The Paper Trail Podcast Paul Myers

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Paper Trail Podcast! Host Paul Myers, executive editor of Mineral King Publishing, and co-host Ryan Clark, a seasoned local with deep roots in both the Central Valley and Silicon Valley, delve into the latest happenings around Fresno and Tulare Counties. In today’s episode, we unpack the recent upheaval in Farmersville, where the city council controversially decided not to renew City Manager Jennifer Gomez’s contract. We also explore the resolute efforts that led to the successful reopening of the Visalia Farmers Market in its traditional downtown location, overcoming significant regulatory challenges.
Stick around for insightful discussions on local governance and community engagement. Discover how Farmersville is navigating its leadership transition and what the future holds for the city under new management. Then, hear how April Lancaster, who played a pivotal role in keeping the Visalia Farmers Market afloat through a loophole in the city’s special permit street closure ordinance.
Don’t forget to join us at the News and Brews event at Rock Yard Tavern on May 23 and follow our journey on social media at @thesungazette and @midvalleytimes. 
For those passionate about local journalism, consider subscribing to The Sun-Gazette or the Mid Valley Times for comprehensive news coverage. Enjoy the episode and let us know your thoughts by rating and leaving a comment!

Paul interviews Visalia native David Lombardi.
Together they talk about how David went from Visalia to announcing games for the Stanford Cardinals. Now he covers the San Francisco 49ers as a beat reporter for the Athletic.
In his role as a beat reporter David has taken a "long game" approach to sports journalism with contextual analysis. Meanwhile incentives point to outlandish claims often contrary to statistical evidence, and draws predictable, erroneous narratives.

Paul and Ryan talk about Congressman Jim Costa's visit to Reedley to announce the introduction of a new piece of legislation that would close the gaps in federal surveilance of biolabs; then they talk about a new ballot initative that intends to curb 2014's Proposition 47.

Paul and Ryan talk about Alpaugh's growing dog problem that has begun to plague residents in the community. 
Then they discuss the decisive ruling that will allow Assemblyman Vince Fong to remain on the ballot for both is Assembly seat, and his race to replace Congressman Kevin McCarthy.

Paul and Ryan talk about the handmade BMX biking park that was demolished by the city of Visalia. As a result BMX bikers along with Olympic rider Brook Craine lobbied the council to come up with a plan to build a proper bike park.
Then they discuss the odd stand off between the United Farm Workers union and Wonderful Nursuries following a vote to unionize. Wonderful is claiming that the workers were misled in order for the UFW to increase its ranks. However, UFW is claiming in a law suit that Wonderful is engaging in an unfair labor practice.

Paul and Ryan talk about the recent "dismantling" of a major drug operation in the Central Valley; then they go over Ryan's trip to the Nvidia Conference in San Jose, and how Silicon Valley startups are seeking ways to incorporate AI into their products.