Papulias says operating a food business in California has become increasingly difficult. He pointed to several challenges affecting producers today: Rising ingredient costs, including black pepper prices increasing dramatically Packaging costs tied to oil prices Rising freight and transportation expenses Expanding regulatory requirements for food production Increased competition from private equity-owned companies Papulias also expressed concern about the regulatory burden placed on small manufacturers. In some cases, he says, companies are leaving California altogether to operate in states with fewer regulatory hurdles. Despite the challenges, Papulias remains deeply committed to the Central Valley and the agricultural community that helped build his business. A Passion for Food, Agriculture, and Family Throughout the interview, Papulias emphasized the importance of agriculture to California's economy. The San Joaquin Valley, he noted, remains one of the most productive farming regions in the world. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining strong food safety standards. Pappy's products are produced under rigorous global safety guidelines, including BRC (British Retail Consortium) certification, which involves extensive inspections and audits. For Papulias, maintaining those standards is critical—not just for the business, but for consumers who trust the brand. Listen to the Full AgNet News Hour Interview The conversation with Eddie Papulias is packed with stories, lessons, and insights for anyone interested in: Agriculture and food production Entrepreneurship and family businesses The challenges of operating in California's business environment The history behind one of the Central Valley's most recognizable food brands Papagni will continue the conversation in the next episode, where Papulias shares recipes, cooking tips, and advice for entrepreneurs considering launching their own food businesses.

Dr. Nichols opens by outlining her background in protein nutrition research spanning Canada, the Netherlands, industry R&D, and now academia at UC Davis. Her research has focused on mammary amino acid metabolism, nitrogen efficiency, and the interaction between protein and energy supply in dairy cattle. (1:00–4:05) Dr. Räisänen shares her path from Penn State to Finland, Switzerland, and now Aarhus University, where she is leading research within a large, multidisciplinary project focused on lifetime nitrogen efficiency in dairy systems. Her current work examines early lactation protein supply and rumen nitrogen balance. (7:32–10:07) The discussion begins by establishing why protein nutrition plays a central role in sustainability. Ruminants are net protein producers, converting low-value feeds into high-quality milk and meat protein. However, inefficiencies in nitrogen utilization lead to urinary nitrogen excretion, contributing to ammonia emissions, nitrous oxide production, and nitrate leaching. Improving nitrogen efficiency, therefore, directly impacts environmental outcomes. (12:28–14:17) The group discusses geographic differences in nitrogen regulation. European countries like the Netherlands and Denmark face intense scrutiny due to high livestock density on limited land. Similar regional challenges are emerging in concentrated U.S. dairy regions such as California's Central Valley and parts of the Midwest. (15:17–18:19) Dr. Nichols introduces the concept of metabolic flexibility—the ability of ruminants, and especially the mammary gland, to utilize different nutrients and metabolic pathways depending on supply. This flexibility helps explain why responses to protein supplementation are not always black and white, and why traditional limiting amino acid theory does not consistently predict milk protein responses. (24:58–26:23) The conversation explores early lactation “protein boost” strategies inspired by post-ruminal amino acid infusion studies. Dr. Räisänen describes ongoing work using targeted concentrate supplementation to mimic infusion responses. Preliminary data suggest substantial early lactation milk yield responses, similar to infusion studies, when protein is delivered in a separate concentrate rather than blended into a TMR. (28:33–31:16) Dr. Nichols discusses three key areas of flexibility highlighted in her webinar: Energy source interactions (glucogenic vs. lipogenic supply),   Rumen nitrogen balance, and   Mammary gland amino acid metabolism. (32:21–33:50)   The panel explores how feeding systems may influence metabolic responses. PMR systems with separate concentrate feeding may allow temporal and metabolic “choice,” potentially improving efficiency compared to uniform TMR feeding. Robotic milking systems and automated concentrate feeders offer opportunities for more individualized protein nutrition strategies. (35:00–37:57) Amino acid discussions highlight how flexibility challenges the traditional limiting amino acid model. Milk protein synthesis is not consistently limited by one amino acid, and mammary uptake patterns show that amino acids can serve multiple roles beyond direct incorporation into milk protein. Lysine, leucine, and histidine are discussed as examples of amino acids whose responses may vary depending on metabolic context. (41:07–45:25) The group also examines energy source effects on nitrogen partitioning. Lipogenic diets (e.g., supplemental fats) may alter amino acid metabolism differently than glucogenic diets, but more research is needed to fully characterize these interactions. (49:24–53:11) Dr. Räisänen emphasizes the importance of rumen microbial protein synthesis and improving prediction models for digestible amino acid supply. Better understanding and measurement of microbial protein output could significantly improve feed evaluation systems and nitrogen efficiency modeling. (54:04–56:05) Dr. Nichols highlights endogenous nitrogen recycling and urea transport back to the rumen as another underexplored area. Improved mechanistic understanding of recycled nitrogen could refine models of rumen nitrogen balance and reduce overfeeding of dietary protein. (1:00:46) The episode closes with a discussion of cow-to-cow variation in nitrogen efficiency and the potential for individualized feeding strategies to optimize the marginal efficiency of protein use. (1:02:00) Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.   If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we'll mail you a shirt.

Trade experts Krista Dickson and Lindsay Tello join the Journey to discuss the current trade situation and the outlook for 2026. Dickson is a partner at DTB AgriTrade based in Washington, D.C. She has worked on agricultural trade issues for nearly 25 years. Tello is the new senior advisor for trade policy at The Almond Board of California (ABC), who has an extensive background in trade before joining ABC. They share some trade wins and unpack insights from their session at The Almond Conference which was titled “Global Trade - Keep Your Seatbelts Fastened.” “ How are we feeling about 2026 for US almond exports? Firstly, I am feeling bullish. I think ABC has done an incredible job of diversification and cultivating, maintaining these relationships of working with everyone.” - Lindsay TelloIn Today's episode: Meet Krista Dickson, a partner at DTB AgriTrade based in Washington, D.C, and Linsday Tello, the new senior advisor for trade policy at The Almond Board of California. Explore current trade policy and what we can look forward to for the almond industry in 2026Discover how the Almond Board of California is working to expand trade opportunitiesThe Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

The March 6 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured a detailed and eye-opening conversation with Cannon Michael, President and CEO of Bowles Farming Company, about the serious challenges facing farmers on the west side of California's Central Valley. Speaking with hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill, Michael discussed water allocations, rising regulatory pressure, and the long-term future of farming in the state. Bowles Farming Company, based between Los Banos and Merced, represents one of California agriculture's long-standing family operations. Michael is the sixth generation of his family to lead the business, which traces its roots back to the historic Miller & Lux cattle enterprise of the mid-1800s. Today, the operation farms roughly 11,000 acres of diverse crops, including tomatoes, melons, cotton, onions, garlic, carrots, pistachios, almonds, and herbs, along with managing hundreds of acres of wetland habitat along the Pacific Flyway. Despite the operation's scale and diversification, water uncertainty remains the biggest challenge. Michael explained that federal water allocations for the Central Valley Project were recently announced at just 15 percent for west side growers, a number he described as extremely disappointing given the current reservoir levels and multiple years of favorable hydrology. The low allocation creates serious business challenges for farmers. Early season water estimates are critical for securing crop financing, purchasing seed, and planning planting schedules. Without reliable water commitments, banks may hesitate to issue operating loans, leaving farmers unable to move forward with crops even if conditions improve later in the season. Michael noted that water supply uncertainty is only one piece of the puzzle. Farmers must also navigate fluctuating commodity prices, unpredictable weather, labor costs, and increasing regulatory requirements. With so many variables outside their control, farming on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley often requires significant financial risk and long-term planning. Infrastructure investment was another major topic during the discussion. Michael emphasized that California's water system relies heavily on projects built decades ago, many of which now require significant upgrades or expansion. As the state's population has doubled since the 1960s, water storage and delivery infrastructure has not kept pace, creating ongoing conflicts over limited supplies. Despite the challenges, Michael stressed that farmers remain deeply committed to their land, their employees, and their communities. Beyond producing food, many farms contribute to wildlife habitat, education programs, and community development efforts throughout rural California. The conversation underscored a key point for California agriculture: farmers are willing to innovate and adapt, but long-term success will depend on reliable water supplies, modern infrastructure, and policies that allow farms to remain economically viable for future generations.

Paul Loeffler joins Philip Teresi with details about the upcoming CVHF and the upcoming fundraiser on Monday, March 9th 2026. Help send more veterans to their memorials by enjoying a great rigatoni dinner. This event, inspired by HS students who met CVHF veterans in Washington, D.C., has raised $200,000 over the years for our mission. Call (209)617-6608 to reserve your dinners. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today our guest is Matthew Adams, who is a progressive Democratic candidate for California General Assembly (their state House) District 9, which covers a big part of California's Central Valley south of Sacramento.  We talk about our experiences with running for office as progressive Democrats, and the issues we have in common. Matthew's website: https://sites.google.com/view/adams4assembly/home Matthew is a candidate for the 2026 election cycle.

Paul Loeffler joins Philip Teresi with details about the upcoming CVHF and the upcoming fundraiser on Monday, March 9th 2026. Help send more veterans to their memorials by enjoying a great rigatoni dinner. This event, inspired by HS students who met CVHF veterans in Washington, D.C., has raised $200,000 over the years for our mission. Call (209)617-6608 to reserve your dinners. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The March 5 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured a wide-ranging interview with Steve Hilton, a candidate for governor of California who says the state is at a turning point. Speaking with hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill, Hilton outlined his vision for rebuilding California's economy, restoring support for agriculture, and reversing policies he says are driving businesses and farms out of the state. Hilton argued that California's biggest problem is excessive government spending combined with overregulation. According to him, the state budget has nearly doubled in recent years, while results for residents and businesses continue to decline. He says his approach would focus on reducing bureaucracy, cutting wasteful spending, and building a leadership team capable of implementing meaningful reforms across state agencies. Agriculture played a central role in the discussion. Hilton said California farmers are being suffocated by regulations, permits, and environmental rules that make it difficult to operate profitably. He pledged to streamline regulations and reduce duplicative government oversight that currently exists across multiple agencies. Hilton also emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with federal leadership to improve policy coordination on water, energy, and infrastructure issues that impact agriculture. Water policy remains one of the most pressing concerns for farmers in the Central Valley. Hilton said increased water deliveries to agriculture could be achieved immediately by reversing certain regulatory decisions that restrict water flows for environmental purposes. In addition, he supports expanding long-discussed infrastructure projects such as Sites Reservoir and raising Shasta Dam, both of which could significantly increase water storage capacity for California agriculture. Energy policy also surfaced as a major issue. Hilton criticized California's reliance on imported oil while limiting domestic production. He argued that producing more energy within the state would lower costs, protect jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The same regulatory reforms he proposes for agriculture, he said, should also apply to energy producers and other industries struggling under California's current policies. Another area of concern discussed on the program was innovation in agriculture. Hilton pointed to emerging technologies such as automation and robotics that could improve efficiency and address labor challenges. However, he noted that California regulations often prevent farmers from adopting technologies that are already being used successfully in other states. Throughout the interview, Hilton emphasized that California has the natural resources, farmland, and talent needed to lead the nation in agriculture, energy, and innovation. The challenge, he said, is restoring common-sense leadership and removing policies that limit the state's economic potential. For farmers across California, Hilton's message was simple: support is on the way if the state embraces policies that prioritize food production, economic growth, and responsible resource management.

Philip Teresi welcomes a very special guest, longtime KMPH FOX26 anchor and weather personality Kopi Sotiropulos. Kopi announced he will retire on March 27, ending a broadcasting career that spans more than five decades at the station. Kopi who is one of KMPH’s original employees and a beloved fixture on Great Day is celebrated for his humor, community presence, and decades of connecting with Valley viewers, with colleagues calling him a true “legend” of Central Valley television. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip Teresi welcomes a very special guest, longtime KMPH FOX26 anchor and weather personality Kopi Sotiropulos. Kopi announced he will retire on March 27, ending a broadcasting career that spans more than five decades at the station. Kopi who is one of KMPH’s original employees and a beloved fixture on Great Day is celebrated for his humor, community presence, and decades of connecting with Valley viewers, with colleagues calling him a true “legend” of Central Valley television. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The March 4 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured an energetic and insightful conversation with Stephanie Nash, a dairy farmer, agriculture advocate, and social media influencer who is working to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Nash to discuss her journey from California's Central Valley to Tennessee and her growing role as a national voice for agriculture. Nash grew up in Reedley, California, attending Emmanuel High School before her family relocated to Tennessee in 2013. There, the Nash family built a new dairy operation that has grown into a diversified agricultural business. Today, Nash Family Farms includes a dairy, creamery, cheese plant, farm tours, and even a coffee shop designed to connect consumers with agriculture. Her rise as an agricultural advocate began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nash noticed misinformation about farming circulating online and felt farmers were often on the defensive in public conversations. She decided to use social media to explain what farmers actually do, debunk myths about food production, and share honest stories about life on a dairy farm. The approach resonated with audiences, leading to national media appearances and a growing following interested in learning more about agriculture. A major focus of Nash's advocacy is education. She regularly hosts farm tours for visitors—many of whom have never stepped foot on a farm before. By showing people firsthand how animals are cared for and how food is produced, Nash hopes to rebuild trust between farmers and consumers. She believes honesty and transparency are critical to strengthening agriculture's public image. The discussion also touched on the future of farming. Nash expressed concern about the shrinking number of dairy operations across the United States and the lack of younger farmers entering the industry. With fewer than 24,000 dairies remaining nationwide, she believes the industry must focus on stronger advocacy, better marketing, and improved policy representation to ensure long-term sustainability. Nash also emphasized the need for more farmers involved in policymaking. Too often, she said, agriculture policy is shaped by individuals who have never worked on a farm. Increasing farmer representation in government, she argues, could lead to better decisions for rural communities and the nation's food system. Despite the challenges facing agriculture, Nash remains optimistic. Her message to farmers across the country is simple: share your story, advocate for your practices, and help bring the next generation into agriculture. The future of farming, she says, depends on it.

Send a textA lot of good food never makes it to a plate. In Fresno, that often looks like backyard trees dropping grapefruit and lemons by the bucket and packing houses tossing out “imperfect” mandarins that taste just fine. We sit down with Simon and Aleeza, the founders of All For Kindness, to unpack how a simple idea—rescue surplus fruit and deliver it fast—grew into a volunteer-powered network moving roughly 12,000 pounds of fresh produce each week.We trace their origin story from a single neighborhood post to three weekly harvests with 30 to 50 volunteers, and we get into the nuts and bolts: coordinating routes, sorting, storage, and next-day deliveries to food banks, shelters, and homebound neighbors. If you care about public health, this is prevention in action. Fresh citrus brings vitamin C, fiber, and joy to families stuck in food deserts, where shelf-stable boxes can't meet every need. You'll hear how they partner with growers and packers to reclaim cosmetically imperfect fruit, why specific volunteer asks beat vague calls for help, and what it takes to keep the operation humane and sustainable.The conversation also gets personal. We talk about guarding energy with a weekly digital sabbath, handling 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. days, and the small moments that fuel big work—the kid whose face lights up at a fruit bag, the neighbor who hasn't had an orange in a year. We share the real constraints too: summer heat, the race against spoilage, a pressing need for a trailer, and a modest warehouse to scale beyond citrus into other produce. Along the way, we make the case that kindness isn't performative; it's a supply chain that rewires how a community eats.If you've got a tree, a truck, a spare hour, or a lead at a packing house, you're already part of the solution. Tap to listen, then join a Sunday pick, run a delivery route, or help fund the trailer that multiplies every volunteer's impact. Subscribe, leave a review to boost the message, and share this episode with someone who has more fruit than they can carry. Let's turn waste into wellness, one crate at a time.Check out Offer Kindness and their amazing work:Offer Kindness WebsiteIG: OfferkindnesshqBusinesses: If you are able to support or have any donations to, please contact Simon or Aleeza.  Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to this podcast and share with a friend. If you would like to know more about my services, please message at fueledbyleo@gmail.comMy YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0SqBP44jMNYSzlcJjOKJdg

Episode 214: Valley Fever Complications. Dr. Arreaza:
Welcome back to the podcast. I'm Dr. Arreaza, and today we're talking about a topic that's very relevant here in the Central Valley but often not well known in the rest of the country, it is called ValleyFever, or coccidioidomycosis. For more info about the Valley Fever diagnosis and initial treatment, please go to our previous podcast on the subject! Episode 143, recorded by wonderful Dr. Lovedip Kooner.  To help us walk through this, I'm joined by Jordan, a medical student. Jordan, welcome back and Dr. Schlaerth, please introduce yourself.  Jordan:
Thanks, Dr. Arreaza. This is such an important topic, especially in endemic areas like where we live, the Central Valley of California, and Arizona. The public may think of Valley Fever as a mild pneumonia that just goes away eventually. But that's not always the case. Some patients develop serious, life-altering complications, and a small but important number develop disseminated disease. Dr. Arreaza:
Exactly. So today, we're going to break this down systematically: pulmonary complications, dissemination to other organs, CNS disease, musculoskeletal involvement, systemic symptoms, and then we'll touch on treatment principles and why follow-up matters so much. Dr. Schlaerth: Valley Fever can be missed in areas where it is not as common as in the Valley. 1989, earthquake in LA.Pneumonias that is not responding to treatment can be pulmonary cocci. Dr. Arreaza:
Before we dive into specific complications, let's zoom out. What percentage of patients get a complicated disease? Jordan:
So, most infections are self-limited, but about 5–10% of patients develop chronic or progressive pulmonary disease, and 1% develop extrapulmonary disseminated disease. That sounds small, but given how common Valley Fever is in endemic areas, that's still a lot of people. Dr. Arreaza:
And the complications can be devastating, and they are not always in primary infection. Dr. Schlaerth: Dissemination can be silent. We don't know exactly why dissemination happens; some ethnicities are more susceptible or other groups. Dr. Arreaza:
Let's start where Valley Fever usually begins: the lungs. What are the major pulmonary complications clinicians should know about? Jordan:
The most common long-term complications are chronic pulmonary sequelae. These include: cavitary disease, pulmonary nodules, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, and pleural complications like effusions, empyema, or pneumothorax. Dr. Arreaza:
Cavitary disease comes up a lot. What does that look like clinically? Jordan:
Cavities form in about 5–15% of cases. Many are asymptomatic, but symptomatic cavities can cause fever, fatigue, cough, sputum production, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. The tricky part is that symptoms often wax and wane, and even with treatment, current antifungals don't eradicate the organism from chronic cavities. Dr. Arreaza:
That's very unfortunate, and sometimes those cavities remain and patients might not know that they have them, and those cavitary lesions may rupture. Jordan:
Yes, rupture can lead to pyopneumothorax, which is a surgical emergency requiring prompt intervention. Dr. Kooner: Hello everyone, this is Dr. Kooner, and today I want to talk about one of my favorite topics: coccidioidal cavitary disease—because nothing says “fun lung pathology” like a hole in the lung that refuses to leave. Coccidioidal cavitary disease is a chronic pulmonary manifestation of infection. Many times, it's found incidentally on imaging. Sometimes patients are being evaluated for respiratory symptoms, sometimes for systemic complaints, and sometimes for something completely unrelated—like when a chest X-ray was ordered for a pre-op clearance and suddenly… surprise cavity. Pulmonary cavities develop in about 5-10% of patients with Valley Fever. Most of the time, they appear as thin-walled residual lesions. They can be solitary or multiple, and they can range from a few centimeters to much larger. And while textbooks love to show the “classic look,” in real life they can be a little more… creative. These cavities can persist for years. Some patients feel completely fine and never know they have one. Others develop chronic symptoms or complications like rupture into the pleural space, secondary infection, or bleeding, which is when everyone suddenly becomes very interested in that cavity. Here's an important teaching point: about 20% of patients with cavitary disease also have disseminated infection, most commonly involving bone. This challenges the old-school teaching that cavitary lung disease and dissemination rarely happen together.  One major risk factor for cavitary disease—and for more severe or complicated infection overall—is diabetes mellitus. So how do patients usually present? Symptoms often overlap with classic Valley Fever symptoms. The most common presenting symptoms for cavitary disease that usually trigger evaluation are cough, hemoptysis, fever, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis and monitoring rely heavily on chest imaging. Plain chest X-rays are usually enough for stable disease. CT scans are typically saved for when you're worried about complications. Serologic testing is also key, especially complement fixation titers. In general, higher titers correlate with more severe disease and higher relapse risk. Management depends on symptoms and host factors.If the patient is asymptomatic and immunocompetent, they often don't need antifungal therapy. These patients can usually be followed with periodic clinical and imaging monitoring watch closely and don't panic. Symptomatic patients are typically treated with oral triazoles, most commonly fluconazole or itraconazole. Treatment is long—usually at least 6 to 12 months, and often longer—because symptoms love to come back once therapy stops. These medications are usually suppressive rather than curative, although newer data suggests triazoles may help with cavity closure in some patients. Relapses happen in about 25 to 33% of immunocompetent patients, and even more often in immunocompromised patients or transplant recipients. Many of these patients end up needing long-term or even indefinite therapy. Not ideal—but still better than uncontrolled disease. Surgery still has a role, but it's more selective now. It's usually reserved for complications like life-threatening hemoptysis or rupture into the pleural space. Early ruptures might be managed with chest tube drainage. More complicated or delayed cases may need decortication or lung resection. So, the big picture: symptomatic coccidioidal cavitary disease can be a chronic management challenge. It requires individualized treatment decisions, prolonged therapy for many patients, and long-term follow-up with imaging and serologic monitoring to catch relapses early and prevent complications. And if there's one takeaway, it's this: if you find a stable cavity in someone known to have Valley Fever, sometimes the best move is careful monitoring—not chasing it with endless tests that make everyone nervous, including the patient. Thanks for listening—and remember, sometimes the lung keeps souvenirs from infections… and sometimes those souvenirs stick around for years. Now, let's continue with the discussion about pulmonary nodules. This is Dr. Kooner, signing off.    

Born in Yemen and raised in the Central Valley of California, Noor Qwfan works in corporate social responsibility and is the creator of Noor's Nook (@noors_nook), an expressive outlet for her creative tendencies. She is also the creator and host of the Muslim Girl Podcast (@thismuslimgirlpodcast), a platform started in 2017 to amplify the voices of Muslim women and their experiences. In addition to her professional endeavors, Noor sits on the board of directors for the American Red Cross and currently serves as the chair of the philanthropy committee. In her spare time, Noor loves to travel and explore, hike in the great outdoors, and spend quality time with loved ones.

Davis architect Maria Ogrydziak, whose designs include the Davis Food Co-op building (pictured) on G Street downtown, was born in Stockholm to Estonian parents, lived in Taiwan for two years while growing up, and began to make her mark as an architect when she recreated a gray classroom at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology — her alma mater — “to be more exciting, more inspiring.” Architectural faculty supported her, she says, MIT planners were apprehensive, and the outcome helped her win election as student body president the next year. Today on Davisville we talk about housing, architecture, designing in Davis, and the influence of California's Central Valley on her work. It's no accident that a big tomato sculpture sits in front of the Co-op. Ogrydziak is also part of Yolo Community Builders, and last appeared on Davisville in June 2025 with YCB Executive Director Bill Pride.

In light of violent immigration enforcement in major cities like Chicago, LA and Minneapolis, immigrants around the country are wondering: could this happen in my community? In the Central Valley, waiting for an answer to that question has given way to fear and misinformation. Reporter: Kerry Klein, KVPR The LA Unified School Board is meeting behind closed doors Thursday where they're expected to discuss the status of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. This comes a day after federal investigators raided his home and office at the district's headquarters. Time is running out to submit public comments on proposed federal oil and gas leases off the Central Coast. Reporter: Elena Neale Sacks, KAZU An agent who is reportedly with the Department of Homeland Security is set to appear in court in Riverside Friday. He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon among other felonies. But holding him accountable might be difficult. Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I cover Lodi, California, an historic wine region in the Central Valley of California that has been growing grapes since the 1850s.   Located 40 miles /64 km south of Sacramento and 90 miles/ 145 km east of San Francisco, Lodi is an often overlooked wine region, despite the fact that it has been recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) since 1986. Lodi AVAs. Source: Lodi Winegrape Commission   Lodi certainly doesn't lack for vineyard land --today the region has 100,000 acres/ 40,500 ha planted to wine grapes, with 750 growers, 80 wineries, and about 65 tasting rooms. 20% of California's total wine is made from Lodi grapes. The AVA also has the highest concentration of old vines in California. Photo: Bechthold Vineyard planted 1886. Credit:  Randy Caparoso, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons   Although the region is known for big, juicy, high alcohol Zinfandel Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and red blends, the real secret is that with a library of 125+ different varietals growing, Lodi is doing a lot of experimentation with alternative varietals and some of it is pretty cool. Lodi has a few tricks up its sleeve.   In this show, I cover all of the details of Lodi from the history, to the climate and land, to the AVAs, and the wine styles. I mention some key producers, and then I wrap with some of the challenges that Lodi faces and the opportunities it has in front of it.   A fun show and a new way to look at a Wine region that you may be thought you knew all about.   Source for this show was primarily the excellent site of the Lodi Winegrape Commission: Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. Become a member today! www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople _______________________________________________________________   Check out my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access.  They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the Wine Access-Wine For Normal People wine club for wines I select delivered to you four times a year!    To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes  

Join Patrick Kelly, the voice of the Produce Industry, as he shares firsthand insights from his recent travels through California's Central Valley and previews the highly anticipated Southern Exposure trade show in Orlando. This episode dives into the latest innovations in pre and post-harvest solutions with Agra Fresh, tackles the challenges of unpredictable weather on crop quality, and highlights exciting industry events and sponsors. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at the evolving produce supply chain and key trends shaping the season.

“What's important for people to know is that the majority of California is actually not to the far left. We're a very purple state,” says Elaine Culotti, a self-made entrepreneur, star of Discovery's reality TV series “Undercover Billionaire,” and founder of the Mayors Matter project.On a mission to understand the root causes of California's challenges, Culotti recently went on a state-wide tour and talked to 50 out of California's almost 500 mayors as well as countless regular Californians on the way.“I've talked to people from Humboldt County, which is the very top of California, to Chula Vista, all the way into the Central Valley ... to Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades. ... And it does not matter if you have an R or a D,” Culotti said.The fifty mayors she spoke to—on both sides of the aisle—have two overarching priorities for their cities: security and economic development, Culotti said.But no matter how hard they try, they find it difficult to achieve either one. Why? Because of Sacramento, Culotti said.Most taxpayer money goes to the state government with its over half a million employees, Culotti noted. The cities receive little money but lots of crippling orders from Sacramento, and fraud at the state level is rampant, she said.When California's top politicians “are pushing downstream what's called unfunded mandates onto people, you create war in those city halls. You create war with those mayors because they are saying, ‘No, no, stop oppressing us with your mandates. We don't want to do it,'” Culotti said.“We're all being boiled to death by Sacramento,” she said.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

After more than 50 years with KMPH and over three decades as the Central Valley’s trusted voice for weather, news, and a daily dose of humor. Kopi Sotiropulos has announced he will retire on March 27th. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than 50 years with KMPH and over three decades as the Central Valley’s trusted voice for weather, news, and a daily dose of humor. Kopi Sotiropulos has announced he will retire on March 27th. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After decades of waking up the Central Valley with his trademark energy and kindness, longtime morning anchor Kopi Sotiropoulos is stepping into retirement. Broeske & Musson talk about Kopi's upbeat spirit, community devotion, and signature “Kopi’s Hometown Weather,” he became a fixture in Fresno households for generations. His departure marks the end of an era in local broadcasting. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Broeske & Musson' on all platforms: --- The ‘Broeske & Musson Podcast’ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- ‘Broeske & Musson' Weekdays 9-11 AM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Facebook | Podcast| X | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almond Board of California (ABC) President and CEO Clarice Turner joins the Journey to discuss the state of the almond industry. She discusses the current economic realities in the almond industry, and the Almond Board's continued focus on growing overall demand, maintaining a favorable trade environment and maximizing grower value.“Our total acreage in California has come down in the last four years. We just finished an analysis on global supply… and that supply is coming down over the next five years by about a hundred million pounds. So, it looks like we're reaching equilibrium with supply.”- Clarice TurnerIn Today's episode: Hear from Almond Board of California President and CEO Clarice TurnerExplore the current state of the Almond industry and what the Almond Board of California has in the works for the futureLearn more about future trade expectations and expanding opportunitiesDiscover new and innovative products to be developed from almond productionThe Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

Bee Season in Full Swing: The February 18 edition of the AgNet News Hour focused on one of the most critical — and often overlooked — inputs in California agriculture: bees. With almond bloom underway across the Central Valley and storms rolling through the state, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill dedicated much of the program to pollination, hive health, and why timing is everything during this narrow three- to four-week window. Papagni opened the show reflecting on recent rainstorms and the importance of moisture heading into peak bloom. While rain is welcome for reservoirs and soil profiles, it complicates pollination logistics. Bees don't fly in heavy rain, cold temperatures, or high winds, and muddy orchards can delay hive placement. With bloom percentages already climbing, growers without secured hives could find themselves in a tight spot. The episode featured an in-depth interview with Daniel Taran, Field Marketing Manager for BeeHero, who explained how technology is changing the pollination game. Traditionally, growers rely on a standard rate of two hives per acre. BeeHero takes a more data-driven approach, using in-hive sensors to measure colony strength and frame counts before deployment. That transparency gives growers confidence they're receiving strong, active colonies — not underperforming boxes. Taran noted that nearly every commercial beehive in the country eventually makes its way to California for almond pollination. Given the scale of the industry, even minor colony losses can tighten supply. Last year's elevated losses due to Varroa mite resistance highlighted how fragile the system can be. While conditions appear improved this season, demand remains extremely high, and theft of beehives — sometimes worth hundreds of dollars each — continues to be an issue across rural counties. The hosts also emphasized the biological side of the story. Bees are responsible for pollinating roughly one-third of the food humans consume. Worker bees live about 30 to 40 days, while queens can live several years. During bloom, bees work quickly and methodically, foraging from the closest flowers and returning repeatedly to their hive. With only one shot at pollination each season, successful bloom directly determines final yields. Beyond bees, the program also featured interviews from World Ag Expo, including Alexandra Duarte's California Senate campaign update and agronomic insights from AgroLiquid and Valent on post-rain nutrition and pest management. But pollination remained the central theme: without bees, there is no almond crop. As Papagni put it, water, labor, freight, and regulations matter — but without healthy hives in the orchard right now, nothing else counts.

Strong winds, heavy rain, and dumping snow swept across the Central Valley as a series of storms hit on Monday. A rare weather report in Fresno County, as residents reported a potential tornado had ripped the roof off a fire station. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, sparked social media backlash after appearing to struggle with a reporter's question about whether the United States should commit troops to defend Taiwan against a potential Chinese invasion. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strong winds, heavy rain, and dumping snow swept across the Central Valley as a series of storms hit on Monday. A rare weather report in Fresno County, as residents reported a potential tornado had ripped the roof off a fire station. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, sparked social media backlash after appearing to struggle with a reporter's question about whether the United States should commit troops to defend Taiwan against a potential Chinese invasion. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friendship is more than proximity. It's investment. It's showing up. It's saying, “I'll go with you.” In Week 3 of Define The Relationship, we explore the power of biblical friendship and why the very place you've been hurt in relationships is often where God chooses to heal you. From childhood encounters with the love of Jesus to life-changing mentors who stepped from pastor to friend, this message is a reminder that we are made whole in community. We are shaped by those who invest in us. And we are called to invest in others. You'll hear: • Why friendships are emotional bank accounts • The five-to-one principle in healthy relationships • The importance of intergenerational connection • Practical boundaries and communication tips • How to evaluate the health of your circle • What true “ride or die” friendship really looks like Through powerful personal stories and practical wisdom, this message challenges us to build friendships rooted in support, trust, accountability, and presence. You may have been hurt in relationships. But healing also comes through relationships. We can't baptize ourselves. We need each other.

Computech Middle School and Students in Sanger Unified School District are holding oncampus forums Friday to voice their concerns about immigration enforcement, choosing an alternative to the walkouts seen recently at other Central Valley schools. Clovis police announced Wednesday evening it will pursue misdemeanor charges against adults who attended Tuesday’s student walkout. The police department and Clovis Unified School District said in a joint statement they observed multiple adults “actively encouraging, organizing, and facilitating students leaving school without authorization.” Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Computech Middle School and Students in Sanger Unified School District are holding oncampus forums Friday to voice their concerns about immigration enforcement, choosing an alternative to the walkouts seen recently at other Central Valley schools. Clovis police announced Wednesday evening it will pursue misdemeanor charges against adults who attended Tuesday’s student walkout. The police department and Clovis Unified School District said in a joint statement they observed multiple adults “actively encouraging, organizing, and facilitating students leaving school without authorization.” Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In week 2 of our Define The Relationship series, we dive into understanding the purpose of our relationships—whether single, dating, married, or complicated. Pastor explores how Christ-centered living shapes every season of life and relationship, and why knowing the purpose of your current relationship status unlocks its full potential. Discover how singleness is a gift, dating prepares for marriage, and marriage fulfills God's design. Learn practical guidance, red flags in dating, and how to honor God in every stage.

Over the past few days, students from across the Central Valley have walked out of their classrooms and into the streets to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Students walked out in Fresno, Madera, and Clovis on Friday. Dulce Alvarado, a Clovis West graduate, says the protests reflect concerns within the community. A Stockton man who is a member of the “sovereign citizen” movement was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Robert Jordan, 52, now awaits his sentence after his two-day trial wrapped up with the guilty verdict. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlock the future of farming with insights from one of America's leading agriculture champions. Aubrey Bettencourt, Chief of the NRCS, and Host Monte Bottens, talk through how innovative programs, voluntary practices, and market-driven solutions are transforming the ways farmers conserve resources, improve soil health, and remain resilient. Hear how the new, USDA outcomes-based regen pilot program is set to redefine the way we address resource concerns—making conservation efforts more practical, impactful, and sticky for farmers from coast to coast. Chief Bettencourt reveals the bold strategy behind the NRCS's reinvigorated mission: keeping farmers on the land and demonstrating that soil health and water management are not just buzzwords but vital pathways to economic and environmental security. We break down how existing programs like EQIP and CSP are being harnessed in innovative ways to accelerate regenerative practices without adding burdens—ensuring voluntary, flexible, and locally driven adoption. Aubrey shares her vision for a future where farmers are empowered, markets are aligned, and soil health becomes a shared goal—ultimately transforming agriculture into a resilient, sustainable engine for generations to come. Click to learn more about NRCS and the Regen Pilot Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhuHrYrPXfM About NRCS​: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ ***About Our Guest: Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt serves as Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the primary private lands conservation agency at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). NRCS helps producers, soil and water conservation districts, and other partners protect and conserve natural resources on private working lands while supporting American agricultural productivity throughout the United States. NRCS employees in the field work side-by-side with producers in every State and territory. Aubrey is a prominent leader in agriculture, water, and sustainability, most recently serving as the Global Director of Government Relations and External Affairs for Netafim, an Orbia Company. Prior to serving at Netafim, Aubrey was the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Almond Alliance, the national trade association advocating for American almond growers and processors. Prior to joining the Alliance, Aubrey served as the Sustainability Director for Western United Dairies, specifically leading initiatives in groundwater management. During the first Trump Administration, Aubrey worked with both the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and USDA. As a Deputy Assistant Secretary with the DOI, she oversaw water and science policy. Prior to serving at DOI, Aubrey was the State Executive Director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in California where she directed the administration of farm commodity programs providing support, security, and emergency relief for producers throughout the state. Her work reflects her personal commitment to keep farmers farming through sound water policy, agricultural support, technology, and sustainable practices. This is supported by her family's farming roots in California's great Central Valley. Aubrey is a third-generation farmer at Bettencourt Farms in Kings County, California, alongside her father, mother, husband, daughter, and loyal farm dogs. Aubrey is an Eisenhower Agricultural Fellow and holds a degree in History from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.

Over the past few days, students from across the Central Valley have walked out of their classrooms and into the streets to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Students walked out in Fresno, Madera, and Clovis on Friday. Dulce Alvarado, a Clovis West graduate, says the protests reflect concerns within the community. A Stockton man who is a member of the “sovereign citizen” movement was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Robert Jordan, 52, now awaits his sentence after his two-day trial wrapped up with the guilty verdict. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Alexander Rakul, MHA, PhD, Chief Administration Officer for Kaiser Permanente's Central Valley Service Area, joins the podcast to discuss post-pandemic challenges facing health systems and key priorities for the year ahead. He shares how understanding patient needs, helping patients navigate complex systems, and optimizing care for older populations are shaping strategy, along with the importance of supporting primary care physicians and identifying new opportunities for sustainable growth.

Send us a textNow and then, a conversation reminds you why you love sitting down with people in the first place.This week on Here's What We Know, Clayton Johnson stopped by, and what unfolded was more than just an interview but a long, winding talk about music, patience, heartbreak, and paying attention while you're living your life.We talked about Nashville, classic country, the importance of learning from people who have lasted, and an unforgettable night Clayton spent watching Metallica up close. Not from the cheap seats, but close enough to notice the discipline, the preparation, and the humility that come with real longevity.This episode is about the long game and about resisting the urge to rush. It's about trusting that if you stay curious and keep showing up, life has a way of teaching you exactly what you need to know. Listen now!In This Episode:Life in Nashville and finding your footingA surprising night with MetallicaLessons from artists who lastGrowing up on classic country musicPlaying the long game in musicHeartbreak, timing, and personal growthLiving and learning along the wayThis episode is sponsored by:Reed Animal Hospital Dignity MemorialBe sure to tell them Gary sent you!Bio:Clayton Johnson is a Nashville-based country music artist originally from the farming town of Modesto, California. Raised in the heart of the Central Valley, his passion for music was sparked through songwriting and performing in church, setting the foundation for his career.Clayton's rise in the industry began with a modeling campaign for Boot Barn, leading to acting and music opportunities. He has since played guitar for notable artists, including American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter.Along the way, he continued to perfect his craft, writing songs for himself and other artists. His original music has garnered millions of streams.Country Central has praised Clayton's infectious hooks, calling them "reminiscent of the best of Thomas Rhett."Clayton is currently signed to UMPG & Audio Chateau Publishing.Website: https://claytonjohnsoncountry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claywatch/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaytonJohnsonMusic/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LWP6c2LrW1ofkM3e8kmEAConnect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

The February 4 edition of the AgNet News Hour was all about gearing up for what many farmers call the Super Bowl of agriculture — the World Ag Expo, set for February 10–12 in Tulare. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill were joined by Megan Lausten, Marketing Manager for the World Ag Expo, who offered a behind-the-scenes look at the scale, impact, and excitement surrounding the world's largest annual agricultural trade show. Lausten explained that preparations for the event are already in full swing, with massive equipment beginning to roll onto the grounds weeks ahead of opening day. More than 1,200 exhibitors will fill over 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, showcasing everything from cutting-edge automation and irrigation systems to livestock equipment, soil technology, and farm management tools. One of the most important takeaways from the conversation was that World Ag Expo is far more than just a trade show — it's a major economic driver for the Central Valley. Lausten said the event generates more than $60 million in economic impact for Tulare County, while relying on the support of over 1,000 volunteers who help make the show run smoothly. Those volunteers, easily spotted in bright orange jackets, play a critical role in guiding attendees and keeping operations moving. Education remains a core mission of the Expo. Lausten highlighted the Seminar Center, where attendees can access free educational sessions with paid admission. Topics range from dairy and livestock management to safety, succession planning, and emerging ag technology. She also spotlighted the Women's Conference Pavilion, which returns this year with networking events, cooking demonstrations using California Grown products, and panels focused on women in agricultural technology and leadership. The hosts also discussed how accessible the event is for both farmers and the general public. Lausten emphasized that you don't have to be a grower to enjoy the Expo. Families, students, and community members are encouraged to attend and explore the Ag Ventures Learning Center and Ag Career and Education Pavilion, where young people can learn about the wide range of careers available in agriculture — from drone pilots to agronomists to engineers. Transportation and logistics were another highlight. Lausten encouraged attendees to take advantage of the free Park and Ride system, with locations across Tulare, Visalia, and Exeter, as well as free on-site parking and tram service throughout the grounds. She also stressed the importance of downloading the World Ag Expo mobile app, which allows visitors to plan their day, locate exhibitors, and navigate the massive grounds efficiently. The episode wrapped with reminders about the Expo's famous food scene, run entirely by local nonprofit groups that collectively raised more than $1 million last year, and a final encouragement to come prepared — with comfortable shoes, curiosity, and a full appetite. As Papagni put it, “If you want to see where agriculture is headed next, World Ag Expo is where it all comes together.”

California’s high‑speed rail project is finally nearing the long‑awaited phase of laying track, with officials confirming that procurement and staging are underway as construction accelerates across the Central Valley. At the same time, lawmakers are advancing Assembly Bill 1608, which would allow the project’s Inspector General to withhold certain sensitive communications and records. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Broeske & Musson' on all platforms: --- The ‘Broeske & Musson Podcast’ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- ‘Broeske & Musson' Weekdays 9-11 AM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Facebook | Podcast| X | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recap of the investigation into Highlands Charter School following vote to close school. Also, visit times at ERs in the Central Valley are twice the national standard. Finally, young musicans participate in day-long jazz workshops.

Today, we delve into the pressing weather conditions and their potential implications for various regions across the United States. Our primary focus is on the lingering impacts of winter storms and the severe cold affecting the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, while California grapples with localized marine advisories and air quality alerts. We shall explore the ongoing public protests linked to recent events, particularly highlighting the ramifications of anti-ice demonstrations in cities such as Minneapolis and Portland. Furthermore, we will address the hazardous commuting conditions posed by dense fog in the Central Valley and the continuing concerns surrounding black ice in North Carolina. As we navigate through these critical updates, our commitment to providing accurate and timely information remains paramount.Takeaways:* The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports ongoing winter storm impacts across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.* Residents in California are advised to be aware of localized marine advisories and air quality alerts due to environmental conditions.* Protests related to anti-ice measures were widespread, potentially affecting travel and operations in various cities throughout the country.* Minnesota is experiencing potential downtown delays due to intermittent protest activities following recent demonstrations in the state.* Public safety communications may be impacted by a recent strong solar flare, necessitating monitoring for radio blackouts.* North Carolina continues its post-storm recovery efforts, with hazardous conditions remaining on untreated roads due to black ice.Sources[NWS LOX | https://www.weather.gov/lox/][NWS Hanford | https://www.weather.gov/hnx/][NWS Marine (MTR/LOX) | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mtr&wwa=all][LA Times (context) | https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-29/anti-ice-national-shutdown-protests-planned-in-la-county-heres-where][Reuters | https://www.reuters.com/world/us/nationwide-protests-walkouts-planned-over-fatal-ice-shootings-minneapolis-2026-01-30/][CBS Minnesota | https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/live-updates/nationwide-strike-ice-protest-operation-metro-surge-minnesota-don-lemon-arrested/][DHS NTAS | https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system][Washington Post | https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/02/02/ice-protest-apartment-tenants-caught/][Washington Post | https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/02/02/ice-protest-apartment-tenants-caught/][NWS Wilmington | https://www.weather.gov/media/ilm/DssPacket.pdf][NWS Charleston | https://www.weather.gov/chs/Jan31-Feb01-2026WinterStorm] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Relationships shape the quality of our lives. When they're thriving, life feels steady. When they're broken, everything feels off. In week one of our new series Define the Relationship, we talk about the one thing every relationship is built on: the center. What we place at the center of our relationships determines our values, our actions, and ultimately the direction of our lives. This message challenges us to re-examine what's been holding that central place—self, career, hobbies, even family—and invites us to build every relationship on the only foundation that can truly sustain it: Jesus. When Christ is at the center, relationships are strengthened, storms are weathered, and lives are transformed. In this sermon, you'll hear: • Why the center of a relationship determines its success • How Christ-centered relationships pursue God together • What it looks like to serve one another selflessly • Why repentance and forgiveness are essential for healthy relationships Whether you're married, dating, single, or navigating friendships and family dynamics, this message will help you realign every relationship around what truly lasts.

Dr. Elina Lastro Niño joins the Journey to share some of the latest research on honeybees and pollination. Dr. Niño is a professor of Cooperative Extension at UC Davis with a focus on apiculture. She discusses some of the challenges faced by beekeepers, her work on varroa mites and some new research she's a part of on hive stocking rates for self-compatible varieties. “Can the self-fertile almond varieties benefit from the bee presence? And what we found was the benefit of having honeybees, even if they only have self-fertile varieties, is great. The yields are significantly increased.” - Dr. Elina Lastro NiñoIn Today's episode: Meet Dr. Elina Lastro Niño, a professor of Cooperative Extension for apiculture at UC DavisExplore the many ways Dr. Niño supports bee populations and producers alike with research, exploration of different pesticides and policy effortsFind more information about best seeds for forage to support bee populations by visiting Seeds for Bees and Pollinator PartnershipDiscover the threat of varroa mites and the virus they share with honeybees if not managedReview honeybee presentations from the Almond Board of California Conference 2025Learn more about Honey Bee Best Management Practices by visiting the Almond Board of California website.The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

Fantasies of Hong Kong Disneyland: Attempted Indigenizations of Space, Labor, and Consumption (Rutgers UP, 2025) examines the attempt to transplant Disney's "happiest place on Earth" ethos to Hong Kong—with unhappy results. Focusing on the attempted localization and indigenization of this idea in a globalized transnational park, the book delves into the three-way dynamics of an American culture-corporation's intentions, China's government investment, and Hong Kong. The triple actors introduce an especially complex case as two of the world's most powerful entities, the nominally Communist state of China and corporate behemoth Disney, come together for a project in the third space of Hong Kong. The situation poses special challenges for Disney's efforts to manage space, labor, and consumption to achieve local adaptation and business success. Jenny Banh is a keynote speaker, curriculum developer, and professor of Asian American Studies and Anthropology at California State University, Fresno. Her current research examines the barriers/bridges to Southeast Asian American students, Asian Foodways, and a Hong Kong corporation. In her community work, she has conducted, coded, and transcribed over 40 oral histories of Southeast Asian Americans who live in California's Central Valley. She donated all the oral histories to the school's library to create the Central Valley Southeast Asian American Successful Voices Archive. Recently, she helped to co-create the ASAM-Asian Major, nineteen new Asian American studies courses, and three certificates. She has been awarded two teaching awards and four service awards. Donna Doan Anderson is the Mellon research assistant professor in U.S. Law and Race at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Fantasies of Hong Kong Disneyland: Attempted Indigenizations of Space, Labor, and Consumption (Rutgers UP, 2025) examines the attempt to transplant Disney's "happiest place on Earth" ethos to Hong Kong—with unhappy results. Focusing on the attempted localization and indigenization of this idea in a globalized transnational park, the book delves into the three-way dynamics of an American culture-corporation's intentions, China's government investment, and Hong Kong. The triple actors introduce an especially complex case as two of the world's most powerful entities, the nominally Communist state of China and corporate behemoth Disney, come together for a project in the third space of Hong Kong. The situation poses special challenges for Disney's efforts to manage space, labor, and consumption to achieve local adaptation and business success. Jenny Banh is a keynote speaker, curriculum developer, and professor of Asian American Studies and Anthropology at California State University, Fresno. Her current research examines the barriers/bridges to Southeast Asian American students, Asian Foodways, and a Hong Kong corporation. In her community work, she has conducted, coded, and transcribed over 40 oral histories of Southeast Asian Americans who live in California's Central Valley. She donated all the oral histories to the school's library to create the Central Valley Southeast Asian American Successful Voices Archive. Recently, she helped to co-create the ASAM-Asian Major, nineteen new Asian American studies courses, and three certificates. She has been awarded two teaching awards and four service awards. Donna Doan Anderson is the Mellon research assistant professor in U.S. Law and Race at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies

What if the cure for our political fatigue is as simple as slowing down and looking at the evidence? We kick off a new series spotlighting Substack writers with journalist and historian Chris Bray, whose work strips away spin by linking directly to source documents, video and on-the-ground reporting. Together we map the contours of an epistemic crisis: the way one angle of footage becomes the entire narrative and how that snap judgment fuels outrage, policy mistakes, and deeper division.From there we follow the money. California and Minnesota have seen explosive growth in public spending, but residents struggle to point to matching improvements. Bray walks through allegations of social services fraud in Minnesota and the telltale response from officials: attack the messenger rather than open the books. We lay out a simple test any listener can run—pull the budget, tour your streets, and compare the line items to what you can see and touch. If the numbers swell while services stall, demand receipts, logs and outcomes.We dig into the loss of recipe knowledge inside institutions—grand goals with no workable steps. Homelessness plans multiply while encampments grow. The California high-speed rail, sold as an LA–SF link, stands today as scattered concrete in the Central Valley. Ignore the talking points and walk the site; steel either connects or it doesn't. Yet there are bright spots: when mission and method align, defense operations and shipbuilding show what competent execution looks like. That is the path back to stewardship—leaders who measure progress, adjust, and deliver.If you're ready to trade hot takes for primary sources and performance politics for real results, this conversation is your starting point. Listen, share with a friend who cares about evidence, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Then tell us: what should we verify next?Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!