Update, 2/16/2022: KMJ shuffled their personnel and are producing a live, local news show. Afternoon host Philip Teresi set his alarm clock early to replace Christopher Gabriel for the week.

Original story:

The morning news on KMJ (580 AM/105.9 FM) will be on hiatus for a week due to COVID-19.

The live and local show normally airs 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. with co-hosts Matt Otstot and Christopher Gabriel. But this morning, a national radio news show aired instead — although the traffic reports were still local.

KMJ is short-staffed this week, talk-show host John Broeske announced on his 9 a.m. talk show. His show partner, Christina Musson, is also one of the people on the shelf. Otstot replaced Musson. Hopefully, he got to sleep in — the normal call time for the early shift is 4 a.m., or earlier!

“Fresno’s Morning News” is not expected to air at all this week. The remainder of KMJ’s live line-up — “Broeske & Musson,” Ray Appleton,” and “KMJ’s Afternoon Drive,” — will air as scheduled.

Quick heads up: Fresno’s Morning News is off this week. We’ve been dealing with some staffing shortages due to Covid much like so many other companies. It’s temporary so bear with us! We should be back to normal next week. @KMJNOW @MattOtstot

— Christopher Gabriel (@CGProgram) February 14, 2022

Also in Politics 101: 

• Esmeralda Soria leaves council meeting early. Where did she go?
• Caballero picks up early party endorsement.
• Promotions at Fresno City Hall.

Soria Leaves Council Meeting Early to Attend Her Fundraiser

Fresno Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria left the Fresno City Council meeting last week early to attend a fundraiser for her Assembly campaign.

Soria is running for the Assembly in the district that covers Merced, Madera, and northwest Fresno. Her colleague on the city council, Mike Karbassi, also announced his intention to run for that seat.

She missed about 40 minutes of the meeting, including part of a budget presentation and a closed session item regarding a lawsuit against the city. She returned via Zoom to discuss labor negotiations, City Clerk Todd Stermer told GV Wire.

Soria has not replied to phone messages, emails, or texts asking for a comment.

Fresno City Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria consults with colleagues before leaving the meeting last Thursday. (Screenshot)

Kingsburg City Councilwoman Jewel Hurtado tweeted snapshots from the fundraiser of Soria with Sen. Anna Caballero and Hurtado.

Dem Endorsement Favors Caballero

In a Democrat incumbent vs. Democrat incumbent battle for the state senator to represent most of Fresno, the party has made its choice.

In the pre-endorsement voting process announced this weekend, Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Merced, earned the nod over Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Sanger, for Senate District 14. Currently, both women represent adjacent districts. Because of redistricting, both are running in SD 14.

Party voters picked Caballero with 79% of the vote. The next step is for the state party to endorse Caballero at a convention next month in Los Angeles.

Ultimately, it is up to the voters to decide. It is likely that Caballero and Hurtado will move past the June 7 primary to the November general election. The top-two vote-getters regardless of party advance in California.

In another crowded race, Democrat voters picked attorney Rob Fuentes for the Senate District 16 race with 39% of the vote over Kern County labor leader Imelda Ceja (33%) and Delano Mayor Bryan Osorio (28%). Former Assemblywoman Nicole Parra did not seek a party endorsement.

Miller Promoted at City Hall

TJ Miller, a 16-year Fresno City Hall veteran, was promoted to assistant city manager last week.

Miller has held a variety of roles at City Hall, including director of both personnel — her most recent stop — and parks.

“No matter what challenge or project TJ is working on, she comes up with a practical, responsible, and timely plan. She has always been one to rise to the occasion and shows up to work every day with optimism and a smile,” City Manager Georgeanne White said in a news release.

The city also promoted Marissa Gonzales to personnel director. She has worked as assistant director for the last three years.

Gonzales becomes the third personnel director in less than a year. Jeff Cardell, who held the position for eight years, left last July for a similar role with the Fresno Housing Authority.