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On Valley Edition: Postal Service Cutbacks; Redevelopment's Demise; Hospice Care

This week on Valley Edition we talk about the plans to dramatically remake the US Postal service by cutting post offices, mail sorting facilities, and even weekend delivery. We'll also talk about the eminent demise of the state's redevelopment agencies, and the importance of hospice care in the Valley.

Segment I: Changes at the Postal Service
Last month the US Postal Service announced plans to close over 3,000 post offices, end Saturday service, and slow the delivery of first class mail. Many people still rely on the post office, but in an era of email, social networking and online bill pay, that’s quickly changing. On the next Valley Edition, we talk about the future of the post office, and the traditional hand written letter. The proposal has left Bakersfield’s Pegasus Road mail sorting facility at risk of closure, and with it, hundreds of jobs could be lost. Joining us to discuss the situation is Jim Wigdel, a spokesperson for US Post Office; Omar Gonzalez from the American Postal Workers Union; and Russell Johnson Bakersfield City Council Member for Ward 7.

Segment II: Redevelopment
Late last month, the California Supreme Court ruled that the state could go ahead with Governor Jerry Brown’s planned elimination of hundreds of redevelopment agencies. It was a major victory for the Governor in his quest to balance the state’s budget, and a defeat for many cities, which had fought hard for the programs that have helped revitalize inner cities and spur private investment in blighted areas. FM89’s Joe Moore brings us a special report, followed by a discussion with Fresno Redevelopment Agency Chair Oliver Baines; Vice Chair Larry Westerlund; and Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Walters.

Segment III: Hospice Care
Samantha Schuh and Lauren Gaither of the Hinds Hospice in Fresno join host Juanita Stevenson to discuss their programs which assist the terminally ill in the Central Valley.

Juanita Stevenson has lived and worked in Fresno for the past 24 years. She is perhaps best known to Valley residents as a longtime reporter and news anchor with local television station ABC30, and has also worked at stations KJWL, KYNO and ValleyPBS. She is the recipient of the 2001 Associated Press Award for Best Reporting, and the 1997 Radio & Television News Directors Association Regional Edward R. Murrow award for Best Reporting.
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