Sunday Morning Matters: The Podcast: Recent Episodes
KSEE24
Sunday Morning Matters covers politics in California's Central Valley, and the TV version airs weekly on KSEE24 after Meet the Press.
157: Mass shootings and the response, Fresno homelessness and Dyer's new role by KSEE24
156: Madera after hospital, water storage, Fresno Unified future, and homeless in Selland Arena by KSEE24
155: Electing a speaker, Valadao's support for McCarthy, hospital closure in Madera by KSEE24
As 2022 comes to an end, Sunday Morning Matters takes a look back on the year's political news.A year filled with political controversy and investigation, even allegations of extortion and courtroom drama. The year also featured a heated Fresno City Council with disagreements over the Tower Theatre, councilmember pay raises and providing money for Planned Parenthood. Also, school board meetings become ground zero for a war of words and Joseph Castro's rise to become CSU chancellor - then his resignation.The year ended with a midterm election that could impact politics in the Central Valley for years to come.The year's big stories are all broken down in Sunday Morning Matters' Year in Review.
153: John Duarte in congress, state elections undecided, Esparza's time in court is over by KSEE24
152: Valadao on winning, Janz on being the new Fresno city attorney, Westlands GM retires by KSEE24
151: McCarthy as Speaker, Costa wins again, counting the votes after election day by KSEE24
149: Castro on CSU misconduct report, Dyer on Armenia vote, politics and Merced family kidnapping by KSEE24
148: Valadao and water, U.S. aid to Armenia, will there be criminal charges against Trump? by KSEE24
147: "Weaponizing" the DA's office, final weeks of campaigns, which parties are connecting by KSEE24
146: Fresno State after Castro, voter guide controversy, and Fresno Unified altercation with student by KSEE24
144: Abortion and Fresno City Council, Villaraigosa and high-speed rail, bills signed last minute by KSEE24
143: Fresno Unified post pandemic, battle over Congressional District 13, and the panel by KSEE24
142: Cox's federal charges, Bullard High's phone ban, money for Planned Parenthood by KSEE24
141: Sales tax measure, the legal basis to raid Trump's home, and Bullard High's phone policy by KSEE24
140: Valadao on Jan. 6 hearings, a financial foxhole for California, and climate change plans by KSEE24
135: An independent audit on the way for the City of Fresno, Newsom's gas rebate proposal by KSEE24
134: The state of the state, high speed rail and more on the Brown Act investigation by KSEE24
133: DA talks Brown Act, school mask mandates and Fresno's mayor talks Ukraine by KSEE24
132: Invasion in Ukraine and the "European security issue", removing the masks, and campaign season by KSEE24
130: Magsig's change, chaos at Fresno Unified board meeting, and Newsom's maskless moment by KSEE24
128: Gov. Newsom's budget plan, Borgeas not running, and a new city council president by KSEE24
128: One year since the Capitol Hill riot, prop 47, and who will fill Nunes' seat? by KSEE24
126: Nunes retires, a special election ensues, and Mayor Jerry Dyer talks "One Fresno" by KSEE24
125: The omicron variant arrives in California and Fresno State's library name woes by KSEE24
124: Controversial redistricting and Rep. Valadao speaks on the passed infrastructure bill by KSEE24
121: Redistricting, pot dispensaries, and did the recent rain help the Central Valley's drought? by KSEE24
120: A Fresno County foster youth disaster, redistricting and vaccine mandate walkouts by KSEE24
119: Vaccine mandate outrage and no more school board meetings via Zoom for Clovis Unified by KSEE24
118: High speed derail, Jewel Hurtado speaks, and more state vaccine mandates by KSEE24
117: City Hall allegations, potential gov't shutdown and 30 years of Armenian independence by KSEE24
115: Valley visits from Governor and candidates, Afghanistan aftermath, and a vaccine mandate by KSEE24
114: The Recall begins, conflict at Fresno Unified, and the end of war in Afghanistan by KSEE24
112: The student masking debate continues, recall polls tighten, and Larry Elder speaks, by KSEE24
111: Kevin Kiley speaks, Adam Schiff on 1/6 committee, and controversy for a Valley council member by KSEE24
110: California's $262 billion budget, Jenner speaks, and is the U.S. government hiding UFOs? by KSEE24
109: Talking with Dyer on the State of the City, recall election, Granite Park, and wildfires. by KSEE24
108: Division over the pride flag, a local man in the recall race, and UFO secrets unveiled by KSEE24
106: Dolores Huerta, conflict in the Middle East, and controversy over school naming by KSEE24
105: Newsom's spending plan, Kevin Faulconer at the Freedom Fest, and mask requirements. by KSEE24
104: Drought emergency, gubernatorial campaigning, prison release, PPP tax relief by KSEE24
103: Recalling Newsom, Oliver Baines on police reform, and California's lost seat in Congress by KSEE24
102: A verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, genocide acknowledged, California's new top cop speaks by KSEE24
101: No more emergency in Fresno County, schools reopening, recalling Newsom, sparks at Paso Robles by KSEE24
100: Costa on Biden's infrastructure plan, Fresno County DA on Newsom, and Asian-American violence. by KSEE24
099: Jill Biden visits, Rep. Valadao on infrastructure package, Tower Theatre sale by KSEE24
098: Fresno's deadly crimewave, competitor for Newsom, legal marijuana, and immigration. by KSEE24
097: Recalling Newsom, the State of the State, Elizabeth Heng, and COVID-19 relief by KSEE24
096: Money to reopen schools, hazard pay in Fresno, the attack on Iran, Clovis City Council vote by KSEE24
095: The Tower Theatre, GOP rejecting David Valadao, and Clovis City Council elections by KSEE24
094: Mayor Dyer on Biden's plan, Sen. Borgeas on small business help, the Tower Theatre sale. by KSEE24
093: Newsom on Valley's vaccines, suing Fresno Unified, vaccines and recalling the governor by KSEE24
092: John Cox on Kevin Faulconer, tension on the Tower Theatre purchase, and the panel. by KSEE24
091: Kevin Faulconer, anti-mask demonstrators, and the battle over the Tower Theatre by KSEE24
Introducing President Biden, the impeachment proceedings, the deadly siege on Capitol Hill, and the panel weigh in on a cryptic message and Mitch McConnell's indictment of Trump.
David Valadao on voting to impeach the president, Fresno's new police chief on a busy start to the job, the VP's visit to NAS Lemoore, and the panel weighs in on the drama in D.C.
Exclusives with Mayor Jerry Dyer, Newsom’s top economic advisor Dee Dee Myers. Congressman Jim Costa describes what he saw during the deadly attack on the Capitol
Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula on extending Medi-Cal, an exclusive with now outgoing Congressman T.J. Cox, and Paco Balderrama on being selected as Fresno's next chief of police.
Shutting down the central valley and most of the state, Gov. Newsom issuing a new hospitalization metric. State Senator Andreas Borgeas on the potential lockdown. Congressman-elect for District 21, David Valadao, completes the comeback to Capitol Hill.
Governor Newsom's French Laundry incident, Alex Padilla on being a leading candidate to fill Kamala Harris' U.S. Senate seat, and the panel weigh in on one local state senator taking a trip to Hawaii.
The count continues in the Cox and Valadao battle, Fresno Mayor-elect Jerry Dyer on his COVID-19 diagnosis (and his gubernatorial get well soon messages), and why California is behind the times when it comes to women in politics.
A live edition of Sunday Morning Matters, the day after Joe Biden is named president-elect. Local reaction to the result, what's next for the Trump campaign, and if there is basis for a lawsuit against the results.
EXCLUSIVE: New poll shows congressman Nunes' lead down to 5-points, Arballo claims race is neck-in-neck
EXCLUSIVE - Top U.S. economist, Dr. Penbera refutes Trump's financial outlook, "The economy is not turning around at all"
Panel: Election night predictions and shockers, and which presidential candidate benefits from the record voter turnout
Panel: Cox vs Valadao – Are voters buying the rhetoric from the attack ads or are they sick and tired of dirty politics?
Panel: Does governor Newsom have blood on his hands? Fresno County DA Smittcamp tears into Newsom over zero dollar bail
EXCLUSIVE: Who’s telling the truth? Cox and Valadao duke it out on the debate stage, defending their records and nasty political ads.
EXCLUSIVE: Newly named CSU chancellor, Dr. Castro says he will name his successor at Fresno State in May of 2021
EXCLUSIVE: Executive director of ANCA demands the Trump administration to cut off aid to Azerbaijan, as their ally Turkey ignore calls for a ceasefire against Armenia
EXCLUSIVE - Mayor Brand says the city of Fresno's COVID deficit is now less than $10 million, not the $44 million originally projected
Panel: Winners, losers, and headlines! Digesting the first presidential debate, and will the VP debate be the true measuring stick of decision 2020
President Trump, Governor Newsom and Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris ignite the debate over climate change vs. forest management.
Exclusives with CA senator Andreas Borgeas, Climate change crusader and former presidential candidate Tom Steyer and Washington Post national political reporter and MSNBC political analyst Robert Costa
Panel: Tom del Beccaro and David Paredes debate climate change and Trump downplaying the pandemic
Panel: Hair-gate - Was it a setup and who do you believe, House Speaker Pelosi or the salon owner with Fresno roots?
EXCLUSIVE: Fresno Co. Health Director admits some regrets in handling the pandemic, believes county could be 2 weeks away from getting out of the purple
EXCLUSIVE - RNC national spokesperson Liz Harrington: The country is on our side, democrats are weak and feckless for not calling out the violence
EXCLUSIVE Digital Extra: Sports vs Politics - Former NFL player and Bulldog great Lorenzo Neal, "We can't tear down statues and think that's going to change the heart unless we educate"
EXCLUSIVE - Dr. Birx: White House COVID task force has heightened concerns in the Central Valley with protests and gatherings as main factors to more cases
EXCLUSIVE - Congressman Nunes: We were all given COVID tests or properly socially distanced from senior leadership during live RNC events
EXCLUSIVE: GOP’s senior advisor for ‘Black Voices’ doesn’t know why Trump hasn’t condemned Jacob Blake shooting and calls Biden an “unquestioned bigot”
Exclusives with the CA chair of the Democratic and Republican parties. Fresno county clerk Brandi Orth on the security level of the vote by mail system.
Former Vice President and presidential candidate Joe Biden picked California Senator Kamala Harris to be on his ticket as vice president.
EXCLUSIVE: Congressman Costa on the new stimulus deal, Costa says Trump won't care about the amount as he calls himself the 'King of Debt.'
EXCLUSIVE: Fresno City vs Fresno County, including threats and verbal jabs over CARES Act spending, Supervisor Magsig and Councilmember Arias debate the facts.
Panel: Political hit job or abuse of office? Emails indicate congressman Cox skirts Yosemite lottery system to obtain passes for a personal visit on July 4th.
Governor Newsom is facing yet another lawsuit after shutting down thousands of schools across the state to start the year, Assemblyman Dr. Joaquin Arambula demanding more urgency and transparency from Fresno County supervisors in their response to the pandemic, and Supervisor Nathan Magsig says Arambula will not pick winners and losers when it comes to CARES Act funding,
EXCLUSIVE-State Senator Andreas Borgeas on Newsom leaving lawmakers in the dark.
EXCLUSIVE: Local State Senator Melissa Hurtado relishing in her new role on Biden Campaign and why the former VP needs to pick a woman of color on the Democratic ticket.
The explosive argument between Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig and Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula.
Gov. Gavin Newsom's economic czar, Tom Steyer: Health remains the priority over the economic rebound. Annalisa Perea: We are off to a slow start but we need to meet deadline! New controversy and deadline requests headline the first month for Fresno's commission on police reform
One on one with President Trump, why he says displaying the confederate flag is a symbol of "free speech."
Exclusive interviews with Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims and Fresno Unified school board Trustee Terry Slatic.
Mims addresses the COVID-19 outbreak in the jail, zero dollar bail and what’s she reinforcing to her deputies in wake of protests after George Floyd’s death.
Slatic responds to three new complaints including one filed by Fresno Unified school board President Keshia Thomas.
Chairman of the Fresno police reform commission, Oliver Baines, offers new insight into what the commission will be looking to eliminate racial injustice, including a scenario where officers who are involved in police brutality could be arrested on the spot.
Civil rights activist and Clovis businessman, Chris Milton, responds to Clovis Unified's messaging to all lives matter. Milton also opens up about his unprovoked encounter with Georgia police while visiting his son.
Panel: Fresno County supervisor, Steve Brandau and Fresno City council member Nelson Esparza weigh in on banning the chokehold and the statewide mandate on masks.
Exclusive: Fresno’s mayor-elect: “Police defunding is not the answer, nor reality” Dyer lays out his vision for police reform for the city.
Exclusive: Clovis Unified Superintendent Eimear O'Farrell responds to thousands of surveys where alumni say they experienced racism or discrimination in the district. O'Farrell also responds to Chris Milton's open letter on Facebook, saying, "all lives matter."
Exclusive: California black caucus member, Kevin McCarty, says his biracial family has also faced racism and says it will be up to individual cities to begin the process of police reform.
An original member of Black Lives Matter in Fresno, Rev. Dr. Floyd Harris, questions mayor-elect Dyer's record as former police chief to help city confront racial injustice
Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux addresses his controversial tweet that sparked outrage across the Central Valley and beyond.
On the panel is Fresno State NAACP's D'Aungillique Jackson and Conservative talk radio contributor Jerris Lee Jackson. They weigh-in on peaceful protests vs looting and rioting. And was Sheriff Boudreaux's apology enough?
Mayor Lee Brand reflects on the two-month-long SIP he first initiated on March 17th. Brand says he has no regrets on the handling the pandemic. Also offers no timeline on when the requirement of face masks will be lifted. Pastor Jim Franklin compares the governor's places of worship guidelines to what Rosa Parks went through during the civil rights movement. Fresno County's administrative officer Jean Rousseau admits the county has not flattened the curve.
Sunday Morning Matters Exclusive: Governor Newsom's economic czar and former presidential candidate Tom Steyer joins Alexan Balekian on how the state is rebooting the economy.
Tulare County ignores the governor's executive order and becomes first county in the state to move into phase three without approval. Supervisor Dennis Townsend explains why they did it.
Fresno University president Dr. Joseph Castro reveals the university will face a $31 million dollar shortfall as a result of the pandemic but is not ruling out football in the fall and fans attending games at Bulldog stadium.
In his first TV interview since being cited for battery from a scuffle with protesters at his home, Fresno city council president, Miguel Arias makes a new claim from the incident, and talks about the continuous threats to his family.
House democrats pass the biggest stimulus relief package in U.S. History but is it dead on arrival in the Senate? Valley congressman Jim Costa, who helped create the Hero's Act joins Alexan Balekian exclusively.
Plus, two members of the Fresno mayor's recovery committee talks about the reopening of businesses and if all of them are being represented.
City and County at odds over reopening businesses, required face masks, and shelter in place orders. Fresno city council president Miguel Arias and Fresno County Supervisor join the panel to hash out some of the confusion.
Tulare County is considered a COVID hot spot in California, should the nursing homes be evacuated. Assemblyman Devon Mathis joins the show.
Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran also on, as they become the first city to open all of their businesses, defying the state and county guidelines.
Mayor Lee Brand extends Fresno's shelter in place order until the end of May. Is his new order unconstitutional? In a heated conversation, Garry Bredefeld and Andrew Janz join the panel to weigh in.
Former U.S. district judge Oliver Wanger lays out Bredefeld's threat of a lawsuit and if he has a case?
Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson responds to the governor's comment of potentially heading back to school in July.
Mayor Brand joins Sunday Morning Matters: Brand can't commit to extending the stay at home order that expires for the city of Fresno on May 6th. He also hopes Bulldog fans will be able to attend home games this Fall.
Valley Historian Victor Davis Hanson shrugs off President Trump's controversial statement of injecting disinfectant into a human body to kill COVID-19 saying a lot of politicians have made similar irresponsible comments.
Former congressman David Valadao says we shouldn't be playing politics during this time and all essential workers should receive aid.
Congressman Devin Nunes joins Alexan Balekian exclusively on everything from, are politicians jumping the gun on not allowing large gatherings till 2012 to Governor Newsom offering stimulus checks to undocumented workers.
Sheriff Margaret Mims talks with Alexan Balekian about more than 400 inmates being released this week to mitigate the pandemic inside jails and the letters they wrote to CA judicial council that were ignored.
A COVID crackdown in the city of Fresno, the mayor implements new shelter in place orders and stricter guidelines including fines for violators. Councilmember Luis Chavez, who was pushing for it joins the show.
State Senator Andreas Borgeas weighs in on the Governor's pledge to issue monetary relief for undocumented workers.
One of the most respected family doctors in the country, Dr. Linda Girgis joins the show from the newest hot spot, New Jersey. Why she believes taking the anti-malaria drug could be dangerous, even deadly.
Tracking the many ways in which the novel coronavirus has impacted politics, and the panel weighs in on the new self-isolation world.
The spread of the coronavirus, the Trump campaign's national press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, Andrew Janz on losing the mayoral race, and the panel weighs in on the election.
This week we wrap up our coverage of Super Tuesday. Former Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer recaps the twists and turns of Super Tuesday and believes he can make history. At last count, Dyer had 54% of the vote to become Fresno's next mayor. We also sit down with Fresno City Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria who didn't perform as well in her race against U.S. District 16 Rep. Jim Costa and newcomer Kevin Cookingham for Costa's seat.
We also sat down with Fresno County Registrar of Voters Brandi Orth.
All that and more on this week's Sunday Morning Matters.
Former congressman David Valadao on his efforts to win back his seat, State Senator Andreas Borgeas on legislation that challenges AB5, and the panel weighs in on the races which could be decided on Super Tuesday.
Dyer and Janz faceoff in a candid mayoral discussion over the most pressing issues facing the city of Fresno less than 2-weeks before Super Tuesday. President Trump visits with Valley Farmers, what does the water memorandum that he signed actually do for Farmers and the Valley's farmland? Plus, an exclusive chat with presidential hopeful Mike Bloomberg's senior campaign advisor on Bloomberg's performance in his first debate and how his past is coming back to haunt him.
New details into President Trump's first visit to Central California as President as he's scheduled to talk with Valley Farmers, Alexan Balekian sits down with Trump appointee, State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Connie Conway. Plus an exclusive chat with Jody Jones, President Trump's SOTU guest, and the fight over sanctuary laws in California, he believes lead to his brother's murder.
Did Fresno steal Iowa's thunder? Alexan Balekian goes one-on-one with presidential hopeful Mike Bloomberg. While all the other candidates were playing the waiting game in Iowa, Bloomberg was stumping in Fresno and up and down the state. Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson unfiltered in a rare no holds barred interview with Alexan Balekian, Nelson opens up about allegations of race in the district, Trustee Slatic and their lucrative bond measure. The Panel weighs in on a new battle brewing over where to house the homeless in Fresno and an explosive new political ad released by Congressman Costa attacking fellow democratic opponent Esmeralda Soria.
Nunes challenger Phil Arballo on his battle to win the incumbent's seat,, the latest on the impeachment, and an exclusive interview with Fresno Police Chief Andy Hall.
045: Exclusive with Susan Gladding, the battle against homelessness, and Dyer backs out of forum by KSEE24
An exclusive with Valley Druze leader of Lebanon and Syria, Sheikh Merwan Mike Abu Hamzy, reveals stunning details behind what lead up to Solemani’s demise and the panel weighs in on the rights of CCW holders at Fresno City Hall.
Presidential candidate Matt Matern, and the panel reflects on the big political stories of 2019 and bold predictions for 2020.
Former U.S. Federal District judge Oliver Wanger breaks down the legal and political grounds for impeachment, as well as the lawsuit Devin Nunes filed against CNN.
Congressman Jim Costa on all things impeachment, including why he's on the fence to cast a vote to impeach President Trump and if the ethics committee should launch an investigation against fellow Valley congressman Devin Nunes.
Also, What we are politically thankful for!
Valley congressman uses Fresno mass shooting as a political plea to push for stricter gun laws. The panel debates whether it was right to do so.
Mi Familia Vota: Dreamers fate doesn’t lie in hands of high court, the burden is on Congress
Quid Pro Quo or Modern day coup? Impeachment 101 with Fresno State professor Dr. Holyoke
Fresno councilman Luis Chavez reveals disturbing housing data, as city squats on millions of taxpayer dollars
Panel wonders if California is "feeling the Bern,” and we touch on if Fresno should become home to commercial pot shops? Fresno's City Council passed a vote to bring at least 2 to each district.
We have an exclusive one-on-one interview with former Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin.
Sacramento reporter Ashley Zavala talks the PG&E buyout amid wildfires in California.
Alexan interviews Clovis Mayor Drew Bessinger.
Our panel talks PG&E buyouts and the economic summit in Fresno. They also talk about the "Devin Cow" lawsuit.
We talk "Pick Justice," a farm workers movement.
Andrew Janz joins Alexan in studio on the phony campaign website spoofing his mayoral candidacy. Janz is calling for the Attorney General to investigate. Alexan also asked Janz if a federal investigation should be conducted in the Isiah-Murrieta Golding officer involved shooting.
KSEE24 Political Analyst Jim Verros, San Joaquin Valley Sun executive editor Alex Tavlian and Region 8 director for the democratic party Humberto Gomez Jr. weigh in on the Fresno Police protests and if a federal investigation should be opened.
The House votes to recognize Armenian Genocide. We talk with Berj Apkarian, the Honorary Consul of the Republic Armenia, Fresno.
Fresno city council member Garry Bredefeld reveals the new look of the Fresno Veterans Memorial honoring all Fresno veterans.
Panel debates if the Armenian Genocide resolution was voted on in spite of President Trump pulling troops out of Syria allowing Turkish fighters to move in and attack the Kurds. They also talk about how the city did not do enough to keep the Fresno Foxes from relocating.
Chuck Todd-National moderator and host of Meet The Press
Mike Hamzy-Druse leader in Lebanon, former presidential adviser on the Middle East.
Panel: KSEE24 Political analyst Jim Verros, Former Congressional candidate and Executive Director of New Face GOP Elizabeth Heng and local attorney and member of the Fresno County Democratic party David Rowell.
Exclusive with Jerry Dyer on signing off as top cop and taking aim at Fresno’s top job as mayor. Why he believes he will win the mayoral race in March and the plan is to hire the next police chief after Andy Hall retires.
Guests also include Mayor Lee Brand, and one of the youngest candidates to run for office in 2020 in the entire country, 25-year-old Drew Phelps.
In this episode of Sunday Morning Matters, we focus on the power shutoff by PG&E, leaving hundreds of thousands of customers in the dark amid a northern California wildfire, the Briceburg Fire, burning near Yosemite National Park.
D-22 candidate Bobby Bliatout talks about his campaign against the incumbent Rep. Devin Nunes.
Assemblyman Devon Mathis says gas tax funds will fund housing, not a state rail system.
Panelists: Jim Verros, Nathan Miller and Ricardo Franco.
Washington Post reporter Robert Costa makes another stop in Fresno talking the current state of national politics.
We talk health care and the newly-signed California law, allowing college athletes to be paid.
Panel: Lupe Espinoza, Laura Tsutsui and Tate Hill.
In this episode of Sunday Morning Matters with Alexan Balekian, Oliver Wanger-Former federal district judge makes sense of the legalities of the potential Trump impeachment, the transcript and the whistleblower.
Kevin Cookingham joins us. He's first candidate to challenge Rep. Jim Costa for District 16, since Soria and Williams have jumped into the race but it is a tough race with Cookingham being the only Republican.
Panel guests: Jim Verros, Garry Bredefeld and Humberto Gomez Jr.
One-on-one with the House Speaker's daughter, Christine Pelosi. Pelosi fires back at Elizabeth Heng and ABC for her fiery political ad. Pelosi also drops a bombshell prediction.
Governor Newsom signs AB-5 into law. Central Valley state senator Andreas Borgeas says it's the most "half-hazard" law he's ever seen.
Our panel, Bill McEwen, Guillermo Moreno and Nasreen Johnson weigh in on Pelosi's prediction, Heng's new PAC and Fresno city Council signing on to a DACA resolution.
In this episode of Sunday Morning Matters, the panel talks former congressional candidate, Elizabeth Heng's, newly-released ad, targeting Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and what Heng describes as the "horror" of socialism.
Darius Assemi, owner/founder of Granville Homes talks GVWire's decision to bring Alison Weir, author and historian, to the valley for a speech at Clovis Community College.
We touch on newly-signed California laws, including the controversial vaccine bill.
Sandra Celedon, CEO and President of Fresno Building Healthy Community talks the state of Measure P.
Panel guests: Joe Kieta, executive editor of the Fresno Bee; Philip Teresi, KMJ talk show host and former congressional candidate, Ricardo Franco.
Panel weighs in on Fresno City Council Member Garry Bredefeld's "stench" remarks over a city audit against local developer Terance Frazier and the council that keeps doling out money to Frazier.
Fresno Mayoral Candidate Andrew Janz is still looking into suing the Fresno County Board of Supervisors if they move forward with a new leave of absence policy for county employees seeking office.
Exclusive: Fresno Interim Police Chief Hall says, "I was shocked they asked me to be the chief."
Panel weighs in on a new Measure "P" ruling and Governor Newsom strikes down a law that's been around since 1872.
David Valadao launches CA-21 campaign and rematch against Rep. TJ Cox.
New Clovis Police Chief Curt Fleming opens up for the first time. Why he disagrees with Governor Newsom on how AB-392 will not change the culture of policing.
Quincy Pondexter, NBA veteran and valley native, ready to take his game to the political arena.
Our panel weighs in on the CA-21 sequel and slugfest, plus Fresno Mayoral candidate Andrew Janz in a war of words with Fresno County Board of Supervisors over county employees taking a leave of absence while running for office.
Fresno Mayor Lee Brand and Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer name an interim police chief, Andy Hall. A panel takes a look at what it means for the city and what his track record is with the department.
Rep. Jim Costa talks competition ahead of the coming election. Fresno City Council Member Esmeralda Soria is vying for the seat.
Dolores Huerta explains why home-care providers need a raise, and a panel touches on the home-care workers’ protest.
Mike Karbassi blows away D-2 field in special election to fill Steve Brandau's seat on Fresno's City Council. Karbassi is in studio and talks about the very first thing he will do once he's sworn in on Aug. 22.
Exclusive: Mayor Lee Brand played the waiting game but finally joined about 250 U.S. mayors demanding the Senate to pass stronger gun background checks.
California USDA Farm Service Agency Executive Director, Connie Conway is appointed by the Trump Administration to operate the day-to-day activities and to push the administration's policies in the Valley and statewide.
Panel: Jim Verros, KSEE24 Political Analyst; Local attorney and business owner Nathan Miller and Fresno State Political Science Professor Lisa Bryant.
Our panel weighs in on heated censure vote and Trustee Slatic's plan to fight it, but the panel is split over viral controversial tweets from two respected local leaders following mass shootings.
Fresno County Clerk Brandi Orth says the race for D-2 Fresno council seat will likely head to a run-off.
Exclusive: FUSD Superintendent breaks his silence following unprecedented censure vote against Trustee Terry Slatic.
In this 25th episode of Sunday Morning Matters, we discuss the new California law governor Newsom signed that prohibits presidential candidates from being on the ballot without disclosing their tax returns.
Our panel discusses after a meeting was held regarding the future of the Raisin City superintendent's job.
Guests: Don Larson, KSEE24 political analyst; Mike Der Manouel Jr., KMJ political commentator and Humberto Gomez Jr., Region 8 chair for the Democratic Party.
A Sunday Morning Matters exclusive, Fresno Unified Board trustee Terry Slatic responds to board members calling for his resignation. He also addresses new allegations from FUSD investigations.
In another exclusive, U.S. Congressman Devin Nunes talks with Alexan and Stefani just hours after the Mueller testimony on Capitol Hill.
Assemblyman Jim Patterson questions the governor's DMV task force for not making sweeping, overhaul changes to the DMV and is critical of the governor's new hire to lead the DMV.
Guests: Jim Verros, Diane Pearce and Veva Islas
Raisin city teacher, Kim Cooper, talks about the terrifying day her superintendent ordered a surprise active shooter drill. Our three-person panel, Bill McEwen, Brooke Ashjian and Nasreen Johnson, weigh in on Superintendent Juan Sandoval's actions and if he should lose his job over it.
D-16 Congressional candidate Esmeralda Soria discusses her potential path to victory over Rep. Jim Costa, who she once endorsed.
College athletes in California are a signature away from being paid to play, former Bulldog great Jervis Cole says it's about time.
FUSD board members hold special vote over trustee Terry Slatic's controversial meeting with the Bullard High cheer team. Our panel weighs in to see if a recall is a possibility.
Our panel talks Vice President Mike Pence's visit to the Valley, Swalwell dropping out, Steyer jumping in. They also discuss Trump's Census executive order to mark if someone is an undocumented citizen is no more, and Fresno City Council Member, Esmeralda Soria running for Congress.
District 1 Fresno City Council Member Esmeralda Soria talks budget and rumors of a congressional run.
Our KSEE24 political analyst Larry Powell, president of Emerge America, Amanda Renteria, and former district 31 candidate Lupe Espinoza discuss Gateway Ice Center being up for sale and Soria's possible congressional run.
Fresno County board of supervisors Buddy Mendes says Measure C is set to be back on the ballot in 2027.
Tower rapist victim Mirna Garcia and Fresno City Council Member Miguel Arias issue a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom to keep Rudolph Acosta in prison.
Panel talks: Should Nike have pulled their "Betsy Ross" sneaker and the battle over health care for all including undocumented immigrants in California.
State senator Andreas Borgeas says Prop 63 is in a state of confusion when it comes to proper ID for ammunition background checks.
District 2 candidates running for Fresno city council stop by: Mike Karbassi, Jared Gordon, Oscar Sandoval, George Herman and Lawrence Garcia.
KMJ host Ray Appleton, KSEE24 political analyst Jim Verros and president of Central Valley new tax market Oliver Baines debate everything from the humanitarian crisis at the border to women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe boycotting the White House.
This week we have a round table with Fresno City Council members Garry Bredefeld and Luis Chavez on the controversial Advance Peace program that would need taxpayer dollars to fund.
Then we talk to community organizer Aaron Foster who makes the case on why Advance Peace is something Fresno needs desperately.
We sit down with Don Larson, Alex Tavlian and Tara Lynn Gray who weigh in on the Advance Peace program -- offering stipends to gang members to put down their weapons.
And finally the panel discusses: Are migrants camps turning into concentration camps?
This week we talk to Fresno City Council members Esmerelda Soria and Miguel Arias about their trip to Washington DC and visit with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as the friction that happened on the council as a result.
Our panel discusses Gov. Newsom's new budget plan, State of the City, and ACLU/Black Lives Matter.
We sit down with congressional hopeful Phil Arball about his run against Rep. Devin Nunes in CA-22.
We also sit down with Fresno State professor Jenna Kieckhaefer to discuss the Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act of 2019.
Guests: Fresno City Councilwoman Esmerelda Soria, Fresno City Councilman Miguel Arias, Political Analyst Jim Verros, Fresno City Councilman Steve Brandau, Building Healthy Communities CEO Sandra Celedon, congressional hopeful Phil Arball, Fresno State professor Jenna Kieckhaefer.
Our panel weighs in on a Bullard student's blackface controversy. Fresno Stonewall Democrats president talks Mayor Pete's visit and if he won their vote for president.
Rep. Jim Costa has a republican challenger, and he doesn't have a political bone in his body.
Our panel weighs in on Mayor Pete's visit and talk about how Fresno council members spent a portion of their Washington D.C. trip to apologize to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
And the fight over fracking: the state director of Mi Familia Vota Samuel Molina joins the show.
The Fresno Grizzlies lose sponsors amid the Memorial Day video tribute that was played to the audience. The three-person panel debates if the apology was enough.
Name recognition or campaign message? Our panel debates how voters may lean when it comes to voting in Fresno's next mayor.
Elliott Balch enters the Fresno mayor's race. Hear what he plans to do for Fresno should he become mayor.
Congressman Devin Nunes has a new challenger for 2020. He's a mechanic with hopes to take over district 22's seat.
Guests: Jim Verros, Oliver Baines, Guillermo Moreno
In today's jam-packed episode, Mayor Lee Brand talks about his decision to not seek re-election in 2020, his friendship with Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, and his 2020 budget. In an exclusive interview, we talk to Dyer about his expected mayoral campaign. Fresno City Councilman Luis Chavez shares why he's the best choice for mayor in 2020. Our panel of Larry Powell, Veva Islas and Diane Pearce talk about Brand's surprising decision, and Dyer's expected run for mayor, Brand's budget, legacy and if dirty politics will enter the mayoral race.
Guests: Fresno Mayor Lee Brand, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, Fresno City Councilman Luis Chavez, Analyst Larry Powell, Fresno Unified Trustee Veva Islas, and Fresno State professor Diane Pearce.
A verdict has been reached in the child cruelty case of Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula. After the not guilty decision by the jury, Arambula addresses the media. Our panel weighs in on the verdict and if Arambula's reputation is in the "toilet."
The battle between the high-speed rail and the Trump Administration heats up as the Federal Railroad Administration cancels its $1 billion payment.
Fresno Bee political reporter Rory Appleton says goodbye as he takes off for his new job in Las Vegas.
Our three person panel returns to talk about Newsom's health care plan and the high-speed rail.
Well-known author and award winning journalist, Mark Arax, talks about his new book and how he says climate change is real for farmers.
Guests: Jim Verros, host of Unfiltered with Jim Verros and KSEE 24 political analyst; Lupe Espinoza, educational program director and former District 31 candidate; Ricardo Franco, democratic party delegate.
Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran and Fresno Council of Governments Deputy Director Robert Phipps talk about their trip to Washington DC as part of a large delegation to hand over their priorities for transportation, workforce and economic development to our national representatives.
Criminal defense attorney David Mugridge breaks down the dramatic testimony in the Joaquin Arambula case.
Our panel of Bill McEwen, Elizabeth Heng and Humberto Gomez weigh in on the Arambula case, Mayor Lee Brand utilizing his first veto, and Governor Newsom's new tax cuts and the rise in his 213-billion-dollar spending bill.
The first presidential hopeful to visit Fresno, Julian Castro, talks about his campaign and why President Trump should be impeached.
This week's episode we are talking more on California Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula's child cruelty case and getting the local's reaction to courtroom developments.
New plans for the California High-Speed Rail shows the project is now requiring more money and time to reach its deadline to maintain federal funding.
Guests: Andrew Janz, Fresno Mayor Candidate and Fresno County violent crimes prosecutor and champion boxer Jose Ramirez.
Panel: KSEE24 Political Analyst Jim Verros; political commentator at KMJ Mike Der Manouel Jr. and former Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea
Criminal defense attorney and KSEE 24 legal analyst David Mugridge breaks down all aspects of Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula's child cruelty trial.
Our panel, Jim Verros, Eric Payne and Alex Tavlian discuss how Arambula's case is already being tried in the court of public opinion.
We take a journey down memory lane with Congressman Jim Costa in his Washington D.C. office.
Alexandra Limon reports from D.C. on how California could play a vital role in presidential impeachment talks.
Jimmy Cerracchio with the Downtown Fresno Partnership gives us the rundown of how revitalization is coming along.
Fresno Sheriff Margaret Mims reacts to President Donald Trump's plan to release undocumented immigrants into cities that declare themselves as sanctuary cities.
A three-person panel reacts on the sanctuary cities plan, No-Match Letters about worker's social security not matching records, the 448-page Mueller Report and California Gov. Gavin Newsom's first 100 days in office.
Guests: Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims; Alex Tavlian, executive editor of the San Joaquin Valley Sun; Mario Santoyo, the executive director for the California Latino Water Coalition; Samuel Molina, California State Director of Mi Familia Vota; Berj Apkarian, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno; Maddie Mueller, Clovis North student.
Valley Congressman Devin Nunes explains his $150 million lawsuit against McClatchy, and Congressman TJ Cox talks about the Granite Park audit.
The three-person panel discusses the above controversial topics, and Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias joins us after he voted against the panhandling ordinance proposal that he cosponsored.
Guests: Congressman Devin Nunes (R), Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias, KSEE 24 Political Analyst Jim Verros, reporter for Valley Public Radio Laura Tsutsui, Fresno Bee Editor Joe Kieta and Congressman TJ Cox (D.
On this week's edition of Sunday Morning Matters: Fresno City Council members feud over Mayor Lee Brand's gas tax plan. The panel weighs in on the gas tax battle and Sex-Ed controversy in our schools. Two council members joins us in a round table to talk about what the heck is going on.
Guests: Fresno Mayor Lee Brand, Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld, Fresno City Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria, KMJ Host Philip Teresi, KSEE24 Political Analyst Larry Powell, and Former Councilman Oliver Baines.
Sunday Morning Matters airs every week after Meet the Press.
Your Sunday Morning Matters host, Alexan Balekian, touches on a range of topics, including whether or not former congressional candidate and Fresno County prosecutor Andrew Janz will be running for Mayor of Fresno.
Rep. Jim Costa discusses the Mueller Report and the three-person panel weighs in on a range of topics, including if bars should stay open through the early morning hours.
Guests: Jim Verros, KSEE24 Political Analyst and host of Unfiltered W/ Jim Verros; Diane Pearce, With Fresno County and City Republican Women Federated; Ricardo Franco, software consultant and delegate for the Democratic Party; Rep. Jim Costa and former congressional candidate and Fresno County prosecutor Andrew Janz.
Central Valley Congressman Devin Nunes sits down to talks about his Twitter lawsuit, the Mueller investigation, Gov. Gavin Newsom's tax proposal on California water and his take on the straw ban. And, a four-person panel focuses in on the panhandling ordinance failing and Gavin's Law. Central Valley Congressman TJ Cox talks about immigration reform and how he spends his days in the valley when he's not in Washington D.C.
Guests: Congressman Devin Nunes, Fresno City Councilmember Steve Brandau, Political Commentator Eric Payne, Reporter for Valley Public Radio Laura Tsutsui, Valley Congressman TJ Cox and KSEE24's Alexan Balekian.
We're talking about Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula's child cruelty case. He says the case is politically motivated, Fresno's police chief and district attorney say it isn't. A new voting system is coming to Fresno County. What could it mean for the Fresno City Council if Steve Brandau wins the Supervisor race, leaving 6 members. Gov. Gavin Newsom put a moratorium on the death penalty in California, and why could Clovis lose funding from the gas tax because of lack of affordable housing.
Guests: KSEE24 Political Analyst Jim Verros, Humberto Gomez Jr., Alex Tavlian, Fresno County Clerk Brandi Orth, and Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld.
Do colleges support free speech? President Trump doesn't seem to think so. We sit down with Steve Brandau who is expected to win the race for Fresno County Supervisor.
Guests: Fresno City Councilman Steve Brandau, GV Wire's Bill McEwen, Fresno State Professor Lisa Bryant, former Fresno Unified Trustee Brooke Ashjian, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, and Assemblyman Evan Low.
What is the future of the California Republican Party? The party has a new leader. Fresno Mayor Lee Brand talks about his plan to transform the more challenging areas of Fresno. What's going on with the Fresno County Supervisor special election? And what's this about Evan leaving Fresno??
Guests: Fresno Mayor Lee Brand, KSEE24 political analyst Jim Verros, conservative talk radio host Ray Appleton, Fresno Unified Trustee Veva Islas, Congressman Jim Costa, and KSEE24's Alexan Balekian.
There's a fight over money with California's bullet train project. Is this really about High Speed Rail? Or is it about President Trump sticking it to California for suing over the emergency disaster? We're also talking about a girl at a Clovis school who was told she couldn't wear her "Make America Great Again" hat. Does that violate her rights? Or is it par for the course with Clovis Unified's dress code?
Guests: U.S. Rep. Jim Costa, CA Sen. Andreas Borgeas, former Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea, Fresno City Counilman Garry Bredefeld, and Bill McEwen from GV Wire.
In the inaugural episode of Sunday Morning Matters: The Podcast, host Evan Onsot discusses California Gov. Gavin Newsom's vision for High Speed Rail, and after a newborn baby was abandoned on a street in Madera, we talk about the Safe Surrender program.
Guests: KSEE24's Ashley Zavala and Megan Rupe, Political Analyst Jim Verros, former Fresno City Councilman Craig Scharton, reporter Tim Sheehan from The Fresno Bee, CHP Officer Justin Foraker, and Merced Mayor Mike Murphy.
Sunday Morning Matters is a weekly political show that airs on KSEE24 after Meet the Press.