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 Nov 2, 2026

Asked back after an AI layoff? Experts say push for more pay and a contract

Some companies that replaced workers with AI are hiring people back. Management experts say anyone who gets that call should ask about pay, training and job security first.

Ford said in June it hired or promoted 350 veteran engineers after AI quality-control tools didn't perform as expected. Robert Half reported that hiring managers in finance, marketing, law and health cut jobs for AI, then hired for them again.

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Nov 1, 2026

Fresno nonprofit says voters blamed it for AI mailers from PAC with near-twin name

Fresno Building Healthy Communities says angry residents mistook it for Fresno Healthy Communities, the PAC behind AI-generated mailers attacking council candidate Naindeep Singh.

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Nov 1, 2026

UC Irvine researcher warns California's under-16 social media law could backfire

Gillian Hayes argues AB 1709 works like a ban for kids under 16 and relies on age checks she says don't work. The bill's sponsor and a Bakersfield father see it differently.

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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.

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