Central Valley Voters: Here are some URL links to a recap on a few candidates, school bond issues and state propositions--from a local perspective

Two local election forums hosted by ONME News in collaboration with Black community organizations remind voters the importance of knowing about local candidates

By ONME News

FRESNO, CALIF.--Last month, two community election forums featured local candidates, information about voting in California, and a review of local bonds and state propositions directly affecting African-Americans and BIPOC communities. Perhaps the four videos and/or podcasts can help Fresno voters still unsure of local issues and local candidates.

Here is a recap of each forum:

The Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Central Valley Community Election Forum hosted by ONME News, in collaboration with community organizations, Black Women Organized for Political Action, Fresno, San Joaquin Valley Chapter, also known as BWOPA) Black American Political Association of California, Fresno Chapter,  also known as Bay PACK; The NAACP #1038, Fresno Chapter; and the African American Clergy Caucus featured the following Central Valley candidates; Fresno City Council Area 6 candidate, Nick Richardson; State Assembly District 8 candidate, David Tangipa; State Center Community College Area 2 incumbent candidate, Nasreen Johnson; Madera City Council District 4 incumbent candidate; Madera City Council District 4 candidate Derrick Robinson; State Assembly District 27 incumbent candidate Esmeralda Soria; and State Assembly District 27 candidate, Joanna Garcia Rose. 

ONME News executive producer and publisher Julia Ann Dudley Najieb was the moderator. 

The forum also featured special guest, Trustee Area 6 Karla Kirk, who talks about the process of school bonds and the Central Unified School District school bond, Measure X that is on the ballot.

Watch or listen to the October 9, 2024 Central Valley community Election forum below by clicking on the photo

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The Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Central Valley Community Election Forum was hosted by ONME News, in collaboration with community organizations, Black Women Organized for Political Action, Fresno, San Joaquin Valley Chapter, also known as BWOPA) Black American Political Association of California, Fresno Chapter,  also known as Bay PACK; The NAACP #1038, Fresno Chapter; and the African American Clergy Caucus. 

ONME News executive producer and publisher Julia Ann Dudley Najieb was the moderator.

Candidates featured include: California State Assembly District 31 candidates Dr. Joaquin Arambula (incumbent) against opponent Solomon Verduzco, followed by US House of Representative candidate and incumbent, Congressman Jim Costa who talked about his Central Valley initiatives he looks forward to continuing.

Meanwhile, Dr. Venise C. Curry, M.D., a physician consultant for non-profit, non-partisan and community-based organizations, addressed the environmental issues affecting our health; hence, the importance of voting in favor of Proposition 4 which is on the ballot, according to her validated research.

Also, a representative for the city of Kerman mayoral candidate, Maria Pacheco, who is the incumbent, talked about Pacheco's dedication to helping the city to build and prosper.

Thereafter, moderator and host, Dudley Najieb, had a sit-down discussion with Fresno State political science professor, Dr. Thomas Holyoke, a specialist in American politics, about some of the difficult-to-understand state propositions on the ballot. (See a review of all the propositions by clicking on the photo below.)

The night ended with Trustee Area 7 Yolanda Joy Moore who talked about the recent Clovis Unified School District school bond, Measure A that is on the ballot.

Watch or listen to the October 16, 2024 Central Valley community Election forum below by clicking on the photo