In this episode of The Other California, Host Alice Daniel starts out by sharing her own story about what brought her to the San Joaquin Valley, her first impressions, and how reporting on the stories of the people who live in the many small towns in the region allowed her to better see the richness of the place, the real ridges, the diversity, the distinctness of a land that is truly like no other as well as the vital role of the Valley in the state’s history. An old friend from Tennessee, Mike, also makes an appearance in this episode due to his unbridled enthusiasm for the Valley and his deep understanding of just how unique this place really is. Mike introduces listeners to a Southern phrase that’s apt for those who just don’t “get” or appreciate the Valley. “Bless their hearts,” he says.
Alice also talks to organic peach farmer and writer Mas Masumoto and peach farmer and activist Nikiko Masumoto about what The Other California means to them. And there’s an interview from the late writer and historian Gerald Haslam, who coined the phrase The Other California to define the part of California that is often forgotten about and even snubbed, the part that isn’t Hollywood, beautiful beaches and movie stars.
In Ridges, Alice sets up the rest of the episodes where she and the KVPR news team delve into fascinating stories in the small towns that represent The Other California.
Credits: This episode of the Other California was written and produced by Alice Daniel, mixing and sound design by Rob Speight, with editorial help from Polly Stryker. Web support from Alex Burke. Technical support from Don Weaver. Joe Moore is our president and general manager. Special thanks to the KVPR news team - Madi Bolanos, Soreath Hok, Kerry Klein and Kathleen Schock. And a huge thank you to Omar Naré and Jim Karagozian, two Fresno-based musicians who kindly provided music for this episode.
