Decoding AI in the Central Valley

The local's guide to the startups, research labs, and people driving the next industrial revolution in our backyard.

Latest Local AI Updates

Stay informed on the AI developments shaping the valley's future.

Latest Oct 30, 2026

CSU Bakersfield puts student-built AI assistant Rio on display at NextTech Kern

At Wednesday's NextTech Kern conference, CSUB's tech chief said entry-level employers now expect basic AI skills, and a political science professor explained how he keeps students in control.

CSU Bakersfield featured Rio, an AI campus assistant built with help from students, at its NextTech Kern conference on Oct. 28. Rio answers campus questions using only information university departments have approved, and it sends users to staff when it doesn't know.

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Oct 29, 2026

Anthropic to Newsom: let courts block 'risky' AI models; what it means in Merced

Anthropic told Gov. Gavin Newsom the state should be able to ask a judge to stop release of AI models that pose serious risk. Here’s how that could land for UC Merced and local employers.

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Oct 29, 2026

Malaysia seizes servers with AI chips over suspected export-control breach

Malaysian officials say they confiscated servers loaded with advanced AI chips and opened a probe into possible export-control violations, AP reports. Here’s why Central Valley readers should care.

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Oct 28, 2026

Bakersfield panel says use AI to research, not decide your vote

At a Tuesday forum in Bakersfield, panelists urged residents to treat AI as a research aid and double-check claims before voting on Nov. 3.

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