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On Valley Edition: Measure G; HWY 99; Serbian Festival; Fire Camps

measure g
Joe Moore
/
Valley Public Radio
measure g

This week on Valley Edition we explore some of the issues that matter to the residents of Central California, including the expansion of Highway 99, a Fresno based garbage debate and more. 

But first, reducing overcrowding at California prisons is not easy. Generally, inmates must either be released or given more space, which is expensive. But there is a third option. Inmates can be sent to fire camps.  That's a cornerstone of Governor Jerry Brown's plan to reduce prison overcrowding in response to a federal court order.  State Government Reporter Katie Orr takes a closer look at what these campsentail.  

Whether you’re a motorist in Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced or the towns in between, Drivers in the Central Valley know how rough it is to be stuck in traffic on Highway 99. But a series of highway widening projects on the route may eventually alleviate congestion issues. Valley Public Radio’s Ezra Romero asks Caltrans spokeswoman Gloria Rodriguez about when Valley residents will notice a difference. 

Also on the program, Fresno's Serbian community is throwing a one day festival where Serbian and Russian culture will be celebrated. Valley Edition Host Juanita Stevenson interviews Father George Gligich of Saint Peter Serbian Orthodox Church in Fresno to discuss the annual Serbian Food Festival to be held on June 1. 

The second half of Valley Edition, focuses on an issue that has proved to be important to Fresno County residents. The issue trash collection, represented by Measure Gin an upcoming local special election to be held June 4. Stevenson questions members from both sides of the issue, starting with Former Fresno County Supervisor Dough Vagim who opposesMeasure G. In the last 15 minutes of the show Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin chimes in on her supportof privatizing the regions waste collection. 

Guests

Serbian Festival

Very Reverend George- St. Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church, Fresno, Calif. 

Yes on Measure G

Doug Vagim – Former Fresno County Supervisor - No on Measure G

Fresno Mayor Ashley SwearenginYes on Measure G  
 

Juanita Stevenson has lived and worked in Fresno for the past 24 years. She is perhaps best known to Valley residents as a longtime reporter and news anchor with local television station ABC30, and has also worked at stations KJWL, KYNO and ValleyPBS. She is the recipient of the 2001 Associated Press Award for Best Reporting, and the 1997 Radio & Television News Directors Association Regional Edward R. Murrow award for Best Reporting.
Ezra David Romero is an award-winning radio reporter and producer. His stories have run on Morning Edition, Morning Edition Saturday, Morning Edition Sunday, All Things Considered, Here & Now, The Salt, Latino USA, KQED, KALW, Harvest Public Radio, etc.