Rachel Livinal

Election officials are urging voters to take advantage of ballot drop boxes after USPS changes to mail delivery last year caused a surge in late ballots.

These vintage signs in Merced, Fresno and Bakersfield are relics of businesses and community members from a time long past.

Drive through the San Joaquin Valley, and you’ll stumble upon at least four massive billboards from the mid-20th century advertising the soda brand 7UP. Where did they come from – and why are they here? KVPR’s Rachel Livinal reports on the quest by a few historians to learn the origins of these mysterious signs. Plus, the latest news headlines: Diocese of Fresno faces retirement plan crisis; and a Kings County judge faces a criminal charge. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden and Kerry Klein.

During an academic senate meeting last month, multiple Merced College faculty members voiced concern over rising tensions on campus and within administration, and called for peace.

Agave has become a more popular crop on California farms because of its resistance and tolerance of drought and heat. Valley schools like UC Merced are trying to answer farmers’ and policymakers’ questions about the crop. We speak to KVPR’s Rachel Livinal about agave’s expansion into classrooms. Plus, the latest news headlines: The City of Fresno talks financing over South SEDA; plus fast-food drive-through lanes contributing to air pollution. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Rachel Livinal, Kerry Klein, and Jonathan Linden.

The Fresno County Library is offering a library card with the Fresno Nightcrawler on its cover for the month of September.

Merced leaders are requesting more meetings with state leaders and the establishment of a mitigation plan.

UC Merced, Madera Community College and the Merced County Office of Education are all in the early stages of developing research, career pathways and curriculum around agave farming.

Thanks to a California law placing stringent water restrictions on Central Valley farmers, many are looking for alternatives in new crops that require little water. They’re planting a succulent often used in Mexico to make tequila and mezcal called agave. On today’s episode, KVPR’s Rachel Livinal takes us to a Merced farm to learn why many farmers are betting on this plant, and how they intend to localize the agave industry. Plus, the latest news headlines: Bakersfield residents raise questions over ‘Flock’ cameras; and Fresno mayor joins others to support a housing bond. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.

As California’s groundwater law increases restrictions for farmers across the state, some growers in the San Joaquin Valley are switching to agave for its heat tolerance and low water usage.