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 Aug 20, 2026

Inflation eases to 3.4%; AI data center fight lands in Kern County

July inflation cooled to 3.4% year over year. The same AI buildout many credit for long-run gains is fueling local debates over power and water in Kern County.

3.4%. That was the headline number from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ July report, a notch cooler than June. In the Central Valley, the figure meets a separate fight over where to plug in the AI buildout and who pays for it. Kern County has become a test case. California Resources Corp. wants to anchor a 275‑megawatt campus at the Elk Hills oil...

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Aug 20, 2026

Kern County warns seniors: '1098-SR' videos won't cut school-bond taxes

Assessor Laura Avila says a fake '1098-SR' form in AI videos doesn't exist. She fears fee scams next and reminds residents which tax relief programs are real.

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Aug 19, 2026

CSUB SBDC webinar at noon Aug. 19 will examine AI and access to capital

The weekly Webinar Wednesday from CSU Bakersfield’s SBDC takes up how AI intersects with loan applications and local capital programs for small firms.

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Aug 19, 2026

Tulare County pauses new AI data center permits while it writes the rules

Supervisors approved a temporary pause on permits for AI data centers in unincorporated areas while staff drafts standards on power, water and siting.

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