Elizabeth Arakelian
Director of RadioA Valley native, Elizabeth earned her bachelor's degree in English Language Literatures from the University of California, Santa Cruz and her master's degree in journalism from New York University. She has covered a range of beats. Her agriculture reporting for the Turlock Journal earned her a first place award from the California Newspaper Publishers Association.
While in graduate school she covered the New Hampshire Primary for NBC Owned Television Stations and subsequently worked as a television ratings analyst for the company's business news network, CNBC. Upon returning to California, her role as a higher education public relations professional reconnected her to the Valley's media scene. She is happy to be back to her journalism roots at KVPR.
Elizabeth has hosted KVPR's local broadcasts of Morning Edition and All Things Considered. She is currently KVPR's Director of Radio, and the host of KVPR's Central Valley Daily podcast.
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The Fresno arts community was shaken after reports that $1.5 million in taxpayer funding was allegedly embezzled from the Fresno Arts Council. When reporter Doug Hoagland wasn’t getting answers from the city, he published an open letter calling out one official in particular. On today’s episode, Hoagland discusses what prompted the letter and where the investigation stands today. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno County won’t recognize Cesar Chavez Day, and Attorney General Rob Bonta weighs in on lawsuit against desert ICE facility. -
Students across the country left school in February to protest the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions. In the city of Clovis, school district officials said they witnessed adults encouraging students to leave school. Then, threats of criminal charges followed. On today’s episode, Nigel Duara with our news partner CalMatters breaks down where things stand today.
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The name “Cesar Chavez” turned from a symbol of benevolence into a blemish seemingly overnight, after a New York Times report detailed allegations of a pattern of sexual misconduct by the late civil rights leader. On today’s episode, KVPR News Director Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado and Associate Editor Kerry Klein break down how the region of Central California, where Chavez built a farmworker movement, is reckoning with his fall from grace. Plus, the latest news headlines: What a new voter poll reveals ahead of the midterms, and California sues the federal EPA.
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Renters in the city of Merced are pushing to improve housing conditions. Some say they live in unsafe conditions and are calling out so-called slumlords for the problem. Alma Villegas with The Merced FOCUS breaks down how the residents are organizing and how the city is responding. Plus, the latest news headlines: Local reaction to damning reports about the late civil rights leader Cesar E. Chavez.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to permanently fund so-called “community schools” in California. This model provides more comprehensive services for students in need than traditional public schools. On today’s episode, Lasherica Thornton with our news partner EdSource recounts her visit to a community school classroom in Coarsegold. Plus, the latest news headlines: rumors surface about potential abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez; and farmworkers plan to rally in Fresno.
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In the Central Valley, communities of young immigrants are finding financial value in a very old system of community lending with a modern twist. KVPR’s Israel Cardona Hernandez brings us a story on money pools known as “tandas.” Plus, the latest news headlines: Nurses in Fresno plan a “sympathy” strike; and prosecutors back reforms to mental health diversions.
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The reserves at the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission dwindled from $15 million a few years ago to just $125,000. The anti-poverty organization helps thousands of Fresno County’s most vulnerable residents. On today’s episode, Gregory Weaver with our news partner Fresnoland explains why there are more questions than answers about the missing money.
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A little-known developer is proposing building houses on private land near the edge of Yosemite National Park. On today’s episode, San Francisco Chronicle reporter Kurtis Alexander explains the reaction in Mariposa County, plus the state law that could work in the developer’s favor. Plus, the latest news headlines: Iran’s alleged threats against California are backtracked; and a candidate for governor pitches free college.
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The topic of immigration is often debated in policy terms. But there are people who are deeply impacted by it. An art exhibit in Fresno aims to show the human cost of these policies. On today’s episode, we go to Arte Américas in downtown Fresno to speak with artist Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana about her exhibit “Humanizar Historias.” Plus, the latest news headlines: U.S. says Iran has threatened California with drone strikes, and a state voter ID law is moving forward.
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Miles Menetrey isn’t just a Mariposa County Supervisor – he’s now also the chair of the Rural County Representatives of California. On today’s episode, we speak with Menetrey to discuss the issues his region is facing and how he plans to advocate for Mariposa County and other rural areas in this new role. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno residents feel the pain of rising gas prices, and an immigration detention facility gets the green light in California City.
