Podcasts about San Joaquin Valley

California is not only the largest agricultural state, but it's also the most diverse, with several hundred crops grown. There may be a new major crop in the Golden State – agave.Stuart Woolf heads a large family farm in Fresno County, and has seen excellent agronomic success growing 450 acres of agave. The crop uses a small fraction of the water when compared to many other crops, and it has intriguing market potential for spirits and as a sweetener. This crop may turn into an excellent option especially for farmers in the San Joaquin Valley, who routinely face limited water supplies. Woolf has extensively studied agave production in Mexico and is a licensed nurseryman that has sold tens of thousands of plants to other California growers. U.C. Davis has several years of ongoing research on agave viability, and industry influencers are looking into the feasibility of this fledgling crop being distilled into a high-quality spirit. 

Fire As A Weapon for Murder: A Retired California Cop's Experience With Trauma Few Are Prepared For. When most people think about murder, they imagine firearms or knives. Rarely do they consider fire itself as the weapon. Yet according to retired law enforcement veteran Charles “Chuck” Sherman, fire is one of the most brutal and psychologically devastating methods of killing, not only for victims, but for every Cop forced to witness its aftermath. The Podcast is available and shared for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. Drawing from decades of Retired California Police Experience, Sherman now shares his story publicly through a Podcast and across platforms like their Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, Medium and other social media platforms. He is hoping to spark conversations about officer Trauma, training gaps, and a form of violence many people, including police are unprepared to face. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. “People don't realize fire can be used as a weapon just like a gun,” Sherman said. “And when you see it firsthand, it changes you.”  Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Understanding Fire As A Weapon for Murder Arson is legally defined as the willful and deliberate act of setting fire to or charring property. While commonly associated with buildings, arson can also involve vehicles, boats, forests, or other property. The crime is typically charged as a felony, with harsher penalties when human life is endangered. Fire As A Weapon for Murder: A Retired California Cop's Experience With Trauma Few Are Prepared For. Available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and most major Podcast networks. In some cases, arson is committed for insurance fraud or to conceal crimes such as burglary or homicide. When a death occurs, prosecutors may pursue manslaughter or murder charges. But Sherman emphasizes that arson statistics only tell part of the story. “Quite often people die in building fires,” he explained. “But there are also cases where someone is intentionally set on fire. That's homicide and it happens more than people think.” Each year in the United States, deaths involving fire include accidents, suicides involving self-immolation, and murders where fire becomes the primary weapon. A Veteran Officer Caught Off Guard At the time of the incident that would leave a lasting mark on his career, Sherman was a recently promoted Police Sergeant with years of experience behind him. He had already handled violent crimes, major investigations, and countless critical incidents. Fire As A Weapon for Murder: A Retired California Cop's Experience With Trauma Few Are Prepared For. Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Nothing prepared him for this call. While on duty, Sherman was alerted by a citizen to a violent crime unfolding nearby. Arriving on scene, he discovered a man who had been doused with a flammable liquid and intentionally set on fire. “I caught the call on view after someone flagged me down,” Sherman recalled. “Within seconds I realized this was something completely different from anything I'd handled before.” Despite decades of training, Sherman says the moment exposed a serious gap in law enforcement preparation. “We train for weapons, tactics, and survival,” he said. “But almost nobody trains you for the emotional impact of seeing someone burned alive.” A Career of Service and an Unexpected Reality Sherman's law enforcement career spanned approximately thirty years. He began as a Detention Officer with the Kern County Sheriff's Department, serving about a decade before joining the Bakersfield Police Department as a full-time officer. During his seventeen years with Bakersfield Police, he worked as a detective, field training officer, and academy coordinator before promoting to Sergeant. Later, he continued public service as an investigator with the Kern County District Attorney's Office until 2022. Fire As A Weapon for Murder: A Retired California Cop's Experience With Trauma Few Are Prepared For. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. By every professional measure, Sherman was seasoned and experienced. Yet he says nothing in his background prepared him for what he encountered that day. “You think experience prepares you for everything,” he said. “It doesn't.” The Hidden Trauma Police Carry Deaths involving fire are far more common than many Americans realize. Police officers regularly encounter fatal fires, whether accidental, suicidal, or criminal, yet many departments provide limited training on handling the psychological aftermath. It is discussed across News platforms and shared on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Apple, and Spotify, where true crime audiences continue to get their content. According to Sherman, the trauma can be immediate and long-lasting. “It hits every sense at once, sight, smell, sound,” he said. “Your brain doesn't forget that.” Many officers quietly struggle after such incidents, even while continuing daily duties. “You go from something horrific straight to the next call,” Sherman explained. “There's rarely time to process what you just experienced.” Fire As A Weapon for Murder: A Retired California Cop's Experience With Trauma Few Are Prepared For. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. He believes fire-related deaths are among the most frequent yet least discussed sources of officer trauma nationwide. When Support Falls Short Sherman says the incident was shocking enough on its own, but what followed left an equally lasting impression. The criminal sentence handed down to the murderer surprised many involved in the case, raising questions about how fire-related homicides are viewed compared to other forms of murder. Even more troubling to Sherman was what he describes as a lack of compassion from leadership afterward. “Sometimes you expect understanding from your own organization,” he said. “And sometimes it just isn't there.” The experience reinforced his belief that law enforcement agencies must address mental health support as seriously as operational training. Fire As A Weapon for Murder: A Retired California Cop's Experience With Trauma Few Are Prepared For. Free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. Murder Beyond Guns and Knives Under U.S. law, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person with “malice aforethought,” meaning intent or conscious disregard for human life. First-degree murder involves premeditation, while second-degree murder involves intentional killing without planning. Manslaughter differs by involving reckless or emotionally provoked actions rather than deliberate intent. While public perception often centers on shootings or stabbings, Sherman says fire-related killings reveal another reality of violent crime. “Fire is slow, painful, and terrifying,” he said. “It's one of the cruelest ways someone can take a life.” The City Behind the Story Sherman's career unfolded in Bakersfield, California, the county seat of Kern County and a major agricultural and energy-producing region in the southern San Joaquin Valley. With a population exceeding 400,000 residents, the Bakersfield Police Department serves a large and diverse urban community with more than 590 sworn officers and professional staff. Fire As A Weapon for Murder: A Retired California Cop's Experience With Trauma Few Are Prepared For. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. In recent years, the city has seen encouraging reductions in violent crime, including a drop in murders from 60 in 2021 to 26 in 2024, along with a significant decrease in shootings. But statistics rarely capture the emotional impact carried by first responders. Turning Experience Into Awareness Today, Sherman shares his experiences through the interview on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, it's social media, and long-form conversations online, using modern platforms to reach audiences who consume News in new ways. His goal is simple: increase awareness about the realities officers face and encourage departments to improve training and mental health support. “Cops are expected to handle the worst moments of humanity,” Sherman said. “But we're still human beings absorbing trauma every day.” By speaking openly, Sherman hopes conversations about Fire As A Weapon for Murder will expand beyond criminal justice discussions to include officer wellness, compassion, and preparation. Fire As A Weapon for Murder: A Retired California Cop's Experience With Trauma Few Are Prepared For. Available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and most major Podcast networks. Because long after the flames are extinguished, the psychological scars can remain. “Some calls stay with you forever,” he said. “And this was one of them.” Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . Fire As A Weapon for Murder: A Retired California Cop's Experience With Trauma Few Are Prepared For. Attributions CRI Wikipedia Google Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The February 12 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured one of the most detailed and solutions-driven conversations of the year as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Edward Ring, Director of Energy and Water Policy at the California Policy Center. Broadcasting during the final day of World Ag Expo, the discussion centered on a bold but practical idea: dredging the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta to increase water supply, reduce conflict, and restore environmental balance. Ring argued that California's water crisis is not simply about scarcity — it's about management. Since the 1970s, environmental litigation halted large-scale dredging operations in the Delta. Over time, silt accumulation has significantly reduced channel capacity, cutting water throughput from historic levels of roughly 200,000 cubic feet per second down to about 130,000. That reduced flow capacity, Ring explained, forces reservoir operators to release more water for flood control rather than storing it for farms and cities. According to Ring, restoring the Delta's channel depth could potentially free up one to two million acre-feet of additional water per year — water that currently flows out to sea during high-flow winter events. He emphasized that dredging would not only benefit agriculture and urban water users but could also help salmon migration by creating deeper, cooler channels that improve fish habitat. The conversation highlighted growing cooperation between Delta farmers, San Joaquin Valley growers, and Southern California water agencies — groups that historically clashed over pumping. Ring said deeper channels would ease that tension by preventing irrigation channels from running dry when pumps are operating. In his view, this is one of the rare opportunities where agricultural, urban, and environmental interests could align. Ring also addressed groundwater recharge. During recent winter storms, hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of water passed through the system without being captured. He suggested temporarily allowing growers to divert excess flows for recharge — without counting it against summer allocations — as a way to accelerate aquifer recovery under SGMA. “Let farmers put floodwater to work,” he said, arguing that smart agreements could restore groundwater faster while reducing long-term restrictions. Beyond dredging, Ring called for a shift away from a conservation-only mindset. Urban water use, he noted, has remained nearly flat for decades despite massive population growth — proof that conservation has already delivered major gains. The next phase, he said, must focus on infrastructure expansion and water abundance, not permanent scarcity. Papagni and McGill emphasized that bringing experts like Ring onto the program reflects the show's commitment to practical solutions. With new storms forecast and allocations still uncertain, the conversation served as a reminder that California has options — if leaders are willing to act. Part two of the interview, focusing on energy policy, airs Friday.

Phoebe sits down with Elizabeth Fichtner to discuss the biology of pistachio bloom, how it impacts orchard design, and why picking the correct male pollinator is so important. She also goes over the research on artificial pollination of pistachio and why it may only be useful in very specific circumstances. In this episode, Elizabeth mentions that dust can cause parthenocarpy in pistachios; we posted an episode on this a few years ago. Find out more about upcoming meetings in the San Joaquin Valley (scroll to the bottom) and the Sacramento Valley!The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the University of California. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "University of California" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.Follow us on Twitter! @SacOrchards and @SJVtandvThank you to the Almond, Pistachio, Prune, and Walnut Boards of California for their kind donations. Thank you to Muriel Gordon for the music.

Brittany Martinez, Executive Director of Principles First, Gabe Ferris, City Hall and Courts Reporter at ABC 30, and David Taub, Senior Reporter at GV Wire, sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante to provide an outlook on the June 2026 Primary Election, including the California governor's race and key Central Valley congressional districts following Proposition 50.To learn more, visit our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠.The Maddy Institute is dedicated to providing a civil, fact-based approach to public policy, but we can't do it alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help advance our work and raise awareness of important issues throughout the San Joaquin Valley. If you believe in the work we do, consider supporting us by donating at https://themaddyinstitute.org/donate/.The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

The salient point of this podcast episode is the impending extreme cold weather that is forecasted to impact the Northeast and interior Mid-Atlantic regions this weekend. As articulated by the National Weather Service, severe cold watches have been issued, with wind chills anticipated to plummet into the range of negative 20s to negative 30s. Additionally, we address the marine hazards associated with gale to storm force gusts and heavy freezing spray, particularly affecting the western coastal areas. Furthermore, we discuss the high surf warnings currently in effect for Hawaii and the potential dangers posed by rip currents along the Southern California coast. We also touch upon recent weather phenomena, including confirmed EF0 tornadoes in Texas, while underscoring the necessity for residents in affected regions to seek assistance from FEMA as needed.Takeaways:* The National Weather Service has issued extreme cold watches for the Northeast region.* Dangerous wind chills are expected to reach negative 30 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend.* Residents affected by the October 2025 storms in Alaska are encouraged to apply for aid.* High surf advisories will be in effect along California's coast starting Friday morning.* Visibility issues due to dense fog are reported across the San Joaquin Valley this morning.* Two EF0 tornadoes were confirmed in Liberty County, Texas, with no reported injuries.Sources[FEMA | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260205/additional-areas-approved-individual-and-public-assistance-following-october][NWS Alaska Area AFD | https://www.weather.gov/arh/fire_afd][NWS LOX High Surf Advisory | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=lox&wwa=high+surf+advisory][NWS Hanford Fog Statement | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sto&wwa=all][NWS Honolulu CFW | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=HFO&product=CFW&site=NWS][NWS Honolulu Surf Zone | https://www.weather.gov/hfo/SRF][NWS Burlington Extreme Cold Watch | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Extreme+Cold+Watch][NWS Albany AFD | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=ALY&product=AFD&site=NWS][NWS Houston PNS | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=HGX&product=PNS&site=NWS][Houston Chronicle | https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-weather/forecast/article/nws-confirms-tornadoes-liberty-county-tuesday-21333480.php] 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

One concern about growing cover crops is that they might compete with the orchard for water. This is an additional concern if you let cover crops continue to grow after bloom. Kosana Suvocarev (UC Davis) has been looking into this and has found some surprising results.Find out more about upcoming meetings in the San Joaquin Valley (scroll to the bottom) and the Sacramento Valley!The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the University of California. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "University of California" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.Follow us on Twitter! @SacOrchards and @SJVtandvThank you to the Almond, Pistachio, Prune, and Walnut Boards of California for their kind donations. Thank you to Muriel Gordon for the music.

The food we enjoy every day is a remarkable success story.  Growing the perfect peach is no easy feat. In California's San Joaquin Valley, John Johnston is carrying on a family farming legacy that started in 1919.Johnson peaches are well known for their flavor and consistent high quality. John incorporates several products from Redox Bio-Nutrients to help maintain his impressive track record, including Supreme™, diKap™ and Banx®.California grows about 70 percent of the U.S. peach crop.

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.

Phoebe and Sam Sandovol Solis discuss the water outlook for 2026. They also discuss some things that everyone can do to maximize water infiltration. If you are interested in finding out more about groundwater recharge, you should check to see if your orchard block has favorable soil textures and is in a good location for it here. More information on applications for recharge can be found here. Phoebe interviewed two researchers in 2025 about the effects of wildfire smoke on orchards, which you may be interested in if 2026 ends up being a bad fire year (fingers crossed this isn't the case!)Find out more about upcoming meetings in the San Joaquin Valley (scroll to the bottom) and the Sacramento Valley!The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the University of California. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "University of California" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.Follow us on Twitter! @SacOrchards and @SJVtandvThank you to the Almond, Pistachio, Prune, and Walnut Boards of California for their kind donations. Thank you to Muriel Gordon for the music.

Senator Shannon Grove and Josh Fryday, California Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante.To learn more, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠social media⁠⁠.The Maddy Institute is dedicated to providing a civil, fact-based approach to public policy, but we can't do it alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help advance our work and raise awareness of important issues throughout the San Joaquin Valley. If you believe in the work we do, consider supporting us by donating at https://themaddyinstitute.org/donate/.The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

Vincent Ricchiuti of Enzo's TableAs the fourth generation of his Italian-American farming family, Vincent Ricchiuti was naturally drawn to the family business. A native of Fresno, CA, he spent his formative years working alongside his father and grandfather in the family's diversified agricultural business.For more than a century, the Ricchiuti Family has diligently worked the land in California's fertile San Joaquin Valley with a goal to sustainably grow, produce, and harvest premium fruit, nuts, and more recently, estate grown award-winning ENZO Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.IG enzos.table | enzostable.comIntro Segment: Loonen's Launch

This episode features the Christmas mystery short story Peppermint Barking written by Jane Limprecht. It is read by local actors Sean Hopper and Cymone Sandoval-Hopper. You can learn more about the author and her writing on her website. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Our theme song was written and performed by Kevin Memley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode! If you would like to help support this podcast and Kings River Life financially, and get some fun rewards, check out our Patreon Page. You can also make a one time donation through Paypal and you can purchase some fun Mysteryrat's Maze merchandise on Redbubble. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

Republicans have sued state leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber, for the newly drawn maps, which voters approved through Proposition 50. Assemblyman David Tangipa, R-Fresno, is among the group that sued. During his first stint as president, Trump was heavily influenced by the Westlands Water District, a huge agricultural water agency in the San Joaquin Valley that sought more irrigation water for itself and other farm interests. 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.

Republicans have sued state leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber, for the newly drawn maps, which voters approved through Proposition 50. Assemblyman David Tangipa, R-Fresno, is among the group that sued. During his first stint as president, Trump was heavily influenced by the Westlands Water District, a huge agricultural water agency in the San Joaquin Valley that sought more irrigation water for itself and other farm interests. 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 of Words on a Wire, host Daniel Chacón speaks with writer and journalist Michelle Morgante about her journey from a small agricultural town in California's San Joaquin Valley to a globe-spanning career in journalism, and ultimately, to fiction writing.Morgante begins by reflecting on her childhood in Lindsay, California, a tiny, heavily agricultural town she describes as a real-life “Mayberry.” She shares vivid memories of biking across town, a deeply segregated school environment, and how being a mixed-heritage kid positioned her literally and symbolically in the “in-between”—a role that crystalized when she became the school dance DJ mediating between racial groups through music. This early experience of living between worlds seeded her lifelong fascination with liminal spaces, a theme that now shapes much of her creative work.Chacón and Morgante explore how magical realism, borderland identity, and Gloria Anzaldúa's concept of nepantla inform their artistic perspectives. Morgante describes how Latino culture sees the magical and the mundane as intertwined, a worldview that deeply influences her fiction.From there, the conversation moves into Morgante's wide-ranging journalism career with the Associated Press, taking her to Detroit, Denver, New York, Miami, Mexico City, Portland, San Diego, and beyond. She recalls the unexpected beauty and sorrow she saw in places like Detroit, the artistic vibrancy of Mexico City's Condesa neighborhood in the 1990s, and how newsroom layoffs and the decline of local media brought her back to the Valley. She and Chacón also discuss the impact of AI on journalism, the growing importance of human-created writing, and why authentic storytelling will matter more than ever.

This episode features the Christmas mystery short story All is Bright by Merrilee Robson, read by local actor Larry Mattox. All is Bright was originally published in The People's Friend in the UK. You can learn more about the author and her writing on her website. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Our theme song was written and performed by Kevin Memley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode! If you would like to help support this podcast and Kings River Life financially, and get some fun rewards, check out our Patreon Page. You can also make a one time donation through Paypal and you can purchase some fun Mysteryrat's Maze merchandise on Redbubble. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

Chris Micheli, attorney, lobbyist, and government relations specialist, and Dan Schnur, political analyst, speaker and commentator, sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante for an analysis on California's 2025 legislative session and the passage of Proposition 50.To learn more, visit our ⁠website⁠ or follow us on ⁠social media⁠.The Maddy Institute is dedicated to providing a civil, fact-based approach to public policy, but we can't do it alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help advance our work and raise awareness of important issues throughout the San Joaquin Valley. If you believe in the work we do, consider supporting us by donating at https://themaddyinstitute.org/donate/.The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

This episode features the mystery short story The Shocking Assault Upon Sophronsia Morgan's Cranberry Aspic by Erica Obey. It is read by local actor Donna Beavers. You can learn more about the author and her writing on her website. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Our theme song was written and performed by Kevin Memley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode! If you would like to help support this podcast and Kings River Life financially, and get some fun rewards, check out our Patreon Page. You can also make a one time donation through Paypal and you can purchase some fun Mysteryrat's Maze merchandise on Redbubble. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

How expiring tax credits could impact health insurance in the San Joaquin Valley. Plus, new coalition works to address dangers related to e-bikes. Finally, learn more about the culture and history of Palestine.

The November 7 edition of the AgNet News Hour was one of the most powerful yet, featuring an extended interview with Edward Ring, Director of the Energy and Water Policy Center of California, who offered bold, practical solutions to fix the state's water crisis — and its failing approach to energy. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill called the interview “must-listen radio for anyone who cares about the future of California agriculture.” Ring, often referred to by listeners as the “Water Master,” began by discussing the fallout from Proposition 50, warning that it could further weaken rural representation in Sacramento. “We can only hope that some of these new leaders visit the people they represent,” he said. “Farming towns can't survive without water — and there's no California without farming.” Ring emphasized that California's water shortages are man-made, not natural. “Five million acres of farmland in the San Joaquin Valley need about 15 million acre-feet of water every year,” he said. “If we can't pump it from the Delta or the ground, where is it supposed to come from?” He argued that excessive regulations, litigation, and stalled infrastructure projects have crippled the state's water system. Among his top solutions: Run the Delta pumps harder — “They're restricted far beyond reason,” Ring said. “Just running those pumps at capacity through winter could supply enough water to prevent massive farmland loss.” Dredge the Delta — Ring proposed removing built-up silt to double water flow, strengthen levees, and reduce salinity. “It's a win-win — more water, safer levees, and better flow management.” Recharge groundwater — Using percolation basins and paleo channels identified by radar, he said, “We can refill the San Joaquin aquifers faster and with less land than people think.” Build smart storage — Ring urged the revival of the Temperance Flat and Sites Reservoir projects, both stalled for years despite voter approval. Desalination at scale — “California could desalinate a million acre-feet of water a year at two coastal sites for less than one percent of our total energy use,” he said. “We have the technology — we just lack the political courage.” Beyond water, Ring challenged California's energy and climate policies, calling the current system “a web of fear and inefficiency.” He argued that the state's obsession with climate mandates has paralyzed progress. “If we have abundant, affordable water and energy, we can adapt to any climate,” he said. “But if we keep shutting down resources, we destroy prosperity.” Ring also highlighted a little-known source of methane emissions — natural oil seepage — arguing that California's refusal to drill is actually worsening environmental problems. “We're importing oil from nations with no environmental standards, while our own wells sit capped,” he said. “If we extracted our oil responsibly, we'd reduce leaks, create jobs, and stabilize energy costs.” Papagni called the discussion “one of the most important interviews we've ever done.” McGill agreed: “Edward Ring isn't just diagnosing the problem — he's offering the roadmap to fix it.” The interview will conclude Monday with part two, where Ring tackles climate policy, energy independence, and what he calls “the real path to a sustainable California.”

Founded in 1975, UCSF Fresno commemorates 50 remarkable years of training local doctors and improving healthcare in California's Central Valley in 2025. UCSF Fresno is a regional campus of UCSF's School of Medicine, located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley. By both serving and drawing strength from extraordinarily deep community roots, UCSF Fresno brings critical health care to families while to growing the next generation of health care providers and researchers. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40987]

Founded in 1975, UCSF Fresno commemorates 50 remarkable years of training local doctors and improving healthcare in California's Central Valley in 2025. UCSF Fresno is a regional campus of UCSF's School of Medicine, located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley. By both serving and drawing strength from extraordinarily deep community roots, UCSF Fresno brings critical health care to families while to growing the next generation of health care providers and researchers. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40987]

Founded in 1975, UCSF Fresno commemorates 50 remarkable years of training local doctors and improving healthcare in California's Central Valley in 2025. UCSF Fresno is a regional campus of UCSF's School of Medicine, located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley. By both serving and drawing strength from extraordinarily deep community roots, UCSF Fresno brings critical health care to families while to growing the next generation of health care providers and researchers. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40987]

This episode features the spooky short story Forever Yours by James Patrick Focarile. It is read by local actor Kevin Broden. Forever Yours was originally published in Mystery Tribune Magazine and then Kings River Life Magazine. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Our theme song was written and performed by Kevin Memley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode! If you would like to help support this podcast and Kings River Life financially, and get some fun rewards, check out our Patreon Page. You can also make a one time donation through Paypal and you can purchase some fun Mysteryrat's Maze merchandise on Redbubble. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

The October 14 edition of the AgNet News Hour showcased two powerful voices shaping the future of California agriculture — Priscilla Koepke, CEO of F3 Innovate, and Mando Perez, Southern California PCA with Semios and this year's CAPCA Member of the Year. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill led conversations that connected the past, present, and future of farming — from technology and education to leadership in the field. Koepke began the program by outlining F3 Innovate's mission: to transform the Central Valley into a world-class hub for agricultural technology and innovation. The organization, funded through federal, state, and local partnerships, focuses on bridging the gap between research, education, and real-world farming applications. “We're here to connect scientists, students, and farmers so innovation doesn't just stay in the lab — it gets to the field,” Koepke said. One of F3's priorities is preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Through partnerships with Fresno State, community colleges, and local schools, F3 Innovate teaches robotics, AI, and automation to students of all ages. “We want to show young people that ag isn't just about tractors — it's about technology, sustainability, and feeding the world,” Koepke said. She pointed to the new AI for Agriculture Supercomputing Center as a game-changer for data-driven farming, noting that agriculture is now one of the fastest-growing sectors for tech innovation in California. Koepke also highlighted that innovation must reach small and medium-size farms, not just large operations. “If technology isn't affordable and accessible, it's not a solution,” she said. “We want every grower — regardless of acreage — to be part of agriculture's next chapter.” In the second half of the program, the spotlight turned to Mando Perez, who was recently honored as CAPCA's 2025 Member of the Year. Perez, who manages PCA operations in the southern San Joaquin Valley, reflected on his journey from citrus groves to overseeing 17,000 acres of crops. He credited mentors and his family for helping him stay committed through years of hard work. “You don't win awards like this alone,” Perez said. “It's about the team, the growers, and the people who push you to do better every day.” Perez also discussed the rapid adoption of smart irrigation and pest management technology, explaining how platforms like Semios give growers instant insights into field conditions. “Technology is only useful if it saves the grower time and money,” he said. “Our goal is to simplify decision-making — not complicate it.” Both guests shared a common theme: agriculture's future depends on innovation, education, and collaboration. As Papagni put it, “California farmers are leading the world — but we've got to make sure the next generation is ready to carry that torch.”

How Prop 50 could reshape districts in the San Joaquin Valley. Reactions and impacts of the Trump Administration firing three immigration judges in Sacramento. Finally, our monthly Arts Talk explores creative opportunities across the region.

The September 19 edition of the AgNet News Hour wrapped up the week with powerful insights into California's most pressing issue: water. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Edward Ring, Director of Energy and Water Policy at the California Policy Center, for what they called one of the program's “top powerhouse interviews.” The show opened with lighter conversation about the weekend ahead and then touched on national food issues, including McDonald's pledge of $200 million toward regenerative agriculture practices. Partnering with Cargill, Coca-Cola, and USDA, the company is funding projects aimed at improving rangelands and promoting more sustainable cattle production. While Josh and Nick joked about whether fast food could ever truly be “healthy,” they agreed that corporate investment in soil health and pasture resilience is a step in the right direction for agriculture. From there, the conversation turned to water, where Ring wasted no time laying out bold ideas. He argued that California's chronic shortages are not the result of climate change or drought trends, but of policy failures and regulatory overreach. “Water means everything,” Ring emphasized, noting that abundance leads to affordable crops, healthier cities, and stronger manufacturing. Among his proposed solutions: Dredging the Delta to restore deeper, cooler channels that would help salmon populations while allowing more efficient pumping of floodwaters. Forest management, thinning overcrowded stands to reduce fire risk and increase runoff by an estimated two million acre-feet annually. Desalination and wastewater reuse, powered by hydropower and even modular nuclear reactors. New and expanded reservoirs, including Sites, Shasta, and Temperance Flat, to capture rain and snowmelt during wet years. Ring also highlighted the political roadblocks, pointing out that California received $7 billion from a past water bond yet failed to build meaningful infrastructure. He believes federal investment, combined with private-sector innovation from Silicon Valley, could break the logjam if state leaders finally prioritize abundance over scarcity. For farmers in the San Joaquin Valley frustrated with half water allocations despite record rains, Ring's message was clear: the problem is manmade — and solvable. Catch the full interview with Edward Ring below or on your favorite podcast app.

This episode features the first chapter of Murder at the Royal Albert by Gerald Elias. It is read by local actor Ariel Linn. Murder at the Royal Albert by Gerald Elias was published by Level Best Books in 2023 and is available for purchase. You can learn more about the author on his website.  In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Our theme song was written and performed by Kevin Memley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode! If you would like to help support this podcast and Kings River Life financially, and get some fun rewards, check out our Patreon Page. You can also make a one time donation through Paypal and you can purchase some fun Mysteryrat's Maze merchandise on Redbubble. If you would like to help support this podcast and Kings River Life financially, and get some fun rewards, check out our Patreon Page. You can also make a one time donation through Paypal and you can purchase some fun Mysteryrat's Maze merchandise on Redbubble. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

My Job Depends on Ag: On today's AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Josh McGill highlighted the power of grassroots advocacy in agriculture with guest Steve Malanka, co-founder of the “My Job Depends on Ag” campaign. What began as a simple blue sticker has grown into one of the most recognizable marketing efforts in California agriculture—uniting farmers, ranchers, and supporters across the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. A Message That Stuck Malanka shared the origins of the campaign, which started with the idea of creating a visible reminder that agriculture supports not just farmers, but entire communities. The familiar sticker, often seen on trucks, tractors, and even storage tanks, carries the straightforward but powerful message: My Job Depends on Ag. One recent example of its reach came from Nutrien Ag Solutions, which displayed a 15-foot-wide decal on one of its massive storage tanks along Highway 33. For Malanka, seeing the message spread so widely underscores the campaign's mission of educating the public that food doesn't come from grocery stores—it begins with farmers who need water, land, and support to keep producing the safest, highest-quality food in the world. More Than a Sticker The campaign has also evolved into a fundraising effort that supports agricultural education. Proceeds from sticker sales go toward scholarships for high school seniors pursuing agriculture degrees. Over the past eight years, the program has contributed $10,000 annually to groups like the Center for Land-Based Learning, ensuring the next generation of ag leaders has resources to continue their education. “This isn't about making money—it's about reinvesting in the future of farming,” Malanka explained, noting that donations are routed through the Central Valley Community Foundation so all proceeds benefit students. Building Awareness and Unity Nick and Josh emphasized how the movement has become more than marketing—it's a bond among farmers and ag supporters. Spotting the sticker on the road has become a sign of solidarity, much like how FFA jackets unite students across the country. With California agriculture facing constant challenges—from water restrictions to growing imports—the hosts encouraged listeners to get involved. “We need to push this more than ever,” Nick said. “Education is huge, and this campaign helps spread the message.” To learn how to get a sticker or support the program, visit AgNetWest.com or email Nick at nick@agnetmedia.com.

Last year I picked up a book called ‘​Moonbound​' by Robin Sloan and it blew me away. Reading it was like riding some rainbow-speckled rocket ship where I experienced the bizarre combination of having no idea what was going on while not being able to wait for what happened next. The book was full of talking beavers. Talking swords! Strange video games. And ever-expanding worlds with wizards, who maybe aren't really wizards, and oh—it's narrated by a microscopic AI-type chronicler, who's been in many different lives across millennia and who now sits inside our protagonist's left shoulder. The writing was like a jacked up ‘Star Wars' meets ‘Cloud Atlas' by ​David Mitchell​ featuring Willy Wonka and Mad Hatter types with moments of poignancy dashed in to let us see, and see around, our endlessly twisting lives together. It is a big, loud, cymbal crash of a book so after I was done I reached out to the giant-minded author Robin Sloan to invite him on the show. Robin Sloan is a writer, printer, and manufacturer—his new 3-word biography!—with three mind-expanding novels including ‘​Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore​', '​Sourdough​', and, of course, the magical '​Moonbound​'. Robin splits his time between the San Francisco Bay Area and the San Joaquin Valley of California where he (wait for it) manufactures California extra virgin olive oil. He also (yes) prints wonderful zines and sends out a delightfully nerdy newsletter every 29 1/2 days via his ​website​. Strap in as we discuss social media, AI ethics, childhood obsession, books as technology, olive oil, working with your partner, myths and identity, and, of course, the brilliant Robin Sloan's 3 most formative books… Let's flip the page to Chapter 152 now...

Who knew there was a desert in the San Joaquin Valley inhabited by the “valley dragon,” aka, the “blunt-nosed leopard lizard.”  The lizards have disappeared from 85% of their historical range as a result of  agriculture, rural and urban development and pesticides, and are now threatened in what remains of the San Joaquin Desert.  The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is raising leopard lizards and releasing them back into the wild, equipped with radio telemetry backpacks.  Join host Ronnie Lipschutz on Sunday, August 31st for a conversation about the desert and the lizards, with guests Dr. Rory Telemeco, Research Director at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, and Dr. Michael Westphal, from the Bureau of Land Management.

California Farmers Under Pressure: California agriculture continues to face mounting challenges, and Andrew Genasci, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau, says advocacy is more important than ever. Speaking on the AgNet News Hour, Genasci shared how his background as a fourth-generation dairyman gives him perspective when representing farmers on the front lines of political and regulatory battles. “I know what it's like when the milk pump breaks at 3 a.m. or when a calf needs pulling on a holiday,” Genasci explained. “That experience helps me connect with elected officials and remind them that farmers are small business owners who don't clock out when something goes wrong.” Over-regulation at the Core When asked about the biggest issues heading into 2025, Genasci pointed to overregulation. From water restrictions and burn bans to mounting labor costs and overtime rules, he says Sacramento continues to push policies that squeeze family farms. “You've got legislators looking at 2,000 bills a year, and many of them impact agriculture. At some point you have to ask if we really need all these new laws,” he said. The impact goes beyond farmers' bottom lines. Genasci emphasized that overregulation drives up grocery store prices for families. “When we ban insecticides or cut labor hours, those costs show up at the checkout line. California farmers produce the safest, healthiest food in the world, but we're competing against imports from countries that don't face the same restrictions.” Water, Land, and Labor Genasci highlighted water as the single most pressing concern. While 2014's Proposition 1 promised billions for new storage projects, little progress has been made. Farmers in the San Joaquin Valley are forced to make tough choices, from fallowing ground to converting farmland into solar developments under AB 1156. Labor is another hurdle. “Farmers are paying $20 an hour just to compete with McDonald's. Once you add overtime, you're looking at $30 to $40 an hour—costs that simply aren't sustainable,” Genasci said. The result is fewer hours for workers and an accelerated push toward automation and robotics. A Call for Advocacy Despite the frustration, Genasci is clear: the fight for California agriculture is not lost. He urges farmers to stay engaged with organizations like Farm Bureau. “If we're not at the table in Sacramento and D.C., someone else is. Whether it's environmental groups or labor groups, they're telling their story. We need to tell ours.” He also sees education as key, especially for future generations. Through scholarships, FFA, and 4-H, Farm Bureau works to connect youth with agriculture. “They may not all stay in farming, but they'll understand the responsibility and the value of what it takes to put food on the table,” he said. As California continues to grapple with regulation, water shortages, and shifting labor markets, Genasci remains committed to ensuring farmers have a strong voice: “God gave us the best land in the world to farm. If we're going to keep feeding America and the world, we've got to fight for it.”

This episode features the mystery short story A Funny Name by Gregory Meece, read by local actor MW Hoffman. A Funny Name was published by Kings River Life Magazine in January of 2024.  In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Our theme song was written and performed by Kevin Memley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode! If you would like to help support this podcast and Kings River Life financially, and get some fun rewards, check out our Patreon Page. You can also make a one time donation through Paypal and you can purchase some fun Mysteryrat's Maze merchandise on Redbubble. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

California Citrus Mutual shares that the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley is calling for major investment to tackle the state's growing water crisis.

A widespread roof rat infestation is causing serious damage across the San Joaquin Valley, prompting new pest management efforts and industry support.

It's YOUR time to #EdUpStay ahead of the conversation in higher ed. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.comIn this episode, President Series #385, powered by ⁠⁠⁠Ellucian⁠⁠⁠,YOUR guest is Vernon Harper Jr., President, CSU BakersfieldYOUR host is ⁠⁠Dr. Joe SallustioHow does CSU Bakersfield serve as "Kern County's university" in California's San Joaquin Valley?What does it mean to be designated as an "Opportunity University" by the Carnegie Foundation?How does a university balance slow, methodical change with modern consumer expectations for speed?Topics include:Leading a Hispanic-serving institution in one of America's most important agricultural regionsServing 10,500 students in a region that produces 25% of America's food supplyBreaking ground on an $83 million Energy Innovation Building to double engineering capacityListen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!P.S. Support the podcast trusted by higher ed leaders. Get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content by supporting Elvin & Joe for only $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year. YOU can also donate or gift a subscription at edupexperience.com

This Monday's AgNet News Hour kicks off with sunshine, good vibes, and a full slate of critical updates from the Central Valley and beyond. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill bring listeners the latest on California agriculture, with a special spotlight on the table grape industry and its growing season. Joining the program is Ian LeMay, President and CEO of the California Table Grape Commission, who shares an in-depth update on this year's crop. Following an unusually moderate spring and early summer, conditions have been nearly ideal for growers. The Coachella Valley harvest is wrapping up, and San Joaquin Valley production is now in full swing. LeMay confirms that this year's table grapes are maturing beautifully, with strong sugar levels and high-quality yields hitting grocery store shelves across the U.S. and internationally. But it's not just about flavor and freshness. LeMay dives into the international trade landscape and what it means for California growers. With negotiations heating up around the August 1 tariff deadlines, the industry is cautiously optimistic. Canada remains the top export destination for California grapes, and maintaining those relationships through political turbulence is a top priority. LeMay also touches on the labor challenges facing California agriculture. Despite repeated efforts in Congress—including bipartisan support for the Farm Workforce Modernization Act—comprehensive reform remains elusive. LeMay stresses the importance of skilled labor in the field and hopes leaders can find a path forward that supports both workers and growers. Whether you're interested in crop quality, trade negotiations, or labor policy, today's episode is packed with insights from one of the state's most active ag voices. Tune in to hear how California's table grape season is shaping up—and what lies ahead for the industry.

A Stranger Things Haunted House will debut at Singapore's Halloween Horror Nights, joining the returning house, Singapore's Most Haunted: Build to Horror, two yet-to-be-announced houses, two scare zones, and three live shows. Also this week: "Terrifier" Comes to US Halloween Horror Nights; Howl-O-Scream San Diego Returns; "Fresno Fright Nights" Comes to San Joaquin Valley; Freakling Bros. Pauses 2025 Event; Woods of Terror Hosts Behind the Scenes Tour; IKEA's Halloween Collection Returns; "Scary Farm: Nightmares Revealed" scheduled for August 19th. Read more here. 

How federal Medicaid cuts could impact healthcare across the San Joaquin Valley. Also, the white sturgeon population is among the lowest recorded in California. Finally, the Spoken Word Federation hosts a performance poetry event.

This episode features the mystery short story Perfect Partner by Vinnie Hansen. It is read by local actor Shannon Muir. Perfect Partner was published in the Sisters in Crime Guppies' Hook, Line, and Sinker anthology in early 2023. You can learn more about the author on her website. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Our theme song was written and performed by Kevin Memley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode! If you would like to help support this podcast and Kings River Life financially, and get some fun rewards, check out our Patreon Page. You can also make a one time donation through Paypal and you can purchase some fun Mysteryrat's Maze merchandise on Redbubble. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

Ozone high in the stratosphere protects us from the Sun's ultraviolet light. But ozone near the ground is a pollutant that harms people and plants.

From his famed Harris Ranch Resort near Interstate 5 to his sprawling 800-acre feed lot with more than 100,000 head of cattle, Harris was one of the original titans of California agriculture. John Harris, a longtime farmer, cattle rancher, and philanthropist, died on Wednesday, leaving behind an indelible mark on San Joaquin Valley agriculture. He was 81. Guest Co-Host: Joe Basile 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 | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Art is Awesome, the show where we talk with an artist or art worker with a connection to the San Francisco Bay Area. This week, Emily features an insightful interview with artist Ester Hernandez. Ester shares her journey from growing up in a farm town in the San Joaquin Valley to becoming a renowned printmaker. She discusses the impact of growing up in a culturally rich Mexican environment and her experiences at UC Berkeley, where she studied various art forms despite facing challenges as a woman of color. A central focus of the episode is Ester's famous piece, 'Sun Mad', which critiques the use of pesticides in farming and has been displayed in prestigious museums worldwide. She also reflects on her early love for drawing, the inspiration from friends Sandra Cisneros and Alice Walker, and her ongoing effort to document her family's history with cotton farming in a new book. About Artist Ester Hernandez:Ester Hernandez was born in California's San Joaquin Valley to a Mexican/Yaqui farm worker family. The UC Berkeley graduate is an internationally acclaimed San Francisco-based visual artist. She is best known for her depiction of Latina/Native women through her pastels, prints and installations. Her work reflects social, political, ecological and spiritual themes.Hernandez has had numerous national and international solo and group shows. Among others, her work is included in the permanent collections of the National Museum of American Art – Smithsonian; Library of Congress; MoMA, New York; Legion of Honor, San Francisco; National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago; Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, Mexico City; Museum of Contemporary Native Art, Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, NM; Victoria and Albert Museum, London.  Her artistic and personal archives are housed at Stanford University.Visit Ester's Website:  EsterHernandez.comFollow Ester on Instagram: @EsterHernandezArt--About Podcast Host Emily Wilson:Emily a writer in San Francisco, with work in outlets including Hyperallergic, Artforum, 48 Hills, the Daily Beast, California Magazine, Latino USA, and Women's Media Center. She often writes about the arts. For years, she taught adults getting their high school diplomas at City College of San Francisco.Follow Emily on Instagram: @PureEWilFollow Art Is Awesome on Instagram: @ArtIsAwesome_PodcastA Better World: A Comic About Ester Hernandez--CREDITS:Art Is Awesome is Hosted, Created & Executive Produced by Emily Wilson. Theme Music "Loopster" Courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 LicenseThe Podcast is Co-Produced, Developed & Edited by Charlene Goto of @GoToProductions. For more info, visit Go-ToProductions.com

This episode features the first chapter of The Language of Bodies by Suzanne DeWitt Hall. It is read by local actor Cady Mejias. The Language of Bodies by Suzanne DeWitt Hall was published by ‎Woodhall Press in 2022 and is available for purchase. You can learn more about the author on her website. In honor of Pride month, we are featuring a story with LGBTQ+ main characters. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Our theme song was written and performed by Kevin Memley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode! If you would like to help support this podcast and Kings River Life financially, and get some fun rewards, check out our Patreon Page. You can also make a one time donation through Paypal and you can purchase some fun Mysteryrat's Maze merchandise on Redbubble. If you would like to help support this podcast and Kings River Life financially, and get some fun rewards, check out our Patreon Page. You can also make a one time donation through Paypal and you can purchase some fun Mysteryrat's Maze merchandise on Redbubble. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

Happy Monday, growers, ranchers, and ag industry partners! If you're searching for insights that will help you navigate challenges in the field and beyond, tune in to today's AgNet News Hour. We've packed it with stories that truly matter to your operation. We start off with a revealing conversation with Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities, who breaks down the freight crisis that's gripping California and the nation. With spiraling insurance costs, driver shortages, and a patchwork of policies, getting your produce to market is tougher than ever. Nick explains how this hits your bottom line and what's needed to get our supply chains moving smoothly again. Next up, we dig into the rise of produce theft, highlighted by a recent cherry heist in the San Joaquin Valley. As cherry prices soar, criminals are increasingly targeting these high-value crops. We break down how to protect your farm and what's driving these troubling trends. This episode also dives into the world of dairy. We're joined by Dr. Kevin Dill and Dr. Katie Bradley from Purina Animal Nutrition to explore the critical role of gut health in fresh cows. Learn how focusing on gut health during lactation's early days sets the stage for long-term productivity and herd health. For dairy producers, this is a segment not to miss! We wrap up the hour with Dave Puglia, President of Western Growers Association, who discusses California's ongoing water issues and how international trade policy is shifting the ground beneath our feet. From drought adaptations to tariff battles, Puglia's insights are invaluable for every grower and processor working to stay competitive. If you're in agriculture, you need to be in the know. Today's AgNet News Hour covers everything from the orchard to the boardroom, with real conversations about what's happening now — and what's next.

In part one of our series on water in the Central Valley of California, we visited a town called East Orosi, which has been fighting for clean water for over 20 years. This week we turn our attention to their sewage system, which is also falling apart. Why has it been so difficult for East Orosi to get clean drinking water and fix its sewage problems? To answer that question we take a look at the entities that run things like sewage and water in unincorporated towns all across California. They're called Community Utility Districts. Community Utility Districts are often one of the only forms of self governance in unincorporated towns. But they're staffed by volunteers, they're underfunded, and they're trying to share a vital resource, water, which is also slowly disappearing in the San Joaquin Valley. We talk about the problems with Community Utility Districts and ways to save them. GUESTS: Berta Diaz Ochoa – community member of East Orosi Janaki Anagha – Director of Advocacy, Community Water Center Kayla Vander Schuur – Community Development Specialist, Self Help Enterprises Carlos Sanchez – board member of the East Orosi Community Utilities District Maricela Mares-Alatorre – Community Solutions Advocate, Community Water Center   The post Thirsting For Justice (part two): Community Utility Districts and East Orosi's Drinking Water Problems (encore) appeared first on KPFA.

Today's poem will leave you “knowing very well what it was all about.” Happy reading.Gary Soto was born in Fresno, California on April 12, 1952, to working-class Mexican American parents. As a teenager and college student, he worked in the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, chopping beets and cotton and picking grapes. He was not academically motivated as a child, but he became interested in poetry during his high school years. He attended Fresno City College and California State University–Fresno, and he earned an MFA from the University of California–Irvine in 1976.His first collection of poems, The Elements of San Joaquin (University of Pittsburgh Press), won the United States Award of the International Poetry Forum in 1976 and was published in 1977. Since then, Soto has published numerous books of poetry, including You Kiss by th' Book: New Poems from Shakespeare's Line (Chronicle Books, 2016), A Simple Plan (Chronicle Books, 2007), and New and Selected Poems (Chronicle Books, 1995), which was a finalist for the National Book Award.Soto cites his major literary influences as Edward Field, Pablo Neruda, W. S. Merwin, Gabriel García Márquez, Christopher Durang, and E. V. Lucas. Of his work, the writer Joyce Carol Oates has said, “Gary Soto's poems are fast, funny, heartening, and achingly believable, like Polaroid love letters, or snatches of music heard out of a passing car; patches of beauty like patches of sunlight; the very pulse of a life.”Soto has also written three novels, including Amnesia in a Republican County (University of New Mexico Press, 2003); a memoir, Living Up the Street (Strawberry Hill Press, 1985); and numerous young adult and children's books. For the Los Angeles Opera, he wrote the libretto to Nerdlandia, an opera.Soto has received the Andrew Carnegie Medal and fellowships from the California Arts Council, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. He lives in Northern California.-bio via Academy of American Poets This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe

We talk to our friend and therapist Daniela Sarmina and ask her to share with us some helpful resources and tips on how we can cope with the chaos that's been around us since the election. Daniela, or Dani as we like to call her, is a licensed therapist, creative, and student of life. Born in Mexico City and raised in the San Joaquin Valley, she draws from her lived experience to help others uncover and honor their own strength and wisdom. A self-proclaimed goofball, with a BA in theater, she incorporates elements of play, joy, compassion and science to help others manage life stressors and achieve their goals. Dani tells us about her journey into becoming a therapist and gives us practical tips to help us practice self care during these challenging times. Plus, on this Tamarindo Podcast exclusive, she launches the Wellness Playground where she'll be sharing her expertise through her private practice. Follow her work on Instagram: @wellnesss_playground  Tamarindo is a lighthearted show hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval talking about politics, culture, and self-development. We're here to uplift our community through powerful conversations with changemakers, creatives, and healers. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, representation, and life! You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Karina Riveroll of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here.  SUPPORT OUR SHOW Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices