State Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Bakersfield, delivered a clear message about the importance of smaller airports during a recent news conference at Meadows Field Airport on May 22. Her focus on strengthening local aviation systems underscores the vital role they play in California’s Central Valley.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a native of Hanford and Trump’s labor secretary, made her first trip to California in her new role, visiting Clovis to discuss immigrant workers and job training. Her return to the Central Valley highlights a focus on workforce development in the region.